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Canine Diseases Canine Adenovirus
Canine Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Canine Coronavirus Coronavirus is highly contagious and can weaken dogs by causing severe vomiting and diarrhea. The diarrhea may appear yellow or mixed with blood. The diarrhea and vomiting usually causes the dog to lose weight. The disease is sometimes confused with parvovirus. The two diseases may occur simultaneously in which case symptoms are more severe. Corona is most serious in puppies but may affect dogs of any age. The mode of infection is through the infected feces. The best way to prevent this is by vaccination. Canine Distemper This highly contagious viral disease is found wherever dogs are found. It affects the respiratory and nervous system and is often fatal. It is transmitted via direct or indirect nose and eye discharge from infected dogs. Primarily seen in puppies 3-6 months old, it is the primary killer of puppies along with parvo. Early signs of distemper resemble a severe cold and symptoms may include squinting, eye congestion and discharge, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more advanced cases, it may cause convulsions and death. Distemper is highly contagious. Primary vaccination should begin at 6-12 weeks of age since dogs often contract the disease at an early age. This disease mostly kills young dogs -- adult dogs often survive it. The best way to prevent this is by vaccination. Canine Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease carried by many wild animals. A dog can contract the disease from infected animals or (more likely) by drinking contaminated water which a rat has urinated into. Yearly vaccination can reduce your dog's chance of acquiring the disease, but vaccines are not available for every type of lepto, and there are more adverse reactions from lepto vaccines than most other vaccines. The symptoms of Leptospirosis are, fever, tiredness, vomiting, gastrointestinal alterations, renal problems etc. It is possible for humans to contract this disease. The best way to prevent this is by vaccination. However, because of the possibility of adverse reactions in puppies, it is my recommendation that the dog be a year old before receiving this vaccination. Please consult with your vet to decide what is the right choice for you and your dog. Borreliosis (Lyme Disease)
Canine Parainfluenza Parainfluenza is a highly infectious disease of the respiratory tract. It is transmitted by air, and readily cause localized infections. The disease itself is mild, but secondary bacterial infections cause a more severe manifestation. Coughing of various intensity and frequency, along with fever and runny nose are the common symptoms. This viral respiratory disease is often partly responsible for "kennel cough" in dogs. Infection can be severe in young puppies. The best way to prevent this is vaccination. Canine Parvovirus This highly contagious viral disease usually causes severe diarrhea and vomiting in dogs of all ages but is especially deadly in puppies where death often occurs 48-72 hours after onset of symptoms. This virus can withstand exposure to most disinfectants and most temperature changes. If you have had parvo in your kennel, hit it with pure bleach and really work it into the crevices. Dose the kennel multiple times and let the disinfectant stand and pool on surfaces. Parvo can persist in an area for months. Parvovirus is a virus that appears suddenly with bloody diarrhea and vomiting caused by serious degenerative enteritis. The symptoms are fever, drowsiness, extreme depression, anorexia, bloody watery stools or mucous with a very intense odor. The best way to prevent this is vaccination. Canine Giardiasis Giardia is a parasite that lives in many different and often unexpected water sources. It causes giardiasis, which is the most frequently occuring protozoal water-borne illness in North America. Your pet can contract the disease simply by drinking contaminated water. Symptoms of Giardia include diarrhea, weight loss, fever, dehydration, nausea, abdominal pain and poor weight gain. It is possible for humans to contract this as well. The best way to prevent this is by eliminating your dogs exposure to untreated water supplies such as creeks, ponds, puddles, etc. Coccidiosis Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract caused by microscopic organisms called coccidia. The disease spreads from one animal to another by contact with infected feces. It is most severe in young or weak animals and often causes bloody