Common dog diseases | Canis bonus

Reference article about common dog diseases.
By Laure-Anne Viselé, October 2010

Be your dog’s medical advocate

Courtesy of Morton Medical

By owning a dog, you are signing up to becoming his medical advocate. This means, among other things, knowing the basic facts behind the big canine diseases (and vaccination routines).

I compile here a list (in alphabetical order) of the commonly mentioned canine diseases (particularly the infectious ones), with information about transmission, vaccination, symptoms, etc.

Please note that I am a zoologist by training, not a veterinarian. Should you suspect that your dog suffers from one of the conditions listed, please have your veterinarian establish the diagnosis.

Two words of wisdom and…

When it comes to diseases, two things are important to remember:

prevention is better than cure, and
the prognosis is often better the earlier you catch it.

… Two words of caution

Courtesy of Smart.com

And finally two words of caution before you read on:

If you are sensitive to graphic medical imagery, please do not read further.
Beware of the ‘medical school’ syndrome: you see every little anomaly as the worst clinical sign. Before you rush your pet to the ER every week, run it past a family member!

So, hypochondriacs, Munchausens and sane owners alike, read on:

Aujesky’s Disease

Synonyms

(‘ziekte van Aujesky’ in Dutch) AD, pseudorabies, mad itch

Pathogen(s)

Porcine herpes virus 1.

Pathology

Viral infection causing systemic lesions throughout the body’s organs and tissues including kidneys, liver, lungs, brain, spinal cord, spleen, eyes and intestines.

Symptoms

The symptoms typically evolve in the following way:

lethargy
easily startled
more frequent barking
howling
extreme itch (to the point of self-damage)
jaw paralysis
larynx paralysis
rage
extended paralysis
death

Prognosis and treatment

In dogs, once symptoms are declared, death within 2 or 3 days is unavoidable.

Contamination vector or causes

Aujesky’s is as good as eradicated in the Netherlands.

Dogs used to typically get contaminated through intense contact with pigs, or through ingesting infested pork meat. the virus may survive in water for a few hours, and can be airborne for as much as 2 km away from the infested pig. It may survive for up to two days in grass or on faeces, and in contaminated feed for up to 4 days.

Incubation period (from contamination to symptoms)

2 to 4 days.

Vaccination and other preventive measures

There is no vaccine against Aujesky’s for dogs. If your dog is in close contact with pigs, please consult your veterinarian about possible preventive measures.

Babesiosis

Synonyms

(‘Babesiose’ or ‘Tekenkoorts’ in Dutch) Lyme borreliosis

Pathogen(s)

Protozoan parasite the genus Babesia.

Pathology

Nerve cell degeneration, damage of lining tissues (e.g. tissues lining intestines, blood vessels, etc.), destruction of red blood cells. Leads to kidney, lung, heart, spleen and brain damage, as well as anaemia (from low red blood vessel count).

Symptoms

jaundice: mucous membranes like the ‘white’ of the eye becomes yellow from liver damage, and black mucous membranes like the dog’s lips become white.
brown or dark red urine (from kidney damage)
fever

Prognosis and treatment

Tick (Courtesy of Woodlands.co.uk)

Immediate treatment is crucial if the dog stands a chance to survive.

Currently, no treatment leads to a complete cure. Treatment is limited to decreasing mortality and clinical signs. Animals that have suffered Babiosis will retain lifelong sequels.

Contamination vector or causes

Transmitted by a species of ticks originating from Southern Europe, but increasingly present in temperate European countries like Belgium and the Netherlands.

Incubation period (from contamination to symptoms)

1 to 2 weeks.

Vaccination and other preventive measures

Vaccination is available, but not standard. It leads to less intense clinical signs should the dog get infected. Ask your vet whether this option is suitable for your dog’s health, lifestyle and region.

The prevention of tick bites is always sensible measure to decrease the risk of infection. Ask your local veterinarian for a suitable insecticide for your dog.

Cushing’s disease

Synonyms

(‘Ziekte van Cushing‘ in Dutch) Cushing’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, hyperadrenocorticism, or hypercorticism.

Pathogen(s)

No pathogen is directly involved (not a viral/bacterial/prionic disease).

Pathology

Through a fault in the dog’s feedback mechanism, its body is no longer able to regulate its cortisol levels appropriately. The dog is effectively being poisoned by a chronic excess in cortisol (stress hormone).

