Tick fever (Ehrlichiosis) in dogs :

Tick bite fever is generally a chronic disease, although acute deaths may occur. Many people are not aware that this disease is caused by a bacteria Ehrlichia which is a rickettsial bacteria belonging to the family Ehrlichiaceae. In most cases an early diagnosis and treatment will lead to recovery, but diagnosis is difficult in a large proportion of cases. Dog owners and all animal lovers are requested not to delay taking a sick dog to the vet as early, timely treatment is important to keep animals in good shape.

Causes :
Dogs get tick fever from the brown dog tick. When it bites an ehrlichia organism passes into the bloodstream.One another cause of disease is blood transfusion of dog from an infected dog.

Stages :
There are three stages of  Ehrlichiosis. The acute stage, The subclinical (subacute) stage, The chronic stage.
*Acute stage lasts for several days after infection and lasting for upto a month or so. It can lead to fever and low peripheral blood cell counts.
*Subclinical/ subacute stage may last months/ can last for the whole life.During this period dog remains infected with the organism.But during this time some dogs are able to successfully eliminate the disease.
*Chronic stage is the most serious stage of infection. After a period of months/ years the dog's immune system is broken down. So low blood cell counts. In results the chances of bleeding, lameness, bacterial infection, ophthalmic disorders, kidney disease, neurological, etc. It can be fatal.

Symptoms :
During the course of the disease  at any stage, the following symptoms may be seen. 
Partial or total loss of appetite, high fever, vomiting and diarrhea, coughing, weight loss, excessive salivary flow, pussy discharge from the nose and may be from eyes, bleeding from the nose/gums, pale gums due to anemia, lameness, weakness/paralysis, swelling of the hind limbs, acute death due to severe internal bleeding,etc.

Diagnosis :
Very small percentage of cases the organisms are seen in a blood smear. Diagnosis is achieved by serologic testings of the blood, routine tests for the disease. In the mejority of cases, specially subclinical (subacute) and chronic cases, the organisms are seldom seen.The other diagnostic methods are necessary to confirm the disease. The tests should be repeated. Polymerase chain reaction test ( PCR test) can be done to detect genetic material of bacteria. During the subclinical (subacute) and chronic disease many times PCR test shows a negative result. If the disease is present, blood tests may show abnormalities in the numbers of white blood cells, red blood cells and blood platelets. A diagnosis can be made by looking under a microscope at a blood smear for the presence of morula (mulberry). A new DNA test is available which at once looks at 11 different tick borne diseases. This test is extremely sensitive, especially if a biopsy from the lungs or spleen is tested.

Treatments :
Vitamins are prescribed to increasing appetite.Good nutrition is important to give the dog.It is the best chance to fight with the infection.Coagulants may be tried if bleeding occurs.If severe bleeding is there then a fresh blood transfusion is to be done.Antibiotics for a period of at least six to eight weeks can be given but response to the drugs may take one month.So to build dog's strength sometimes steroids may be required. Dog which has clinical signs, must be provided supportive care.

Prevention :
Tick control in dog is the most effective method of prevention . There is no vaccine available against tick bite fever so it is necessary to improve dog's immunity against tick fever.Regular dipping, tick collars, tick sprays is helpful for prevention. As it is generally a chronic disease and it can be fatal so an early diagnosis and treatment only can save dog's life. Do not delay taking a sick dog to the experienced veterinary doctor.
 
Do not care for only your pet. Make a difference by taking care for all animals, specially who are homeless and suffering on the streets. They desperately need our support and help.

How to Take Care of a Canine (Dog)

 

 

All animal lovers should know - How to take Ccre of a Canine (Dog). Here are some tips.

 

 

 

Owning a pet, means it becomes a family member. They are adorable. They share all your joys, pains, sorrows, everything. Caring for your pet involves a lot of responsibilities, since you are the sole provider for him social, dietary, health-related needs.

So you should know everything about them and you should take proper care of your pet. Rather you should take care of all strays/animals.

There is no way you can ignore the situation/ about your family member. Rather you should not. In case of emergencies, knowing how to treat a canine, can prove to be a life saver for it.

Taking care of a canine when ill is essential and requires a lot to be done depending on the illness. Here are some tips about how to take care of a Canine in case it is sick or injured. Please read carefully.

How to Treat a Canine's Wound

Canine wound needs to be treated efficiently. It does not turn into an infection and worsen. Treating canine wounds may not be that easy, as the it may not allow touching the wound. So you will need to tie the canine by a leash and muzzle it. Clean the wound with clean running water, don't use antiseptics at that time as it is wet so might cause pain. So first dry the wound using cotton, then apply an antiseptic cream and put on a bandage. Be careful about the canine it does not lick or bite around the wound, this can cause an infection. For deeper wounds, get the wound checked immediately and treated by a veterinarian.

How to Treat a Canine's Sprained Leg

To treat a canine's sprained or broken leg, very first thing, minimize your canine's walking activity. Immediate veterinary consultation is advised. Do not try to treat it on your own, as you can damage the sprain further.Canine sprains just like human ones. Canine owners should notice the injury when their it begins to limp or appears to be pained by walking. If there have doubt that canine has a sprain, get him to a vet to rule out something more serious.It should be checked out by a vet.

After the veterinarian has checked canine and has allowed it to get back home, you should make sure the canine takes complete rest and if possible should be kept in a crate. Take it frequently to the veterinarian until the sprain or broken leg heals completely and administer the medicine as and when prescribed. It is very important to make sure that the canine does not put any weight on the sprained /broken leg.

Remember, delaying treatment may cause injury to worsen. This may cause injury to worsen so seeking care early is important.

How to Treat a Canine's Upset Stomach

If Canine is overfeeded accidentally, it can result in an upset stomach for him. Also, canines are known to eat stuff they are unfamiliar with. To treat a canine's upset stomach, need to first ensure that the situation is not a serious one. For mild stomach upsets, it may need to starve the dog for 24hours. This is first natural cure.

Normally canines will eat grass to cleanse out their system. This is the natural method for curing canine's upset stomach. If the stomach is even a little better, it can introduce bland food like steamed chicken with rice ( quantity should be 50% from normal feeding). Pure clean and freshwater needs to be givin all the time. If the symptoms persist for more than the stipulated time, consult a veterinarian immediately before proceeding with any treatments.

How to Treat a Dog's Ear Infection

Ear infection is a common condition most canines suffer from. This is caused on the external ear, mainly due to a bacterial or yeast infection.This can cause a very intense irritation for canine. Once you see the early signs that canine is uncomfortable, So as to avoid any further complications, will need to treat the ear infection. First you need to clean the infected area with an antibacterial solution, using a cotton swab. Applying an anti-microbial ear drop thrice a day will help cure the infection. If the infection persists for more than three days and causes discomfort for your dog, consult a veterinarian for an antibiotic treatment as your canine is totally reliant on you and no doubt that canine ear infections often require Veterinary Care.

How to Treat a Canine With Fever

Fever in a canine is typically a sign that the body is fighting infection. You may tell whether your canine has a fever by feeling his nose hot and dry. Cool and wet nose is good. But it is not that simple. Some times canine fever often goes unrecognized.

The most accurate way to detect a fever is by taking canine's rectal temperature. A normal temperature for a canine is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The word fever is typically used to describe elevated body temperature caused by infection or inflammation. A temperature of more than 103 degrees is considered a canine fever. Although there are no definite symptoms for fever but some symptoms that might indicate illness and fever in canine like - Shivering, vomiting, coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, depressed mood, etc.
A variety of illnesses and conditions may make your canine run a fever. Any type of infection in the body may cause fever in canin

Now, if you are taking canine's temperature with a mercury thermometer, shake the mercury down. While using an electronic thermometer, it should be ready to go with either thermometer, you will need to lubricate the tip with either a jelly or an oil such as almond or olive oil. Lift canine's tail gently to insert the lubricated end of the thermometer right inside of his rectum. Don't push the thermometer too far. It may hurt/cause injury. Mercury thermometer will need to leave three to four minutes before reading and for digital, hear the beep before removing it.

If canine's temperature is above 103 degree, do not give him any human medicine. Above 105 degree fever can be fatal for canine. Remember, Canine is not a human. Human drugs can be dangerous to canine. You are not a vet. So you need to take him to the veterinary doctor immediately. By doing so your canine will be in great hands and will be safer for quik recovery.

