Dog disease

There are certain diseases that are common in dogs. Some diseases affects all dogs while others affect specific breeds. Specific diseases can be genetic and may be brought on by inbreeding which may cause a recessive gene to appear.

The common heart diseases suffered by dogs often lead to heart failure. That’s not to be confused with heart attacks experienced by people. Dogs will generally suffer what is called Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), a relatively slow worsening of symptoms – also suffered by people – as the heart struggles to compensate for whatever defect or disease is present. As the condition develops, it will affect all other organs in the body that rely on the efficient supply of nutrient-rich blood.

Some examples of breed specific diseases are, hip dysplasia in the larger breed of dogs – for example German Shepherds. Hip dysplasia may be genetic of simply caused by old age. Following are some of the more common dog ailments…

Distemper

Unfortunately there is no cure for this serious condition. Distemper is spread by contaminated feces of infected dogs. There is only a 50% survival rate for distemper, but as with any disease, early intervention will increase the chances of survival.

The symptoms of distemper include coughing, nasal discharge, chest congestion, vomitting and diarrhea. As the disease progresses it affects the nervous system casing possible paralysis. There is a vaccine which can prevent distemper.

Heartworm

Heartworm is a parasitic disease also spread by infected feces and mosquitoes. Heartworm is a disease that progresses very rapidly and tends to affect younger dogs although older dogs may still become infected.. Heartworm is easily prevented by vaccination which should be done at the puppy stage.

Synptoms of heartworm include coughing and lethargy which later progresses to heart disease in dogs(hence the name).

Rabies

Rabies is a disease of the central nervous system and is spread by a virus. Dogs can become infected through contact with the saliva of infected animals.

There is currently no cure for rabies and it is best to have the dog euthanized due to the progressive nature of this horrible disease. The disease progresses in stages. Earlt symptoms include behavioral changes and slowing reflexes. The behavior gradually gets worse and sometimes violent with increasing lack of coordination.

Bloat

This is actually a twisting of the stomach caused by overeating. It can be fatal if not recognised and treated quickly. Bloat tends to affect older dogs, particularly those who gulp their food down very fast.

If bloat is diagnosed in time it can be treated by inserting a stomach tube. As the risk of recurrence is very high, surgery is sometimes recommended to prevent this.

To reduce the risk of bloat, it’s best to feed your dog 2- 3 smaller meals a day rather than 1 large one.

Every dog disease should be treated as serious and needs immediate treatment. Remember the healthier your dog, the less chance he has of contacting any of the above dog diseases.
The common heart diseases suffered by dogs often lead to heart failure. That’s not to be confused with heart attacks experienced by people. Dogs will generally suffer what is called Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), a relatively slow worsening of symptoms – also suffered by people – as the heart struggles to compensate for whatever defect or disease is present. As the condition develops, it will affect all other organs in the body that rely on the efficient supply of nutrient-rich blood.