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Canine (Dog) Coronavirus

valpotim — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 22:19:16 +0000

Canine (Dog) Coronavirus is a viral infection of the intestines. It is usually not fatal, but your dog will have abdominal distress and discomfort for a few days.

CAUSES OF CANINE CORONAVIRUS:

Infected dogs can spread the virus through their saliva and feces. Ingesting feces is one possible cause. Puppies and dogs living in crowded, unsanitary places are more prone to this virus.

SYMPTOMS:

The most common symptom of coronavirus is a sudden case of diarrhea. It will be watery, orange in color and have a bad odor.

Other signs may include extreme lethargy and loss of appetite

It is common for dogs that have coronavirus to have parvovirus as well. This will cause the signs to be more severe, and may include fever and vomiting.

DIAGNOSIS:

Veterinarians may perform some of the following tests:

* CBC (Complete Blood Count): Measures the amount of red and white blood cells to check the function of different organs
* Fecal Antigen Test: Tests a fecal sample to check for parvovirus
* Radiographs: Checks for blockages in the intestines, which can cause diarrhea
* Fecal Floatation: Tests a fecal sample by placing it in a solution. Feces will sink and any parasites will float

TREATMENTS:

Your Vet will probably recommend withholding food form your dog for 24 hours after the diarrhea stops, and then gradually feed it small amounts over time.

Treatment will be more successful if your dog receives medical attention immediately. If you notice your dog has diarrhea for more than 24 hours, visit your veterinarian immediately.

Antibiotics cannot treat viruses, so there are no medications to directly treat coronavirus. However, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to treat symptoms and IV fluids for dehydrated pets.

PREVENTION:

Follow your veterinarian’s recommended vaccination schedule to prevent coronavirus.

PROGNOSIS:

Coronavirus is not fatal, and pets recover with proper treatment.

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Canine (Dog) Conjunctivitis

valpotim — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 22:04:07 +0000

Canine (Dog) Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva: the tissue that covers the eyeball and lines the eyelids and third eyelid. Your dog has a third protective eyelid at the inner corner of each of its eyes. This eyelid sweeps the eyeball to moisten it or to remove dirt.

CAUSES OF CANINE CONJUNCTIVITIS:

The most common causes of Conjunctivitis are bacterial or viral infections. Puppies can even have an infection before their eyes open.

Other causes include:
* Allergies
* Environmental or chemical irritants
* Eye diseases (ex: glaucoma)
* Dry eyes
* Trauma to the eye

SYMPTOMS:

* Bulging third eyelid
* Redness in eyes
* Swollen eye area
* Discharge from the eyes (cloudy tears, mucus)
* Discharge from the nose
* Squinting
* Excessive blinking

DIAGNOSIS:

The veterinarian will first rule out problems like a foreign object in the eye, blocked tear duct or glaucoma. Then, the veterinarian will likely do the following:

* Blood tests: determines the underlying cause of the conjunctivitis
* Eye exam: close examination of the eyes, lids, lashes, tear ducts, third eyelid
* Schirmer tear test: paper strips inserted into the eye for a few minutes to measure tear production
* Corneal stain: a fluorescent dye is put in the eye and then studied with an ultraviolet light to determine if the cornea (the outer covering of the eye) is damaged

TREATMENTS:

To treat conjunctivitis, it is essential to first determine the cause. Treatments may include:

* Systemic medications: antibiotics (oral or injections) or anti-inflammatory drugs
* Medication: to stimulate tear-production
* Topical medications: eye drops, ointments
* Surgery: for dogs with abnormal eyelids or eyelashes

Most dogs will respond quickly to medication. To avoid a relapse, it is important to give your dog the medications for as long as your veterinarian recommends.

PREVENTION:

Keep the areas your dog uses clean. Have plenty of water available so the dog does not dehydrate. Keep a close watch on your dogs’ eyes for a relapse.

PROGNOSIS:

Occasionally, the underlying cause is not curable, but you can usually keep conjunctivitis in check and your dog can live comfortably if you follow the prevention tips above.

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Canine (Dog) Coccidiosis

valpotim — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:20:14 +0000

Canine (Dog) Coccidiosis is an infection of the intestinal tract caused by a one-celled organism called coccidia. Infection is usually mild, but can be damaging or life threatening to newborn animals or any animal with a weak immune system.

