News Update: Friday 12th March 2021
Following the media coverage of a spike in Canine Cough cases (formally known as Kennel Cough), we wanted to share some info should you have any concerns about the risks to your pet.
Canine Cough has both viral and bacterial strains. It is usually passed via saliva and nasal droplets that become aerosolized from infected individuals through coughing, sneezing and proximity. It is highly infectious, and readily passes from dog to dog with symptoms developing 3-14 days after exposure. Your dog does not need to spend time in a kennel to be infected; it can be passed at the park or the beach just as easily.
Most pets are vaccinated annually against this very common disease. The vaccine is not 100% effective in preventing infection, however the symptoms are far less likely to cause significant illness and usually pass without issue. Occasionally your dog may require a course of antibiotics and bed rest for a few days.
Symptoms of Canine Cough can include a dry, hacking cough; gagging or vomiting after excitement or food; excessive eye and nasal discharge; sneezing, snorting, fever, and lethargy. In some cases, Canine Cough can lead to more serious and deadly complications such as pneumonia.
If your dog visits us annually for their health check and vaccine, they should be all up to date with their Canine Cough vaccination. If you are unsure, please contact the clinic and we can check your pet’s records.
News update: Thursday 11th February 2021
Re: Brown Dog Tick-borne disease Ehrlichia canis.
Due to recent media exposure, we have had contact from concerned clients regarding the risk of E. canis being contracted by their dogs, and the risk of Brown Dog Ticks in the Southern Suburbs.
Below is a summary of the recent announcement from the Vet Surgeons Board of SA.
– E. canis was detected in Brown Dog Ticks collected from two dogs in two locations in the APY lands in January 2021. This is the first detection of E. canis in South Australia.
– The APY lands are situated north of Yalata on the western coast of South Australia, include Coober Pedy and cross the border to cover much of central Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
– Widespread surveillance north of Port Augusta (where ticks are more abundant) have not led to any other positive detections of infection with E. canis in South Australia so far.
– Transmission occurs only via an infected tick biting a dog. Dog to Dog transmission does not occur.
– Dogs with a recent travel history to northern SA, or other northern tropical and subtropical regions of Australia are at highest risk of exposure.
– Severity of disease can vary considerably among dogs and may take years to manifest depending upon the severity of the infection. Signs can include anaemia, bleeding episodes, lameness, eye problems, neurological problems, and swollen limbs.
– Humans cannot contract E. canis from infected dogs but can contract the disease directly from tick bites. See SA’s Department of Health website for information on human health implications, as well as tick prevention measures.
In summary, the risk of your dog contracting E. canis in the southern suburbs of Adelaide is almost zero. However, it is advised to ensure that your chosen parasite control does cover for Ticks and that you check them over thoroughly should you walk them in dense scrub areas, or travel with them into affected areas.
If you have any further enquiries, please contact the clinic directly on (08) 8322 4355
Kind Regards,
The Team from the Old Reynella Vet.
