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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Buddy attacked possum. Advise?
| Hello anyone, Just another thing to be worry about, Buddy, my second IMHA daschund, attacked a possum (most likely) last night. It was really dark, and this possum was hiding underneath our porch. My husband took him for a walk, right away Buddy found him and start attacking him. He was in mouth to mouth with the possum. Luckily, my husband could separate them and no one got injured. No blood, no wound but I'm so worried of rabies. Called the animal emergency, and she said there's nothing I could do last night, since if I would run a test, the test won't be ready right away. And rabies is a rare possibility, but I should watch for any symptoms in the mean time. We'll be taking him to the vet today/tomorrow for a test. Buddy didn't have rabies shots for at least 3 years, and at his last titer test, the vet told me that he's not so well protected. Arrggggh...just another set back. Buddy has been doing well, his last PCV is at 39. What do you guys think? Regards, Evi |
| evi Illinois |
| Evi, I am sorry this has happened to you. As if you needed one more thing to worry about. I am, in fact, more worried about your husband because he was actually involved in separating Buddy and the possum. While I suspect, (though can't be sure) that Buddy's immunity is *probably* still active against rabies, your husband has never been given a rabies vaccination. Contact with saliva that contains rabies and a cut in your skin is all that is needed to transmit the disease. Here is what I would do if I were in this position. First call the local health department and ask them about the current rabies cases in your county. Have there been any reported cases in wild animals? What are the chances that this possum might have had rabies? They are going to want to know if you have the animal. If you don't, it will make things more complicated. Follow their instructions. Your husband may have to go through a series of rabies shots if they feel it is warranted. Contact your family doctor as well. There was a case of a rapid fox attacking a young boy at a pool party here in Rochester over the weekend. If you think that is out in the wild, think again, this was a nice suburb up by Lake Ontario. That boy and his grandfather are now getting their rabies shots. As for Buddy, dogs that are ill are not supposed to be vaccinated and I would be very wary of doing that now. However, the laws in your county may indicate that it is mandatory that exposed dogs be vaccinated for rabies. I am not sure what the animal emergency person was thinking, but in cases with contact with a wild animal, it is generally indicated to revaccinate a dog. And I have no idea what they meant by "test." The only way to determine actual rabies is to examine the brain and that is definitely not something you want done. Make an immediate appt with your vet and discuss this. Perhaps they can do a titer to measure his immunity against rabies and the vet will be satisfied with this result. Whether the local health board will be satisfied is another matter. But you are sorting out two different things here: your husband's and Buddy's health and the legal issues around that. If this were me I would see to the health issues and sort out the legal stuff later. The advise to "watch for symptoms" is misguided and dangerous. Please let us know what has happened. patrice |
| Patrice NYS |
Oh Evi, This is quite a dilemma. More that likely the possum was not rabid. Sounds like it was out at night as possums do. I would suggest that you contact your local state vet and ask if there have been any reports of rabid wild animals in your area. There may be a quarantine period for Buddy. Sue & Ren |
| Sue & Ren |
| It is very rare for possums to carry rabies. |
| Teresa |
| I was concerned because we had a possum in our yard last year. Also have 2 dachshunds and they are fearless in pursuit. Several neighbors got a capture cage and we captured the very ugly critter and had him removed by animal control. I was concerned my dgs would attack him, so I began to reseach. From what I had researched/read I agree with Teresa. They apparently are not carriers of rabies. I would be concerned about vaccinating Buddy at this juncture. Especially if there was no wound/blood, I'm not sure you have to worry. But do try to get a capture cage from animal control and place some dog food in the cage. If there is not a 'family' you will probably be able to catch the possum. Animal Control will release in a more rural (park) area...so you won't have to continue to be waiting for the next incident. Jan |
| Jan PA |
| Evi, do you have an update? Unfortunately for me there is no way I can not give Wylie her rabies. we live in the country and before AIHA she was attacked by a pack of coyotes. Luckily only mild puncture wounds, but my vet said it was law for her to be home quaranteed for 3 weeks even though she had her rabies shot. They even gave her another one. IF she hadnt had it she would have been quaranteed by the county for the incubation period. Luckily her rabies is not due unti next year. so she would be 2 years post AIHA diagnosis. Laurie |
| Laurie CA |
| Thank your for all your responses! After all considered, we opted not to report or call to our local animal control about the incident. I can't imagine of having Buddy put on quarantine, especially, giving him a Rabies Shot. I found this article that agrees with Teresa and Jan. Possum doesn't carry rabies. Here is the website: http://www.opossumsocietyus.org/frequently_asked_questions.htm#Do%20opossums%20carry%20rabies? Also, I double checked on the Illinois dept of Public Health website for rabies incidents in IL. It looks that there's never been rabies reported from possum. http://www.idph.state.il.us/health/infect/reportdis/rabieschart.htm Buddy is going to see the vet today and will sure mention it. Great idea on the capture cage! I can't have this happened agin. |
| evi illinois |
This thread was discussed between 22/07/2009 and 23/07/2009
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