INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF CATS AND DOGS

Like other animal species, dogs and cats are also susceptible to infectious diseases caused by plant microorganisms. In most cases, such diseases are transmitted from one animal to another, so in practice they are often called still infectious diseases.

It should be noted that dogs and cats are more resistant than other species of animals to many pathogens of infectious diseases, due to their biological characteristics developed in the process of evolution in connection with the nature of nutrition and habitat.

However, keeping in captivity (in the kennel, at room conditions, vivarium) dogs and cats, especially in violation of zoohygienic requirements, helps to reduce the body's natural resistance to infectious diseases. The most unfavorable effects on animals are such factors as colds, overheating, overwork, feeding with poor-quality food, etc.

Infectious disease is the result of the introduction into the body of an animal pathogenic (pathogenic) microbe and its subsequent reproduction and spread in the body. At the same time, pathogenic microbes cause dysfunctions of certain cells, tissues and organs. Often they determine their morphological damage, which leads to the clinical manifestation of the disease.

At the same time, the body is mobilizing and strengthening protective mechanisms against the pathogen, aimed at limiting its spread, neutralizing toxic products, and destroying or removing microbes from the body. Ultimately, this ensures the recovery of the sick animal. If the protective forces of the body are insufficient to combat the causative agent of the disease, then it intensifies, the body weakens and, due to a violation of vital functions, dies.

Infectious diseases are characterized by the presence of a latent, or incubation, period that stretches from the moment the pathogen enters the body of the animal until the first clinical signs of the disease appear. Most often, it lasts several days, sometimes less than a day or stretches for several months.

Quite often, despite the contact of a pathogenic microbe on the skin, mucous membranes and even inside the body, there are no clinical visible signs of the disease, the animal remains healthy or has a latent, latent infection, the presence of which can only be judged by a veterinarian based on special studies.

It should also be borne in mind that recovering from an infectious disease, the animal is not always completely exempted from its causative agent and for some time remains a microcarrier, posing a danger to other susceptible animals during this period as well.

Characterization of pathogens

In dogs and cats, infectious diseases can be caused by various microorganisms: bacteria, which include rod-shaped bacteria and bacilli, spherical cocci and various tortuous forms, microscopic fungi, viruses, rickettsia, mycoplasmas, etc. They differ in their biological properties and sizes.

For example, viruses are so small that they can pass through special bacterial filters, and they can only be seen under an electron microscope. Bacteria, fungi and mycoplasmas in laboratory conditions can be grown on more or less complex nutrient media, and viruses and rickettsia develop only inside living cells (inside chicken embryos or in special cell cultures).

If necessary, produce special laboratory tests (isolation of the pathogen, detection of antibodies in the blood, infection of experimental animals, etc.) or allergic tests, for example, the introduction of tuberculin intradermally, etc.

Biological products and disinfectants

An animal develops a certain degree of immunity, or immunity, to re-illness. It is due to the efforts of the body's defenses against the causative agent of the disease, which is manifested in the accumulation of specific antibodies in the blood and other body fluids, in the increased activity of phagocytes - special cells that absorb and destroy microbes, etc.

The state of immunity can also be caused by artificial means. For this, the causative agent of a disease with weakened virulence or killed by heat, formalin, etc. is introduced into the animal’s body. Such biological products from pathogens are called vaccines and are widely used to protect animals from diseases. Dogs are vaccinated against rabies, plague, Aujeszky's disease, etc. Cats are vaccinated against rabies. It is possible to use a vaccine against one disease or against two or three at once. This may be a plague vaccine against leptospirosis and infectious hepatitis in dogs. After vaccination, immunity develops for 10-14 days and can last for several months.

To quickly create immunity and to treat a disease that has already arisen, specific sera or globulins are used, which are obtained from hyperimmunized or ill animals. After the introduction of serum, immunity occurs immediately, but lasts no more than two to three weeks.

Newborn puppies and kittens receive protective substances from their mothers with colostrum. Since sick animals and microcarriers more or less constantly release microbes into the environment, one of the most important measures in the fight against infectious diseases is disinfection.

Preventive disinfection is carried out periodically until diseases appear in rooms where animals are kept, on walking grounds, etc. When a disease occurs, routine disinfection is systematically performed, and after elimination of the disease, final disinfection is performed before veterinary restrictions are removed. Disinfect not only the premises, but also all objects with which the dog or cat was in contact.

Disinfectants can be physical or chemical. The physical means of disinfection include:

sunlight, especially direct sunlight;

blowtorch flame;

ultraviolet rays of a bactericidal lamp;

hot steam.

Chemical disinfection agents include:

2-3% sodium hydroxide solution;

2-3% formalin;

20% suspension of bleach;

2% chloramine;

3% lysol;

slaked lime in the form of milk of lime.

The choice of disinfectant depends on the pathogen and the conditions for disinfection.

Infectious Disease Prevention

For the prevention of infectious diseases, it is necessary to observe zoohygienic and veterinary requirements for the maintenance and feeding of dogs and cats. Feed should be complete and varied with a sufficient content of vitamins and minerals.

Dogs and cats should not be allowed to come into contact with other animals, especially the sick and neglected, stray, which can often be carriers of pathogens of various diseases.

In nurseries and vivariums, when replenishing groups of animals, newly arrived dogs or cats are kept in preventive quarantine for 30 days, subjecting them to systematic examinations, and in some cases, special studies. Animals showing signs of the disease are immediately isolated and shown to the veterinarian.

The most difficult period in raising a puppy is the first six months. At this time, in order to prevent infectious diseases, avoid contact with other dogs, especially stray dogs. It is necessary to get vaccinations against rabies, parvovirus enteritis, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis, ringworm, plague. The timing of vaccinations and their sequence must be agreed with the veterinarian.

Rabies

Rabies, or hydrophobia (hydrophobia) - is an acute viral disease that occurs in a dog or person after being bitten by a sick animal. It is characterized by damage to the central nervous system. It leads to increased irritability, water phobia, paralysis of the extremities, etc. Almost always ends fatally. Very dangerous to humans.

The causative agent of rabies is a medium-sized neurotropic virus. With repeated consecutive passage (passage) through the body of rabbits, the rabies virus enhances its virulence for them, but becomes less dangerous for dogs, other animals and humans. The great French scientist Louis Pasteur received in this way the slave "virus fix", which since 1885 has been used as a vaccine against rabies.

The rabies virus quickly dies at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. And above, when exposed to conventional disinfectants (formalin, alkali, bleach, creolin), but in animal corpses, especially at low temperatures, can last for weeks.

Epizootological data

All warm-blooded animals, especially carnivores, are susceptible to rabies. They are the main distributors of rabies. Dogs have always been a significant source of rabies spreaders, but in recent years, due to widespread vaccination, their role in the spread of the disease has decreased and at the same time, the importance of wild animals, especially foxes, has grown.

Rabies virus is excreted mainly from the body with saliva. Infection occurs with bites. Especially dangerous are bites in the head area. You can get infected when the dog spits out skin scratches and other injuries.

Signs and course of the disease

The incubation period lasts from 2 weeks to 2 months, but may be longer.

Rabies can manifest itself in different ways, but always with damage to the central nervous system. Dogs and cats most often have violent form of rabies, less often - quiet or paralytic. With a violent form in dogs, there are three stages, although not always clearly limited.

In the first stage of the disease, an unreasonable change in the behavior of the animal is noticeable: the desire for solitude, incredulity or unusual tenderness, grunts, a change in lying position, imaginary "catching flies." Appetite is reduced or perverted. The dog eats inedible objects, sometimes vomiting. The reaction to external irritations (light, touch) is intensified. Sometimes already at this stage, paralysis of the muscles of the pharynx begins, salivation is noted.

After 1-3 days, the disease goes into the second stage. It is characterized by increased anxiety and excitement of the animal, up to fury. The dog grabs and nibbles various objects, his own body, pounces on animals, especially dogs, and humans. If possible, she runs away, wanders aimlessly, showing aggressiveness. As a result of muscle paralysis, swallowing is difficult, the lower jaw hangs, the tongue protrudes, saliva is liberated abundantly, barking becomes hoarse. The gaze is wary, strabismus develops.

In the third stage, paralysis intensifies, general depression, weakness and exhaustion of the animal develop. Body temperature drops below normal. After 4-5 days, the dog dies.

