[Cagdu] FW: Gide Dog Foundation: [statement]

[tina thomas]

t: Gide Dog Foundation: [statement]




Hello, 

Please note the following, accurate information, from the Guide Dog
Foundation:  

Dear Friends of the Guide Dog Foundation:

Last week, some of the dogs on our campus showed symptoms of kennel cough
(also known as bordatella). 
Kennel cough is a mild respiratory condition that responds well to
antibiotic treatment, and usually does not cause any serious problems for
affected dogs.  Although there is a vaccine for bordatella that is given to
all of our dogs, it does not protect against all strains.  All groups that
house large populations of dogs - animal shelters, humane societies, rescue
groups, pet stores, large kennels, and veterinary clinics - must deal with
occasional outbreaks.

On the morning of Thursday, April 3, 2008, we observed that one of the dogs
being treated for kennel cough also showed signs of fever and lethargy.  We
immediately admitted this dog to the veterinary clinic for supportive care.
Another dog was hospitalized on Saturday.  Unfortunately , on the afternoon
of Monday, April 7, the first dog to be hospitalized began to have extreme
difficulty breathing as a result of his pneumonia. Despite receiving 24-hour
care, IV fluids, and supplementary oxygen, he was unable to gain enough
oxygen to sustain life.  The veterinarians at the hospital and our staff
veterinarians determined that the illness had progressed beyond any hope of
recovery, and the dog was euthanized on Monday afternoon.  Thankfully, the
second hospitalized dog remains stable on supportive care.  He is eating
well and his breathing is good (he does not require supplementary oxygen);
however, there is still evidence of pneumonia so we will keep him under
24-hour veterinary care until he is completely out of danger.

Any time we observe unusual respiratory symptoms in a dog, we must consider
the possibility of other airborne diseases.  Samples were drawn last week,
and sent to Cornell University which is also actively advising us on care.
Currently, canine influenza has been ruled out, and testing continues on the
samples.

In consultation with our staff veterinarians and Cornell University
personnel, the Foundation has taken the following steps.

*        On Friday, April 4, we restricted access to the Smithtown campus.
No dogs are allowed to enter or
leave our grounds.  This is done to prevent any dog that may be contagious
from infecting another. 
While this may be overly cautious, it is responsible and appropriate.  All
of the dogs on campus are happy, active, and doing well.  We are taking this
self-imposed precaution for as long as we deem it advisable.

*        We have closed our boarding and training kennels to all canine
visitors.

*        A class of consumers training with their guide dogs was in its
first week when the quarantine began, so their dogs may have been exposed.
With all dogs restricted to campus, it was not possible for the class to
undergo our usual thorough training, and we have suspended the class until
the quarantine is lifted.  Our consumers have been transported home,  and
arrangements will be made by our training staff to continue their training
when it is appropriate
to do so.  Their dogs will remain on campus, separately cared for in the
student residence.

*        We have temporarily canceled all puppy classes on Long Island.

*        We will delay puppies being returned to the campus until the
quarantine is ended.

*        We have been keeping all Foundation volunteers and constituents
fully apprised of the circumstances.

The Guide Dog Foundation is proud of the care we give our dogs. We are
confident that we have acted cautiously, responsibly, and quickly to protect
our dogs, the dogs in our community, and dogs in homes away from our campus.

We believe the situation is subsiding, and we will lift the quarantine very
soon.  We expect to begin our next class on schedule, and will do all that
we can to help any consumers or volunteers affected by this temporary
situation.

If you have any questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Wells

Wells B. Jones, CAE, CFRE
Chief Executive Officer
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc.R
371 East Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY  11787-2976

__________________________________________________








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