CAUSES OF CANINE COCCIDIOSIS:

Immature coccidian, called oocysts, are passed in the stool of an infected dog. They survive for a long time and mature if left on the ground. (Another good reason to pick up your dog’s droppings) If an animal eats the matured oocysts, they keep maturing further in the animal’s intestine.

Causes of infection are:

* Babies nursing from an infected mother
* Eating contaminated ground
* Eating an infected mouse
* Puppies less than 6 months old don’t have immunity to coccidia, and can get the disease from other infected puppies

In kennels, animal shelters infected animals should be isolated from each other.

SYMPTOMS:

Most dogs that are infected with coccidia do not display any symptoms.

Puppies and weak dogs can display the following signs:

* Abdominal pain
* Vomiting and dehydration
* Severe, watery, bloody diarrhea
* Weight loss

Quick treatment is crucial for newborn animals to prevent dangerous dehydration. If you notice dehydration or diarrhea for more than a few days, take the dog to the veterinarian.

VET DIAGNOSIS:

* Examination of a stool sample
* Review medical history
* Perform a physical exam

TREATMENTS:

Canine Coccidiosis is treatable with antibiotics.

Albon is a common medication treatment. These antibiotics disrupt the coccidian life cycle, which allows your dog’s immune system to fight and beat the infection.

The rate of recovery depends on the number of coccidia infecting your dog and strength of your dog’s immune system.

Your dog may need other medications to treat the diarrhea and dehydration. In advanced cases, hospitalization may be required for rehydration.

PREVENTION:

Keep your dog’s environment as clean as possible. Dispose of feces properly to prevent coccidiosis from spreading.

PROGNOSIS:

In most cases, coccidiosis is mild disease with a good prognosis.

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Canine (Dog) Blastomycosis

valpotim — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:55:37 +0000

Canine (Dog) Blastomycosis

CAUSES OF DOG BLASTOMYCOSIS:

Dogs can contract this disease by inhaling the fungus found in soil near wet areas.

The fungal spores can:

* Settle in the dog’s lungs and reproduce
* Spread throughout the body and infect other organs, such as the brain, skin, bones, lymph nodes, and eyes.
If left untreated, blastomycosis can be fatal.

An infected animal can not pass the disease to a healthy animal or to a human.

SYMPTOMS:

* Fever
* Difficulty breathing
* Loss of appetite and weight loss
* Depression
* Fever
* Heavy coughing

As the disease progresses, a wide variety of symptoms can occur, depending on which organs areaffected, including:

* Swollen Lymph nodes
* Eyes: inflammation, sudden blindness
* Brain: seizures, head tilting
* Bones: lameness
* Skin: lesions

Blastomycosis can be fatal is not diagnosed and treated right away. If you notice any of the above signs, go to the veterinarian immediately.

DIAGNOSIS:

Your veterinarian will suspect blastomycosis if you live near water. Some tests may include:

* Fungal titers
* Sample of fluids from skin lesions or lymph nodes
* Chest x-rays
* Blood tests
* Urinalysis

TREATMENTS:

Affected dogs need a few months of anti fungal medication, usually orally and through IV. This can cause liver and kidney damage, so your veterinarian will have to closely monitor your dog and test the blood often.

Severely affected eyes may not respond well to the medication and may need to be removed.

PREVENTION:

There are currently no vaccines available for blastomycosis. However there are some preventative measures that you can take:

* Feed your dog foods containing no yeast
* Avoid excessive time in the woods, especially near water (since blastomycosis is in soil near water)
* Vitamin C, E, A, and B as a supplement if your veterinarian recommends
* Garlic supplements if your veterinarian recommends

PROGNOSIS:

Dogs with poor liver or kidney function may not be able to tolerate the medication.
Blastomycosis is usually fatal if not diagnosed and treated right away. Treatment is long, complicated, and expensive, and many dogs do not respond to it.

If your dog’s brain or eye is affected, prognosis is worse.

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Canine (Dog) Babesiosis

valpotim — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 01:01:19 +0000

Canine (Dog) Babesiosis is a disease that destroys a dog’s red blood cells. Babesia parasites (younger ones) go into red blood cells and destroy them.

Younger dogs in kennels are most at risk.

The dog’s immune system will try to destroy any infected red blood cells in order to destroy the parasites in them. If a large number of cells are infected, it results in a red blood cell deficiency, called anemia. Sometimes, the immune system will also destroy uninfected cells. This is called immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.

