Vaccines
Despite the availability of vaccines, many dogs are affected each year by parvovirus, leptospirosis and kennel cough. Should an unvaccinated dog or puppy come into contact with one of these diseases, it could prove to be fatal. Those that recover may be left with long-term damage to vital organs. There is no need for this to happen as a dog can be protected through a couple of injections as a puppy and then regular boosters throughout his life.
Puppies should be vaccinated at 6-9 weeks of age and then again at 10-12 weeks. They will become fully protected two weeks after the second vaccination.
The vaccine contains a weak dose of the disease and this stimulates the dog’s immune system to produce antibodies that will be able to fight the disease should they become exposed to it at a later stage.
If your dog is unwell, has been recently unwell or unusually quiet when he is due to have his vaccinations, make sure that you tell your Vet. It may be a good idea to postpone his injections for a while, just to minimise the small risk of adverse reaction.
Vaccines are given in different ways. Most are injected into the ‘scruff’ of the neck; however, the kennel cough vaccine is given as drops into the nose.
Regular ‘booster’ vaccinations are necessary to keep the dog’s immunity levels high enough to protect him against disease throughout his life. Your vet will advise you on how often your pet needs to be vaccinated.
Apart from kennel cough the following diseases share the initial symptoms of depression, appetite loss, and a high temperature. Veterinary treatment should be sought immediately if your dog is unvaccinated and becomes unwell.
Remember, ALL of these diseases can be fatal: Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis and kennel cough.
Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is an acute, highly contagious disease of dogs that was first described in the early 1970s. The virus has a tendency to attack rapidly reproducing cells, such as those lining the gastrointestinal tract.
The virus is shed in large amounts in the stools of acutely infected dogs for up to several weeks following infection. The disease is transmitted by oral contact with infected feces. Parvo can be carried on the dog’s hair and feet, as well as on contaminated crates, shoes, and other objects. When the dog licks the fecal material off hair, feet, or anything that came in contact with infected feces, he acquires the disease.
Dehydration is a lack of water in the body, and can cause serious complications for pets and people alike. Water is essential to all living beings, including dogs, who depend on proper daily fluid intake to maintain appropriate health. It makes up 80 percent of your dog’s body, and dissolves natural and unnatural substances as well as serves as the root of all his biological processes, including circulation, digestion and waste removal.
Parvo affects dogs of all ages, but most cases occur in puppies 6 to 20 weeks of age. Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers appear to acquire the infection more readily and experience more severe symptoms. The reason for lower resistance in these breeds is unknown.
Following an incubation period that averages four to five days, the acute illness begins with depression, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some dog have no fever, while others have high fever (up to 106°F, 41.1°C). Pups with severe abdominal pain exhibit a tucked-up abdomen. Diarrhea is profuse and contains mucus and/or blood.Dehydration develops rapidly.
Heart muscle involvement in neonatal puppies used to be common, but is now quite rare. This is because routine vaccination of brood bitches two to four weeks before breeding boosts maternal antibody levels and provides better protection for puppies.
Suspect parvo in all pups with the abrupt onset of vomiting and diarrhea. The most efficient way to diagnose parvo is to identify either the virus or virus antigens in stools. An in-office blood serum test (ELISA) is available for rapid veterinary diagnosis. False negatives do occur. Virus isolation techniques are more precise, but require an outside laboratory.
Treatment: Dogs with this disease require intensive veterinary management. In all but the most mild cases, hospitalization is essential to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Intravenous fluids and medications to control vomiting and diarrhea are often required. More severe cases may require blood plasma transfusions and other intensive care.
Puppies and dogs should not eat or drink until the vomiting has stopped. but require fluid support during that time. This can take three to five days. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent septicemia and other bacterial complications, which are the usual cause of death.
The outcome depends upon the virulence of the specific strain of parvovirus, the age and immune status of the dog, and how quickly the treatment is started. Most pups who are under good veterinary care recover without complications.
Prevention: Thoroughly clean and disinfect the quarters of infected animals. Parvo is an extremely hardy virus that resists most household cleaners and survives on the premises for months. The most effective disinfectant is household bleach in a 1:32 dilution. The bleach must be left on the contaminated surface for 20 minutes before being rinsed
Distemper
Distemper is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus similar to the one that causes measles in people. Worldwide, it is the leading cause of infectious disease deaths in dogs, although in the United States it occurs only sporadically. All unvaccinated dogs are at high risk of infection.
Infected animals shed canine distemper virus in all body secretions. Inhaling the virus is the primary source of exposure. The highest incidence of the disease occurs in unvaccinated puppies 6 to 12 weeks of age, at which time maternal antibodies fall below protective levels.
Diarrhea is characterized by frequent loose or liquid bowel movements. It can be caused by something as simple as a change in diet or a more serious illness or infection. Diarrhea may be sudden in onset and short in duration. It can also last for weeks to months or occur off and on. A single bout of diarrhea is generally not a cause for concern in dogs-but if it persists for more than a day, it can lead to dehydration , may indicate an underlying health issue and should be checked...
