Rabies

Rabies is a deadly, yet preventable, viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The virus attacks nerve tissue, and death always occurs once a rabies-infested animal shows signs of the disease. All warm-blooded animals (cats, dogs, livestock, and wildlife) can become infected with the rabies virus. Because rabies is also a threat to humans, it is highly recommended that all pets be vaccinated.

Once infection occurs, the disease develops slowly over 10 days to several months. Infected animals may withdraw and avoid contact with people and other animals. Others become unnaturally aggressive and may attack. An unvaccinated dog involved in a fight with a wild animal should be suspect for rabies. When rabies is suspected, animals must be quarantined and observed. When rabies is diagnosed, animals must be uthanized.

If humans are infected, they can be vaccinated successfully in early stages of the disease. Contact your physician immediately if you feel you may have been exposed to rabies.

Canine Respiratory Disease (Kennel Cough)

When dogs are exposed to sick dogs (at a kennel or a dog show, for example), they can catch a respiratory disease known as kennel cough. Also referred to as 'canine cough' or by its scientific name, tracheobronchitis, this stubborn respiratory infection can keep dogs coughing for days or weeks.

Canine respiratory disease isn't usually fatal unless pneumonia develops. In addition to the coughing, canine respiratory disease can cause loss of appetite, lack of energy, and poor overall appearance.

A wide variety of viruses and bacteria can be involved in canine respiratory disease. Four organisms which may be involved are:

Vaccines against all four of these viruses or bacteria are available, sometimes in combination with each other.

Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, & Leptospirosis

Each of thse dog diseases is easily preventable by making sure your dog's vaccinations are current. Veterinarians will often vaccinate against all three of these diseases.

Canine Distempter

The canine distemper virus is widespread among the dog population. Unprotected dogs can develop this disease, and many - especially puppies - may die. Therefore, it is important that all dogs be vaccinated for canine distemper when they are puppies.

A dog with canine distemper may have diarrhea, fever, respiratory disease, seizures, muscular twitches, and watery discharge from the eyes and nose.

Hepatitis

Most often seen in dogs less than one year of age, although unvaccinated dogs of all ages may be affected. Heptatitis is spread primarily through infected urine. The virus attacks organs throughout an unprotected dog's body, producing fever, respiratory disease, enlarged lymph nodes, abdominal pain, liver and eye damage, and changes in the blood.

Protection is provided by a vaccine containing a virus (designated CAV-2) similar to hepatitis.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis, caused by bacteria, can affect dogs of any age by damaging liver, kidneys, and other major organs.

An infected dog can spread Leptospira bacteria for months after it has been sick. Other dogs and even humans can pick up the bacteria from the infected dog's urine.

Canine Viral Diarrhea

Two viruses often cause diarrhea in dogs - canine parvovirus and canine coronavirus. Sometimes dogs can be infected with both viruses at once, leading to very serious diarrhea.

Viral diarrhea is easily spread because millions of viral particles remain in the loose, watery stool of an infected dog. Adult dogs generally survive viral diarrhea. However, in puppies with viral diarrhea, the loss of fluids can easily be fatal.

Dogs can be protected from viral diarrhea with vaccines against parvovirus and coronavirus. Combination vaccines are also available. In puppies, several vaccinations are required three to four weeks apart because of the remaining presence of maternal antibodies.

Information provided by Mulnix Animal Clinic. March 2006.