| CANINE DISEASES |
| Canine Distemper is a highly contagious and often fatal virus that affects a dog's respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It can be spread as an airborne infection or though contact with an infected animal, its feces, or its urine. Because a puppy's natural immunity may wear off before he is vaccinated, reduce risk of exposure by limiting contact with unfamiliar dogs until vaccination series is completed. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nose and eye discharges, fever, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and seizures. Vaccination is the only effective control. Initial vaccination 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. More info Infectious Canine Hepatitis (also known as adenovirus) is a viral disease spread by contact with infected animals, their feces, urine, or saliva. Its 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. Vaccination provide excellent immunity. Initial vaccination are given as a series beginning as early as 6 weeks, followed by annual boosters. The vaccine for canine hepatitis is usually combined with one for distemper. More info Leptospirosis is an extremely contagious bacterial disease that spreads though 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. Leptospirosis may produce inflamed kidneys, fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, and listessness. Liver damage can also occur. Note that early signs of the disease may not be apparent. Vaccination is available for leptospirosis. Initial vaccinations are given as a series beginning as early as 6 weeks, followed by annual boosters. Leptospirosis vaccination are usually combined with vaccinations for distemper and hepatitis (D.H.L). More info Parvovirus is a common, deadly viral infection, usually of puppies. Parvovirus is spread by contact with feces, blood, or vomit of an infected dog. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, and dehydration. 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. Check with your veterinarian. More info Parainfluenza is a highly infectious virus that can be one of the causes of "kennel cough." It spreads quickly among dogs kept in close quarters. If neglected, it may seriously damage the respiratory system and even lead to death. Parainfluenza may produce a harsh, dry, hacking cough, loss of appetite, depression, and runny nose and eyes. Initial vaccinations are given beginning as early as 6 weeks, followed by annual boosters. More info Rabies is an infection of the central nervous system that results in paralysis and death. Rabies is always fatal. It is usually transmitted though 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. A stage of high excitability includes unprovoked biting and sensitivity to noise. There is also a stage of paralysis, cramps, and swallowing difficulties. 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 on local laws. More info Coronavirus is a highly contagious viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Coronavirus is spread by contact with the feces, blood, or vomit of an infected dog. The symptoms of coronavirus include vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, and dehydration. 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. More info Bordatella is a bacterial infection involved in infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) and is spread by airborne bacteria. A dog may catch this disease though contact with other dogs at places like kennels, dog shows, and field trials. Bordatella may produce persistent coughing, sneezing, and retching, accompanied by nasal discharge. Increased susceptibility to other upper respiratory infections is also possible. Ask your veterinarian about your puppy's need for vaccination against the 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. More info Lyme Disease is a tick-borne disease affecting both humans and animals. Lyme Disease can exhibit itself as arthritis, sudden onset of severe pain and lameness, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and depression. Ask your veterinarian about the vaccine for Lyme Disease. Vaccine may be recommended depending on the risk to the puppy in your location. More info |
| This site was created by and is maintained by Belinda Winters for BFH Bassets. If you have any questions or comments email belindawinters@bfhbassets.com |