8/12 Leo AMPS 135, +4 67, +6 95, PMPS 95

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Tracy & Leo

Tracy & Leo

Member Since 2011
Morning LL,

What a horrible day yesterday, I decided to take Leo out to his DGP's so he could go mousing, we stopped at his vet so he could sign some insurance papers of course our vet is on holidays so we get the locum vet to sign. Then I see a big red sign about rabies and there having been 3 cases of it in Saskatoon this year. Then I remember that Leo doesn't have his rabies shot, and killed a bat yesterday at 12:30 am. Pure panic is what I felt and am feeling. The vet contacted the CFIA (I have no idea who they are) they wanted to come take this bat away for rabies testing and put Leo into quarantine, well the bat is laying dead on the yard of my apt and it was very hot yesterday so that was a no go. If this bat were to test positive for rabies Leo would be euthanized. So I asked if he could be vaccinated, which of course wouldn't do a damn thing if Leo were infected, so he got rabies vaccinated yesterday and him and I are in quarantine for 10 days, but I he could potentially carry the virus for up to 6 months. I don't want to lose Leo to something like this, I've been bawling my eyes out and watching him like a hawk. I even dreamt he was rabid and was biting and scratching me, it was so real he woke me up by coming to crawl under the blankets and I laid there terrified of my kitty until I realized it was just a dream. Please please please pray for my Leo, I'm not a big religious person by any means but I've been praying since yesterday.
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135

(((Tracy)))
Of course we'll keep Leo in our thoughts and prayers.

What does surprise me is that your vet didn't ask you if Leo went outdoors. Generally, if a cat is outside at all and there's the potential for contact with other animals, vets really push for rabies vaccinations.
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135

((((((((Tracy))))))) (((((((((Leo)))))))))))

I'd be in a panic too. You need rabies shots also. Anyone exposed to a bat in their sleeping quarters needs to be automatically.

Keeping both of you in my thoughts and wishing everything turns out fine.
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135

I just saw this over on FB and had to rush over here. I know three cases of rabies is worse than no cases of rabies, but it's only three out of countless bats flying around out there. The odds are in your favor. When I was growing up, one of my cats killed a few bats, and she was fine...lived to the ripe old age of almost 19. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers.
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135

((((Tracy))))) (((((leo))))) Thoughts and prayers that this turns out to be just a big scare over nothing.
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135

oh tracy, how worrisome. but i like amy's point - there are zillions of bats around and most are going to be fine. if only leo wasn't such a super hunter! we're cheering for both of you.
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135

(((Tracy))) I am sorry that you are going through this. I went through a big rabies scare a few years ago. At the time, I had five indoor unvaccinated cats. One morning, upon investigating some crashing noises in my basement, I came upon the sight of one of my cats sailing through the air in hot pursuit of a bat sailing through the air. That began a very distressing year for me. Yes, my five cats were lined up at the vet's office the next morning for rabies vaccines. I went on to discover that there was a colony of little brown bats (one of the two common Canadian species) living in my house, and I personally removed seven live bats from my living area (all were tested for rabies, and were negative). I live in a relatively new home in an urban area. I learned that bats quite commonly live in the attics and walls of people's homes, and are normally never even discovered. While there usually are rabid bats (and other wildlife) discovered annually in Canada, cases of domestic animal infection are rare, and human cases even rarer. All this is to say that while what you are going through is very upsetting, the statistics are on your side that Leo will be fine.

The CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) must be the local health authority in your jurisdiction for dealing with possible rabies exposures.
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/disemala/rabrag/proge.shtml
It is quite routine for health departments to quarantine any animals with even a remote chance of contracting rabies. For instance, my local animal shelter is required to quarantine any cat or dog who scratches or bites a human. The health inspector must visit the animal and verify that it is healthy before it is released from quarantine. Rabies is taken really seriously, and that is why it is pretty uncommon here.

