COMMON DISEASES
DISTEMPER
The virus itself is related to the human measles virus and can produce
a number of different disease patterns in canines. Transmission usually
occurs via airborne. It is highly contagious and can travel some distance.
Distemper can affect a number of body systems, including respiratory and
nervous system.
Early signs of the disease include fever, loss of appetite and a mild
conjunctivitis. These signs come and go, as a result pet owners often miss
the early phase of the disease.
As it progresses, signs become more serious. They include coughing,
breathing difficulties, eye &nose discharges, vomiting , diarrhea,
blindness, paralysis and seizures.
There is no specific treatment for distemper. As a result supportive
care with antibiotics, and fluids is indicated. The overall prognosis is
poor with 50% of dogs that exhibit signs of dying in spite of care, of the
dogs that do recover 50% of them are expected to have some form of nervous
system complication. Immunization at early age is the cornerstone of
preventing this disease.
Disinfection of premises with a dilution of 1.30 bleach will help to
reduce spread.
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Canine Adenovirus
Both types 1 & 2 cause infectious hepatitis and respiratory infection.
This diseases is also a factor in kennel cough.
Bordtella
Canine Parainfluenza or Kennel Cough is the most common bacteria implicated
as a cause of respiratory disease in the canine. It is commonly involved in
the development of canine cough. Frequently many patients within a
household or kennel will be simultaneously infected.
Canine Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of dogs. It is found primarily in
young animals the ages of 1 to 4 years.In addition, males seem to be more
commonly affected. Signs associated with the disease reflect the damage
done by the organisms to the body's blood, liver and kidneys.
Fever,depression,vomiting and diarrhea might be early signs. Liver failure
and/or kidney failure might appear leading to dehydration and to a
orange-brown color urine. Left untreated death will result.Blood and urine
cultures might be called on to confirm diagnosis.
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Parvo
The virus usually strikes young, unvaccinated puppies under the age of 6
weeks although all ages can be susceptible to infection. It is highly
contagious. Paro virus affects the intestines, the immune system, and/or
the heart of infected dogs and can quickly be fatal
Signs seen include loss of appetite, persistent vomiting and profuse
diarrhea, often streaked with blood. As these signs develop, dehydration
and bacterial infection occur rapidly, especially in the young pup. In some
cases, severe breathing problems may arise as the heart is attacked.
Treatment for parvo involves supportive care. Intravenous fluids are a
must to treat dehydration, dextrose or a sugar supplement and vitamins may
be given intravenously as well. Antibiotics and drugs to control vomiting
are part of the support plan. Maintain body temperature and reduce stress
is a must. Puppies should be vaccinated started at 5 to 7 weeks of age.
Contaminated areas can be cleaned 1.30 dilution of bleach.
Extremely cold temperatures prior to snow fall will kill the virus.
Certain breeds seem to be more sensitive to the disease. They include
Rottweiler, Doberman Pinchers, and possibly black Labrador retrievers.
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CORNA VIRUS
Corona virus in dogs is highly contagious, causes vomiting ,diarrhea, and
dehydration.
Corona is often mistaken for parvo virus. This virus is transmitted via
fecal material containing the virus .Depression and loss of appetite
precede other signs.
There is no specific treatment for corona. Intravenous fluids to correct
or prevent dehydration and antibiotics. Vaccination should be started 5 to
7 weeks of age.
Evironment should be treated with 1.30 dilution of bleach.
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Rabies
Rabies is a disease that can kill people as well as animals. The disease is
viral in nature and typically passed through contact with the saliva of an
infected animal. People may get the disease by being bitten, licked, or
scratched. Approximately twenty four hoursafter the virus enters the body
it attacks the brain. Once this stage has been reached, it is uncurable,
and death eventually results.
If rabies shots are given within the 24 hour initial exposure period, the
disease can be prevented.
Rabies may cause the behavior of an animal to change. A friendly pet may
want to be left alone; a shy pet may want attention and may seem unusually
affectionate. The animal may be restless, have difficulty walking, eating,
drinking, drool saliva, make strange noises, bite or scratch an old wound,
or seem to be choking. The animal may become excited, confused, or vicious.
It may attack people, other animals, or even fixed objects in its state of
illness.
Beware of any wild animal that seems to be tame, friendly, or is seen in
the daytime. The fox, raccoon, and skunk are animals which avoid
people except in rare cases. When the virus affects their brains they may
be seen in areas that are not their usual habitat. They may lose their fear
of people and enter buildings, homes, and cars. They may attack anything
with no provocation.
There are no rabies vaccines available to immunize skunks, raccoons or
other wild animals, be they pets or not. The skunk is the animal most
commonly found to be rabid in the US, and is the most common cause of
rabies in humans in the US. Skunks are very susceptible to rabies and when
infected have large amounts of rabies virus in their saliva. Compounding
the problem, pet skunks bite, and may develop rabies as much as six months
after being exposed.
Vaccinate Your Pet.
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