A number of problems seem to be prevalent to the Leaburg Oregon area, while others do not occur here at all. We highlight some of the important issues in Oregon, and indicate where they are more prevalent.
Salmon Poisoning
Because we live in a river valley in Oregon, your dog has a very high chance of getting ‘salmon poisoning’. What’s that? Fresh salmon, trout, and steelhead carry an organism that makes dog’s sick. If the dog licks, eats, or plays with a raw fish they may show signs of illness in 7-10 days. They will be lethargic, have a high temperature, and may stop eating. If allowed to go untreated, they will stop eating, vomit, and be dehydrated and eventually they can cause death.
If your dog develops any of these symptoms, call us right away! Treatment can make your dog feel much better within 24 hours.
PARASITES
We are seeing increased numbers of pets infected with roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms, most of which pose a threat to people. Along with the CDC, we recommend a yearly parasite test and deworming medications if needed.
GIARDIA
This organism is also found in our local waterways. It can cause illness in both humans and pets, and the primary symptoms are diarrhea, lethargia and vomiting. We can check your pets feces to determine if this is the culprit.
RABIES
Rabies is a virus that is lethal to both humans and pets. It is contracted by a bite from an infected animal (such as a rabid bat). By law all dogs and cats must be vaccinated for rabies virus. We want to avoid exposure at all costs!
Though the incidence is low, the only species that carry the rabies virus in our region of Oregon are bats. We do know that we have had a few rabies positive bats in the McKenzie Valley, and exposures to animals and humans have been mostly inside buildings. If a bat is laying on the ground, it is because it is sick, and therefore should NOT be handled.
HEARTWORM
Heartworm is a worm that can live in dog and cat hearts. The worm is contracted via a mosquito bite, and it is ultimately lethal if not treated. Heartworm is becoming more prevalent in our region of Oregon and our goal is to keep the reservoir of positive dogs low so heartworm won’t spread as quickly. Monthly prevention treatment is the best option for avoiding the infection and will also help the spread of other parasites previously discussed.
Leptospirosis
At East Lane Veterinary Hospital, we have always maintained the philosophy of educating and empowering you to make informed medical care decisions for your pets. In line with that philosophy, we feel compelled to inform you about an emerging disease in Oregon. This disease is called Leptospirosis and can affect many species including your dogs, cattle, or humans.
The carriers of Lepto include raccoons, rats and wildlife species. The infection is generally spread by contact with contaminated water. Dogs and people can be exposed to water sources that could have been in contact with the carriers, rats or wildlife, or carcasses of wildlife. Not only has Oregon become one of the higher incidence states but Lane and Multnomah counties have the highest number of cases in our state. The public health veterinarian for Oregon suggests that the number of confirmed cases of Lepto in pets is actually lower than the actual cases reported because many are treated without the test being performed. It is alarming because this disease is communicable to humans in the same way it is acquired by dogs. As a result, more humans than we know may have been exposed to the disease.
This disease starts like so many other diseases with lethargy, loss of appetite and vomiting, but eventually harms the liver and kidneys and can be fatal. It is preventable with an initial series of two vaccinations followed by an annual booster vaccination. Unlike Rabies, Distemper and Parvo, your pet must be revaccinated every year for Lepto as the duration of the immunity from the vaccination is not as long. We recommend it for all dogs, but if your dog is at high risk of exposure to infected water sources, such as hunting dogs are, we highly recommend vaccinating for this disease.
TOXIC PLANTS or OTHER POISONS
aspca.org has a list of poisonous plants…they also have an appt called Animal Poison by ASPCA…or call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435
Stray & Feral Cats
Our Policy: We do not have the ability to care for stray or feral cats. Dropping animals off without permission, at vet clinics or elsewhere, is considered abandonment and is punishable by law. (LCARA Case 7.105)
Lane County Animal Services (LCAS) has their own policy for dealing with stray and feral cats. Please refer to their website for more information: https://www.lanecounty.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3585881&pageId=4244645
Low Cost Spay & Neuter Options: WAG (Willamette Animal Guild) (541) 345-3566, Lane County Animal Services Voucher – see the website under Lane County above.
There’s an animal on the road, what do we do?
Call ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation)! 541-744-8080
Injured Animal?
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW): http://www.dfw.state.or.us