AR-News: AR NEWS: Veterinarians warn pet owners about lethal virus

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http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleynewsdispatch/news/s_154148.html




By Amanda Brukner
Contributing writer
Tuesday, September 9, 2003 


Health officials and veterinarians are warning pet owners of an upswing in 
two potentially fatal viral infections in dogs and other domestic animals. 
Leptospirosis and coon hound paralysis are diseases present in wild animals 
such as raccoons, skunks, opossums, deer, cattle and, possibly, pigs. 
They can be transferred to pets through direct -- or even indirect -- contact 
with an infected animal. 
Both diseases are potentially fatal to dogs, the most commonly infected pets, 
and leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans through contact with an 
infected pet. 
Although exact figures are not available, veterinarians and health officials 
warn that both diseases appear on the rise in western Pennsylvania since July. 
No reason for the upswing in cases has been found so far, but the summer's 
unusually wet weather could be the culprit since both viruses can be transmitted 
through water. 
The viruses are most commonly passed to pets through contact with an infected 
animal's urine but also can be transferred through mucus membranes, open 
wounds, bites or by eating an infected animal. Dogs can passed the virus to each 
other through sexual contact. 
Leptospirosis attacks the liver and kidneys. Symptoms include fever, 
depression, weakness, vomiting, muscle pain, jaundice and irregular pulse and 
respiration rates. If the disease progresses, kidney and liver failure occur and death 
follows. 
The disease can develop in any age, breed or gender of dogs. Dogs that spend 
time outdoors near wild animals and livestock are most at risk. 
"There are many cases reported in the area," says Dr. Robert Lash who runs a 
small and large animal practice in Kittanning. "Each year, we always have 
some; not a high incidence but some cases in farm animals as well as dogs." 
Leptospirosis is harmful to humans who come in contact with an infected dog's 
urine, saliva, food or water. 
Symptoms include those similar to that of an infected animal, but no human 
vaccine is available. People who have come in contact with the disease will have 
symptoms two days to four weeks after exposure. Severe kidney and liver 
damage may also occur in humans if not treated in time. They may recover briefly 
and relapse, allowing the disease to become potentially fatal. 
Those infected are treated with antibiotics and most likely hospitalized in 
hopes of keeping the disease under control before harming the body greatly. 
Human infection rare, but serious 
The Center for Disease Control receives reports of some 50-100 human 
infection cases every year. Prevention includes avoiding contact with outside water 
sources, such as rivers and lakes in which infected animals may have been, 
wearing protective clothing and footwear outdoors and, with any symptoms, seeking 
medical care immediately. 
Keep pets away from water as well as any animals that may be a carriers of 
the disease. 
"Although human infection is rare, it is possible and should be taken 
seriously," according to Dave Zazak of the Allegheny County Department of Health. 
The rise in these diseases comes as the incidence of rabies is declining. 
In 2003, there were 14 rabies cases of infected animals reported across the 
Valley by the Allegheny County Health Department. The number of cases has 
dropped substantially since last year's 27 cases. 
A leptospirosis vaccine is available for infected dogs, but may be as fatal 
as the disease. Treatment includes penicillin for a time, followed by other 
antibiotics and intravenous fluids. The vaccination can be fatal in some 
instances to the dog based upon how long the dog has been infected, strain of the 
virus and how much liver and kidney damage is already present. The overall health 
of the animal also plays a role. 
Paralysis strikes Lower Burrell man's dog 
Coon hound paralysis can be transmitted virtually the same way as 
leptospirosis. 
A Lower Burrell man's dog had to be destroyed recently because of suspected 
infection by this disease. The dog was sent to an Ohio veterinary clinic for a 
conclusive diagnosis. 
This disease can not be transmitted to humans. It is not common in the area 
but if contracted is very harmful or deadly to the dog. 
Leptospirosis comes in about 10 strains. Each strain has a different vaccine. 
Most animal hospitals carry more than one vaccination for this reason. 
The vaccines may seem dangerous but, for most dogs, the benefits outweigh the 
risks. 
"Always discuss the risks and benefits of the vaccine with your 
veterinarian," says Lash. He believes the vaccine is safe and should be given to all dogs 
that are outdoors, provided they are not immune to the vaccine and it is safe 
for the particular dog. 
Vaccinations need to be updated every six months to one year. 
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