The Risk of Salmonella With Reptiles

The CDC is collaborating with public health, veterinary, and agriculture officials in many states and the US Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) to investigate an outbreak of  Salmonella [enterica serotype] Cotham infections linked to contact with pet bearded dragons purchased from multiple stores in different states.

 Bearded dragons are popular pet lizards, native to Australia, that come in a variety of colors. Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify cases of illness that may be part of this outbreak. PulseNet, the national subtyping network of public health and food regulatory agency laboratories coordinated by CDC, obtains DNA "fingerprints" of  Salmonella bacteria through diagnostic testing with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, or PFGE.

 On 22 Jan 2014, CDC was notified by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services of a cluster of S. Cotham infections with a high proportion of ill persons reporting exposure to pet reptiles. Since 2012, there have been 12 ill persons infected with S. Cotham in Wisconsin, and 10 (83 percent) of 12 persons reported contact with pet bearded dragons. Wisconsin receives funding under the CDC FoodCORE (Foodborne Diseases Centers for Outbreak Response Enhancement) program. These centers work together to develop new and better methods to detect, investigate, respond to, and control multistate outbreaks of foodborne diseases.

Salmonella Cotham is a rare serotype. Searching historical Salmonella databases, CDC determined that serotype Cotham represents only 0.01 percent of all human isolates in the USA since 1963. Before this outbreak, typically less than 25 serotype Cotham infections were reported to PulseNet annually. Given the rarity of the Cotham serotype and the information gathered by Wisconsin, CDC conducted a search of PulseNet for all S. Cotham infections reported since 2012. As of 21 Apr 2014, a total of 132 persons infected with the outbreak strain of  S. Cotham have been reported from 31 states since 21 Feb 2012. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows (listed in alphabetical order): Arizona (4), California (21), Colorado (2), Florida (3), Georgia (1), Idaho (3), Illinois (6), Kansas (6), Kentucky (4), Maryland (3), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (5), Minnesota (3), Missouri (7), Nebraska (1), Nevada (3), New Hampshire (1), New Jersey (3), New York (10), North Carolina (2), Ohio (1), Oregon (2), Pennsylvania (5), South Carolina (1), South Dakota (1), Tennessee (5), Texas (6), Utah (3), Virginia (3), Washington (4), and Wisconsin (12).
Among 132 persons for whom information is available, dates that illnesses began range from 20 Feb 2012 to 1 Apr 2014. Ill persons range in age from less than 1 year to 79 years, with a median age of 2 years. 58 percent of ill persons are children 5 years of age or younger. 51 percent of ill persons are female. Among 67 ill persons with available information, 28 (42 percent) have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Investigation of the outbreak :
Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by officials in local, state, and federal public health agencies indicate that contact with pet bearded dragons is the likely source of this outbreak of  Salmonella Cotham infections.

On 25 Mar 2014, CDC sent a questionnaire to the states involved in the investigation to obtain more detailed information from ill persons about recent contact with reptiles. In interviews, ill persons answered questions about contact with animals and foods consumed during the week before becoming ill. To date, CDC has received a total of 31 completed questionnaires. 27 (87 percent) of 31 persons interviewed reported contact with reptiles or their environments before becoming ill. When asked about the type of reptile, 25 (81 percent) of 31 persons reported contact with lizards; of these 25 persons, 21 (84 percent) specifically reported contact with bearded dragons, a type of lizard. The percentage of ill persons in this outbreak reporting contact with a reptile is substantially higher than the percentage of USA households that reported owning a pet reptile in a survey conducted in 2013-2014 by the American Pet Products Association (5.6 percent). State and local health departments are continuing to interview ill persons.

Laboratory investigation :
The Oregon State Public Health Laboratory has isolated the outbreak strain of  S. Cotham from samples from a pet bearded dragon and its terrarium (habitat) collected from an ill person's home in Oregon. The National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) is a US public health surveillance system that tracks antibiotic resistance in foodborne and other enteric bacteria found in people, raw meat and poultry, and food-producing animals. NARMS is an interagency partnership among CDC, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and state and local health departments.

The NARMS human surveillance program at CDC monitors antibiotic resistance in Salmonella and several other bacteria isolated from clinical specimens and submitted to NARMS by public health laboratories. CDC's NARMS laboratory tested Salmonella Cotham isolates collected from three ill persons infected with the outbreak strain. 1 (33 percent) of the 3 isolates tested was multidrug
resistant (defined as resistance to at least 1 antibiotic in 3 or more antibiotic classes), and the other 2 (67 percent) isolates tested were pan susceptible (susceptible to all antibiotics tested). The multidrug resistant isolate has shown resistance to the following antibiotics: ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole, tetracycline, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefoxitin, ceftriaxone, ceftiofur, and gentamicin. One of these antibiotics, ceftriaxone, is commonly used to treat serious Salmonella infections, including those in children. The CDC NARMS laboratory is continuing to conduct antibiotic resistance testing on Salmonella Cotham isolates collected from ill persons. Additional results will be reported when they become available.

