Some of the Serious Diseases Suffered by Dogs!!!!!

Just like humans, dogs also suffer from both genetically transmitted as well as infectious disease, which if not detected in time, can be life threatening. Below mentioned are some of these diseases, which require prompt treatment.

Bone and joint diseases: Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia and Shoulder Dysplasia are the bone and joint diseases suffered by young dogs. The key to eliminating skeletal disease in dogs is found in diet and exercise. A healthy diet is based on 50 to 60 percent raw meaty bones, 20 to 30 percent raw crushed vegetables and fruit, together with simple additives such as kelp, cod liver oil, fish oil, flax meal, eggs and yoghurt. Sufficient exercise is also vital as bones require normal stresses for normal growth; neither too much nor too little.

Brucellosis: Brucellosis is a disease caused by bacteria, Brucella canis. It is spread through contact with aborted fetuses and discharges from the uterus of infected female dogs, during mating, through maternal milk and possibly through airborne transmission in some cases. The bacteria enter the body through mucous membranes and spreads from there to lymph nodes and the spleen. It also spreads to the uterus, placenta and prostate gland as well as other internal organs at times. In female dogs, infection leads to abortion or early death of infected puppies. In male dogs, infection of the testicles can lead to infertility due to anti-sperm antibodies developed as the body attempts to fight off the bacterial infection. In both female and male dogs there may be infection of spinal discs (diskospondylitis) which can cause back pain and rear leg weakness or even paralysis. Eye inflammation may be seen in either sex. Brucellosis is very difficult to treat successfully. A combination of various antibiotics is usually used.

Canine Diabetes: Canine diabetes comes in two forms. One form is similar to the human form of diabetes; the other is caused by a lack of a particular hormone in dogs. Canine diabetes can be fatal in dogs. The three most common early symptoms of canine diabetes are excessive hunger, excessive thirst, and excessive urination, accompanied by drastic weight loss. Canine diabetes which is not detected in the early stages can lead to other complications such as liver and bladder problems, kidney damage, cataracts, vomiting, and even signs of depression. As with human diabetes, canine diabetes is often treated with insulin.

Coccidiosis: It is caused by protozoal parasite called Coccidia. Coccidia infection causes a watery diarrhea that is sometimes bloody and can be a life-threatening problem to an especially young or small pet. The most common medicines used against coccidia are called coccidiostats.

Distemper: Distemper is spread by contaminated feces of infected dogs. There is only a 50% survival rate for distemper, but as with any disease, early intervention will increase the chances of survival. The symptoms of distemper include coughing, nasal discharge, chest congestion, vomiting and diarrhea. As the disease progresses it affects the nervous system casing possible paralysis. There is a vaccine which can prevent distemper.

Ehrlichiosis: Ehrlichiosis in dogs is most commonly caused by rickettsial organism known as Ehrlichia. Ehrlichia are commonly transmitted by ticks including the Brown Dog Tick. As a result of the infection, the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen are often enlarged. Anemia, fever, depression, lethargy, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, joint pain and stiffness, and bruises are often seen. The antibiotics like tetracycline or doxycycline are used to treat the disease.

Kennel cough: When a group of dogs is kept together at animal shelters and pet stores they may develop a respiratory infection. This infection may affect trachea, larynx and bronchi. This infection can be treated with antibiotics and proper rest.

Heartworm: Heartworm is a parasitic disease also spread by infected feces and mosquitoes. Heartworm is a disease that progresses very rapidly and tends to affect younger dogs although older dogs may still become infected. Heartworm is easily prevented by vaccination which should be done at the puppy stage.Symptoms of heartworm include coughing and lethargy which later progresses to heart disease in dogs(hence the name).

Leptospirosis: It's a bacterial disease and is caused by a spirochete. A spirochete is a slender spiral from of bacteria. Infected urine is a major cause of spreading these bacteria. It's passed when an open wound in the dog's skin comes in contact with urine of infected dog. Common clinical signs reported in dogs include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, refusal to eat, severe weakness and depression, stiffness, severe muscle pain, or inability to have puppies. Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics. If an animal is treated early, it may recover more rapidly and any organ damage may be less severe.

Parvo: Parvo is a common and potentially serious viral disease in dogs. The virus is officially known Parvovirus. The disease caused by this virus is commonly referred to as Parvo. The symptoms of parvo disease typically occur in two stages. In the first stage, an infected dog will have a high fever, often as high as 106 degrees Fahrenheit. He will also be lethargic, depressed and uninterested in eating. As the intestinal lining continues to be damaged by the virus, the dog will become weaker and progress into the second stage of this disease. In the second stage, the symptoms of parvo disease become more obvious. The dog will have foul-smelling, yellow, liquid diarrhea that is often bloody. He may also vomit. These symptoms lead to rapid dehydration, shock and eventual death. Parvo can also affect a dog's heart in very young puppies, and this also leads to sudden death. Since there is no cure for the virus, treatment involves administration of I.V. fluid to prevent dehydration, along with antibiotics.

Rabies: Rabies is a disease of the central nervous system and is spread by a virus. Dogs can become infected through contact with the saliva of infected animals. There is currently no cure for rabies and it is best to have the dog euthanized due to the progressive nature of this horrible disease. The disease progresses in stages. Early symptoms include behavioral changes and slowing reflexes. The behavior gradually gets worse and sometimes violent with increasing lack of coordination. Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection and properly vaccinated animals stand very little chance of contracting the disease.