RABIES KILLS!!!!

Rabies is a lethal viral disease for all warm blooded animals that contract it, including humans. Many people believe rabies is a thing of the past, but it is very real and still endemic in this area. Rabid animals have been found in Fairmount Park and many of the Philadelphia suburbs.

We are very lucky to have a safe and effective vaccine for this deadly virus.

Depending on the vaccine given and the area you live in, protection may last one to three years. If your pet's vaccine lapses and s/he obtains a wound of unknown origin (and you live in Montgomery county), the owner has a choice of 6 months quarantine in a veterinary hospital at the owner's expense or euthanasia with examination of the pet's brain for rabies. Other counties have other regulations, but all center around the fact that an unvaccinated pet can pose a health risk to the people s/he is in contact with.

All pets should be vaccinated at 12 weeks of age and boostered as needed. All vaccines have a drop in titer (protection) after the first year and should be repeated according to the recommendations of our staff.

Hopefully your pet will never be exposed to a rabid animal, but even the indoor cat can escape when a door is left ajar or the fenced-in dog can discover the playful raccoon in the trash cans. You can never be too careful.

Hickory Veterinary Hospital © 2005