July 2008

CANINE HEALTH RISK ALERT

We are currently experiencing an outbreak of canine DISTEMPER here in Anguila and are advising vaccination for all unvaccinated dogs.

DISTEMPER is a highly contagious, often fatal, viral disease affecting dogs.

Unvaccinated puppies & immune compromised adult dogs are most susceptible.

Symptoms include: fever, ocular & nasal discharge, anorexia, vomiting & diarrhea; leading to dehydration & weight loss, muscle twitching & seizures.

A puppy or dog can progress quickly to central nervous system (CNS) disease including chewing gum fits or seizures without showing any previous signs of illness.

DISTEMPER is contracted by inhalation of the airborne virus that has been shed by infected puppies & dogs.

Treatment is mostly supportive. Antibiotics are administered to treat secondary bacterial infections including pneumonia. IV fluid administration may be indicated for dehydration resulting from vomiting & diarrhea. Anticonvulsant therapy is instituted for CNS disease or seizures.

Prognosis for dogs with CNS signs is grave. This disease is very often fatal. Particularly if the strain of virus appears to affect the nervous system – as the strain rampant on the island appears to.

PREVENTION is the only way to effectively treat distemper.

We recommend VACCINATION of puppies at 6 weeks of age followed by boosters every 3 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Adult dogs should be vaccinated annually.

Vaccination will also protect puppies from another serious viral disease endemic on the island. PARVOVIRUS is a disease affecting unvaccinated puppies. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss & anorexia leading quickly to dehydration & often death. Please seek veterinary care if your unvaccinated puppy is experiencing any of the clinical signs associated with either of these diseases.

The people who care for your pets at Morlens Veterinary Hospital are advising annual boosters for adult dogs & vaccination of all puppies starting at 6 weeks of age against canine distemper virus & canine parvovirus.

Please be aware of the contagious nature of these diseases & take the necessary precautions to protect your pet.

To make an appointment for your pet please contact Morlens Veterinary Hospital at 497-4600.

“Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things - man will not himself find peace”

Albert Sweitzer

In January, frequent visitors Renee & Mike happened upon an adoption day. They live near Chicago and have 15 other dogs - many who they have also rescued over the years. Renee tells the story ...

Distemper & Hurricane Tips

"The Rescued Dog"

Once I was a lonely dog, just looking for a home.

I had no forever place to go, no one to call my own.

I wandered in the bush and on the busy roads, in the rain & in the heat

I ate whatever I could find, always on the go - afraid I would be beat.

My skin would itch, my feet were sore, my body ached with pain,

And no one stopped to give a pat or gently say my name.

I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run.

For some people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun.

And then one day I heard a voice so gentle, kind and sweet,

And arms so soft reached down to me and took me off my feet.

"No one again will hurt you," was whispered in my ear.

"You'll have a home to call your own where you will know no fear."

"You will be dry, you will be warm, you'll have enough to eat."

"And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet."

I was afraid I must admit, I've lived so long in fear.

I can't remember when I let a human come so near.

And as she tended to my wounds and bathed and brushed my fur

She told me about the rescue group and what it meant to her.

She said, "We are a circle, a line that never ends.

And in the center there is you, protected by new friends.

And all of us are searching each day - near and far.

To find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star."

She said, "There is a family, that's waiting patiently,

and pretty soon we'll find them, just you wait and see.

And then they'll join our circle, they'll help to make it grow,

So there'll be room for more like you, who have no place to go."

I waited very patiently, the days they came and went.

Today's the day I thought, my family will be sent.

Then just when I began to think it wasn't meant to be,

There were people standing there, just gazing down at me.

I knew them in a heartbeat, I could tell they felt it too.

They said, "We have been waiting for a special dog like you."

Now, every night I say a prayer to all the gods that be.

"Thank you for the life I live and all you've given me.

But most of all protect the dogs in the bush and on the street.

And send a Rescue person to lift them off their feet."