CAUSES OF CANINE BABESIOSIS:

* Dog bite from an infected dog
* Tick bite from a carrying tick.
* Infected pregnant dogs can spread to her unborn puppies

SYMPTOMS:

The most common signs of babesiosis are:

* Lack of appetite
* Pale tongue and gums
* Swollen lymph nodes
* Fever
* Weakness
* Dark color urine

Often infected dogs get other tick-related diseases (such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or Lyme Disease) when bitten by a tick carrying Babesiosis. These diseases will make the babesiosis more severe.

DIAGNOSIS:

* PCR testing: extremely sensitive test that tests for different types of babesia
* Complete Blood Count (CBC): a blood test that measures the number of red and white blood cells
* Blood smear: examines single cells from your dog’s blood
* Immunofluorescence: uses a fluorescent dye to illuminate viruses in the body

TREATMENTS:

Treatment depends on the exact type of babesia your dog has. Treatments will usually include:

* Medications: injected or through an IV
* Blood transfusions: 50% of dogs need this done.

PREVENTION:

Babesiosis can be prevented with good tick control:

* Avoid tick-infested environments as much as possible.
* Tick repellents: for yourself and your dog.
* Tick checks: After being in tick risk areas, check your dog for ticks.

Removing ticks quickly will greatly reduce the chance of your dog contracting of babesiosis.

Quickly remove any tick and kill it by putting it in rubbing alcohol or crushing it. If the tick is moving, it has not yet bitten your dog. If you crush the tick, do not get its blood on your skin, the bacteria can enter your body through a cut.

If the tick is attached to your dog, use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to you pet’s skin as possible, and slowly and steadily pull it straight out. It is important kill the tick after removing it, or it may look for another target to bite.

PROGNOSIS:

Surviving dogs are usually lifetime carriers of the disease; they may suffer relapses with stress, and also may spread the disease further.

Dogs that have recovered from babesiosis should not donate blood because the recipients will get the disease.

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Canine (Dog) Arthritis

valpotim — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:06:21 +0000

Canine (Dog) Arthritis can affect the elbows, hips, knees, and neck. Canine Arthritis is a condition where one or more joints become swollen or inflamed.

Two types of Canine (Dog) Arthritis:

* Canine Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is a progressive and uncommon disease where the immune system attacks healthy joints.
* Canine Osteoarthritis: Cartilage around a joint gets damaged, new bone forms around the joint. This area has no cartilage protection, and causes stiffness and pain.

CAUSES OF CANINE ARTHRITIS:

While arthritis normally affects older dogs, and worsens with age, dogs of any age can have it.

* Old age
* Obesity
* Injuries
* Auto-immune diseases (the immune system attacks its own body)
* Hip dysplasia, ligament rupture, joint infection

SYMPTOMS OF CANINE ARTHRITIS:

* Loss of appetite
* Painful joints
* Swollen joints
* Joint stiffness
* Lameness, Limping. Unable to jump or climb

DIAGNOSIS OF DOG ARTHRITIS:

To properly diagnose your dog with arthritis, your veterinarian will:

* X-ray the affected areas
* Review the Dog’s medical history
* Physical exam: flexing of the dog’s joints and listening for abnormal joint sounds, as well as looking for swelling.
* CBC blood test(complete blood count): measures the number of red and white blood cells.
* Joint Tap: draining and studying joint fluid

TREATMENTS:

* Infection: anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics.
* Obesity: diet changes to lower caloric intake.

Possible treatments for pain:

* Veterinarian prepared exercise routine.
* Surgery: In bad cases fragments of cartilage or bone in the joint can be removed to decrease swelling.
* Dietary supplements: stimulates new cartilage growth in the joints.

PREVENTION:

There are no known preventions.

PROGNOSIS:

There is no actual cure for arthritis, but your veterinarian can give you treatment options so your dog can live as comfortable as possible. Pay attention to your dog’s movements. Catching arthritis early leaves more options for your Vet to treat your dog.

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Canine (Dog) Anemia

valpotim — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:31:47 +0000

Canine (Dog) Anemia is caused by a reduction in the number of red blood cells in your dog’s blood. An anemic dog will either remove too many cells or not produce enough new ones.