How to Treat a Canine With cold and cough

Canine suffering from cold have experience symptoms like constant sneezing, coughing, and runny nose with runny eyes, lethargy, poor appetite. These symptoms are associated with the various respiratory diseases. The immune system of canine has the capacity
Some common symptoms are -
Parainfluenza, Canine Kennel Cough,Adenovirus type -2, Pneumonia, Distemper.
If you have a young puppy or an old canine suffering from the above symptoms of cold, you should take your canine to a good vet immediately. Initially you may treat canine with home made remedies unless symptoms of cold are too severe.

How to Treat a Canine With Parvo

Canine Parvovirus is the most common serious infectious disease. Parvo causes ulcreative enteritis and diarrhea. This diarrhea can be bloody and life threatening. Early in the disease canine may run a short period of fever. The most common form of Parvovirus infection is a acute inflammation of the small intestine. This is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, profound dehydration and depression.True diagnosis requires an antibody test that detects the actual parvovirus in stool samples. Survival ratesdepends on how quickly parvovirus is diagnosed, even the age of canine and how aggresive the treatment is. Due to the severe dehydration and damage of intestines, treatment usually involves hospitalization. It ideally consists of crystalloid IV fluids and may collorids,antinausea injections. IV fluids should be administered and injections should given subcutaneously or intravenously.The fluids are typically a mix of a sterile and balanced electrolyte solution. A solution called colloidal silver is especially useful in treating parvo.Once canine keeps fluid down, the IV fluids are gradually discontinued and compeletly bland food slowly introduced. Oral antibiotics should administered for a number of days depending on the white blood cell count and the canine's ability to fight with secondary infection.

Remember, the virus lives for long periods of time on food containers, floors and household objects. Treating a canine with parvo would involve confining it to a separate room, away from other canines and children. Make sure the canine has everything it requires around the crate. Administer the prescribed dosage of medications regularly.Take good care of the canine. Parvo can be prevented with the administration of yearly vaccinations and preventing it is essential.

The virus lives for long periods of time on food containers, floors and other household objects.Treatmenttreating parvo. Take good care of the dog and feed it well. Parvo can be prevented with the administration of yearly vaccinations and preventing it is essential for your canine.

How to Treat a Dog With Distemper
Canine distemper is a highly contagious and sometimes fatal disease that is seen in canines. It is caused by the canine distemper virus. Commonly observed signs are a runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, coughing, excessive sallvation, loss of appetite, weight loss, etc. Distemper in canine diagnosis is based primarily on the history and clinical signs. Signs are variable and may take time to appear. Secondary infections are common, diagnosis can be complicated. Other infections can produce similar signs to distemper. A variety of laboratory tests can help confirm the dignosis.

Neurological symptoms of distemper may not develop later in the disease ( sometimes even after several weeks). Neurological symptoms of distemper may include muscle twitching, paralysis, increased sensitivity to touch or pain. Canine distemper also occurs in wild animals, contact with wild animals may contribute to the spread of distemper to domestic canines.
Treatment of distemper in canine includes fluids to combat dehydration, medication to reduce vomiting, antibiotics and some other medications to treat pneumonia, antiboitics for secondary infections, anticonvulsants to treat sezures. Neurological symptoms may get progressively worse and may not respond to treatment.
The fact is there is no cure for the actual virus which causes canine Distemper. Treatment is supportive. Vet will treat the symptoms as they occur. Canine may need an intravenous drip if it is dehydrated, or anticonvulsants if it is having seizures. The canine is kept as comfortable as possible with constant nursing in a warm dry draft free area.

Proper veterinary care is extremely important when understanding how to take care of a canine. It’s best if you bring your pet in for veterinary regular checkups. If you’re worried about costs, you may want to invest in pet insurance for your dog. Pet insurance can cover some or all of your veterinary bills, and will usually also cover emergency procedures.
Many pet owners often underestimate how important veterinary care is for knowing how to take care of a dog.
Make sure you take good care of your pet to prevent illness and help it recover quickly. Always treat your pets by an experienced and qualified Veterinary Doctor only. They are your family members.

Canine (Dog) Skin Diseases.

                  

1-Food Allergies:

Cause : Allergic reaction to something in the diet.

Symptoms : Itching, redness, licking of feet,inflamed ears , hot spots etc.

Diagnosis : Food elimination trails, blood testing for allergies.

Treatment : Must change in diet.

2- Allergic and Irritant Contact Dermatitis :

Cause : Reaction of the canine’s skin to something it had contact with such as plastics or wool.

Symptoms : Itching, red skin, blisters on the areas of skin that are sparsely haired and directly exposed to the offending substance or small bumps, etc.

