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Testing for Tick-Borne Diseases of GALT Greyhounds Adopted prior to 9/1/02

In August 2002, GALT elected to perform a tick-borne disease panel test on all greyhounds entering the adoption program. The test detects diseases transmitted by a tick bite, including Ehrlichia canis, Babesia canis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme. Texas is experiencing a widespread infestation of ticks. Veterinarians recommend this testing due to the increasing prevalence of tick-borne disease in all breeds of dogs, including greyhounds.

If detected, proper medical treatment can cure tick-borne diseases. If the greyhound is not tested and treated, as appropriate, the disease(s) can go undetected for years and manifest into different illnesses. This can result in difficult, extensive and costly treatment programs and can be life threatening.

ProtaTek Reference Laboratory in Chandler, Arizona performs the recommended tick panel test. The company is considered one of the best testing facilities specializing in the diagnosis of tick-borne diseases in greyhounds. GALT's prior experience indicates other testing, including the snap test, may prove to be questionable or erroneous.

GALT greyhounds placed prior to August 2002 did not receive the tick-borne disease panel test prior to adoption; these are identified by GALT tag numbers 001 to 107. In keeping with its responsibility, GALT is offering testing for these particular greyhounds at GALT's cost of $53 per test. [Note: September 1, 2002 GALT increased the tax-deductible greyhound adoption fee to $250 for all dogs less than 10 years of age, and $225 for 10 years of age and over, to cover the additional expense of this tick-borne disease panel test.]

To schedule testing, please contact Jennifer or Amy at Preston Park Animal Hospital, 18770 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75252, 972-985-0081. Hospital hours of operation are 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (Monday and Wednesday), 8:00 am to 5:30 pm (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday) and 8:00 am to 2:00 pm (Saturday.) Upon arrival, simply sign the GALT testing register, complete the ProtaTek panel test form, and make payment of the $53 testing fee endorsed directly to GALT (check or cash.) Testing must be performed by September 15, 2003.

Laboratory results should be received by mail within seven days. If your greyhound tests positive for any tick-borne disease, treatment options should be discussed with your veterinarian or Dr. Jeffrey Ellis, Medical Director for Preston Park Animal Hospital. Dr. Ellis is GALT's primary veterinarian and is very experienced in the treatment of greyhounds.

 

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