Was the bat flying around outside when Leo killed it? If so, chances are that it was healthy. Rabid bats will likely be obviously sick, and won't be acting normally. I am not sure why you have been quarantined. Were you confined in a room with the bat while you were sleeping? If not, and the bat (and cat) did not bite you, you are in all likelihood, not affected. If by any chance you have been exposed, there is a post exposure rabies vaccine available for you. It doesn't sound like you are need of it now.

Has Leo ever been vaccinated against rabies in his life? If so, he likely still carries some immunity even if the shot is not up to date. As has been mentioned, it is worth discussing with your vet whether regular rabies immunization is necessary for your outdoor cat. Vaccines themselves carry some risk, so it is worthwhile to research your options before you repeat the vaccine next time (i.e. in terms of a one-year vs. a three year vaccine).

In my own case, the bats are gone, after a year long bat removal process on my home. Three of my cats are GA's now, but I never did repeat the rabies vaccines on them. I elected to vaccinate my cat Pinkerton against rabies last year, as he bit me, and I did get the 3rd degree from the Health Department (the hospital turned me in).

I think that everything will turn out OK. I think the biggest danger would be if the bat was acting sick on the ground at the time Leo killed it. Despite the warning about the virus lasting 6 months in the body, I truly think that you can allow yourself to relax at the end of the ten day quarantine. I will keep you in my thoughts. I truly can appreciate the fear you are going through right now.
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135, +4 67

Thank you everyone, i've seen what the power of this forum can do for sick animals and i'm hoping it will work for Leo.

I had just nicely put the lights out and left the patio door open for Leo (he likes to sit out there at night) and i heard him meowing an awful meow. I rushed over just in time to see him bring in the bat and drop him on my area rug. I picked up the bat with a dust pan and threw him over the deck, he had 2 big teeth marks in his belly where Leo bit him. Bats are all around my place at night and i've seen alot of them fly right into my deck enclosure, you'd never know they were there unless you've seen them. This bat was big and plump and i'm thinking Leo snagged him, rather than the bat landed somewhere.

The vet immediately called the CFIA, and they recommended what to do, he phoned them several times while we were there. I should have clarified that i DO NOT have to be in quarantine, however, Leo does and the vet asked if i would keep contact down with other people and try to stay home for the next 10 days. The CFIA has yet to contact me, and i hope it stays that way.

For the first few years of Leo's life, he was an indoor cat only so that's why he had never been vaccinated, but anyone who knows us knows that Leo is an outdoor cat. He hasn't been vaccinated in years either, but he got all his shots yesterday and is now up to date.

I'll continue to watch Leo, but he's been his usual busy self this morning and being very chatty.
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135, +4 67

Prayers for you and Leo. Tons and tons. Maybe the bat wasn't infected and after 10 days, everything will be fine. That's the plan.
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135, +4 67

Oh my god...I hope you and Leo are alright! I'm sure everything will be ok. Like Linda mentioned, even if he's out of date it's likely he still carries the immunity from previous vaccinations. Sending lots of hugs your way.
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135, +4 67

OMG Tracy! OMG! OMG! OMG!

This is terrible and I'm so sad for you! As if it wasn't hard enough to care for a sugar cat, now this!

Many thoughts and prayers to you and Leo.
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135, +4 67

Hi Tracy, I'm so sorry all this has happened to you. Sending positive thoughts and prayers for everything to be okay with you and Leo. Wow, that is kind of scary with the bats coming in so close at night. It sounds like everything will be okay with Leo in reading Linda's post, but I know you are so worried. Lots of hugs and prayers.
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135, +4 67, +6 95, PMPS 95

Thank you thank you thank you everyone for all of your thoughts and prayers.

I've brought Leo out to my parents place, grandma isn't doing well and i've got to go and see her (they've moved her back to the hospital in my hometown, and my parents live here as well), my parents are both gone anyway to stay with her in the hospital, and they took their dogs as well, so it should be safe here for Leo and i to spend a few days, this couldn't have come at a worse time, all the family is starting to gather up, and everyone has made their way home to spend these days with granny. Everyone is thinking she's on her last few days, she's not recognizing anyone (except my dad) and is talking about everyone she knew who has passed on being in her room, come to visit her, she's also talking about angels being in her room as well.

