Thursday, May 29, 2008

Canine Parvovirus

It is important for dog owners to know about Canine Parvovirus and to seek the help of a veterinarian if their pet is ill so they can advise on the treatment and diagnosis appropriate for their pets.

Here are some facts about the disease and you can also click on the link above for more disease information.

Q: What is canine parvovirus?

A:

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies, dogs, and wild canids. It was first identified in 1978 and is seen worldwide. It also can damage the heart muscle in very young and unborn puppies.



Q: How is parvovirus spread?

A:

Puppies and dogs usually become infected when they ingest virus that is passed in the feces (stool) of an infected dog. Canine parvovirus is resistant to changes in environmental conditions and can survive for long periods of time. Trace amounts of feces containing parvovirus may serve as reservoirs of infection and the virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects.



Q: What dogs are at risk?

A:

All dogs are at risk, but puppies less than four months old and dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine parvovirus are at increased risk of acquiring the disease. Certain breeds (e.g. Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher) appear to have a high risk of experiencing severe disease.



Q: What are some signs of parvovirus infection?

A:

Canine parvovirus causes lethargy; loss of appetite; fever; vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and most deaths from parvovirus occur within 48 to 72 hours following onset of clinical signs. If your puppy or dog shows any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian promptly.



Q: How is canine parvovirus diagnosed and treated?

A:

Veterinarians diagnose canine parvovirus on the basis of clinical appearance and laboratory tests. No specific drug is available that will kill the virus in infected dogs. Treatment should be started immediately and consists primarily of efforts to combat dehydration by replacing electrolyte and fluid losses, controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and preventing secondary infections. Sick dogs should be kept warm, receive good nursing care, and be separated from other dogs. Proper cleaning and disinfection of contaminated kennels and other areas where infected dogs are housed is essential to control the spread of parvovirus. Canine parvovirus is not easily killed, so consult your veterinarian for specific guidance on cleaning and disinfecting agents.



Q: How is parvovirus prevented?

A:

Vaccination and good hygiene are critical components of canine parvovirus prevention.

Vaccination—Vaccination is important. Young puppies are very susceptible to infection, particularly because the natural immunity provided in their mothers' milk may wear off before the puppies' own immune systems are mature enough to fight off infection. If a puppy is exposed to canine parvovirus during this gap in protection, it may become ill. An additional concern is that immunity provided by a mother's milk may interfere with an effective response to vaccination. This means even vaccinated puppies may occasionally succumb to parvovirus. To narrow gaps in protection and provide optimal protection against parvovirus during the first few months of life, a series of puppy vaccinations are administered.

To protect their adult dogs, pet owners should be sure that their dog's parvovirus vaccination is up-to-date. Ask your veterinarian about a recommended vaccination program for your canine companion.

In spite of proper vaccination, a small percentage of dogs do not develop protective immunity and remain susceptible to infection.

Hygiene—Until a puppy has received its complete series of vaccinations, pet owners should use caution when bringing their pet to places where young puppies congregate (e.g. pet shops, parks, puppy classes, obedience classes, doggy daycare, and grooming establishments). Reputable establishments and training programs reduce exposure risk by requiring vaccinations, health examinations, good hygiene, and isolation of ill puppies and dogs. Contact with known infected dogs and their premises should always be avoided.

Finally, do not allow your puppy or dog to come into contact with the fecal waste of other dogs while walking or playing outdoors. Prompt and proper disposal of waste material is always advisable as a way to limit spread of canine parvovirus infection.

Davao Veterinary Clinics

When it comes to the health of your pets, there are many veterinary clinics to choose from if you live in Davao City. Before you choose a vet clinic, you can get in touch with people you know who have pets.

Some of the services they may offer are: dog grooming, regular check ups, vaccines and vaccination programs, dog food, medications, health tips and consultations. You can call these clinics for more information about their services:



Pets First Veterinary Clinic
J.P. Cabaguio Ave., Agdao
(082)
227-1987


Tanvil Pethaus Clinic
12 Mount Mayon Street
(082) 227-2617

Pluma Veterinary Clinic
Coner Nangka Trail Mahayag
North Diversion Road
Buhangin


Vetmix Animal Clinic
#4 Del Pilar Bldg.
Km. 5 Buhangin
(082) 224-4917


Larkspur Animal Clinic and Services
Door 2 & 3 Guerra Bldg.
McArthur Highway, Matina
(082) 297-7748


Celestial’s Animal Clinic
Door 2 Albay Bldg.
McArthur Highway, Matina
(082) 298-0749


Whippet General Veterinary Clinic
Km. 5 Buhangin
(082) 224-6422

Tinga Animal Clinic
481 Balusong Highway, Matina
(082) 296-9521


Animal Solutions Veterinary Hospital
Bolcan Street, Agdao
(082) 221-6344


Orchid Ranch Veterinary Diagnostics, Inc
Bolcan Street, Agdao
(082) 221-5420


Anicom Animal Clinic
866 Gov. Chavez
(082) 227-6496


Whiskers Animal Clinic
Catalunan Grande


The Ark Animal Clinic &
Veterinary Consultancy
Lanang


Sunday, May 18, 2008

Tips for Preventing Rabies

  • Keep your pets under control. Don't let them run free, especially at night.
  • Be a responsible pet owner. Vaccinate your dogs when they reach three (3) months old.
  • Make sure your pet is up to date on its rabies vaccination.
  • Don't touch or play with animals you don't know.
  • Don't touch animals that look sick even if you may want to help them.

