Member

Posts: 68
From:Cleveland, OH, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-25-2003 10:36 AM         

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After responding to some of the questions people have had about their cats & dogs I though I should post the following information as I have some knowledge since I work in a vet clinic.
1)West Niles is only contracted when your animal is bitten by an infected misquito that carries the virus.
2)West Niles is only fatal when an animal with a weak immune system is bitten. Example: Kittens, Puppies, Pets that are already suffering from other disease such as parvo, FIV, Leukemia etc. or liver, kidney, or heart problems.
3) If your pet is healthy and is up to date and regularly vaccinated and treated with frontline, heartgard, and/or proheart injections - you pet is *very* unlikely to die from this disease.
4) Above All - you should always consult your vet if you have any concerns, or questions.

Hope this helps!

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Member

Posts: 926
From:
Registered: May 2003

posted 06-25-2003 12:44 PM         

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Katcrazy - I thought horses were the only animals to get this that a vaccination is needed I havent heard dogs and cats could get it
Honeybear

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Member

Posts: 68
From:Cleveland, OH, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-25-2003 03:07 PM         

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Yes - any animal (including people) can contract this. However just from information I've learned from my vet whom I also work for only 14 cases were reported last year with canines and felines and only one passed away. It was a sheltie mix that already had liver diease, so his immune system was very weak. The other cases survived.

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