With a quiet form of rabies, there is essentially no stage of excitement and aggressiveness, paralysis develops faster, which leads the animal to death.

In cats, the disease has the same picture, but they behave more aggressively, attacking dogs and humans with particular anger. The course of the disease is usually very acute, the cat dies in 2–4 days.

In rare cases, rabies occurs atypically, with mild signs or 2-3 times repeated attacks.

Rabies is diagnosed by clinical signs and taking into account epizootological and pathological data and laboratory studies of the brain.

First aid

If rabies is suspected, the animal must be isolated (closed in a booth or in a separate room) and the veterinary service specialists should report the incident. People bitten or bitten by such animals should immediately contact the nearest clinic.

Treatment is not performed. Sick animals are euthanized. High-value dogs bitten by sick or suspicious animals no later than the 7th day can be vaccinated with hyperimmune serum and rabies vaccine in accordance with the instructions.

Prevention

It is necessary to wage a systematic fight against stray dogs and cats. Dogs owned by private owners need to be registered and vaccinated against rabies in a timely manner. In especially disadvantaged areas, cats are also vaccinated.

Cats or dogs that have bitten humans or other animals are immediately taken to a veterinary institution for inspection and quarantine. Stray animals are taken under surveillance. If within 10 days no signs of the disease are detected, the animals are returned to the owners.

Animals with signs of disease are isolated. Bitten dogs and cats that are bitten and suspected of being infected with rabies are euthanized, and valuable dogs are kept under veterinary supervision for six months.

Dogs that repeatedly bite animals or people are confiscated from their owners. When working with rabies sick animals, you must strictly follow the rules of personal safety: use safety glasses and gloves, wash hands with soap and disinfect them well.

Carnivore Plague

Plague is the most common, common viral disease of dogs. It occurs with symptoms of fever, catarrh of the mucous membranes, sometimes with damage to the central nervous system or with a skin rash (exanthema).

The causative agent of dog plague is a polymorphic virus. Refers to paramyxoviruses and is related to human measles virus. First discovered by the French explorer Carré in 1905. In different countries and places with the plague of dogs, the Carre virus of the same type is released, but it can vary in degree of pathogenicity (virulence). The virus has significant resistance to physical and chemical influences, although it dies quite quickly at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius (in 30 minutes). In the secretions of sick dogs, especially at low temperatures, in darkened rooms can last up to 2 months.

Epizootological data

Plague is a ubiquitous disease of dogs and other carnivores. Cats experimentally become infected with the plague virus, but practically do not get this disease. The name "cat plague" means another disease - gastroenteritis of cats or panleukopenia. Dogs of all ages are susceptible to the plague, but young dogs aged 3–12 months are more likely to become ill. Their disease is more severe and often ends in the death of the animal.

The main source of the plague virus is sick dogs and virus carriers. The disease is transmitted through direct contact and through various objects contaminated with the secretions of patients. The virus enters through the digestive canal and respiratory tract, occasionally through the genitals. Sick dogs excrete the pathogen with urine, feces and other excrement and secrets.

In the transfer of the causative agent of the plague of dogs, man is of great importance, less so - cats, rodents, insects. In nurseries and other households, the plague is mainly carried by virus-carrying dogs. Dogs infected with the plague, but located in the incubation period and not yet showing signs of the disease, can excrete the virus from the body and pose a danger to other animals.

Signs and course of the disease

The incubation period most often lasts from 2 to 7 days. Depending on the age of the dog, the state of the body, the virulence of the pathogen and a number of other conditions, the disease can occur over-construction, acutely, sub-construction and chronically with the development of various signs. It is customary to distinguish between catarrhal, intestinal, respiratory (thoracic), exanthematous (rash), nervous and mixed forms of plague in dogs.

The disease usually begins with a fever. Body temperature is 40–42 degrees Celsius. The nose mirror is dry, sometimes cracking and crusting. Animals become whimsical, inactive, look for secluded places, tremble. Appetite worsens, often vomiting. Coat is dull, disheveled.

Catarrh of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and eyes develops quite quickly. Serous is abundantly secreted from the nostrils, then a mucopurulent exudate, the dogs sneeze, snort, rub their nose, rapid breathing, sniffling. The exudate flowing from the eyes also acquires a purulent character, dries in the form of crusts, glues the eyelids.

A cough appears, there may be pneumonia and pleurisy, as a result of the action of various secondary microflora on the dog's body weakened by the virus. If the digestive canal is affected, thirst is noted in the absence of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea mixed with mucus, blood, and undigested feed particles. Dogs lose weight, puppies noticeably lag behind in growth and development.

When the skin is damaged on the abdomen and other hairless places, small red spots appear, which gradually turn into nodules, and then into vesicles with yellowish-green pus. Bubbles burst, and pus dries in the form of dark brown crusts.

In the most typical cases, the disease lasts 1-3 weeks and usually ends in recovery. Sometimes there are relapses or various complications. In rare cases, the plague passes easily, with mild signs.

With the nervous form of the plague, the dog is restless and agitated. She begins convulsive muscle contractions, forced movements with impaired coordination, epileptic seizures, paresis and paralysis develop. Recovery with this form is rare. The longer the dog suffered from plague, the more often it has residual effects: changeable appetite, diarrhea or coughing resumes, convulsive twitching of some muscles, impaired sense of smell, hearing or vision remain.

In some cases, dogs have a peculiar "disease of the hard leg", which is characterized by a strong thickening and hardening of the upper epithelial layer of the finger crumbs - pads. Over time, such epithelial growths soften and are rejected in the form of scutes.

Changes in the skin can be accompanied by general plague-like symptoms, in particular damage to the central nervous system. Many researchers believe that “solid foot disease” is not an independent disease, but a special form of plague.

Dog plague is diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs, epizootological data, and in some cases, pathological changes are taken into account or laboratory tests are performed.

First aid

Isolation of patients, creation of improved conditions for keeping and feeding a dog, early treatment at a veterinary medical institution is possible.

A variety of tools are offered, but they are not effective enough.

In the early days of the disease, subcutaneous administration of normal horse serum (3-5 ml per 1 kg of dog weight), hyperimmune serum, measles immunoglobulin or serum of dogs - convalescents, ultraviolet irradiation of blood is used.

To prevent complications from secondary bacterial microflora, antibiotics and sulfonamide drugs are given: benzylpenicillin up to 10,000 units per 1 kg of dog weight subcutaneously or intramuscularly 3-4 times a day; econovocillin 10-15 thousand units per 1 kg of live weight intramuscularly 2-3 times a day; sulfadimesin 20–100 mg per 1 kg of body weight and other sulfanilamides 30–50 mg per 1 kg of body weight 3 times a day. With the intestinal form of the plague, chloramphenicol gives 0.01-0.02 g per 1 kg of weight, biseptol.

Depending on the severity of the signs of the disease, symptomatic agents are used: with severe fever - antipyretic (acetylsalicylic acid 0.2-0.5 g per reception); in case of cardiac impairment - cardiazole 5-10 drops 3 times, caffeine 0.2-0.4 g subcutaneously (in solution), 20% camphor oil 0.5-1.5 ml subcutaneously: with diarrhea, a decoction of oak bark 1 : 10 to 10-50 ml; with constipation - castor oil 15–20 ml inside, etc.

For conjunctivitis, rinse the eyes 2-3 times a day with chamomile or regular tea, with a 1-2% solution of boric acid. With keratitis, penicillin eye ointment is used. If the plague is manifested by exanthema, the wetting spots on the skin are sprinkled with drying powders - bismuth or zinc oxide with talc.

With nervous excitement, they give luminal 0.05 to 3 g orally (depending on the weight of the dog). With severe convulsions - give luminal subcutaneously, a solution of potassium bromide (3: 250) in a teaspoon 4-5 times a day. In case of muscle paralysis - massage, rubbing alcohol, physiotherapy (electrotherapy), etc.

Mucous soups with small pieces of meat, meat broth with egg yolk, rice milk porridge. Exclude raw milk and water, give strong tea, small doses of red wine.

Disinfection

It is necessary to carefully and regularly ventilate the room. In warm weather, walk the dogs in an isolated courtyard. During the disease, ongoing disinfection is carried out, and after its elimination, the final disinfection. For disinfection, a 2% sodium hydroxide solution, a clarified solution of bleach with 2% active chlorine, a 3% emulsion of lysol, etc. are used for disinfection. A 2% solution of chloramine is used to disinfect the apartment.

