Continued on Page 2 THE BARKER & MEOW TOO! Monroe County Animal League, Inc., PO Box 343, Union, WV 24983 - 304-772-4445 e-mail: [email protected] web page: www.mcal.petfinder.org Spring/ Summer 07 Rabies: Confirmed in Greenville & Wayside areas of Monroe County Introduction Rabies is a viral disease found throughout most of the world, including the continental United States. The rabies virus can infect virtually all warm-blooded animals. Although roughly 90 percent of the rabies cases reported in the United States every year occurs in wildlife, a significant number occur in domestic pets, as well. The outcome of rabies infection, for people and animals, is invariably fatal. Transmission Rabies transmission is usually from the bite of a rabid animal. When saliva from an infected animal is introduced into a bite wound, the rabies virus is transferred. Transmission can occur through contact between infected saliva and existing cuts or wounds on the skin. If your animal has been infected, you can contract the disease too. Clinical Signs The incubation period (the period of time from when an animal or human is exposed to the virus to when clinical signs first appear) varies with the strain of the virus, the part of the body that is bitten and the immune system of the victim. Wounds on the head and forelimbs have a shorter incubation period because the abundance of nerves in these areas can accelerate the migration of the rabies virus to the nervous system, causing a quicker onset of clinical signs. The clinical signs of rabies vary, making diagnosis somewhat difficult. Early signs may include dilated pupils, subtle changes in temperament and increased salivation. Dogs usually have the "paralytic" form of rabies, while cats often have the "furious" form. In the paralytic form, there is salivation, difficulty swallowing and a change in voice. Paralysis of the hind limbs may develop just prior to death. In the furious form, the animal may become increasingly agitated and aggressive, especially toward moving objects. Loss of balance, muscle tremors, twitching and seizures often occur before death. Diagnosis Unfortunately, it is not possible to make a definite diagnosis of rabies in an animal while it is still alive. The standard technique is to examine a sample of brain tissue under the microscope after the animal dies or is euthanized. Treatment People and animals are considered to be "exposed" to rabies if bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid mammal, unless that mammal tests negative for rabies. If the mammal is unavailable for testing, to be on the safe side, exposure should be assumed. * For exposed pets, wash the bite area with soap and water. Wear protective gloves when washing the affected site. Take the pet to your veterinarian immediately. * For exposed people, cleanse the bite wound promptly and see your doctor immediately. Your doctor will advise you as to whether post- exposure therapy is necessary. Optimally, treatment should begin within 24 hours after exposure. Cats and dogs should receive their first rabies shot when they are four months old.
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THE BARKER & MEOW TOO! Monroe County Animal League, Inc., PO Box 343, Union, WV 24983 - 304-772-4445
e-mail: [email protected] web page: www.mcal.petfinder.org Spring/ Summer 07
Rabies: Confirmed in Greenville & Wayside areas of Monroe County Introduction Rabies is a viral disease found throughout most of the world, including the continental United States. The rabies virus can infect virtually all warm-blooded animals. Although roughly 90 percent of the rabies cases reported in the United States every year occurs in wildlife, a significant number occur in domestic pets, as well. The outcome of rabies infection, for people and animals, is invariably fatal. Transmission Rabies transmission is usually from the bite of a rabid animal. When saliva from an infected animal is introduced into a bite wound, the rabies virus is transferred. Transmission can occur through contact between infected saliva and existing cuts or wounds on the skin. If your animal has been infected, you can contract the disease too. Clinical Signs The incubation period (the period of time from when an animal or human is exposed to the virus to when clinical signs first appear) varies with the strain of the virus, the part of the body that is bitten and the immune system of the victim. Wounds on the head and forelimbs have a shorter incubation period because the abundance of nerves in these areas can accelerate the migration of the rabies virus to the nervous system, causing a quicker onset of clinical signs.
The clinical signs of rabies vary, making diagnosis somewhat difficult. Early signs may include dilated pupils, subtle changes in temperament and increased salivation. Dogs usually have the "paralytic" form of rabies, while cats often have the "furious" form. In the
paralytic form, there is salivation, difficulty swallowing and a change in voice. Paralysis of the hind limbs may develop just prior to death. In the furious form, the animal may become increasingly agitated and aggressive, especially toward moving objects. Loss of balance, muscle tremors, twitching and seizures often occur before death. Diagnosis
Unfortunately, it is not possible to make a definite diagnosis of rabies in an animal while it is still alive. The standard technique is to examine a sample of brain tissue under the microscope after the animal dies or is euthanized. Treatment
People and animals are considered to be "exposed" to rabies if bitten
or scratched by a suspected rabid mammal, unless that mammal tests negative for rabies. If the mammal is unavailable for testing, to be on the safe side, exposure should be assumed.
* For exposed pets, wash the bite area with soap and water. Wear protective gloves when washing the affected site. Take the pet to your veterinarian immediately. * For exposed people, cleanse the bite wound promptly and see your doctor immediately. Your doctor will advise you as to whether post-exposure therapy is necessary. Optimally, treatment should begin within 24 hours after exposure.
