Second Chance: Vaccination Updates

02 Sep Second Chance: Vaccination Updates

My latest medical update is that I am still receiving inquiries for a vaccine for the Canine influenza virus that hit in the Midwest last spring/summer. Unfortunately there still is no vaccine for this virus (H3N2, not to be confused with H3N8 for which there is a vaccination), which is slowly crossing the country (but there are no reported cases in Colorado yet).

Therefore, all I can suggest to avoid canine flu, which a respiratory illness not a stomach bug, is to keep your dog in Colorado. Beyond the Midwest, Boston just reported a rash of cases as well. But the reality is there are other risks here in Colorado, reviewed below, to keep in mind.

Quite frankly if your dog gets a respiratory infection there is greater concern about the plague, here in the land of many prairie dogs, than the canine flu. There are three kinds of plague: bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic. Recent reports across the state say that the plague in all three of these forms is popping up, and yes usually from contact with prairie dogs and their fleas.

Keep in mind plague is also transmissible to cats and humans, so get your animal seen by a vet if it suddenly presents with swollen glands and a high fever – and make sure to communicate if there’s been any contact with prairie dogs.

Another bacteria carried by rabbits, deer flies, and ticks is Tularemia and it has popped up in Montrose recently, infecting and killing a cat and infecting the human family of the cat. Thus, don’t let your dog or cat hunt and kill rabbits (the bacteria is in their blood). Signs of tularemia depend on how it entered the body. It can make ulcers on your skin, or swell up your glands, or cause a respiratory illness and is always accompanied by a very high fever.

Recently a bat found in a home in Telluride tested positive for rabies, reminding us that this disease is all around this area in bats, raccoons, and other forms of wildlife. So it is a no-brainer to make sure your animals are vaccinated for this deadly disease, which is also transferrable to humans.

Bottom line everyone, keeping your pets vaccinated and healthy are your best lines of defense.

And now a word from our sponsor, Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel.

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff &  Magnificent Mae

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)