Johnny's story: It could happen to you

Johnny, a stray puppy, was brought to New Hanover County Animal Control Services by a Good Samaritan. This kind person transported Johnny to our practice because he had been injured and had an open forelimb fracture. Johnny was so cute—how could we not want to save him? His fracture was healing, and many people were considering adopting him. But two weeks later, he got sick and developed neurologic signs. We suspected rabies, so we reluctantly decided to euthanize Johnny and have him tested. The test results were positive. As a consequence, 50 people had to undergo postexposure prophylaxis. Johnny was the first case of canine rabies in New Hanover County in almost 60 years. I can't imagine what would have happened if we had missed the diagnosis.

G. Robert Weedon, DVM, MPH

The World Rabies Day initiative underscores the need for veterinarians to be aware of rabies locally—as Johnny's story illustrates—but, more importantly, it raises awareness of the problem globally. About 55,000 people die annually of rabies worldwide; many of them are children bitten by dogs. Increased awareness of the disease by veterinarians and pet owners will ensure that, one day, there will be no more puppies like Johnny.

Johnny developed neurologic signs.

G. Robert Weedon, DVM, MPH

College Road Animal Hospital

4140 S. College Road

Wilmington, NC 28412