Some dog illnesses can be prevented with proper vaccinations. Canine distemper is one of these illnesses. Symptoms include gooey eye and nose discharge, fever, poor appetite, coughing and the development of pneumonia. While the virus begins in the respiratory tract, it doesn’t stop there. It goes on to cause vomiting and diarrhea, calluses on the nose and foot pads. After that, the distemper goes on to cause seizures, tremors, imbalance, and limb weakness. May result in death or become non-progressive and permanent. Recovery is also possible, but distemper is incurable.
Another serious dog illness that can be vaccinated against is the Canine Parvovirus. Commonly known as parvo, this can be a quick acting and fatal illness. I personally had a puppy that was being vaccinated against parvo but still contracted the illness. The onset was fast and once we realized what was wrong the dog was very near death and did pass shortly. Parvovirus is hardy in the environment and we were informed by our immunization administer that all it would take for our puppy to pick up the virus is for an infected dog to walk through our yard, be shedding the virus and then our dog picks up viral particles and contracts the illness. The dog can become infected by cleaning itself or eating food that has been in contact with the virus and then it enters through their mouth. The virus kills by causing diarrhea and vomiting that leads to extreme fluid loss and dehydration, causing shock and death. It can also cause the loss of the intestinal barrier; that allows bacterial invasion. Septic toxins result in death. Treatment is available for parvovirus, but it involves a hospital stay and is rather expensive.
Rabies is probably the most commonly known dog illness. This is, I daresay, the most dreaded of canine illnesses and is usually spread through a bite. The virus is present in saliva and enters the tissues of the victim. Symptoms can include a change in personality. The next stage brings on the lack of fear and the characteristic foaming at the mouth, due to the fact that the larynx is paralyzed and the dog cannot swallow. Weakness and paralysis sets in and the animal dies when it is paralyzed and cannot breath. There is no treatment for animals or humans once clinical signs appear. This illness can also be protected against by having your dog vaccinated against rabies.
Conjunctivitis is a common problem in dogs. The tissue coating the eye and lining the eyelids becomes inflamed. Conjunctivitis can be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, certain parasites, corneal diseases, tear duct disorder, eyelid abnormalities and trauma. Treatment includes irrigating the eye to remove any irritants, removing foreign material, treat any tear production abnormalities and the use of anti-inflammatory eye medications. Most cases improve 24 to 48 hours after beginning medication.
Being aware of changes in your dogs behavior can alert you to illness. Something as simple as increased thirst could mean the development of diabetes in your dog. Canine diabetes is marked by excessive hunger, excessive thirst and excessive urination. The disease will cause loss of weight, lethargy, loss of appetite, depression and vomiting. Diagnosis can be made with lab tests. Just like in humans, insulin injections are the treatment for diabetes.
All dogs are susceptible to internal parasites. Worms can come from various places and infect dogs. Some of the most common are round worms, heartworms, whipworms and hookworms. Heartworm prevention is recommended as treatment can be traumatic and a fairly involved veterinary process. If left untreated, it can prove to be fatal. The worms are spread by mosquitoes and they take up residence in the muscles of the heart.
Sources
Dog Owners Guide, Canine Diabetes
The Pet Web Library
About.com, Dogs, Intestinal Worms
Pet Place, Conjunctivitis in Dogs