Traceback investigation :
The pet industry is working closely with CDC to determine the source of the bearded dragons linked to this outbreak in order to prevent additional illnesses. Through this collaboration, multiple potential bearded dragon breeders have been identified that supply lizards to pet stores in the United States where ill persons reported purchasing their animals. This investigation is ongoing and CDC will update the public when more information is available.

The information above has been communicated to Capitol Illini Veterinary Services by:
promed@promedmail.org

ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases

   Salmonellosis can be acquired from a variety of lizards, including these bearded dragons,   
   snakes, turtles, and iguanas. Appropriate hand hygiene is necessary to minimize this risk.


                          

For more information on Salmonella visit the below websites.

http://www.isid.org/

http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/

Come Visit Capitol Illini @ The Pet Expo on April 26th!

Saturday, April 26.        10 am to 4pm         The Expo Building, State Fairgrounds

http://wnns.com/pages/ani-mall

 The Ani-Mall Pet Expo and Mega Adoption Event is right around the corner!

Capitol Illini will be at the fairgrounds again this year with a booth set up for visitors!

Capitol Illini will have free giveaways for you and your pet, along with a fun photo opportunity!

Our staff and Doctors will be available to answer questions and visit with you and your four legged friends!

The event is being hosted by 98-7 WNNS, 970 WMAY, 92.7 WQLZ and Alice @ 97.7 .

There will be a variety of pet related businesses providing animal care givers access to the latest information. Make sure to look for us!

Well behaved animals on a leash are welcome.

Capitol Illini does not decide the admission fee for the event, but we believe it will be between

 $ 2- $5 .

Chemotherapy Now Offered At Capitol Illini

Cancer can be a frightening word to hear, especially if the word is used in reference to a family pet.  Pet owners often have many questions when their pet is diagnosed with cancer- How bad it is? What is the prognosis? Is there anything we can do?

At Capitol Illini Veterinary Services we understand that these are concerns many owners may inevitably face. Because of that, we want to be there to answer those questions.  Dr. Blake Marcum is now providing consultations in oncology and chemotherapy.  Dr. Marcum has partnered with an oncology group that provides consultations with a board certified oncologist’s oversight for each case.  This allows for treatment tailored specifically for your pet along with the convenience of location and the quality of care that you have come to expect from Capitol Illini.

Cats and dogs respond differently to chemotherapy than humans, and luckily they are much more tolerant.  This means they experience fewer side effects and can maintain a great quality of life during and after treatment. Patients receive their treatment as an outpatient procedure, so they can go home the same day.

Call Capitol Illini today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Marcum and discuss your questions and concerns about cancer and treatment options for your pet. 

 We look forward to working with you!

Great Local Organization Makes Dog Biscuits!

Beg-O-Bone

Welcome to SPARC - Where we celebrate the triumph of the human spirit!

 Founded in 1951, Sparc is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Springfield area. For over 60 years, we’ve been dedicated to helping individuals find work and outlets to build self-confidence and independence, and live up to their potential.

Our work center provides training opportunities to help both individuals and local businesses. Our programs provide work to improve ability to engage in productive work activities through a focus on cooperation, attendance, productive capacity, and task completion. Individuals also receive assistance and training in physical fitness, computer skills, work-place relationships, volunteerism, self-advocacy, personal care and other hobbies. Building these skills allows individuals to find and maintain a place in a work atmosphere, and provides assistance to local businesses looking for help.

Contact Sparc today to learn more about our programs, who we help, and how you can give to our organization!

Beg-O-Bone makes delicious homemade dog treats that are sure to please your pooch! Take some home for your furry friend, or put them out at your local business to treat the community canines.
The newest of Sparc’s micro-businesses, Beg-O-Bone, produces fresh dog biscuits for retail sales, providing work training for individuals with disabilities. Our bakery is set up in our Work Center facility located at 2929 Stanton Avenue, Springfield, Il. Individuals supported by Sparc then measure, mix, roll, cut and bake the biscuits, making approximately 1500 great, bone-shaped dog biscuits for your pup to enjoy. Individuals are also responsible for quality control and packaging.
Beg-O-Bone dog biscuits are perfect for banks, dry cleaners, drive-thru's, mail carriers, police officers, or utility workers such as telephone repairmen and meter readers to keep a little treat handy.

Beg-O-Bone’s biscuits are made from all natural ingredients: white flour, whole wheat flour, dark caro syrup, molasses, garlic powder and silicone dioxide.

                        

Place your order with Beg-O-Bone today, and support Sparc and the individuals we support at the same time.

