Two People Exposed to Rabies by ‘Indoor' Cat

Written by: Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association

DALTON, GA (WRCB) - Two Whitfield County residents are now undergoing rabies treatments after exposure to a pet cat that the Georgia Public Health Laboratory has now confirmed as positive for rabies.

The 15-year old cat bit its owner and exposed the owner's fiancée to the disease before it died. A test for rabies came back positive October 26, 2012.

The cat was reported to have had rabies vaccinations in the past but was not current with its vaccinations.

Due to the age of the animal and being kept indoors, the expected probability of rabies was considered small. The cat's owner could not remember an incident when the cat may have been exposed to rabies.

Public health officials have gone on a door-to-door campaign in Dalton delivering rabies notices, since the area is well-populated.

Domestic dogs and cats typically become rabid within one to three months from exposure, longer incubation periods have been documented. In some cases, humans have not developed rabies until several years after exposure.

Rabies is usually transmitted by exposure to the saliva of a rabid animal through a bite or scratch. Wild carnivores such as bats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, bobcats and foxes serve as a reservoir for the disease virus and these wild animals can transmit it to domestic dogs, cats, livestock and people.

Bats are considered to be one of the primary conduits for rabies transmission to humans. Contact with bats should be avoided.

For questions on rabies, contact your local county environmental health office or visit the CDC website. Story courtesy AVMA

The 40 lb. Cat

Recently in New Mexico an elderly man brought a nearly forty pound house cat to the animal shelter as he was no longer able to care for it. The cat had grown so large it couldn’t fit in its litter box. Luckily, the elderly man did the right thing by recognizing he wasn’t able to properly care for the animal. In due time, the vets at the shelter will decrease the cat’s weight to normal.

Animal obesity is a serious condition. The cat weighing 40 pounds would be the equivalent of an average height man weighing 600 pounds! That would require immediate medical intervention.

Just like in humans, obesity can lead to a myriad of health problems and can significantly shorten your pet’s life span. Be mindful of what you are feeding your dog or cat. Get on a good eating and exercise schedule. Generally, an animal will eat as much as you feed them. So when we see an overweight pet, we know they were overfed.

Also be mindful of the ingredients in your pet’s food. Look at the label and check the nutritional value. Again, like humans.

Be sure to check with your veterinarian regarding the average weight for your pet. Many pet owners may be unaware that they have an “above average” sized dog or cat. Being vigilant of your pet’s diet and exercise could add years to your beloved furry friends.

Do You Budget For Emergency Healthcare For Your Pet?

Insurance. It’s part of all of our daily lives –we insure our homes, our cars, and the health of our families. Insurance provides us with peace of mind, and you should have that same peace of mind when it comes to your pet’s health. When your pet is ill, our number one concern is getting him healthy again. But, for many pet owners, this concern becomes overshadowed by the financial burden of treatment for a sick pet. Often pet owners are forced to choose less effective treatment options, or in more unfortunate circumstances, no treatment at all, as a result of cost concerns. Veterinary Pet Insurance offers affordable plans that can ease the financial strain of your pet’s healthcare needs. Rather than worrying about the cost, you can concentrate on helping your pet get well and stay well, and rest easy knowing you helped to provide him the best possible treatment available. Put your pet’s health first –ask us about Veterinary Pet Insurance today.

Do you budget for emergency healthcare for your pet? Many pet owners do not. However, one chronic medical condition or emergency procedure can end up costing the same or more than several years of wellness care. Even the pet owners most attentive to their pet’s healthcare cannot predict how or when an accident may occur. In the unfortunate event that your pet is injured or develops an illness, what will you do? Sometimes, these unforeseen medical issues can require weeks or months of treatment. How will you pay? Unexpected medical expenses can require large cash outlays, which puts you in the uncomfortable position of figuring out where to find the money for them. Don’t let an emergency or medical condition catch you and your pet unprepared. Veterinary Pet Insurance is like a safety net for your pet. In a difficult time, having pet insurance can mean that money is one thing that you don’t have to worry about.

Like human health insurance, veterinary insurance will often exclude certain pre-existing conditions your pet may have. Treating pre-existing can be expensive. Younger pet will have fewer pre-existing conditions, so if issues do arise over time, your pet is more likely to be covered for them. On the other hand, older pets will often already have illnesses, and those could be excluded from coverage. Your secret weapon? Enroll as early as possible. Besides, pet insurance isn’t just for illness! Coverage is available for routine wellness procedures such as exams, vaccinations, and dental prophylaxis, and even some laboratory diagnostics associated with wellness care. We recommend two types of pet insurance: VPI and Trupanion. In addition to traditional plans ranging from preventinve service, illness and accident coverage, both of these companies cover chiropractic and acupuncture services that we offer. Over the course of your pet’s lifetime you could save hundreds of dollars on the high quality care you’d want for your pet regardless of the cost. And with high quality care comes the best reward of all –more time for you with your pets. Please call us for some more information!

Sincerely,

The Doctors and Staff at 

Portage Park Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic

New Forest Dedicated to Clients and Pets of Portage Park Animal Hospital

Did you know that Portage Park Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic's Dr. Schrock planted over 800 trees on his farm in Goshen, Indiana this past spring? The trees are a mixture of Oaks, Sugar Maple, Tulip, Walnut, Cherry and Pine.

Dr. Schrock studied Forestry at Purdue University before getting into Vet School-  and now he is living his childhood dream of managing and developing a small forest.

Did you know that:

• More than 120 species of mammals, birds and reptiles depend on woodlands for cover, nesting and feeding.
• One acre of trees supplies enough oxygen for 18 people. So Dr. Schrock’s nearly 8 acres of woods supplies oxygen for approximately 144 people.
• One healthy, mature tree provides enough oxygen (450lbs) in one growing season to supply one person for one year.
• Every pound of wood grown removes 1 ½ pounds of Carbon Dioxide from the air and exchanges it for a little more than 1 pound of oxygen.
• Leaves filter dust, ash, pollen and pollution from our air.
• Woodlands also provide a vital role in keeping out water clean.
 

Dr. Schrock is dedicating this forest to every client and pet that visited Portage Park Animal Hospital, every team member that every worked for Portage Park Animal Hospital, and of course his wife Nathalie, and his children William, Kevin and Laura. Let us not forget our many vendors and friends. This is a reminder that none of us are alone. All of us together can make things happen to make our world a better place to live, love and enjoy.

Dr. Schrock says, from the bottom of his heart, a big "Thank You" to each and every one of you for making these woods possible, and promises to be a good steward to the land.