Monday, January 24, 2011
Border collie comprehends over 1,000 object names as verbal referents
Researchers discovered that a border collie comprehends the names of over 1,000 objects, differentiating between names of objects and orders to fetch them. This research deepens the findings of researchers in Germany, who had discovered a dog that knew the names of a couple of hundred objects. Important questions were left open as to how far a dog could go, and whether the dog really understood that the object names were nouns and not commands to retrieve the object. John Pilley and Alliston Reid answered two central questions with their research: How large can a dog's vocabulary become if given extensive training? What do dogs actually understand when we use human language to communicate with them? These findings are published in the Elsevier journal Behavioural Processes.
Friday, April 2, 2010
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Saturday, March 20, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Top 10 Tips for a Fresh Clean Home
1. Focus. Focus your cleanup efforts on areas where odours can start. Spots where dogs sleep, eat and play are common sources of odor. Thoroughly clean these areas at least twice a week. Wash all food and water bowls in your dishwasher once or twice a week. Clean the floor under and around feeding areas.
2. Don't delay. Messes are easier to clean up when they are "fresh". The sooner you clean the mess, the less likely it will leave a stain. Identify and treat all problem areas promptly. Clean any initial stains, spots or accidents by using white paper towels to absorb and pick up as much of the mess as you can before using other products.
3. Avoid ammonia. To a dog, an ammonia-based cleaner smells like urine. Don't use ammonia-based products to clean up your dog's mess, because the ammonia smell can actually attract your pet back to that spot again.
4. Get the right stuff. Use a good quality enzyme-based dog odor neutralizer to kill the urine scent and follow the label directions carefully. You often have to deeply penetrate an embedded stain, so make sure you use enough of the product to treat the entire area. Eliminating the odor will also minimize the chance of your pet returning to soil that area again.
5. Easy and washable. When choosing items for your pet and for your home, choose machine washable fabrics. Look for items with easy-to-remove washable covers to help keep your home clean and odor free. This includes your bedding, pet carriers and pet beds.
6. Wash. Wash all pet clothes, washable bedding, pet friendly furniture covers, rugs and mats at least once a week.
7. Remove the hair. Pet hair seems to "stick" to furniture, upholstery and clothing. Try using tape sheets and special pet hair vacuum attachments. You can also use a damp washcloth to help pick up stubborn stuck-on hair.
8. Keep floors clean. The floor is one of the hardest areas to keep clean and that can get very frustrating. Dogs are everywhere and their hair seems to go everywhere as well. A good quality vacuum can help remove pet hair from carpets.
9. Clean the air. Air purification devices help to reduce allergens and eliminate household odors.
10. Keep your dog clean. Dirt and doggy odor start with a dirty dog. Routine grooming and bathing is a "must" to help keep your home smelling fresh and clean. You can clean your home every day, but if your dog has "doggy odor" or if he is actively shedding, it will be hard to win the battle over odor and hair. Start with the source of the problem and keep your dog clean.
2. Don't delay. Messes are easier to clean up when they are "fresh". The sooner you clean the mess, the less likely it will leave a stain. Identify and treat all problem areas promptly. Clean any initial stains, spots or accidents by using white paper towels to absorb and pick up as much of the mess as you can before using other products.
3. Avoid ammonia. To a dog, an ammonia-based cleaner smells like urine. Don't use ammonia-based products to clean up your dog's mess, because the ammonia smell can actually attract your pet back to that spot again.
4. Get the right stuff. Use a good quality enzyme-based dog odor neutralizer to kill the urine scent and follow the label directions carefully. You often have to deeply penetrate an embedded stain, so make sure you use enough of the product to treat the entire area. Eliminating the odor will also minimize the chance of your pet returning to soil that area again.
5. Easy and washable. When choosing items for your pet and for your home, choose machine washable fabrics. Look for items with easy-to-remove washable covers to help keep your home clean and odor free. This includes your bedding, pet carriers and pet beds.
6. Wash. Wash all pet clothes, washable bedding, pet friendly furniture covers, rugs and mats at least once a week.
7. Remove the hair. Pet hair seems to "stick" to furniture, upholstery and clothing. Try using tape sheets and special pet hair vacuum attachments. You can also use a damp washcloth to help pick up stubborn stuck-on hair.
8. Keep floors clean. The floor is one of the hardest areas to keep clean and that can get very frustrating. Dogs are everywhere and their hair seems to go everywhere as well. A good quality vacuum can help remove pet hair from carpets.
9. Clean the air. Air purification devices help to reduce allergens and eliminate household odors.
10. Keep your dog clean. Dirt and doggy odor start with a dirty dog. Routine grooming and bathing is a "must" to help keep your home smelling fresh and clean. You can clean your home every day, but if your dog has "doggy odor" or if he is actively shedding, it will be hard to win the battle over odor and hair. Start with the source of the problem and keep your dog clean.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Coughing - WSAVA 2003 Congress
http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WSAVA2003&PID=6502&O=Generic
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Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Vector-Borne Diseases
There has been a worldwide resurgence of vector-borne diseases since the 1970s including malaria, dengue, Yellow fever, louse-borne typhus, plague, leishmaniasis, sleeping sickness, West Nile encephalitis, Lyme disease, Japanese encephalitis, Rift Valley fever, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Reasons for the emergence or resurgence of vector-borne diseases include the development of insecticide and drug resistance; decreased resources for surveillance, prevention and control of vectorborne diseases; deterioration of the public health infrastructure required to deal with these diseases; unprecedented population growth; uncontrolled urbanization; changes in agricultural practices; deforestation; and increased travel. Changes have been documented in the distribution of important arthropod disease vectors. The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti has reestablished in parts of the Americas where it had been presumed to have been eradicated; the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, was introduced into the Americas in the 1980s and has spread to Central and South America; and the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, an important transmitter of Lyme disease and other pathogens, has gradually expanded its range in parts of eastern and central North America.