Cats and dogs should receive their first rabies shot when they are four
months old.
Continued from Page 1 – Rabies: Rabies Prevention Vaccination of pet dogs and cats is critical in the control of human and pet rabies. West Virginia law requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies after 3 months of age. Play it safe and stay clear of wild creatures with these signs of rabies:
* Foaming at the mouth
* Acting drunk, unbalanced or unable to stand straight
* Exceedingly aggressive behavior such as snarling, attacking or lunging
Benefit Concert: September 8th Support MCAL by spending an evening enjoying Celtic harp with Harpist Leah Trent. There will be an opportunity to meet the artist afterwards. Food will be available. We will have auction items available for preview too. Detailed information will be published in local papers. Save the date!
www.LiveHarpMusic.com
Get your raffle ticket today! If you don’t
see our tickets at your favorite neighbor-hood place, (or if
you’re not local) clip this one and mail it
today!
Congratulations to Morgan Vance who won the FREE SPAY drawing at
Farmer’s Day!
We’re getting ready for our second annual auction. Look at some of the things we already have lined up!
You don’t need to be present to place a bid. Call or e-mail us!
Look at us shine! “Thank you” Grillz-n-Wheelz Auto Spa for donating your services to our cause. Our animal transport van has been detailed to the nines! Call Grillz-n-Wheelz today to schedule your appointment. Tell them that MCAL sent you!
Grillz-n-Wheelz AUTO SPA
Lewisburg, WV Shop 304-645-0085 Cell 304-667-7484
“We pay attention to detail!” Gift certificates available
Laura Wilder - Donation: Giclée -
$50 value - Rochester, NY –
www.laurawilder.com
Joe Hyatt - Donation: A 14 x 14 portrait of your pet - $600 value - Aptos, CA – www.joehyattart.com
Moosup Valley Designs -Donation: Numerous items – these are just a sampling of clock, giclées and jewelry – value ranges from $38 - $110 – Roster, RI - mvdesigns.com
Melissa Harris – Donation: Multiple signed prints -$31 value – Woodstock, NY – www.melissaharris.com
Robins Loving Touch – Donation: Sterling silver nose print - $245
value – Fort Wayne, IN - www.robinslovingtouch.com
CHECK OUT OUR NEXT ISSUE FOR LOCAL CONTRIBUTORS – YOU’LL WANT TO BE THERE!
In hot weather, keep your pooch hydrated with plenty of clean cool water. If your
dog knocks its water dish over, weigh it down with a big rock, or use a weighted dish, designed not to tip.
Green Hope Farm – Donation: 22 pc animal wellness flower essences - $150 value – Meriden,
NH - www.greenhopeessences.com
Donations for memberships, paw pal, in-
remembrance, general, etc., offset the following basic costs:
Vaccinations - $30-45 De-worming - $10-20 Heartworm test - $20 Heartworm preventative - $3/month Flea/tick preventative - $10-30 Collar/leash - $4-12 I.D. tag - $4 Microchip - $25 Health certificate - $25 and many other items!
Over the years, donations have been sent to MCAL as special contributions. We would like to openly recognize these contributions in The Barker and will continue to recognize them as they are received.
This is a nice way to remember those we care about and to support the animals in our community at the same time. In memory of: Amber Bostic-Paw Pals for 14 years, Aunt Mildred Schultz, Belle, Buttercup: In memory of neighbors dog, Dottie Hess, El-Kee, my Bass-Shep, Garnet "Shank" Shanklin, Garnet Shanklin on his birthday 9/3/04, Ginger Banks' dog, Gladys Larew, Gray "Dutch" McMann, Hazel L. Sigmon, Herb Wood, Herschel Mason, Jr., Jake, Jesse, Sundance & Loma - 3 outstanding dogs!, Joyce Porterfield, Kathleen Crockett, Kurt Mason, Little Man, Margorie Foland, Marti Banks, Nathan Scott Traino, Polly Barrett, Rosie Wylie, Sara, Suzi, Tara Lynn Capaldo, Tiger, Tom Toher, Vivian Bowie, Wayne Cowder In honor of: Kitty & Richard Allard; Warren, Judy & Bert Ellison; Eloise Appel - 88th birthday
NONPROFIT ORG AUTOCR
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
UNION, WV PERMIT NO. 31
Monroe County Animal League PO Box 343 Union, WV 24983 304-772-4445 www.mcal.petfinder.com [email protected]
Membership / Sponsorship/ Donation Form (Please include payment with your application) 7/07
Name, current mailing address & phone number:
Individual Membership $25 Qty: ______ Amt: $ _________
Junior Membership $10 Qty: ______ Amt: $ _________
Paw Pal $ 2 Qty: ______ Amt: $ _________
In addition to (or instead of) a membership, enclosed is my contribution / sponsorship for $ Please contact me about sponsoring a specific animal: Phone: E-mail:
We have hounds in need of loving indoor homes. Please consider opening your heart and home to these loveable, cuddly dogs!
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