Symptoms

Affected by Cushing's (courtesy of Kateconnink.com)

Before Cushing's (courtesy of Kateconnink.com)

Symptoms can be difficult to spot, as they often appear so gradually that they get mistaken for the normal ageing process. The most common symptoms are:

Behaviour:

PU/PD (Polydispis/Polyuria): the dog drinks and urinates very frequently (2 to 10x normal amounts)
increased appetite
incontinence (in previously house-trained dogs)
panting, seeking cool surfaces
seizures
unruliness in previously obedient dog: e.g. starts to beg or steal
general weakness and lethargy
new reluctance to jump

Skin and coat:

coat changes: drier, duller, thinner
could develop bald patches (on torso)
slower hair regrowth after clipping
slower healing from bruises and wounds
thinner, darker and/or more wrinkled skin
hard lumps in the skin

General appearance

bloated belly
weight gain (fat gets redistributed in the body)
loss of muscle mass
bony appearance of head

Potential secondary complications

susceptibility to urinary infections
susceptibility to skin infections
susceptibility to diabetes
congestive heart failure
blood clots
liver failure
kidney failure

Prognosis and treatment

Untreated Cushing’s may progress into a immuno-compromised dog, thus prone to various infections. The dog could also develop life-threatening conditions like blood clots or heart failure.

Treatment tends to be rapidly effective (4 – 6 months), but it may be inappropriate to treat for Cushing’s where the disease developed as a result of a corticoid treatment for severe allergies or arthritis for example, drastically reducing the animal’s quality of life.

The dog’s age must also be considered in selecting a treatment: many dogs diagnosed with Cushing’s are middle-aged or elderly (average 6 – 7 years old at time of first diagnosis), and not all such dogs are good candidates for surgery.

If Cushing’s was caused by treatment for another condition (e.g. arthritis), it may be more humane to leave the dog Cushingoid than to cease steroid treatment.

If Cushing’s is caused by a tumour, chemotherapy and/or surgery may be advisable, depending on the size and location of the tumour, and the dog’s age. The size and location of the tumours may also determine the dog’s life expectancy.

Cushing’s disease can be managed, but not entirely cured. With early intervention, the dog’s quality of life and lifespan can be significantly extended, but the dog cannot fully recover.

Contamination vector or causes

Cushing’s can be caused by a tumour in the pituitary or in the adrenal gland tumour, or through medical (veterinary) intervention (e.g. lifelong administration of corticoid steroids for allergies or arthritis).

Incubation period (from contamination to symptoms)

n/a

Importance of vaccination

n/a

Distemper

Synonyms

(‘Hondenziekte’ in Dutch) Canine distemper, Carré disease

Pathogen(s)

Virus closely related to rinderpest and human measles: morbillivirus.

Pathology

mild upper respiratory track infection
severe gastro-intestinal (stomach, liver and intestines) infection
severe neurological (nervous system) infection

Symptoms

Courtesy of campbowwow.com

Early stage:

runny nose
loud and dry coughing
fever
discharge from eyes and nose
anorexia
lethargy

Later stage:

weight loss
weakness
(possible) vomitting
(possible) diarrhea

Later stage:

smacking sound
excessive salivation

Latest stage:

(possible) violent twitching
loss of balance
circling and pacing
seizures
paralysis
rage attacks
sudden death

Prognosis

Less than 50% of affected dogs survive it, and many have life-long sequels.

Contamination vector

Highly contagious through contact with infected bodily fluids like saliva, blood, faeces or nasal secretion. Unsanitary conditions are particularly conducive to the spreading of distemper.

Incubation period (from contamination to symptoms)

14 to 18 days for mild symptoms. Neurological symptoms can take months to appear.

Importance of vaccination

Given how devastating the disease is, its past prevalence (prior to routine vaccinations), and how effective the distemper vaccination is, you are strongly advised to have your dog vaccinated against it.

Giardiasis

Synonyms

(‘Giardiasis’ in Dutch). Beaver fever.

Pathogen(s)

Flagellated protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia.

Pathology

Settles in small intestine where it intercepts nutrients. It also atrophies the absorptive hair-like cellular structures lining the small intestine (villi), thus further preventing the absorption of nutrients by the infected animal.