Bone marrow in the bones of your dog produces red blood cells. These red blood cells transport oxygen throughout your dog’s body. After about 8 weeks, the dog’s body removes the old blood cells from the bloodstream and creates new ones.

Anemia is not a disease, but a result of another disease.

Causes of Dog Anemia:

* Any injury that causes excessive bleeding
* Kidney damage that prevents bone marrow from producing more red blood cells
* Blood that does not clot properly
* Excessive parasites (Ticks, fleas, whipworms, hookworms)
* Tumors of the intestinal tract (urinary bladder, kidneys or spleen)

SYMPTOMS OF DOG ANEMIA:

* Increased breathing rate
* off pink or white gums
* Lack of energy and depression
* Loss of appetite and weight loss

DIAGNOSIS OF CANINE ANEMIA:

Veterinarians will start with:

* Reviewing the dog’s medical history
* Physical exam
* Blood smear: Your veterinarian will use a microscope to study a sample of your pet’s blood, checking the amount, size, and shape of red blood cells. Veterinarians will also check for parasites that might cause destruction of red blood cells
* PCV (Packed Cell Volume): Checks the ratio of red blood cells to the rest of the blood. In a healthy pet, 25% to 45% percent of the blood will be red blood cells. The Dog is anemic if this is less than 25%.
* CBC (Complete blood count): CBC Measures the total amount of red and white blood cells in the body

Other possible testing:

* Bone marrow biopsy: Checks if the dog’s bone marrow is creating enough red blood cells
* Fecal parasite exam: Looks for parasites in the intestinal tract that might be causing blood loss

TREATMENTS FOR DOG ANEMIA:

Treatment will consist of either medications or surgery, depending on the cause of anemia.

If the anemia is life threatening, your dog will need an immediate blood transfusion, which will stabilize them temporarily. This will allow your veterinarian to determine the cause of the anemia, and begin appropriate treatments.

PREVENTION:

There are several causes of Canine anemia, and most of them are preventable. The most important thing you can do is ensure your dog is up to date on all preventives, mainly for fleas, ticks and internal parasites.

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Canine (Dog) Addison’s Disease

valpotim — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:25:36 +0000

Canine Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands (located near the kidneys) don’t produce enough hormones. The adrenal glands produce several hormones that control body function.

Cortisol: a hormone responsible for stress responses is one, Aldosterone: a hormone responsible for balancing electrolytes is the other.

It is most common in young female dogs, and can be managed with hormone supplements.

The main cause of Addison’s Disease is immune-mediated. The immune system attacks the adrenal glands.

Other possible causes include:

* Infections
* Medications
* Cancer
* Diseases of the pituitary glands

SYMPTOMS:

Signs will be mild in the beginning, and may even back off for a short period, but they can return more aggressively at any time.

* unusual thirst and urination
* Not reacting to stress as expected
* Muscle weakness (wobbling when walking)
* Lethargic
* Loss of appetite
* weight loss
* Vomiting and diarrhea

If the symptoms become extreme (example: severe vomiting and diarrhea or sudden weakness), it becomes an Addisonian crisis and is a life-threatening emergency. The dog may collapse in shock because it is not able to cope with stress.

DIAGNOSIS:

To properly diagnose your dog with addison’s disease, your veterinarian will most likely do the following:

* Review the medical history of the dog and signs of the current condition
* Order Blood and Urine Tests: Checks the electrolyte balance, kidneys, heart, liver, pancreas and metabolism
* ACTH Stimulation Test: This tests the adrenal glands. It is the primary test used in diagnosing Addison’s, and it requires at least one day of hospitalization. Your veterinarian will administer a dose of ACTH, the hormone responsible for releasing corticosteroids when a dog is under stress. A healthy animal will have elevated cortisol levels in response to ACTH, while a dog with Addison’s will have none.

TREATMENT:

* If signs are mild, your dog can get oral medication or shots to replace missing hormones. These medications will have to be increased during times of stress (such as boarding, traveling).
* If signs are severe and developed rapidly (an Addisonian crisis), your dog will require emergency treatment. This will usually include forcing fluids through use of an IV. This fixes electrolyte imbalances and balance the blood sugar levels.

Addison’s disease treatment needs ongoing veterinary care, including watching hormone levels and adjusting medications.

PREVENTION:

There is no proven way to prevent Addison’s disease in your dog. If your dog is taking steroids, abruptly stopping the steroid supplements may cause an Addisonian crisis.