Half the dogs who become infected with canine distemper virus show mild signs of illness or no signs at all. The overall health of the dog has a lot to do with how ill he becomes. The disease is most severe in dogs who are poorly nourished and ill-kept.
The distemper virus tends to attack brain cells and cells that line the surfaces of the body, including the skin, the conjunctiva, the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, and the gastrointestinal tract. The disease takes a variety of forms. Secondary infections and complications are common, partly attributable to the immunosuppressive effects of the virus.
The first signs of distemper appear six to nine days after exposure, and in mild cases go unnoticed.
First stage is characterized by a fever spike of up to 103° to 105°F (39.4° to 40.5°C). A second fever spike is accompanied by loss of appetite, listlessness, and a watery discharge from the eyes and nose. These symptoms may be mistaken for a cold.
Within a few days, the eye and nasal discharge becomes thick, yellow, and sticky. The dog develops a pronounced dry cough. Pus blisters may appear on the abdomen. Vomiting and diarrhea are frequent and may cause severe dehydration.
During the next one to two weeks, very often the dog seems to be getting better but then relapses. This often coincides with the end of the course of antibiotics and the development of gastrointestinal and respiratory complications due to secondary bacterial invasion.
Second stage occurs two to three weeks after the onset of the disease. Many dogs develop signs of brain involvement (encephalitis), characterized by brief attacks of slobbering, head shaking, and chewing movements of the jaws (as if the dog were chewing gum). Epileptic-like seizures may occur, in which the dog runs in circles, falls over, and kicks all four feet wildly. After the convulsive episode the dog appears to be confused, shies away from his owner, wanders about aimlessly, and appears to be blind.
In cases with brain involvement in which the diagnosis is uncertain, a spinal tap and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid may be of assistance. But this is not always diagnostic. Another indication of brain involvement is distemper myoclonus, a condition characterized by rhythmic contractions of muscle groups at up to 60 contractions per minute. The jerking can affect all parts of the body, but is most common in the head. Myoclonus is first seen when the dog is resting or sleeping. Later it occurs both day and night. Pain accompanies myoclonus, and the dog whines and cries. If the dog recovers, the jerking continues indefinitely-but becomes less severe with time.
Canine Hepititis
Infectious canine hepatitis is a rapid-onset and potentially fatal condition that can affect dogs of all ages, breeds, shapes and sizes. It can also affect and be spread by foxes, and in other countries where rather more exotic animals roam freely, coyotes, wolves and bears too.
Most people are aware of the various different hepatitis strains that people can contract, and the various steps that can be taken to avoid catching the disease in people, but what can you do to protect your dog against the canine equivalent? How can you identify the symptoms of infectious canine hepatitis? Can you catch it from your dog? Read on to learn more.
What is infectious canine hepatitis?
Infectious canine hepatitis is a condition that affects the liver and kidneys, causing inflammation of the organ tissue that in turn can lead to the development of fibroids, liver disease, jaundice, disorientation and changes in personality, bleeding disorders and lesions. In the later stages, it can affect many other organs, including the spleen and lungs as well. Understandably, infectious canine hepatitis is highly unpleasant for your dog, is painful, and can make them quite sick and even, in some cases, prove fatal.
Infectious canine hepatitis is a viral condition, which is caused by the presence of the virus known as “canine adenovirus 1” or CAV-1.
How do dogs catch hepatitis?
Infectious canine hepatitis is highly infectious to other dogs, because it can be transmitted in a wide variety of ways. Infectious canine hepatitis is not an airborne disease, but it is present in the faeces, blood, saliva and urine of affected dogs, or by directly touching the snout or back end of another dog that is suffering from or carrying the condition. The virus that causes the condition is very virulent, and so your dog may even be able to contract the condition by contact with food or water bowls that have been used by an infected dog, as well as by other methods. It is important not to allow your dog to drink from any communal water bowls when out and about if at all possible; take a bottle of water and a dish with you when out on walks.
What type of dogs are most at risk?
Any unvaccinated dog can contract the disease, but the good news is that infectious canine hepatitis is a condition that is vaccinated against as standard within the UK, and so providing that you have your dog immunised and keep their boosters up to date, your dog should be protected. Unvaccinated dogs under one year old are the most likely to contract the condition and be worst affected by it, although the disease can affect dogs of any age.
Can people catch infectious canine hepatitis?
Infectious canine hepatitis is not a zoonotic condition, which means that it is not possible to catch the condition yourself from an affected dog. It is important to remember that you may carry the virus on your skin or clothes if you have been in contact with an affected dog, however, and could potentially pass it on to other canines that you meet.
Preventing the spread of infectious canine hepatitis
Vaccination is the most effective way of keeping the condition from spreading widely throughout the canine population, and it is your responsibility as a dog owner to protect your dog from this and other illnesses by keeping their immunisations up to date. If your dog or another dog that you know is affected by the condition, it is important to ensure that neither the dog themselves nor any of their toys or equipment come into contact with other dogs, and to thoroughly disinfect everything used on or around that particular dog frequently.
The symptoms of infectious canine hepatitis
Infectious canine hepatitis can be very quick in its development, and usually presents itself as an acute condition. Signs and symptoms to watch out for include:
Sickness and vomiting, Coughing, Cuts and small grazes not clotting properly, Cloudy eyes, Drinking and peeing a lot, Loss of appetite or disinterest in food, Light coloured poop, Pain or enlargement of the abdomen, Jaundice around the eyes and any areas of pink skin, Fever, Pale gums and tongue, Sudden weight loss
Diagnosing infectious canine hepatitis
In order to definitively diagnose infectious canine hepatitis, your vet will run a variety of tests, including blood tests, antibody tests and possibly immuno-fluorescence scanning, depending upon the equipment they have available to them. Results are usually returned quickly, and analysis is often performed in-house.
Treatment and prognosis for dogs affected
Infectious canine hepatitis is a severe and sometimes fatal condition, but surprisingly, it does often resolve itself and in mild cases, go away on its own as the body develops the necessary antibodies to fight off the virus.
Because the condition is usually acute and can potentially be fatal, however, veterinary intervention and treatment is usually recommended. This may consist of various different treatment methods, including a combination of some of the following treatment protocols:
IV fluid therapy and inpatient monitoring, Broad-spectrum antibiotics may be administered to kill the virus, In serious cases and if available, a blood transfusion may be considered
Reactive treatment to minimise the pain and discomfort of the condition, such as painkillers and creams to treat problems with the eyes.
While the condition can prove fatal, particularly in young, unvaccinated dogs and those with a weakened immune system, treatment for infectious canine hepatitis is often effective if begun early on. Knowing how to spot the potential symptoms of the disease in your dogs and others, and remaining vigilant, can go a long way towards increasing a dog’s chances of survival, should they be unlucky enough to contract the condition.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that is caused by a group of spiral-shaped bacteria collectively called Leptospira. These microorganisms, which are classified as “spirochetes,” are similar to other bacteria except that they are motile, which means that they can move around by whipping their tail-like membrane, called a “flagella.” Many different types of spirochetes exist in nature. Most of them live freely in the environment and do not disturb people or pets. However, two particular types of “spirochetes” have been identified as causing disease in domestic dogs. These are Leptospira, which causes Leptospirosis, and Borrelia, which causes Lyme Disease. Leptospirosis is found all around the world, and is especially prevalent in wet, warm, tropical climates. Dogs living in icy winter conditions are unlikely to develop leptospirosis because the bacteria cannot survive freezing temperatures. The organisms also are killed by heat and prolonged dryness. Where Leptospira survive, and thrive, are in pools of standing water, puddles of urine, raw sewage, muddy patches, marshy areas and damp, neutral or slightly alkaline soil.
Wild and domestic mammals are reservoirs for the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. Carrier animals may or may not show any symptoms of being sick from their infection. Raccoons, skunks, opossums and rats are particularly common carriers. Dogs that come into contact with these animals, or their urine, have an increased chance of contracting leptospirosis. This is true not only in rural environments, but also in densely populated urban areas that are infested with rodents. Leptospira can be transmitted directly across the placenta, infecting unborn puppies. Dogs often become infected when they drink or walk through stagnant water that has been contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Leptospira can enter through a bite wound or other skin surface disruption, and it can also pass through intact skin. Dogs can become infected by eating part of a dead animal that carries the bacteria. The organisms can also be transmitted in semen. Once they penetrate abraded or intact skin or mucous membranes, Leptospira rapidly invade the dog’s blood stream and spread to all parts of its body. The organisms eventually settle in the liver and/or kidneys (and sometimes in other organs, such as the spleen, eyes and brain, or in the reproductive and gastrointestinal tracts). For some unknown reason, when they lodge in the liver and kidneys, Leptospira bacteria are sheltered from the dog’s immune system and are able to reproduce in large numbers.
Most of the animals that are infected with Leptospira do not become sick. They are called “carriers” of the organism, with an “inapparent” infection. However, when carriers urinate, they shed the bacteria and contaminate the surrounding environment, becoming a source of infection for other animals. They may shed the bacteria in their urine intermittently, or they may shed them for life. Dogs that spend a lot of time in wet, wooded areas frequented by wildlife, and those living in densely populated urban environments that harbor rats and other rodents, have an increased risk of contracting leptospirosis. Dogs that spend most of their time indoors, or in areas that are not likely to be contaminated by the urine of carrier animals, are much less likely to become infected. People can become infected through the same routes as dogs. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease.
Preventing Leptospirosis The most effective way to prevent leptospirosis is to restrict a dog’s access to muddy marshy areas, ponds, irrigated pastures, raw sewage and standing pools of stagnant water. It is important to keep trash well-contained, especially in dense urban areas where rats and other rodents are common. Raccoons, squirrels and other wild animals should not be fed or otherwise encouraged to linger in areas frequented by domestic dogs.