Symptoms

May be asymptomatic.

Giardia lamblia (courtesy of lookfordiagnosis.com)

foul-smelling, bloody diarrhea
tender abdomen
gas
nausea and vomitting
anorexia
bloating
weight loss
dehydration

Prognosis

The infection often goes away on its own, without treatment. Many average (symptomless) dogs in fact test positive.

Should clinical signs declare themselves and treatment be required, a timely course of antibiotics should appropriately clear the infection. If treatment is late, the dog may show lifelong chronic symptoms.

Contamination vector

Ingestion of dormant cysts in faeces or in water contaminated with faeces. The cysts are extremely resistant, and a small number of them can even stay viable after treatment in city reservoirs (i.e. drinking water).

If you live in a high-risk region, always boil your dog’s water before allowing him to drink.

Dogs that ingest faeces are at particular risk, but also dogs that make a habit of drinking from puddles.

Incubation period (from contamination to symptoms)

1 to 2 weeks.

Importance of vaccination

If you feel your dog is particularly at risk, a vaccine exists, but do talk to your veterinarian about this.

Kennel cough

Synonyms

(‘Kennel hoest‘ in Dutch)

Pathogen(s)

Several infections share the name ‘kennel cough’, among which:

Bordatella bronchiseptica (closely related to human agent for the whooping cough)
Canine adenovirus (type 2)
Canine distemper virus
Canine herpes virus
Canine riovirus (types 1, 2 and 3)
Parainfluenza virus

Pathology

Essentially a cold (reasonably mild viral infection of upper respiratory track) which, if accompanied by the Bordatella bacterium, can lead to bronchitis or even pneumonia.

In cases where the cough is prolonged, the dog is stress-barking excessively, and the dog is in close contact with con-specifics, the lesions that can form along the respiratory tract (from the raw barking and prolonged cough) form the ideal entrance point for the bronchitis-causing Bordetalla bronchiseptica.

Symptoms

Mild form:

dry, violent, very frequent cough
sneezing
dog seems to feel OK in every other way

Bordetella form:

bronchitis
pneumonia

Canine distemper virus form:

pneumonia
(sometimes) death

Prognosis

In most cases, the dog will recover spontaneously.

A dog infected with the Bordetella bacterium can be very difficult to treat and suffer from acute and/or recurrent respiratory infections.

For puppies exposed to the canine distemper virus (usually shelter or pet store puppies), the prognosis can be quite pessimistic. Very young puppies are particularly vulnerable to any form of the kennel cough.

Contamination vector

Dogs in situations of stress (e.g. in a pension or in the pound) can bark themselves raw, causing lesions in their respiratory tract which puts them at increased risk of a Bordetella infection.

The following situations are ideal contamination grounds for kennel cough pathogens: crowded, poor air flow, warm air. These are typical conditions in boarding kennels, vaccination clinics, shelters, veterinary waiting room, or grooming parlours.

Kennel cough is easily transmitted through air-borne particles which are propulsed when the infected dog is coughing or sneezing.

Dogs can continue to shed Bordatella bacteria for up to three months after recovery.

The chance of contamination can be major if the dog is stressed, lives in crowded conditions, and is not appropriately vaccinated.

Incubation period (from contamination to symptoms)

3-5 days.

Importance of vaccination

As there are several different pathogens, there are also several different vaccines. Note, though, that not all possible kennel cough pathogens have a vaccine.

Parainfluenza, Adenovirus type 2, and canine distemper are all covered by the standard cocktail vaccination.

Consult with your veterinary doctor to seek a recommendation on whether your dog would benefit from a Bordatella vaccine, taking account of forthcoming travel plans, pension stays, shelter history, etc.

Canine (heart) round worms

Synonyms

(hartworm in Dutch)

Pathogen(s)

Parasitic round worm of the filaria type (small, thread-like): Dirofilaria immitis.

Pathology

The ‘heart’ worm actually commonly settles in the arteries of the lungs. In heavy infestations, adults can migrate to the heart.

Symptoms

Infested heart (courtesy of MSARL.org)

Many dogs (the more sedentary kind) show no sign of infection even after the worms have matured. But more active dogs with a heavy infestation will show the typical signs of heartworm:

coughing during exercise
early exhausting during exercise

Advanced infestations, if allowed to progress, show:

coughing blood
fainting
severe weight loss
congestive heart failure (i.e. tissues are not receiving enough blood and oxygen)

Rarely, migrant larvae develop in the eyes (blindness), the brain (seizures) or an artery in the legs (lameness).