Tick-Borne Diseases | CDC/NIOSH
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Overview
Tick-borne pathogens can be passed to humans by the bite of infected ticks. Ticks can be infected with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some of the most common tick-borne diseases in the United States include: Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, anaplasmosis, Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness, Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever, and tularemia. Other tick-borne diseases in the United States include: Colorado tick fever, Powassan encephalitis, and Q fever. Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in the United States. In 2008, nearly 29,000 confirmed cases of Lyme disease were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Outdoor workers are at risk of exposure to tick-borne diseases if they work at sites with ticks. Worksites with woods, bushes, high grass, or leaf litter are likely to have more ticks. Outdoor workers in most regions of the United States should be extra careful to protect themselves in the spring, summer, and fall when ticks are most active. Ticks may be active all year in some regions with warmer weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which workers are at risk of infection?
All outdoor workers should check with their supervisor if they have questions about possible exposure to ticks. Workers at risk of tick-borne diseases include, but are not limited to, those working in the following:
- Construction
- Landscaping
- Forestry
- Brush clearing
- Land surveying
- Farming
- Railroad work
- Oil field work
- Utility line work
- Park or wildlife management
- Other outdoor work
What diseases are transmitted by ticks in the United States?
Diseases caused by tick-borne pathogens in the United States include:
- Lyme disease
- Babesiosis
- Ehrlichiosis
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness
- Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever
- Tularemia
- Anaplasmosis
- Colorado tick fever
- Powassan encephalitis
- Q fever
Where are infected ticks found in the United States?
Tick-Borne Disease | Common US Regions |
Lyme disease | Northeast, North Central, Pacific Coast |
Babesiosis | Northeast, Midwest, Northwest |
Ehrlichiosis | East, Southeast, Central |
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever | Southeast, Atlantic Coast |
Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness | Southeast, Atlantic Coast |
Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever | Rocky Mountains, Pacific Coast |
Tularemia | All States except Hawaii |
| Anaplasmosis | Northeast, North Central, Pacific Coast |
| Colorado Tick Fever | Northwest, Rocky Mountains |
| Powassan Encephalitis | Northeast |
| Q fever | Throughout the United States |
When are workers at risk of infection?
Ticks are usually more active in the months of April through October and peak in the summer months of June through August. The time of year when ticks are active may vary with the geographic region and climate. Outdoor workers should be extra careful to protect themselves in the late spring and summer when immature ticks are most active.
What are the symptoms of infection with a tick-borne disease?
There are many symptoms associated with tick-borne diseases. Infected workers may not have all of these symptoms and many of these symptoms can occur with other diseases as well. Some common symptoms of infection with tick-borne diseases include:
- Body/muscle aches
- Fever
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Rash
- Stiff neck
- Facial paralysis
What is the diagnosis and treatment for tick-borne diseases?
Tick-borne diseases are diagnosed based on symptoms and the possibility that the worker has been exposed to infected ticks.
Most cases can be successfully treated with specific types of antibiotics, especially if treatment is started early. However, some workers may have symptoms such as arthritis, muscle and joint pain, or fatigue for an extended period of time.Recommendations for Employers
Employers should protect their workers from tick-borne diseases by taking these steps:
- Provide training for workers that includes information about the following:
- How tick-borne diseases are spread
- The risks of exposure and infection
- How workers can protect themselves from ticks
- The importance of the timely reporting of workplace illnesses and injuries
- Recommend that workers wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and hat when possible.
- If worker uniforms are provided, provide long-sleeved shirts and long pants as options.
- Provide workers with repellents (containing 20% to 30% DEET) to use on their skin and clothing for protection against tick bites.
- Provide workers with repellents (such as Permethrin) to provide greater protection. Permethrin kills ticks on contact. It can be used on clothing but not skin.
- When possible, have workers avoid working at sites with woods, bushes, tall grass, and leaf litter.
- When avoiding these sites is not possible, personal protective measures are of particular importance. If work in these higher-risk sites must occur, take the following steps to reduce tick populations:
- Remove leaf litter.
- Remove, mow, or cut back tall grass and brush.
- Discourage deer activity.
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| Images courtesy of CDC Public Health Image Library, CDC Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases and the CDC Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases |
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Kennel Cough – Is it preventable?
Also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, kennel cough is a highly contagious illness that affects the upper respiratory tract in dogs. It is caused by many viral and bacterial agents. The disease affects a vast majority of dogs in the US every year.
The symptoms for tracheobronchitis may range from dry cough, running nose to lethargy, fever, lack of appetite, pneumonia and in extreme cases even death.
Diabetic Dog Facts
Diabetes is not only a human illness. It affects other animals including dogs as well. This potentially lethal canine illness can be caught early through its symptoms. Thus it is importnant for dog guardians to familiarise themselves with canine Diabetes facts.
Canine Diabetes is an endocrine disease. It affects the endocrine glands and makes them malfunction. The two types of canine Diabetes are Diabetes Insipidus and Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Insipidus is due to the lack of vasopressin, a hormone that controls the way dog’s kidneys take in water. Diabetes Mellitus is due to failure of the body to produce insulin.