Kennel Cough
Most dog owners and canine enthusiasts have heard of kennel cough, and it is one of the most well known canine health conditions in the UK. Kennel cough used to be a very common condition that was prevalent across large parts of the country, but has thankfully become greatly reduced since the advent of the standard kennel cough vaccine for dogs became available. Due to this, the condition is much less prevalent than it used to be, and many dog owners will never have come into contact with a dog suffering from the condition, nor be aware of the signs, symptoms and risks connected with this illness.
Nevertheless, all dog owners should be aware of kennel cough and know how to spot a potential outbreak, plus have a good understanding of the steps that they can take to avoid their own dog contracting the condition. How much do you know about kennel cough? Could you identify an outbreak of kennel cough as opposed to a normal cough or cold? Read on to find out more!
What is kennel cough?
Kennel cough is an infection of the upper respiratory tract of the dog, and can be caused by a variety of different viruses and pathogens. Canine parainfluenza, adenovirus, coronavirus, distemper and some bacterial infections such as Bordetella bronchiseptica can all lead to a dog contracting the disease. Kennel cough is highly contagious, and will soon spread through a community of dogs kept in close quarters or that come into contact with each other when out on walks. Kennel cough in fact got its name by virtue of its prevalence and propensity to spread quickly between dogs housed in boarding kennels and dog shelters.
How is kennel cough transmitted?
Both viral and bacterial kennel cough is airborne, which is part of the reason why it is so highly contagious. The coughing and sneezing of affected dogs causes mucus and fluids containing the virus or bacteria to be diffused into the air, where they can be inhaled by other dogs. As with other types of viral and bacterial infections, the pathogen can sometimes survive outside of the body for long periods of time, meaning that toys, bowls and equipment that has come into contact with an affected dog can all harbour the condition, waiting to be picked up by an unsuspecting passing dog.
Can people catch kennel cough?
Surprisingly, kennel cough is one of the few canine conditions that can pass back and forth between humans and dogs; this is known as azoonotic condition. People with a compromised immune system and young people whose immune system has not yet fully developed are most at risk of contracting the condition, but it is considered to be unusual and unlikely that the condition will affect healthy people, even after prolonged exposure to affected dogs.
The kennel cough vaccine
You can minimise the chances of your dog contracting kennel cough or becoming a carrier for the condition by having them vaccinated against the illness. The kennel cough vaccine is administered separately to the combined injectable vaccine given for other common conditions, and you may need to ask to have the kennel cough vaccine administered additionally, or check with your vet that this vaccination is performed as standard. The kennel cough vaccine usually takes the form of a nasal spray that produces a localised immunity within the cells of the nose to help to prevent the virus or bacteria from entering the lungs.
All reputable boarding kennels, dog shows, dog training classes and any other events where large groups of dogs will gather will insist that all dogs brought onto their site are vaccinated against the condition before attending.
Preventing kennel cough
The most effective way of preventing the contraction and transmission of kennel cough is of course to vaccinate your dog against the condition. Other steps you can take to minimise your dog’s exposure to the condition include:
Avoid compromising your dog’s immune system by ensuring that they stay fit and healthy, and avoid stress and exposure to extremes of temperature.
Make sure that your dog spends his time in a well ventilated environment, and try to minimise the contact that your dog has with a lot of other strange dogs in enclosed spaces.
Ensure that if you board your dog in a kennel or take them to any other event that will involve exposure to other large groups of dogs, that the organisation in question insists on vaccination for kennel cough for all dogs attending the premises.
Symptoms of kennel cough
Some of the symptoms of kennel cough to be on the lookout for include:
A persistent and very strong, forceful cough, A “reverse sneeze” sound, which is quite distinctive to a normal cough but does not present itself in all dogs, A dripping nose, Sore throat and inflammation of the throat, Kennel cough is often accompanied by sneezing, Inflamed and runny eyes may also accompany the condition, Loss of appetite and reduced energy levels, General lethargy and loss of interest in walking and the normal goings on of the household
Treating kennel cough
Kennel cough may go away on its own if your dog’s immune system is able to fight off the condition, although you should not automatically expect this to happen. Remember that the longer the condition persists for, the more compromised your dog’s immune system will become, and the worse it will affect your dog. Also, your dog will be carrying the condition and posing an infection risk to other dogs while suffering from the condition.
The veterinary treatment of kennel cough usually consists of medications to help to fight the condition, such as antibiotics to fight off the Bordetella bacteria. Cough suppressants and humidifiers may also be used to help to lessen the coughing itself, and so reduce the pain and inflammation that can accompany the cough.
The prognosis for dogs with kennel cough
Kennel cough can be serious in dogs with a compromised immune system, and careful monitoring of the condition is required to ensure that the infection does not progress to the lower respiratory tract and potentially cause pneumonia or other complications.
