Diseases in Dogs

VSU Veterinary Board Exam Review SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE L. M. BALALA, DVM, MSc.

CANINE PARVOVIRUS

One of the most common and deadly viral illnesses of dogs Affects all ages Puppies are most susceptible 80% of dogs that are infected will show no symptoms Severe disease, dogs can die within 48 to 72 hours with no treatment Breeds (black and tan): Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Labrador Retrievers, and Pit bull terriers are more susceptible

Risk factors:
Stressful environment Concurrent infections with bacteria, parasites, and canine coronavirus

Two forms:
1. Intestinal form Oral contact with CPV in feces, infected soil, or fomites carrying the virus

Virus replicates in the lymphoid tissue in the throat and spreads to the bloodstream Virus attacks rapidly dividing cells, notably those in the lymph nodes, intestinal crypts, and the bone marrow Depletion of lymphocytes in lymph nodes and necrosis and destruction of the intestinal crypts Bacteria intestines cross into the bloodstream and cause sepsis 3 to 4 post-infection: virus is shed in the feces for up to three weeks, the dog may remain an asymptomatic carrier and shed the virus periodically

2. Cardiac form Less common, affects puppies infected in utero or shortly after birth until about 8 weeks of age Virus attacks the heart muscle and the puppy often dies suddenly or after a brief period of breathing difficulty At microscopic level, points of necrosis of the heart muscle are visible alongside with mononuclear cellular infiltrate Formation of excess fibrous tissue (fibrosis) is often evident in surviving dogs Myofibers are the site of viral replication within cells May or may not be accompanied with the signs and symptoms of the intestinal form

Signs and Symptoms

Dogs that develop the disease show symptoms of the illness within 3 to 10 days Lethargy, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea (usually bloody) dehydration and anemia Distinct odor of the feces in the later stages of the infestation White blood cell level drops further weakening the dog Any or all of these factors can lead to shock and death

Diagnosis

Detection of CPV in the feces:

ELISA Hemagglutination test Electron microscopy

Differential diagnoses:

Coronavirus Enteritis

Parvovirus is more serious and the presence of bloody diarrhea, a low white blood cell count, and necrosis of the intestinal lining are indicative of parvovirus, especially in an unvaccinated dog

Treatment

Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment Extensive hospitalization due to the severe dehydration and damage to the intestines and bone marrow IV fluids and colloids with appropriate B-complex vitamins, dextrose and potassium chloride antinausea injections (antiemetics) such as metoclopramide, dolasteron, ondansetron and prochlorpromazine antibiotic injections such as cefoxitin, metronidazole, timentin, or enrofloxacin Analgesics such as buprenorphine are also used to counteract intestinal discomfort Once the dog can keep fluids down, the IV fluids are gradually discontinued, and very bland food slowly introduced Oral antibiotics are administered for a number of days depending on the white blood cell count and the patient's ability to fight off secondary infection

Prevention and Decontamination

Prevention is the only way to ensure that a puppy or dog remains healthy since the disease is extremely virulent and contagious Household bleach kills the virus is bleach Vaccinate puppies and adult dogs against CPV] Recovered dog is still contagious for up to 2 months

Diet

Dog is recovering from some extensive damage of intestinal tract stool may be a little loose at first or for no stool is passed for a few days as the tract recovers The dog may be ravenously hungry after going so long without food Do not allow the dog to gorge as this can result in vomiting or diarrhea Feed smaller meals separated by at least an hour or two Do not feed table scraps; a home cooked diet may be recommended (such as boiled chicken and white rice, or fat free cottage cheese and pasta)

CANINE DISTEMPER

Greatest single disease threat to the worlds dog population Fatal to 80% of the puppies and 50% of the adult dogs Through the air, by direct contact with urine, feces, or secretions from infected dogs, and by contact with kennels, bedding, toys, or other objects that may hold the virus Most distemper cases appear in dogs less than six months of age and in old dogs that have not been routinely vaccinated

The virus is attacking interfaces of the body with the environment (mucous membranes)

Mucosal phase Virus is attacking interfaces of the body with the environment (the mucous membranes in GI and respiratory tracts) Congested lungs, nasal discharge, gunky eyes, coughing, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea Callusing of the nose and foot pads (hence one of the old names for distemper hard pad disease

