| Disease Prevention for the Travelling Pet |
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The following information is a brief summary of serious diseases that your pet could be susceptible to when travelling abroad, and effective ways in which you can prevent them. If your pet has a passport then he/she will already have proven protection against rabies (vaccination and blood testing). However you should also be aware of Leishmaniasis, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis and Heartworm disease. Leishmaniasis (Leesh-man-i-asis)Leishmaniasis is cause by a microscopic parasite which is transmitted by sand flies. It infects the white blood cells and consequently causes damage to the immune system causing a variety of symptoms throughout the body. There is no protective vaccine or drug and as the disease can be fatal it is important to take measures to protect your dog against the bites of sand flies. The flies are active from dusk till dawn especially in rural wooded areas, but are not active during the day. The disease occurs in areas where the sand fly lives, predominantly the Mediterranean sub-region and many Latin American countries.Clinical SignsIt can take 3 months to 7 years for signs of the disease to develop following infection.Common signs are hair loss (especially around the eyes), weight loss, overgrown claws, fluctuating fever, lameness and anaemia. Symptoms are progressive and can be fatal. Treatments are available to control the symptoms but are unlikely to eliminate infection. Humans are at much lower risk and are easily treated unless they have a very weak immune system. Transmission to cats is much less likely than dogs. PreventionKeep your pet indoors from dusk until dawn – for cats this is the only preventative measure. NB – Advantix spot on must NEVER be used for cats. Ehrlichiosis (ur-lik-e-o-sis)Ehrlichiosis is caused by intracellular bacteria that invade white blood cells. It is transmitted by ticks in Southern Europe and areas around the Mediterranean. The incubation period before signs of disease are seen is 8 - 20 days. The symptoms are characterised by bleeding; in the acute form this may be seen as severe nosebleeds and haemorrhages on the gums, in the chronic form it causes anaemia, fever and lameness. PreventionThe mainstay of prevention is to prevent tick bites. “Advantix” is a spot on preparation which will protect against ticks for 1 month. “Advantix” has the advantage of actively repelling ticks as well as killing them, and also protects against sand flies. NB – Advantix spot on must NEVER be used for cats. Babesiosis (ba-bee-see-o-sis)Babesiosis is caused by a protozoan parasite that destroys red blood cells. It is transmitted by ticks that live predominantly in Southern Europe but it is possible that it could spread in this country if the disease is brought over here. PreventionTicks are only infective if they feed for 2 - 3 days so rapid removal of ticks is effective. “Advantix” is very effective for preventing ticks attaching. HeartwormAlso known as dirofilariasis, heartworm can be fatal. Adult worms live in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected dogs and the young (microfilaria) are transmitted by the mosquito. Some developmental stages of the worm are essential in the mosquito and also require a higher ambient temperature than is currently present in the U.K. However the disease can be found in many parts of Southern Europe as well as the USA, Canada and Australia. PreventionPreventative treatment with monthly Advocate is very effective. This will also prevent and/or treat a range of other parasite infestations including ear mites, scabies, roundworm and lungworm. Advocate and Advantix can be used concurrently; ideally the applications should be staggered by 2 weeks.
Summary of Preventative Treatment for Pets Travelling AbroadCATSApplication of monthly “Frontline Combo” spot on will give as much protection as possible against ticks and will also prevent flea infestations. DOGS“Advantix” spot on applied monthly to give protecion against sand flies, ticks and fleas and ‘Advocate’ spot-on monthly to protect against heartworm. Treatment should start 1 month prior to travel and continue for 1 month after returning. All the above treatments are available from the surgery.
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