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Dog Life Jackets save lives

valpotim — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:01:38 +0000

Dog life jackets and vests save lives

Life jackets are required for people who are boating, but what about your canine companion? Dogs often accompany their owners to the lake, river and beach for recreational outings. The family pet is at the same risk that their owners are if there is a boating accident.

Many people don’t think about a life jacket for their pet. After all dogs can swim, right? Dogs can and will swim, but a pet flotation device can prevent drowning if the animal gets out of their depth or if they have received an injury which prevents them from swimming. A well-designed flotation device can also make rescue easier.

Size and Style

Life jackets are available in a wide range of sizes and styles. It is easy to find jackets to fit smaller pets such as Chihuahuas and Dachshunds as well as larger animals such as Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds. The flotation devices are similar to a full body harness and come with Velcro or buckles to ensure a proper fit and that the life vest remains secure when your pet runs or swims. Most jackets have reflectors and a handle on the back to make it easier to find and secure the animal in a rescue situation.

Price and Features

Pet flotation devices range in price from $15 – 100. Prices vary based on the size of the dog, the quality of the life jacket as well as the number of extra features. Extra or special features may include cargo pockets or specialty print fabrics.

Getting the Right Fit

Shopping for canine flotation devices has become easier as more people become aware of the importance of protecting their pets around the water. They can be purchased at specialty pet stores, sportsman stores and on-line. Whenever possible, it is recommended that the dog be present when purchasing the life jacket to guarantee a proper fit. The jacket should fit securely, with no gaps that would allow the dog to slip out. Jackets which are too tight can rub, causing sores.

Outfitting Your Pet

Once a flotation device has been selected, it is important that the animal be allowed to become accustomed to wearing it before the first boating trip. Begin by fitting the dog with the life vest and letting them wear it in the house for twenty to thirty minutes. Once the animal accepts the jacket, take them outside in the harness and play with them, letting them begin to understand that the life vest is directly connected to having fun. Most animals will quickly adjust to wearing a canine life jacket and will be ready for boating in no time!

Dog Ticks Control and Treatment

valpotim — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 02:16:02 +0000

Dog Ticks Control and Treatment

If you are a dog owner, you should take steps to prevent your pet from getting ticks. Ticks or tick pests can be hazardous to your pet’s health. Ticks carry over a dozen diseases that they can pass to a dog. Ticks or tick pests could transmit Lyme disease to your pet, which is an especially dangerous condition. This disease can cause heart failure and even death. Most canine owners consider their pet to be part of their family. Like any family member, your pet needs proper care in order to remain happy and healthy. Doing your best to keep ticks away from your pet can help them avoid diseases that could shorten their life and cause them unnecessary suffering. If you follow these tips, you will be able to protect your pet from dangerous and even deadly ticks.

Prevent Ticks Or Tick Pests With Medication

The best way to prevent ticks is to treat your pet with a monthly medication formulated to kill heart worms, fleas, and ticks. You can purchase flea and tick medication from most major pet stores, your veterinarian’s office, and pet pharmacies online. Buying flea and tick medication online is one of the cheapest ways to get this helpful monthly treatment. Make sure you purchase a medication that is appropriate for your individual pet. Usually, small pets are given a different amount of medication than larger animals.

Check Your Pet For Ticks

You should check your pet for ticks and fleas regularly during the summer months, especially if you take your dog on a walk through a heavily wooded area. Ticks are common in areas with dense foliage. Groom your family pet and make sure no fleas are attached to its skin. If you do find a flea, remove the pest carefully, and closely monitor your dog for signs of illness.

Clean Up Your Yard

Regular lawn maintenance can keep ticks from infesting your personal property and coming into contact with your family pet. Because ticks can hide in dense foliage and tall grass, make sure that your lawn is properly maintained. Keep your grass cut short, and keep all shrubs and bushes trimmed back. This can discourage tick populations from residing in the area. There are also chemical and natural treatments that you can spread throughout your property that will prevent or kill ticks.

Watch For Symptoms Of Illness

If your canine ever starts acting strange or lethargic, make sure you seek veterinarian assistance for your pet right away. If your family pet has caught one of the diseases carried by ticks or tick pests, you will want to get treatment for their condition immediately. There are treatments that can help your pet recover, but these treatments are most effective if the disease is caught early.