MOSSEL BAY NEWS - In light of the canine distempber outbreak, the Garden Route SPCA, comprising the George and Mossel Bay branches, has issued the following statement:
The Garden Route SPCA is currently dealing with many cases of distemper which is widespread in the George and Oudtshoorn areas.
Dogs that are not vaccinated that come into any kind of contact with an infected animal carry a particularly high risk of contracting this deadly disease.
Please make sure that your dog's vaccinations are up to date.
The virus is spread through the air and by direct or indirect contact with an infected animal.
It attacks the respiratory, urogenital, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
The newest strain of the distemper virus causes aggressive symptoms, mainly neurological ones, that closely resemble rabies symptoms.
Look out for these symptoms:
- Fever
- Listlessness / tired
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Discharge from the eyes and nose
- Coughing
- Muscle tremors in the body and on the head - neurological stage.
- Sudden aggressive behaviour / over-friendly - change in personality
- Fear of water
- Fever
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Seizures
Paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles may follow, resulting in the often-seen symptom of foaming at the mouth.
Disorientation, inco-ordination and staggering may occur, caused by paralysis of the hind legs.
Should your dog have any of these symptoms, please take it to your veterinarian immediately.
Should you not be able to afford a veterinarian, and be able to prove it, you can contact the Garden Route SPCA - George or Mossel Bay branches for assistance.
Mossel Bay branch 044 693 0824 or 082 252 0351 A/H emergencies: 072 287 1761
George branch 044 878 1990 A/H emergencies: 082 378 7384
Please report cases to your local SPCA or Animal Welfare should your dog be diagnosed with this disease.
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