Veterinary Views: Contagious diseases
The current news is spreading fear among dog owners about the outbreak of Parvo Virus in Michigan with justification as the Parvo virus is always around in the environment. Currently, this outbreak seems to be located mostly in the lower upper Peninsula of Michigan, but with travel, it can quickly spread elsewhere.
Parvo is quick and deadly. However, a simple vaccine can prevent this very contagious disease which leaves spores that can live in the environment and be active for up to a year.
This disease can be transmitted from direct contact with an infected dog, or by indirect contact with contaminated objects or even a person. Food and water bowls, collars, and leashes, and the hands and the clothing of people who handle infected dogs can spread the disease.
This virus is most likely to infect younger dogs (usually under a year), but any dog can become its’ victim. Puppies aged 6 weeks to 6 months are very much at risk. Older, pregnant, and immune compromised dogs are especially susceptible.
The current scare and outbreaks have been in unvaccinated dogs. To be safe, pet owners of unvaccinated or compromised dogs, should avoid taking their dogs to dog parks, pet stores, or anywhere where dogs mingle.
Signs of Parvo include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, depression, and dehydration.
Since Parvo is a potentially fatal disease, the survival rate of dogs promptly treated by a veterinarian is between 68-92 percent. Most puppies that survive the first 3-4 days, can make a complete recovery, although recovery time is dependent on the severity of the illness.
The Parvo virus is not easily killed, although bleach is effective for sanitization.
Other very contagious diseases that are claiming the lives of dogs. Canine Distemper used to be very common before vaccines were developed. Now it’s rare in Michigan, but when it strikes, it causes gastrointestinal upsets, upper respiratory issues, and neurologic symptoms and eventually death. It is spread by bodily secretions.
Coronavirus causes coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and sneezing. It is also spread by bodily fluids. It is not as prevalent as it once was and there is a vaccine for prevention.
Dogs get canine influenza or the flu. It is often spread in boarding kennels and doggy day care facilities mostly in larger cities with concentrated canine populations. Many of these places request proof of vaccination prior to a visit. Affected dogs need rest, fluids, and other supportive care.
Leptospirosis is spread through a dog’s urine and through contact with wildlife. The symptoms include fever, vomiting, thirst, jaundice, frequent or lack of urination. Kidney and liver failure accompany this disease. Recovery may take weeks or months, even if treatment begins immediately. Some dogs may never recover. Leptospirosis can also be transmitted to humans.
Canine Herpesvirus usually targets puppies more than older dogs. Older dogs may show mild symptoms such a low-grade fever or respiratory problems. When they do recover, they may become carriers for life. Puppies usually do not recover from this disease. It is also fatal for puppies born to an infected mother.
Ringworm is a fungus and not an actual worm. But it looks like a worm since it creates a circular patten on the dog’s skin. Healthy dogs are not usually affected, but younger or older dogs with compromised immune systems or dogs under stress such as in shelters are more susceptible to this infection.
Canine Hepatitis attacks the liver. It is rare, since most dogs are vaccinated against it. It is spread by bodily secretions from unvaccinated dogs and is present in a lot of public gathering areas such as dog parks.
Kennel cough is mostly found in dog kennels. It is a combination of many diseases that cause respiratory problems in dogs. It can cause whooping cough-like symptoms that last for weeks making the dog miserable. Bordetella is the most common form of Kennel Cough and the one most required as vaccination prior to entering most facilities.
Rabies is transmittable to humans. It is 100% fatal in dogs and humans, with only a few known human exceptions. The surviving humans were left with severe neurological problems. The Rabies vaccine is mandatory in the United States.
All the above diseases except ringworm and canine herpesvirus can be prevented with a vaccine.
Vaccinating your dogs and staying up on routine vaccinations, practicing good hygiene and picking up after pets when they are out is the best advice for keeping our dogs healthy.
— Dr. Joanna Bronson of Bronson Veterinary Services, located at 452 W. Central Road, Coldwater. Contact her at 517-369-2161 or visit bronsonvetservices.vetstreet.com.
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Veterinary Views: Parvo virus is deadly to dogs, vaccines can help
