Canine distemper virus (CDV)

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious, airborne viral disease that is often fatal.  It can affect the respiratory, urogenital, gastrointestinal, optic nerves and central nervous systems.  It is closely related to measles in humans.

Early symptoms:

• fever - temperature rising to above 103 degree Fahrenheit

• loss of appetite (anorexia)

• depression

• nasal discharge

• mild eye inflammation / discharge from eye (conjunctivitis)

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Canine Hepatitis

Canine hepatitis (ICH) is a worldwide, contagious disease among dogs.  It also is seen in foxes, wolves, coyotes, and bears.  It is mainly contracted through ingestion of urine, faeces, or saliva from infected dogs. The mortality rate is highest in very young dogs. The incubation period is typically 4-9 days.

Symptoms:

• a slight fever

• conjunctivitis (serious discharge from the eyes and nose)

• congestion of the mucous membranes

• severe depression

• marked leukopenia (a low white blood cell count)

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Canine Parvovirus (CPV)

Also known as 'Parvo' this is a highly contagious disease characterized by diarrhoea that is often bloody.  Current vaccinations help to control the spread of this disease, however despite being vaccinated, some dogs may still contract and die from Parvovirus. 

Symptoms:

• vomiting (often severe) and diarrhoea

• dehydration

• dark or bloody faeces

• fever and lowered white blood cell counts

• myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) - a less common form of the disease

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Canine Parainfluenza Virus (Dog Flu)

Canine Parainfluenza Virus is considered a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs.

The virus can cause high fever, coughing, nasal discharge and a fatal pneumonia.  Puppies and older dogs are at greatest risk of fatality stemming from this virus. The incubation period is estimated to be 2 -5 days.

Symptoms:

• conjunctivitis (irritated eyes)

• rhinitis (runny nose) and sneezing

• coughing that worsens with activity or excitement

• loss of appetite

• depression

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Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection which affects a dog’s kidneys and liver.  It is commonly carried in rat’s urine and can be fatal.  It is estimated that approximately 60% of all rats carry this disease.  As this is a bacterial infection and not a viral infection, immunity wanes markedly after 12 months and therefore requires an annual booster.

Symptoms:

• vomiting and diarrhoea

• rapid dehydration  (excessive thirst)

• loss of appetite

• fevers of 103 - 104ºF (38.5 - 40ºC)

• severe myalgia and a reluctance to move

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