WINNIPEG, Manitoba, April 14, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the wake of a recent rabies outbreak, a Winnipeg veterinarian is trying to make sure that local pet owners have had their pets properly vaccinated against the disease. Dr. Sra of Southglen Veterinary Hospital stresses that without both an initial vaccination and periodic booster shots, pets may fall prey to this fatal, communicable neurological virus. "Now that we have a confirmed case of infection here in the Winnipeg area, we must be more vigilant than ever to protect our pets," says Dr. Sra. "If a vaccinated animal is due for an update, please schedule it."
The recent confirmation of rabies occurred when an infected skunk attacked a local dog, a situation Dr. Sra says could easily repeat itself. "If there was at least one rabid animal roaming around, then who knows how many others it infected and where they might be?" he observes. "One case of rabies implies the strong possibility of others."
The rabies outbreak has implications beyond the direct threat to local pets; certain parts of the world prohibit the entry of pets from areas where rabies was known to occur recently. Hong Kong, for instance, denies entry to pets from an area that has seen a rabies outbreak within a 5-kilometer radius in the past 180 days. Winnipeg pet owners are advised to review the border crossing restrictions of any foreign destination they may plan to visit soon.
The most immediate problem is obviously that of the infection itself. Rabies, a virus that causes brain inflammation, is transferred through a bite or open wound via an infected animal's saliva. All mammals, including humans, can become infected. The resulting disease can either take what is known as a "dumb form," characterized by depression and lethargy, or the "furious form" known by the stereotypical aggression and agitation. Both forms are untreatable, ending in paralysis and death. "There is nothing any veterinary hospital can do to save a rabid animal," says Dr. Sra. "We can only prevent the virus through vaccination."
Rabies shots are commonly administered to puppies and kittens as one of the core pet vaccinations that protect them against serious and/or fatal diseases. But Dr. Sra emphasizes that no vaccination retains its potency for a lifetime, which means that booster shots must be scheduled at specific intervals. "Neglecting these booster shots exposes your pet to unnecessary and potentially fatal risk," says the Winnipeg veterinarian, who adds that the updates can be performed in the course of routine annual pet wellness checkups. "We are more than happy to help owners understand their pet's vaccination schedule so they can give their pets this invaluable form of wellness care."
In addition to vaccinations, Southglen Veterinary Hospital provides routine and emergency surgery, dental care and other veterinary services for Winnipeg pets.
For more information about vaccinations, please contact the veterinary hospital or visit their website at: http://www.southglenvethospital.ca/.