For many years the I-20 Animal Medical has been dedicated to rescues of all sorts.

Arlington, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/04/2013 -- There are hundreds of pets that currently are or have been homeless at any time in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Some abandoned, some from homes where the owner has died, some with owners who have lost jobs and simply cannot afford to feed an extra mouth. Regardless of reason or condition, these animals are in dire need of a new home. Arlington Animal Vet I-20 Animal Medical Center has heeded the call, helping these rescued pets find good homes launching a Facebook ad campaign to help bring attention to these pets finding a permanent place to stay.

I-20 Animal Medical Center is gathering multiple rescue groups under one website for rescued dogs and cats. Want a Boxer? No problem. Want a Yorkie? We have them too. Our goal is to offer all legitimate rescue groups in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex a forum to show the dogs and cats available and eligible for adoption. Sparing the hassle of visiting twenty different sites to see what is available.

For many years the I-20 Animal Medical has been dedicated to rescues of all sorts. For instance being a major contributor to the Rogers Wildlife Sanctuary for birds, providing this past year almost all the food for baby birds that come into their facility. Rogers might have hundreds of baby wrens, woodpeckers, blue birds, blue jays, etc, at any one time. Volunteers work day and night in their rescue efforts all under the direction of the inexhaustible Kathy Rogers. I-20 AMC hopes to emulate these successes with dogs and cats.

Rescue groups are non-profit organizations that are run by dedicated volunteers who work under a 'no kill' premise. This means that animals under their care will not be euthanized. Many rescue clubs provide temporary sanctuary for pets from shelters or owners who no longer can care for their pet in pre-approved foster homes until the pet can be adopted out. Many groups fund needed health care and vaccinations for these pets, as well as host many adoption fairs at local Pet stores. These organizations can always use financial assistance but more importantly they need good homes for their rescued pets.

While this is comforting for those under their care, it does not mean that others won't die unnecessarily. If rescuers cannot find homes, they cannot take on new rescues. Those left behind can easily find themselves in a shelter that will euthanize them within a few weeks. This is what the I-20 Animal Medical Center is aiming to prevent by bringing this to the forefront of Facebook.

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For any questions and concerns about protecting your pet from rabies, you are always more than welcome to contact the I-20 Animal Medical Center.

Arlington, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/28/2013 -- As of July 2013, the Texas Department of State Health Services has reported a total of 377 cases of positive rabies (mostly in the North Central Texas area) including animals such as foxes, dogs, cows, cats, bats, goats, horses, raccoons, and skunks. Recently, it's been reported that five people located within the upscale Dallas-Fort Worth area are receiving treatment for having contracted Rabies from a dog that was tested positive. All stemming from the same dog, 3 of the victims were bitten whereas the other two became exposed through other means of contact. It is believed that the dog may have been infected from other stray cats found in the neighborhood.

With these recent outbreaks, Arlington and Fort Worth veterinary hospital, I-20 Animal Medical Center would like to inform residents of Northern Texas to heed the following precautions.

First and foremost, most cases of rabies infection occur from contact with stray animals and wildlife. The only means through which rabies can transfer from an animal to a human is through saliva. The saliva of the infected can be transmitted from animal to animal and to human through direct biting, contact of saliva into skin scratches, abrasions, open wounds or direct contact with the eyes, nose and mouth.

However, contact with a rabid animal's blood, urine, feces and even petting is not considered exposure.

When exposed, the time between the initial exposure and actual onset of the symptoms in animals varies, but generally within 3-to-12 weeks after exposure symptoms will appear. Once the virus reaches the brain tissue and symptoms occur, the animal usually dies within 7 to 10 days.

Primary symptoms for rabid animals are similar to flu-like symptoms, with general lethargy and discomfort. As the disease progresses, behavioral change, aggression, excessive drooling and difficulty with eating, drinking and walking are very common.

If bitten by any animal, it's advised to wash the bite with soap and water as soon as possible and seek immediate medical attention. It's also important to report the bite to authorities.

To help prevent your dog or cat from the onset of rabies you should:
- Have your Puppies and Kittens vaccinated for rabies 12 to 16 weeks of age.
- Have a rabies booster vaccination given one year after the first vaccination.
- Have your pets vaccinated once a year, or up to once every three years depending upon the guidelines of your local animal control agency.

Also, be careful where you let your pets roam—avoid contact with wildlife. Should you approach a sick or injured animal, do not touch and instead contact your local animal control agency for help. And most importantly, do not feed wild animals.

For any questions and concerns about protecting your pet from rabies, you are always more than welcome to contact the I-20 Animal Medical Center. For more info please visit: http://www.i20animal.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Within the past week, the veterinary staff of the I-20 Animal Medical Center in Arlington, TX has twice found themselves in their 24-hour ICU fighting to save the lives of dogs bitten by rattlesnakes.

Arlington, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/23/2013 -- In Cedar Hill, a couple had set out on a trail in an area they have hiked for years. Their beloved dog, Diamond, not one to stay at home on the couch, accompanied them on their adventure. Along the way, the group discovered an old, abandoned cabin. The man peered through the windows on one side of the small shack, while his wife was opening the door on the other side. Suddenly he had heard a scream. Rushing to his wife's side, he froze as he saw her standing within two feet of a rattlesnake coiled to strike.

Suddenly, Diamond, the Labrador's protective instincts kicked in and he rushed in front of his owner, taking the full force of the poisonous snake's bite. It eventually became apparent that Diamond had been bitten by the snake. The owners, thankful and amazed by Diamond's sacrifice but worried for his life, rushed him to I-20 Animal Medical Center where Diamond received life saving treatment, including anti-venin. Diamond recovered and was released from the hospital ICU two days later.

Days later, another snakebite victim was successfully treated by the I-20 Animal Medical Center. "This is surprising this early in the season," one of the ICU doctors told this reporter. "It means the snakes are out and moving around, and their venom is more powerful this early in the season."

North Central Texas, as are many other areas in the U.S., is home to several poisonous species of snake, including the copperhead, water moccasin, and, most deadly of all, the rattlesnake. Since the function of rattlesnake venom is to not only kill, but rather to partially digest it's victim, damage to tissue and risk of death after a rattlesnake bite is very high. A vaccination does exist and while it may provide a little protection from the damage caused by a venomous snakebite, it is no substitution for immediate veterinary care after a bite.

In the wake of these events the I-20 Animal Medical Center reports that, "Not all hospitals carry anti-venom due to the high cost of the drug. So make sure the veterinary emergency hospital you use does. Snake bites in North Texas are frequent. It has been estimated that dogs are up to 300 times more likely to be bitten by a venomous snake than to get rabies. We see numerous cases every year. Last year we had a dog bit by a rattlesnake hiding under the children's slide on their swing set. You just never know so be prepared. If you hike with your dog, or live in an area with rattlesnakes, you should discuss rattlesnake vaccination with your veterinarian.

Ultimately, pet owners should realize precaution against venomous snakes is your best protection, and if your pet is bitten, seek veterinary care immediately."

About The I-20 Animal Medical Center
Since 1980, I-20 Animal Medical Center has been committed to providing the best in veterinary health care, vaccinations, surgeries, advanced dentistry and emergency/critical care 24/7. We understand that the health of your pet is a top priority.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm