Sabal Chase Animal Clinic

Sabal Chase Animal Clinic
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Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Leptospirosis and Pets



Leptospirosis and Pets
By Dr. Ian Kupkee


As South Florida temperatures begin to rise, the veterinary community is likely to see an uptick in cases of Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria which is spread through the urine of wild mammals. Although rats are the most common carriers, it is also spread by opossums, mice, skunks, squirrels, and raccoons. While cats are capable of contracting Leptospirosis, feline cases of the disease are extremely rare. Dogs, on the other hand, are always keen to explore the scents associated with wild animals. This common practice of “checking pee-mail” is often how our pets come into contact with this potentially deadly pathogen.

While Leptospirosis is found all over the United States, the bacteria thrives in warm, subtropical climates. It can survive for long periods of time in standing water, including pet bowls that are left outdoors. Humans are also at risk; Florida reported four human cases of Leptospirosis in 2015, one of which was here in Miami-Dade County. Left untreated, Leptospirosis attacks the liver, kidneys, and lungs. It is nearly always fatal. Thankfully, there is a canine vaccine to protect our pets from this nasty bug. It is often included in the Distemper combination vaccine, and has a one-year duration of immunity. If you are unsure as to whether or not your dog is protected, call your vet and find out if their vaccines are up to date. Your veterinary team can advise you on how to best defend your pet from this increasingly common, and deadly infectious disease.
Raccoons are some of the most common carriers of Leptospirosis


Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Meet Weezer, our April Pet of the Month!



This April, our Pet of the Month is Weezer! Weezer is a two-year-old dachshund mix who was adopted from Miami Dade Animal Services. He may be small, but this guy fought a battle with Canine Distemper and won! He was also recently featured on CBS 4, during a segment on the current rabies alert in East Kendall. He was due for his rabies vaccine, and once again, he was very brave! Click here to check out the segment.
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2017/03/06/residents-growing-more-concenred-after-second-rabies-case-in-kendall/

Despite his celebrity status, Weezer still loves hanging out at Wood Tavern in trendy Wynwood with his dad. While he was perfectly happy to stop by for a photo shoot, he had no time to sign "paw"-tographs. After all, it's Happy Hour somewhere!

Congratulations, Weezer, and share with all your friends - you're our Pet of the Month!

"Can we speed this up? My fans are waiting at Wynwood!"