Disease Info
Diseases
Canine distemper is a highly contagious and severe illness caused by a virus that targets the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems in both puppies and adult dogs. The virus is not exclusive to domesticated canines; it can also be found in wildlife such as foxes, wolves, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, mink, ferrets, and has been observed in large cats like lions, tigers, leopards, and seals.
Symptoms
Causes
Canine distemper is attributed to the paramyxovirus. Animals contract the virus through exposure to infected urine, blood, saliva, or respiratory droplets, with the latter being the primary mode of transmission. The virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, or contaminated food and water bowls.
Treatment
While there is no cure for canine distemper, veterinarians can recommend supportive care and symptom management. Treatment options may involve broad-spectrum antibiotics, pain relievers, seizure medications, electrolytes, IV nutrition, fever reducers, and, in severe cases, hospitalization. Immediate and aggressive intervention is crucial, as it may aid complete recovery; however, persistent neurological symptoms may occur in some cases. Immune system medications, anti-inflammatories, or steroids may be prescribed, although their success is not guaranteed.
Prevention
Vaccination is a key measure to prevent canine distemper in both puppies and adult dogs. Puppies can receive the distemper vaccine starting at six weeks old, with subsequent doses administered every three to four weeks until 16 weeks old. Immunity can last for three years or more, and veterinarians may tailor the vaccine schedule based on the prevalence of distemper in the area. If vaccination is not possible, avoiding contact with sick dogs and maintaining a healthy diet, exercise routine, and a clean living environment can contribute to overall canine well-being. Ensuring your dog is vaccinated and healthy before boarding kennel visits is also advisable.
Canine influenza is induced by the canine influenza virus, representing a relatively recent affliction in dogs. Due to limited prior exposure, many dogs lack full immunity, rendering them susceptible upon contact. The virus spreads through respiratory secretions and contaminated items such as surfaces, bowls, collars, and leashes. Its survival on surfaces extends up to 48 hours, on clothing up to 24 hours, and on hands up to 12 hours. Notably, dogs can shed the virus even before displaying symptoms, posing a risk of transmission from seemingly healthy dogs.
Symptoms
Causes
Similar to human influenza, dog flu is airborne, disseminating through respiratory secretions released during coughing, barking, and sneezing. Contamination of objects and environments, such as water bowls, collars, and kennel surfaces, contributes to the spread. Crowded locations like kennels, grooming parlors, day care centers, and dog parks facilitate transmission, particularly during the contagious incubation period before symptom onset.
Treatment
Mild cases involve the use of cough suppressants, with antibiotics considered for secondary bacterial infections. Rest and isolation from other dogs are imperative. Severe cases necessitate aggressive treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and supportive care, often requiring hospitalization. Canine influenza can be fatal, emphasizing the importance of treating it as a serious ailment. Post-treatment, dogs should be isolated until all symptoms resolve.
Prevention
Vaccination is pivotal for prevention, with separate vaccines available for each canine influenza strain. Initial vaccination requires a booster 2 to 4 weeks later, followed by annual administration. Additional vaccinations against respiratory conditions, notably Bordetella bronchiseptica (commonly known as "kennel cough"), are advisable. Suspected cases warrant isolation, and recovery from the mild form typically occurs without intervention. Importantly, canine influenza does not pose a contagion risk to humans or other species. Avoiding congregations of dogs during active outbreaks in the region may help prevent infection.
Parvo, attributed to the canine parvovirus type 2, is a highly contagious disease affecting the gastrointestinal system. It manifests through symptoms such as fever, severe vomiting, and often bloody diarrhea. The virus spreads through direct contact between dogs and contaminated elements like stool, surfaces, bowls, collars, leashes, equipment, as well as human hands and clothing. Its resilience in the soil for extended periods makes it challenging to eradicate, contributing to the high treatment costs and unfortunate fatalities despite intensive interventions.
Symptoms
Causes
Causes of parvo involve contact with contaminated feces, even if it's not visually apparent. The virus can persist on various surfaces, including kennels, hands, and clothing, and dogs may carry it on their fur or paws after exposure to contaminated material. Parvovirus exhibits longevity outdoors, resisting many disinfectants but responding to diluted bleach and specialized cleaners used in veterinary settings.