Diagnosis : Exclusion trials, Patch tests, etc.

Treatment : Restrict exposure to the allergen or contact irritant in the pet's environment, steroids, antihistamines,etc.

3- Atopy (Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis)

Cause : Allergic reaction by inhales such as house dust mites, pollen, mould, etc.

Symptoms : Itching, redness, licking of feet, inflamed ears, and may be development of infection or hot spots, etc.

Diagnosis : Serologic ( blood ) or Intradermal testing for allergies.

Treatment : Reduce exposure to allergen (what the canine is allergic to), fatty acid supplements, shampoos, antihistamines, immunotherapy, steroids, etc.

4- Flea Allergy Dermatitis :

Cause : Severe reaction by the saliva of the flea.

Symptoms : Licking of feet, itching, redness, inflamed ears, sometimes may development of infection or hot spots.

Diagnosis : Reaction to intradermal testings, presence of fleas.

Treatment : Steroids and antihistamines for the itching, flea control in the environment and on the canine.

5- Ringworm :

Cause : Infection with several types of fungus.

Symptoms : Itching, hair loss, crusty areas, scaliness, etc.

Diagnosis : Culture

Treatment : Lime sulphur dips, Miconazole, oral griseofulvin or itraconazole

6- Hot Spots ( Acute Moist Dermatitis ) :

Cause : Flea bites, mange, result from allergies, poor grooming, arthritis, ear infections, plant burs, etc.

Symptoms : Licking or scratching, moist –red skin, hair loss,etc.

Diagnosis : History and physical examination.

Treatment : Cleaning of areas, apply solutions at those areas, topical/oral antibiotics, treat underlying condition.

7- Yeast Infection :

Cause :

Primary yeast infection - the ill-making yeast bacteria strike healthy canine skin and the canine’s immune system can’tresist them, contaminated items or other canine.

Secondary yeast infection - penetration of yeast into skin that is damaged by constantly scrating or injuries.

Some factors who can increase the yeast infection are Diabetes mellitus, immune system deficiency,previous medication with antibiotics/steroids.

Symptoms : Redness, itching, dry skin(because of frequently bathing),skin rashes.

Diagnosis : Smear and microscopic examination, culture, skin scraping, etc.

Treatment : Well balanced natural diet (carbohydrates, preservatives and artificial fillers should be avoided), keep canine dry after bathing, after walks in rains, oral ketoconazole, miconazole shampoos,treat underlying disease.

8- Hookworms :

Cause : Infection with the larvae of hookworms, causing blood loss, subsequent anemia, can cause severe illness and sudden death.

Symptom : Skin irritation, most often on the feet between the toes, itching, abnormal nail growth, red bumps, usually on feet, loss of appetite,weight loss, anemia, etc.

Diagnosis : Fecal flotation test, Physical exam, history of poor sanitation.
Treatment : Appropriate de-worming schedule, nutritional support, protein diet, anti-diarrheal medication, move canine to different environment, vitamins and iron supplement may required.

9- Bacterial Infection :
Cause : Staph infection ( staph bacteria lives on the skin of the canine and incase the canine’s skin is cut or wounded,infection is caused).
Symptoms : Loss of hair, dried discharge in the affected area, redness, bumps, sometimes may itching, etc.
Diagnosis : Microscopic examination of smear, culture skin biopsies.
Treatment : Treat underlying condition, topical and/or oral antibiotics.

10- Ear Mites :
Cause : Ear Mites in canine are very contagious, can be picked up through contact with other animal, frequently passed on from mother to her young, Infection with Otodectes,
Symptoms : Intense itching of ears, redness, dark crumbly discharge in ears, sores or hair loss around the ear, etc.
Diagnosis : Microscopic examination of ear discharge or direct visual.
Treatment : Natural Remedies –Garlic, garlic acts as a natural anti-biotic, warmwood, neem, lemongrass, niaoli ( this powerful hurb acts as a tissue stimulant and is used to clean wounds, skin irritation, clean ears, apply medication containing pyrethrin, etc.

11- Skin Fold Dermatitis :
Cause : Occurs where folds of skin touch each other such as lips, face (in breeds like bulldogs), vulva.
Symptoms : Irritation, redness, oozing, inflammation of the skin in the area of the fold, etc.
Diagnosis : Physical exam, microscopically examine smear for evidence of infection, etc.
Treatment : Clean areas daily, treat any infections, may prescribe a benzoyl peroxide shampoo and gel to be after bath, antibiotic steroid cream , surgical correction if severe, etc.

