3850 Grand View Blvd. - Los Angeles, CA 90066 - Phone:(310) 391-6741 - Fax:(310) 391-6744 - Email: MarVistaAMC@gmail.com
(310)391-6741
marvistavet.com
WHAT'S NEW August 2021 Monthly Newsletter Would you like an eMail each month when this page is updated?
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LEPTOSPIROSIS - LOCAL OUTBREAK WHAT HAPPENED Los Angeles County usually sees 10-12 cases of Leptospirosis a year, mostly in dogs exposed to wildlife. In the last 4 months, there have been 51 confirmed cases and 24 suspect cases, mostly stemming from daycare and boarding facilities. Of the affected dogs, 95% were unvaccinated. LEPTOSPIROSIS IS CONTAGIOUS TO HUMANS.
HOW DO WE PREVENT IT? Our hospital has routinely vaccinated dogs over 20 lbs for Leptospirosis for years. If your dog has been vaccinated within the last year, he/she should be protected. If it is has been over a year, we recommend a booster. If your dog has not been vaccinated for Leptospirosis, ask us about setting up a series of vaccines. Vaccination is important before boarding, day care, or other dog group activities. Leptospirosis is the "L" in DHLPP - the basic vaccine for dogs.
TREATMENT? Leptospires are bacteria and respond readily to antibiotics. Exposed dogs should be treated but need not be quarantined. Dogs testing positive should be quarantined at home for the duration of their treatment. A 2-3 week course of antibiotics should clear the infection. Sicker dogs will require hospitalization and some dogs will actually require dialysis.
BOTTOM LINE
L.A. County Public Health Page on this outbreak and more details on what to do: www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/Leptospirosis2021.htm For our own library page: www.marvistavet.com/canine-leptospirosis.pml
DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND RETURNS MONTHLY
We are happy to announce that we are again resuming diagnostic ultrasound as part of our regular services.
To discuss scheduling, notify our reception staff.
CANINE INFLUENZA H3N2 - LOCAL OUTBREAK WHAT HAPPENED An outbreak in a boarding facility in Southern Los Angeles County has involved 30-40 dogs and three cats. One dog has died. This is a very contagious disease so containment is paramount and is the largest canine flu outbreak in L.A. County to date. This is the same virus that led to sickness of over 1000 dogs in Chicago in 2015 as well as quarantine of Chicago to canine travel. (If you don't know what we're talking about because it was underreported in the news, click here for a news story)
WHAT IS IT? The Asian dog flu arrived in the U.S. via foreign rescue groups bringing dogs from Asia into the U.S. for adoption. The virus is more aggressive than the native dog flu virus and is more likely to cause pneumonia. Pneumonia, of course, has potential to be life-threatening. Symptoms include:
HOW DO WE PREVENT IT? Transmission occurs when dogs are housed together and an infected dog is coughing. Vaccination against canine flu is recommended for dogs that board, use day care, go to grooming or participate in group indoor activities. Dogs exposed to known infected dogs should be quarantined for 14 days. Infected dogs should be quarantined for 28 days.
THE BOTTOM LINE If your dog is going to be housed indoors with other dogs, vaccinate for influenza.
For more information on Canine Influenza, here is our library page: https://www.marvistavet.com/influenza-canine.pml
IN OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY 2021, OUR HOSPITAL WILL BE CLOSING AT 3PM ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH. Please schedule accordingly.
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