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Common DiseasesCanine DistemperCanine distemper is a widespread, often fatal viral disease. All dogs should be vaccinated against this deadly virus. This neurological disorder is one of the most feared canine diseases in the world. All dogs, even older ones, should be vaccinated. Canine AdenovirusBoth types 1 and 2 cause infectious hepatitis and respiratory infection. Hepatitis caused by adenvirus may cause severe liver damage or death. Adenovirus is, also an important factor in kennel cough. Bordtella BronchisepticaCanine 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 LeptospirosisCanine Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection which may lead to permanent kidney damage. The disease is easily spread to other pets and humans. Canine ParvovirusIs a disease of widespread distribution which may cause severe dehydrating diarrhea in dogs of varying ages. Parvovirus infection is especially dangerous for puppies. Prior to 1977-78, parvovirus did not exist in the dog. The virus is a close relative of feline panleukopenia (feline distemper) and in fact, may have mutated from the cat and infected the dog in the late 1970ıs. The virus is extremely hardy and survives for long periods outside its host. The virus will live in the environment up to 6 months and survives winter nicely under a blanket of snow where the temperature is usually around 25-28 degrees F. Extremely cold temperatures prior to snow fall will kill the virus. Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is the only effective disinfecting agent. The virus is transmitted by oral ingestion of viral contaminated feces. Upon ingestion by the new host it infects local lymph nodes, quickly multiplies and then via the blood moves to the small intestine where signs of the disease begin in approximately 5-6 days. The virus is extremely deleterious to the lining (mucosa) of the small intestine. The surface of the mucosa is stripped away upsetting crucial barriers and interfering with normal balance of digestive enzyme secretion and nutrient absorption. Additionally, the normal bacterial flora of the small intestine which aid in digestion are now exposed to ulcerated mucosa, providing a direct route into the blood stream. Fluid loss from both vomiting and diarrhea is dramatic and dehydration ensues. The onslaught of bacteria and toxins into the blood will ultimately cause death. Precipitous drops in white blood cell (WBC) counts are common and relate directly to the prognosis and outcome of the infection. Ominous drops in white blood cells are attributed to overwhelming degradation of WBCıs and the direct depressive viral effect on WBC production in the bone marrow. The incidence of the disease is highest in young dogs and tends to start some time after the puppy has lost its maternal protection passed on at birth with the first milk (colostrum). Any age can be infected but, most dogs are infected between the ages of 2-6 months when maternal antibody decreases below a protective level in the puppy. Signs of the disease usually are mild to nonexistent. However, a full blown case of parvovirus untreated can easily be fatal. Certain breeds seem to be more sensitive to the disease; possibly related to their immune system. They include Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and possibly black Labrador retrievers. Generally, a diagnosis is made on the signs of the disease and falling white blood cell counts. Good rapid diagnostic tests are also available at veterinary clinics. Additionally, the virus can be found in the feces by commercial labs using electron microscopy. Treatment for the disease is primarily supportive although recently immunotherapy has become important. Historically, dogs were supported by aggressive intravenous fluid therapy to combat hydration and antibiotics given to reduce secondary bacterial infection. Food is withheld until vomiting has ceased. Many veterinarians employ antiemetics to lessen the signs and aid in the control of dehydration. Blood transfusions have been employed to increase the level of globulins, red blood cells and serum protein being lost via the bowelıs bloody diarrhea. Most recently, antitoxins and antiparvo serum are showing results. With hospitalization and vigorous support most dogs will survive severe cases of parvo virus. Early detection and aggressive therapy are the key to success. Prevention of parvo virus is by vaccination. Modified live vaccines are the most effective and continue to be safe. Producing and effective level of protection requires frequent vaccination starting at 8 weeks of age and repeating every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is sixteen weeks old. Some investigators have suggested extending the protocol until 20-26 weeks because of the persistence of maternal antibody in the puppy which neutralizes the vaccine. Currently, annual revaccination is recommended. Recently, it has been suggested that repeated annual vaccination may also produce persistent antibody interference to the vaccination. After the initial puppy series and first annual revaccination, boosters in the future may be recommended triennial or less frequent. A change in vaccine protocol, until further research is done, is not recommended. Canine CaronavirusThis infection is a contagious intestinal disease causing vomiting and diarrhea in dogs of all ages. Lyme DiseaseA bacterial disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, may be spread through direct contact and by insects such as flies, fleas and ticks. Arthritic-like symptons may occur. |
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