What
Are The Top Ten Dog Diseases?
By Robert G. Knechtel
Dog Diseases number in the scores, just
as in humans. But, veterinarians tend to see some much more
than others. Sadly, a great deal of grief could be avoided
if more dog owners were careful to see that their pets are
immunized regularly against preventable dog diseases.
While experts, as usual, may differ, what are the top ten
dog diseases? Here's a list (not necessarily in order of seriousness)
with a brief explanation of each disease:
>> Distemper:
Of all the dog diseases, the American Veterinary Medical Association
considers the distemper virus to be the worst canine disease
threat to dogs world wide. Distemper is fatal in 80% of puppies
and 50% of adults. All dogs are extremely vulnerable, and
should be vaccinated, with subsequent boosters in keeping
the recommendation of a Veterinarian.
>> Parvovirus (Parvo):
Parvovirus is a worldwide dog disease. It is extremely contagious,
especially among puppies, and can overwhelm a dog leading
to death within 48 to 72 hours after exposure. Symptoms include
depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and severe diarrhea.
Parvo vaccination is essential with booster shots as recommended.
>> Rabies:
Rabies is a virus and becomes fatal when symptoms appear.
Because rabies can be fatal to humans and other mammals, state
and local laws uniformly require rabies vaccination, many
mandating booster shots yearly.
>> Kennel Cough:
This is a respiratory disease especially prevalent in kennels
and shelters. There are a variety of virus strains, including
Bortadella. Symptoms can include a dry hacking cough along
with inflammation of the larynx, bronchial tubes and trachea.
Vaccination, as often as every six months is recommended.
>> Leptospirosis:
Symptoms of Leptospirosis include lethargy, kidney inflammation,
low-grade fever, vomiting, reddening of the
mucous membranes and conjunctiva, and blood clotting abnormalities.
Since it is a bacterial disease, also found in
humans, it is treated with antibiotics. Veterinarians are
often reluctant to innoculate against this dog disease, since
there is questionable effectiveness, and puppies can have
adverse reactions.
>> Infectious canine
hepatitis:
While this dog disease often manifests itself with mild symptoms
such as a slight fever or slight lethargy, it can, in
some instances become fatal. Recovery is usually rapid. Vaccination
is recommended.
>> Lyme Disease:
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs will include lethargy, joint
pain, lack of appetite, lymph node enlargement, and fever.
Lyme Disease is bacterial and is spread by ticks. Treatment
is with tetracycline, an antibiotic. The available vaccine
is not generally recommended.
>> Coronavirus:
Diarrhea and vomiting are symptomatic of this dog disease
so it can be confused with parvovirus. Other indications are
loss of appetite, smelly diarrhea, lethargy and dehydration.
Replacement of lost fluids and control of vomiting and diarrhea
are the recommended treatments. A vaccine is not generally
recommended.
>> Obesity:
Just as in humans, this dog disease is a serious medical problem.
Frequently, obese humans own obese dogs. Obviously, limiting
food intake, withholding human food and enough exercise will
contribute to a dogs longer life.
>> Heartworm:
Heartworms are parasites that grow and multiply, infesting
the chambers in the heart, arteries in the lungs. Symptoms
appear gradually, usually manifested in easy tiring, lethargy
and a soft cough. If not treated, it eventually brings on
death by congestive heart failure in a once active animal.
Prevention with products such as HartGard is recommended.
Your veterinarian should give you a certificate showing your
pet's immunization against the common dog diseases. Ask for
a wallet sized card which you can carry with you.
About the Author:
Robert G. Knechtel maintains several websites, including:
http://PetMedShop.Com,
http://www.petmedshop.com,
http://Go60.Com,
http://www.go60.com.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
<< Back
to Main Article Page
|