Generally though, the condition can be resolved within a few weeks, and most dogs make a full recovery from kennel cough. It is important to thoroughly disinfect any items that may have come into contact with a dog suffering from the condition, to avoid the condition being passed on to other dogs, which can sometimes happen a long time after the initial infection has been diagnosed and resolved.
Puppies should be vaccinated at 6-9 weeks of age and then again at 10-12 weeks. They will become fully protected two weeks after the second vaccination.
The vaccine contains a weak dose of the disease and this stimulates the dog’s immune system to produce antibodies that will be able to fight the disease should they become exposed to it at a later stage.
If your dog is unwell, has been recently unwell or unusually quiet when he is due to have his vaccinations, make sure that you tell your Vet. It may be a good idea to postpone his injections for a while, just to minimise the small risk of adverse reaction.
Vaccines are given in different ways. Most are injected into the ‘scruff’ of the neck; however, the kennel cough vaccine is given as drops into the nose.
Regular ‘booster’ vaccinations are necessary to keep the dog’s immunity levels high enough to protect him against disease throughout his life. Your vet will advise you on how often your pet needs to be vaccinated.
Apart from kennel cough the following diseases share the initial symptoms of depression, appetite loss, and a high temperature. Veterinary treatment should be sought immediately if your dog is unvaccinated and becomes unwell.
Remember, ALL of these diseases can be fatal: Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis and kennel cough.
Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is an acute, highly contagious disease of dogs that was first described in the early 1970s. The virus has a tendency to attack rapidly reproducing cells, such as those lining the gastrointestinal tract.
The virus is shed in large amounts in the stools of acutely infected dogs for up to several weeks following infection. The disease is transmitted by oral contact with infected feces. Parvo can be carried on the dog’s hair and feet, as well as on contaminated crates, shoes, and other objects. When the dog licks the fecal material off hair, feet, or anything that came in contact with infected feces, he acquires the disease.
Dehydration is a lack of water in the body, and can cause serious complications for pets and people alike. Water is essential to all living beings, including dogs, who depend on proper daily fluid intake to maintain appropriate health. It makes up 80 percent of your dog’s body, and dissolves natural and unnatural substances as well as serves as the root of all his biological processes, including circulation, digestion and waste removal.
Parvo affects dogs of all ages, but most cases occur in puppies 6 to 20 weeks of age. Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers appear to acquire the infection more readily and experience more severe symptoms. The reason for lower resistance in these breeds is unknown.
Following an incubation period that averages four to five days, the acute illness begins with depression, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some dog have no fever, while others have high fever (up to 106°F, 41.1°C). Pups with severe abdominal pain exhibit a tucked-up abdomen. Diarrhea is profuse and contains mucus and/or blood.Dehydration develops rapidly.
Heart muscle involvement in neonatal puppies used to be common, but is now quite rare. This is because routine vaccination of brood bitches two to four weeks before breeding boosts maternal antibody levels and provides better protection for puppies.
Suspect parvo in all pups with the abrupt onset of vomiting and diarrhea. The most efficient way to diagnose parvo is to identify either the virus or virus antigens in stools. An in-office blood serum test (ELISA) is available for rapid veterinary diagnosis. False negatives do occur. Virus isolation techniques are more precise, but require an outside laboratory.
Treatment: Dogs with this disease require intensive veterinary management. In all but the most mild cases, hospitalization is essential to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Intravenous fluids and medications to control vomiting and diarrhea are often required. More severe cases may require blood plasma transfusions and other intensive care.
Puppies and dogs should not eat or drink until the vomiting has stopped. but require fluid support during that time. This can take three to five days. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent septicemia and other bacterial complications, which are the usual cause of death.
The outcome depends upon the virulence of the specific strain of parvovirus, the age and immune status of the dog, and how quickly the treatment is started. Most pups who are under good veterinary care recover without complications.
Prevention: Thoroughly clean and disinfect the quarters of infected animals. Parvo is an extremely hardy virus that resists most household cleaners and survives on the premises for months. The most effective disinfectant is household bleach in a 1:32 dilution. The bleach must be left on the contaminated surface for 20 minutes before being rinsed
Distemper
Distemper is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus similar to the one that causes measles in people. Worldwide, it is the leading cause of infectious disease deaths in dogs, although in the United States it occurs only sporadically. All unvaccinated dogs are at high risk of infection.
Infected animals shed canine distemper virus in all body secretions. Inhaling the virus is the primary source of exposure. The highest incidence of the disease occurs in unvaccinated puppies 6 to 12 weeks of age, at which time maternal antibodies fall below protective levels.
Diarrhea is characterized by frequent loose or liquid bowel movements. It can be caused by something as simple as a change in diet or a more serious illness or infection. Diarrhea may be sudden in onset and short in duration. It can also last for weeks to months or occur off and on. A single bout of diarrhea is generally not a cause for concern in dogs-but if it persists for more than a day, it can lead to dehydration , may indicate an underlying health issue and should be checked...
Half the dogs who become infected with canine distemper virus show mild signs of illness or no signs at all. The overall health of the dog has a lot to do with how ill he becomes. The disease is most severe in dogs who are poorly nourished and ill-kept.
