Infectious Diseases Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including dogs and humans. A common early sign of rabies is a significant change in dog’s behavior, including sudden restlessness, aggression or fear. Canine parvovirus produces a potentially fatal disease of the gastrointestinal tract and, less commonly, the heart muscles. The most common signs include bloody diarrhea, fever, and dehydration. Canine coronavirus infection is a highly contagious gastrointestinal disease among dogs. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea and listlessness. Canine distemper is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease in dogs. Clinical signs include, fever, runny nose, cough and vomiting, and may progress to twitching muscles and seizures. Hepatitis is a virus that can damage the liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs in dogs.. puppies are more likely to die from infection than adult dogs. Clinical signs may include fever, diarrhea and respiratory disease. Canine parainfluenza virus causes chronic respiratory disease. In combination with other viral or bacterial infections, the disease is more serious. The virus is spread through the cough of infected dogs. Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common bacteria contributing to respiratory disease complex, or “kennel cough” in dogs. Infected dogs often have a dry hacking cough and may also have a runny nose and eyes. Leptospirosos is caused by bacteria that can permanently damage your pet’s liver, kidneys and other majors organs. Other dogs and even humans can become ill after contact with an infected dog’s urine. Lyme disease is acquired by both dogs and people from infected ticks. It is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in the country. Lyme disease bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) can seriously damage joints, kidneys, and other tissues. Your Cat’s Health Infectious Diseases Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can affect warm-blooded animals, including cats and humans. A common early sign of rabies is a significant change in a cat’s behavior, including restlessness, aggression or fear. Feline panleukopenia, or distemper, is caused by a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus. It is especially dangerous to kittens. Typical clinical signs are high fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Feline viral rhinotracheitis (fvr), or feline herpesvirus, is one of the causes of chronic upper respiratory disease in cats. The signs of this disease include sneezing, runny nose, irritated eyes and coughing. Feline calicivirus causes chronic disease of the upper respiratory system. The severity of infection with this virus depends on several factors, including the presence of other viruses, (such as fvr) and bacteria. Feline leukemia virus(Felv) is the most commonly diagnosed feline cancer and is the cause of about one-third of all cancer deaths among cats. In addition, the virus suppresses the cat’s immune system, leaving it susceptible to other infections. Both indoor and outdoor cats are at risk for Felv and should be vaccinated against the virus. Chlamydia psittaci (pneumonitis) is a bacteria responsible for chronic mild upper respiratory disease. It can also exacerbate other diseases caused by viruses. Runny eyes are the primary symptom of this bacterial infection; other signs include sneezing and nasal discharge. Internal Parasites Heartworms are transmitted by infected mosquitoes and may cause serious disease in your animal. Heartworms reside in the hearts and lungs of infected dogs and cats, and may eventually lead to heart failure and death. If a dog does develop heartworm disease, treatment is extensive and costly. Unfortunately, there is no approved treatment for feline heartworm disease. Hookworms are gastrointestinal parasites that may be transmitted when your pet ingests infective larvae from the environment , or when larvae penetrates the skin of a dog or a cat. Signs of hookworm infection may include weakness, weight loss, diarrhea and pale gums. Certain infections in young kittens or puppies may be fatal. Roundworms are transmitted from mother to puppy or kitten before birth, or while nursing. Animals of any age may also ingest eggs. Signs of roundworm infection may include diarrhea, eggs and adult worms in the feces, respiratory distress, weakness, dull coat, swollen abdomen, and malnutrition.
External Parasites Fleas pose a real threat to the health of your pet and the well-being of your family. Adult fleas feed on warm-blooded animals and may cause severe irritation, allergic reactions, and anemia. Ticks may attach to your animal and feed on blood until they are engorged. In many areas of the country, ticks may carry serious and potentially fatal diseases. Some ticks can affect people as well as pets.
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