Diabetes Mellitus is one of the deadliest canine diseases if its symptoms are overlooked. The two types of Diabetes Mellitus are type 1 and type 2. These are similar to the affects that humans are dealing with daily.
Type 1 canine Diabetes or Juvenile Canine Diabetes usually shows up in puppies up to two year old dogs.
Type 2 diabetes is about the same as humans because this disease usually comes into play when the dog gets older and their body can no longer produce the insulin that the dog needs to make its internal organs function. If your dog has this type of diabetes you have to give your dog insulin shots and make sure you check your pets blood sugar level so that your dogs insulin is low you can give them a shot.
No matter if your dog has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, your dog is worth the money and the time you spend on your dog because of the happiness that a pet brings to you and your family. A dog is a pet that is irreplaceable because of the loyalty and the companionship that a dog brings to your family. Take your time and try to understand about diabetes in dogs because it can make a world of difference in your dog’s life.
Author Resource:- Read more about canine diabetes, diet for diabetic dogs and treatment for canine diabetes at DiabetesInDogsGuide.Com.![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_sGHLj1JPmz-XQzIwBMjlbIFM9MsfkdDapnRZ3QNPmAPg7LkajLOMv0ahdDU10Rq3-pARCCFh8U2k0m9DFuYH0To6M2gztsd5GpyY4MCC_xfMuJXPLzEjVEDi-1chF050mt7E1sNjcSmUKZz4Ws0y0=s0-d)
Canine Diabetes is an endocrine disease. It affects the endocrine glands and makes them malfunction. The two types of canine Diabetes are Diabetes Insipidus and Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Insipidus is due to the lack of vasopressin, a hormone that controls the way dog’s kidneys take in water. Diabetes Mellitus is due to failure of the body to produce insulin.
Diabetes Mellitus is one of the deadliest canine diseases if its symptoms are overlooked. The two types of Diabetes Mellitus are type 1 and type 2. These are similar to the affects that humans are dealing with daily.
Type 1 canine Diabetes or Juvenile Canine Diabetes usually shows up in puppies up to two year old dogs.
Type 2 diabetes is about the same as humans because this disease usually comes into play when the dog gets older and their body can no longer produce the insulin that the dog needs to make its internal organs function. If your dog has this type of diabetes you have to give your dog insulin shots and make sure you check your pets blood sugar level so that your dogs insulin is low you can give them a shot.
No matter if your dog has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, your dog is worth the money and the time you spend on your dog because of the happiness that a pet brings to you and your family. A dog is a pet that is irreplaceable because of the loyalty and the companionship that a dog brings to your family. Take your time and try to understand about diabetes in dogs because it can make a world of difference in your dog’s life.
Author Resource:- Read more about canine diabetes, diet for diabetic dogs and treatment for canine diabetes at DiabetesInDogsGuide.Com.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Vaccinations to give your dog
Vaccinations, immunisations or shots as they are commonly called, may be either Killed or Modified Live Vaccines. Modified Live Vaccines are live altered diseases unable to cause the disease. Killed Vaccines are killed diseases before injection.
Vaccinations enable dogs' immune system to recognize the presence of disease and will then create antibodies to fight it off, should it appear. These antibodies may last temporarily hence the need for regular vaccinations.
Diseases to vaccinate against include: Canine Distemper, Infectious Hepatitis, Rabies and Corona Virus.
Although regular vaccinations prevent dogs from contracting diseases, one should be aware of these diseases. Canine Distemper is a viral diseases that can damage the nervous system. It is fatal in half the cases and mainly affects middle aged dogs. Infectious Hepatitis is a life threatening viral disease transmitted via urine, saliva and faeces. Rabies is a zoonotic disease that is commonly vaccinated for. It is transmitted via saliva. Aggression, excessive salivation and erratic behaviour follow the onset of the disease. However affected animals may also be dumb. Another disease is that of young dogs, Corona Virus. It is commonly mixed up with Parvo. This disease is contagious and is transmitted via faecal ingestion. It affects the digestive system.
There are many diseases that can affect, sicken, or even kill dogs. Vaccinations are vital not only to dogs but to other animals as well.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Eye And Heart Disease
Eye disease is very common with Golden Retrievers. Most Golden’s will generally have hereditary cataracts, which is a common eye problem. At an early age, with affected Golden’s, one type of hereditary cataract will appear. Even though it may not cause interference with the vision of the Golden Retriever, some dogs will progress into total and quite possibly severe loss of vision.
Treatment Plans for Heart Worm Disease
Keeping your pets their most healthy should be made a crucial priority. It’s vital sometimes to take precautions toward attending to our canines’ well-being and liveliness. This may include taking them to the veterinary clinic for visits regularly and on time. In taking this action, we will take preventive strides toward keeping our dogs from contracting heart worm disease. A heart worm is a parasitic worm that are able to infect canines and may cause critical health issues. Symptoms that may determine that your canine is suffering from heart worms may include weight loss and appetite, throwing up, and frequent bowl movements.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
What not to feed dogs – petplace.com
Harmful foods that you should NEVER give to your dog are:
- Alcoholic Beverages, Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches and Plums, Grapes and Raisins, Baking Powder and Baking Soda and Chocolate
More foods that you should not feed to your dog are:
- Coffee (grounds and beans) causes "caffeine" toxicity in dogs.
- Fatty Foods are dog favourites but can cause acute pancreatitis except miniature or toy poodles. Cocker spaniels and miniature schnauzers are particularly prone to pancreatitis.