Prognosis and treatment

Dog must be evaluated for heart, liver and kidney function to establish the risk of treatment. If treatment proceeds, the dog receives an arsenic-based compound. After treatment, the dog will need to rest for several weeks to process the dead worms. A migrant dead worm may cause heart or pulmonary failure and even death, so rest is important.

In advanced cases, the surgical removal of the worms may be indicated.

Contamination vector

Spread through the bite of mosquitoes. The definitive host is the dog. It can, in rare circumstances, be zoonotic (be transmitted to humans).

Incubation period (from contamination to symptoms)

The dormant, or ‘prepatent’ period of heart worms is about 6 months, during which your dog will be infested by the cysts, but the cysts will not develop into larvae. Worms at prepatent stage are not detectable through testing.

Importance of vaccination or preventive measures

Preventive worm cures are highly effective (99%) and are available in non-invasive form (tablets). They are therefore recommended. Consult with your veterinarian for advice.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis

Synonyms

(‘Leverziekte’ or ‘hepatitis’ , or ‘HCC’ in Dutch) Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Hepatitis contagiosa canis, Hcc, Rubarth disease.

Pathogen(s)

Virus: Adenovirus type 1.

Pathology

Liver infection in advanced cases.

Symptoms

Courtesy of Dog health handbook.com

Not always easy to notice. Particularly in young pups, who can die suddenly, and apparently symptomless. Symptoms are very similar to canine distemper.

Severity of symptoms can vary: light infection

light fever
cough
eye and nose discharge
depression

Severe or advanced cases:

blood in mucous layers
anorexia
belly feels tender
high fever
death
polydipsia/polyuria (dog drinks and urinates extremely frequently)
blindness (blue-tinged white film over pupils)

Prognosis

If caught early, good chance of recovery.

If liver infection and high fever, near 100% chance of death.

Contamination vector

Contact with urine of infected dogs.

Incubation period (from contamination to symptoms)

4-7 days.

Importance of vaccination

Because of the danger of Adenovirus type 1, dogs get vaccinated against Hcc with Adenovirus type 2, which is one of the pathogens responsible for kennel cough.

(Canine) Leishmaniasis

Synonyms

(‘Leishmaniasis‘ or ‘berglepra’ in Dutch)

Pathogen(s)

Protozoan parasite: Leishmania

Pathology

Parasite travels in the bloodstream and infects internal organs (visceral strain) and skin (cutaneous strain).

Symptoms

Visceral Leishmaniasis (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

Behaviour:

lethargy and apathy
anorexia
lameness and/or stiff gait
(potentially, at later stage) PU/PD (polyuria/polydipsia: increased drinking/urinating)

Appearance:

suspicious injury to the nose
swollen belly (from swollen spleen and liver)
swollen lymph nodes
weight loss
(commonly) swollen joints
dry, bold skin lesions (late stage) beginning around the head or footpads, and visible around eyes, nose and ears

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (courtesy of leishdomus.org)

Other clinical signs:

(potentially) fever
(potentially) chronic diarrhea
(potentially) brittle nails
(potentially) nosebleed

Prognosis and treatment

Leishmaniasis is fatal if left untreated. There is no cure (once treatment stops, symptoms resume) and the treatment options available today are painful (intra-muscular injection is common) and laden with side-effects that significantly reduce the dog’s quality of life.

Depending on the country, compulsory euthanasia may be in application (as there is no cure for the disease and it is transmissible to man).

Contamination vector or causes

Transmitted by bite of a particular subfamily of sandflies (Phlebotominae). Can also transmitted from dog to dog through contaminated bodily fluids.

In Europe, the disease is mainly found around the Mediterranean basin.

Incubation period (from contamination to symptoms)

Infected dogs can be asymptomatic for one to two years, some up to seven years.

Vaccination and other preventive measures

It is a zoonotic disease (can be transmitted to man) so extra care must be taken in prevention.

Some dogs become carriers and never develop symptoms while others spontaneously recover.

No one vaccine covers all the strains, so please consult with your local veterinarian to discuss vaccination options that suit your region and your dog’s lifestyle.

