Freedom Animal Hospital

If getting your pet its vaccinations has not been at the top on your list, you might want to reconsider! Rabies is active in Charlotte within zip code 28205, just 6 miles from city center. One confirmed case of the disease came into Freedom Animal Hospital on Monday, May 6^th. A 6 week old kitten; owners complaining that kitten hadn’t eaten for 3 days.

Dr. Mar gurette Straley observed the kitten acting erratically flopping from side to side, pulling its head back and vocalizing. The tiny 2 pound feline was also heard growling loudly and hissing. Dr. Straley concluded this feline was experiencing quite severe neurological dysfunction. Knowing that this kind of behavior occurs as part of the later symptoms of Rabies, she called Mecklenburg County ’s Animal Care and Control.

Dr. Straley said “This is the first time in all these years the results came back positive for rabies. Vaccinating your pets is THE ONLY defense against rabies.” Also noting that, “Once an animal reaches this stage, they are no longer in control and will randomly bite and scratch anything nearby. Check today to see if your pet's rabies shot is valid. The people involved have to get shots; their little dog has to be quarantined; it's a big dangerous mess that could have easily been avoided."

Rabies is not reversible and there is no cure. If you suspect that any animal is acting erratically, avoid all contact and call CMPD at 311 on any phone. If you have questions about vaccinations and what you need to protect your canine or feline the staff at Freedom Animal Hospital are happy to answer your questions at 704-399-6534.