Our pet canines need a lot of care and love and in the absence of proper attention they can contract diseases. However, most common health problems that affect dogs can be prevented and also taken care of by an alert and caring owner.

This article deals with common viral, bacterial, and fungal infections that affect dogs.

Viral infections

Hydrophobia – One of the most common diseases associated with dogs, more commonly known as rabies. All mammals can get infected by rabies and since it is a zoonotic disease, canine rabies is especially dangerous for humans given our close proximity to dogs. An anti-rabies vaccine, if administered early, can prevent a fatality. A dog suffering from rabies goes through three distinct stages. The first stage has the animal showing distinct behavioral changes and can last from one to three days. During the second stage, the animal is at its most dangerous and prone to violent behavior, this stage is known as furious rabies. The third and last stage is the paralytic stage which leads to in-coordination between limbs, drooling, and difficulty in swallowing. It is followed by death which usually happens due to respiratory arrest.

Canine parvovirus – Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly infectious disease that is spread through contact with contaminated feces. The disease is a relatively new discovery; it was discovered in the late 70’s. It is an almost exclusively canine virus and is particularly deadly for puppies. Certain breeds such as Pit bull terriers and Doberman pinschers are more susceptible to the disease. Dogs do not exhibit any overt external symptoms of the disease which is why it is important that owners be sensitive to any changes in their pet’s behavior. The disease can prove fatal if the case is serious and no treatment is provided for 72 hours. Lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms shown by infected dogs.

Canine distemper – Canine distemper is a viral disease that affects the lymphoid, epithelial, and nervous tissues often with fatal consequences. Puppies are more susceptible to the disease. Humans are not at risk from canine distemper. The virus spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of the infected canine such as nasal secretions, tears, feces, and urine. Disease sets in within a fortnight of infection. Symptoms include runny nose, dehydration, loss of appetite, seizures, etc. There is no specific treatment for distemper; however the animal should be treated for secondary bacterial infections.

Bacterial infections

Brucellosis – This is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterial organism Brucella Canis. Humans can also get infected by transmissions from animals. Breeding with infected dogs and contact with aborted fetuses can cause infection. Dogs suffering from brucellosis are affected in the genital area and the lymphatic system. Symptoms of brucellosis include scrotal inflammation in male dogs and abortion in female dogs. A course of treatment with antibiotics is recommended for infected dogs.

Leptospirosis – Leptospirosis is a disease that can cause liver and kidney problems in canines. It is transmitted by contact with infected urine, sexual contact with an infected dog, and ingestion of infected tissue. Stagnant and slow moving water is an ideal habitat for the Leptospira bacteria. The bacteria enter the blood stream via abraded skin or mucous membranes; it multiplies quickly in the blood system and spreads to the kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system, eyes, and genital tract. Dogs can recover from the infection on their own in a week provided the damage to the kidney or liver is not too harsh.

Lyme disease – Lyme disease in dogs is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that are harbored by deer ticks. Symptoms include acute arthritis, anorexia, swollen lymph nodes, high fever, and lethargy. Treatment includes a course with antibiotics and antimicrobials. Usually the prognosis is good and dogs respond quickly to treatment. However, in order to prevent a relapse, the entire course of medication should be completed.

Fungal infections

Blastomycosis – Blastomycosis infects dogs and humans; it is caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. Since the chances of catching the fungus by inhalation of spores are higher in sandy soils and wet areas, hunting and sporting breeds are at a greater risk than other breeds. Also, female dogs have a better survival rate than male dogs. Blastomycosis spreads to sites like the skin, eyes, bones, lymph nodes, subcutaneous tissue, brain, and testes after staying in the lungs for a few days. An accurate diagnosis can be tricky as the fungus mimics other disease processes such as bacterial pneumonia. Systemic corticosteroids are preferred for treatment of blastomycosis.

Ringworm – Dermatophytosis or ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. It can spread quickly as the infected animals release fungus spores that can infect other animals and even humans. Clinical signs of ringworm include alopecia, patchy skin lesions, inflammation of hair follicles, itchy skin, and infection of the nails. In dogs, dermatophytosis can often be mistaken for eczema, dermatitis, pyoderma, dermatophilosis and mange. Treatment consists of antifungal medications and the course can last from 2 to 4 months.

Aspergillosis – Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a fungus; it develops in the nose and sinuses of dogs. The fungus attacks those dogs that have a poor immune system and can be difficult to detect. Although the disease rarely moves beyond the nasal area, it can have serious consequences such as destruction of the bony structures in the sinuses. Symptoms of aspergillosis include discharge from the nostrils and nose bleeding; pain in the nose; and ulcerations in the nose. Treatment with antifungal medicine is both topical and systemic.

Popularity: 23% [?]