The distemper virus tends to attack brain cells and cells that line the surfaces of the body, including the skin, the conjunctiva, the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, and the gastrointestinal tract. The disease takes a variety of forms. Secondary infections and complications are common, partly attributable to the immunosuppressive effects of the virus.
The first signs of distemper appear six to nine days after exposure, and in mild cases go unnoticed.
First stage is characterized by a fever spike of up to 103° to 105°F (39.4° to 40.5°C). A second fever spike is accompanied by loss of appetite, listlessness, and a watery discharge from the eyes and nose. These symptoms may be mistaken for a cold.
Within a few days, the eye and nasal discharge becomes thick, yellow, and sticky. The dog develops a pronounced dry cough. Pus blisters may appear on the abdomen. Vomiting and diarrhea are frequent and may cause severe dehydration.
During the next one to two weeks, very often the dog seems to be getting better but then relapses. This often coincides with the end of the course of antibiotics and the development of gastrointestinal and respiratory complications due to secondary bacterial invasion.
Second stage occurs two to three weeks after the onset of the disease. Many dogs develop signs of brain involvement (encephalitis), characterized by brief attacks of slobbering, head shaking, and chewing movements of the jaws (as if the dog were chewing gum). Epileptic-like seizures may occur, in which the dog runs in circles, falls over, and kicks all four feet wildly. After the convulsive episode the dog appears to be confused, shies away from his owner, wanders about aimlessly, and appears to be blind.
In cases with brain involvement in which the diagnosis is uncertain, a spinal tap and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid may be of assistance. But this is not always diagnostic. Another indication of brain involvement is distemper myoclonus, a condition characterized by rhythmic contractions of muscle groups at up to 60 contractions per minute. The jerking can affect all parts of the body, but is most common in the head. Myoclonus is first seen when the dog is resting or sleeping. Later it occurs both day and night. Pain accompanies myoclonus, and the dog whines and cries. If the dog recovers, the jerking continues indefinitely-but becomes less severe with time.
Canine Hepititis
Infectious canine hepatitis is a rapid-onset and potentially fatal condition that can affect dogs of all ages, breeds, shapes and sizes. It can also affect and be spread by foxes, and in other countries where rather more exotic animals roam freely, coyotes, wolves and bears too.
Most people are aware of the various different hepatitis strains that people can contract, and the various steps that can be taken to avoid catching the disease in people, but what can you do to protect your dog against the canine equivalent? How can you identify the symptoms of infectious canine hepatitis? Can you catch it from your dog? Read on to learn more.
What is infectious canine hepatitis?
Infectious canine hepatitis is a condition that affects the liver and kidneys, causing inflammation of the organ tissue that in turn can lead to the development of fibroids, liver disease, jaundice, disorientation and changes in personality, bleeding disorders and lesions. In the later stages, it can affect many other organs, including the spleen and lungs as well. Understandably, infectious canine hepatitis is highly unpleasant for your dog, is painful, and can make them quite sick and even, in some cases, prove fatal.
Infectious canine hepatitis is a viral condition, which is caused by the presence of the virus known as “canine adenovirus 1” or CAV-1.
How do dogs catch hepatitis?
Infectious canine hepatitis is highly infectious to other dogs, because it can be transmitted in a wide variety of ways. Infectious canine hepatitis is not an airborne disease, but it is present in the faeces, blood, saliva and urine of affected dogs, or by directly touching the snout or back end of another dog that is suffering from or carrying the condition. The virus that causes the condition is very virulent, and so your dog may even be able to contract the condition by contact with food or water bowls that have been used by an infected dog, as well as by other methods. It is important not to allow your dog to drink from any communal water bowls when out and about if at all possible; take a bottle of water and a dish with you when out on walks.
What type of dogs are most at risk?
Any unvaccinated dog can contract the disease, but the good news is that infectious canine hepatitis is a condition that is vaccinated against as standard within the UK, and so providing that you have your dog immunised and keep their boosters up to date, your dog should be protected. Unvaccinated dogs under one year old are the most likely to contract the condition and be worst affected by it, although the disease can affect dogs of any age.
Can people catch infectious canine hepatitis?
Infectious canine hepatitis is not a zoonotic condition, which means that it is not possible to catch the condition yourself from an affected dog. It is important to remember that you may carry the virus on your skin or clothes if you have been in contact with an affected dog, however, and could potentially pass it on to other canines that you meet.
Preventing the spread of infectious canine hepatitis
Vaccination is the most effective way of keeping the condition from spreading widely throughout the canine population, and it is your responsibility as a dog owner to protect your dog from this and other illnesses by keeping their immunisations up to date. If your dog or another dog that you know is affected by the condition, it is important to ensure that neither the dog themselves nor any of their toys or equipment come into contact with other dogs, and to thoroughly disinfect everything used on or around that particular dog frequently.
