CHICAGO, April 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Scrappy, a
two-year old Irish Terrier mix whose been a resident at Found
Chicago dog rescue since March, is in serious condition with K-9
influenza -- an epidemic sweeping through Chicago since Easter that has already claimed
the lives of six dogs and infected more than 1,000, according to
the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control.
Found Chicago dog rescue is
currently treating all but two of its rescue dogs for the flu
virus. The 17 sick dogs are being kept in isolation kennels to help
prevent the spread of this fast-acting virus Veterinarians believe
is a unique Asian strain named H3N2 that has migrated here from
South Korea and China.
"We need financial help right now to cover the extraordinary
costs of vaccines and 24/7 treatment for these animals," said Found
executive director, Juliana
Villacorta. "Scrappy is definitely in the worst shape
of all the dogs in our care, and we're doing everything we can to
help stabilize his condition."
Veterinarian Derrick Landini of
Heal and Animal Ark Veterinary Clinics who is treating Scrappy
said, "the situation is further complicated by the fact we have a
different flu virus strain than the one our current vaccine was
formulated to address. Experts are working furiously to
determine the benefits from our existing vaccine." Landini urged
anyone with a dog showing signs of coughing, sneezing, fever,
lethargy, appetite loss or a runny nose to go to their Vet
clinic.
Chicagoans can help save Scrappy and the other animals in Found
Chicago's care by logging on to www.savescrappy.com and making a
donation. All proceeds will go to medical requirements and
staff-care for the infected dogs.
Veterinarian and animal health officials say the virus is unique
in its ability to quickly impact a dog's health. "We've seen a
healthy dog go from normal to infected in a matter of hours," said
Villacorta. "So we've made facility changes to separate the healthy
from the sick dogs. We're working around the clock to help our dogs
recover."
Found Chicago is a dog rescue
facility focused on the unique needs of dogs with behavioral or
health problems.
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SOURCE Found Chicago