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Rat Issues Once Again Plagues Central Business District

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, once again sources are reporting a big rat problem behind Ridgewood coffee and apartments.

Continue reading Rat Issues Once Again Plagues Central Business District

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Rat-borne disease now killing dogs in New Jersey

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PARAMUS, N.J. — Health officials in New Jersey are warning pet owners about a deadly disease that is passed through rats.

Veterinarians in the state say they have seen a rise in the number of dogs who have contracted leptospirosis this year. The disease — known in some parts of the world as mud fever or swamp fever — is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through rat urine. Health officials say dogs may be exposed to the infection after lapping up puddle water.

CBS New York reports that at least three dogs died and two others were sickened by the disease in northern New Jersey.

The Blue Pearl Veterinary Hospital in Paramus has recently treated five dogs; three of them died. It was too late for antibiotics and the animals suffered organ failure, WCBS 880 reported.

The infection can also be hazardous for humans if they come into contact with rat urine. A Bronx man died from leptospirosis in February and two others became ill. But the New Jersey Health Department says there are currently no known human cases of leptospirosis in the state.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rat-borne-disease-leptospirosis-kills-dogs-in-new-jersey/

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Bergen County Sees Uptick in Leptospirosis, Disease That Can Kill Dogs

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March 28,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, according to the Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital On February 14, 2017, the New York City Department of Health announced three human cases of Leptospirosis, two with pulmonary hemorrhage and one fatal as a result of infection. Recently there have also been outbreaks in Chicago and Arizona, where dozens of dogs have been infected.  Now, there have been reports of 6 cases in New Jersey, including 5 dogs in Bergen County.

NBC explained , ‘Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection dogs can catch from wildlife like squirrels and rats. The disease passes through urine, which pets may lick up when drinking from puddles or other standing water.’

The Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital  the symptoms in dogs may be any of these: lethargy, loss of appetite, depression, fever, dehydration, weakness, diarrhea, and vomiting. Leptospirosis can become life threatening in a very short period of time.

The best protection is prevention, and there is a canine vaccine for Leptospirosis. While cats can also be infected, there is no vaccine for cats at this time.

If you are not certain if your dog is protected, you can see your dog’s vaccination status through Pet Portals on our website: www.ridgewoodvet.com. If you are not registered, you can register there as well.

If your dog has never been vaccinated against Leptospirosis, or is overdue, please call our office to be scheduled immediately. If overdue, only one vaccination is required. If never vaccinated, a series of two is required.

If your dog is due within the next 60 days, we recommend giving the vaccine now to insure maximum antibody protection during this increased risk period as opposed to minimal protection possible at the end of the vaccine period.

Please call our office now to schedule an appointment if your dog is overdue, never had, or due within 60 days for the Leptospirosis Vaccine.