HoofBeats

Spring 2011 Equine Herpes Virus Outbreak

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV), also known as Equine Rhinopneumonitis, is a highly infectious disease of horses that has been a recurring problem over the years.

What is EHV?    EHV is a virus that has nine different subtypes. Three of these subtypes EHV-1, EHV-3, and EHV-4, have been identified in causing the majority of illness in horses.

What are the signs of EHV infection?    The majority of infections cause severe upper respiratory disease; fever, nasal discharge, and poor appetite. Some infections, however, can result in abortions in pregnant mares, and severe neurologic signs such as staggering, weakness, eventual death.

Where is the current outbreak?    The current outbreal was centered at a national cutting horse show in Utah. Currently, the outbreak has been documented as far east as Iowa and Illinois.

Is my horse protected?    Yes!   We have always included a vaccination for Equine Herpes Virus in our Spring and in our Fall vaccination programs. You will see it listed as "Flu/Rhino" on your receipt and records. This is a a combination vaccine for Influenza (abbreviated "Flu") and for Equine Herpes Virus (aka Rhinopneumonitis, abbreviated "Rhino").

To learn more about EHV and the current outbreak, visit;

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/index.htm

...On the Wild Side

Wildlife Rehab a busy, successful year!

Dr. Rachael Jones holds a Federal Wildlife Rehabilitator's license, and Southlane Veterinary Hospital is an adjunct referral facility to the University of Minnesota's noted Raptor Rehab Center.

Every year Dr. Jones and the staff treated numerous injured Red-Tail Hawks, Owls, Canadian Geese, and ducks, along with the usual orphaned bunnies, raccoons, and squirrels.    

!!! New Service at Southlane !!!

Laser Surgery  Available at Southlane

  Often used in human surgery, Laser technology is now available at Southlane. Laser surgery uses a high frequency, focused beam of light. It has well recognized benefits over conventional surgery using a scalpel blade. These benefits include:

• Little to no bleeding.
• Greatly decreased swelling after surgery.
• Significantly decreased pain.
• Much less chance of infection post-operatively.

  The Laser can be used in any surgical procedure, but it will be especially beneficial to the recovery of dogs and cats after routine spays and neuters, and for cats after declawing.

Is Your Pet a Smoker?

Second and Third Hand Cigarette Smoke is Dangerous to Pets.

We all know that exposure to 2nd and 3rd hand cigarette smoke poses a dangerous health threat to humans, but did you realize that pets are equally at risk? Sadly, it's very true.

The toxins from cigarette smoke are heavy and settle out onto carpeting, furniture, car seats, ... and yes, even onto your pet. Respiratory diseases such as allergic bronchitis and chronic rhinosinusitis are commonly seen in pets whose owners smoke. Even if you do not smoke around your pet, the 3rd hand exposure from your clothing or hair can be enough to trigger an allergic response in your pet.

see the related article http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=358929