Prevention

Properly maintained and fed dogs. If newly arrived dogs enter kennels and others, they are kept in preventive quarantine for 30 days (official - 21 days). If in the apartment a dog fell from a plague, without the advice of a veterinarian, you should not get a puppy for several years. For specific prophylaxis, vaccination of dogs against plague with live or killed vaccines is used. Vaccination is carried out in veterinary institutions.

Parvovirus enteritis

A viral disease of dogs characterized by fever and damage to the digestive system.

Cause of illness

The cause of the disease is a virus from the parvovirus family.

Epizootological data

The main source is sick animals, through direct contact and through contaminated care and feed items. Dogs are more susceptible to 1 year.

Signs and course of the disease

Fever, depression, vomiting, diarrhea with blood. Feces are liquid from gray-yellow to bloody in color, with a sharp unpleasant odor. Puppies often have a fulminant form. After 1-2 days, the puppy may die.

The diagnosis is established on the basis of clinical and epizootological data.

The fight against dehydration - intravenously:

dropper;

saline with glucose;

cardiac products (sulfocamphocaine - 2 ml);

cerucal - with vomiting;

soda enemas;

symptomatic treatment.

Prevention

Keep puppies out of contact with other dogs. Preventive vaccination.

Dog Infectious Hepatitis

Infectious hepatitis is a viral disease of dogs and some other carnivores characterized by fever, inflammation of the mucous membranes and liver damage.

The disease causes a specific virus from the group of small adenoviruses. It quickly dies when heated to 60 degrees Celsius and above, as well as under the influence of conventional disinfectants, but can persist for a long time in the secretions and tissues of sick animals, especially at low temperatures.

Epizootological data

Dogs, arctic foxes, jackals, ferrets are susceptible to infectious hepatitis. The main source of the pathogen are hepatitis-infected animals and virus carriers that secrete the virus mainly with saliva and urine. The disease spreads through direct contact and through contaminated care items, food, etc. Dogs are more susceptible at the age of up to one year.

Signs and course of the disease

The incubation period is 3-10 days. The disease proceeds mainly acutely from 2 to 6-7 days. A sick dog has a depressed state, lethargy, refusal to feed, increased thirst, vomiting. Then the body temperature rises, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, diarrhea develop, yellowness of the mucous membranes, and urine is dark brown in color.

When pressing on the area of \u200b\u200bthe liver, pain is felt. Animals lose weight very much and usually die. With a longer course of the disease, keratitis often occurs, in females - infertility or abortion with resorption of the fetus. With poor care and improper feeding of dogs can be an exacerbation of the disease.

Dog viral hepatitis is established on the basis of clinical signs, epizootological and pathoanatomical data. If necessary, apply laboratory research methods (diffuse precipitation reaction in an agar gel, etc.) or put a biological test (infection of puppies in the anterior chamber of the eye).

There are no specific treatment methods. Intramuscularly, vitamin B 12 is administered at 200-500 mcg for 3-4 days, and they also give folic acid 0.5-5.0 mg per head with food. To reduce intoxication, a glucose solution (40%) of 10-30 ml is administered 1-2 times a day, as well as hexamethylenetetramine (40%) 3-5 ml, calcium chloride (10%) 5-10 ml

In case of a malfunction of the heart, subcutaneous administration of camphor oil is used, 1-2 ml 1-2 times a day.

Dogs are fed low-fat feeds: milk soups or cereals in addition to a small amount of fresh meat.

Prevention

General measures for the prevention of infectious diseases. Vaccination of dogs.

Tuberculosis

Chronic infectious disease of many species of animals, as well as humans, which is characterized by the formation in various organs and tissues of specific tubercle nodules prone to cheesy degeneration.

Tuberculosis causes a small acid-resistant tubercle bacillus. There are several types of tuberculosis microbacteria: human, bovine, avian, mouse. All of them can cause disease in dogs and cats. Tuberculosis bacillus has significant resistance and can persist for a long time in the external environment.

Tuberculosis can occur in dogs of all breeds and ages. Of cats, Siamese are more susceptible. In dogs, tuberculosis bacillus of the human type is less likely to occur - bovine, in cats - the bovine type prevails.

Infection usually occurs through the digestive tract (when eating internal organs and slaughterhouse waste, as well as milk from tuberculosis animals, when licking sputum, etc.), through the respiratory tract (dust infection) and, as an exception, through the skin.

Tuberculosis disease is promoted by adverse living conditions, poor feeding, colds, etc. Dogs and cats with tuberculosis can be a source of infection for other animals and humans.

Signs and course of the disease

Dogs and cats infected with tuberculosis may not show signs of disease for a long time. In the future, their manifestation depends on the degree of development of tuberculous lesions in the tissues of the animal. Dogs and cats have inconsistent appetite, general depression, fatigue, slightly elevated body temperature, and gradual thinning.

With damage to the respiratory system, there is a cough, shortness of breath develops, and often pleurisy with chest pain. If abdominal organs are affected, the volume of the abdomen increases. Very often there is an increase in lymph nodes in different areas of the body. Sometimes non-healing ulcers are formed on the muzzle and in other places, limb bones are affected. Tuberculosis can last for years. In wet and cold weather, exacerbation of painful phenomena is noted.

It is established during a comprehensive clinical examination of the animal.

Treatment of tuberculosis in dogs and cats is impractical. Patients should be euthanized.

Prevention

Dogs and cats should not be allowed to interact with animals sick with tuberculosis, and should not be fed raw meat and dairy products suspicious of the causative agent of tuberculosis. People with tuberculosis should strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene and not allow dogs and cats to come into contact with sputum, food debris, etc.

It should provide the animals with good living conditions, walks in the fresh air and rational feeding, periodically disinfect the premises, care items, etc.

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a chronic infectious disease of domestic and some species of wild animals, dangerous for humans. It is rare in dogs and cats, mainly in those that come in contact with farm animals.

The causative agent of brucellosis is very small, non-spore forming bacteria. During pasteurization of milk (70 degrees Celsius), brucella die in 30 minutes. At environmental objects contaminated with animal secretions, brucella can last for weeks.

Infection of dogs and cats by eating aborted fruits, meat and organs or milk from brucellosis patients of cows, sheep, pigs. Bearers of brucella are rodents and hares. Bitches and cats during pregnancy are more susceptible to brucellosis. Carnivorous patients with brucellosis are dangerous for humans and farm animals.

Signs and course of the disease

In most cases, brucellosis in dogs and cats is hidden, asymptomatic, or signs are uncharacteristic. The incubation period lasts 2-3 weeks. In the initial period of the disease, there is a slight increase in body temperature, lethargy, loss of appetite. Later, males may develop inflammation of the testes and their appendages, and in females - abortion or retention of the placenta, followed by inflammation of the uterus. Sometimes there are lesions of the joints, synovial bags. The disease can last for years.

Based on clinical signs, one can only assume brucellosis. To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory tests of aborted fetuses, uterine discharge are performed.

Treatment is not carried out. Patients with brucellosis are euthanized.

Prevention

On farms with brucellosis in farm animals, cats and dogs should not eat aborted or premature fetuses, raw meat or organs, slaughterhouse waste, raw milk and cream. It is necessary to timely examine serological methods of dogs and cats for brucellosis in dysfunctional farms.

Persons caring for brucellosis animals must strictly follow the rules of personal hygiene.

Salmonellosis

The name salmonellosis, or paratyphoid, refers to diseases of animals and humans, which are characterized by fever and damage to the digestive canal, usually with diarrhea, and are caused by various types of bacteria from the genus Salmonella.

More than 500 species of Salmonella types are known. In domestic animals, including dogs and cats, Salmonella typhimurium, S. enteritidis and others are more common. Salmonella do not form spores, therefore they are unstable to high temperatures and conventional disinfectants. However, in manure, soil, water and other objects of the external environment can last up to 2-4 months. They also persist for a long time in animal meat.

Epizootological data

Carriage of salmonella is widespread among different species of animals. Dogs and cats are more resistant to these germs and fall ill mainly at a young age. Contributions to the course contribute to the development of the disease. Dogs and cats become infected with salmonella when they eat meat and internal organs of animals suffering from salmonellosis, or salmonella carriers, as well as rodents. With the group keeping of animals (in nurseries, vivariums), the spread of the disease is often associated with the presence of hidden salmonella carriers among dogs and cats. Such animals are dangerous to humans.