- Dairy Products although not highly dangerous can cause pancreatitis due to their high fat content. They are poorly digested.
- Macadamia / Queensland / Australia nuts can be toxic. As few as six nuts cause severe toxic symptoms.
- Mouldy / Spoiled Food can cause medical problems. In addition to food poisoning, some pets can develop tremors related to the ingestion of certain moulds.
- Nutmeg in high levels can be toxic and even be fatal. Signs of toxicity include tremors, seizures, nervous system abnormalities and death.
- Onions or Garlic cannot be properly digested by dogs and cats as well. A dog or cat that eats onions may experience gas, vomiting, diarrhoea or severe gastrointestinal distress. All forms of onion and garlic are problematic, including raw, dehydrated, cooked or powder. If large amounts of onion or garlic are ingested, or if onions are a part of your dog's daily diet, the red blood cells may become fragile and break apart.
- Xylitol sweetener from sugar-alcohol in sugar-free human food like gum and candy.
- Yeast Dough will "rise" in your dog's stomach and ferments. Alcohol is produced which can cause "alcohol toxicity."
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Canine Internal Parasites (Endoparasites)
Endoparasites or internal parasites live inside their host. They commonly reside in the gastrointestinal tract of their host (dog). These commonly cause gastrointestinal problems and affect the general conditions and behaviour of affected host animals. Gastrointestinal endoparasites include: roundworms, whipworms, coccidia, and tapeworms.
- Ascarids or Roundworms
Affected bitches host hidden encysted immature roundworms larvae in their tissues. The larvae migrate from these cysts during pregnancy into unborn puppies. At birth, the larvae migrate to the small intestine. They mature and the adults lay eggs which are shed in dog's faeces. These eggs infect other dogs and occasionally people, particularly the young.
Affected dogs have poor body condition and appear malnourished due to feeding ascarids. They present as unthrifty with a potbelly, and lethargic.
- Ancyclostoma or canine hookworms
Image via Wikipedia
Their eggs are shed in faeces. Worms hatch from these. Besides oro-faecal transmission, the worms are able to penetrate the skin and migrate to the small intestine where they attach to the gut lining and feed on blood.
Affected dogs present with anaemia.
- Trichuris or whipworms
Image via Wikipedia
They live in the caecum.
Affected dogs present with diarrhoea.
- Coccidia
Image via Wikipedia
These microscopic protozoan parasites live in the intestine.
Affected dogs present with chronic diarrhoea which may be bloody.
References
bestdogbreeds.info. (2009). Canine Internal Parasites (Endoparasites). http://bestdogbreeds.info/canine-internal-parasites.html. accessed 14th June 2009.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Medical Conditions of Great Dane Dogs
Giant breeds, like the Great Dane, have a life expectancy of no longer than 10 years and large male Danes may only live for 7 or 8 years. They have inherited health problems including: musculoskeletal disorders like hip dysplasia, Wobblers syndrome, and panosteitis; heart diseases such as cardiomyopathy and aortic stenosis; eye disorders such as cataracts, ectropion, entropion, glaucoma and retinal atrophy; hypothyroidism, cancer and bloat. Potential owners should consult breeders about the results for hip dysplasia, congenital heart disease and thyroid disease and a recent ophthalmologists report for both sire and dam.
Reference
Mathews, M., (2009), The gentle giant Great Dane, http://avery.madpage.com/2009/06/the-gentle-giant-great-dane/, accessed June 12th 2009.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Canine heartworm detectable, treatable
Northumberland Today - Ontario, CA
Summer months mean mosquito season. Mosquito season means that the diseases that mosquitoes vector will also be in season. These include dirofilariasis caused by the Dirofilaria immitis blood parasites. This is the well known heartworm parasite of dogs and oftentimes, cats. The parasite enters dogs through bites of infected mosquitoes. The lag period between infection and the development of symptoms can be up to months. The symptoms are: coughing, weight loss and reduced exercise tolerance. All dogs should be tested regardless of their apparent health. The prognosis of infected dogs is better if they are diagnosed early. A simple and inexpensive blood test for detecting D. immitis infection in dogs is available. It is cheaper to prevent dirofilariasis than to treat it. Dirofilariasis is prevented by a pill or chewable tablet or a spot-on liquid applied to the skin and are given monthly during the mosquito season. Although there is not 100% guarantee of protection, the preventive products are very effective. Dogs owners should know the distribution of the mosquito and the area wehre dirofilariasis is common. They should take precautionary measures to prevent the conditions developing in their dogs. Once dogs are infected, dirofilariasis can be treated with injectable medications that kill adult D. immitis.
Summer months mean mosquito season. Mosquito season means that the diseases that mosquitoes vector will also be in season. These include dirofilariasis caused by the Dirofilaria immitis blood parasites. This is the well known heartworm parasite of dogs and oftentimes, cats. The parasite enters dogs through bites of infected mosquitoes. The lag period between infection and the development of symptoms can be up to months. The symptoms are: coughing, weight loss and reduced exercise tolerance. All dogs should be tested regardless of their apparent health. The prognosis of infected dogs is better if they are diagnosed early. A simple and inexpensive blood test for detecting D. immitis infection in dogs is available. It is cheaper to prevent dirofilariasis than to treat it. Dirofilariasis is prevented by a pill or chewable tablet or a spot-on liquid applied to the skin and are given monthly during the mosquito season. Although there is not 100% guarantee of protection, the preventive products are very effective. Dogs owners should know the distribution of the mosquito and the area wehre dirofilariasis is common. They should take precautionary measures to prevent the conditions developing in their dogs. Once dogs are infected, dirofilariasis can be treated with injectable medications that kill adult D. immitis.
