The mere mention of rabies often bring out pictures of uncontrollable dogs that are known to bite anyone within sight along with the telltale foaming on the mouth.
Transmission – the tricky thing about rabies is that not only canines are susceptible to this virus, human beings are also at risk especially those who closely work with wildlife and even veterinarians. However, a vaccine can provide sufficient protection to both canines and human beings who are more known to be at a higher risk of exposure. Transmission can only be achieved though bites made by an infected animal to a non- infected. However, the remains of a carcass of an infected animal have been known carry the virus within 24 hours and are known to have high virus levels in the saliva.
Symptoms – after contact with virus, the dog goes through several stages. There are some reported cases of bitten dogs that have shown any symptoms but can possibly be a lifelong carrier. The incubation period is between three to eight weeks and shows the following symptoms:
Apprehension and anxiety
Fever Irritability and erratic behavior
Labored breathing
Respiratory failure
Treatment – there are no known treatment rabies and if the virus has reached sever stages, death is imminent even in humans. However post exposure treatment would include one shot of rabies immunoglobulin and five does of rabies vaccines. The immunoglobulin should be administered should be administered within 24- 48 hours from exposure and 5 rabies boosters shots are needed to stimulate production of antibodies to protect the body from the virus, or what is known as maintaining active immunity.
Prevention – vaccination is still the best-known preventive measure for rabies. In the United States, rabies vaccination are mandatory in all states, however, there are only an estimated 50% of the canine population with rabies vaccines.
Aug 28, 2009 | | Dogs
More often than not, environmental factors come into play and increases to possibility of development. Drafts and high humidity are known to enhance acute susceptibility to canine para influenza. The great news is this medical condition is self-eliminating and generally only lasts from 5 –10 days.
Transmission – canine para influenza can rapidly spread through aerosolized respiratory secretions and other contaminated inanimate materials and even human beings who are frequently moving from an infected to uninfected dog. The incubation period usually has duration of two to five days and clinical symptoms may only appear after 10 days. All breeds of dog can highly susceptible to this pathogen with 80% possibility on development of disease after exposure.
Symptoms – this particular disease mimics kennel coughing symptoms, thus in some cases the virus are often mistaken as such. 10-21 days of coughing despite antibiotic treatments
Purulent nasal discharges
Low-grade fever
Pneumonia
Increased Respiratory Effort and Rate
Possible consolidation of lung lobes
Treatment – as majority of the viral infections, treatment is largely considered as supportive. Proper nutrition and providing a clean environment considerably help dogs kick up their immune system in response to the virus. Abroad-spectrum bacterial antimicrobial prescription can help relieve nasal discharges along with hydration through intravenous fluids.
Prevention and Control – although no vaccine has been introduced to ward of canine para influenza, dog owners can adeptly prevent the infliction of such diseases by taking insecurity precautions. his virus can be easily eliminated with commercial disinfectants such as quaternary ammonium compounds and even bleach solutions. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of canine cages as well as food bowls can significantly help in effectively preventing canine para influenza.
Aug 28, 2009 | | Dogs
