The organization reports distemper cases began popping up in February. 63 dogs have come down with the virus out of the 461 dogs pulled from Town Lake Animal Shelter. Austin Pets Alive! says in a typical year, only a handful of cases are seen in a whole year.
Each case is expensive to treat. Austin Pets Alive! says its spent $10,000 caring for sick canines, and they desperately need more money to continue treatment efforts. "The only available treatment is extremely expensive. Each dog costs us hundreds of dollars just to treat pneumonia but we are a No Kill Organization, so we are going to do what it takes to save their lives, especially when we know we can save 90 percent or more," stated a post by the organization on its web site.
"The standard routine dog vaccine given at vet offices is almost 100 percent effective in preventing this horrible disease. Unfortunately, not enough people realize the importance of this inexpensive vaccination and now the disease is out of control," the post stated. It's extremely important to get your dog vaccinated.
Distemper can lead to death and attacks an animal's nervous system. Symptoms include severe pneumonia and a high fever, but by the time a pet owner notices the signs, it may be too late.
APA says it is working with a local vet clinic, White Angel Veterinary Hospital. APA says the immediate benefit is that these dogs get to survive, instead of dying in this terrible way.
The largest risk group, according to APA, are puppies, dogs who do not receive vaccination against distemper, and dogs who aren't immediately vaccinated after arriving at a shelter.
What You Can Do
1. APA asks for your donations by calling, donating online, or mailing in a check. The goal is $30,000 to treat all of the dogs before the outbreak ends.
2. Vaccinate your dog either by going to your regular veterinarian or by contacting Emancipet and Animal Trustees of Austin to receive a free vaccine.
3. Sign up to foster with Austin Pets Alive. "We need help caring for our affected dogs and we don’t have enough fosters to get them the care they need while they recover. We provide all the care, the foster just provides a safe warm environment."
"We hope that Austin’s public will not turn their back on shelter dogs, and will be more likely to adopt and donate after hearing about their needs and the trials they have been through just to survive and find a home. Most dogs are not affected and should not be passed over for adoption."
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