Animal Health

18 August

Possible exposure to avian chlamydiosis at Bothell bird store – owners are encouraged to watch for pet and human symptoms

wsvma   |   Animal Health

A pet bird that died has tested positive for a serious bacterial disease called avian chlamydiosis. The bird had been boarded recently at the Wings of the World pet store located in Bothell, with potential exposure to other birds being boarded or available for sale since July 2. The Washington State Department of Health, in collaboration with the Snohomish Health District and Public Health – Seattle & King County, are in the process of contacting bird owners to share information...

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01 August

Hot Weather Tips for Your Pet

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Soaring summer temperatures in Washington can create potentially dangerous conditions for pets. Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke, and sunburn if you don’t prepare. Here are important hot weather tips for your pet: Dogs and cats do not sweat like humans. Instead, they pant and seek shade to eliminate excess heat. Pets do lose water through exhaled air, and that needs to be replenished with extra, clean drinking water. Abundant, clean, free-choice water supplied for pets is...

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14 July

Tramadol seeker hits up 17 WA veterinary hospitals over extensive period

wsvma   |   Animal Health, Practice Management

The owner of a female Blue Heeler has a history of drug seeking at Kitsap County veterinary hospitals. The woman, whose name is withheld, has brought her dog to almost every hospital in the area over the last five years attempting to secure Tramadol. Comparing notes among the practices eventually alerted veterinarians to stop dispensing or scripting out controlled drugs to the dog’s owner. The abuse of prescription drugs is a serious social and health problem and telling the difference between...

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15 May

Urgent call to vaccinate horses now for West Nile virus protection

wsvma   |   Animal Health

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is urging horse owners to vaccinate their animals as soon as possible to protect against West Nile virus. “Now is the time to vaccinate for this mosquito-borne disease due to our extremely wet winter and Washington’s history of leading the nation with equine cases of the West Nile virus,” State Veterinarian Dr. Brian Joseph said. Washington had 27 confirmed equine cases last year for the virus. Seven horses died or were euthanized. In...

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03 February

Avian Influenza A H7N2 in NYC cats

wsvma   |   Animal Health, Uncategorized

On November 14, 2016, 45 cats in an Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) shelter in Manhattan tested positive for avian influenza. Most experienced mild illness and are expected to recover. One cat died, but was elderly and had underlying health issues. To date, over 100 cats have tested positive for H7N2 in Animal Care Centers of New York City. Currently there has been no documentation that any of the associated NYC cats have traveled to be re-homed in Washington...

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20 January

Together We Can Eliminate Rabies

wsvma   |   Animal Health, Uncategorized

The most deadly zoonotic disease on our planet is one we rarely hear about people dying from in the United States.  Each year more than 59,000 people die from rabies worldwide and about half of those deaths are children under the age of 16.  The WSU Rabies Vaccination Program is working with veterinary clinics and global partners to reduce that number to zero by 2030. Rabies is easily preventable with regular dog vaccinations. But today, in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia where the death...

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20 January

FDA Warns of Illnesses and Deaths in Pets Exposed to Prescription topical (human) cancer treatment: Fluorouracil

wsvma   |   Animal Health, Uncategorized

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting pet owners, veterinarians, health care providers and pharmacists that pets are at risk of illness and death when exposed to the topical cancer medication Fluorouracil Cream USP 5% (5-FU.) intended for use in people. Fluorouracil may also be marketed under the brand names Carac, Effudex and Fluoroplex. People using this medication should use care when applying and storing the medication if they are also in a household with pets, as even...

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04 November

WSVMA reminds veterinarians to be vigilant for Canine Influenza H3N2

wsvma   |   Animal Health, Uncategorized

A dog positive for H3N2 was recently reported to the WSVMA. This thirteen year old FS toy poodle presented to the veterinarian on Whidbey Island for coughing of ten days duration. The dog had been to the groomer several weeks earlier but otherwise exposure to other dogs was limited. Testing for H3N2 was positive on PCR testing. The dog had not been vaccinated for canine influenza but had been vaccinated for Bordetella. The dog’s cough responded to antibiotic therapy. Very few...

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15 July

AVMA launches database for clinical studies

wsvma   |   Animal Health, Uncategorized

The AVMA has developed the Animal Health Studies Database (AAHSD), encompassing prospective veterinary clinical studies in a variety of species and disciplines. The new database will serve as a resource for researchers who seek animals to participate in clinical studies. It will also aid veterinarians and animal owners who are exploring options for treatment. The database already has 145 published studies and new ones are added daily. It will encompass all fields of veterinary medicine and species and will extend...

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03 June

Update on Infectious Disease in Washington State 2016

wsvma   |   Animal Health, Uncategorized

This time of year is a good time to think about infectious disease in Washington State. Tick borne disease is rare here but we do have the Ixodes tick that carries Anaplasma phagocytophilum.  We are starting to see a number of cases of dogs with varying degrees of thrombocytopenia and morulae of the agent Anaplasma phagocytophilum in neutrophils.  Anaplasma phagocytophilum is usually diagnosed on CBC slide review but serology and PCR testing can also be done. Antibody titers rise 2-5...

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