For more information or inquiries about Rabies Vaccination and Control, please contact DA-Livestock Division at (082) 227-1962 or 221 – 5559 or Davao City Veterinary Office at (082) 225-0511

Where to submit the Specimen?

Department of Agriculture
Livestock Division
Fr. Selga St., Davao City
Tel no. (082) 227-1962


Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
Bago Oshiro, Mintal, Davao City
Tel. no. (082) 293-1605


Davao City Veterinary Office
Pichon St., Davao City
Tel no. (082) 225-0511

How to Handle Bite Cases

If the suspect animal has had contact with a human, do the following as soon as possible:

1. Treat wound. Stimulate bleeding and wash with soap over running water.
2. Apply disinfectant either alcohol or tincture of iodine.
3. Seek medical advice at your nearest Animal Bite Treatment center (ABTC)
4. Obtain information about the animal if available.

How to handle the animal


1. Confine the animal and observe for 10-14 days. Continue feeding the animal.
2.
If the animal is alive, it is free from Rabies.
3.
If found dead, rush the head of the animal to a Diagnostic Laboratory.

How to Prepare the Specimen


1. Cut the dog’ head with use of a sharp knife. Be sure you are wearing a protective body covering (mask/gloves).
2. Put the specimen in a clean plastic bag. Place ice inside the container.
3. Seal in a leak-proof container (ice box).
4. Write name of dog owner, date of death and history.
5. Label specimen with “CAUTION: RABIES SUSPECT
6. Never add any preservative such as alcohol, formalin, etc., to avoid alteration of laboratory result.

How to Recognize a Rabid Animal

There are three phases in the course of Rabies. Death occurs three to seven days after symptoms appear.

1. Prodromal Stage (2-3 days) - Behavioral changes (a friendly animal may become shy and hide in a corner, a shy animal may become snappy, uncertain or unusually friendly), fever, slow eye reflexes and chewing at the bite site.


2. Furious Stage
(2-4 days) - Erratic behavior which includes irritability, restlessness, barking aggression, vicious attacks on inanimate objects and unexplained roaming; disorientation and seizures may develop. It may bite indiscriminately - its chain, other animals, people, its owner, itself, etc.


3. Paralytic Stage
(2-4 days) - Signs of paralysis develop, usually beginning at the bite site; paralysis of the throat and face causing strange utterances and hoarse howls. (At this time one may mistakenly think that the dog or cat has something in its throat and infect themselves while attempting to look in the animal’s mouth), drooling of saliva with typical foaming at the mouth 9hydrophobia) and a dropped jaw; followed by depression, coma and death from respiratory paralysis (inability to breathe)


If you know or suspect that an animal has rabies, keep humans and other animals away from the suspect animal. Keep track of the animal's location and contact Davao City Veterinary Office at (082) 255-0511.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Facts about Rabies

"Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease which infects domestic and wild animals. It is transmitted to other animals and humans through close contacts with saliva from infected animals (ie. bites, scratches, licks on broken skin and mucous membranes). Once symptoms of the disease develop, rabies is fatal to both animals and humans."
  • Over 55, 000 deaths from rabies are reported annually from Asia and Africa
  • Most of the victims are children: 30–50% of the reported cases of rabies and deaths—occur in children under 15 years of age.
  • Philippines ranked third worldwide in Rabies incidence in 2000.
  • Approximately 300 to 600 Filipinos die of Rabies annually.

In Region XI, most rabies cases are carried by dogs and even cats and they pose a continuing threat because they live close to people.

Remember there is NO CURE for Rabies once an animal or human shows symptoms.Because of the seriousness and fatality of this disease, it is important for people to KNOW and LEARN everything they can do to minimize their chances and their pets of becoming infected.

Monday, May 12, 2008

DA Farmers Week Activities 2008

The Department of Agriculture - RFU XI celebrates Farmers Week starting May 12 to May 16, 2008. There are free events open to the public. If you are interested, you can drop by the DA- Regional Office at Bangoy Street, Davao City.


Activities:


May 12, 2008-Hosted by AMAD; ATI and Regulatory Division
(For more information call 227-0810)

Demo on:
Banana Processing (Lumpia, Balls and Shakes)
Pickled Seaweeds
Langka, PiƱa Pericarp Jelly


May 13, 2008-Hosted by Crops Division

(For more information call 226-3625)

Soil Testing Kit Free Analysis
Cliniquing for Rice Pest and Disease
Distribution of LSI to Rice Farmer
Film showing on Rice Cultivars
Contest on Pinaka


May 14, 2008-Hosted by Livestock and Research Division
(For more information call 227-1962)

Free clinics
Anti-Rabies vaccination
Farm Games and Raffles

Lectures on:
Rubber Production and Management
Cacao Production Technology
Management and Control of Scale on Fruits
Organic Fertilizer (Vermicomposting)

Distribution of Seedlings:
Durian, Dragon Fruit Cuttings, String Beans and Mangosteen


May 15, 2008

Holy Mass
Parlor Games
Palabas ng mga Summer Job employees
Harana/ DA family bonding


May 16, 2008

2008 Regional Gawad Saka Awarding Ceremony
(Designated Place)