The symptoms of infectious canine hepatitis
Infectious canine hepatitis can be very quick in its development, and usually presents itself as an acute condition. Signs and symptoms to watch out for include:
Sickness and vomiting, Coughing, Cuts and small grazes not clotting properly, Cloudy eyes, Drinking and peeing a lot, Loss of appetite or disinterest in food, Light coloured poop, Pain or enlargement of the abdomen, Jaundice around the eyes and any areas of pink skin, Fever, Pale gums and tongue, Sudden weight loss
Diagnosing infectious canine hepatitis
In order to definitively diagnose infectious canine hepatitis, your vet will run a variety of tests, including blood tests, antibody tests and possibly immuno-fluorescence scanning, depending upon the equipment they have available to them. Results are usually returned quickly, and analysis is often performed in-house.
Treatment and prognosis for dogs affected
Infectious canine hepatitis is a severe and sometimes fatal condition, but surprisingly, it does often resolve itself and in mild cases, go away on its own as the body develops the necessary antibodies to fight off the virus.
Because the condition is usually acute and can potentially be fatal, however, veterinary intervention and treatment is usually recommended. This may consist of various different treatment methods, including a combination of some of the following treatment protocols:
IV fluid therapy and inpatient monitoring, Broad-spectrum antibiotics may be administered to kill the virus, In serious cases and if available, a blood transfusion may be considered
Reactive treatment to minimise the pain and discomfort of the condition, such as painkillers and creams to treat problems with the eyes.
While the condition can prove fatal, particularly in young, unvaccinated dogs and those with a weakened immune system, treatment for infectious canine hepatitis is often effective if begun early on. Knowing how to spot the potential symptoms of the disease in your dogs and others, and remaining vigilant, can go a long way towards increasing a dog’s chances of survival, should they be unlucky enough to contract the condition.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that is caused by a group of spiral-shaped bacteria collectively called Leptospira. These microorganisms, which are classified as “spirochetes,” are similar to other bacteria except that they are motile, which means that they can move around by whipping their tail-like membrane, called a “flagella.” Many different types of spirochetes exist in nature. Most of them live freely in the environment and do not disturb people or pets. However, two particular types of “spirochetes” have been identified as causing disease in domestic dogs. These are Leptospira, which causes Leptospirosis, and Borrelia, which causes Lyme Disease. Leptospirosis is found all around the world, and is especially prevalent in wet, warm, tropical climates. Dogs living in icy winter conditions are unlikely to develop leptospirosis because the bacteria cannot survive freezing temperatures. The organisms also are killed by heat and prolonged dryness. Where Leptospira survive, and thrive, are in pools of standing water, puddles of urine, raw sewage, muddy patches, marshy areas and damp, neutral or slightly alkaline soil.
Wild and domestic mammals are reservoirs for the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. Carrier animals may or may not show any symptoms of being sick from their infection. Raccoons, skunks, opossums and rats are particularly common carriers. Dogs that come into contact with these animals, or their urine, have an increased chance of contracting leptospirosis. This is true not only in rural environments, but also in densely populated urban areas that are infested with rodents. Leptospira can be transmitted directly across the placenta, infecting unborn puppies. Dogs often become infected when they drink or walk through stagnant water that has been contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Leptospira can enter through a bite wound or other skin surface disruption, and it can also pass through intact skin. Dogs can become infected by eating part of a dead animal that carries the bacteria. The organisms can also be transmitted in semen. Once they penetrate abraded or intact skin or mucous membranes, Leptospira rapidly invade the dog’s blood stream and spread to all parts of its body. The organisms eventually settle in the liver and/or kidneys (and sometimes in other organs, such as the spleen, eyes and brain, or in the reproductive and gastrointestinal tracts). For some unknown reason, when they lodge in the liver and kidneys, Leptospira bacteria are sheltered from the dog’s immune system and are able to reproduce in large numbers.
Most of the animals that are infected with Leptospira do not become sick. They are called “carriers” of the organism, with an “inapparent” infection. However, when carriers urinate, they shed the bacteria and contaminate the surrounding environment, becoming a source of infection for other animals. They may shed the bacteria in their urine intermittently, or they may shed them for life. Dogs that spend a lot of time in wet, wooded areas frequented by wildlife, and those living in densely populated urban environments that harbor rats and other rodents, have an increased risk of contracting leptospirosis. Dogs that spend most of their time indoors, or in areas that are not likely to be contaminated by the urine of carrier animals, are much less likely to become infected. People can become infected through the same routes as dogs. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease.
Preventing Leptospirosis The most effective way to prevent leptospirosis is to restrict a dog’s access to muddy marshy areas, ponds, irrigated pastures, raw sewage and standing pools of stagnant water. It is important to keep trash well-contained, especially in dense urban areas where rats and other rodents are common. Raccoons, squirrels and other wild animals should not be fed or otherwise encouraged to linger in areas frequented by domestic dogs.
