Summer Pet Health Problems: from Allergies to Zoonoses
Broadway Animal Hospital Offers Free Seminar

Boulder, Colo., May 5, 2008—Every year about this time, veterinarian Lee Woods and his staff at Broadway Animal Hospital see dogs and cats with common warm weather health issues like allergies, which are not transferable to humans. But they also see cases of tularemia and other zoonotic diseases, which can be transferred to people.

"Our clients can be surprised to learn that some pet diseases have potential for human infection," said Woods. "In addition to rabies, the zoonotic diseases we see in this area include plague, tularemia, worms and leptosporisis. This season, we have already seen one dog with leptospirosis," he said.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that impairs kidney function and may result in kidney failure. The disease is transmitted by contact with the urine of infected animals. Woods says that during the spring and summer months, people and animals can be exposed to more common health issues like fleas and ticks, but also to tularemia, which can be transmitted by rabbits and rodents.

Woods will present the simple steps that pet owners can take to protect their animals and themselves during warm weather at an upcoming one-hour seminar. "We want to help pet owners prepare for a healthy summer for their pets," he said.

Summer Pet Health Problems is the second in a series of seminars to educate the community about pet health topics. The free, one-hour seminar will be held at Broadway Animal Hospital, 1405 S. Broadway in Boulder, on Wednesday, May 14 at noon. Call 303-499-5505 for reservations; space is limited and reservations are required.

Broadway Animal Hospital is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association and provides immunization and wellness care, surgery, dental care, nutritional counseling, pet massage, pain management and euthanasia services. Pet day care, boarding, and grooming services are also available. For more information about Broadway Animal Hospital or the seminar, visit http://www.broadwayanimal.com or http://www.myspace.com/drlee80305 , call

PR Contact: Kelly Rogers, 303-926-7426