Treatment
Treating parvo lacks a definitive cure, focusing on supportive care to empower the puppy's immune system against the virus. Treatment involves hospitalization with intravenous fluids, antiemetics to control vomiting, nutritional support, correction of electrolyte imbalances, and, if necessary, a feeding tube. Antibiotic therapy becomes essential for puppies displaying signs of sepsis or having a high fever or low white blood cell count.
Prevention
Prevention hinges on the administration of the canine parvovirus vaccine, typically included in combination vaccines like DHPP, DAPP, DA2PP, DHLPP. This core vaccine is recommended every three to four weeks from 6 weeks to at least 16 weeks of age, with timely boosters crucial for sustained protection. Puppies should only interact with fully vaccinated dogs until they receive complete vaccination. Caution is advised in areas with uncertain vaccination status, like dog parks, with exceptions for puppy classes at reputable training centers where vaccination is mandatory. A booster vaccine at one year and subsequent periodic vaccinations are necessary for lifelong immunity.
Heartworms, transmitted by mosquitoes, pose a serious threat to dogs, leading to symptoms such as coughing, lethargy, difficulty breathing, heart disease, and even death. Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition that can impact dogs lacking proper protection.
Symptoms
Causes
The causative agent, Dirofilaria immitis, is a parasitic worm transmitted through mosquito bites. Dogs serve as definitive hosts, where the worms mature, mate, and produce offspring within the dog. The disease does not spread directly from one dog to another; rather, an intermediate host, the mosquito, is essential for transmission. Incidences of heartworm disease align with mosquito seasons, with the number of infected dogs and the duration of the mosquito season directly influencing disease prevalence. Clinical signs typically manifest in dogs aged four to eight years, as it takes several years for outward symptoms to appear.
Treatment
Dogs diagnosed with heartworm disease undergo initial treatments to stabilize their condition. Subsequently, they receive medication to eliminate circulating microfilariae. A series of three injections over a month is often administered to eradicate adult heartworms in the heart and lungs. Hospitalization is required during these injections, with close monitoring for potential side effects. Prescription medications like prednisone and doxycycline are commonly prescribed to minimize adverse reactions. Pain and anti-nausea medications may be used to alleviate discomfort and stomach upset associated with the injections. Additional treatments may be necessary based on individual conditions, and without intervention, heartworm disease is typically fatal.
Prevention
Monthly heartworm medication, as prescribed by a veterinarian, is an effective means of preventing heartworm disease in dogs. A prerequisite for preventative medication is a heartworm test, especially if a dose was skipped or administered late. Treating heartworms in dogs is both costly and carries inherent risks, making prevention a more prudent approach. The lifelong cost of preventing heartworms is comparable to the expense of treating the disease just once.
Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) complex, is an exceptionally contagious respiratory ailment in dogs, primarily spread through contact with infected dogs. Even in its initial stages, infected dogs may not display overt signs of illness but can still transmit the disease to others. Characterized by tracheal and bronchial inflammation, kennel cough mirrors the common cold in humans and is prevalent worldwide, affecting a significant portion of dogs at least once in their lives. Young puppies, due to their immature immune systems, are more susceptible to severe complications arising from kennel cough. Additionally, older dogs with diminished immune function, pregnant dogs with lowered immunity, and those with preexisting respiratory conditions face an elevated risk, with kennel cough potentially progressing rapidly to pneumonia, a critical condition that may necessitate hospitalization.
Symptoms
Causes
The primary culprits behind kennel cough are the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine parainfluenza virus, although other microorganisms can also contribute. Transmission occurs through inhaling airborne droplets from coughing dogs, direct contact with infected dogs, or the sharing of contaminated food bowls and toys.
Treatment
Treatment varies based on the infection's severity. For dogs exhibiting minor symptoms, such as being alert, active, and eating well, veterinarians may recommend general supportive care, including rest, proper hydration, and good nutrition. More severely affected dogs may benefit from medications that alleviate inflammation and coughing, such as dog-safe cough syrup. If a bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics may be prescribed to shorten the disease's duration.
Prevention
To prevent kennel cough, particularly in puppies, vaccinations play a crucial role. Boarding facilities should maintain proper disinfection of cages, and dogs should only be boarded at facilities mandating up-to-date vaccinations for their residents. Facilities offering doggy daycare alongside boarding may pose a higher risk due to increased airborne transmission during social play. Vigilance in vaccination and hygiene practices is key to minimizing the risk of kennel cough among dogs in such environments.