Neurologic phase
Seizures
Snapping

or tremoring of the jaws chewing gum fit Tremors, imbalance, and limb weakness

Treatment

Once the dog is infected, there is no cure Supportive treatment: fluids Recovered Dogs:
hardened foot pads and nose leathers vision and nervous system problems throughout their lives

Puppies may have mottled teeth from damage to developing enamel

Prevention

Vaccination

Infectious Canine Hepatitis

Canine adenovirus type 1 or CAV-1 Inhalation or ingestion of virus
Feces, urine, saliva, nasal discharge

Virus enters the bloodstream and targets the liver, kidneys, eyes, and the cells lining the inner surface of the blood vessels. IP: 4-7 days

Signs and symptoms

Some cases barely show symptoms; puppies may have a slight fever or be slightly lethargic and recover quickly Some cases are quick and deadly; puppies show fever, tonsillitis, reddened mouth and eye membranes, colic, then shock and death, sometimes within 24 hours. loss of appetite, weakness, eye and nasal discharges and a cough. Later gums and other mucus membranes may turn yellow and death can occur Corneal edema, edema of gall bladder wall

Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

DIAGNOSIS

Clinical signs, hematology

Intense IV fluid therapy, intensive nutritional support, antibiotics and other medications to sustain liver healing Vaccination

TREATMENT:

PREVENTION:

Vaccine combination with modified CAV-2 (respiratory infections, immunity to CAV-1 and CAV-2, less side effects) Steam cleaning and quaternary ammonium compounds

Disinfection

Rabies
Lyssavirus, rhabdoviridae Bite of another infected animal Other routes are possible

Signs and Symptoms

1. Prodromal phase Characterized by behavioral changes and usually lasts for 2-3 days in dogs Apprehension, nervousness, anxiety, solitude, and a fever Friendly animals may become shy or irritable and may snap Aggressive animals may become affectionate and docile Constantly lick the site of the bite In cats, the prodromal phase lasts for only 1-2 days and they usually develop more fever spikes and erratic behavior than dogs

2. Furious phase Prodromal phase furious stage Cats are particularly prone to developing this phase Lasts for 1 to 7 days Restless and irritable and are hyperresponsive to auditory and visual stimuli As they become more restless, they begin to roam and become more irritable and vicious Caged dogs may bite and attack their enclosures Disoriented and then have seizures and eventually die

3. Paralytic (dumb) phase Develop either after the prodromal or furious stage and within 2 to 4 days after the first signs are noted Nerves affecting the head and throat are the first to be involved and animals may begin to salivate as a result of their inability to swallow Deep labored breathing Dropped jaw due to paralysis in the diaphragm and face muscles Animals may make a choking sound Death is due to respiratory failure

DIAGNOSIS Submit the brain for microscopic exam FAT

Treatment There is no treatment Vaccination

CORONAVIRUS INFECTION
Canine coronavirus

A common and contagious viral illness to dogs that can cause disease by itself or along with canine parvovirus
Direct contact with an infected animal or its feces

Symptoms include vomiting, smelly diarrhea, inappetence and weight loss

Treatment and Prevention

IV fluids, antibiotics and general supportive care Vaccine is available but not considered too important

INFECTIOUS TRACHEOBRONCHITIS Kennel cough

Respiratory disease in dogs covers the actions of several infectious agents: Bordatella bronchiseptica canine adenovirus-2 canine parainfluenza virus

Kennel cough agents are highly contagious, especially in kennels or shelters where canine immune systems are stressed

Symptoms include bronchitis, eye and nasal discharges and a loud, harsh, hacking cough

Treatment and Prevention

Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications and cough suppressants Vaccine combination: CAV-2, parainfluenza, and Bordatella Vaccination is recommended if dogs are to be boarded or will come in contact with large numbers of dogs Good kennel ventilation helps prevent these infections

LEPTOSPIROSIS

A bacterial infection that attacks the kidneys and liver of infected dogs
L. canicola and icterohemorrhagiae grippotyphosa and pomona bratislava. Drinking contaminated water or from contact with urine from an infected animal Fever, depression, yellow gums and other mucus membranes, nephritis and blood in the urine, blood clotting abnormalities

