Library
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Echinococcosis refers to being infected with a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus and is primarily a parasite of coyotes and foxes. Infected dogs are usually asymptomatic, but in both dogs and humans the parasite can cause large cysts to form within the lungs and liver. E.multilocularis is treated with praziquantel and in most cases the prognosis is good.
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Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a microscopic protozoan. These parasites attach themselves to the intestinal wall and the damage causes an acute, sudden onset of foul-smelling diarrhea. Diagnosis may be by routine fecal flotation or presumptively based on clinical signs. Fenbendazole and metronidazole are the drugs most commonly used to treat giardiasis.
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Hookworm is a parasitic infection of the gastrointestinal tract. The parasites have hook-like mouthparts they use to anchor themselves to the lining of the intestinal wall. This handout outlines clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
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Vaccinations are important to prevent serious illness in dogs. Even dogs that spend all their time indoors should be vaccinated. Some viruses can be carried into your home on inanimate objects such as shoes and clothing, therefore infecting your dog without him coming into contact with another animal. Your veterinarian is your most important resource in determining what vaccinations you need to give your dog to keep him protected.
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This handout outlines internal parasites in dogs and what you can do to prevent or treat infection. Included are parasites of the gastrointestinal tract (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms), as well as parasites of the circulatory system (heartworm).
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Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by a protozoan parasite transmitted by sandflies and is most commonly seen in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and South and Central America. It has been reported in some parts of the United States. Clinical signs include hard skin nodules, weakness, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and more. Diagnosis is based on travel history, clinical signs, and diagnostic testing. The goal of treatment is to resolve clinical signs. Prognosis is guarded to grave depending on the severity of the disease.
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Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of dogs and other mammals that primarily affects the liver or kidneys. The bacteria (Leptospira) that cause leptospirosis thrive in water. Infected or recovered carrier dogs may act as a source of the infection. Antibiotics such as penicillin, ampicillin, and amoxicillin are reasonably effective against the acute stages of leptospirosis, if started early, although most affected dogs require intensive care in the veterinary hospital. This disease can be transmitted to humans.
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The bacterium that causes Lyme disease can be transmitted to dogs through the bite of an infected tick, most commonly the deer tick (black-legged tick), which is found in the midwestern and eastern United States and throughout Canada.
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Melioidosis is a bacterial infection that is typically associated with tropical regions. The bacteria that causes melioidosis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, is usually found in soil and water. The clinical signs of this condition, along with transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, are outlined in this handout.
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The Ebola virus is very contagious and is transmitted through blood, body fluids, and tissues, but not through air, water, or food. Ebola affects humans, non-human primates, and is carried by fruit bats. Other species do not appear to be affected, although there has been evidence of exposure to the disease in dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. Domestic animals are not believed to transmit the virus; however, there is a risk that they could transmit body fluids such as saliva on their fur to other humans. Any potential exposure to Ebola should be reported to your veterinarian who will contact the Center for Disease Control (CDC).