What is Canine Distemper ?

Canine Distemper a.k.a Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease. The disease has no known cure and can only be managed symptomatically. Treatment is often directed at preventing secondary bacterial infection from occurring. Distemper can be prevented by vaccinating puppies from 6 weeks to 16 weeks of age. To learn more about your puppies vaccination regimen in Nigeria, read our previous posts on puppy vaccination(previous post  )

 Canine Distemper is a very deadly disease and is one of the most common causes of death in dogs all over the world. It occurs mostly in unvaccinated puppies from 6 to 12 weeks of age.The virus is shed in all the secretions of a Canine Distemper patient.

 Transmission is mainly due to the following.
1. Contact with an infected animal or any material that may have come in contact with the infected animal's secretions.

2. Inhaling any of the Canine Distemper patient's secretions.

 Clinical Signs include

Fever
Loss of appetite
Watery eye discharge that may later thicken
Dry cough
Vomiting
Dehydration
Slobbering
Head shaking
Running in circles
Seizures
Blindness
Walking about aimlessly
Thickening of the foot pad and nose

Note that all these symptoms do not occur in every case of Canine Distemper.So please do not wait until your pet shows all the signs of the disease, before going to the veterinarian.

The Canine Distemper virus affects the brain, the skin, the eyes, the respiratory system and even the stomach and intestines. The disease also spreads easily (highly contagious ) and is very deadly. It is therefore important that you vaccinate your puppies and adult dogs when due.
Once you notice any clinical sign , please take your puppy to the vet. The vet will treat your puppy based on the symptoms (symptomatically) and also administer antibiotics to avoid secondary bacterial infection.

 On no occasion should you attempt to manage the case by yourself .The disease must be managed by a qualified veterinarian. Do not waste any time before taking your pet to the vet.The earlier the treatment starts, the greater the chances of your pet surviving the disease.

Prevention
 Prevention of Canine Distemper is by vaccinating puppies with the DHLPP vaccine. All 3 doses must be received by your puppy between 6 to 16 weeks of age. Puppies must be prevented from coming in contact with other dogs until their vaccination regimen has been completed.

Have a wonderful time with your pet. And remember its all about pets. Let's fall in love with them all over again.

Image source : vet2tu / Instagram

Ear mites infection in dogs.

Parasites found outside a living orgainism are called ectoparasites.Ectoparasites that affect dogs include ticks, fleas and of course mites. Different species of mites can affect dogs, but the most common one is known as Otodectes cynotis. These mites can also be seen in cats but do not affect humans.

Ear mites infection can be passed from one infected pet to another.They are very tiny and can not be seen with the naked eye. Mites feed on the wax and oils present in a dog’s ear canal,causing irritation and inflammation. Infection with Otodectes cynotis usually produces a characteristic dark discharge, which may later obstruct the ear canal.

Symptoms of Dog ear mite infection are :  Shaking of the head
Presence of coffee ground-like secretions in the ear canal
Scratching and rubbing of ears
Brownish waxy secretion
Inflammation


 

Due to the excessive scratching and itching in an ear mite infection, blood vessels in the ear flap may rupture, leading to a haematoma.An aural (ear flap) haematoma is an accumulation of blood or serum in the pinna or ear flap.Treatment of an aural haematoma require surgery.

 If you suspect that your dog may have ear mites, consult your veterinarian immediately. Do not attempt to treat your pet yourself.
A thorough physical examination will have to be conducted by a qualified veterinary professional before a diagnosis can be reached. Clean your pet's bedding after treatment to avoid another occurrence of the infection.

Photo source : Instagram / @vet2tu

How to prevent hyperthermia in dogs.

As I stepped outside yesterday afternoon,it was so very hot. I couldn't ignore the blazing sun and the heat upon my skin.I looked at the car beside me and I noticed a little dog in the car panting.
Oh my, you have to turn on the Air Conditioner.Poor little poochie.
Here's what you need to know.
Dogs do not tolerate heat as much as we do. They do not sweat like humans.Their sweat glands are found under their foot pads.Also,their body is covered with fur. (imagine walking on the street in the afternoon wearing a blanket)
So, how do they cool off ? On hot days like these, dogs keep their body cool by panting.
 But sometimes, panting alone may not be enough to keep them cooI. This may lead to a condition known as hyperthermia (heat stroke).
To prevent hyperthermia, here are the things you have to do.
1.Turn on the A.C.
2.Always provide water.
3.Don't leave a dog in the car.
4.Do not ignore signs such as panting, limping while working on a hot pavement, dry muzzle,vomiting, tongue colour changes to red or blue.
5.Pour cool water or a use a wet cloth to pat the abdomen. Do not use cold water because that would cause a drastic change in temperature. Temperature regulation should be gradual.
6. If you notice any of the above signs please take your pet to the veterinarian.
Click here to learn more important tips on how to prevent hyperthermia.