CANINE DISEASES

Canine Parvovirus

Parvovirus originally appeared in the U.S. in 1978. The virus spread rapidly to all parts of the world within twelve months. The virus is a very contagious disease that severely affects dogs by attacking their gastrointestinal tract.   It is extremely painful. The dog suffers terribly with uncontrollable vomiting, sever abdominal pain associated with bloody diarrhoea, extreme dehydration, lethargy, and a high temperature. Because the virus is resistant to most disinfectants and to extremes of temperature it was able to spread to all parts of the world quickly.

What can you see in a dog that is infected with this virus?
# inflammation of the heart muscles in puppies up to 14 weeks of age.

it is noticeable in a healthy puppy having breathing problems and weakness, leading to sudden death.

# the infected dog has no appetite for food or water.

puppies can die within 24 hours of being infected.

How can your dog become infected with this virus?
# the virus is contracted when your dog comes into contact with faeces from an infected dog

# contamination can be spread by feeding bowls, bedding, shoes and people.

Canine Distemper

Distemper is an highly contagious viral disease which attacks the nervous system of the dog.

What will you see in a dog that has Canine Distemper?

lethargy
loss of appetite
dehydration
vomiting and diarrhoea
discharge from the eyes and nose

As the disease develops the dog will develop a cough due to respiratory problems, skin reactions, muscle spasms and convulsions. There is no cure for this viral disease. Treatment options from a veterinarian can only help the dog with relieving symptoms of pain and discomfort possibly giving the dog a 50/50 chance of recovery.

The very young and the elderly are at most risk.

How do dogs get it?
Dogs contract this disease by coming into contact with an infected dogs’ urine or saliva.

Canine Hepatitis

Canine hepatitis is another highly contagious disease affecting the dogs liver and kidney.

What will you see in a dog that has Canine Hepatitis?

swelling of the liver and kidney (causing abdominal pain)
jaundice
lethargy
vomiting
diarrhoea
eye lesions
loss of appetite
dogs become thirsty, begin to vomit and have diarrhoea.

How do dogs get this disease?
The virus is transmitted by a dog coming into contact with an infected dogs’ urine, faeces, and/or saliva.