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by Leptospira bacteria, prevalent worldwide in soil and water. It is categorized as a zoonotic disease, indicating potential transmission from animals to humans. While human infections can lead to flu-like symptoms and liver or kidney disease, instances resulting from contact with infected pets are relatively rare but feasible. Leptospirosis tends to be more prevalent in regions with warm climates and high annual rainfall, yet it can manifest in any location.
Symptoms
Causes
Dogs contract leptospirosis through contact with infected urine, urine-contaminated soil, water, food, bedding, bites from infected animals, ingestion of infected tissues or carcasses, and infrequently through breeding. Transmission from mother dog to puppies through the placenta is also possible.
Treatment
Leptospirosis is typically treated with antibiotics and supportive care. Early and aggressive intervention enhances recovery chances, although there remains a risk of permanent kidney or liver damage. Vaccination is a highly effective preventive measure, offering protection for at least 12 months. Annual vaccination is recommended for dogs at risk, and minimizing exposure to potential sources of Leptospira bacteria can reduce the likelihood of infection. While the risk of human infection from an infected pet dog is generally low, precautions should be taken.
Prevention
Administer antibiotics as prescribed by your veterinarian. Avoid contact with infected dog’s urine;
Any mammal can fall victim to the rabies virus, a fatal infection. While most dog parks and organized gatherings mandate proof of rabies vaccination, some may not, posing risks of transmission. Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, and once animals display signs of the disease, it becomes 100% fatal. Fortunately, vaccination is a preventive measure against rabies infection, with many local and state governments requiring regular rabies vaccinations for dogs.
Symptoms
Causes
The rabies virus, transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, spreads when infected animals bite another animal or person. In rare cases, transmission occurs if infected saliva contacts an open wound or mucous membranes like the mouth or eyes, potentially happening if an infected animal licks an open cut.
Treatment
Vaccinated dogs receive a booster rabies vaccine from the veterinarian if exposed. Those in contact with the dog's saliva or bitten should seek immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, rabies is invariably fatal for unvaccinated animals, usually within 7 to 10 days from the onset of symptoms. Confirmed rabies cases must be reported to the local health department. Unvaccinated dogs exposed to known rabid animals undergo up to six months of quarantine, following local and state regulations. Conversely, a vaccinated animal that bites or scratches a human undergoes quarantine in an approved facility or may be euthanized, with post,mortem testing conducted.
Prevention
Protecting pets from rabies involves regular veterinary visits, ensuring rabies vaccinations are current for cats, ferrets, and dogs. Maintain control by keeping cats and ferrets indoors and dogs under direct supervision. Additionally, spaying or neutering pets helps reduce the number of unwanted animals, ensuring proper care and regular vaccinations.
Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by a fungal infection of the skin. The infection can be transmitted through contact with an infected dog, its bedding, or objects that have been in contact with the infected dog. The fungus can also persist in the soil. Ringworm earns its name due to the circular patches of hair loss it often induces. While some dogs may excessively scratch the affected areas, others may not experience itchiness. While many dogs recover without treatment, they are often treated to prevent the spread of the infection to other dogs or to humans.
Symptoms
Causes
Ringworm in dogs spreads through direct contact with the fungus, whether through contact with an infected animal or person or touching contaminated objects like furniture, combs, food bowls, bedding, or carpets.
Treatment
Most dogs can be treated for ringworm as outpatients, but quarantine measures should be considered due to the contagious and zoonotic (transmissible to humans) nature of many ringworm types. Topical treatments may be sufficient for mild cases, and shaving long,coated pets can aid in reaching the skin with medications. Options include lime sulfur dips, enilconazole rinses, and miconazole shampoos. In severe cases, veterinarians may prescribe oral antifungal drugs like itraconazole, griseofulvin, fluconazole, terbinafine, or ketoconazole. Treatment may extend for several months, and discontinuation should only occur after follow,up tests confirm the dog is free of ringworm. If an underlying condition contributes to the dog's ringworm, it should also be addressed.
Prevention
Pets undergoing ringworm treatment should be isolated to prevent disease spread. Handlers should wear disposable gloves and wash skin and clothes after handling an infected pet. To decontaminate the home, vacuum floors and upholstery thoroughly and clean hard surfaces with an effective disinfectant like a dilute bleach solution. Veterinarians can devise an appropriate plan for treatment, monitoring, and environmental decontamination based on the specific case.
