Infectious Diseases
By Dr. Moore, Romberg, MacWilliam & Associates
With the approach of summer a number of infectious diseases of dogs and cats become more prevalent. Many of these are various insects and ticks which are present in greater numbers during the hotter summer months. Dogs are particularly susceptible to Biliary Fever and Parvovirus Disease (‘cat flu) at this time of years, while cats frequently contact Feline Respitory Disease (snuffles).
Probably the most important summer disease of dogs is Biliary Fever which is caused by a tick transmitted micro-organism called Babesia canis. This organism causes the rapid destruction of the dog’s red blood cells. The symptoms of Biliary fever in dogs include a high fever, loss of appetite, lethargy and paleness of the inner lips and membranes of the eyes. As the disease progresses the patient becomes jaundiced and the urine becomes dark yellow or blood-tinged.
When Biliary Fever is left untreated it is a rapidly fatal disease. Thus, the earlier treatment is instituted, the better the chance of your pet recovering. In some instances intensive intravenous feeding may be required to save your pets life. At the present time no vaccination is available to prevent Biliary Fever. The only prevention is to ensure that your dog remains tick-free by regular insecticidal powdering, dipping or the use of tick collars and insecticidal sprays.
During the summer months, many pet owners will be holidaying away from home. Responsible pet ownership demands that:
a. If your pet is left at home it should be fed and cared for while the owners are away.
b. If your pet is taken into endemic Rabies area it should receive a Rabies vaccination at least thirty days before entry into the area and a travel permit is required which is issued by a Veterinarian.
c. If your pet is left in the care of a kennel that the relevant vaccinations should have been administered within the previous six months, but at least ten days before entry.
Probably the most important summer disease of dogs is Biliary Fever which is caused by a tick transmitted micro-organism called Babesia canis. This organism causes the rapid destruction of the dog’s red blood cells. The symptoms of Biliary fever in dogs include a high fever, loss of appetite, lethargy and paleness of the inner lips and membranes of the eyes. As the disease progresses the patient becomes jaundiced and the urine becomes dark yellow or blood-tinged.
When Biliary Fever is left untreated it is a rapidly fatal disease. Thus, the earlier treatment is instituted, the better the chance of your pet recovering. In some instances intensive intravenous feeding may be required to save your pets life. At the present time no vaccination is available to prevent Biliary Fever. The only prevention is to ensure that your dog remains tick-free by regular insecticidal powdering, dipping or the use of tick collars and insecticidal sprays.
During the summer months, many pet owners will be holidaying away from home. Responsible pet ownership demands that:
a. If your pet is left at home it should be fed and cared for while the owners are away.
b. If your pet is taken into endemic Rabies area it should receive a Rabies vaccination at least thirty days before entry into the area and a travel permit is required which is issued by a Veterinarian.
c. If your pet is left in the care of a kennel that the relevant vaccinations should have been administered within the previous six months, but at least ten days before entry.
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