DISEASES

Rabies

Rabies is a viral infection that can affect any mammal; this includes dogs, cats, and humans. Your pet (and yourself) can get rabies after being bitten by an infected animal because this viral infection is spread through saliva. Younger animals are usually more susceptible but any pet of any age can get this disease. Unfortunately, once symptoms are seen it is always fatal. Once this virus enters the body it travels through the nerves and to the brain. If you think your pet was exposed to a rabid animal or bitten by one please contact our office. Even if you know your pet is up to date on its rabies vaccine it is still important to contact us.

Common carries of the disease:

• Raccoons

• Bats

• Foxes

• Skunks

• Coyotes

• Other wildlife

Symptoms:

• Weakness

• Poor coordination

• Tremors

• Anxiety

• Aggression

• Restlessness

• Erratic behavior

It can take days, weeks, or months for your pet to show clinical signs of disease.

WILD RABID ANIMALS COMMONLY LOSE THEIR FEAR OF HUMANS AND SPECIES THAT ARE NORMALLY NOCTURNAL MAY BE SEEN WANDERING AROUND DURING THE DAY. IF YOU SEE A WILD ANIMAL ACTING STRANGE DO NOT HANDLE THE ANIMAL AND CALL LOCAL ANIMAL CONTROL AUTHORITIES!

The only way to prevent your pet from getting this fatal disease is to vaccinate! It is required by law!

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is spread through the bite of a black legged (deer) tick. When the tick bites your dog it spreads the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi which is what causes the disease and symptoms in your pet. The tick is just the transmitter or "vector" of the bacteria.

Lyme disease is preventable through:

• Comprehensive tick control

• Frequent tick checks

• Quick removal of a tick

• Annual vaccination

If your pet is left untreated it can result in:

• Damaged joints

• Fatal kidney disease (rare)

• Neurological signs (rare)

Symptoms:

• Lameness

• Anorexia

• Fever

• Stiffness

• Joint pain/swelling

• Depression

Ticks can flare up in the spring and again when the weather cools off in the fall.

Lyme disease can be found in every U.S state.

Dogs are 50% more likely than humans to get Lyme disease.

ANNUAL VACCINATION AND MONTHLY PREVENTATIVES CAN HELP PROTECT YOUR DOG FROM LYME DISEASE ALL YEAR.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis (Lepto) is a potentially deadly bacteria that is spread through wildlife such as:

• Skunks

• Opossums

• Squirrels

• Rats

• Raccoons

• Other wildlife

Routes of transmission:

• Walking or drinking from contaminated water (for example, ponds or puddless)

• Wet grass

• Bacteria can enter through a cut in the skin or mucus membranes (eye, mouth or nose)

Wildlife shed the bacteria in their urine. Your dog can become infected when they come into contact with an infected animal's urine.

All dogs are susceptible to Lepto. Size and breed of dog does not matter.

Lepto is the number one infectious cause of acute kidney failure in dogs.

Symptoms:

Fever
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Lethargy

Early diagnosis of the disease is important for a full recovery.

How to protect your pet:

Discourage your dog from drinking from standing water!
ANNUAL VACCINATION!

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

Bordetella is caused by a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted any time dogs interact with one another.

Symptoms:

• Dry, hacking cough

• Retching

• Watery, nasal discharge

• In mild cases dogs may still be active and eating normally

In Severe Cases:

• Pneumonia

• Loss of appetite

• Fever

• Lethargy

Your dog could be at risk if:

• Your dog interacts with other dogs on walks