| Vaccinations |
| DISTEMPER Distemper virus is the number one killer of unvaccinated dogs and spreads rapidly from dog to dog. Its victims are usually puppies, but adult dogs sometimes get infected also. It is sometimes difficult for veterinarians to diagnose distemper, because it shows up in various forms. While the dog with distemper occasionally recover, they often suffer permanent damage to the brain or/and nervous system. Symptoms include diarrhea, cough, nasal discharge, inflamed eyes, fever, vomiting, reduced appetite, exhaustion, and lack of interest. If you ever think your dog has come down with distemper (even though he has been vaccinated), take him to the veterinarian immediately. The earlier treatment begins, the better his chance of survival. HEPATITIS Hepatitis is an infectious canine disease that spreads through contact with an infected dog�s stool, urine, or saliva. Hepatitis affects the dog�s liver the same way it does in the human form. Although it is not transmissible to man. One specific symptom is intense thirst, but all the other symptoms are similar to those of distemper. The disease progresses rapidly and is often fatal, so prompt veterinary treatment is critical to your dog�s survival. LEPTOSPIROSIS Leptospirosis is caused by a spirochete, a microorganism that�s often carried by rats. It infects a dog that comes into contact with a rat, or eats something contaminated by rats. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea or/and urine, fever, depression, red and congested eyes and mouth membranes, painful mouth ulcers, vomiting, increased thirst, loss of appetite, pain when moving, and sometimes, reddish or jaundiced eyes. Quick veterinary treatment is essential, because the dog�s kidneys and liver can be permanently damaged. Humans can contact Leptospirosis, so it is very important to prevent infecting yourself when caring for a dog with leptospirosis. Ask your vet to explain the proper precautions. PARVOVIRUS Parvovirus is a deadly disease. It�s believed to be a type of feline distemper that mutated to infect dogs. The virus attacks the stomach lining, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. In young puppies it attacks the heart. �Parvo� spreads rapidly from dog to dog through contaminated stools, and also is easily carried and spread by dog paws or your shoes. Begins with depression and loss of appetite, symptoms soon progress to vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), and fever. Puppies with infected hearts often die suddenly or within a couple of days of getting infected the disease. The very few that do recover may develop chronic heart problems later in life. Adult dogs react react different from one another. Some become very ill, while others may just lose their appetite for a few days. PARAINFLUENZA Parainfluenza is also known as, Infectious Canine Tracheobronchitis, while its common name is kennel cough. Very contagious from dog to dog. Several different viruses, as well as a bacterium cause Parainfluenza. Symptoms are a frequent dry, hacking cough and sometimes a nasal discharge. Most dogs usually seem to be fine, and some don�t even miss a meal. Dogs vaccinated against kennel cough sometimes come down with it anyway, but have milder symptoms. This disease is much more dangerous to puppies than adult dogs. Many veterinarians will s prescribe medication to help control the cough and antibiotics to prevent complications. RABIES Rabies is always fatal, a dog with rabies is a danger to all warm-blooded beings. The disease is a virus that can infect dogs that come in contact with skinks, foxes, squirrels, cats, raccoons, or other animals that have the virus. Rabies affects the nervous system and is generally passed by infected saliva - -usually from a bite. A dog or a person may also get infected through cuts or scratches that come in contact with a rabid animal�s saliva. Difference in disposition is one of the first signs. The dog�s pupils may become dilated and light may appear to cause pain. Eventually the dog will want no attention or petting at all, and may show signs of stomach trouble and a fever. Later on symptoms can include lack of coordination, random biting, bared teeth, twitching facial muscles, and loss of control of the facial muscles, resulting in an open mouth with the tongue hanging out. The dog�s voice may change and he may drool, paw at his mouth, and cough. Eventually he slips into a coma and dies. Anyone bitten by any animal must see a doctor right away. Rabies vaccine prevents this dread disease. Remember all of those deadly diseases can be prevented with simple vaccinations. |
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