Lyme disease in dogs stands as one of the most prevalent tick-transmitted illnesses globally, yet only 5,10% of affected dogs exhibit symptoms. Thus, some dogs may harbor the disease without displaying any noticeable signs.
Symptoms
Causes
Ticks carrying the Borrelia Burgdorferi bacteria, responsible for Lyme disease, await their host at the tips of vegetation. Upon contact with a bush or similar surfaces, the tick promptly attaches itself and then seeks a location to bite.
Treatment
In Lyme disease cases, outpatient treatment is common unless the dog's condition is unstable, such as severe kidney disease. Doxycycline is the primary antibiotic prescribed, but other antibiotics can also be effective. Treatment typically spans at least four weeks, and longer courses may be required in certain instances. To alleviate discomfort, veterinarians may also prescribe anti,inflammatories. Unfortunately, antibiotic treatment may not completely eradicate the Borrelia burgdorferi infection, with symptoms potentially recurring, and the future development of kidney disease remains a concern. Proper administration of antibiotics reduces the likelihood of chronic consequences. Improvement in acute joint inflammation caused by Borrelia should be noticeable within 3,5 days of antibiotic treatment; if not, a reevaluation is warranted.
Prevention
Minimize exposure to tick,infested environments where Lyme disease is prevalent. Perform daily checks of your dog's coat and skin for hidden ticks, removing them manually. Utilize flea and tick prevention methods recommended by your veterinarian, including collars, topical solutions, and tablets or chews. In areas with abundant ticks, Lyme vaccines are available, but candidacy should be discussed with your veterinarian to determine its suitability for your dog.
Giardia is a single-celled parasite that resides in the intestines of mammals, birds, and amphibians. Various "assemblages" of Giardia exist, categorizing the numerous subspecies. Each assemblage targets specific animal groups, yet they share a common life cycle and mode of transmission. The Giardia life cycle consists of two stages: trophozoites, the mature parasites residing in the small intestine where they multiply, and cysts, the infective stage shed into the feces of the infected animal. Cysts can endure for weeks in the environment and, when ingested by a host, transform into trophozoites, restarting the life cycle.
Symptoms
Causes
Giardia spreads through the consumption of water contaminated by feces or by ingesting feces-contaminated substances, such as grass. Given dogs' proclivity for putting things in their mouths, various avenues exist for them to pick up the parasite, whether through chewing on sticks, consuming feces, or drinking from puddles. Infected dogs can transmit the parasite, even if asymptomatic, posing a concern for households with multiple pets.
Treatment
If diarrhea is observed in your dog, contact your vet for diagnostic tests to determine Giardia presence. Treatment plans tailored to the dog's needs are then discussed based on the severity of the case.
Prevention
Ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean water to minimize the chance of lapping up contaminated puddle water. Use a proven filter or boil tap water to eliminate Giardia cysts before offering it to your dog. Maintain general hygiene by promptly picking up after your dog to prevent cysts from entering the environment. Avoid places with large amounts of dog feces to limit exposure. Facilities practicing proper cleaning and disinfection are less likely to harbor Giardia and other diseases.
Bloat, characterized by an enlarged stomach, becomes problematic when it leads to torsion, preventing the escape of fluid and air and hindering the dog's ability to vomit. Dogs prone to gulping down food without chewing are at risk of gastric torsion.
Symptoms
Causes
While certain environmental and genetic factors remain unknown, overeating and excessive drinking increase the likelihood of bloating. Allowing a dog to exercise or roll shortly after a meal can exacerbate the issue.While bloating can affect any dog, certain breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, Bloodhounds, Weimaraners, Basset Hounds, and Dachshunds are more susceptible.
Treatment
Immediate veterinary attention is crucial in treating bloating. Stabilization and gastric decompression may be necessary, and in severe cases, shock treatment on the way to the emergency hospital may be required.
Prevention
Prevention involves training dogs to eat slowly, using deep bowls that require effort to access the food, reducing the risk of inhaling it. Providing normal-sized food portions and allowing digestion time after meals can also help prevent bloating. In some cases, veterinarians may recommend gastropexy, a surgical procedure attaching the stomach to the body wall to prevent shifting or twisting.