The sandfly is most active at dusk and dawn, so a good precaution is to keep your dog indoors during those times.

Lyme disease

Synonyms

(‘Lyme disease’ in Dutch) Lyme borreliosis

Pathogen(s)

Different species of the Borellia bacterial genus.

Pathology

The inflammation of affected organs and tissues, and immunological response, are responsible for the symptoms.

Symptoms

Erythema migrans (courtesy of nursingcomments.com)

Typically, recurring/remitting arthritis: sudden lameness on alternating limbs, swollen and warm joints.
A red ring around the tick’s bite location (Erythema migrans)
(sometimes) generalised pain
(sometimes) heart failure
(sometimes) kidney infection
(sometimes) neurological symptoms such as uncharacteristic aggression and epileptic seizures
(sometimes) anorexia
(sometimes) swollen lymph nodes
(sometimes) high fever

Prognosis and treatment

Most dogs who get bitten by ticks in the Netherlands never develop Lyme disease.

Should your dog need treatment, a very lengthy course of antibiotics may be required to completely eradicate the organisms, but symptoms disappear within 24 hours of treatment in acute cases. In chronic cases, symptoms may take longer to disappear.

Contamination vector or causes

Transmitted with the regurgitated contents of a tick. The regurgitation process takes 48 hours so the dog runs next to no risk of infection of the tick is removed before that period.

Incubation period (from contamination to symptoms)

Typically, seven to fourteen days. Sometimes as little as two days.

Vaccination and other preventive measures

Annual vaccinations are possible in many countries.

You are also advised to protect your dog from tick bites through the use of veterinary insecticides (consult your veterinarian for advice).

Parvovirus

Synonyms

(Parvo in Dutch)

Pathogen(s)

Virus: canine parvovirus type 2.

Pathology

Late stage: severe intestinal infection

Can also infect the heart, leading to sudden death.

Symptoms

Courtesy of Parvobuster.com

fever
dog acts very sick, lethargic
anorexia
smelly, bloody, persistent diarrhea
belly becomes tender to the touch
(sometimes) vomiting blood
(sometimes, often in puppies) sudden, symptomless death

Prognosis

Most infected dogs do not survive. Virtually all infected puppies die.

Contamination vector

Smelling an infected dog’s excrement is often enough to get your own dog infected. Extremely contagious.

Incubation period (from contamination to symptoms)

5 to 10 days

Importance of vaccination

The disease was first discovered in 1978, during a real epidemic. Given how contagious and devastating this disease is, and how effective the vaccine is, you are strongly advised to have your dog vaccinated against parvovirus.

Rabies

Synonyms

(‘hondsdolheid’ or ‘rabiës’ in Dutch)

Pathogen(s)

Virus: rhabdovirus.

Pathology

Nervous system infection, travelling from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system (brain) and back.

Symptoms

Rabies (courtesy of sinosheep.com)

Initial stage (2 to 3 days generally)

fever
anorexia
stop drinkning
seek isolation
chewing at the bite site (if animal got bitten by rabid animal)
change in dog’s bark
itching (sometimes scratching themselves raw)

Furious phase: 2 to 4 days generally. Not all animals experience it.

craving to eat anything, even the most inedible objects
irritability and restlessness
constant growling and barking
dilated pupils
erratic and disoriented behaviour
episodes of acute anxiety (crawling into a corner)
rage attacks
trembling
twitching
lack of coordination
hydrophobia (shows intense dislike of water)

Paralytic stage: 2 to 4 days (not all dogs survive to this stage).

paralysis of jaw, throat and chewing muscles, leading to:
- excess salivation (unable to swallow)
- choking
- jaw appears to be dropping
spreading paralysis
depression
coma
death

Prognosis

Once neurological symptoms appear, death is inevitable (for humans too). Usually fatal within a few days.

Contamination vector

The disease typically gets contracted through contact with infected saliva, usually through a bite, but also through licking.

As the disease changes the behaviour of the infected animal, it can render a previously wild animal such as a fox uncharacteristically bold, thus potentially letting itself within close range of man and dog. The ensuing conflict (dog tries to chase the fox) used to be a frequent means of cross-species infection.

Rabies will also make a previously gentle animal enraged, biting anything in its reach. As rabies is a zoonosis (it can be transmitted to man, and any warm-blooded animal for that matter), this behaviour puts the owners of an affected dog at particularly high risk.

