Dog Health Problems

I am sure that all canine lovers will agree with the saying that ‘A Dog is Man’s Best Friend’. This best friend is prone to the same health issues that we humans suffer from like diabetes, cancer, depression along with other canine issues like kennel cough, heartworm.

In this article, I will cover the description, symptoms and treatment of some of the common canine diseases and health issues that you should be aware of if you have a dog at home.

Kennel Cough

When a dog is kept in poorly ventilated areas or is exposed to overcrowding, cigarette smoke or a large amount of dust in general, then their respiratory systems can develop an infection. This leads to a severe, dry hacking cough.

As a form of treatment, antibiotics can be used which are usually very effective in wiping out the disease successfully, but they can weaken the immune system considerably which can make them susceptible to long term complications. Vaccinations too are available which are a more popular method of treating the kennel cough but frequent vaccinations too can play havoc on the immune system of the dogs.

Heartworm

The Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) has been identified as a major, global pest that affects dogs, cats, wolves and foxes. A mosquito is the intermediate host for the larval stage of the heartworm which is known as microfilariae. The larvae are ingested by the mosquito when it bites an infected dog and deposits it in an uninfected dog when it bites it. The microfilariae are burrowed deep into the dogs and usually undergo several changes before reaching the adult form. Once they reach the adult form, they travel to the right side of the heart via a vein and then await the right time to reproduce. Adult heartworms can reach 12 inches in length and can survive in the heart’s of dogs for several years.

Detection of the presence of heartworm in a dog is a very simple process wherein the blood of the dog is tested for the presence of parasite. The infestation by the heartworm is very dangerous and the dogs that do not receive treatment die while dogs that do receive treatment early on go through weeks of discomfort while the worms are killed in their bodies and then expelled. The adult heartworms can be removed surgically in advanced cases.

Cushing’s Disease

The Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism is usually seen in older dogs. This condition is caused due to the excess production of hormones from the adrenal glands. The symptoms of the disease include increased appetite, thirst and urination, high blood pressure, panting, skin lumps, hair loss and nervous system disorders. The trigger point of this disease is either a tumor in the adrenal or the pituitary gland which can cause the adrenal gland to dysfunction and produce excessive hormones.

The Cushing’s disease can be diagnosed by a blood test. These tests can also indicate if the issue is with the adrenal or the pituitary gland. Several forms of medications are available that can be used to treat the disease if diagnosed early. These medicines have to be regulated very carefully.

Rabies

Rabies is a virus that can attack the nervous system and causes encephalitis. The virus is transmitted via the saliva from the bite of the animal that is already infected with the virus. The incubation period can vary anywhere between two to eight weeks. The three phases during the course of the disease are prodromal, furious and paralytic. Death of the infected animal occurs within seven days from the onset of the signs.

It is imperative that your pets (dogs and cats) be vaccinated against rabies as per the rules and regulations in your state. If your pet that has been vaccinated has been bitten by a wild animal or an animal known to be infected with rabies then the recommendation is that it should immediately be re-vaccinated and kept in quarantine for 90 days. However, if your pet has not been vaccinated then the pet should be euthanized and its tissue should be submitted for rabies testing. However, if you are not willing to euthanize the pet, then it should be quarantined for 6 months and vaccinated one month prior to its release.

If you are a little careful with your dog, then both of you can rely on each other for many years and develop a deep bond that will not be strained with any health issues.