diarrhea. The primary sign of an animal suffering with coccidiosis is diarrhea. The diarrhea may be mild to severe depending on the level of infection. Blood and mucous may be present, especially in advanced cases. Severely affected animals may also vomit, lose their appetite, become dehydrated, and in some instances, die from the disease. Albon as well as several other drugs have been successful in the treatment and prevention of coccidia. The spread of coccidia occurs by otherwise healthy puppies coming into contact with contaminated feces. The best way to prevent this is by practicing strict sanitation. Removing fecal matter promptly, and making sure that housing needs are such that food and water cannot become contaminated with feces. Clean water should be provided at all times. Most disinfectants do not work well against coccidia; incineration of the feces, and steam cleaning, immersion in boiling water or a 10% ammonia solution are the best methods to kill coccidia. Coccidia can withstand freezing temperatures. Rabies Of all animal diseases, rabies is probably the most feared. Rabies is an acute viral encephalomyelitis (affecting the brain). Once the clinical signs appear, the disease is almost invariably fatal. Transmission is by the introduction of the virus laden saliva into the tissues. The incubation period maybe prolonged and variable. After entering the muscle cells, the virus replicates itself, and travels via the peripheral nerves to the spinal cord, and ascends to the brain. From here it once again travels through the peripheral nerves to the salivary glands. Rabid animals of all species exhibit typical signs of CNS disturbance. The most reliable signs are unexplained behavioral changes and paralysis. Clinical disease has 3 forms. 1. Prodromal State: Lasts for 1-3 days. Typical signs are vague CNS comesymptoms progressing rapidly. 2. Furious form: This is classical Mad Dog Syndrome. The animal becomes irrational and with the slightest provocation, becomes vicious and aggressive. The posture gives an appearance of alertness and anxiety with dilated pupils. Such dogs when allowed to roam, frequently attack people, or any moving object. They chew the wire and frames of their cages. Muscular incoordination and seizures develop. Death is the result of progressive paralysis. 3. Paralytic form: This presents with paralysis of the throat and muscles of the jaw, with profuse salivation and inability to swallow. The lower jaw drops down. The paralysis progresses to all parts of the body and coma and death follow within hours. Most pets are exposed to rabies by bites from wild animals, particularly skunks, raccoons, bats and foxes. The disease can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected pet. The best way to prevent this is by vaccination. Ear Mites Ear mites are
tiny infectious organisms resembling microscopic ticks. The mite can
just barely be seen as a small white dot with the naked eye, but it
usually must be detected by examination of a sample of ear wax under
a microscope. Infection usually produces a characteristic dry black
ear discharge commonly said to resemble coffee grounds. Because of
the classical appearance of this discharge, infection is often
diagnosed based on the presence of such discharge though without
visual confirmation of the mite under the microscope, it is possible
to be led astray. The discharge is composed of ear wax, blood,
inflammatory biochemicals, and ear mites themselves. Ear mites can cause intense irritation of the ear canal. Signs of ear mite infestation include excessive head shaking and scratching of the ears. Your pet may scratch to the point that it creates bleeding sores around its ears. A brown or black ear discharge is common. If left untreated, bacterial infections from scratching may lead to abscesses or hematomas. Severe cases of untreated canine ear mites can also lead to permanent damage to the ear canal and hearing loss or deafness. You can prevent
ear mites by drying your pet's ears after bathing, checking his ears
for foreign matter and promptly visiting the veterinarian at the
first sign of trouble. What is a seizure? Seizures also known as a convulsion or fit are one of the most frequently seen neurological problems in dogs. A dog having a seizure may have all or any combination of the following:
Three phases of a seizure...
The dog during the seizure... Despite the dramatic signs of a seizure, the dog feels no pain, only bewilderment. As long as the dog is on the floor or ground, there is little chance of harm occurring. Types and cause of seizures...