Killer Dog Diseases
Dogs are prone to get sick and even die if they are not properly cared for. Dogs should be adequately cared for and given ample attention to prevent them from acquiring rabies, parvovirus, distemper and other deadly diseases.
Rabies is a fatal and zoonotic viral disease. The virus is carried in the saliva of infected dogs. It is transmitted to people via dog bites. Affected dogs present with the following: paranoia, insomnia, anxiety, confusion, agitation and hydrophobia.
Parvoviral gastroenteritis is transmitted directly and indirectly through dog faeces. It is particularly dangerous to young dogs without maternal antibodies. Affected dogs present with: dehydration, diarrhoea, vomiting, and pyrexia. Affected dogs must be hospitalised and given appropriate medication and supportive care. Because parvovirus is able to survive extreme temperatures and can live in organic matter in the soil for about a year, cleanliness matters in and out of the house. It can be destroyed by bleach.
Generally dogs should be given attention and observation to maintain their health in addition to maintaining hygienic envoronmental conditions.
Rabies is a fatal and zoonotic viral disease. The virus is carried in the saliva of infected dogs. It is transmitted to people via dog bites. Affected dogs present with the following: paranoia, insomnia, anxiety, confusion, agitation and hydrophobia.
Parvoviral gastroenteritis is transmitted directly and indirectly through dog faeces. It is particularly dangerous to young dogs without maternal antibodies. Affected dogs present with: dehydration, diarrhoea, vomiting, and pyrexia. Affected dogs must be hospitalised and given appropriate medication and supportive care. Because parvovirus is able to survive extreme temperatures and can live in organic matter in the soil for about a year, cleanliness matters in and out of the house. It can be destroyed by bleach.
Generally dogs should be given attention and observation to maintain their health in addition to maintaining hygienic envoronmental conditions.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Canine Summer Eczema
Summer eczema or seasonal dermatitis is oftentimes called itchy or dry skin. It may be misdiagnosed as flea infestation which is made obvious by failure to recover from flea treatment. Pollen allergies can cause itchy skin with red eruptions due to secondary bacterial infections in dogs. Affected dogs must be given antihistamines and steroids in severe cases.
Pollen-allergy eczema may also be misdiagnosed as skin-burrowing mites' mange. This is cleared by the absence of mites on routine skin-scrapes.
Most dogs respond well to honey and bee pollen supplementation. The dosage should be about one mililitre of honey per 2.7kg of body weight daily in the dog's food.
Pollen-allergy eczema may also be misdiagnosed as skin-burrowing mites' mange. This is cleared by the absence of mites on routine skin-scrapes.
Most dogs respond well to honey and bee pollen supplementation. The dosage should be about one mililitre of honey per 2.7kg of body weight daily in the dog's food.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Canine Facial Paralysis
A syndrome often referred to as peripheral vestibular syndrome, geriatric vestibular syndrome and idiopathic vestibular syndrome is a disorder that is common in older dogs although it can also occur in middle aged dogs as well. The sudden onset may be due to inflammation of the nerves connecting the inner ear to the cerebellum that control balance and spatial orientation. It usually lasts from a couple of days to three weeks. Few dogs have residual signs beyond this period like head tilt. The disease affects dogs that seem normal until the appearance of signs. Then there is sudden loss of balance with many dogs unable to even stand. Affected dogs may also show nystagmus. They may be nauseous from the 'sea sickness' effect of vestibular disease. Most dogs will not eat or drink unless hand fed or given water by hand due to their difficulty with fine motor movements necessary to eat or drink from a bowl. Thus nursing is important in this condition. There is no known treatment and some dogs relapse. However, even when dogs do not recover fully from this condition, they live a good life.
The differential diagnoses for this condition include: stroke, epilepsy and heart attacks.
The condition may arise from an inner ear infection that affects the nerves.
The differential diagnoses for this condition include: stroke, epilepsy and heart attacks.
The condition may arise from an inner ear infection that affects the nerves.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are due to scratches, foreign bodies wedged between the teeth, bleeding disorder, periodontal disease, broken or missing teeth, deep cut to the gums or roof of the mouth, polyp or tumor in the mouth, autoimmune or infectious disease, liver or kidney failure and cancer. Diseased livers stop producing critical blood-clotting factors which leads to bleeding. Also, toxins from failing kidneys can cause bleeding disorders. In addition, other serious medical problems can destroy platelets or inhibit platelet production.
Infectious Tracheobronchitis of Dogs
Kennel cough is caused by inflammation of the upper airways. Although typically a mild, self-limiting disease, it can progress to fatal bronchopneumonia particularly in young dogs or to chronic bronchitis in debilitated older or geriatric dogs.
Aetiology: Canine parainfluenza virus, adenovirus 2 (CAV-1 and 2), distemper virus, reoviruses (1, 2, and 3), herpesvirus, and Bordetella bronchiseptica are implicated in teh aetiology of the ailment. Bordetella bronchiseptica and some gram-negative bacteria like Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) can cause secondary infections following viral injury of the respiratory tract. Mycoplasma spp. may also have a role inteh ailment. Susceptibility is elevated by stress and extremes of ventilation, temperature, and humidity.
