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Common Diseases
The virus is a
close relative of feline panleukopenia aka feline distemper and in fact,
may have mutated from the cat and infected the dog in the late 1970¹s.
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 ada 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 harsh to the small intestine upsetting crucial barriers and
interfering with normal balance of the digestive system and bowels. Fluid loss from both vomiting and diarrhea is dramatic and dehydration occurs. The combination of bacteria and toxins into the blood can cause death.
Low readings of white blood cell aka WBC counts are common and relate
directly to the prognosis and outcome of the infection.
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 aka 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.
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 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.
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. Currently, annual revaccination is recommended.
Canine Distemper
Canine distempter 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 Adenovirus
Both types 1 and 2 cause infectious hepatitis and respiratory infection. Hepatitus caused by adenvirus may cause severe liver damage or death. Adenovirus is, also an important factor in kennel cough.
Bordtella Bronchiseptica
Canine 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 this can be acquired after a visit to a boarding kennel.
Canine Leptospirosis
Canine Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection which may lead to permanent kidney damage. The disease is easily spread to other pets and humans.
Canine Parvovirus
Is a disease of widespread distribution which may cause severe dehydrating diarrhea in dogs of varying ages. Parvovirus infection is especially dangerous for puppies.
Canine Caronavirus
This infection is a contagious intestinal disease causing vomiting and diarrhea in dogs of all ages.
Lyme Disease
A 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.
Rabies
About the Disease
Rabies is a disease that can kill people as well as animals.
The disease is viral in nature and typically passed through contact with the
saliva of an infected animal. People may get the disease by being
bitten, licked, or scratched (saliva is often found on claws).
Approximately twenty four hours after the virus enters the body
it attacks the brain. Once this stage has been reached, it is
uncurable, and death eventually results.
Time is of the Essence
If rabies shots are given within the 24 hour initial exposure
period, the disease can be prevented. As soon as possible after an animal bite, scrub the wound with soap and water for fifteen minutes. As a general rule, wash well with soap after any contact with a wild animal. Don't take any chances, report
all bites to the proper authority in your area immediately! Often, you may call your county health department. If in doubt, or after hours, call your local hospital emergency room, or even 911.
A Rabid Animal
Rabies may cause the behavior of an animal to change. A friendly
pet may want to be left alone; a shy pet may want attention and may seem unusually affectionate. The animal may be restless, have difficulty walking, eating, drinking, drool saliva, make strange noises, bite or scratch an old wound, or seem to be choking.
The animal may become excited, confused, or vicious. It may attack people, other animals, or even fixed objects in its state of illness.
Warn children against touching, petting, picking up, or even going near any stray dog, cat, or wild animal. Children are often victims of rabies.
Wild Animals
Beware of any wild animal that seems to be tame, friendly, or is seen in the
daytime. The fox, raccoon, and skunk are nocturnal animals which avoid
people except in rare cases. When the virus affects their brains they
may be seen in areas that are not their usual habitat. They may lose
their fear of people and enter buildings, homes, and cars. They may
attack anything with no provocation.
Wild Animals as Pets
There are no rabies vaccines available to immunize skunks, raccoons or other wild animals, be they pets or not. The skunk is the animal most commonly found to be rabid in the US, and is the most common cause of rabies in humans in the US. Skunks are very susceptible to rabies and when infected have large amounts of rabies virus in their saliva. Compounding the problem, pet skunks bite, and may develop rabies as much as six months after being exposed.
Rabies vaccinations are available for both dogs and cats, and are almost
universally required by law. Your pet must be vaccinated if four months or older. They should receive their first two vaccinations one year apart, with boosters following every two or three years.
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