Kennel Cough
Most dog owners and canine enthusiasts have heard of kennel cough, and it is one of the most well known canine health conditions in the UK. Kennel cough used to be a very common condition that was prevalent across large parts of the country, but has thankfully become greatly reduced since the advent of the standard kennel cough vaccine for dogs became available. Due to this, the condition is much less prevalent than it used to be, and many dog owners will never have come into contact with a dog suffering from the condition, nor be aware of the signs, symptoms and risks connected with this illness.
Nevertheless, all dog owners should be aware of kennel cough and know how to spot a potential outbreak, plus have a good understanding of the steps that they can take to avoid their own dog contracting the condition. How much do you know about kennel cough? Could you identify an outbreak of kennel cough as opposed to a normal cough or cold? Read on to find out more!
What is kennel cough?
Kennel cough is an infection of the upper respiratory tract of the dog, and can be caused by a variety of different viruses and pathogens. Canine parainfluenza, adenovirus, coronavirus, distemper and some bacterial infections such as Bordetella bronchiseptica can all lead to a dog contracting the disease. Kennel cough is highly contagious, and will soon spread through a community of dogs kept in close quarters or that come into contact with each other when out on walks. Kennel cough in fact got its name by virtue of its prevalence and propensity to spread quickly between dogs housed in boarding kennels and dog shelters.
How is kennel cough transmitted?
Both viral and bacterial kennel cough is airborne, which is part of the reason why it is so highly contagious. The coughing and sneezing of affected dogs causes mucus and fluids containing the virus or bacteria to be diffused into the air, where they can be inhaled by other dogs. As with other types of viral and bacterial infections, the pathogen can sometimes survive outside of the body for long periods of time, meaning that toys, bowls and equipment that has come into contact with an affected dog can all harbour the condition, waiting to be picked up by an unsuspecting passing dog.
Can people catch kennel cough?
Surprisingly, kennel cough is one of the few canine conditions that can pass back and forth between humans and dogs; this is known as azoonotic condition. People with a compromised immune system and young people whose immune system has not yet fully developed are most at risk of contracting the condition, but it is considered to be unusual and unlikely that the condition will affect healthy people, even after prolonged exposure to affected dogs.
The kennel cough vaccine
You can minimise the chances of your dog contracting kennel cough or becoming a carrier for the condition by having them vaccinated against the illness. The kennel cough vaccine is administered separately to the combined injectable vaccine given for other common conditions, and you may need to ask to have the kennel cough vaccine administered additionally, or check with your vet that this vaccination is performed as standard. The kennel cough vaccine usually takes the form of a nasal spray that produces a localised immunity within the cells of the nose to help to prevent the virus or bacteria from entering the lungs.
All reputable boarding kennels, dog shows, dog training classes and any other events where large groups of dogs will gather will insist that all dogs brought onto their site are vaccinated against the condition before attending.
Preventing kennel cough
The most effective way of preventing the contraction and transmission of kennel cough is of course to vaccinate your dog against the condition. Other steps you can take to minimise your dog’s exposure to the condition include:
Avoid compromising your dog’s immune system by ensuring that they stay fit and healthy, and avoid stress and exposure to extremes of temperature.
Make sure that your dog spends his time in a well ventilated environment, and try to minimise the contact that your dog has with a lot of other strange dogs in enclosed spaces.
Ensure that if you board your dog in a kennel or take them to any other event that will involve exposure to other large groups of dogs, that the organisation in question insists on vaccination for kennel cough for all dogs attending the premises.
Symptoms of kennel cough
Some of the symptoms of kennel cough to be on the lookout for include:
A persistent and very strong, forceful cough, A “reverse sneeze” sound, which is quite distinctive to a normal cough but does not present itself in all dogs, A dripping nose, Sore throat and inflammation of the throat, Kennel cough is often accompanied by sneezing, Inflamed and runny eyes may also accompany the condition, Loss of appetite and reduced energy levels, General lethargy and loss of interest in walking and the normal goings on of the household
Treating kennel cough
Kennel cough may go away on its own if your dog’s immune system is able to fight off the condition, although you should not automatically expect this to happen. Remember that the longer the condition persists for, the more compromised your dog’s immune system will become, and the worse it will affect your dog. Also, your dog will be carrying the condition and posing an infection risk to other dogs while suffering from the condition.
The veterinary treatment of kennel cough usually consists of medications to help to fight the condition, such as antibiotics to fight off the Bordetella bacteria. Cough suppressants and humidifiers may also be used to help to lessen the coughing itself, and so reduce the pain and inflammation that can accompany the cough.
The prognosis for dogs with kennel cough
Kennel cough can be serious in dogs with a compromised immune system, and careful monitoring of the condition is required to ensure that the infection does not progress to the lower respiratory tract and potentially cause pneumonia or other complications.
Generally though, the condition can be resolved within a few weeks, and most dogs make a full recovery from kennel cough. It is important to thoroughly disinfect any items that may have come into contact with a dog suffering from the condition, to avoid the condition being passed on to other dogs, which can sometimes happen a long time after the initial infection has been diagnosed and resolved.