Salmonella infection occurs through the digestive tract. Pathogens are allocated mainly with feces.

Signs and course of the disease

The incubation period lasts from 3 to 20 days. The course of the disease can be acute, subacute and chronic. In the acute course, mainly in puppies or kittens or in adult animals that have received large doses of the pathogen with food or drink, there is an increase in temperature, refusal to feed, vomiting, diarrhea with liquid fetid masses, often mixed with mucus and blood. The skin and fur around the anus are stained with feces.

The animal has a depressed state, rapid emaciation. Often there is death on the 2nd – 3rd day. With a longer subacute course of salmonellosis, the signs of damage to the digestive organs die out, but symptoms of damage to the respiratory apparatus are observed: outflow from the nose, shortness of breath, wheezing in the lungs.

In the chronic course of the disease, a variable appetite, an emaciation of the animal, periodic diarrhea, pallor of the mucous membranes are noted, the phenomena of bronchopneumonia intensify.

When diagnosing, clinical signs of the disease, epizootological data are taken into account, and after the death of the animal, pathological changes are also taken. To confirm the diagnosis, an examination of the feces of the animal or corpse and the allocation of the corresponding pathogen are necessary.

With a prolonged course of the disease, you can examine blood serum for the presence of antibodies to certain types of salmonella. In all cases, it must be borne in mind that salmonella often manifest their pathogenic effect on the basis of other diseases, complicating them.

First aid

When providing first aid to sick animals, it is necessary to isolate and provide diet food in a timely manner.

Inside give phthalazole 0.1-0.5 g (depending on the age and size of the animal) 3-4 times a day; Sulgin - in the same doses 2 times a day; furazolidone with a feed of 30 mg per 1 kg of live weight 2 times a day.

Of the antibiotics used chloramphenicol 0.01-0.02 g per 1 kg of weight 3-4 times a day (syntomycin in a double dose); chlortetracycline hydrochloride 10–20 thousand units per 1 kg of animal mass inside 3-4 times a day. With diarrhea, salol (in a dose of 0.1–1.0 g) and bismuth (in a dose of 0.5–2.0) are also used simultaneously through the mouth 2-3 times a day. In case of lung damage - sulfadimezin or ethazole 0.35-0.5 g orally 3-4 times a day.

For cardiovascular disorders, 20% camphor oil is injected subcutaneously from 0.2 to 5.0 ml (depending on the size of the animal), sulfocamphocaine intramuscularly 2 ml 2 times a day.

At the very beginning of the disease, subcutaneous polyvalent hyperimmune serum against salmonellosis at a dose of 10.0-15 ml may be effective.

It is very important to provide dietary feeding of a sick animal (fresh meat, liver in small pieces, crackers, acidophilus milk, etc.). Instead of water, give a solution of potassium permanganate (1: 1000).

Prevention

Strict adherence to the rules for keeping and feeding animals is necessary. Do not give spoiled feed or feed originating from salmonella carriers. Systematically should fight rodents. In case of group keeping of dogs in case of illness, special vaccinations with serum and polyvalent vaccine against salmonellosis are used.

Tetanus

An early bacterial infection that occurs in many animal and human species and is characterized by spasmodic muscle contraction.

The causative agent is an anaerobic spore-forming bacillus, usually found in soil, especially manure. When it gets into wounds (punctured, lacerated), microbes multiply in dead tissue and form a toxin that specifically affects the nervous system.

Tetanus is not essentially a contagious disease. It is rare in dogs and especially cats, as they are insensitive to tetanus toxin.

Signs and course of the disease

The incubation period is from several days to three weeks. Patients have increased timidity, an intense gait, jaw mobility is difficult due to convulsions of the masticatory muscles, tension of the head and neck, and then other parts of the body, develops. The back and limbs are straightened, the tail is extended, the muscles of the abdominal and chest walls are tense. Movement is difficult. With convulsive muscle contractions, body temperature rises. Animals often die (after 1-3 weeks).

In some cases, tetanus is manifested only by spasms of certain muscle groups (especially the head) and ends safely.

The diagnosis is made according to the characteristic clinical picture.

First aid

Providing first aid, it is necessary to treat wounds with antiseptics: 5% solution of iodine, potassium permanganate 1: 500, etc.

Surgical treatment of wounds, administration of tetanus antitoxic serum is possible in accordance with the instructions. With convulsions, the introduction of sedatives is recommended.

Prevention

Prevention is the timely thorough treatment of wounds and the introduction of tetanus toxoid.

Aujeszky's disease

Aujeszky's disease is an infectious viral disease of many animal species, including domestic ones. It proceeds mainly acutely with signs of damage to the central nervous system with the appearance of itching in the places of introduction of the pathogen. Sometimes called false rabies.

Signs

Aujeszky's disease causes a medium-sized virus belonging to the group of herpes viruses. It has significant resistance to various physical and chemical influences, which contributes to its transmission through feed, bedding, premises, etc.

The main carriers of the Aujeszky's disease virus are rodents - mice, rats, etc. Dogs and cats are quite susceptible to this disease. They become infected mainly from rodents, as well as by eating uninfected meat and offal from pigs, which are often carriers of the Aujeszky virus.

Infection mainly occurs through the digestive tract. Sick animals secrete the virus with nasal mucus, urine and excreta, but in pure saliva, unlike rabies, it is not.

Ill animals can remain virus carriers for a long time. For a person, the disease is practically not dangerous.

Signs and course of the disease

The incubation period lasts from 1 to 5 or 10 days. Sick dogs or cats become restless, shy, and eat poorly. Breathing is frequent, labored. Body temperature rises slightly. As a result of the appearance of itching, anxiety intensifies, animals rub, scratch and gnaw lips and other parts of the body.

When anxiety intensifies, animals run aimlessly, jump, ride, bite sticks, attack other dogs and cats, but do not show aggressiveness to people. Foamy saliva often stands out from the mouth, the voice disappears, but there is no sagging of the lower jaw. Marked thirst. At the end of the disease, gait is unsteady, convulsions, paralysis appear, and animals usually die (often after 1-2 days).

Based on a characteristic clinical picture - especially the presence of itching in dogs and cats.

First aid

Isolate a sick animal and consult a veterinarian in a timely manner.

When a diagnosis is made, intramuscularly specific globulin is administered against Aujeszky’s disease in doses of 6 to 36 ml according to the instructions. If necessary, the introduction is repeated after 1-2 days.

To prevent complications, in particular pneumonia, antibiotics are administered.

Prevention

It is necessary to systematically fight rodents in rooms where animals are kept and feed is stored. Feeding raw meat products must not be allowed. In dysfunctional farms, preventive vaccination of dogs is carried out.

Colibacillosis

Colibacteriosis is a bacterial infectious disease of newborn young animals of various species of domestic animals, puppies and kittens are also occasionally sick.

The causative agent of colibacillosis is enteropathogenic types of E. coli. More than 150 of these types are known. E. coli has the same resistance as salmonella.

Epizootological data

Enteropathogenic serotypes of Escherichia coli are excreted into the environment by feces of sick animals or microcarriers and cause infection of susceptible animals through the digestive canal. This occurs mainly under unsanitary conditions of keeping animals, with errors in feeding, especially bitches and cats, in the last period of pregnancy and lactating, as well as young animals.

Puppies and kittens fall ill with colibacillosis in the first days of life. In older animals, pathogenic serotypes of Escherichia coli can cause certain complications due to complications of the body by other diseases.

Signs and course of the disease

The incubation period lasts from several hours to 3-5 days. In puppies and kittens, colibacteriosis is mainly acute and is characterized by intestinal damage. At first, general anxiety is noted, animals refuse to feed, yelp plaintively. The temperature is slightly elevated, diarrhea quickly develops with the release of liquid feces, yellowish-white or greenish, often with an admixture of mucus and blood soaked in gas bubbles. The skin around the anus is heavily contaminated with liquid stool.

Sick puppies and kittens quickly lose weight and weaken, sometimes they have nervous phenomena. The disease lasts 3-5 days and in the youngest often ends in death.

The diagnosis is made in the same way as with salmonellosis.

