Common Dog Diseases and Health Problems
Many Diseases Can Be Prevented
Some of the most common and serious dog diseases have been made less common through vaccines: however, these diseases continue to threaten a dog that lacks proper immunization. Puppies many be vaccinated as early as 4-6 weeks depending on each situation and the veterinarian’s advice. Through mother’s milk, puppies receive disease fighting antibodies, which last 6-16 weeks. Vaccinations then take over. Yearly boosters should be given throughout your dog’s life, including old age when your dog may become more susceptible to some diseases. The following diseases can be prevented through vaccinations.
DISTEMPER: Canine distemper is caused by a highly contagious, airborne virus. It affects the dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Early symptoms are those of a “cold” – runny eyes and nose, fever, cough, and often diarrhea. Later in the course of disease there may be nervous twitching, paralysis, and seizures (convulsions). There is no successful treatment.
HEPATITIS (Adenovirus): Canine infectious hepatitis is a viral disease transmitted by urine, faces, or saliva of infected animals. The signs are fever, tissue swelling and hemorrhage. Treatment may require blood transfusions and intensive care; often it is not successful.
LEPTOSPIROSIS: Canine leptospirosis is caused by bacteria spread though contact with nasal secretions, urine, or saliva of infected animals. The disease also can infect humans. Leptospira infects the kidneys and causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice. Treatment requires antibiotics, intensive care, and intravenous (IV) fluid therapy. Dogs that recover may be left with permanent kidney damage.
KENNEL COUGH: Canine infectious tracheobronchitis caused by several viruses (including parainfluenza) and bacteria (including Bordetella). This highly contagious disease attacks the respiratory system, causing a chronic, dry, hacking cough. It is generally a mild infection, but it may progress to severe pneumonia in young pups or old dogs. Treatment can be helpful.
PARVO: Canine parvovirus is a deadly contagious viral disease that is spread by contact with infected feacal material. The virus is difficult to kill and is easily spread. It attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing fever, lethargy, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and rapid dehydration. Treatment requires intensive IV fluid and supportive therapy and has a variable rate of success.
CORONA: Canine corona virus is a highly contagious viral infection attacking the gastrointestinal tract. Signs are similar to parvovirus infection, except it is generally milder and more effectively treated.
RABIES: Rabies is a viral infection of all mammals, including man. It is transmitted by the bit of an infected animal. The virus infects the central nervous system, causing a brain infection (encephalitis), which is always fatal. There is no treatment for dog or man after symptoms appear. However, a vaccine is effective in preventing the disease in people if it is administered soon after their possible exposure. Because of the serious public health threat, Indian law requires a rabies vaccination for all dogs.
