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06.05.09
Pete comes to the rescue as always, with more solutions for your pet worries.
Any of the questions he didn't get to answer on this morning's show, he answered for us online. Watch them now.
Pete discusses the story about the puppy farm with a possible outbreak of canine brucellosis in Offaly.
About the outbreak of canine brucellosis
There is an alleged outbreak of canine brucellosis on a puppy farm in Offaly. The farm is one of Europe's largest mass breeding establishments and has 700 breeding bitches and up to 300 puppies.
Canine brucellosis is transmissible to humans, however it is very rare and could only happen if a person come into contact with animal discharges.
In dogs, highly contagious and causes pregnant bitches to miscarry and causes infertility.
The DSPCA has warned of a possible epidemic among dogs if any animals were moved from the farm.
What are the signs of canine brucellosis in infected dogs?
In female dogs, brucellosis causes abortion and infertility. Females may fail to get pregnant or may lose their litters in late pregnancy (45-55 days).
After abortion, females may have a prolonged vaginal discharge. In males, infertility can result from brucellosis affecting various reproductive organs including the prostate, testicles, and epididymis.
A brucellosis infection may result in an inflamed prostate, swollen or shrunken testicles, and swollen epididymis. Nonspecific signs that may affect both sexes include lethargy, unwillingness to breed, and inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Dogs may not show any signs or symptoms of the disease. Animals may get an infection in the bones or joints and show signs of back pain or arthritis. Infections may also occur in the eye.
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