Basically, treatment is carried out in the same way as with salmonellosis. Effectively is the oral administration of chlortetracycline hydrochloride (0.01-0.02 g), mycerol (0.01 g per 1 kg of live weight.

Prevention

It is necessary to observe the rules of keeping and feeding animals, especially bitches and cats during pregnancy. Diet should be complete with the presence of minerals and vitamins.

Botulism

Botulism is an acute toxicoinfection that occurs when animals eat food containing botulism or its toxin, and is manifested by paresis and muscle paralysis. Dogs and especially cats are very rarely affected.

The causative agent of botulism is the so-called sausage stick. It develops well in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic), forms very stable spores and an extremely strong toxin, which has a pathogenic effect when it enters the body of an animal or person through the digestive canal. Thanks to spores, the causative agent of botulism can persist and even multiply in poorly sterilized canned food, sausage, salted fish, etc. Several types of this microbe are known to which different animals are not equally sensitive. Dogs and cats are highly resistant to botulism toxin.

Signs and course of the disease

The incubation period is usually short - a few hours. The disease is expressed in the depressed state of the animal, refusal of food, the development of paresis and paralysis of various muscles: eyes, pharynx, limbs, trunk. The animal is unable to move, weakness intensifies and death usually occurs within 1-3 days. Body temperature is often lowered.

The diagnosis is made mainly according to the clinical picture.

First aid

Gastric lavage with a solution of drinking soda, deep enemas.

Perhaps earlier administration of an intravenous anti-botulinum polyvalent serum.

Prevention

It should be ensured that animals do not eat spoiled feed.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease of many species of animals and humans, which in typical cases is manifested by fever and jaundice.

The causative agent of the disease is very thin corkscrew microorganisms - leptospira. A large number of serological groups and types of leptospira are known. In the external environment, they do not survive long; they are unstable to disinfectants.

The main carriers of leptospira in nature are rodents - rats, mice, voles, as well as dogs. Leptospirosis affects dogs of all breeds, more often males, in large kennels - mostly young animals. Cats rarely get sick.

Infection occurs through the digestive canal with food and water contaminated with leptospira, when sniffing and licking animals - leptospiraceae. In dogs, the disease manifests itself mainly in the warm season. The pathogen is excreted mainly in the urine. Ill dogs and cats remain leptospirosis carriers for a long time.

Signs and course of the disease

The incubation period lasts from two to ten days. The course of the disease is acute, subacute and chronic with various signs indicating damage to the digestive canal, kidneys, cardiovascular system, etc.

As a rule, at the beginning of the disease there is a fever, general depression and weakness of the limbs (especially the hind limbs), refusal of food, vomiting, increased thirst. Later, reddened areas appear on the oral mucosa, ulceration and necrosis of it, fetid odor.

Diarrhea is observed, often with an admixture of blood, sometimes constipation, bloody urine is released. Yellowness often develops, especially in puppies and young dogs. Animals lose weight, cardiac activity is disturbed, general weakness increases. Dogs often die on days 3–5. With a more prolonged course of leptospirosis, the symptoms are less pronounced, the necrosis of the mucous membranes is intensified, less often the skin, the digestive canal is periodically disrupted.

Clinical signs, epizootological data and pathological changes are taken into account, but laboratory studies are needed to identify the causative agent or specific antibodies for a final confirmation of the diagnosis.

First aid

If leptospirosis is suspected, consult a veterinarian immediately.

The introduction of antileptospirosis serum, as well as streptomycin (intramuscularly 10-20 thousand units per 1 kg of animal weight 2-3 times a day. Tetracycline 8-10 days. 40% glucose solution 10-30 ml and 40% can be administered intravenously a solution of hexamethylenetetramine 3–5 ml per 1–2 times a day. To maintain heart function, cardiac, diarrhea astringent, laxative (castor oil 10–50 ml) are given. The oral cavity is rinsed with a solution of potassium permanganate 1: 1000 or furatsilina, ulcers lubricate with iodine-glycerin. Depending on the state of the digestive Channel recommend an appropriate diet.

Prevention

Dogs and cats should not be allowed to interact with animals with leptospirosis and feed them meat products such as slaughterhouse waste. Destroy rodents. Vaccinate dogs. People caring for animals with leptospirosis must strictly observe personal hygiene.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a highly contagious skin and hairline disease in many animal species. It is caused by various types of microscopic dermatomycetes. People are easily infected.

Causes of the disease

The causative agents of ringworm are two types of fungi: trichophyton and microsporon. Trichophyton-induced species of ringworm is called trichophytosis, microsporon causes microsporia. Mushrooms have a filamentous, branched body and form a large number of spores, which contributes to their widespread distribution. They have significant resistance to the action of the body and disinfectants, are stored for a long time in the external environment - on wooden objects, in the soil, on the litter.

Carriers of pathogenic dermatomycetes are mice, rats and other rodents. In dogs and cats, ringworm occurs and easily spreads in violation of the animal health rules. Ringworm is especially common in homeless, stray animals. Such animals pose the greatest danger to humans, especially for children. Adverse weather and surface damage contribute to ringworm.

Signs and course of the disease

The incubation period lasts from 7 to 30 days. The disease proceeds chronically and is expressed in the appearance on the skin of small hairless spots of a round shape, covered with scales and crusts of asbestos-gray color. Most often, the skin of the head, neck, limbs is affected. In advanced cases, multiple spots can merge and capture significant parts of the body. Itching is absent or mild. With a deep form of trichophytosis in dogs, suppuration of hair sacs occurs, a lot of pus accumulates under the crusts.

Cats rarely suffer from trichophytosis, more often they have microsporia. With microsporia, spots occur on the muzzle, trunk, tail, extremities, in cats also in the ears and around them. Spots with fallen and broken off hair have different shapes and sizes, the inflammatory reaction is less pronounced. Without treatment, the disease can last for months, often leading to the emaciation of animals.

The clinical picture is taken into account and microscopic examination of scrapings from the affected areas of the skin is carried out. For microsporia (especially in cats), a luminescent analysis is recommended for early diagnosis: detection of greenish glow of hair affected by the pathogen under the influence of ultraviolet rays (in a darkened room).

Scabs and scabs should be softened and washed off with warm water with soap, kerosene, etc. Affected skin spots and surrounding hair should be lubricated with rubbing with 10% alcohol solution of iodine, 10% salicylic alcohol or ointment, 3-5% - solution of iodine, 1-1.5% emulsion of juglone on fish oil or pure birch tar, heated to 40-50 degrees.

Good results are obtained by rubbing the ROSC preparation or trichocetin liniment. If necessary, the treatment is repeated two to three times. Cubatol to the affected area. You can also use the antibiotic griseofulvin - 20-50 mg per 1 kg of live weight of the animal inside daily for 7-11 days. When treating ringworm, it is important to collect and burn the torn off peels and hair, as well as thoroughly disinfect the room, care items, and clothing of the staff.

Prevention

Dogs and cats should not be allowed to come into contact with stray animals. In animals entering nurseries or vivariums, skin should be regularly inspected during preventive quarantine. Get vaccinated on time. Destroy rodents. People caring for dogs and cats affected by ringworm must strictly observe personal hygiene.

Scab (favus) is an infectious cutaneous disease that is caused by dermatomycete fungi, most often affecting cats, occasionally dogs. The disease is transmitted to humans.

The causative agent of the disease belongs to the genus Achorion. In properties reminds causative agents of ringworm.

Signs and course of the disease

The incubation period is from 1 to 5 weeks. Mushrooms from the genus Achorion infect more deeply the hair sacs and epithelial cells of the stratum corneum, so scab disease is more severe than ringworm. Most often, lesions are located around the base of the claws, on the head (in cats, especially on the ears), less often on the hairless areas of the abdomen, thighs, and chest. In these places round spots are formed, covered with thick grayish-yellow colored crusts-skutons, gradually acquiring the shape of a saucer. With a protracted process, the crusts can merge into continuous layers, emitting a characteristic putrefactive "mouse" smell. Hair bags and sebaceous glands are destroyed, the hair does not recover.

The clinical picture is taken into account and microscopic examination of scrapings from the affected areas of the skin is carried out.

