COMMON CANINE DISEASES :

Canine Distemper- this often fatal, hard-to-treat disease is ABSOLUTELY  ESSENTIAL. Highly contagious, it is spread by discharges from the nose and eyes of infected dogs. Symptoms can include listlessness, fever, coughing, diarrhea, and vomiting; convulsions and paralysis may occur in the disease's final stages. The distemper virus attacks many organs, including the nervous system, which may be permanently damaged even if the dog recovers.  

Canine ParvoVirus- Very contagious, debilitating and widespread, the disease caused by this virus emerged in many parts of the world. Spread through infected feces, the highly resistant virus can remain in the environment for many years. Symptoms include high fever, listlessness, vomiting and diarrhea. Vaccination is the only method of preventing this potentially fatal disease, which is most severe in young pups.

Infectious Canine Hepatits- Caused by canine Adenovirus Type 1, this disease transmitted among dogs by contact with secretions, such as saliva, infected urine or feces. Its symptoms are similar to those early stages of distemper. Causing liver failure, eye damage and breathing problems, the course of this disease can range from mild to fatal. Vaccinations Remains the best protection.

Leptospirosis- a bacterial disease which attacks the kidneys and liver. Leptospirosis is transmitted between animals through contact with infected urine; venereal and placental transfer; bite wounds; or the ingestion of infected tissue. Crowding, as found in a kennel, can increase the spread of infection. Indirect transmission occurs through exposure of susceptible animals to contaminated water sources, food, or even bedding. Stagnant or slow moving water provides a suitable habitat for Leptospira. As a result, disease outbreaks often increase during periods of flooding. In dry areas infections are more common around water sources.

Canine Corona virus- is a virus that affects the intestinal tract of dogs.  It causes gastroenteritis similar to parvo.  Canine Corona virus is a highly contagious virus affecting not only puppies, but older dogs as well.  The clinical signs of Canine Corona virus vary from mild and undetectable to severe and fatal.  Most common signs include:  depression, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.  The diarrhea can be watery, yellowish-orange in color bloody mucous, and usually has an offensive odor.  Sudden death and abortions sometimes occur.  The duration of illness can be anywhere from 2-10 days. The most common route of infection is contact with fecal material containing the virus.  Signs begin to show 1-5 days after exposure.  The dog becomes a “carrier” for several weeks after recovery.  The virus can live in the environment for several months.  Clorox mixed at a rate of 4 ounces in a gallon of water will destroy the virus.

Canine Giardia- is caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia. It can infect bowels of many species of animals and man.  In people it is commonly known as “beaver fever.” In extreme cases Giardia infection can cause gastro-intestinal disease with signs of severe vomiting and diarrhea.  Gairdia is commonly found in contaminated water sources such as: ponds, puddles, streams, lakes and rivers.  Pets can also get infected by licking their paws after they have walked in a contaminated area.

Lyme disease- is a serious condition that can cause debilitation, arthritis and major organ damage.  A severe case might even cause heart, brain and kidney problems.  It is a disease caused by bacteria that is carried by several kinds of ticks, and spread easily from infected mice, deer, and other mammals.  Fortunately your pet can be protected against Lyme disease through annual vaccination.  

Canine Cough- Also known as “kennel cough”, this highly contagious disease can cause inflammation of the trachea and bronchi.   Different airborne viruses and bacteria can cause it.  The most common among these are Canine Parainfluenza virus, Canine Adenovirus and Bordetella Bronchispetica.  The disease is characterized by a dry non-productive cough.

Rabies- The Rabies virus attacks the nervous system resulting in fatal disease.  All mammals are susceptible to the infection including humans. The disease a major health hazard, so it is extremely important that your dog be vaccinated against it.  In many cases, vaccination is required by municipal law and for travel outside of Canada.