BLASTOMYCOSIS: A HIDDEN THREAT TO YOU AND YOUR PETS

WHAT IS BLASTOMYCOSIS / BLASTO?
Blastomycosis, which may also be known as Gilchrist’s Disease, is a fungal infection caused by blastomyces dermatitidis, which grows in the soil in the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri river valleys, areas adjacent to Lake Michigan, Southern Canada, and along the Eastern Seaboard. Only some of the animals in these areas will be infected. The primary risk factor is an individual with a compromised immune system.

It most commonly occurs -
- along rivers banks or lakes,
- in rotting vegetation or fallen trees
- MULCH, top soil and even potting soil

The infected materials are usually in a relatively small area- possibly just a few square yards or a rotting log.

HOW BLASTOMYCOSIS IS TRANSMITTED TO YOUR DOG:
Spring and Autumn seem to be the most prevalent seasons of contagion, but is possible at any time, usually following contact with water or excavated earth. When material containing the Blasto organism is disturbed, the spores of the fungus blastomyces dermatitidis are dispersed into the air and then inhaled.

Most at risk are dogs that have extensive outdoor exposure. Since digging is a favorite pastime for some dogs, exposure is not surprising. Sporting dogs that are often in and around ponds, lakes and rivers are most likely to contract Blasto. It is unknown why intact males are more at risk than females. Although the females are generally more responsive to treatment, they are also more prone to relapse.

If you are a cat owner that allows your cats to roam outside or even just supervised strolls in your fenced yard- remember your cat will scratch at dirt to cover their eliminations.

Go to the Critter Sitters, Inc. website to read the entire article.

The Adventure of Vanna (the formerly lost Husky)

Vanna (the formerly Lost Husky)’s Adventure:

When Vanna first disappeared on 2/17, she was not immediately seen for several days. Then reports started coming in that she was sighted near the UWM library.

Yesterday, a very nice woman who feeds and cares for some outside kitties without families, saw Vanna go into her garage where the kitty food is kept. Thinking quickly, she simply closed the door and called Vanna’s family.

Vanna’s family are, needless to say, overjoyed at the return of their furry family member!

Although a little dirty and cold, Vanna seemed to just need a good meal. She did not appear to be sore or injured in any way.
Just to be sure, Vanna’s family is taking her to the veterinarian for a check up this morning.

Welcome home Vanna!

Kachina is Looking for a Loving Forever Home

Kachina is a 14 year old spayed female cat that is currently in a foster situation in southeast Wisconsin and needs a loving forever home. She is a lovely kitty, a sweetheart and a good mouser. She would probably do best being the only animal in a household, or at least the only cat, and in a household where there aren’t young children, as she can sometimes get over-stimulated and feisty.

Please contact Critter Sitters, Inc. at 414-540-6326 or by e-mail if you would like to adopt Kachina.

Easy Tips for a Pet-Safe Holiday Season from the ASPCA

There’s nothing more scrumptious than gathering with friends and family for the holidays, but many of the ingredients in human fun can result in distress for pets. As we kick off this season of lights, parties and yummy treats, the ASPCA wants to remind pet parents of the potential hazards certain goodies and décor can pose to our furry friends.

“As you prepare for your holiday celebrations,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President of ASPCA Animal Health Services, “remember to be wary of foods and traditions that can bring potential dangers to companion animals.”

In honor of the joyous season to come, ASPCA poison control experts offer these essential tips for having pets at the party in a safe way:

Avoid Too Much of a Good Thing
While the holidays are a time for giving, there are some foods you should not share with your furry friends. A taste of mashed potato or a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, alcoholic beverages, coffee, onions, fatty foods, yeast dough and macadamia nuts can all lead to stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. A special no-no is chocolate, which if ingested can lead to death. And you may want to skip sharing the turkey—poultry bones can splinter and cause blockages.

Put the Meds Away
One of the most common holiday-related emergencies is the consumption of human pharmaceuticals. Make sure all your medications are securely locked away, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.

That Holiday Glow
When you leave the room, put the candles out! Animals can easily knock lit candles over, causing a fire, and curious cats are particularly at risk of getting burned by candle flames. Also, be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on stable surfaces.

Decorations Can Be Dangerous
Holiday decorations such as breakable ornaments, string, ribbon and dreidels should be kept out of paws’ reach. These traditional decorations can cause choking or severe intestinal problems if swallowed. All holiday light strands, loose wires and electric cords can also pose serious dangers to your pet, especially puppies, who may chew on them.

Go Tinsel-less
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

Forgo the Flowers
Be careful with holiday floral arrangements. Lilies are commonly used this time of year and all varieties, including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and Casa Blanca can cause kidney failure in cats. In addition, common Yuletide plants such as mistletoe and holly berries can be potentially toxic to pets. Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Safe alternatives include artificial flowers made from silk or plastic.

Oh, Christmas Tree
Cats often see trees as fabulous climbing posts. Be sure to securely anchor your tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. Also keep in mind that tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset if ingested. Stagnant tree water can also act as a breeding ground for bacteria, and, if ingested, a pet may suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

New Year’s Noise
As you count down to the New Year, be alert to any pet hazards such as noise-makers and confetti. Noise-makers can frighten your pets, causing them to bolt out an open door or window. Confetti, if ingested, can wreak havoc on the digestive tract.

