Dogs Infections / Disease Articles

The world of veterinary medicine has come a long way in developing vaccinations to prevent most dog infections and disease. Vaccinating early can prevent common and often devastating dog infections and disease such as parvovirus, rabies or distemper. Learn more about dog infections/disease, how to easily avoid these diseases through prevention and the complications involved if he happens to contract a virus.

• Zoonotic Disease Info

  Zoonoses or zoonotic diseases are those that can potentionaly affect both people and other animals. Here we will talk about just a few of the things you can and can't catch from your pet.

• Zoonotic Disease - things you can catch from your pet - or not

  What diseases can you catch from your pet-information about zoonotic diseases.

• When Urinary Incontinence in Dogs Means Bladder Infection

  Urinary incontinence in dogs frequently occurs in overly excited dogs, but more commonly, it signifies a health problem. A dog might have a urinary tract or bladder infection, weak bladder, kidney ailment, spinal cord issue or diabetes. If your dog suffers from urinary incontinence, you should see your vet.

• What is Canine Respiratory MRSA Infection?

  Respiratory MRSA infection occurs when a dog contracts it from a person, at a veterinary clinic or during surgery. Bacteria enters a dog's blood stream and causes respiratory problems due to an MRSA infection.

• West Nile Virus

  Mosquitoes acquire the West Nile virus from birds and pass it on to other birds, animals, and people. While humans and horses may be infected by the virus, there is no documentation that infected horses can spread the virus to uninfected horses or other animals. Migrating birds may play a role in spreading the disease.

• Vestibular Syndrome

  There is a syndrome, variously referred to as peripheral vestibular syndrome (the current “preferred name"), geriatric vestibular syndrome and idiopathic vestibular syndrome. This disorder is more common in older dogs and thus the name geriatric vestibular syndrome—but it can occur in middle aged dogs, too, so the name was changed.

• Vestibular Disease

  Geriatric vestibular syndrome, which is also called peripheral vestibular syndrome and idiopathic vestibular syndrome, occurs for unknown reasons. It can be really frightening, especially in dogs that can't even lay still because they just roll over and over until something stops the movement. However, like your experience, it usually clears up within a few days and most dogs never have another recurrence.

• Vena Caval Syndrome

  Vena caval syndrome occurs when heartworms reside in the vena cava (the big vein returning blood from the liver and lower body to the heart).

• Using Flagyl for Dogs to Treat Lyme Disease

  Flagyl for dogs is an antibiotic that is commonly prescribed to treat Lyme disease. Flagyl is most effective when administered shortly after the dog is infected.

• Understanding Canine Herpes Simplex Virus: Type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2)

  Canine herpes virus (CHV), which has a unique immunological relationship to the herpes simplex virus, causes mild symptoms in adult dogs, but is the leading cause of death in newborn puppies. CHV carriers may harbor the virus for life, but remain asymptomatic.

• Understanding Blood-Loss Anemia in Dogs

  Anemia in dogs can be very worrisome for an owner, but there are explanations as to why your dog may have anemia. One of the most common causes of anemia in dogs is the loss of blood.

• Treatment Options for Canine Sneezing

  Canine sneezing though common is a matter of concern if the sneezing continues for more than two days and if there are other symptoms along with it.

• Treating MRSA Skin Infection

  Treating MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in dogs is similar to methods used to treat a MRSA skin infection in a human. Treating an MRSA staph infection involves a veterinarian performing culture and sensitivity tests and prescribing an alternate antibiotic.

• Treating MRSA Pneumonia in Dogs With Vancomycin

  Treating MRSA, or MRSA pneumonia, in dogs can be an arduous process. MRSA is a staph bacteria that is resistant to many forms of traditional antibiotics and must be treated with alternative medications such as vancomyocin.

• Treating Dogs With Lyme Disease Through Antimicrobial Therapy

  Lyme dogs can usually recover from Lyme disease symptoms within a few weeks with proper antimicrobial therapy.

• Treating Dog Lip Infections

  Because canines are so naturally curious, dog lip abrasions and infections are common. Most owners can adequately treat a minor dog infection at home so long as it is caught in the early stages and all necessary precautions are taken.

• Tracheobronchitis

  Tracheobronchitis is also known as "kennel cough". This is probably a misnomer, since most dogs that get this disease have not been in kennels. Still, when dogs are placed in group situations, they are often exposed to the organisms that cause tracheobronchitis. It is sort of like all the colds that are seen in kindergartners.

• The 7 Most Common Dog Infections

  Dog infections are a common occurrence in the life of a dog. A dog infection can range in seriousness from mild to very serious as in the case of dog rabies.

• The 7 Most Common Dog Infections

  Dog infections are a common occurrence in the life of a dog. A dog infection can range in seriousness from mild to very serious as in the case of dog rabies.

• The 3 Most Common Inherited Canine Disorders

  The 3 most common inherited canine disorders are genetic. Certain breeds tend to be more at risk for certain canine disorders than others and are thought to have a breed predisposition.

• The 28 Most Common Pet Disease Names Defined

  Taking care of your pet in sickness and in health requires that you become familiar with common pet diseases and disease names. The better educated you become regarding pet disease, and different types of disease, the more prepared you will be to seek medical intervention for your dog or cat.

• Testing for Canine MRSA Infection With Blood, Skin, Urine or Sputum Cultures

  Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of bacteria, causes an MRSA skin infection (a kind of staph infection) that is difficult to treat with methicillin and other common antibiotics. Testing for an MRSA blood infection is performed by taking an MRSA sputum culture, or a blood or skin sample, depending on your dog's symptoms.