Dogs infected can become chronic carriers

Diagnosis and Treatment

Labs: elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, pneumonia, and intestinal inflammation Serology, dark field microscopy Antibiotic therapy is effective in fighting the bacterial invasion and supportive nursing
Replenishment of fluids Administration of diuretics to flush the kidneys and prevent kidney failure Blood transfusions if necessary

Lyme Disease

Caused by a bacteria that is transmitted to dogs by ticks

Borrelia burgdorferi

Deer tick: Ixodes scapularis

Signs and Symptoms

Lethargy, joint pain, lameness, lack of appetite, lymph node enlargement, and fever More serious for humans than for dogs

Erythema migrans: The characteristic skin rash shown by humans shortly after Borrelia burgdorferi infection

Treatment and Control

Antibiotics (tetracycline) and antiinflammatory medications Vaccine is available but is not widely recommended
Self-limiting Protection is limited to no more than six months

Canine Heartworm Disease

Dirofilaria immitis 6 inches long heartworms live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels Microfilarids are circulated in the bloodstream and suckled by mosquitoes Mosquito carrying infective heartworm larvae bites a dog and transmits the infection Life cycle is completed about 6 to 7 months Microfilaremia is common, but occult filarids do occur

Sarcoptic Mites and Mange

SARCOPTIC MITES and DEMODEX MITES are often referred to as MANGE Demodex mites are less troublesome than Sarcoptic mites, cause less itching and selfmutilation, and are not seen in adult dogs as often as Sarcoptic mites

Demodex in the Dog Mange

Common infestation of the dogs skin with tiny, cigar-shaped, eight-legged mites. Mites reside and feed in the hair follicle and oil glands of the skin Most cases are self-limiting, the animal is able to arrest the reproduction and growth of the mites and eventually repair the damage they do

Once eliminated, most dogs do not acquire another infestation

Immune defenses are primed to eliminate any new Demodex mites

Small numbers of Demodex mites residing in the skin Skin lesions due to infestations appear when immune related, or nutritional or environmental stresses impact the dog

Demodex canis

Diagnosis

Demodex mites usually create irregularly shaped, mildly irritated areas of hair loss Skin is usually not inflamed and lesions are not highly pruritic Microscopic exam of skin scraping

Treatment

Drug of choice: Amitraz Ivermectin Milbemycin broad spectrum Lime-sulphur dips

Sarcoptic Mange or scabies

Highly communicable little bugs that dig tiny tunnels into the skin and cause intense itching, inflammation and hair loss Intense itching results in self trauma, hair loss, and dry crusty skin lesions Often misdiagnosed as Allergic dermatitis

Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis

Misdiagnosis: Allergic Dermatitis

Common treatment: cortisone (Prednisone)

Antipruritis Immunosuppressive

Enhance reproduction of Sarcoptes

They are elusive to find with skin scrapings

A SIMPLE WAY TO PRESUME THE DIAGNOSIS OF SCABIES IN DOGS

Pedal-Pinna Reflex Test

take the Pinna between your thumb and forefinger vigorously scratch the surface of the underside of the Pinna with the forefinger Dogs with no mites seldom work the back leg in a scratching motion Dogs with sarcoptic mites almost always demonstrate an involuntary scratching motion with the back leg while the pinna is scratched

Treatment

Ivermectin!

IN THE CORRECT DOSE, can successfully treat dogs for sarcoptic mites Disadvantage: Some dogs are sensitive to Ivermectin

MDR1 gene Abnormal neurologic signs Collies, Australian Shepherds, Old English Sheepdogs, German Shepherds, Long-haired Whippets, Silken Windhounds, and a variety of mixed breed dogs

Options:

Insecticide dips and sprays Revolution

NORMAL RANGES FOR A LABORATORY'S HEMATOLOGY VALUES ... for dogs and cats DOGS (RBC) Red Blood Cell Count (WBC) White Blood Cell Count (MCH) Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (RDW) Red Cell Distribution Width Hematocrit HgB (Hemoglobin) g/L Reticulocytes 0-1.5% Segs x1000/ul Bands x1000/ul Lymphocytes x1000/ul Monocytes x1000/ul Eosinophils x1000/ul Platelets x 100000/ul 3.6-11.5 0.0-0.3 1.0-4.8 0.15-1.35 0.01-1.25 2-9 Reticulocytes Segs x1000/ul Bands x1000/ul Lymphocytes x1000/ul Monocytes x1000/ul Eosinophils x1000/ul Platelets x 100000/ul 0-1% 2.5-12.5 0.0-0.3 1.5-7.0 0.0-0.85 0.0-1.5 3-7 5.5 - 8.5 X 100,000/L 6.0 - 17 x 1000/L 19.5 - 25.5 pg 14 - 19 percent 37 - 55 percent 120-180 CATS (RBC) Red Blood Cell Count (WBC) White Blood Cell Count (MCH) Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (RDW) Red Cell Distribution Width Hematocrit HgB (Hemoglobin) g/L 5.5 - 10.0 X 100,000/L 6.0 - 19 x 1000/L 12.5 - 17.5 pg 14 - 31 percent 30 - 45 percent 80-150

NORMAL RANGES FOR HEMOSTATIC VALUES... for dogs and cats DOGS Bleeding Time in minutes Whole Blood Coag. Time in Glass Prothrombin Time 2- 5 minutes 6 - 8 minutes 6 - 10 seconds 15 - 25 seconds Bleeding Time in minutes Whole Blood Coag. Time in Glass Prothrombin Time CATS 2 - 5 minutes 8 minutes 8.6 seconds

Partial thromboplastin time

VACCINATION GUIDE
CANINE Vaccinati on Protocol Neonates* Puppy Series Last Puppy Booster 13-16 weeks First Adult Booster Adult Boosters

Vaccines Distem per/Meas les Killed Parvo virus Distem per Canine Adeno virus Type 2

2-6 weeks

6-8 weeks

10-12 weeks

16 weeks

15 mts.

Annually

Every 3 years

CANINE Vaccinati on Protocol

Neonates*

Puppy Series

Last Puppy Booster 13-16 weeks

First Adult Booster

Adult Boosters

Vaccines Canine Para influenza

2-6 weeks

6-8 weeks

10-12 weeks

16 weeks #

15 mts.

Annually

Every 3 years

Canine Parvo virus

Leptosp ira four sero vars Rabies Virus Bordetell a (optional) Lyme (optional)

#: Optional; usually present in combination vaccines together with canine Parvovirus.

Ingredie nts

Large Roundworms

Hookworms

Tapeworms

Whipworms

Heartworms

Need RX

Safe During Pregnancy

Min. Age/ Weight

Prowor mer2

Pyrantel pamoate

2 wks

NemexT M-2

Pyrantel pamoate

2 wks

DWormTM Tapewor m

Praziqua ntel

4 wks

Droncit

Praziqua ntel Praziqua ntel, Pyrantel pamoate , Fenbend azole

4 wks

Drontal Plus

3 wks & 2 lbs

Ingredie nts

Large Roundworms

Hookworms

Tapeworms

Whipworms

Heartworms

Need RX

Safe During Pregnancy

Min. Age/ Weight

Panacur

Fenbend azole Ivermecti n, Pyrantel pamoate Ivermecti n

X**

None

Heartgar d Plus Heartgar d Tablets Heartgar d Chewabl es Intercep tor Revoluti on++

6 wks

6 wks

Ivermecti n

6 wks

Milbemy cin oxime

Selamec tin

X+

4 wks & 2 lbs

6 wks

Ingredie nts Ivermecti n, Pyrantel pamoate

Large Roundworms

Hookworms

Tapeworms

Whipworms

Heartworms

Need RX

Safe During Pregnancy X

Min. Age/ Weight

TriHeart Plus

6 wks

SafeGuard Granule s
D-Worm Liquid D-Worm Tablets Advanta ge MultiTM+ +

Fenbend azole

6 wks

Piperazi ne Pyrantel Pamoate

3 wks

3 wks

Imidaclo prid/Moxi dectin Ivermecti n/Pyrant el /Praziqu antel

n/d

7 wks/3 lbs

Iverhart MaxTM

n/d

8 wks