Zoonotic Diseases

In 64 million American household’s pets are a source of joy and perhaps even the key to longer, healthier lives. However, pet-owning households with young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems need to be aware that their animals can play host to disease-causing microorganisms. Humans are not likely to catch a disease through their pets, but in very rare cases it can happen. Fortunately, most of these diseases rarely occur in healthy individuals, are mild and can be easily treated. 

Others, like toxoplasmosis, can be far more serious. Diseases transmitted from animals to humans are called zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases usually live out their complex life cycles in animals, but sometimes cross into human bodies. Usually contracting a pet-borne disease requires very close contact with animals or their excretions, so zoonotic diseases can be avoided with common sense, cleanliness and regular pet examinations and vaccinations. Children often put their hands in their mouths, providing an easy route for bacteria to travel into their bodies. For example, children who eat dirt are more susceptible to contracting zoonotic diseases. Children also are more susceptible to pet-borne illness because they carry fewer antibodies than adults do. The same holds true for puppies and kittens, making them more likely to carry disease than older dogs and cats. Although the chances of getting a zoonotic disease from your pet are slim, these are some common pet-borne illnesses that can make people sick:

Salmonellosis This bacteria generally makes its way into human bodies through contaminated food. The bacteria can be passed through animal feces and may cause symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea and exhaustion.

Roundworms
Roundworm eggs and microscopic adult worms can be excreted in the feces of dogs and cats infected by the worms. Children may be at a higher risk for contracting roundworms because they play near pets or touch infected feces and put their hands into their mouths. Because of the risk to children, all cats and dogs should be taken to their veterinarians for regular fecal examinations. Also remember to cover all sandboxes when not in use to prevent children from contacting contaminated feces. Symptoms can include fever, cough, loss of appetite, weakness and lung congestion.

Cat Scratch Fever
This bacteria is usually transmitted from cats to humans through scratches. The bacteria is found on nails or claws and can cause high fever, loss of appetite, weakness and swollen lymph nodes. In otherwise healthy people, Cat Scratch Fever is usually mild and resolves itself. However, the bacteria caused by Cat Scratch Fever can be extremely dangerous or even fatal if left untreated in immune-compromised individuals. It’s important for these pet owners to tell their doctors they own a cat. Young children should be sure to wash scratches thoroughly with soap and water.

Strep Throat
Though your pet is probably not the culprit bringing strep into your household each year, the possibility does exist. Recently, researchers have found that it’s more likely that people are infecting their pets. In any case, keep your children from kissing, licking or exchanging food by mouth with their pets.

Ringworm
A fungal infection of the skin, hair or nails, ringworm starts as a rapidly spreading hairless, circular lesion. Humans can be infected through use of contaminated objects like hair brushes, towels or clothing or by contact with infected animals like cats, dogs, mice, rats and guinea pigs.

Scabies Also called sarcoptic mange, scabies is a skin disease caused by itch mites which burrow under the skin. Scabies cause intense itching and scratching that can result in severe eczema. Humans can be infected through contact with infected animals. The most effective way to prevent zoonotic diseases and ensure your good health is to ensure good health for your pets. This means taking your pet to the veterinarian for regular exams and vaccinations. Most pet owners find that by following their veterinarian’s nutritional and health recommendations, their pets will lead happy, healthy lives with little risk of zoonotic infections.

SOURCE: https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/general_health_care/diseases_transmitted_by_pets.aspx

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National Pet Preparedness Month

This month is National Pet Preparedness Month. In order to be sure your pet is prepared for a disaster, make sure your safety kit includes food, water, leash and collar, bowls, pet ID, medications, immunization records, pet carrier, first aid kit, and a contact list for all pet emergency contacts.

Christmas Tree Safety

Christmas trees are beautiful this time of year, but they can also be dangerous. Please remember that Christmas tree water can be harmful to pets if they drink it, and that pine needles can injure your pet’s paws, or insides if swallowed. Be mindful of your pet’s safety at all times this holiday season.

Antifreeze Dangers and Your Pet

Fall is a time for cold weather and shorter days, and your pet may be spending more time looking for a place to keep warm outside. If your pet goes into your garage or shed, it’s important to make sure that you have removed all dangerous chemicals from their reach. Antifreeze is especially dangerous because it appeals to pets with its sweet taste and smell, and it is toxic if consumed. Please help keep your pets safe this fall!

