In the comprehensive guide, vital insights into managing and preventing ringworm in shelter environments are shared. The post emphasizes the critical role of environmental factors like warmth and humidity in the disease's development, advocating for controlled conditions to prevent outbreaks. Highlighted is the delicate balance of animal hygiene, revealing how excessive bathing can predispose animals to infection by compromising their natural defenses.
Tag: Sanitation
The importance of sanitation in breeding facilities to prevent disease and ensure well-being.
[BLOG] What is canine angiostrongilosis? My notes here !
Discover the essentials of canine angiostrongilosis, a parasitic disease increasingly reported in Europe and raising awareness in North America. Known colloquially as the "French heartworm," Angiostrongylus vasorum resides in the heart and pulmonary artery, leading to symptoms that range from respiratory distress to severe neurological and coagulation disorders. Transmission occurs through the ingestion of infected molluscs, posing a risk for dogs across varied regions. Despite the variability in symptom severity, from asymptomatic cases to life-threatening conditions, early detection and a proactive approach to treatment—often extending up to four weeks—are crucial for managing this parasitic threat.
[BLOG] Shelter medicine: 27 things shelter staff should know about ringworm (Part I)
Discover essential insights on managing ringworm in animal shelters with our comprehensive guide. Learn key strategies to prevent, identify, and treat this common fungal infection, crucial for shelter staff dedicated to maintaining animal health and welfare. This article highlights the importance of early detection, effective sanitation practices, and tailored treatment plans, ensuring a safe, ringworm-free environment for both cats and dogs.
[BLOG] Feline upper respiratory diseases: 24 things you need to know concerning Feline Herpes Virus (aka FHV-1)
In the world of feline care, upper respiratory diseases pose significant health challenges, with Feline Herpes Virus (FHV-1) standing out as a prevalent cause. This comprehensive blog sheds light on 24 critical aspects of FHV-1, highlighting its nature as an alpha-herpesvirus specific to cats, with no risk to humans. It delves into the virus's modes of transmission, primarily through close contact via ocular, nasal, and oral secretions, and underscores the critical role of sanitation and hygiene in managing outbreaks. The post also addresses the virus's life-long impact on infected cats, including potential latency and stress-induced reactivation, which can lead to widespread shelter outbreaks.
[BLOG] MSDS : what the heck ???
Discover the critical role of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in shelter environments through our enlightening journey at the Gatineau SPCA. Learn how MSDS, an essential component of product stewardship and occupational safety, empowers workers with safe handling procedures for substances. This piece unravels the importance of MSDS in providing detailed information on toxicity, health effects, and safety measures, ensuring a well-informed approach to using disinfectants and other products in shelters.
[BLOG] Rabies, you are at risk: 5 important tips everyone at the shelter should know !
Rabies poses a significant risk in North America, not just due to wildlife like foxes and raccoons but also domestic animals with unknown health statuses. This article highlights the heightened risk for those working in shelters and provides essential tips to mitigate it. Key measures include vaccination for all at-risk professionals, understanding transmission methods, prioritizing single-housing for new intakes to monitor health, recognizing symptoms early, and knowing the immediate steps to take after potential exposure.
[BLOG] Parasitology: to systematically screen or not, this is the question…
With shelters often being hotspots for infectious diseases, the ideal approach would advocate for systematic screening to tailor treatments and improve sanitation. However, budgetary and time constraints in shelter operations pose significant challenges. While outsourced tests strain finances, in-house testing demands resources and time, making it essential for shelters to weigh the benefits against the costs.
[BLOG] Not only for dogs: CPV-2c
The article sheds light on CPV-2c, a strain initially identified in Italy in 2000, which has since become a significant concern worldwide, including in North America. Notably, CPV-2c doesn't just affect dogs but can also infect cats, causing similar symptoms to those seen in panleukopenia. This revelation emphasizes the importance of awareness and vaccination, as current vaccines and diagnostic tests remain effective against this strain.
[BLOG] A lot of hygiene and a glimpse of contraception: this was our shelter convention !
Key shelter personnel exchanged ideas, aiming for optimal care for animals in their charge. Highlighting the importance of proper sanitation, the introduction of Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide as a potential game-changer in shelter disinfection was discussed. On contraception, while surgical options dominate, promising research into alternatives like GnRH vaccines and gene silencing offers hope for more efficient future solutions, potentially saving time and reducing stress for shelter animals.
[BLOG] Why parasite-free dogs might remain a myth…
Parasites in dogs remain a widespread concern, challenging the notion of achieving a completely parasite-free status for our canine friends. This blog explores the persistent battle against parasites like Giardia and Coccidia, and the critical role of vigilant preventative measures. Despite advancements in veterinary care, including effective deworming protocols and comprehensive vaccination schedules, eradicating parasites in dogs is an ambitious goal. Emphasizing the importance of regular health checks, this piece sheds light on why complete freedom from parasites might still be a myth.
DR. EMMANUEL FONTAINE 