Canine Diseases (II) – Parvovirus, Kennel Cough and Leptospirosis

In this article we continue our analysis of the most common dog diseases. While in the first part we talked about distemper, hepatitis and rabies, today we’ll take a look at parvovirus, kennel cough and canine leptospirosis. This article is just a guide but if you get to identify some signs of these diseases, you should go to the vet immediately.

Canine parvovirus (CPV)

Its etiologic agent belongs to the Parvoviridae family. This highly contagious viral disease is transmitted directly when in contact with infected dogs or indirectly through a dog´s objects, contaminated cages, clothing, footwear and even his owner´s hands if they´re contaminated by the feces of a sick dog.

Who´s affected by this disease?

• The puppy loses maternal immunity at the time he stops been lactated, making him more prone to get infected by this virus. Unvaccinated adult dogs are also at risk.

• Stress increases propensity for this disease, which is why dogs locked in kennels get it more often.

• It´s not contagious for humans.

Which breeds are more prone for getting this disease?

Doberman, German Shepherd, Pinscher, English Springer Spaniel, Toy Poodle, American Pit Bull Terrier and Rottweiler.

Symptoms

• Lack of energy.

• Loss of appetite.

• Fever (104 – 106 °F).

• Thick, whitish vomit.

• Frequent bloody diarrhea.

• Dehydration (due to vomits and diarrhea).

There´s a stool test available to detect parvovirus; it´s cheap and the result is delivered within minutes. The sooner the diagnosis the more likely he is to be saved.

Ways in which it manifests

– Myocardial form: an inflammation of the heart that causes sudden death, mainly in very young puppies. The viral infection occurs in the heart´s muscle cells and in case he survives he could still be left with permanent cardiac problems.

– Gastrointestinal form: characterized by vomits (with or without blood), fever and diarrhea, causing a severe dehydration case. The virus infects the intestinal cells, resulting in cell death and necrosis.

Vomit by a dog infected by parvovirus

Image / Uwe Gille.

Some adult dogs can survive this disease, but the virus will have damaged the intestinal epithelium, constantly predisposing them for digestive disorders. If you see blood in his stool, you should immediately take him to the vet.

Treatment

There are no specific medications to eliminate this virus, though he can fight it if his immune system is strengthened:

• Keeping him hydrated with intravenous fluids that replace lost fluids and electrolytes caused by vomiting and diarrhea. If not done immediately he can die within hours.

Dog hydrated with intravenous fluids

Image / Paul David.

• Controlling the vomits.

• Applying antibiotics to prevent infections caused by a weakened immune system.

He can still die despite receiving treatment. However, an early diagnosis and emergency treatment can save the animal as long as no other complications manifest.

Prevention

– The mother should be vaccinated during infancy for the antibodies to pass on to her puppies.

– Puppies and adult dogs that aren´t vaccinated shouldn´t go outside until a vaccine and reinforcements have been applied to them.

– If you´ve had a sick dog at home it´s important to prevent the spread of the virus by cleaning the areas where he´s been with sodium hypochlorite (bleach). You shouldn´t bring a new puppy or adult dog home if he hasn´t been vaccinated with reinforcements.

Infectious traqueobronchitis or kennel cough

Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract (larynx, trachea), produced by a set of viral and bacterial infections which cause inflammation.

How is it transmitted?

– The virus enters through air via the droplets that are expelled when sneezing or coughing.

– Overcrowding in kennels, breeding centers, parks and pet stores are the main reason for contagion. One sick dog is enough for infecting all others.

Image / “Kusadasi-Guy”. 

– Sharing the feeding and drinking bowls is a risk.

– It´s not dangerous for humans, but highly contagious among dogs.

Symptoms

• Persistent dry cough, especially after performing exercises or feeling excited.

• Retchings, as if something was stuck in his throat .

• Slight fever.

• Loss of appetite and apathy.

• Nasal discharge.

Image / Wikimedia. 

Very important: if you usually go with your dog to public places like parks, beaches or vicinities, and you observe other dogs sneezing, coughing or having nasal discharge, your pet may be in danger of getting infected by this disease.

If your dog has these symptoms you should go immediately to the vet.

Treatment

• Antibiotics to prevent infections.

• Mucolytics and expectorant preparations.

• Rest, providing a quiet environment, hygiene and general care.

• Hydration and adequate nutrition.

• If he´s got trouble swallowing food, offer him a soft diet.

• Place a humidifier near him so he can breathe better.

• If you have children, explain to them that they can´t play with him until he overcomes the disease.

• Use a harness instead of a leash, as it can put pressure on the throat, making his cough worse.

Prevention

• Vaccination is the best way to prevent this disease; revaccination is annual.

• Separate the sick dogs from the healthy ones.

• Disinfect the areas with sodium hypochlorite (bleach).

• Avoid stressful situations for him.

Canine leptospirosis

A highly infectious disease in animals and humans, caused by bacterias of the Leptospira genus, with serious consequences for the animal.

Modes of transmission

– This bacteria develops in wet environments such as pools, swamps and ponds.

– It can be spread by direct handling of infected objects and contaminated food or drinking stagnant waters contaminated by the urine of infected dogs and other rodents.

– Licking the genitals of an infected dog through sexual contact.

– When he smells, eats and drinks, the bacteria enters through his nose, contaminating the blood and getting to the kidneys and other organs.

– Outbreaks of this disease increase in times of heavy rain, especially in low areas where water has been stagnant.

Symptoms

• Fever, tiredness and lack of appetite.
• Frequent vomiting, tonsillitis and gastrointestinal, kidney and eye diseases.
• Jaundice (yellow color) in severe cases, due to liver problems.
• Muscle aches, producing mobility problems.
• A sick dog may be asymptomatic and still spread the infection to other dogs and people.

Treatment

• As it´s a bacterial disease, it should be treated with different antibiotics.

• Keeping the animal clean and hydrated.

• Medication for diarrhea, vomiting and prevention of further organ damage.

• Giving him liver protectors.

• Some dogs may recover but still suffer kidney problems for the rest of their lives.

Note: if you are interested in more information about dog diseases, you can receive a notification when I publish the e-book in which I have been working during the past year, which includes detailed analysis of the most common diseases, as well as advice on how to prevent accidents in dogs. Sign up for our [thrive_2step id=’2900′]email newsletter[/thrive_2step] in order to get notified.

Prevention

• Areas that were contaminated with the urine of an infected dog must be cleaned using latex gloves.

• Isolate the infected animal to avoid infecting other dogs and people.

• The vaccine is the best way to prevent this disease although it has its limitations, since it doesn´t cover all the causative agents; still, it decreases the severity of the disease.

• The vaccine should be reinforced every 6 months.