Finding out why your dog has seizures... Your veterinarian will most likely begin by taking a thorough history concentrating on possible exposure to poisonous or hallucinogenic substances or history of head trauma. A physical exam, basic blood test, and an EKG will be performed. These tests will be used to rule out disorders of the liver, kidneys, heart, electrolytes, and blood sugar levels. A heartworm test will be performed if your dog is not taking heartworm preventative on a regular basis. If all of the above tests come back normal, and there is no exposure to poison or recent trauma, further diagnostics may be performed depending on the severity and frequency of the seizures. Other tests include, a spinal fluid tap and fluid analysis, specialized imaging of the head with a CAT scan or MRI may be performed depending on availability. 5 Common Worms 1. Hookworms Hookworms that infect canines belong to the Ancylostomatidae family of parasitic nematodes which get their name from the hook-like mouth parts they use to attach to the intestinal walls of their hosts. Despite their small size, hookworms can siphon a large volume of blood from their hosts and cause serious illness, especially in young dogs. Thankfully however modern medicine has provided us with a plethora of de-worming medications, so treatment and prevention of hookworms is relatively simple and highly effective. Hookworms when present are found in the small intestine of their host. Clinical symptoms that may suggest your dogs is suffering from an infestation of hookworms include generalized weakness and pale gums (results of severe anemia), a dull coat, and significant weight loss. A number of very effective, very safe de-worming agents are available through your veterinarian. In fact, most puppies are de-wormed as a precaution as early as 2 or 3 weeks of age. 2. Tapeworms The worms
attach themselves to the inner walls of the intestine, but do not
suck blood in the same volume as do hookworms. As the worms mature
they shed mobile segments that are then passed in the feces and may
often be seen around the anus, on the dog’s coat, or in bedding.
Though it is not among the most harmful of parasites, it is still
important to minimize tapeworm infections in your companion animals,
as they may be passed to other mammals and occasionally humans. Because fleas are an important vector in the transmission of tapeworms, flea control is an important part of eliminating tapeworm infections. There are numerous powders, collars, and topical treatments available. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations and more information. 3.Roundworms Canine
roundworms belong to the ascarid worm family, members of which can
infect dogs, foxes, both wild and domestic felines, and humans.
These large worms live and feed in the small intestine of their
host. Though all ages of dogs are susceptible to this parasite,
puppies are generally hardest hit by infestations and may become
seriously ill. Thankfully however modern medicine has provided us
with a plethora of de-worming medications, so treatment and
prevention of roundworms is relatively simple and highly effective. Whipworms are small thread-like parasites that embed deep within the lining of the colon (large intestine) and cecum. Trichuris vulpis, the canine whipworm, is a common parasite and is a major cause of diarrhea in the dog. Light infections of whipworms are difficult to diagnose, but they can lead to more serious problems. Large numbers of whipworms irritate the lining of your dog's intestine causing weight loss and pain. Watery and bloody stools may result. Severe infections can cause life threatening dehydration and anemia. Whipworms are not dangerous to people, but once dogs become infected, whipworms are difficult to eliminate without medication programs. 5. Heartworms A parasitic
roundworm (Dirofilaria immitis) that is spread from host to
host through the bites of mosquitoes. The heartworm affects dogs,
cats, wolves, coyotes, foxes, and some other animals, such as
ferrets, sea lions, and even humans. The parasitic worm is called a
"heartworm" because the parasite, in the final reproductive stage of
its life cycle, resides in the heart of its host where it can stay
for many years and may kill its host through congestive failure of
the heart. The parasite is found in the pulmonary arteries and sometimes the right atrium. Dogs show no indication of heartworm infestation during the 6 month long prepatent period prior to the worms' maturation, and current diagnostic tests for the presence of microfilariae or antigens cannot detect prepatent infections. Rarely, migrating heartworm larvae get "lost" and end up in unusual sites such as the eye, brain, or an artery in the leg, which results in unusual symptoms such as blindness, seizures and lameness. Many dogs will show little or no sign of infection even after the heartworms have matured. To some degree these dogs may be described as seeming to age slightly faster than normal as the worms slowly damage the lungs, kidneys and liver. These animals usually have a light infection and live a fairly sedentary lifestyle. However, active dogs and those with heavier infections will quickly show the classic symptoms of heartworm disease. Early symptoms include a cough, especially on exercise, and early exhaustion upon exercise. More advanced cases progress to severe weight loss, fainting, coughing up blood, and, finally, congestive heart failure. Prevention is key here. By giving your dog(s) a monthly heartworm prevention medication such as Heartguard or Interceptor protects your dog from developing heartworms. However, if you fail to do so, or accidently miss giving them their monthly pill, your dog(s) should be tested. If positive, it is treatable and you should discuss it with your licensed vet.
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