April 2006 Newsletter

Lone Mountain Animal Hospital
April 2006 Newsletter

The Plague- A Threat to People and Pets
A recent report from Colorado has health officials bracing for cases of the plague. Three animals (one cat, a prairie dog and a wild rabbit) have already tested positive for the disease in one county, and statewide a total of 17 animals have tested positive in Colorado. The increasing amount of animals positive for the plague could translate into a greater risk of people and companion pets acquiring the disease as well. The plague is endemic in wild rodents in Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. In fact, wild rodents on Mt. Charleston have tested positive for the disease and warnings are posted to that effect.

The disease is caused by a bacterium that is spread via fleas on wild rodents such as mice, prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and even rabbits. In people, the disease can lead to a pneumonic or bubonic form. The disease, which during the Middle Ages killed millions of people, is fortunately treatable with today's antibiotics. Cats can acquire the disease from eating wild rodents or the bite of rodent fleas. Cats may develop fever, swollen lymph nodes, pneumonia, and infection in other areas of the body. Dogs seem resistant to the disease, but can carry the infected fleas which then pose a risk to the people in the home.

So what can you do to protect your pet? Pet owners are encouraged to keep their dogs close by when enjoying the outdoors and not allowing them to roam. Cats are best protected by keeping them indoors to prevent coming into contact with wildlife habitats and hunting rodents. Flea control products are valuable to keep the infected rodent fleas off our pets. Las Vegans rarely consider this special instance for flea/tick control since dog and cat fleas are so rare here in the Valley. Be sure to first speak to your veterinarian as some products may not be safe for use in all animals.

Pet Of The Month
Congratulations to Bully, a BIG but loveable Bullmastiff that earns the honor of LMAH's May 2006 Pet of the Month.

Pet Walk A Thon
Coming up Sunday, May 7th is the Las Vegas Valley Humane Society's Wag-a-Tail Walk-a-thon at Summerlin's Hill's Center Park. Dogs and humans alike will participate in the annual event which not only features the walk, but also pet trick competitions, entertainment, and giveaways. You can pre-register at many local PetCos or log on to: www.lvv.humane.org.