TEARS Animal Rescue is advising pet owners to ensure their animals receive vaccination against infectious canine hepatitis (ICH).
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The organisation reports a rise in confirmed cases of ICH, with an alarming 95% fatality rate among unvaccinated animals or those receiving treatment too late. ICH, exclusively affecting dogs, is caused by canine adenovirus 1 (CAV-1) and poses a significant threat due to its fatal nature.
Dr Tania Heuer, head veterinarian at TEARS, highlights the importance of pet owners consulting their local veterinarians to assess the risks to their pets and verify the status of their vaccinations.
‘We have a responsibility to take all necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease and minimise its negative impact on our communities and the unnecessary suffering of animals. Although vaccination has proven effective in reducing the prevalence of this disease, once it emerges in a community, managing its spread and prevention becomes extremely challenging.’
‘The vaccine for ICH is a crucial component of TEARS’ community vaccination initiatives. However, we continue to observe a significant lack of compliance among many pet owners in the community, often due to our mandatory sterilisation and vaccination requirements. Puppies are particularly vulnerable, but older dogs are also at risk if not properly vaccinated,’ explained Dr Heuer.
According to IOL, the incubation period for ICH ranges from two to five days but can extend up to 14 days. The virus is present in the urine, nasal, and ocular secretions of infected animals, with transmission occurring through direct contact with these materials. Symptoms vary from mild to severe and can overlap with other conditions like ‘kennel cough.’
Common signs include lethargy, increased thirst, loss of appetite, coughing with nasal and ocular discharge, conjunctivitis, abdominal pain, edema, vomiting (including blood), yellow mucous membranes, and signs of internal bleeding due to liver necrosis. The prognosis is poor if symptoms progress to liver failure and internal bleeding. Recovered dogs can continue shedding the virus in their urine for up to six months.
‘TEARS Veterinary Hospital has reported an increase in ICH cases, suggesting a concerning resurgence in our communities. This resurgence may be attributed to the decrease in routine vaccinations during and after the Covid-19 lockdown, as well as pet owner negligence in ensuring puppies and adult dogs receive necessary vaccinations,’ noted Dr Heuer.
In the past month, TEARS Veterinary Hospital and mobile clinics administered vaccinations to 641 community pets as part of their welfare mandate. While protection lasts for several months, it diminishes over time, necessitating adult booster vaccinations.
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