Clinical Findings: Characteristic clinical sign are: paroxysms of harsh, dry coughing followed by retching and gagging. Affected dogs show also show partial anorexia. This condition can be complicated by secondary systemic infection to elicit more clinical signs including: fever, purulent nasal discharge, depression, anorexia, and a productive cough. Adverse environmental conditions and improper nutrition can contribute to a relapse.
Diagnosis: Kennel cough is suspected when the characteristic cough suddenly develops 5-10 days after exposure to other susceptible or affected dogs. Severity usually diminishes during the first 5 days although the ailment persists for up to 20 days. A similar condition can be induced by tracheal trauma secondary to intubation.
Treatment: dogs affected with this highly contagious but self-limiting disease should not be hospitalized! Management practices like good nutrition, hygiene, and nursing care and correction of predisposing environmental factors improve recovery. Codeine derivative-containig cough suppressants must be used when needed to control persistent non-productive coughing. Antibiotics selected by culture and sensitivity tests are only required in severe chronic cases. THese can be administered by aerosolisation treatment or endotracheal injection.
Prevention: Immunisation with modified live virus vaccines against distemper, parainfluenza, and CAV-2 also protects against CAV-1. There may be combinations of these with modified live parvovirus and leptospiral antigens as well. The initial vaccination is at 6-8 weeks of age. It is repreated twice at 3- to 4-week intervals until the dog is 14-16 weeks old. This is then followed by annual re-vaccination. Live, avirulent, intranasal vaccine is preferred to parenteral products with inactivated bacteria or bacterial extracts when the risk of B. bronchiseptica infection is significant.
Aetiology: Canine parainfluenza virus, adenovirus 2 (CAV-1 and 2), distemper virus, reoviruses (1, 2, and 3), herpesvirus, and Bordetella bronchiseptica are implicated in teh aetiology of the ailment. Bordetella bronchiseptica and some gram-negative bacteria like Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) can cause secondary infections following viral injury of the respiratory tract. Mycoplasma spp. may also have a role inteh ailment. Susceptibility is elevated by stress and extremes of ventilation, temperature, and humidity.
Clinical Findings: Characteristic clinical sign are: paroxysms of harsh, dry coughing followed by retching and gagging. Affected dogs show also show partial anorexia. This condition can be complicated by secondary systemic infection to elicit more clinical signs including: fever, purulent nasal discharge, depression, anorexia, and a productive cough. Adverse environmental conditions and improper nutrition can contribute to a relapse.
Diagnosis: Kennel cough is suspected when the characteristic cough suddenly develops 5-10 days after exposure to other susceptible or affected dogs. Severity usually diminishes during the first 5 days although the ailment persists for up to 20 days. A similar condition can be induced by tracheal trauma secondary to intubation.
Treatment: dogs affected with this highly contagious but self-limiting disease should not be hospitalized! Management practices like good nutrition, hygiene, and nursing care and correction of predisposing environmental factors improve recovery. Codeine derivative-containig cough suppressants must be used when needed to control persistent non-productive coughing. Antibiotics selected by culture and sensitivity tests are only required in severe chronic cases. THese can be administered by aerosolisation treatment or endotracheal injection.
Prevention: Immunisation with modified live virus vaccines against distemper, parainfluenza, and CAV-2 also protects against CAV-1. There may be combinations of these with modified live parvovirus and leptospiral antigens as well. The initial vaccination is at 6-8 weeks of age. It is repreated twice at 3- to 4-week intervals until the dog is 14-16 weeks old. This is then followed by annual re-vaccination. Live, avirulent, intranasal vaccine is preferred to parenteral products with inactivated bacteria or bacterial extracts when the risk of B. bronchiseptica infection is significant.
Biliary Fever or Babesiosis
By Lucy Wessels
Babesiosis is a blood-parasite transmitted by carrier ticks. The Babesia spp. divides in the red blood cells of the host animal. They then rupture the cell and are freed into the blood stream. Each of the organisms then invades a new red blood cell and the division process starts again.
Clinical signs develop in about ten days from innoculation by bites from infected carrier ticks. Once a female tick bites an infected animal the offspring of that tick remain permanently infective.
Characteristic clinical signs of babesiosis are pyrexia, inappetance, listlessness and anaemia. Affected animals also show haematuria and nausea. Untreated dogs show jaundice and hypothermia followed by death in no more than 3 days from the first sight of illness or two weeks from innoculation by infected tick bites. Younger dogs may only survive for a few hours after showing symptoms.
Management measures of the ailment include: awareness of dogs' habits, giving dogs a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda per litre of drinking water; keeping dogs quiet after the infection; avoiding feeding dogs fatty foods for at least a week. they could instead be given skim milk and lean meat; if afected dogs fail to improve after a day of treatment, they should be taken to the vet for further treatment; dogs should be watched for re-infection for at least a month. and; dogs should be treated for ticks and fleas regularly.
Babesiosis is a blood-parasite transmitted by carrier ticks. The Babesia spp. divides in the red blood cells of the host animal. They then rupture the cell and are freed into the blood stream. Each of the organisms then invades a new red blood cell and the division process starts again.
Clinical signs develop in about ten days from innoculation by bites from infected carrier ticks. Once a female tick bites an infected animal the offspring of that tick remain permanently infective.
Characteristic clinical signs of babesiosis are pyrexia, inappetance, listlessness and anaemia. Affected animals also show haematuria and nausea. Untreated dogs show jaundice and hypothermia followed by death in no more than 3 days from the first sight of illness or two weeks from innoculation by infected tick bites. Younger dogs may only survive for a few hours after showing symptoms.
