In the last post I identified some of the common problems that produce symptoms in dogs. Some diseases that are difficult to treat, but easy to prevent if vaccinated when they are puppies. I want to finish that list with some more common diseases and causes of certain symptoms in dogs.

Canine Infectious Hepatitis (Adenovirus)

Adenovirus is transmitted through excretions – urine, feces, saliva. Symptoms include fever, depression, and loss of appetite, coughing, and a tender abdomen. This disease affects the liver and kidneys as well as the blood vessels. The dog will require Intensive care, if there is to be a chance for recovery. However, this is not guaranteed.

Corona (Canine coronavirus)

This disease seen more often in puppies since older dogs have built up immunity. The symptoms in dogs is very similar to parvovirus symptoms., except it is normally milder and more treatable. However it is highly contagious and attacks the gastrointestinal tract and causes fairly severe vomiting and diarrhea. This is why early treatment is so important because of the intensity of dehydration. You may also notice loss of appetite and depression and blood in the stools. The disease can even be misdiagnosed because the symptoms in dogs can mimic poisoning.  The necessary treatment includes combating the dehydration usually with IV fluids. As well as palliative treatment of symptoms for the dogs comfort.  

Rabies

Rabies is probably the most well known disease of animals, including dogs. It even includes man. Why, they have even made movies about rabies, can you say CUJO. Rabies is a very serious illness that attacks the central nervous system and causes encephalitis or infection of the brain. The symptoms progress slowly, starting with nervousness, anxiety and isolating. Then they will become restless, irritable and extra sensitive to noise and light. Next the animal will begin to over salivate and have difficulty swallowing. Finally deep labored breathing, paralysis and respiratory failure. The animal including humans, will die if not vaccinated.

When a person is bitten by a suspicious animal, the animal must be quarantined for 10 days to monitor for signs of the disease to determine if the human must go through the rabies vaccinations. If the suspected animal is already dead, a autopsy of the brain will determine if the disease is present.  Rabies vaccine must be started in a series and Immunoglobulins must be given within 10 days of the bite.

When you get your new family member it is very important, whether they are a puppy or an older dog, to have them checked out by your veterinarian. Early detection of any disease is important. Some symptoms in dogs will show you the way to a cure if a cure is possible. Otherwise humane treatment of your dog can result from early detection. But no matter what the age of your pet or the newness of their arrival in your home, you must pay attention in the symptoms in dogs.