Canine Diseases & Illnesses

Distemper

Caused by a virus related to measles.  Affects respiratory, gastrointestinal & central nervous systems. It is highly contagious, and transmitted via airborne infected dogs. Symptoms may include fever, runny nose, watery eyes.  Can if untreated progress to twitching muscles, paralysis & seizures. Can be potentially fatal.

Hepatitis

A viral disease that can damage the liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs. This virus is transmitted through the ingestion of urine, feces, or saliva of infected dogs. Symptoms can include a fever, runny nose & eyes, vomiting, bleeding, and possibly respiratory disease. Mortality rate is very high in young dogs.

Leptospirosis

This is a bacterial disease that can affect the liver, kidneys, and other organs. Transmission occurs through contact with urine from an infected dog. Symptoms in the early stages of the disease include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and joint and muscle pain. Treatment is fluid therapy and antibiotics, but acute renal failure occurs in 80% to 90% of dogs with clinically significant disease. Vaccination is recommended for all dogs older than 12 weeks of age in areas where this disease is prevalent.

Parvovirus

This is a very serious viral disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Puppies are at the greatest risk.  This virus is resistant to most over the counter disinfectants. Transmission occurs through contact with infected dogs or their feces. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, fever, & lethargy.

Parainfluenza

a highly contagious respiratory virus and is one of the most common pathogens of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as canine cough. Although the respiratory signs may resemble those of canine influenza, they are unrelated viruses and require different vaccines for protection.  Symptoms include a harsh, dry cough, often followed by retching and gagging.

Bordetella

Also known as Kennel cough, is not fatal itself. The disease can lead to fatal bronchopneumonia in puppies and chronic bronchitis in senior or immunocompromised dogs.   It usually spreads in areas where large numbers of dogs are connected… like kennels, which is how it got its name.

Kennel cough is easily spread from dog to dog through direct contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces like food and water bowls, toys, etc.  a bit like how the common cold is spread in grade schools. Your dog is most likely to pick it up in an area where lots of dogs congregate, but he can also pick it up from any contaminated environment, such as dog parks.