Can I Be Poisoned By My Pet Puppy?
Posted on: Monday, 11 July 2005, 09:00 CDT
Q MY puppy was recently treated for salmonella poisoning. Where could he have picked this up and is it a danger to me?
A The source of infection is often difficult to determine, but it is probably a result of eating contaminated food. Transmission to people is possible, so it is best to seek medical advice as soon as you can.
Even a very low percentage of healthy adult dogs can carry and excrete the bacteria Salmonella and this percentage is higher in young dogs. It is estimated that up to 25 per cent of puppies less than six-months-old can shed the bacterium.
Clinical infections are usually found in dogs that have another infection or a weakened immune system. The clinical signs include:
Acute and chronic diarrhoea
Fever
Vomiting
Pneumonia
Conjunctivitis
Severe infections may cause:
Severe depression
Very low body temperature
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QMY rabbit recently developed an abscess. The vet has been treating it, but I'd like to know a bit more about them.
ABACTERIA called Pasturella multocida or Staphylococcus aureus are almost always the cause of abscesses in rabbits. Abscesses are usually the result of fights with cage mates or injuries from other animals. The rabbit develops a local painful swellingthat usually needs antibiotic therapy. Even after treatment they may recur.
There is another condition called Schmorl's disease or necrobacillosis, that is associated with lesions confined usually to the face, head and neck. It can cause ulcers on the skin, (which can lead to abscesses in the area around the jaw) and boneinfections. The affected rabbit needs antibiotic therapy and the prognosis is sometimes not good in advanced cases.
The condition has also been linked with poor housing and hygiene, so it might be a good idea to think about whether any changes in these areas could benefit your rabbit.
n If you have a question for the vet, write directly to: Kurt Vandamme, PO Box 5987, Chelmsford CM1 2GP.
Source: Coventry Evening Telegraph
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