ANAPLASMOSIS Anaplasmosisis a bacterial disease affecting both dogs and cats. It is carried and transmitted by several different species of tick. Symptoms of anaplasmosis may include joint pain, fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Prevention Monthly Flea (and tick) Parasite Preventatives Because this is a tick-borne disease, and there is no vaccine or other guaranteed method of… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Vaccination and Deworming
H3N8 Influenza
H3N8 CANINE INFLUENZA Canine influenza, often referred to as “Dog Flu” is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a specific Type A influenza virus. H3N8 is transmitted from dog to dog through direct contact, or through uninfected dogs coming in contact with contaminated objects or clothing that has been in the presence of infected dogs. Symptoms… Continue Reading
Canine Leptospirosis
Canine Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection often causing permanent kidney and liver damage in dogs. It is a bacterial disease which attacks the kidneys and the liver, causing uremia (uremic poisoning), jaundice, and sometimes death. The disease is highly contagious and often fatal. It is transmitted by many species of wild and domestic animals,… Continue Reading
Canine Bordetella
Canine Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Bordetella bronchisepticum, a bacterial pathogen, is one of the several major causes of infectious tracheobronchitis (ITB, more commonly known as kennel cough), an extremely contagious respiratory disease of dogs. If treated, ITB rarely causes death, but even with treatment, the disease typically lasts for many weeks, during which time the affected… Continue Reading
Adenovirus
Adenovirus 1, Adenovirus 2 (AKA Canine Hepatitis) Canine adenovirus infection comes in two forms – Type-1 causes severe (even fatal) liver disease; Type-2 causes respiratory disease which can lead to pneumonia and death. These viruses are very contagious. Dogs of any age can become infected with canine adenovirus via contact with infected saliva, mucous, urine,… Continue Reading
Parainfluenza
Parainfluenza Virus Canine parainfluenza virus is one of the most common causes of infectious tracheobronchitis, also called “kennel cough”, an infection of the windpipe (trachea) and its lower branches (the bronchi). Other important organisms can also cause kennel cough, such as canine adenovirus-2 and Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterial pathogen. Kennel cough is characterized by a… Continue Reading
Parvovirus
Parvovirus Parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease of puppies and unvaccinated adult dogs. This virus is transmitted by direct contact with infected dogs or wild members of the dog family, infected feces, or a contaminated environment. Canine parvovirus can live for months to years in the environment. Canine parvovirus causes fever, severe… Continue Reading
Distemper
Canine Distemper Canine distemper is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease. It is found worldwide in places inhabited by dogs and other members of the canine family. The virus is spread in the air and via direct contact through respiratory secretions of an infected dog or wild animal. Distemper primarily affects puppies and… Continue Reading
Canine Rabies
Rabies Rabies is a viral infection of the central nervous system that can affect all mammals, including humans, and is 100% fatal if left untreated. It is transmitted from animal-to-animal or from animal-to-human primarily through the bite of an infected animal. Rabies virus travels in the nerves from the site of the bite to the… Continue Reading
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal Parasites Roundworms Throughout South Africa, roundworms and tapeworms (flatworms) are far and away the most common intestinal parasites of our pets. These worms can cause a variety of problems including diarrhoea, poor coat health, and general failure to thrive. In puppies and kittens roundworm infestation is the most common cause of the pot-bellied appearance.… Continue Reading