!!!!WEST NILE!!!!

* Just a quick side note for everyone.  I have a search engine in my blog, this will allow you to easily search my archived blogs.  I didn't realize there were sooooo many till I went looking for an old post!!! Can't believe I've been blogging since 2010!!  Thank You to everyone who reads my crazy if not entertaining postings!!!!*

-I have been getting alot of people asking me about West Nile in their pets, due to the number of human deaths related to West Nile Virus.  Here is a great FAQ put out by the CDC (Centers For Disease Control and Prevention).  Check out their website if you have any more questions about West Nile.  http://www.cdc.gov/

-Many people have also been worried about the aerial spray they are using for the mosquito's. The CDC and EPA report the level of insecticide in the sprays is way below what is considered toxic to mammals and fish. They do advise people to keep their pets indoors during aerial spraying. They should also wash any food bowls, water bowls, or toys that are exposed to any insecticide, before using them again.

Q. Can West Nile virus (WNV) cause illness in dogs or cats?

A. A relatively small number of WNV infected dogs and WNV infected cats have been reported to CDC . Experimentally infected dogs* showed no symptoms after infection with WNV. Some infected cats exhibited mild, nonspecific symptoms during the first week after infection--for the most part only showing a slight fever and slight lethargy. It is unlikely that most pet owners would notice any unusual symptoms or behavior in cats or dogs that become infected with WNV.

(The Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratories reports, that although dogs and cats have tested positive, these animals are almost always asymptomatic. There is no evidence that West Nile virus is a significant cause of meningitis in dogs and cats.)

Q. How can my veterinarian treat my cat or dog if they are/may be infected with WNV?

A. There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. Full recovery from the infection is likely. Treatment would be supportive (managing symptoms, if present) and consistent with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent.

Q. Is there a vaccine for cats or dogs?

A. No.

FYI: There is a vaccine for horses.

Q. Can I use insect repellent on my pets?

A. DEET-based repellents, which are recommended for humans, are not approved for veterinary use (largely because animals tend to ingest them by licking.) Talk with your veterinarian for advice about the appropriate product for use on your pet.

DEET can be toxic to dogs and cats, it can cause neurologic problems, like tremors and ataxia.  The only approved dog mosquito repellents are Advantix and Vetra 3D, these both contain permethrin.  Cats are very sensitive to any pyrethrin based product, their use can result in toxicity and death (There are many over the counter flea prevention products for cats that contain pyrethrin, I strongly avoid using them all!!  I have no idea how they can still be allowed on the shelf but thats a story for another day!)