Canine Diseases
There are many diseases to which your dog can be susceptible over his lifetime. Some of these are easily treated and pass quickly while others can be fatal. The most common diseases, ones for which your veterinarian will most likely test your dog first, are discussed here.
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Rabies
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Of all canine diseases, the most feared is rabies, which attacks the nervous system via a bite or scratch from an infected animal. As the virus makes its way to the brain, the dog becomes mad and bites, is terrified of water and experiences increasingly uncontrolled movements. If left untreated, the disease is fatal to the dog.
Distemper
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Distemper is a highly contagious virus that dogs can get by direct contact with feces or urine from other canines as well as any objects that might hold the virus. Although dogs can live through this incurable disease, they may develop hardened foot pads and nose skin (leathers). There are so many possible symptoms that only a veterinarian can properly diagnose the virus.
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Parvovirus
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Parvovirus is a disease that attacks the intestines, white blood cells and occasionally the heart. Spread through contact with feces of infected dogs or even from equipment or shoes that can carry the virus, parvo can kill a dog within two to three days after it is contracted. Symptoms include depression, vomiting, loss of appetite and severe diarrhea.
Heartworms
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There are two major causes of respiratory distress in a dog. The first is heartworms, which, once transmitted to the heart, can grow to over a foot long and damage the lungs as well as the heart and other organs of the body.
Kennel Cough
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The most common cause of respiratory distress, however, is the kennel cough, which can be caught in kennels or shelters where there are many dogs. Characterized by a dry, raspy cough, this is a highly contagious virus that mimics the symptoms of parainfluenza.
Bacterial Diseases
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There are several types of bacteria that cause diseases in dogs. Among the most common is leptospirosis, which is spread by contact with urine from infected animals. While the outer symptoms include low-grade fever, vomiting and kidney inflammation, this disease can lead to chronic kidney problems.
Another bacterial infection, Lyme disease, is spread by ticks. Its symptoms include joint pain, lack of appetite, fever and enlargement of the lymph nodes. However, this disease is more harmful to humans than to dogs. Leptospirosis and Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
Considerations
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When symptoms of any of these diseases occur in your dog, it is of vital importance to have it examined and treated by a competent veterinarian. As your pet is recuperating, keep its environment as stress free as possible. In some cases, stress can cause symptoms of the disease to reappear.
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