Management measures of the ailment include: awareness of dogs' habits, giving dogs a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda per litre of drinking water; keeping dogs quiet after the infection; avoiding feeding dogs fatty foods for at least a week. they could instead be given skim milk and lean meat; if afected dogs fail to improve after a day of treatment, they should be taken to the vet for further treatment; dogs should be watched for re-infection for at least a month. and; dogs should be treated for ticks and fleas regularly.
BILIARY FEVER NEEDS FAST ACTION You can lose your favourite dog ...
"The hours you've waited, might be the difference between losing or saving your dog's life! Biliary fever, also known as tick fever, is the one disease where ..."
CANINE BABESIOSIS (BILIARY FEVER)
According to Lounsbury (1902), a disease identified as biliary fever affected dogs in parts of South Africa for the greater part of the nineteenth century. The author suggested that the ailment of dogs described by Lady Anne Barnard (1779) was canine babesiosis. It was first encountered in 1885 at Port Elizabeth, South Africa, (Hutcheon, 1896). Spreull (1899) succeeded in transmitting the disease by innoculating healthy dogs with infected blood. Microscopical examinations of blood obtained from infected dogs revealed intra-corpuscular parasites resembling those of redwater and similar to the ones observed by Koch (1897) in the blood of East African dogs. However, all these have distinct morphological differences, (Robertson, 1901). Robertson (1901) confirmed the observations and stated that the intra-corpuscular organisms appeared on the fourth day following subcutaneous inoculation although blood of inoculated dogs was infective on the third day. Lounsbury (1901) demonstrated that canine biliary fever was transmitted by the dog tick (Haemaphysalis leachi). Theiler (1904, 1905) studied the disease in the Transvaal, South Africa and carried out a number of immunization tests as a result of which he showed that a recovered dog was premunized.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Causes of Fluid-filled Bumps on the Skin of Dogs
By Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. Holly Nash, DVM, MS
Pustules: Small pus-filled skin bumps.
Abscesses: Larger pus-filled skin bumps.
Vescicles: Small clear fluid-filled skin bumps.
Pustules: Small pus-filled skin bumps.
Abscesses: Larger pus-filled skin bumps.
Vescicles: Small clear fluid-filled skin bumps.
FDA approves first cancer drug for dogs
Palladia, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor by Pfizer Animal Health Incorporated is the first canine cancer drug to be approved by the FDA. Palladia works by killing tumor cells and cutting off blood supply to the tumor. It has been approved for the treatment of canine cutaneous mast cell tumours which represents 20% of canine skin tumors. Although the cancer can appear insignificant and easy to remove surgically, it can lead to life-threatening disease. Previously, human oncology drugs have been used for the treatment of cancers in dogs. The common side effects of Palladia are diarrhoea, decrease or loss of appetite, lameness, weight loss and bloody faeces.
FDA approves first cancer drug for dogs
Palladia, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor by Pfizer Animal Health Incorporated is the first canine cancer drug to be approved by the FDA. Palladia works by killing tumor cells and cutting off blood supply to the tumor. It has been approved for the treatment of canine cutaneous mast cell tumours which represents 20% of canine skin tumors. Although the cancer can appear insignificant and easy to remove surgically, it can lead to life-threatening disease. Previously, human oncology drugs have been used for the treatment of cancers in dogs. The common side effects of Palladia are diarrhoea, decrease or loss of appetite, lameness, weight loss and bloody faeces.
» Dog Health Care Tips to Control Expenses
There are things that have to be done to maintain dogs' health
Regular Inspection: Dogs should be regularly (~ weekly) for problems like ear and eye infections, discharges and dental disease. Outdoor dogs should be inspected for parasitism (fleas, ticks, mites etcetera), traumatic injuries, wounds and scratches etcetera. It is useful to also during this inspection time, brush their teeth, check their ears and eyes and smell their breath. This will help identify problems early.
Dog Training: Obedience training makes dogs more pleasant companions. Trained dogs are less likely to be involved in accidents. They will not attack children and strangers nor other pets.
Spaying/Neutering: There are health benefits to spaying/neutering including birth control and reduction in potential for the development of testicular, mammary, ovarian and uterine cancer.
Emergency Preparedness: Some funds should be set aside for unexpected medical conditions or emergencies for your dog to receive adequate treatment when the need arises.
Routine Veterinary Examination: This should be scheduled for twice a year for problems that may escape your eye during regular inspection together with internal problems that may not be obvious.
Regular Inspection: Dogs should be regularly (~ weekly) for problems like ear and eye infections, discharges and dental disease. Outdoor dogs should be inspected for parasitism (fleas, ticks, mites etcetera), traumatic injuries, wounds and scratches etcetera. It is useful to also during this inspection time, brush their teeth, check their ears and eyes and smell their breath. This will help identify problems early.
Dog Training: Obedience training makes dogs more pleasant companions. Trained dogs are less likely to be involved in accidents. They will not attack children and strangers nor other pets.
Spaying/Neutering: There are health benefits to spaying/neutering including birth control and reduction in potential for the development of testicular, mammary, ovarian and uterine cancer.
Emergency Preparedness: Some funds should be set aside for unexpected medical conditions or emergencies for your dog to receive adequate treatment when the need arises.