Crusts and scabs should be softened using warm water, soap, kerosene, etc. Lubricate affected skin areas and surrounding hair with rubbing with 10% iodine alcohol solution, 10% salicylic alcohol or ointment, 3-5% solution monochloride iodine. Pure birch tar, preheated to 40 degrees Celsius, is also used. When treating ringworm, it is necessary to collect and burn the torn off peels and hair, as well as carefully disinfect the room, overalls, and care items.

Prevention

Dogs and cats should not be allowed to come into contact with stray animals. In animals entering nurseries or vivariums, preventive quarantine requires regular inspection of the skin. Get vaccinated on time. Destroy rodents. People caring for animals affected by ringworm must strictly observe personal hygiene.

Feline Viral Respiratory Disease

Viral runny nose, or feline viral respiratory disease, is the collective name for infectious, poorly understood feline diseases in which the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract are mostly inflamed.

In these diseases of cats, various researchers isolated different viruses belonging to the groups of herpes viruses, picornaviruses and reoviruses. Probably, in most cases, these viruses act together with other microorganisms (bacteria, mycoplasmas, etc.), for which they seem to prepare the soil in the body. These viruses multiply well in the cells of the mucous membrane of the conjunctiva, nasal cavity, oropharynx and other parts of the respiratory apparatus.

Epizootological data

Viral respiratory infections of cats are obviously widespread in many countries, but without subtle virological studies in each case it is difficult to talk about a specific infection. Diseases affect all feline. Cats of any age get sick, but kittens sucking on their mother sometimes have weak immunity from their mother.

With the group keeping of cats, respiratory diseases can significantly spread and acquire the character of more or less constant enzootia. The main method of infection is aerogenic, that is, through the respiratory tract, which contributes to the rapid spread of the disease. In cats, pathogens of respiratory infections are often found on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract in a dormant, latent state and only when exposed to various stress factors, especially colds, cause a clinically pronounced disease.

Signs and course of the disease

The incubation period is from 2 to 7 days. A sick animal begins to sneeze suddenly. The general condition and appetite of the cat remains normal. With pressure on the wings of the nose, a serous secretion is released from the nostrils. Then inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes develops, it swells greatly, the palpebral fissure narrows, and the eyelids are subsequently glued together with a dirty gray purulent exudate. With increased runny nose, breathing is difficult. The hair around the mouth, nose, chest and legs is stained with secretions from the eyes and nose.

As the disease progresses, the general condition of the animal worsens, body temperature rises, vesiculitis and ulcerative stomatitis appears with lesions of the mucous membrane of the tongue and lips, and inflammation of the trachea, bronchi and lungs is noted. Vomiting and diarrhea are rare, but animals lose weight. The skin in places of pollution becomes inflamed, the nasal speculum, sometimes the cornea, is ulcerated. Occasionally, the disease is accompanied by abortion and signs of damage to the central nervous system.

The disease lasts from 10 to 15 days, in rare cases, it drags on for several weeks and is expressed by a rare cough and an intermittent runny nose. Cats with ulcerative stomatitis or pneumonia usually die.

Based on clinical data, taking into account the characteristics of the spread of the disease and the results of laboratory blood tests.

The treatment is symptomatic. Antibiotics and sulfa drugs can be used against second microflora. The nasal cavity and eyes are washed with a weak solution of antiseptics and clean them well of drying exudate. It is recommended to rinse the mouth with a decoction of sage. Vitamins A and E are given to patients. It is necessary to improve the general care and feeding of patients.

Prevention

Prevention involves the constant observance of animal welfare rules.

Hemobartonellosis of cats

Feline hemobartonellosis, or feline infectious anemia, is a relatively recently diagnosed disease caused by special microorganisms from the Bartonella group.

Causes of the disease

Signs and course of the disease

After an incubation period of 8 to 16 days, hemobartonella appear in the cat's blood, multiply intensively on red blood cells, which leads to a change in the blood picture - a decrease in the number of red blood cells and the content of hemoglobin, anemia, yellowness develops, hemoglobin is excreted in the urine. A sick animal becomes lethargic, quickly becomes tired, the pulse and breathing quicken, and often the spleen increases. The body temperature is usually normal, the appetite is slightly reduced, the animal is losing weight.

The use of tetracycline antibiotics in high doses (10 mg per 1 kg of animal weight) and for a long time; novarsenol intravenously at 4 mg in solution for 4 days; the appointment of agents that promote blood formation (iron iodide syrup 5-10 drops 2 times a day, etc.).

Prevention

It is necessary to strictly observe the zoohygienic rules for keeping animals and proper feeding.

Pets are favorites of their owners, almost family members. It becomes even more alarming and restless when their state of health causes concern. The difficulty is that the dog cannot tell what exactly it hurts, what bothers. Therefore, the care of the owners and their willingness to immediately contact a specialist are the main factors of a healthy, active longevity of a four-legged friend.

How to determine that a dog is healthy?

It is often difficult for those who have never had a dog in the house to determine whether they are healthy or ill. Only competent can make a full diagnosis. veterinarian Nevertheless, some signs with a high degree of probability convince the owners that the pet is all right at the current time:

The dog is cheerful, playful, shows a keen interest in everything that is happening, happily communicates with the owners, relatives;
- shiny neat coat, no shedding out of season;
- the presence of a normal stool and a healthy good appetite;
- the animal is clean;
- the behavior is positive-calm, does not show concern;
- lack of fleas;
- cold and wet nose while awake (after sleep, it may remain dry for a while);
- eyes are shiny, with pink sclera, whose color is uniform, discharge from the eyes is absent or minimal (physiological);
- salivation within normal limits (depending on the breed), tongue and gums of a uniform healthy pink color, not pale or red, without swelling.

If it’s difficult to navigate, and there are some features unusual for the standard behavior of the dog, it recommends evaluating the presence / absence of typical signs of disease in the dog.

Symptoms that should alert

1. The dog lost his appetite.

2. Appeared: vomiting, loose stools.

3. The animal is breathing heavily, shortness of breath periodically appears.

4. The dog is trembling.

5. Excrement takes on an unusual shade: urine darkens and becomes cloudy, blood stains and mucus are present in the stool.

6. There are discharge (from the nose, ears, genitals of the animal).

7. The coat loses its luster bald spots appear , the dog itches, itching bothers her.

8. Voice reactions to anxiety: whining, howling, growling.

If the dog completely loses interest in life, lies, does not respond to attempts to feed and drink it, it is necessary emergency veterinary assistance at home   and immediate health assessment.

Measurement data for evaluating dog health

1.   Heart rate Normally - 70-120 beats per minute. It is recommended to measure it on the inner thigh of the dog, having previously felt for the large femoral artery, where the heartbeat is clearly traced. A more frequent pulse is in bitches (especially during pregnancy ), more rare - in age-related animals and males.

2.   Body temperature. Measured by a thermometer in the rectum of a dog. For measurements, it is necessary to lubricate the tip of the thermometer with Vaseline and carefully enter into the anus of the animal a third of the length. The measurement time is 6-9 minutes. The normal value for a healthy dog \u200b\u200bis 38-39.5 degrees.

3.   Respiratory rate is estimated by the number of movements of the chest in one minute and nasal exhalations. Normally - 14-25 for an adult dog and 40-50 for puppies.

4. Arterial pressure As a rule, the specialist measures it. Can issue call a vet at home (to minimize stress in the dog) or go to the clinic with your pet for a measurement procedure. Normal limits are 120-140 mmHg. Critically low - below 30-40. This is a signal to immediately apply for diagnosis and treatment.

Disease predisposition factors in dogs

  It can be age-related features, the order and practice of feeding, care, daily routine. Among the most common:

Puppy age. Most difficult period veterinary clinic "SUSPENDANCE"   considers the infant (first weeks of life) age and period of tooth change, when the puppy's immunity drops sharply;
- old age;
- excessive physical activity or their lack;
- improperly prepared diet, overfeeding, or, conversely, lack of necessary nutrients and calories;
- lack vaccinations , incomplete vaccination, neglect of examinations at the veterinarian. If preventative veterinary services   turn out to be regular, risks are minimized.

The most common diseases in dogs

2.   Infectious diseases. Optimal protection against most of them - timely vaccination . Among the most formidable infectious diseases of dogs - plague, enteritis, hepatitis, rabies, leptospirosis.

