Benefits of rabies vaccination outweigh risks

Rabies is an ancient disease that attacks warm-blooded animals at the central nervous system, including the saliva glands and ultimately the brain. Visions of this disease do not conjure up a pretty picture, but rather a torturous death.

Commonly, we see the disease associated with wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes and bats. The risk extends to our domestic felines if not vaccinated, and to ourselves when we choose to not vaccinate our pets.

Why vaccinate an indoor-only feline who has every creature comfort imaginable and is considered at low risk for rabies?

First, let us start with the premise that compliance is the law. You should discuss the ramifications of failure to vaccinate with your veterinarian. If your feline bites or scratches someone, you may be exposing your feline to an unnecessary period of confinement and observation. This means boarding expenses and emotional trauma for your feline and family.

Next, why take any risk at all by failing to vaccinate? Accidents just happen. Let's face reality. Even an indoor feline with minimum exposure to the disease may escape out the door and be absent for hours or days.

You would not know what exposure your animal may have had to a diseased animal unless you see visible evidence of a puncture wound that looks bite-like in shape. Then, of course, seek immediate veterinary care.

Bats can also be sneaky pests. They have a way of hiding in an attic. You may unwittingly let it in the living quarters of your home when sorting through old items in storage.

Perhaps you supervise your feline out on a leash in your yard. Common rabies carriers have access to your yard. This year, coyotes were seen on the borders of most suburban yards and they were extremely aggressive and bold in behavior. A feline on a leash is almost predictable bait for a coyote.

While you might be vigilant about supervising your feline, other pet owners may not be so considerate. If you know the animal that attacked your feline is from the neighborhood, you can simply ask the owner for proof of vaccinations.

If the animal is a stray of unknown origin, you have no recourse but to go straight to the animal hospital. Your veterinarian may ask you questions about the appearance or behavior of the offending animal.

You should note if there are signs of unusual aggression, dilated pupils, excessive drooling or foaming saliva. These are just a few obvious signs of a diseased animal. You should also notify your local animal authority if you see an animal with these symptoms.

You can also take a few simple steps to keep your yard from being an open invitation to animals that may carry the virus. Strays and wild animals are attracted to garbage bags and garbage cans that have unsealed lids. If you strive to keep all containers tightly sealed, you are less likely to have unwanted visitors.

If your hesitation about getting a rabies vaccine is a concern about a negative reaction to the shot, this too can be monitored. Do not get your rabies vaccination when you get your other yearly vaccines.

With each vaccine you can watch for the development of a reaction. You are looking for a lump at the site of the vaccine that does not go away. A lump is a foreign-body reaction that can develop into a tumor.

You can easily trace the vaccine that your feline has a reaction to by staggering shots. The rabies vaccine makes this easy, as we now have a vaccine that is potent for three years, rather than yearly.

At any rate, if your feline does develop a reaction to the vaccine, you will have to weigh the benefits of vaccination vs. the potential risks with your veterinarian to make an informed decision to vaccinate or not.

Upcoming:

• Blessing of the Animals: 1 p.m. Saturday, May 13, The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights. Father Robert Heinz of St. Norbert's Church will be officiating at this multidenominational event.

Make sure your pets are leashed or in appropriate housing. Refreshments will also be available, as well as Buddy representatives to answer questions.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.