Incubation period (from contamination to symptoms)

1-3 months.

Importance of vaccination

The disease is as good as totally eradicated in the Netherlands, but there are still some (rare) cases in bordering Belgium and Germany.

Given the fact that rabies is nearly always fatal to dogs and humans, vaccination is compulsory if the dog is (or has been) travelling abroad to a country where it is not totally eradicated.

Canine (intestinal) round worms

Synonyms

(spoelworm in Dutch) Mawworms, round worms, Ascarids.

Pathogen(s)

Round worms infesting dogs: Toxascaris leonina and Toxocara canis.

Pathology

Adult worms settle in the small intestine of the dog. Some migrate to the stomach.

In the intestine, they can absorb nutrients and damage the intestinal lining.

Symptoms

: Adult Toxocara canis (Courtesy of safeguardyourdog.com)

Many dogs carry these worms without a symptom. Most puppies have round worms, in fact.

Animals with a more significant infestation will show some, or all, of the following signs:

spaghetti-like adult worms in faeces or vomit (on average about 5 cm long, but can reach 10 cm)
weight loss
dull hair
bloated abdomen

Allowing severe infestation to settle may result in:

anaemia (yellowing eyes, pale skin cold to the touch, muscular weakness, shortness of breath, fatigue)
vomitting
diarrhea
constipation

In young puppies, the larval migration to the respiratory system may cause a lung infection and in extreme cases, intestinal blockage, rupture and even death.

Prognosis and treatment

Should your dog be diagnosed with roundworm, or should you consider your dog at high risk of getting roundworms, consult your veterinarian about an appropriate deworming schedule..

Contamination vector

According to some sources, you are not at significant risk of catching round worms from your dog. Round worm parasites are highly specialised through close co-evolution with their host (the human round worm species = Ascaris lumbricoides while dog round worm species are Toxascaris spp.).

Round worms are extremely prolific and pass hundreds of thousands of eggs through the host’s faeces each day. Contamination occurs through the ingestion of the worm’s eggs through infested faeces. Contamination can also occur through ingesting an infested rodent like a mouse or a rat, or even through licking paws or fur that came in contact with the infested ground.

T. Canis (THE round worm specialising in dogs) can even be transmitted from mother to pup through maternal milk. T. Canis is also capable of infesting the puppy’s lungs, developing into larvae there and subsequently causing a respiratory irritation causing the pup to cough out the larvae and swallow them.

Incubation period (from contamination to symptoms)

The cysts (latent eggs) can stay dormant in the dog’s tissues for years before developing into a worm. They need at least a few weeks of dormancy before becoming infective.

Importance of vaccination or preventive measures

Toxocara can, in rare cases, result in blindness in young (7 to 8 year-old) human hosts. Preventive measures are therefore sensible.

Good hygiene can go a long way in reducing the risk of a roundworm infestation. Keep your floors clean and regularly clean your dog’s belongings at a high temperature and using bleach. Do not allow your dog to defecate in your garden or sandbox, or anywhere your children might be playing. Wash your hands after touching your dog, and certainly before eating.

You may want to consult your veterinarian about a preventive deworming cure.

Salmonellosis

Synonyms

(‘salmonellose’ in Dutch)

Pathogen(s)

Salmonella bacterium.

Pathology

Enterisis (intestinal infection) and septicemia (blood-carried infection of all organs).

Symptoms

Salmonella bacteria (courtesy of chaine du froid.fr)

Commonly, dogs are completely symptomless (salmonella can be found in stool samples of 25% of healthy dogs). Clinical signs are more frequently seen in pregnant bitches, young pups, and animals treated with corticosteroids or chemotherapy.

lethargy
depression
weakness
anorexia
weight loss
fever
abdominal pain
diarrhea (can be bloody)
fever

Prognosis and treatment

Treatment sometimes includes antibiotics, while at times this is contra-indicated.

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, and mainly focuses on managing the sequels rather than the cause (e.g. dehydration, etc.)

Contamination vector or causes

Dogs commonly get infected through contaminated water, food or object (e.g. toy).

Infected individuals are contagious through their bodily fluids.

Incubation period (from contamination to symptoms)

12 to 36 hours.

