Please read the following press release for an update on the situation at In-Sync Exotics: Ten days ago, we told you about the outbreak of canine distemper that has occurred among 22 of the big cats at In-Sync Exotics. It is believed that the disease was brought to In-Sync by one of the infected raccoons in the area. Canine distemper causes problems in the respiratory system, digestive system, and finally the nervous system. Among dogs, the disease has a survival rate of about 50%. There is not a great deal of data on the survival rate of big cats infected with the virus. When the news was first announced, the 22 affected cats had all shown signs of respiratory problems, some had shown digestive distress, but none were showing neurological difficulties. Sadly, we must now report that several of the cats are occasionally showing signs that the virus has now invaded their central nervous system. Symptoms have thus far included ataxia (a wobbly walk), twitchy skin, muscle spasms, and we’ve seen two seizures. We are continuing to treat all these cats with a multitude of medications, including antibiotics (to ward of secondary infections) as well as vitamins and supplements (to boost their immune and digestive systems). Of the ten cats that were not showing symptoms ten days ago, two are causing us some concern now, but it is too soon to tell if distemper is the problem. They have been put on antibiotics just in case. As for the other eight, this does not mean they are out of the woods yet. We are still treating them with medications that will hopefully allow them to continue to fight off the virus. As a reminder, it is believed that the smaller cats (cheetahs, cougars, lynx, servals, bobcats, ocelots, and domestic cats) are not prone to infection of the canine distemper virus. We are, however, watching them closely, as viruses have been known to mutate. Public support for our sanctuary has been phenomenal! Supporters have made monetary donations, brought us exotic meats for us to use in dispensing medications, and have even dropped off snacks and water for volunteers. We can’t possibly thank them enough, and we are hopeful they will continue to support us in the fight that is far from over. For anyone who would like to help, please consider donating money, gift cards (Wal Mart, Kroger, etc.) or supplies. Needed supplies include: bottled water, bleach wipes, hand sanitizer, hand soap, and paper towels. We could also use your positive thoughts and prayers. But there is BIG NEWS for our Facebook Fans! This is a fund-raising campaign just for you, with an opportunity to win some fantastic prizes! This will also help us with our vet bills - we have spent $42,000 on vet bills just in the last month. PLEASE help if you can, and get a chance to win some great In-Sync items! Check out the flyer for all the details! To donate (and therefore enter the contest), go to insyncexotics.org/Donate.html - please read the flyer to ensure that your donation counts towards the contest!
Posted on: Mon, 24 Jun 2013 21:19:15 +0000
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