Canine Diseases & Symptoms
Responsible pet owners want their pets to be as happy and healthy as possible. There are hundreds of illnesses that can befall the family dog, and knowledge of what to expect is one of the best ways to prevent your dog from becoming sick. Rabies, kennel cough and parvo are some of the most widespread and well-known illnesses in the canine kingdom.
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Rabies
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Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that is only transferred through mammals. Any bite that breaks the skin is likely to transmit the rabies virus. Skunks, racoons and bats are the most common carriers of the rabies virus. The prodromal phase of infection is about 2 to 3 days long. The dog may be fiercely licking at his wound and may also have a fever. The furious phase of a rabies infection can result in aggressive behavior, roaming and irritability. The paralytic phase of infection displays as foaming of the mouth. At this point, nerves have been damaged, and the dog's diaphragm will become paralyzed. A dog that has reached this point will eventually die. Rabies vaccines are available to protect pets from this deadly virus.
Kennel Cough
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Kennel cough is caused by both a virus and an infection and is extremely contagious. It is transmitted through the air, and the most common cause is poor circulation, most often in a kennel environment. Symptoms of kennel cough include retching, coughing and coughing up a white foamy discharge. In the most severe cases, a dog may become depressed and have a yellowish nasal discharge. Treatment for kennel cough is antibiotics, but vaccines are also available to prevent transmission.
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Parvo
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Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can result in death in a matter of days. Parvovirus is spread by having contact with fecal matter. The most common causes of death involving parvovirus are shock, dehydration or a bacterial infection in the blood. Symptoms of parvovirus are fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. A loss of appetite may also precede these symptoms. The treatment for parvovirus involves withholding water and food as well as administering intravenous fluids. A vaccination for parvovirus is available and is an excellent way to keep your dog healthy.
Heartworm
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Heartworms are transferred by mosquitoe larvae and injected into the dog's skin. The heartworm larvae travel via the bloodstream and grow inside the heart and larger blood vessels surrounding the heart. Some heartworms can grow to be a foot long. Symptoms of heartworm are loss of appetite, cough and signs of boredom. Treatment for heartworms uses an adulticide to kill the adult worms and a microfilaricide to kill larvae.
Anal Sac Disease
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A canine's anal sac secretes a fluid that he uses to mark his territory and spread his scent. Anal sac disease occurs when the sacs become infected, and the liquid inside the sacs thickens. This thickening can lead to the sacs becoming overfilled and compacted. Symptoms of anal sac disease are the characteristic scooting of their bottom on the ground and licking the area, and blood or pus in the area. Anal sac disease is fairly easily treated by a vet who will manually empty the anal sacs.
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