Vaccination and other preventive measures

It is possible to vaccinate your dog (though an oral vaccine) against some strains of the salmonella bacterium.

Tapeworm

Synonyms

(‘lintworm’ in Dutch) .

Pathogen(s)

Courtesy of dog chat forum

The most common tapeworm in dogs is Dipylidium caninum. It is about 9 cm long on average, and has a flattened shape (like tape).

Pathology

The worm settles in the dog’s small intestine where it is attached to the intestinal walls through a hook-like structure on its head.

Symptoms

Rice-like segments of the worm are regularly discarded with your dog’s faeces.

Prognosis and treatment

Your dog will not suffer from his tapeworm guest.

Contamination vector or causes

Rice-like segments of the worm are regularly discarded with your dog’s faeces. These segments contain eggs, ready to be consumed by flea larvae, until the dog swallows a flea through preening and the cycle starts again.

Incubation period (from contamination to symptoms)

It takes 3 weeks from the time an infested flea is swallowed to when segments appear on the pet’s rectum or stool.

Importance of vaccination or other preventive measure

In theory, you could be infested (by swallowing a flea yourself), so it might be an idea to keep your pet and house tapeworm- and flea-free.

Toxoplasmosis

Synonyms

(‘Toxoplasmose’ in Dutch)

Pathogen(s)

Protozoan Toxoplasma gondii.

Pathology

5 days to 3 weeks (roughly).

Symptoms

Toxoplasmosa gondii (courtesy of technovelgy.com)

A large number of infected dogs are symptomless carriers. Dogs whose immune system is weakened (the old, the young, the sick and the pregnant) are more at risk of developing clinical signs.

For those animals showing signs, it causes flu-like symptoms:

muscle ache
fever
loss of appetite
depression
chills
vomitting
swollen lymph nodes

If left untreated and not resolving itself, can degenerate into an acute infection of:

(inner) ears
lungs: pneumonia
muscle: a stiff gait and loss of muscle mass
eyes
heart: arrhythmias
digestive tract: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, jaundice (mucous membranes turn yellow, obvious in ‘white’ of the eyes)
nervous system: seizures, paralysis, loss of nerve function and paralysis.

Prognosis and treatment

Affected animals are treated with antibiotics. About 60% of animals receiving treatment for toxoplasmosis will recover.

Contamination vector or causes

Contact with contaminated faeces. Cats are the primary vector, but fecal contamination of (human) hands or ingesting infested meat (or even fruit and vegetables) are more common causes.

Dogs with the habit of ingesting (cat) faeces are at higher risk, as are dogs who receive raw meat or bones, or unpasteurised dairy products.

Incubation period (from contamination to symptoms)

5 to 23 days.

Vaccination and other preventive measures

Given the limited chance of the disease developing severe clinical signs, there is no vaccine to date.

There is some contention as to whether the disease is zoonotic (can be transmitted animal to man), so it is sensible to adopt preventive measures, especially if a pregnant woman shares the dog’s home (it can have fatal consequences to unborn human fetuses).

Some prevention measures are:

cook vegetables and meat well (also for your dog. A raw meat diet is a risk factor.)
do not give your dog raw bones
do not let your dog ingest cat faeces (if you have a litter tray for your cat, put it out of reach)
do not give your dog unpasteurised dairy products
wash your hands with soap after using the toilets

Weil’s disease (Leptospirosis)

Synonyms

(ziekte van Weil in Dutch) Weil’s syndrome, leptospirosis, canicola fever, canefield fever, nanukayami fever, 7-day fever, Rat Catcher’s Yellows, Fort Bragg fever, and Pretibial fever

Pathogen(s)

Bacterium: Leptospira icterhaemorrhagiae or Lepsospira canicola.

Pathology

Attacks liver and kidney.

Symptoms

Courtesy of Goldman Cecil Medicine (23rd ed.)

anorexia
fever
vomitting
hemorrhaging
dehydration
mucous membranes (e.g. inside of mouth, white of eyes) become yellow
brown or dark yellow urine

Prognosis

Infected dogs who survive suffer life-long liver and kidney damage.

Contamination vector

Any skin contact with rat or dog urine (even foot pads), or swimming in or drinking contaminated water. Contaminated water (e.g. canals, ponds, etc.) is often signalled through local newspapers and warning signs.

Urine of previously affected dog stays contagious for months after recovery.