12- Chiggers (Harvest mites):
Cause : Seasonal disease caused by larvae of the chigger.
Symptoms : Folds at base of ears, itching, bumps usually on feet, abdomen.
Diagnosis : Microscopic examination of skin scraping, Visualization of mite larvae
Treatment : Pyrethrin, Permethrin, etc.

13- Demodectic Mange (Demodectic mange occurs in a localized and generalized forms. The diagnosis is made by taking multiple skin scrapings and looking for the mites) :
Cause : Infection with the Demodexmite (tiny mite which can’t be seen with naked eye ) - occurs when the immune system is deficient .
Symptoms : Scaliness, redness, hair loss, ulcers, pustules, sometimes may itching, etc.
Diagnosis : Microscopic examination and Multiple skin scraping .
Treatment : Amitraz (Mitaban) dips, No steroids
( Localized Demodectic Mange -A mild topical preparation can be used to treat by massaged into the affected area once daily. The medication should be rubbed with the lay of the hair to minimize further hair loss.
Generalized Demodectic Mange - Must be treated under close veterinary supervision. Therapy involves the use of medicated shampoos and dips to remove surface scales and kill mites. Shave or clip hair from all affected areas to facilitate access to the skin.)

14 - Sarcoptic Mange :
Cause : Infection with the Sarcoptesmite
Symptoms : Hair loss, severe itching, specially on the elbows, ears, hocks, chest, ventral abdomen, development of small red pustules along with yellow crusts on the skin, self-trauma, etc.
Diagnosis : The standard method is to perform a skin scraping and then identify the mite under the microscope, most diagnoses are made based on history and response to treatment for scabies.
Treatment : Bathe with a benzoyl peroxide shampoo to cleanse the skin, apply an organophosphate dip (Paramite), Amitraz dips and Mitaban (also organophosphates), and lime sulfur dips (Lymdip)
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5 - Cheyletiella Mange (Rabbit Fur Mite) :
Cause : Infection with the Cheyletiellamite ( walking dandruff )
Symptoms : Itching, scaliness, rubbing face and sneezing quite regularly.
Diagnosis : Skin scraping and microscopic examination (the mite is often very difficult to find).
Treatment : Pthrinerme or Pyrethrin . weekly bathing in pyrethrin shampoo, lime sulfur dips every five to seven days for three weeks, fipronil spray one spritz/lb body weight repeated again in three weeks, selamectin topically one dose every 15 days for a total of three doses.

16 - Pelodera Dermatitis :
Cause : Accidental infection with larvae from a non-parasitic worm that lives in straw , marshy hay, other grasses that are in contact with damp soil, other organic material.
Symptoms : Raw, crusted, inflamed areas where canine has chewed and scratched the skin,
intense itching, redness.
Diagnosis : Microscopic examination and Skin scraping.
Treatment : Remove bedding; mild antibacterial shampoo; steroids if necessary to control itching, bathe the canine with a benzoyl peroxide shampoo to remove scales and crusts. Follow with an organoph osphate insecticide dip, topical antibiotic ointment to flamed skin areas.

17- Neurodermatitis: Acral Lick Dermatitis :
Cause : Self-licking in canine results in self-trauma; possible causes include boredom, anxiety, stress , new member in household/ moving to a new place, etc.
Symptoms : Acral Lick: red, hairless, well-circumscribed lesion usually on forearm; cats: symmetrical hair loss, sometimes ulcers, on abdomen, groin, along the back.
Diagnosis : Exclude other causes, history important.
Treatment : Relieve underlying cause (anxiety, etc), healthy exercise routine.

18- Cutaneous Lymphoma :
Cause : Majority of Lymphoma cases is unknown, several factors may influence one’s risk of developing lymphoma, medical history.
Symptoms : Itching, redness, ulcers, nodules, etc.
Diagnosis : Combination of diagnostic tests, blood tests, biopsies, x-rays, ultrasound.
Treatment : Chemotherapy, combination of oral and injectable drugs, commonly used drugs includes cyclophophamide, doxorubicin, vincristine,.Usually does not respond to treatment.

Please treat your pets by an experienced and qualified Veterinary Doctor only.