Page 13 - Stuart Exposure - February '23

Stuart Exposure, Page 13

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Preventing Zoonotic Diseases A common, but easily preventable, zoonotic disease source the intestinal parasite problem. Your veterinarian can talk with
is from fecal matter. Intestinal parasites and infectious organisms you about what will work best for your pet.
such as roundworms, hookworms and giardia are spread through Pets can also transmit skin diseases such as ringworm to
fecal matter of dogs and cats. Hookworms can cause cutaneous humans. Ringworm is actually a fungal infection that we often
irritations and the roundworms can migrate through the body and see with cats and can produce lesions on humans as well. This
even end up in the eye. Fortunately they do not set up residence becomes especially important when adopting a new cat and
in our intestinal tracts like they do in dogs. Thankfully, the introducing it into your home. If there are any skin lesions,
transmission of these can be limited by using common sense it is advisable not to introduce them to your other pets (and
hygiene such as washing hands after handling feces or after an possibly family members) until you have them evaluated by
animal has licked them. This also becomes important with small your veterinarian.
children and limiting an animal licking them on their face. An Two important diseases that can cause serious harm and
A zoonotic disease is one that can be transmitted important way of limiting the spread is to pick up your pet’s even death in animals and people include leptospirosis and
between animals and humans. With regards to our canine stools, whether in a public space or even your yard. You can rabies. Leptospirosis is a bacteria that favors wet conditions,
and feline companions, there are several common diseases also prevent your pet from acquiring some common intestinal such as rivers, streams and ponds. It is commonly spread
that we should be aware of and take precautions against parasites (and therefore spreading to the human population) by through the urine of certain wildlife and can affect multiple
especially when bringing a new pet into your home. keeping them on a routine prevention or deworming schedule. organs in the body. If your dog comes in contact with wildlife
The source of infection can be from viruses, bacteria, Fortunately most of the new heartworm preventions protect your or enjoys being around bodies of water you might talk to your
parasites, etc. pet against the intentional worms and have greatly cut down on veterinarian about whether vaccinating against the disease is
recommended for your pet.
The most dangerous zoonotic disease that we encounter is
most certainly rabies. Rabies is a virus that affects nervous tissue
MAKE SURE YOUR virus is so crucial in protecting our pets. Even if your pet doesn’t
and is almost always fatal, which is why vaccinating against the
go outside amongst other pets or wildlife it is still urged and
HEART sometimes indoor animals may sneak outdoors unexpectedly. If
required by law. Unfortunately there are reports of rabid animals,
such as raccoons or bats making their way indoors. Additionally,

your pet is unprotected, this can be very dangerous. Once again,
your veterinarian can guide you on the best way to protect your
furry family member, and in turn the rest of your family, against
transmissible diseases.
Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is

dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With
focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and
rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics, and
IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE. emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center combines
exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and
their owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
Treasure Coast

Outdoors

Lane Snapper, Spanish
Mackerel, And Pompano

Dominate The Fishing Scene

By Jim Weix
My son, Mike Weix, and
grandson Nick came to visit
for Christmas. They came
bearing gifts of Wisconsin
TRUSTED CARE FOR EVERY venison steaks and ground
venison. They both had
expectations of great offshore
HEART CONDITION. fishing.
Those hopes were dashed

by the record-cold and rough
seas. Out of desperation, I
Whether you’re seeking a second opinion or needing booked the three of us on a head boat. I didn’t expect much
lifesaving heart surgery, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health’s but was pleasantly surprised.
Lane snapper seemed to be on every reef.

highly experienced heart specialists are here for every care It is not my favorite snapper, as the flesh is soft, but they
in the world. From preventive treatments to robotic-assisted provided plenty of action. We returned to my house with

surgery, trust our experts with your heart. about two dozen fillets.

I dipped them in milk, flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. They
then went into the air fryer. It turned out to be a good dinner.
Anglers are also filling coolers with Spanish mackerel.
These fish are pretty good to eat if caught fresh and eaten that
day. They make for a great smoked fish dip, too. It is also a
good way to stock up on chum. If you are looking to catch
ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Heart | 844.630.4968 big fish, they can be rigged and trolled.
Pompano is being caught from the beaches. You will

also find some on the flats of the Indian River lagoon.
Unfortunately, the pollution from Lake Okeechobee
discharges and septic tanks have pretty much destroyed the
seagrass, so fishing is not as good as it used to be.
Although cold and or rough seas can hamper the fishing
dreams of winter visitors, I now have 10 gallons of venison
chili and enough steaks and chops to last until next year.
Editor’s note: Jim Weix is an avid hunter, angler,
conservationist, as well as an outdoor writer. Jim is included
in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s Hall of Fame for
helping restore thousands of acres of wetlands. Jim is a broker
associate with The Keyes Company. He can be reached at
(772) 341-2941 or by email: jimweix@jimweix.com.