Dog Diseases

Parvovirus

Has been the bad boy since late 1978. It affects members of the canids, not just dogs (fox, wolves, coyotes). Feline Panleukopenia (aka feline distemper) is related to this virus. Puppies are more susceptible than adult dogs; Rottweilers also should be immunized every 6 months. Dogs & puppies exposed to the virus may not show signs for up to 2 weeks. Signs include poor appetite, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea (causing rapid dehydration). The stool may contain blood. Death maybe sudden and as early as 2 days. The virus may also affect the heart. The virus may be contracted by fecal contamination & the virus can survive in the environment for up to 2 years. Vaccinations should be started about 6 weeks of age and be done annually. Treatment is usually costly.

Canine Leptospirosis

 There are four varieties that affect dogs. Other species may spread the disease such as raccoons, opossums and rodents. It may spread to other pets and humans. German Shepherds may have an increased risk compared to other breeds. Early signs may include fever, depression, lethargy, poor appetite, eye and nasal discharge. As the disease progresses vomiting, dehydration, tongue ulceration & necrosis (death of the tissue). Leptospiris may also cause kidney failure, liver failure and lung problems.

Canine Coronavirus

 is a highly contagious gastrointestinal disease of dogs of any age but may be more severe in young puppies. Coyotes and foxes are also susceptible to this disease but other carnivores maybe susceptible as well. Canine corona virus is not the same corona virus that causes FIP in cats although they are related and may cause a false positive on the test. Canine coronavirus can be transmitted to pigs. Signs are usually milder than that of parvovirus and still include poor appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and depression.

Kennel cough

 Tracheobronchitis is caused by three viruses or kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine adenovirus & parainfluenza). It is an infection of the upper airways (trachea & bronchea). Tracheobronchitis may also be caused by parasites. Other causes include smoke inhalation, heart problems, changes in the weather & environmental stresses.

Bordetella aka Kennel Cough

Bordetella bronchiseptica spreads rapidly among dogs kept in confinement (ie boarding facilities, grooming facilities, dog parks). The infectious signs include a honking cough, coughing spasms followed by gagging and retching. The infection may progress to broncheopneumonia which may be fatal to puppies and debilitated or elderly dogs. There are 2 types of vaccine available (intranasal & injectable). Intranasal is modified live while the injectable is killed. We prefer the intranasal  because is prevents against the newer strains and provides protections quicker. Puppies should start a vaccine series at 6-8 weeks of age and adult dogs should be boostered annually.

Parainfluenza is usually a mild respiratory infection but early symptoms can mimic distemper.

Canine Adenovirus (aka hepatitis)

- Is one of three viruses that cause tracheobronchitis or kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica & parainfluenza). Usually the first sign is a high fever. Other signs include poor appetite, thirst, enlarged tonsils, discharge from the eyes and nose and occasional vomiting and abdominal pain. Ingestion of urine, feces or saliva from infected animals is the main route of infection. It also affects the dogs ability to clot their blood and their ability to fight off other infections. Blood transfusions may be necessary in severely ill dogs. The virus can survive in the environment for weeks or months. Recovered dogs may spread the virus for up to 6 months.

 Lyme Disease is rare in this area.

Puppies: DHLPP should be vaccinated starting at 6-8 weeks of age and be given 3 doses, 3 weeks apart. Adults should be boostered every 12 months.

Adult: DHLPP Should be boostered every year for ideal protection.

Rabies: According to state law, all dogs & cats should be vaccinated for rabies regardless of whether they go outside or not. 

• The first Rabies vaccine should be given at 12 weeks of age, again 12 months later, then every 3 years.

•  A veterinarian is required to give this vaccine. 

• Each state has different laws regarding the frequency of re-vaccination. If you plan on traveling out of state with your pet you might want to look into the rabies laws for the state(s) you're traveling to and through.

• * If you are traveling with your pet, you should also get a CVI (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection)  aka Health Paper prior to leaving. 

  • These pre-entry requirements help to ensure that the animals being moved do not carry illnesses or parasites that would be harmful to the people or animals that are in the destination area or that are participating in the same event.

  • In addition to meeting various physical health criteria and depending on the species, age, origin, destination, and purpose of travel, the animals to be moved may need to have certain tests, treatments, vaccinations, or other procedures done before they qualify for inclusion on a CVI. The process may vary from simple to complex depending on the requirements of the destination.

  • Click here for more information about health papers