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CANINE DISTEMPER VIRUS

     This is a viral disease spread by aerosol; which means that the virus particles may float about in the air after an infected animal has coughed etc..  Symptoms include coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, dehydration and weight loss.  Secondary bacterial infections cause coughing, and purulent nasal and ocular discharge.  These symptoms may clear up but then neurological signs develop.  These include seizures, ataxia, lack of coordination, circling, blindness, and vocalization as if in pain.  These symptoms can lead to permanent  weakness, blindness, facial paralysis, tremors, compulsive circling, and head pressing.  Often the disease is fatal.  There is no specific treatment.  Diagnosis is based on clinical signs or virus isolation from cells.

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INFECTIOUS CANINE HEPATITIS

     This is a viral disease that affects the dog's liver.  This virus is shed by infected dogs and lives in the environment for months.  An unprotected dog acquires it through inhalation or ingestion.  Clinical signs include depression, lethargy, abdominal pain, and reluctance to move.  These occur in 4-7 days past exposure.  The dog may recover in 3-5 days or may become worse experiencing bloody discharge from all body openings, coagulation problems,  severe liver damage and death.  Most dogs recover with treatment, some do not.

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PARVO VIRUS

     This is a viral disease that causes gastrointestinal disease (bloody diarrhea and vomiting) and, rarely, heart disease.  It is usually successfully treated with intensive care but can be fatal.  Incubation is 4-6 days before outward signs show.  The virus lives months to years in the environment.  This is why it is especially important not to expose your puppy to environments (like dog parks etc.) which may harbor the disease until they have had several vaccines.   Rottweilers and Doberman pinschers seem to be at an increased risk.

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LEPTOSPIROSIS

     This is a bacterial disease that has five strains called serovars. Grippotyphosa, pomona and bratislava are now the most common isolates from dogs,  likely because the other two, icterohaemorrhagiae and canicola are what we most commonly vaccinate for.  The bacteria is largely shed in the urine.  It is spread by direct contact to the bacteria and via contaminated, stagnant or slow moving warm water.  The bacteria causes liver and kidney damage.  Clinical signs include lethargy, fever, anorexia, vomiting, dehydration, reluctance to move, icterus, renal failure, death.  Treatment is with supportive care and antibiotics.  Leptospirosis is also infectious to people.   It can be diagnosed by blood test which measures the amount of antibodies in the dog's blood stream.  In the Loomis and Granite Bay area two serovars that haven’t routinely been vaccinated for have been detected and some dogs may be at risk.  A vaccine has been developed that will protect against these two strains and should be considered if your dog is at risk.  Ask your veterinarian.

(Note:  There are a few dogs, particularly of the Pug and Doxie breeds, that can react adversely to the vaccine and care should be taken to record and avoid reactions.  In some of these cases where the individual will most likely not be exposed to the disease the vaccine is not given.  However, there are also ways to minimize a reaction if the vaccine is necessary.  Ask your vet if your dog is such a case.)

RABIES

     This is a viral disease that can affect all warm blooded animals.  It is uniformly fatal once clinical signs develop.  There is a treatment in people but it has to be initiated prior to clinical symptoms, consequently you will see this listed as a prophylaxis rather than treatment.  Placer county has one of the highest incidences of Rabies cases in California.  Most commonly it is seen in skunks, bats, foxes, and raccoons in this country.  A common method of transmission is saliva via a bite wound but infected skunk spray can also pass the disease.   Even indoor dogs should be vaccinated for Rabies.  Not only is it required by law but you never know when your dog might be bitten by another dog or wild animal.  The vaccine may save your dog's life.  Also, if your dog were to bite a person without being previously vaccinated for Rabies,  Placer county requires quarantine at a designated facility away from your pet's home.

(Note: A vaccine given to a puppy under 4 months is not considered valid immunization by Placer county.)

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PARAINFLUENZA

     This is one of many possible causes of ITB or infectious tracheobronchitis.   Canine Parainfluenza is a virus.  It is important to note that your dog can get parainfluenza in their own  back yard by inhaling the aerosolized virus shed by another.  Clinical Signs include coughing, sometimes fever, sometimes vomiting after a bout of coughing.

BORDATELLA

This bacteria is one of many possible causes of ITB or infectious tracheobronchitis.  It is transmitted by aerosol very easily which is why many kennel facilities require it for any boarding stay.  Most dogs do not die from this disease but usually keep themselves and their owners awake at night with a dry hacking cough.  Treatment is usually with antibiotics.