Bacterial Diseases
1. TETANUS
ALTHOUGH DOGS ARE rather resistant to infection the disease will follow the usual pattern once the toxin reaches the central
nervous system.
ETIOLOGY. The causative organism is a bacterium called Clostridium tetani, a sporulating bacillus which is anaerobic, i.e.
it flourishes in the absence of free oxygen.
CLINICAL SIGNS. Any penetrating wound can give rise to tetanus, especially when the point of entry quickly becomes
sealed over denying the entry of air and if the penetrating object is rusty or dirty. There is an incubation period up to eight
days following wound infection. Muscular spasms varying degree and frequency occur before the toxin has entered the
central nervous system. These spasms lead to various abnormalities and deformities such as prolapse of the third eyelid,
retraction of lips and upper eyelids and stretching of the body. The entry of the toxin into the nervous system is first ush-
ered in by an increased sensitivity to external stimuli. The further away from the central nervous system of the original
wound the longer it will be before symptoms occur.
TREATMENT. All of the following remedies may be needed at different stages:
1. LEDUM 6c. This is a main remedy following the infliction of any deep punctured wound. It is especially helpful if the
area surrounding the wound becomes cold and discoloured.
2. HYPERICUM 1M. This remedy has a special affinity for the nervous system and its early administration should help to
limit the spread of toxin to the peripheral nerves and its subsequent passage to the spinal cord. It may be alternated with
the previous remedy in the early stages.
3. STRYCHNINUM 30c. When excessive muscle contractions occur this remedy will be needed. The back is frequently bent
or arched and the patient extends the legs as far as possible.
4. CURARE 30c. Indicated when there is generalised muscle stiffness, especially of the neck and shoulders. The head is
drawn back.
5. GELSEMIUM 30c. Milder cases showing muscular weakness and disinclination to move may respond to this remedy. The
animal may have a sleepy look.
6. TETANUS NOSODE 30c. Should be given as an intercurrent remedy along with any of the above.
2. LEPTOSPIROSIS. WEIL'S DISEASE.
This disease may take various forms ranging from acute to chronic and is frequently sudden in onset.
ETIOLOGY. The causal organism is a spirochaete, the main species responsible being L icterohaemorrhagica and L
canicola
EPIZOOTIOLOGY. These organisms are widespread in nature and transmission to dogs takes place through the medium
of contaminated rat urine. Penetration can also take place through skin abrasions. Excretion in the urine can last for many
months after recovery.
CLINICAL SIGNS. In the acute form onset can be very sadden and the animal is first seen vomiting and passing loose
motions. Loss of appetite and a dehydrated appearance set in. The coat becomes harsh and dry and walking is attended
with difficulty, signs of stiffness being apparent over the sacral area. Pain is evident on abdominal palpation. The visible
mucous membranes become congested but jaundice is an inconstant sign. Ulceration of the mucous membranes is a
common feature. Gastrointestinal involvement takes the form of bile-stained vomiting together with dark-brown or blood-
stained stools which may also contain whole blood. The presence of bile pigment may give the stool a greenish tinge. The respiratory system does not escape and coryza with coughing is a frequent symptom. The urine becomes dark and bile-
stained
TREATMENT. It is important that treatment be started as soon as possible. The following remedies appear indicated
1. ACONITUM 12x. Considering the sudden onset, this remedy is of first importance. It will allay shock and limit the
progress of the disease.
2. ARSEN. ALB. 30c. Should help control the gastro-intestinal symptoms and be of value in helping to overcome the dehy-
dration which sets in.
3. MERC. CORR. 30c. A very important remedy once ulcerations of buccal mucous membranes develop. Also indicated to
control the mucous and blood-stained diarrhoea.
4. BAPTISIA 30c. A remedy which may be needed to combat prostration and muscular soreness. Putrid excretions and ex-
halations particularly indicate its use. In the classical case this remedy may do better work than any other.
5. CROTALUS HORR 30c. If icteric or jaundice symptoms appear, Crotalus should be considered because of its action on
liver function in septicaemic illnesses. It will also help control haemorrhagic tendencies.
6. PHOSPHORUS 30c. Will help the coughing associated with respiratory involvement, and should have a beneficial effect
on the liver leading to a reduction in vomiting
7.BERBERIS VULG. 30c. Another useful liver remedy which should have a beneficial effect on the bile metabolism. Under
its action bile pigments should disappear from the urine and it will also help the stiffness which appears over the sacral
area.
8. LYCOPODIUM IM. The chronic case exhibiting wasting and inappetance will be helped by this remedy. It has a long term
beneficial action on liver function.
9. LEPTOSPIROSIS NOSODE 30c. Should be given as an intercurrent agent along with any of the above remedies. Its use in
the convalescent stages should prevent a build-up of leptospirae in the kidneys where their presence leads to the develop-
ment of interstitial nephritis and excretion in the urine.
PREVENTION. LEPTOSPIROSIS NOSODE can be given either separately or in combination with CANINE HEPATITIS and DIS-
TEMPER NOSODES over the same period of time.
3. EHRLICHIA CANIS INFECTION
This rickettsial disease affects both dogs and faxes
ETIOLOGY. The disease is caused by a rickettsial organism by the name of E. canis
EPIZOOTOLOGY. This organism is widespread in distribution and is transmitted by a ve
which harbour the rickettsia. This appears to be the only known mode of transmission
tor tick, all developing stages of
CLINICAL SIGNS. There may be an incubation period of three weeks which ushers in a primary fever which may last a
few days. Conjunctivitis can arise giving a muco-purulent discharge. The central nervous system is usually attacked with
symptoms varying from mild ataxia to paraplegia and convulsions. There may also be diarrhoea and inappetance but
these are not serious considerations in this disease.
TREATMENT
1. ACONITUM 12x. As in other infectious conditions showing early fever, this remedy is always indicated.
2. PULSATILLA 6c. Should help control the ocular discharges especially if these show a tendency to change rapidly from
serous to muco-purulent.
3. CON UM 30c. The chief remedy for the ataxia which is the most prominent neurotoxic sign. Ascending potencies may be
needed according to the degree of involvement from inco-ordination through to paraplegia.
4. BELLADONNA IM. If convulsions set in, this is the main remedy to be considered.