160 Bear Christiana Rd
Bear, De 19701
302-322-6488
Dr. Jim Berg
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Canine
Diseases
Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease of dogs,
including wild dogs such as foxes. It is seen most frequently in puppies less
than 1 year of age, but a dog of any age is at risk. The disease often exhibits
itself early as a severe cold. The disease causes fever, inappetance,
depression, eye and nose discharges, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, pneumonia,
and later can cause seizures, convulsion, circling, pacing, disorientation, and
paralysis. Distemper is difficult to treat successfully and is a leading cause
of mortality in puppies. Prevention through a proper vaccination program is
essential in controlling this disease.
Infectious Hepatitis (also called
Adenovirus type 1) is a highly contagious viral disease of dogs (including wild
dogs) that primarily affects the dog's liver. Signs of the disease are similar
to those with distemper. Since the disease attacks the liver, abdominal pain may
also be present. The canine strain of viral hepatitis does not cause hepatitis
in humans. A proper vaccination program is very effective in preventing this
disease.
Leptospirosis is an infectious bacterial disease of dogs, which can
be transmitted to humans by contact with the urine of an infected animal.
Organisms enter through the mucous membranes, eyes, or abraded skin. Infection
can be rapidly fatal and signs include fever, depression, inappetance, vomiting,
bleeding and sometimes jaundice. Infections can be treated but recovered animals
often suffer irreversible kidney damage. Dogs often can become carriers and shed
the organism in their urine. Prevention though a proper vaccination program is
essential.
Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza and Bordatella bronchiseptica
(often called "Kennel Cough") are highly contagious viral and bacterial
infections of dogs which are easily transmitted through the air and cause
inflammation to the back of the throat, tonsils, upper airways and lungs. They
cause a harsh, often severe cough which owners often describe as a "a cat trying
to choke up a hairball". These infections can progress to pneumonia or weaken
the immune system enough to allow a secondary bacterial infection to develop.
There is a misconception that only dogs that go to the kennel can get these
diseases. Since the disease is airborne, it is more easily spread in kennel
situations, but any dog can get these diseases. A complete vaccination program
is recommended to treat and prevent clinical symptoms of the disease, as well as
to minimize the severity and longevity of symptoms
Parvovirus is a highly
contagious, and often fatal, viral disease of domestic and wild dogs transmitted
through feces or by coming in contact with hair, clothing, toys, food bowls,
etc. that are contaminated with the virus. The symptoms of the disease include
inappetance, depression, fever, vomiting and diarrhea (sometimes bloody). In
more complicated cases and/or severe infections, the virus can also attack the
heart causing congestive heart failure. Severity of the disease can vary from
mild, often inapparent infection to severe symptoms, which lead to dehydration,
shock and death. Treatment only entails alleviating the symptoms because there
is no cure for the disease itself. Care for an infected animal is directed at
supportive and often intensive care of the patient while the virus runs its
course. Parvovirus persists in the environment (even in extreme heat or cold)
for long periods of time, so it is often difficult to avoid and the virus can
remain long after fecal material is gone. A complete vaccination regime is the
only way to prevent a potentially fatal parvovirus infection. The virus can also
be transported on shoes, paws, fur, and clothing.
Coronavirus is a viral
infection causing depression, anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea. The disease
typically affects young puppies more severely, but any age of dog can become
infected. The disease is usually mild and self-limiting, but vaccinations are
available. It is difficult to asses the degree of protection they provide,
because infections are often so mild and therefore, usually
inapparent.
Rabies is a viral disease that infects the central nervous system
of all mammals, including humans. It causes altered behavior (friendly pet may
turn aggressive, or shy animal may become more friendly), incoordination,
seizures, progressive paralysis and eventually death. It is usually spread in
the saliva, following a bite or through a cut in the skin. Vaccination is the
best way to control rabies in our pets. Any mammal exposed to rabies has a risk
of contracting the disease and veterinarians have federal and state regulations
we must follow regarding rabies and animal-related bites (both bites to humans
and other animals.) Any person exposed to rabies must undergo a prophylactic
treatment and there is no known cure for the disease. This is a disease where an
intense responsibility is present-you have an obligation to protect your family,
neighbors, and pets by having your pet appropriately vaccinated against
rabies.
Lyme Disease is a tick-borne bacterial disease, which can infect
humans and animals. The number of cases in human and veterinary medicine seems
to be on the rise. Clinical signs of Lyme disease include depression,
inappetance, fever, arthritis, and extreme lameness (which may come and go or
fluctuate between different legs.) Sometimes animals do not show clinical signs
of infection at all until the disease is significantly progressed. Lyme disease
can more uncommonly affect the skin, heart, brain, and kidneys. Clinical
diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical signs, blood tests, and response
to therapy (a prolonged course of a specific antibiotic). There are vaccines
available for dogs against Lyme Disease and the decision to vaccinate is based
on several factors (see section called "Vaccinating Your Dog")
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