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Tehachapi 2006
Small Business
of the Year
Founding
Director
Save Tehachapi's Orphaned Pets (STOP) January 2008
Main Street Tehachapi
Proud Member
Since March 2008
Tehachapi Chamber
of Commerce
Board of Directors
Since January 2007
Founder/Moderator
Pet Industry Retailers (PIR) Peer Networking Group, Since May 2005
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Ask Dr. Dave - West Nile Virus
With all of the concerns regarding
West Nile Virus, I thought I’d address the issue of West Nile and its
effect on companion animals, i.e. your dogs and cats. While there is
always a possibility that they will contract it, especially those that
are young, old or immuno-compromised, the chance of infection is slim
even in epidemic areas.
Even though we do not live in an area that is popular with mosquitoes,
that does not mean that we should not be concerned. All precautions
should be taken to prevent creating a haven for them to breed here. As
we have all been hearing on the news, be aware as to whether you have
any areas with standing water including ponds, plant saucers and the
like. Especially when in known infected areas, keep your pets from
coming in contact with dead birds and rodents. There is no proof that an
animal can become infected from consuming the carcass of an animal that
has died from the virus but, anything’s possible. If your animal starts
to exhibit any neurological signs such as circling, difficulty walking,
an abnormal head tilt, depression, incoordination, convulsions or a
decrease in appetite, visit your veterinarian immediately and be sure to
inform him if your pet has been in an area where mosquitoes are present.
These are signs of other serious ailments so you will want to help your
veterinarian as much as possible so that a diagnosis can be made and
treatment can begin.
At this time, there is no vaccine available for companion animals. There
is, however, one for horses, and you should contact your equine
veterinarian to have your horses vaccinated or, if they have been
vaccinated in the past, boosted as needed during mosquito season. As
I’ve mentioned before, prevention is easier, and cheaper, than
treatment.
Do not use insect repellents that contain DEET on your animals! This can
be seriously detrimental to them as they will ingest it as they groom
themselves. Only products that are approved for use on dogs and cats
should be used. Some of the approved products are: Adams Flea and Tick
Mist, Vet-kem Ovitrol Plus, Absorbine Ultrashield and Equicare Flysect
Super 7.
If you are unsure of what to use or, if your pet has other health
issues, contact your veterinarian before using anything.
On another note, the large animal I.D. neckbands are available at Small
Town Hardware as I thought that would make it easier on everyone. They
are made of heavy plastic and are reusable. Ours are marked with our
information and stored in our horse trailer in case there is ever a
reason for us to evacuate in a hurry. They are $4.00 each and the
proceeds will be donated to LVIA.
Dr. Dave Gantenbein
Antelope Valley Animal Hospital
(661) 273-1234
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