1 lb. - approximately 50 biscuits - $ 5.00
5 lbs. - approximately 250 biscuits - $15.00
Decorated biscuit sticks (4) per package- $2.50
Small tin plain-$4.00
Small tin decorated with yogurt/sprinkles- $5.00 

Call (217) 529-8793 or email solutions@spfldsparc.org. Sparc will deliver your order right to your doggie door.

Check our their website @ http://www.spfldsparc.org/

Heart Murmurs in Dogs and Cats

Heart Murmurs in Dogs and Cats

 

What is a heart murmur?

 

When your veterinarian listens to your pet’s heart during their physical exam, the heart sounds are very similar to human heart sounds, described as “lub dub...lub dub...lub dub”.  A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound that is caused by turbulent blood flow.  If your pet has a heart murmur, rather than these regular sounds, the heart beats may sound like “lub swoosh...lub swoosh...lub swoosh”.  The swooshing sound is caused by a disruption in smooth and regular blood flow through the heart.

 

What kinds of disease can cause a heart murmur?

 

A heart murmur is a clinical sign of heart disease, but it is not specific for the cause or the severity of your pet’s underlying heart disease. 

•  In cats, heart murmurs are often caused by abnormal thickening of the heart walls, causing the heart walls to become stiff and rigid.  In turn, this reduces the amount of filling and pumping the heart can do.  The most common cat breeds affected are Maine Coon and Ragdoll.
• In small dogs, heart murmurs are often caused by degeneration of the valves that keep blood flowing in a forward direction.  Specifically, the mitral valve, which forms a tight seal from the left atrium to the left ventricle, and can degenerate over time and allow blood to leak backwards into the atrium every time the heart pumps.  Other valves can also become degenerative over time, but the mitral valve is the most common.  The most common breeds affected are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Miniature Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, and Dachshunds. 
• In puppies and kittens, a murmur detected on physical exam may be a sign of a congenital abnormality that may require early and aggressive treatment, or may go away within a few weeks of birth.  Fortunately, these murmurs are rare.
   
  How do I know if my pet has a heart murmur?
   
  You cannot tell your pet has a heart murmur just by looking at them.  Heart murmurs are detected on physical exam when your veterinarian listens to your pet’s heart sounds with a stethoscope.  If a heart murmur is detected for the first time during an exam, your veterinarian may recommend to re-check the murmur in a few weeks to see if it is still present or has changed.  Murmurs are graded on a scale from 1-6 and allow veterinarians to monitor for progression of the murmur over time.  Other signs of heart disease that you can watch for at home are coughing, exercise intolerance, lethargy, or increased respiratory (breathing) rate.
   
   
  My pet has just been diagnosed with a heart murmur, what do I do next?
   
  If your pet has just been diagnosed with a heart murmur, there is no need to panic.  Many dogs and cats have murmurs that do not progress to heart failure; they live a long full life that does not require treatment of their heart disease.  However, additional diagnostic tests may be necessary to determine the specific type of heart disease and how advanced it may be.  These tests help you and your veterinarian to determine if treatment is necessary.

•  Chest x-rays may be recommended by your veterinarian to monitor for evidence of heart enlargement. 
• An echocardiogram is an ultrasound exam of the heart; this test is useful to determine the exact cause of your pet’s heart disease and also determine how well your pet’s heart is functioning. 
• Other tests such as an ECG (electrocardiogram) to evaluate the heart’s electrical activity, blood pressure, or blood tests may also be recommended.
• In some cases, referral to a veterinary cardiologist may be recommended.

                            

                                     Here is a radiograph of the heart and lungs

 

How do you treat a heart murmur?

 

There is no specific treatment for a heart murmur, but depending on the specific case, medications may be indicated.  Some heart disease medications work to decrease the work load on the heart by lowering blood pressure or decreasing blood volume.  Other medications are used to improve amount of blood the heart pumps out by strengthening the heart muscle contractions or slowing the heart rate to make the heart a more effective pump.  If your pet is diagnosed with a heart murmur, discuss the appropriate treatment options that are available to you and your pet.

                               

                             

                          Here Dr. Helgen is pictured performing an echocardiogram

                  (ultrasound of the heart) to evaluate a patient with a heart murmur.

 

An annual physical exam with your veterinarian is vital to detect heart murmurs, which are often the earliest and most subtle signs of underlying heart disease.  If your pet has a newly discovered heart murmur, talk to your veterinarian about what diagnostic tests are available, treatment options, and what you can be watching for at home. 

•  For additional information, please visit these sites:
   
  http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2488
   
  Dogs:  http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2515
   
  Cats:  http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2507
   
   
• Dr. Colleen Helgen   Capitol Illini Veterinary Services    Springfield, IL    January 2014