DISEASES
Canine Distemper---A highly contagious viral
disease that affects a dogs respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. It can be spread through air or by contact
with an infected animal, its feces or urine, and can be fatal. Because a puppies natural immunity may wear off before he is
vaccinated, reduce the risk of exposure by limiting contact with unfamiliar dogs until the vaccination series is complete.
Symptoms---include coughing, sneezing, nose
and eye discharge, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.
Preventative Measures---Vaccination is the
only effective control. Inital vaccinations are given as a series beginning as early as 6 weeks, followed by annual
boosters. Distemper vaccinations are usually given in combination with vaccines for other diseases.
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Infectious Canine Hepatitis---This viral
disease, also known as Adenovirus, is spread by contact with infected animals, their feces, urine or saliva. It affects
the liver, kidneys and cells lining the blood vessels.
Symptoms---include high fever, thirst, inflammation
of nose or mouth, diarrhea, abdominal pain and tenderness, liver damage, loss of appetite, hemorrhage and depression.
Preventative measures---Vaccination provides
excellent immunity. Initial vaccinations are given as a series beginning as early as 6-8 weeks, followed by annual booster
shots. The vaccine for canine hepatitis is usually combined with one for distemper.
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Leptospirosis---An extremely contagious
bacterial disease that spreads through contact with nasal secretions, urine or saliva of infected animals. Early
signs are not apparent, so infection can go undetected. Recovered animals can continue spreading the disease, which
can also affect humans.
Symptoms---Leptospirosis may produce
inflamed kidneys, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and listlessness. Liver damage can also occur. Note
that early signs of this disease may not be readily apparent.
Preventative Measures---Vaccination is available
for leptospirosis. Initial shots are given as a series beginning as early as 6 weeks, followed by annual boosters.
Leptospirosis vaccinations are usually combined with vaccinations for distemper and hepatitis.
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Parvoviris---This viral infection
is a common, deadly viral infection and usually strikes puppies. It is spread by contact with an infected dogs blood,
feces or vomit.
Symptoms---include severe diarrhea, fever,
vomiting, loss of appetite and dehydration.
Preventative Measures--- A series of vaccinations
are given from 6 to 20 weeks, with annual boosters. Animals that often stay in kennels, travel to dog shows, or are
exposed to other dogs should be vaccinated every 6 months. For most other dogs, an annual inoculation is sufficient.
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Parainfluenza---A highly infectious virus
that can be one of the causes of "kennel cough". It spreads quickly among dogs kept in close quarters and can
seriously damage the respiratory system or even result in death.
Symptoms---include a dry hacking cough,
loss of appetite, depression and runny nose and eyes.
Preventative Measures---Initial vaccinations
are given beginning as early as 6 weeks, followed by annual boosters.
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Rabies---This is an infection of the central
nervous system that results in paralysis and death. Rabies is always fatal. It is usually transmitted through
the bite of an infected animal. Rabies is a serious public health threat, so it is essential to vaccinate your
dog. Most states have laws requiring vaccination.
Symptoms---A stage of high excitability
includes unprovoked biting and sensitivity to noise. There is also a stage of paralysis, cramps and swallowing difficulties.
Preventative Measures---Initial inoculation
should be given as early as 3 months of age, with a second inoculation later (check with your veterinarian). After the
second injection, the dog should receive a booster vaccine either annually or every 3 years, depending on the vaccine used
and local laws.
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Coronavirus---A highly contagious viral
infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Again, this disease is spread through contact with infected blood, feces or
vomit.
Symptoms---include vomiting, fever, diarrhea
and dehydration.
Preventative Measures---Consult a veterinarian
about a possible vaccination, depending on your puppy's risk. Initial vaccination series begin as early as 6 weeks,
followed by annual boosters.
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Bordatella---This is an airborne bacterial
infection involved in "kennel cough". Dogs may catch this when exposed to other dogs in kennels, dog shows and field
trials.
Symptoms---include persistent coughing,
sneezing and retching accompanied by nasal discharge. It also increases your dog's susceptibility to other upper respiratory
infections.
Preventative Measures---Ask your veterinarian
about your puppy's need for vaccination against bordatella virus. Although vaccines are not 100 percent effective, they prevent
many cases of the disease and its complications. Vaccination may be given by injection or by nasal applicator.
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Lyme Disease---This is a tick-borne disease
that affects both dogs and humans.
Symptoms---It can exhibit itself as arthritis,
with the sudden onset of severe pain and lameness, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and depression.
Preventative Measures---Ask your veterinarian
about the vaccine for lyme disease. Vaccination may be recommended depending on the risk to the puppy in your location.