3.   Non-contagious internal diseases caused by organic, functional causes, metabolic disorders. Their list is wide, they can have combined or clearly specified symptoms and focus. In most cases, with exacerbation

Veterinarians claim that the signs of illness of dogs are adjacent to normal behavior. The pet, always active, becomes lethargic and refuses to eat. When diseases of the internal organs are present, the dog may take an unusual posture.

Health can be determined by the nose. A normal condition is if it is wet. When feeling unwell, it will be warm and dry. Leg problems are indicated by tucked legs and drowsiness.

A visual inspection of the dog's hair will provide detailed information about the well-being of the dog. The presence of wounds, redness and swelling indicate that the dog has an unsatisfactory physical condition.

The first signal of illness is refusal of food

It is possible to understand that a pet has encountered health problems by difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness and watery discharge from the nose. Sick, the dog's body temperature can increase dramatically and vomiting occurs.

Symptoms of Common Canine Diseases

Mostly pets are affected by ailments that require an immediate response. They are difficult to treat. Dogs may have health problems due to various diseases. All kinds of viruses cause them. At the first signs, you should contact the veterinarian, where a specialist will help to avoid complications by establishing the cause of the disease and indicating the treatment.

In the case of a plague, the virus has the ability to spread rapidly throughout the body. Symptoms of the disease are as follows:

1. The pet is tormented by a fever.
2. There is inflammation of the central nervous system, respiratory and digestive organs.
3. The dog refuses to eat.
4. The temperature rises at times.
5. Cramps occur.
6. A cough reflex is manifested.

Parvovirus causes enteritis. This virus can cause acute stomach inflammation. The dog suffers:

• lack of appetite;
• stomach cramps;
• vomiting.

Ticks are the cause of pyroplasmosis. With this ailment, the following symptoms are observed:

1. The mucous becomes yellow.
2. Breathing quickens.
3. Weakness in movement, gait shaky.
4. General malaise, apathy.

Dog invasive diseases

These ailments are considered infectious, since they are caused by pathogens that are animal organisms (insects and protozoa). Veterinarians call passive the primary sources of infection, their ingestion occurs together with the intake of feed and water. Contact way by touching a sick animal and care products.

Important!   Small individuals, only a few mm, can live in the intestines of dogs. To identify worm eggs, a laboratory analysis of feces is required.

Symptoms of infection are as follows:

1. Bloating.
2. Strange changes in taste preferences (dog eats earth, stones, sand).
3. The coat dries, fades.
4. A cough appears.
5. The dog rides on the pope.

Reference!   Opisthorchiasis develops due to the presence of hepatic fluke. It affects the liver and pancreatic ducts.

Symptoms of diseases:

• an increase in the abdomen is noted;
• soreness in the liver;
• occasionally vomiting.

Diseases can be cured in a timely manner only by immediately contacting a specialized specialist. Preventive measures using Kanikvantel plus or Pratel medicines will help to avoid the appearance of worms. When taking doggie medication, you should correctly select the dosage. They are given together with a small portion of food.

Infectious diseases of dogs

In nurseries, animals are affected by infectious tracheobronchitis. Dogs become infected by airborne droplets. Manifestations of the disease are:

• violation of the general condition;
• cough reflex;
• lethargy and loss of appetite.

Pets can become infected with parvovirus enteritis by eating foods that are recovering dogs. The initial stage of the disease can be recognized by several signs (weakness and excessive dehydration).

A dangerous ailment is rabies. Infection occurs directly through saliva. Symptoms:

• paralysis and impaired coordination of movements;
• white foam at the corners of the mouth;
• convulsive twitching of the body.

Leptospirosis is common in all countries. Such a disease, a person can become infected through the urine of a sick animal. With the disease, the dog experiences problems with impaired blood flow and vision. The pet suffers from shortness of breath and a nervous system disorder.

Video - 5 most dangerous dog diseases

Infections Prevention: Vaccination

The veterinarian selects the optimal pet vaccination plan. Basically adhere to such a scheme.

1. At 4-6 weeks against plague of carnivores and parvovirus enteritis.
2. At the eighth to ninth week, vaccination against adenovirus infection, parainfluenza, leptospirosis is added to the same indicators.
3. Upon reaching 12 weeks, then revaccination is carried out annually, and rabies vaccination is mandatory.

Dog respiratory system diseases

Common are diseases of the respiratory system, accounting for 35% of the total number of all ailments. Their symptoms are as follows:

1. A sick dog may have shortness of breath.
2. There is difficulty breathing.
3. Nasal discharge.

Rhinitis is characterized by inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane of a four-legged friend. Laryngitis is accompanied by inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa. manifested by inflammation in the submucous membrane of the bronchi and manifests itself in a jerky cough of a pet.

Demodectic, follicular ("red") scabies is a common skin disease. It is difficult to cure, the course of the disease is slow, up to 2 or more years. Mostly young shorthair dogs. Scabies mites live in their hair bags and leather glands.

Symptoms of the disease are as follows:

1. Severe bouts of itching.
2. The formation of a hard crust on the skin of the dog, irritated to the limit.
3. Weight loss.
4. Enlarged lymph nodes.
5. Hair loss.

The most common skin diseases are leishmaniasis, ailments caused by bacterial infections, allergic dermatitis, ringworm (microsporia). Younger individuals and pets with weakened immunity are more susceptible to damage. If you find symptoms, you should immediately show the dog to the veterinarian for treatment.

The main symptoms of a sick and healthy dog

Pyroplasmosis is focal in nature. Caused by the simplest microorganisms (babesias) with a tick bite. The peddlers may be small rodents. The disease is manifested by the following symptoms:

• lethargy of the animal;
• fever;
• clouding of urine;
• bouts of vomiting.

Important!   If a tick is found on the skin, then within 7-14 days it is necessary to control the well-being of the dog. If you find the above symptoms, immediately contact a veterinarian.

To avoid infection, you should adhere to preventive measures:

1. Destroy insects that live nearby the dog’s location.
2. Constantly monitor the state of the bathroom.
3. After a walk, carefully examine the skin of the animal.
4. Keep bedding clean. If possible, infuse periodically with boiling water.
5. For the elimination of ticks, fleas, water-eaters, the use of an aqueous solution of "Stomazan" is recommended.

Video - Skin diseases in dogs and cats

Digestive tract diseases

This type includes gastrointestinal diseases. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose the disease on your own. For example, constipation can be caused by malnutrition, insufficient fluid retention in the intestines, and mechanical obstruction. Therefore, specialist advice is required.

They are worried about the symptoms of gastritis, gastroenteritis. Inflammation has the ability to spread to the entire intestine. The causes of the disease are poor-quality products (spoiled meat and dairy products).

These diseases appear against the background of parvovirus enteritis, colibacteriosis and mycosis. They can be the result of non-communicable diseases. These include stomatitis, mumps and peritonitis.

Symptoms of the disease are:

• lethargy and weakness;
• there is an increase in temperature;
• the pet refuses to eat.

Intestinal obstruction requires immediate contact with a veterinarian for help. depending on the origin is divided into internal and external. It occurs due to plentiful indigestible feed and insufficient walks.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids:

• feces change the consistency, become drier;
• the anus swells;
• blood clots are noticeable in feces;
• the dog changes gait, becomes less active.

About helminthiasis as one of the varieties of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, we described above.

Rectal diseases

Rectal injuries can occur in young dogs swallowing sharp fragments of tubular bones. Their removal from the organ is required. Prolapse of the rectum is fixed in puppies due to prolonged diarrhea or constipation. Symptoms of the disease:

1. Lethargy and pet apathy.
2. Pain in the anus.
3. Inflammation of the anus, the appearance of mucus or blood in the stool.

Fresh cases are successfully treated by bowel reduction. With advanced conditions, a positive outcome is dubious. For neoplasms (carcinoma), only surgery is recommended.

Ear diseases

Pet owners have to deal with ear diseases. Manifestations of such problems are frequent scratching of the ears by the dog or the appearance of discharge from them. Inflammation of the middle ear is a consequence of the penetration of infection from the outer ear into the eardrum.

Clear symptoms:

1. The dog has difficulty opening its mouth, resulting in loss of appetite.
2. Otodectosis causes pain.
3. In the future, the ailment is accompanied by the release of serous exudate from the ears.
4. External irritants such as dust particles and pollen can cause eczema of the auricle. The dog constantly scratches and shakes his ear.
5. Inside the auricle is red and swollen.
6. Bad smell from ears.