Holiday Travel
Before traveling with your pets by car or plane, make sure they have all the required vaccinations and are wearing identification tags or are microchipped. If you’re traveling by car, be sure to secure your pet safely with a seatbelt harness, crate or barrier and make frequent stops, allowing pets time to exercise and relieve themselves.

If your dog or cat accidentally ingests any potentially harmful products and you need emergency advice, please consult your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee applies) or www.aspca.org/apcc.

Puppy Mill Bill Signed – A Letter from Governor Jim Doyle

Dear Friends:

I am proud to tell you that I have signed into law Assembly Bill 250 that significantly strengthens the regulation and oversight of dog breeders and dog breeding facilities.

This bill requires dog sellers, dog shelters and animal control facilities to be licensed, sets uniform standards for living conditions, and provides new penalties for those who do not obtain licenses.

With this new law, we are taking very important steps to ensure Wisconsin is a more humane state. We are taking action to ensure that the state can regulate, inspect and enforce commercial dog breeder rules and ensure that all dogs receive humane treatment.

I congratulate Senator Pat Kreitlow (D-Chippewa Falls) and Representative Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire) for introducing their bill to bring comprehensive reforms to the licensing and regulating of commercial dog breeders, and also want to thank Representative Christine Sinicki (D-Milwaukee), and Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) for their work on the bill.

I always have shared your concern about the inhumane treatment of animals and the need for effective regulation of pet dealers and kennels in Wisconsin, and I welcomed the opportunity to sign this important bill.
Sincerely,

Jim Doyle
Governor

Related Article from the Wisconsin Humane Society

Swine Flu Infects Housecat – Are Your Pets Safe?

from an ASPCA News Alert: November 20, 2009

Ever since the news broke earlier this month that an American cat caught the swine flu, rumors about how pets can catch this disease have been spreading – but we’re here to set the record straight!

“On November 2, test results confirmed that a pet cat in Iowa was infected by the H1N1 (swine flu) virus, which was most likely transmitted by human family members,” reports Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA. “All family members, including the cat, have now recovered. In unrelated incidents in other states, a few pet ferrets also recently tested positive for H1N1, and one of them has died. Although we already knew that infected humans could transmit H1N1 to both pigs and turkeys, these are the first reported cases of the virus affecting cats and ferrets.

According to Dr. Murray, there are no known instances of a dog catching H1N1 (but remember, it is flu season, and your dogs are still susceptible to catching other flu bugs). In addition, there is currently no evidence that H1N1 can be passed from pet to human – it seems to be going only the other way, with people transmitting the illness to their pets.

A little common sense will go a long way in decreasing the likelihood of passing the illness on to your pets. If members of your household are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, the ASPCA recommends protecting your pets by:

• washing hands thoroughly,
• covering coughs and sneezes and
• avoiding close contact with pets during the course of the illness.

In fact, if you’re sick, it’s a good idea to give your pets a place other than your bedroom to sleep at night until you get better.

If any pet displays symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing or difficulty breathing – especially if a human family member has recently suffered from influenza – please contact your veterinarian.

Critter Sitters, Inc. Receives 2009 Best of Milwaukee Award

Critter Sitters, Inc. has been selected for the 2009 Best of Milwaukee Award in the Professional Pet Sitting category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

http://www.crittersittersinc.com/news.php

Make Halloween a Treat Not a Trick for Your Pets

Halloween can be a fun time for children and adults, but it can be a nightmare for pets.  The two biggest problems with Halloween are frightened pets and poisoned pets.

Veterinarians and pet care professionals suggest the following easy pet safety checklist for Halloween:

• Keep a closer eye on your animals when they are outside close to Halloween.  All animals that go outside should have up to date licenses/tags on their collar.  Keeping pets indoors as much as possible protects pets from potential danger from people who would want to steal, injure or kill animals.  Though such cases of cruelty are rare, pet care professionals suggest that it is better to be safe than sorry. 
• If you take your dog trick or treating, be sure to have your pet on a short leash. 
• If your pets are at home, keep them calm and away from the door.  Constant knocks at the door or doorbell ringing, and strangers in costume can stress pets.  Also, the animal may try and run out the door as it is opened repeatedly for trick or treaters.   Keeping your pets confined in a room away from the door will cause your pet much less stress.
• Don’t dress up pets unless they really enjoy it, and make sure the costume allows for freedom of movement, full vision, hearing and breathing, isn’t restrictive around his neck or constricting any other area. .  Make sure the costume is not held on with rubber bands as those can dig into the pet’s skin and make sure the costume does not contain any dangling or loose accessories that could become consumed and lead to choking. 



• Restrict your pet’s access to holiday decorations, especially jack o’lanterns and candles.  They can become injured or cause a fire.
• Keep all candy safely out of the pet’s reach.  Chocolate is particularly dangerous and can cause vomiting, restlessness, increased urination, heart disturbances, convulsions and even death if eaten in sufficient quantities.   If you think your animal may have ingested chocolate and displays any of these symptoms, consult a veterinarian immediately.
• Don’t set off fireworks in close proximity to areas in which pets or domestic animals are housed.

By following the few simple suggestions listed above, you and your pet can enjoy a Safe and Happy Halloween!