Routine Veterinary Examination: This should be scheduled for twice a year for problems that may escape your eye during regular inspection together with internal problems that may not be obvious.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Fleas
What are they?: Rapid-multiplying pencil-lead size, brown, laterally-compressed and seem to be in constant motion. They are seen most easily at the base of the tail, between the ears, or in the short hair on the abdomen. Even if the flea is not visible, black specks of excrement may be seen. Also causes flea-allergic dermatitis.
Treatment: Many
Control and Prevention: The dog and its environment must be treated.
Heartworms
What are they?: Devastating internal parasites that live in a dog’s heart and in the big vessels near the heart, where they cause severe damage to the circulatory system and lungs.
Transmission: By the bite of a mosquito that has bitten an infected dog.
Treatment:
- Available preventive measures.
- Regular early-spring testing
Control and Prventions: Preventive medication can be given to your dog daily or on a monthly basis throughout the mosquito season.
Whipworms
What are they?: inhabit and develop in the lower bowel.
SIgns and Symptoms: Chronic watery diarrhoea and weight loss.
Treatment:
Control and Prevention: Scheduled regular deworming.
Hookworms
What are they? Tiny worms that attach themselves to the intestinal wall and suck blood from the dog.
Transmission: In-utero and via the mother’s milk to newborn pups.
Predilection: Pups may have hookworms at a very early age.
Signs and Symptoms: Lethargy, stunted growth, anaemia, and dark, tarry faeces.
Hookworms are a life-threatening parasite at any age. Blood transfusions may be necessary in advanced cases.
Roundworms
What are they?: Includes ascarids, hookworms, whipworms, and heartworms.
Transmission:
- Intestinal worms - Ingestion of faeces or faeces-contaminated soil that contains worm eggs.
- Heartworm - Intermediate host e.g. mosquito required for propagation.
Diagnosis: Microscopic examination of faeces (for intestinal worms) or blood (for heartworms) to determine the presence of roundworms.
Treatment or Prevention: Regular and monitored medication.
Ascarids
What are they?: Long, thin spaghetti-like worms that inhabit the intestine. Some types of these worms can be seen in an infected dog’s faeces.
Predilection: Pups
Signs and Symptoms: Stunted growth, lethargy, diarrhoea, vomiting, and a pot-bellied appearance. In severe cases, ascarids can cause seizures (convulsions).
Tapeworms
What are they?: Long, segmented worms.
Transmission: Ingestion of worm larvae in a flea or the raw meat of small mammals.
Epidemioloogy: Lone hunting dogs and flea-ridden dog
Treatment: Deworming
Rabies
What is it?: A viral infection of all mammals, including man.
Spcies Affected: Mammals
Transmission: By bites of an infected animal.
Aetiology and Pathogenesis: Virus infects the central nervous system, causing a brain infection (encephalitis), which is always fatal.
Treatment: None
Control and Prevention: Vaccination
Corona
What is it?: A highly contagious viral infection
Affects: Gastrointestinal tract.
Signs and Symptoms: Similar to parvovirus infection but milder and more effectively treated.
Parvo
What is it?: It is a deadly contagious viral disease
Transmission: Contact with infected faeces.
Control and Prevention: It is difficult to kill and is easily spread.
Affects: Gastrointestinal system
Signs and Symptoms: Fever, lethargy, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, and rapid dehydration.
Treatment: Intensive IV fluid and supportive therapy
Prognosis: Variable rate of success.
Kennel Cough / Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis
Aetiology: It is caused by several viruses (e.g. parainfluenza) and bacteria (including bordetella). It is highly contagious
Affects: Respiratory system
Signs and Symptoms: Chronic, dry, hacking cough.
Prognosis: The generally mild infection may progress to severe pneumonia in young pups or old dogs.
Treatment: Helpful.
Leptospirosis
What is it?: It is a bacterial disease
Transmission: Contact with nasal secretions, urine, or saliva of infected animals.
Species Affected: Humans, Dogs
Affects: Kidneys
Clinical Signs and Symptoms: Fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and jaundice.
Treatment: Antibiotics, intensive care, and intravenous (IV) fluid therapy.
Prognosis: Recovered dogs may be left with permanent kidney damage.
Canine Infectious Hepatitis
What is it?: A viral disease
Transmission: By urine, faeces, or saliva of infected animals.
Affects: Liver, kidney, and blood vessels.
Signs and symptoms": Fever, tissue swelling, and haemorrhage.
Treatment: It may require blood transfusions and intensive care. However, it is often not successful.
Distemper
What is it: A highly contagious, airborne virus.
Affects: Canine respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Early symptoms - “cold” - runny eyes and nose, fever, cough, and often diarrhoea.
- Later - Nervous twitching, paralysis, and seizures / convulsions.
Treatment: No successful treatment.
Control and Prevention:
Friday, June 5, 2009
Get Rid of "Doggy Breath" Before You Smooch Your Pooch!
Brushing your dog's teeth gets rid of "doggy breath" and improves your dog's health. Gum disease can cause tooth loss, infection... even heart disease and kidney problems.
Brushing your dog's teeth at least 3 times a week could add as much as 5 years to your dog's life.
The Kissable Toothbrush simplifies brushing by cleaning all 3 sides of the tooth at once. And unlike human toothpaste, Kissable Toothpaste is safe for your dog to swallow.
Brushing your dog's teeth at least 3 times a week could add as much as 5 years to your dog's life.
The Kissable Toothbrush simplifies brushing by cleaning all 3 sides of the tooth at once. And unlike human toothpaste, Kissable Toothpaste is safe for your dog to swallow.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Saturday, November 10, 2007
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