Louie had a great Independence Day!

Welcome Dr. Sarah Cottom!

Welcome to our new Associate Veterinarian Dr. Sarah Cottom! Dr. Sarah is a California native. She attended the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, with special interests in dermatology, ophthalmology and internal medicine. Sarah lives in Maple Grove with her boyfriend Jeremy and their cat Gert. She enjoys running and spending time with family and friends. We are excited to have her as a part of our team!

 

X-ray (Broken Cat Femur)

Here are two X-rays of a cat with a broken femur. Before and after surgical repair.

Happy 5 Year Work Anniversary Anna!

This Saturday will mark the fifth year anniversary of work for Anna Thompson at Barrington Oaks Veterinary Hospital! Happy 5 Year Work Anniversary Anna! We're so happy to have you as a part of our team!

 

Congratulations Michelle!

Special Congratulations to Michelle, a Veterinary Technician, who will be getting married tomorrow!

 

Proper Way to Remove a Tick

Good Job Award

Congratulations to Kristin Ardery for receiving the Good Job Award for May! Born and raised in Minnesota, Kristin has worked in the veterinary field for over twenty years. She graduated from the Medical Institute of Minnesota in the early 1990's. Kristin completed an internship and lived in Maui, Hawaii for one year before returning to her home state of Minnesota where she has worked as a Certified Veterinary Technician at small animal hospitals throughout the suburbs. Kristin has been with Barrington Oaks Veterinary Hospital since 1999 and is raising two sons and a daughter. Her special interests include internal medicine, labwork and in particular, working with geriatric cats. She likes to travel and attend her children's sporting events which include BMX.

 

Did you know that animals that are overweight live two years less than pets at an ideal weight?  Obesity is fast becoming an epidemic among our pets.  Diet and exercise are the two most important factors in preventing and treating obesity.  We can provide a customized feeding program for your pet and get them back in tip top shape!

Team Member of the Month

Barrington Oaks Veterinary Hospital is proud to honor Anna Thompson as our May Team Member of the Month! Anna has been a veterinary assistant with Barrington Oaks since 2006. She has three labrador retrievers and two cats. Her hobbies include dog training, hunting and fishing. She enjoys being outdoors. Anna has her Associate Degree in Business Management and hopes to one day open a boarding and training facility.

Allergies

Is your pet’s itching and scratching keeping you awake at night? Spring is the beginning of allergy season as the pollen and mold counts rise. Pets are not born with allergies, they develop with repeated exposure. Chewing, biting, scratching, sneezing, itchy ears and watery eyes may be indications that your pet may have developed some allergies. We have developed a comprehensive plan to address these issues and would be happy to help your pet so they can enjoy the spring season as well.

Happy Mother's Day!

We would like to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. You are appreciated and we are sure if your pets could, they would say the same thing! Have a great Mother's Day everyone!

The team at Barrington Oaks Veterinary Hospital hopes that Dr. Lois Harmon had a great birthday yesterday!

 

This week is Be Kind to Animals Week!

Join the event that’s been celebrated every year since 1915 -- American Humane Association’s Be Kind to Animals Week. In this annual tradition, we commemorate the role animals play in our lives, promote ways to continue to treat them humanely, and encourage others, especially children, to do the same. While Be Kind to Animals Week is celebrated only once a year, we should strive to always be kind to animals every day. What is the kindest thing you've done for your pet today?

 

Let your pet start the spring on the right paw by being a responsible pet owner. Exercise your pet on a leash in public areas and be sure to pick up after their accidents. For that outdoor loving cat consider building an outdoor exercise enclosure and keep them safe while keeping your neighbors happy. Don’t forget your annual parasite prevention especially for pets that leave the yard frequently! 

Pets & Lawn Fertilizer

People use fertilizer to make their lawns and gardens grow healthy and green. We would like to remind you to keep your pet off of the lawn for at least three days, or thoroughly water the lawn and let it dry before letting your pet out. Dogs and cats will eat grass sometimes, and if they eat fertilizer, it could have deadly results. Signs of fertilizer poisoning are vomiting and lethargy.