Canine Disease Descriptions
Rabies
Rabies is a severe, and often fatal, viral polioencephalitis that specifically affects the gray matter of the dog's brain and its central nervous system (CNS). The primary way the rabies virus is transmitted to dogs in the United States is through a bite from a disease carrier: foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. Infectious virus particles are retained in a rabid animal's salivary glands to better disseminate the virus through their saliva.
Distemper
Canine distemper is a contagious and serious viral illness with no known cure. The disease affects dogs, and certain species of wildlife, such as raccoons, wolves, foxes, and skunks. The common house pet, the ferret, is also a carrier of this virus. Canine distemper belongs to the Morbillivirus class of viruses, and is a relative of the measles virus, which affects humans, the Rinderpest virus that affects cattle, and the Phocine virus that causes seal distemper. All are members of the Paramyxoviridae family. Young, unvaccinated puppies and non-immunized older dogs tend to be more susceptible to the disease.
Hepatitis/Adenovirus CAV-1/Adenvirus CAV-2
Infectious canine hepatitis is a viral disease of that is caused by the canine adenovirus CAV-1, a type of DNA virus that causes upper respiratory tract infections. This virus targets the parenchymal (functional) parts of the organs, notably the liver, kidneys, eyes and endothelial cells (the cells that line the interior surface of the blood vessels).
Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) is related to the hepatitis virus, canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1). CAV-2 is used in vaccines to provide protection against canine infectious hepatitis. CAV-2 is also one of the causes of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as canine cough.
Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) is related to the hepatitis virus, canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1). CAV-2 is used in vaccines to provide protection against canine infectious hepatitis. CAV-2 is also one of the causes of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as canine cough.
Parvovirus
The canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a contagious viral illness that affects dogs. The virus manifests itself in two different forms. The more common form is the intestinal form, which is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite (anorexia). The less common form is the cardiac form, which attacks the heart muscles of very young puppies, often leading to death. The majority of cases are seen in puppies that are between six weeks and six months old. The incidence of canine parvovirus infections has been reduced radically by early vaccination in young puppies.
Parainfluenza
Canine parainfluenza virus (Pi) is a contagious respiratory virus and is one of the most common pathogens of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as canine cough. Although the respiratory signs may resemble those of canine influenza, they are unrelated viruses and require different vaccines for protection.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infection of bacterial spirochetes, which dogs acquire when subspecies of the Leptospira interrogans penetrate the skin and spread through the body by way of the bloodstream. Two of of the most commonly seen members of this subspecies are the L. grippotyphosa and L. Pomona bacteria. Spirochetes are spiral, or corkscrew-shaped bacteria which infiltrate the system by burrowing into the skin.
Corona Virus
A canine coronavirus infection (CCV) is a contagious intestinal disease that can be found in dogs all around the world. This particular virus is specific to dogs, both wild and domestic. The coronavirus replicates itself inside the small intestine and is limited to the upper two-thirds of the small intestine and local lymph nodes. A CCV infection is generally considered to be a relatively mild disease with sporadic symptoms, or none at all. But if a CCV infection occurs simultaneously with a viral canine parvovirus infection, or an infection caused by other intestinal (enteric) pathogens, the consequences can be much more serious. There have been some deaths reported in vulnerable puppies.
Bordetella
Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) is a bacterium commonly associated with respiratory disease in dogs. It is the most common bacterial cause of canine infectious tracheobronchitis, which is also sometimes called kennel cough. Bordetella is contagious, easily transmitted through the air or direct contact, and resistant to destruction in the environment. It is usually a self-limiting disease and most animals do not require treatment.
Note: The Bordetella vaccine includes protection against the most common cause of kennel cough, the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica. Although the vaccination is a great prevention, it does not cover all of the viruses and bacteria that can cause kennel cough. Just like the human flu vaccine, the Bordetella vaccine does not prevent your dog from getting sick but will ensure that the duration and severity of illness is dramatically reduced. Vaccines made to protect against bacteria are not as effective as vaccines that are made to protect against viruses. Unfortunately, no amount of supervision, sanitation, or personal care can guarantee complete prevention of Kennel Cough and we cannot guarantee that your pet will not pick something up while they are at the kennel, any more than the school your child goes to, the office you work in, or the restaurant you eat at.
Note: The Bordetella vaccine includes protection against the most common cause of kennel cough, the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica. Although the vaccination is a great prevention, it does not cover all of the viruses and bacteria that can cause kennel cough. Just like the human flu vaccine, the Bordetella vaccine does not prevent your dog from getting sick but will ensure that the duration and severity of illness is dramatically reduced. Vaccines made to protect against bacteria are not as effective as vaccines that are made to protect against viruses. Unfortunately, no amount of supervision, sanitation, or personal care can guarantee complete prevention of Kennel Cough and we cannot guarantee that your pet will not pick something up while they are at the kennel, any more than the school your child goes to, the office you work in, or the restaurant you eat at.
Canine Influenza H3N8 and H3N2
Canine influenza (CI), or dog flu, is a highly contagious infection caused by an influenza A virus. The causative canine influenza virus (CIV) strains have been classified as H3N8 and H3N2, based on the amino acid composition of the hemaglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) glycoproteins in the lipid outer layer of the capsid. These glycoproteins facilitate entry into and release from host cells, and are important targets for antibodies against the virus (generated as a result of infection or response to vaccination).
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