CAS 8-8-2018
The Cheyenne Animal Shelter is experiencing an increased number of adult canines with upper respiratory infection (URI) in our Shelter located at 800 Southwest Drive. Most of the cases are mild and easily overcome with standard antibiotics and treatment of symptoms. However, the Shelter has experienced one recent severe case caused by a bacteria known as Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus and will close dog adoptions until Monday, August 13th while the population is being treated.
Tessha Winsch, DVM and the Shelter’s medical director, says she wants to assure the community that Shelter staff will be working overtime to identify, treat, care for and cure ALL of the animals that may have been exposed to this illness. Owners of recently adopted dogs will receive a letter indicating symptoms to look for and what steps they can take to treat a URI if necessary.
“This is our busiest time of the year for the number of animals in need of our help,” Winsch said. “While we are taking an abundance of caution for the dogs currently in our care, the Cheyenne Animal Shelter asks that owners wishing to surrender their dogs please give us at least four days before doing so. Those that absolutely must surrender their dogs are asked to call ahead to make arrangements at 307-632-6655.”
Dogs that arrive at the Shelter before Monday will be housed in a separate area of the Shelter.
Winsch added that the URI disease has shown up recently at a number of other shelters around the country including Weld County, Colorado. “Together, we are working with these other shelters and local veterinarians to curb the spread of disease and to discover new ways to implement a diagnosis and management plan,” she said. “Diagnostic tests, the treatment of sick animals and preventive measures are expensive and donations are more important than ever!”
A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the Shelter’s website at www.cheyenneanimalshelter.org. As well, those who wish may donate to help cover the cost of their treatment online at www.cheyenneanimalshelter.org or send a check to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, 800 Southwest Drive, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82007.