Leo is doing fine, so far so good......i'm keeping fingers and toes crossed. A little tired, but that's to be expected.....its been retarded hot here and i'm sure getting vaccinated makes you feel kinda yucky, just like it can make beans feel yucky. Maybe the KTSS can make a skype visit tonight??? I'll leave the computer on just in case.

Anyway i hope he surfs safe tonight, i'm not leaving him any HC, just LC to snack on. Should be back after his +6.
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135, +4 67, +6 95, PMPS 95

(((Tracy)))

I also just read this on loose lips and we are sending tons of prayers. I agree with Linda.....tons of bats, very few cases of rabies. We will send as many positive thoughts as we can muster for Leo and also for your entire family.

We are so sorry to hear about your granny. I know what a stressful time this must be for you already without this bat thing. Are you staying home then for 10 days as suggested? I'm sure your work will understand.

Leo's SS is a sight to see!!! Great job all of you!
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135, +4 67, +6 95, PMPS 95

I also just saw this on Loose lips and sending a ton of prayers your way for everything to work out fine ((((((Tracy and Leo)))))))
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135, +4 67, +6 95, PMPS 95

(((((Tracy))))) (((((Leo))))),
You are right: you don't need this to be happening now. But I think all will be OK. If the bat was fat and healthy looking, he probably didn't have rabies. It's good that you got the rabies shot for Leo. He spends a lot of time outdoors, hunting, and needs that protection. Rusty (and, earlier, Stu) will always get the rabies shot (a rabies shot within the preceding 12 months was required for the International Health Certificate when he was transported from Detroit, through Ontario, to NY State; and this spring, when the year was up, I had him vaccinated with the 3-year shot).

Try not to worry and think instead of the excellent odds in your favor. We are thinking positively and sending prayers for Leo to be fine.

I am sorry that your grandma is not well and will pray for her, too.

Many hugs,

Ella & Rusty
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135, +4 67, +6 95, PMPS 95

Hi Tracy- So, so sorry about your grandma. Many thoughts and prayers for you, all around.

I was thinking the same things Linda and Ella said...first, that even if Leo wasn't UTD on his rabies, there is tons of evidence showing that rabies shots last much longer than the 1-3 years we're require for revaccination. And also, if this bat was fat, he sounds like he was "healthy". I have nothing but positive feelings for this scary situation.

Don't forget the power LL prayers. We're all with you!

Amy
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135, +4 67, +6 95, PMPS 95

Geez Tracy!!! I'm so sorry you're having to go through this!! I think it's going to be hard on Leo not to be able to go outside and have his dailing mouse meal!! The ten days will be over, and you'll both be fine!!! I know it.

I'm keeping your grandma and the rest of your family in my prayers. It sounds like your grandma is at peace with everything happening to her and that has to be a comfort. I like the idea that she has angels for company!!

I know you have to be very stressed with everything going on in your life right now. I hope you're able to find some serenity!!! Thinking of you!!
 
Re: 8/11 Leo AMPS 135, +4 67, +6 95, PMPS 95

What a scary thing to be going through. I'm so sorry that Leo (and you) are going through this- but as said above the odds are that the bat was okay.

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and sending many healing vibes -

Emmy & Dude (& Mittsi too)
 
OMG! I am so sorry that I am just reading condos now. What a horrible couple of days for you and Leo! I can't even imagine what you are going through. Please give Leo lots of scritches and hugs from me. Big hugs to you!! ((((Tracy))))

Sorry to hear that your grandma is no better. You are going through so much right now. Please know that we are sending healing vines, prayers, good thought, and anything else we can find your way!!
 
I was just catching up on LooseLips and OMG. You have so much happening all at once. You've gotten lots of good counseling here, time to breathe and believe that all will be well. Keeping you and Leo in our thoughts and prayers.
 
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