Efforts continue at the Vermilion County Animal Shelter on Catlin Tilton Road in Danville on helping dogs get through the mysterious bacteria or virus that’s been causing trouble for about the past month. The shelter continues to hold off on taking in any additional stray dogs, and shelter director Kasey Snyder says they now have 26 dogs with long term upper respiratory difficulties, along with 13 that have pneumonia.
It is still true that it’s hard to determine if it’s a long term illness at first, because dogs often have brief upper respiratory problems. But Snyder says in the case of their ill dogs, it’s been doing on quite a while.
AUDIO: They’re saying that it’s taking six to eight weeks to treat this. And that’s kind of what we’re finding, because it’s been at least three weeks since we started this. And then the ones that have developed pneumonia, that’s much more serious with the breathing issues.
Snyder says all dog owners should be on high alert, and that there are obvious things to look for.
AUDIO: Nasal discharge, any ocular discharge; coughing, wheezing; kind of quietness in their dog or, you know, not eating. You would definitely want to contact your regular veterinarian right away to see what they would recommend as far as treatment goes.
The Vermilion County shelter has two vets regularly working with them, including one from the U of I. Snyder says they are keeping the healthy dogs in the garage area; and some older ones, and one with puppies, in offices. But anyone who wants to help by taking in a healthy dog for foster care or adopting one would be very welcome. In fact, they have a promotion with the Bissell Pet Foundation through December 17th, where Bissell will take care of all the adoption fees. Snyder says they are, however, recommending a certain precaution, should you adopt a dog and already have others in your home.
AUDIO: People who take them that have other household dogs should separate them for 14 days in the home. And then, once that 14 days is over, they can pretty much go about their normal routine.
For more information, please call the Vermilion County Animal Shelter at 217-431-2660.
