Canine distemper

Distemper can occur in dogs of any age, but is most frequently observed at the age of 3 – 9 months, the age when maternal immunity decreases and acquired immunity has not been given.

It is an infectious disease, especially in high dense population, and can be fatal.

Distemper is transmitted in the air via inhalation, attacking the respiratory system and gastro-intestinal system.

Symptoms:
Inappetance
High temperature
Lethargy
Discharge and inflammation of the eyes
Nasal discharge
Sore, inflamed throat
Coughing and increased respiratory sounds
Vomiting and diarrhoea
In advanced cases neurology signs and thickening of the skin can also occur.

Treatment:
Antibiotics
Drugs to prevent / control vomiting and diarrhoea
Intravenous fluids
Anti convulsion – in the cases of neurological signs.

Infectious canine hepatitis

Can affect dogs of any age, but the severity of the disease lessens over the age of 2 years.
It is spread through contact with infected urine, faeces and vomit.

The disease is highly infective and is caused by two adenovirus'. CAV-1 and CAV-2.
CAV-1 attacks the liver and CAV-2 attacks the respiratory system and gastro-intestinal system.

Symptoms:
Inappetance
High temperature
Lethargy
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Paleness of the gums and inner eyelids
Yellowing of the white of the eye and gums (CAV-1)
Abdominal pain
Enlarged liver (CAV-1)
Sore, inflamed throat (CAV-2)
Sudden or a very quick death shortly after the appearance occurs frequently in younger dogs.

Treatment:
Intravenous fluids
Antibiotics
Vitamin B
Anti vomiting/ diarrhoea
Liver supplements

During recovery dogs may develop 'blue eye', this is a discolouration of the cornea, it maybe permanent, but in most cases the cloudiness goes away with no additional treatment.
Dogs can be left with permanent liver damage.

Leptospirosis

Lepotospires is a group of bacteria, of which the two which affect dogs are: Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae and Leptospiracanicola.

Symptoms:
Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae:
Affects the liver and can cause sudden death.

Vomiting
Inappetance
Jaundice (yellowing on the mucous membranes)
Abdominal pain

Leptospircanicola:
Affects the liver and kidneys.
Decreased urine output, which later increases.
Increase in water intake
Acute vomiting
Renal/ abdominal pain

Treatment:
Antibiotics
Intravenous fluids
Anti vomiting drugs

Parvovirus

Parvovirus is contracted through infected faeces. It attacks the gastro intestinal system. In young puppies it can cause sudden death due to myocardial (heart muscle) disease. Its is a serious condition with a high fatality rate and death can occur within 72 hours.

Symptoms:
Sudden onset of vomiting
Haemorrhagic (blood) diarrhoea
Inappetance
Abdominal pain
Depression

Treatment:
Intravenous fluids
Antibiotics
Anti vomiting
Anti diarrhoea