TYPES OF DOG DISEASES
Dogs acquire diseases due to Parasites, bacteria, viruses, fungus etc. Examples of some types of viral, bacterial and fungal diseases that can affect dogs are: -
Rabies: It is a serious viral disease of dogs, cats and other mammals caused by rabies virus. Rabies virus is found in the saliva of infected animals. Generally animals like dogs, cats, raccoons, foxes, bats etc.carry rabies virus. It is transmitted to unvaccinated dogs and humans from the bites of animals infected by rabies. This dangerous viral disease affects the nervous system of dogs. Inflammation of brain also takes place. Dogs affected by rabies become furious and violent. In this disease mainly three stages are observed in dogs. In the first stage (the prodromol stage) behavioral changes are observed. In the second stage (furious stage) dogs become very aggressive. In the third stage (the paralytic stage) signs of paralysis in body parts of dogs are observed.
As rabies can be transmitted to a human being through the bite of dog infected with rabies so taking of anti rabies vaccinations for both the pet dog and the human being is very essential. Though rabies can not be cured but it can be prevented with vaccinations.
Distemper: It is considered as a highly contagious viral dog disease. There is no cure for this deadly disease but can be prevented if your dog is given proper vaccinations. This viral dog disease is commonly transmitted through airborne viral particles. Your dog can also get the virus by direct contact with infected dogs.
Parvovirus: Canine parvovirus is also considered as serious viral disease. This disease affects intestinal tract and also the heart of dogs. It is highly contagious and is transmitted through the feces of infected dogs. The chance of dogs being affected by this deadly disease is greater where they congregate as for example-in dog shows, in boarding kennels etc. Symptoms like severe diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, high fever, dehydration etc. are noticed in this disease. For puppies it can be fetal. Vaccinations should be started at the age of six weeks.
Corona virus disease: Canine corona virus is a viral disease. Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite etc. are general symptoms of this disease. Though symptoms are somewhat similar to that of parvovirus yet it is not as severe as parvovirus. The virus is transmitted through the feces of infected dogs to other unvaccinated dogs. So in dog shows, in boarding kennels etc. where dogs congregate unvaccinated dogs might be affected with this viral disease.
Hepatitis: Canine hepatitis is a dangerous and life threatening viral disease caused by a virus {canine adenovirus type- 1} which affects the liver, kidney and eyes of dogs. Symptoms like loss of appetite, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting etc. are observed in this disease. The virus can be transmitted by urine, eye and nasal discharges of infected dogs. This disease can be prevented by vaccination.
Kennel cough: Infectious tracheo bronchitis of dogs which may be called ‘Kennel cough’ is an infection of upper respiratory tract. In dog shows, in kennels etc. where dogs congregate are at high risk of acquiring kennel cough. Harsh dry cough, gagging are the symptoms. It can be treated easily but may continue up to two weeks or even more causing annoyance to both the dog and its owner.
Leptospirosis: Canine Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease which affects the kidney function of dogs. Fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, lethargy etc are the symptoms associated with this bacterial disease. Suitable antibiotics are effective. Dogs can get this disease when they come in contact with urine of infected animals.
Lyme disease: Lyme disease of dogs is an infectious bacterial disease. The bacteria which causes Lyme disease is a cork screw shaped bacteria known as ‘Borrelia burgdorferi’ and is spread by ticks. Ticks are microscopic parasites and are blood suckers. When a tick carrying bacteria of Lyme disease bites a dog then the dog can get this disease. Symptoms of this disease are- high fever, swelling and pain in some joints, lameness, loss of appetite etc. This disease is treated with antibiotics.
Fungal disease
Dermatophytosis: Ring worm is one of the most common kinds of fungal diseases. Hair loss and scaling of the skin are observed in infected dogs. Blastomycosis, Histoplasmosis etc. are also fungal diseases .
Author: S.N. Bhattacharya
