Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (July 25/01) - Pet owners in Rankin Inlet seem to be taking their animals' health concerns more seriously these days.

The husband and wife veterinarian team of Drs. Jennifer and Paul A. Brazzell of the Tuxedo Animal Hospital in Winnipeg, Man., paid a weekend housecall to Rankin earlier this month.

Along with the two doctors was registered animal health technologist Sherrie McNeir.

Jennifer Brazzell says the fact she saw so many repeat customers this year shows her more people are understanding their pets must be vaccinated against disease.

"We've also seen a number of new patients this year, so the word is getting around that animals need as much preventive and health care as people do," says Jennifer.

De-worming is especially important in Northern areas because the vast majority of animals spend a great deal of time outside.

The time outdoors makes the lovable critters prime targets for internal parasites that can cause poor hair coat, thin dogs and, in puppies, death.

"I've seen many, many animals with frost-bitten ears when visiting the Kivalliq, so, obviously, providing them with some sort of shelter against the wind is important."

Jennifer says in general, the animals they see in Rankin are happy, healthy and well-adjusted.

"The huskies we see tend to be very skinny, but lots of the cats and indoor dogs are overweight."

Distemper or a deadly virus was suspected in an outbreak a few months ago in Rankin, and more than 20 dogs put down by the hamlet's bylaw officer.

These types of afflictions are easily prevented by vaccination.

In fact, for a large outbreak or epidemic of a particular disease to be prevented, about 70 per cent of the pet population needs to be vaccinated.

Although more of an urban centre, Winnipeg sees extremely few cases of distemper or killer viruses.

"Vaccination works anywhere. Even if you're not going to have your animal examined, at least have it vaccinated," she says.

"These types of diseases are terrible and a horrible way for an animal to spend its last few days."