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Tularemia in Colorado Cats and Dogs (“Rabbit Fever”)

July 29th, 2015 by Cherished Companions Animal Clinic

While rare, tularemia is something to watch out for in dogs and cats, like these, that spend time outdoors.

Keeping your pet safe from rabbit fever

Recently, you may have heard about the higher-than-normal cases of tularemia — also known as “rabbit fever” and “deer fly fever.”

These cases have been reported in Weld County, Colorado.

Tularemia is a treatable bacterial disease that can affect cats, dogs and people.

We’ve created this article to share information about tularemia. You’ll find prevention tips and symptoms to look for in cats and dogs.

There is no reason to be alarmed. This disease is rare.

Nonetheless, we want to help you stay informed, so you can keep your pet family safe and healthy.

How tularemia is transmitted to pets

Tularemia can affect many animals.

The current cases of tularemia in Colorado appear to be related to an overpopulation of rabbits.

This disease can be transmitted to pets (and people) in several ways:

  • Through direct contact with an infected animal (such as a rabbit, squirrel, prairie dog or rodent), its excrement, or its dead carcass
  • Through flies, ticks and mosquitoes that have associated with an infected animal

Colorado pets that may be at higher risk

Cats are more susceptible to tularemia than dogs. However, both can get it.

You may want to be on higher alert if you have a cat or dog that roams off leash, particularly a pet with access to open space.

If possible, keep your pets from:

  • Drinking unpurified water (such as puddles and stream water)
  • Hunting or eating wild animals, such as rabbits or rodents

Signs of tularemia in Colorado cats and dogs

Be on the lookout for tularemia symptoms such as:

  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Lack of appetite
  • Nasal discharge
  • Enlarged / swollen lymph nodes
  • Draining skin wounds

If your cat or dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, he or she should be examined immediately.

Early detection is important.

This disease is severe and can be fatal, but it’s treatable with early diagnosis.

The sooner our veterinarians can diagnose it, the better the chances of your pet’s survival and recovery.

Parting thoughts for Douglas County pet families

Again, there is no reason for alarm.

Simply be vigilant.

If you’re concerned that your pet could have been in contact with an infected animal or your pet is exhibiting any signs of tularemia, please call our Castle Rock veterinary clinic at (303) 688-3757 to schedule an appointment.

To read more about tularemia in Colorado, check out this 9News report on rabbit fever in Weld County from July 28, 2015.

This article has some good tips on how people can protect themselves from rabbit fever too.

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Tips from a Castle Rock veterinarian: 8 tips to keep your dog safe & happy in Castle Rock

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Cherished Companions Animal Clinic is a veterinary clinic in Castle Rock, Colorado. Specializing in the care of cats and dogs, our goal is to help you and your pet feel more comfortable, keeping your stress to a minimum.

This article is intended to provide general guidance on tularemia in Colorado cats and dogs. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your local veterinarian. (If you live in or around Castle Rock, we welcome your call: 303-688-3757.)

© 2015, Cherished Companions Animal Clinic

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