Watch out for BUGS !
It is shaping up to be a good year for insects in Santa Fe. Maybe it is because we had a lot of moisture this winter, but whatever the reason we have been seeing more than the usual amount of parasites and parasite-borne diseases in our patients. It is a good idea to know how to prevent and detect parasites and the diseases they carry. Many parasite-borne diseases are transmissable to humans as well, so these tips can keep both you and your pet healthy.
We have been seeing a lot of ticks already this year. Ticks are usually fairly uncommon in our area, but not this year. Ticks are rare in cats, but can be best detected in dogs through routine grooming.
Ticks particularly like ears, toes, and underarm (underleg?) areas. If you find a tick, it is best removed by grasping it with a tweezers (NOT your bare fingers) very close to the skin and gently pulling it out. By pulling gently and steadily the tick will let go and will be removed in one piece. Often there will be a little bump and scab where a tick was attached -- these should heal without problems. If you find a tick on your pet, see your veterinarian for the best preventative to keep ticks away in the future.
Ticks can carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichia, and Lyme Disease. These diseases can be contracted by humans as well as pets. Ehrlichia is the disease seen most often here in New Mexico. The disease shows up in many different ways -- fever, weakness, sore joints to name a few -- and requires blood tests for diagnosis. Ehrlichia is treatable with the right antibiotics, but prevention is, of course, best.
We have already seen cases of Plague and Tularemia this year. These are both diseases carried by a bacteria that is carried by fleas. Many small mammals -- ground squirrels, rabbits, and prairie dogs -- can carry these diseases, and can infect both you and your pets. Cats seem to be particularly susceptible to the plague, and cats that hunt can be easily exposed. We recommend flea prevention for all cats that hunt. Dogs can also pick up these diseases, especially tularemia, by picking up the carcasses of dead animals. Plague is a particularly dangerous disease because it can be contracted not only be fleas but by contact with infected animals through bites, contact with open wounds, and exposure to coughing. Again, flea prevention is of utmost importance, but any sick animal should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. The key to treatment, and to your safety, is prompt medical attention. Although signs of tularemia and plague can be quite varied (swollen lymph nodes and respiratory infections, for example) the most common symptom is a very high fever. The first sign of a high fever in animals is often lethargy and loss of appetite. Sometimes you can actually feel that an animal is very warm -- I find this especially true in cats. In addition, you can learn to take your pet's temperature at home. If you suspect your pet has a fever, see your veterinarian.
Pet Photos
If you'd like to see your pet on
our website stop by the hospital and have a picture taken.
Donations to the Angel Fund
We at Sangre de Cristo Animal Hospital would like to thank you on behalf of
the animals for donating to the Angel Fund this past year. Because of your
kindness, many needy cats and dogs received the care they required.
If you would like to make a contribution to the Angel Fund, please
send your check to Sangre de Cristo Animal Hospital (Attn: Angel Fund),
3015 Cielo Court, Santa Fe, NM 87507.