Description of Dog Diseases
Rabies- Attacks the nervous system and causes
encephalitis. The virus is transmitted in saliva from the bite of an
infected animal. It usually takes two-eight weeks before the signs
appear. However, it only takes about ten days before it's passable
through saliva.
The most common ways for an animal or human to be
infected is by a bite from an animal who's infected - usually a
skunk, fox, raccoon or bat.
Cats are actually more at risk than dogs -
because they put themselves more at risk that dogs.
There are three stages to Rabies:
Prodomal Stage- Lasts two-four days. Signs can
include behavioral changes, fever, slow eye reflexes, and chewing at
the bite of the site.
The Paralytic Stage- Last two-four days. Signs of
paralysis develop, usually beginning in the limb that was bitten.
Paralysis of the throat or face causes a change in the bark.
Drooling with typical foaming at the mouth, and a dropped jaw.
Followed by depression, coma, and death from respiratory paralysis.
Once clinical signs develop there is no
treatment! If a pet has been bitten by a wild animal or known
related rabid animal - if they've been vaccinated, re-vaccinate them
and quarantine them for 90 days. If the pet has not been vaccinated,
euthanize and submit tissue for rabies testing. If the owner is
unwilling to euthanize the pet, it should be strictly quarantined
for six months with a vaccination one month prior to release.
Distemper- Greatest single disease threat to the
world's dog population. Distemper develops over a course of days.
Canine distemper virus is fatal to 80% of the puppies and 50% of the
adult dogs that contact it. Symptoms include congested lungs, nasal
discharge, vomiting and diarrhea. As it progresses, it attacks the
nervous system, often causing partial or complete paralysis and
seizures. The disease is highly contagious. Dogs can get the virus
through coming into contact with anything another dog infected,
including through all secretions of the infected animal and very
surprisingly, even through the air.
Most distemper appear in dogs less than six
months of age and in old dogs that have not been vaccinated. Once
infected, there is no cure. Treatment is supportive -- fluids
through I.V to prevent dehydration, and symptoms treated. Dogs who
recover from distemper may have vision, nervous system problems,
hardened foot pads and nose leathers, throughout their lives. In
addition, puppies may also have mottled teeth from damage to
developing enamel.
Dogs should be vaccinated, and given boosters, to
prevent this disease.
Parvovirus- This disease can overwhelm a dog
within hours of first symptoms and result in death within 48-72
hours. It is found through the world, it is highly contagious and
attacks the intestinal tract, white blood cells, and sometimes the
heart. It is spread with contact through feces of infected dogs.
Parvovirus can be carried on shoes, crates, equipment or the hair
and feet of infected dogs. Symptoms appear five-seven days after
exposure and include depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, severe
diarrhea. Feces are generally light gray, or yellow-gray, and may be
streaked with blood. Puppies under six months are most susceptible
to the disease. If the disease effects the heart, puppies can die
within hours, weeks or even months. Doberman Pinschers and
Rottweliers appear to be at a higher risk for parvo than other
breeds.
There is no treatment that cures the virus.
Nursing care consists of replacing fluid, keeping the dog warm,
controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and dosing with antibiotics to
prevent secondary infections.
Parvovirus can live for several months in an
infected area, thorough cleaning of all surfaces is necessary to
eradicate the disease. Household bleach is a very effective agent.
Vaccination against parvo has dramatically
reduced incidence of the disease. The vaccine protects the dog for
several years.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis- It is inhaled or
ingested by the dog, enters the bloodstream, and targets the liver,
kidneys, eyes, and the cells lining the inner surface of the blood
vessels. Some cases barely show symptoms - puppies may show a slight
fever or be slightly lethargic and recover quickly.
Some cases are quick and deadly. They may also
have tonsillitis, reddened mouth and eye membranes, colic, then
shock and death. Sometimes all within 24 hours!
The in-between manifestation of the disease is
the one most commonly described. The early symptoms are similar to
the other forms - some puppies recover within two weeks, others
develop internal bleeding, central nervous system involvement, and
liver disease.
There is no cure, only supportive treatment.
Vaccination lasts several years.
Kennel Cough- This is a respiratory disease in
dogs that covers the actions of several infectious agents, including
Bordatella bronchiseptica, a bacteria, canine adenovirus 2, and
canine parainfluenza virus.
The parainfluenza virus is related to the canine
distemper virus. Symptoms range from hacking cough to inflammation
of the larynx, bronchial tubes and trachea. CAV-2 also produces
pneumonia in ten-twenty percent of the affected dogs.
They're highly contagious, especially in kennels
or shelters where the canine immune systems are stressed. Good
ventilation is necessary to prevent and spread diseases.
A combined kennel cough vaccination contains
CAV-2, parainfluenza, and Bordatella in one dose of nose drops.
Symptoms are no more than a bad cold, vaccination is recommended if
dogs are to be boarded, or will come into contact with a large
numbers of dogs.
Leptospirosis- This is a bacterial disease spread
in the urine of wild and domestic animals and capable of causing
illness in humans as well as dogs. Several species of the bacteria
produce disease in dogs. Symptoms include lethargy, kidney
inflammation, low-grade fever, vomiting, reddening of the mucous
membranes, and conjunctiva, and blood clotting abnormalities. A more
generalized form of the disease can cause elevated liver enzymes,
jaundice, pneumonia, and intestinal inflammation. Chronic kidney
problems can result. Antibiotic therapy is effective in fighting the
bacterial invasion and supportive nursing (replenishment of fluids,
administration of diuretics to flush the kidneys and prevent kidney
failure, blood transfusions, if necessary) is required.
Vaccinations are not recommended unless there is
a disease in the area. The vaccines help to lessen the severity of
the disease, but do not prevent it. It also may not be effective for
more than six months. Puppies and small dogs can have adverse
reactions to the vaccines. If there is a lepto outbreak occurring
and veterinarians do recommend vaccination, dogs should be
inoculated against all four strains of the disease, unless the
particular strain is identified.
Lyme Disease- Is a bacterial disease spread by
ticks. Symptoms in dogs include lethargy, joint pain, lack of
appetite, lymph node enlargement, and fever. Some dogs have
antibodies to the disease, indicating they've been exposed, but they
show no symptoms.
Treatment is with antibiotic, Tetracycline.
Vaccine is available, but is not widely recommended because the
disease is self-limiting and protection is limited to no more than
six months, following inoculation. Lyme disease is more serious for
humans than for dogs.
Coronavirus- This virus causes diarrhea and
vomiting, and can be confused for parvo. The mode of infection is
direct contact of an infected animal or its feces. Some dogs have
antibodies but no symptoms, others lose their appetite, have smelly
diarrhea, and are lethargic and dehydrated. Treatment involves
replacing lost fluids and controlling vomiting and diarrhea. Vaccine
is available, but not widely recommended.
Common Diseases for Dogs!