Frequent scratching by the dog with the ear paw is a sign of ear disease

Recently, veterinarians have to diagnose tumors in the auditory canals. They affect dogs over five years old.

Eye diseases

They can be of infectious, non-infectious origin (mechanical damage, eversion of the eyelids) and congenital, associated with damage to the eyes and lens. These include distichiasis (hairs on the free edge of the eyelid). Trichiasis causes hair to enter the eye. It manifests itself in regular blinking, lacrimation. With injuries and local infections, allergies can develop. This is the most common defeat now. Its symptoms are:

1. Red, swollen eyelid.
2. The dog often blinks, rubs and scratches the eyelid.
3. Purulent discharge appears.
4. Pigmentation of the eye is lost.

Exophthalmos, which manifests itself in protrusion of the eye, refers to diseases of the eyeball. An animal can suffer from a retraction of the eyeball, convergent strabismus, conjunctivitis, and a violation of the lacrimal apparatus.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system

These diseases lead to serious consequences, expressed in damage to the spine and joints of the legs as a result of inflammatory and degenerative processes in the tissues. They are congenital and acquired. The most common are arthrosis, damage to the intervertebral disc, hip dysplasia.

Dog Obstetrics and Gynecology

Obstetric and gynecological problems can lead to infertility and death of the four-legged. These include anaphrodisia (lack of estrus), oestrus (lengthening the sexual cycle). Damage to the endocrine glands must not be allowed. Hormone therapy is prescribed. Inflammation of the vagina may be observed. Pseudolactation and neoplasms are diseases of the reproductive system. Treatment is carried out by specialists of the clinic.

Dog Parvovirus Enteritis

Parvovirus enteritis is the most common disease in puppies from 2 to 8 months old, accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and soreness in the abdomen. The causative agent of the disease is a virus that infects rapidly dividing cells of the body - epithelial cells of the intestinal crypts and blood cells. The virus can persist in the environment throughout the year under certain conditions (high humidity, low temperature). The infection is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Even animals that do not leave the apartment can be affected, since the owner can bring the pathogen from the street on clothes and shoes. After the dog enters the body for 2 to 10 days, the virus actively multiplies, while there may be no signs or symptoms of the disease.

Treatment
There are no specific drugs against the virus, therefore, in this case, the task of the veterinarian is to maintain the body of the animal and help him fight the infection. The main treatment by the veterinarian is symptomatic. That is, active antibiotic therapy is carried out, they are used, in the presence of vomiting - antiemetic drugs, for diarrhea with blood - hemostatic and enterosorbents. Intravenous droppers are also necessary, because with vomiting and diarrhea, puppies lose a lot of fluid from the body and are quickly dehydrated. In case of loss of appetite, solutions of glucose, fats and amino acids are also dripped intravenously. With soreness in the abdominal wall, antispasmodics are used.

Diagnostics
  For diagnosis, feces are collected or a smear from the rectum is taken for the presence, and it is also necessary to take a clinical blood test to assess dehydration and the total number of blood cells.

Carnivore Plague

The causative agent of this disease is also a virus.
  Plague can be transmitted by airborne droplets, through the saliva of a sick animal, or through mutual licking (grooming). This is a multisystem disease. When the disease is observed, respiratory symptoms such as coughing, purulent discharge from the eyes and nose, as well as hemorrhagic diarrhea, lethargy, fever, loss of appetite and neurological disorders.

Treatment
  Symptomatic treatment, as with parvovirus enteritis.

Diagnostics
  For diagnosis, washings are collected from the eyes and nose (in the presence of purulent discharge) and / or feces (in the presence of diarrhea) for the antigen.

Adenovirus

Adenovirosis is a disease caused by viruses of two serotypes - type 1 and type 2.
  Type 1 is a multisystem disease, also called viral hepatitis, which causes damage to liver cells and. At the same time, jaundice, gastrointestinal disturbances, hyperthermia, vomiting, and sometimes nervous disorders are observed in dogs. Type 2 often causes respiratory diseases - purulent discharge from the eyes, cough, rhinitis, although there are also disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
  Adenovirus is transmitted by oral-fecal, airborne droplets, through contact with a sick animal (licking, eating from the same bowl, etc.).

Treatment
  The treatment is symptomatic. When coughing, bronchodilators are taken, with infectious eye damage - drops, with diarrhea - enterosorbents, antibiotics and immunostimulants are required.

Diagnostics
For diagnosis, a blood test is given for the presence of antibodies produced by the animal in response to the virus entering the body. It is also possible to pass swabs from the conjunctiva and from the nasal cavity in the presence of respiratory symptoms for the presence of antigen.

Leptospirosis

This disease is transmitted by bacteria that damage the liver and kidney tissue and can also damage the organs of vision and reproduction. Leptospirosis is transmitted to humans. Infection can occur only when urine of a sick animal enters the human gastrointestinal tract. Dogs most often become infected when swimming (through the mucous membrane and skin lesions), as well as when drinking water from a stagnant pond and puddles.
  Symptoms of the disease in the animal are diarrhea, vomiting, urination disorders, jaundice, lethargy, anorexia.

Treatment
  Against leptospirosis, in contrast to viral diseases, there are specific antibacterial drugs that, along with symptomatic therapy, are prescribed by the veterinarian upon confirmation of the diagnosis.

Diagnostics
  It includes a blood test, which studies the level of specific antibodies produced by the animal body.

Infectious diseases of cats

Herpesvirus cats (rhinotracheitis)

This disease is caused by a virus that affects the epithelium of the upper respiratory tract and conjunctiva. Transmission is possible by airborne droplets, as well as in contact with sick animals - grooming, mutual licking, etc. In cats, the disease is accompanied by sneezing, coughing, purulent discharge from the eyes and nose, and inflammation of the third century are possible.

Treatment
  The animal may refuse to eat because of, therefore, thorough washing of the nose, drops or ointments in the eyes, antibiotics and immunostimulants are required. There is no specific drug against herpes virus, therefore treatment is carried out symptomatically by a veterinarian.

Diagnostics
  For the diagnosis, swabs from the eyes and nose are given for the presence of antigen.

Panleukopenia of cats

This is a serious viral disease with high mortality among kittens from 2 to 7 months. The disease is transmitted by contact with a sick animal, by the oral-fecal route. Since this virus survives sufficiently in the environment, a cat owner can bring the virus from the street along with shoes or clothes. The disease affects rapidly dividing cells - epithelial cells of the intestinal crypts and blood cells. When infected with a cat, diarrhea, vomiting, hyperthermia, lethargy, lack of appetite, severe soreness in the abdominal region are observed.

Treatment
Treatment for suspected panleukopenia should be carried out in a timely manner and as soon as possible. There is no specific drug against the panleukopenia virus, so the veterinarian uses symptomatic therapy. The animal is given intravenous antibiotic therapy, immunostimulants, antiemetic drugs and antispasmodics are used.

Diagnostics
  For diagnosis, feces are collected for the presence of antigen or a smear is taken from the rectum. A general clinical blood test is also needed to assess the stage of dehydration in the animal and monitor the level of leukocytes and other blood cells.

Cat calcivirus

Calcivirus disease in cats is caused by a virus that can infect the upper respiratory tract epithelium and the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat. At the same time, rhinitis, cough, ulcers on the tongue or palate are observed in cats. The animal loses its appetite, becomes lethargic, there is an increase in temperature.

Treatment
  Symptomatic treatment is carried out, including nasal debridement, ulcer treatment, intravenous infusion for loss of appetite, antibiotic therapy and immunostimulants.
  To diagnose the disease, nose swabs and scrapings from the oral cavity are taken for the presence of antigen.

Rabies

Rabies is the most dangerous disease of mammals, which affects humans. Rabies is caused by a virus that can invade the brain. Ingestion can pass along with saliva through wounds and abrasions when an animal bites.
  In a sick animal, nervous disorders, inappropriate behavior, vocalization, convulsions, salivation are observed.
  It should be remembered that treatment of this disease is impossible, and diagnosis is carried out only posthumously by the method of detecting the virus in brain preparations.

Any of these diseases can be prevented with the help of the annual correct. A timely visit to a veterinarian should not be neglected, since a timely diagnosis and immediate treatment increase the chance of a pet recovering.