• Symptoms That can mean serious illness

  The sores are probably acral lick granulomas, which are self-induced sores that usually occur on the lower legs and most commonly the front legs. There are many treatments for this condition, probably because none of them work consistently.

• Symptoms of Tick Borne Diseases

  There are four major tick borne diseases that have an extensive list of associated symptoms of tick disease. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease are probably the most well known, but the list of tick diseases also includes Ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis.

• Sudden Death in Dogs

  True sudden death (which seems to be what you are describing) is a fairly rare event in dogs. There are a number of reasons that this can occur and I probably won't think of all of them, but here is a partial list:

• Spleen Problems in Dogs

  Lot of things make spleens enlarge, unfortunately. Splenic enlargement occurs when pets are anesthetized with some anesthetics, in stressful or shock inducing situations, when blood parasites are present, if there is bruising (hematomas) affecting the spleen, if there is splenic cancer (particularly hemangiosarcoma)

• Spinal Disc Problems in Dogs

  If the disc is just putting a little pressure on the nerve there may only be pain. If the disc is damaging the nerve more significantly then weakness or paralysis will occur. In the case of pain alone it limiting exercise and utilizing a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication may be all that is necessary. If there is is weakness then corticosteroids or even surgery may be necessary to alleviate the problem.

• Should a Dog on Antibiotics Be Quarantined?

  Certain diseases transfer through saliva. Therefore, if your dog takes antibiotics for some diseases, it might be best to keep the dog away from others.

• Seizures in Dogs - page 2

  Seizures often start with a behavioral or physical symptom that can be recognized after several seizure episodes. It would still be worth making sure your vet knows this happens and getting an exam of your samoyed's oral cavity, just to be sure there isn't some sort of problem that might be inducing this behavior.

• Seizures complicated by other disorders or problems in dogs

  Phenobarbital is the medication most commonly used to control seizures in dogs. It is a good medication for long term seizure control. But it takes about three weeks of oral dosing to reach sufficient steady-state blood levels to control seizure activity.

• Schnauzer Comedone Syndrome

  This is a condition affecting Schnauzers that produces comedones, or pus filled bumps that are usually mostly on the back of affected schnauzers.

• Sarcoptic Mange, Scabies, Red Mange

  The human species of sarcoptic mange is contagious between people and is a problem in settings like nursing homes where it can spread pretty rapidly through the resident population in some cases. It is often referred to as scabies.

• Reproduction - Fetal Resorption

  The most common causes of fetal resorption are inadequate progesterone levels in the bitch, maternal infectious disease (such as brucellosis and canine herpesvirus), endometrial disorders, developmental defects in the fetus (unlikely to affect a whole litter).

• Radiograph or X-ray use in Dogs

  Some infections show up really well on X-rays if they are severe and can sometimes be detected early in the infectious process or show up when contrast dyes are used. I don't know that I can write a complete list, but these are some of the ones that are visible:

• Radial Nerve Paralysis

  radial nerve paralysis or avulsion of the nerves in the brachial plexus, or possibly a nerve root problem at the spinal cord level considering the possible severity of the forces involved in the injury.

• Rabies Vaccination

  In all states, rabies vaccinations are required by law. The first rabies vaccination is good for one year. In many states subsequent vaccinations are good for three years.

• Pyoderma (bacterial skin infection), Interdigital Pyoderma in Dogs

• Pulmonary Disease or Disorder

  Upper airway problems can lead to pulmonary congestion. When treating pulmonary fibrosis the most commonly used medications to control the coughing are corticosteroids. Allergic bronchitis can lead to pulmonary congestion when it is severe but that is often possible to detect with bronchoscopy and cytology (which was probably done during the endoscopy).

• Preventing Kidney Disease in Dogs by Removing Outdoor Toxins

  In dogs, kidney disease is a leading killer, but if caught early, certain forms of kidney disease are preventable. One of the most effective ways to prevent kidney disease in dogs is by knowing chemicals and bacteria that cause it.

• Popular Treatments for Dog Ear Infections

  Two types of dog ear infections are very common in most dogs, although certain breeds may be more susceptible than others. There are various treatment options available for ear infections.

• Plasmacytoma and Myelomas in Dogs

  Question: You mentioned that there is a slight link between multiple myeloma and plasmacytomas. Recently our Golden Retriever was diagnosed with multiple myeloma...

• Pituitary Gland Cushing’s Disease

  Question: Dr. Richards, I have a 5 year old Boston terrier (Simmi) who was diagnosed today with probable Cushing's disease based on a low dose dex supp test.

• Photo Gallery - Skin Problems - Acute Moist Pyoderma

  This is often a chronic condition , secondary to other disorders such as immune deficiencies and various allergic conditions.

• Photo Gallery - Skin - Sarcoptic Mange

  Also called scabies, this mange mite is transmitted by direct contact and is contagious to other dogs.

• Photo Gallery - Heartworm Disease

  Ascites is a fluid build up in the abdomen seen in late stages of Heartworm Disease. 

• Parvovirus - Transmission

  Canine parvovirus is carried by dogs. Adult dogs may be infected carriers without showing any clinical signs.

• Panosteitis

  Panosteitis is a spontaneously occurring lameness that usually occurs in large breed dogs. German Shepherds seems to be particularly predisposed to this condition. Due to this, it is possible that the disease may have genetic causes. Some veterinarians feel that this disease may be induced or worsened by stress.

• Panosteitis

  Affected dogs are usually in the 5 to 14 month age range and male dogs are more commonly infected than female dogs. The disease has been reported in dogs as young as 2 months and can occur in young mature dogs. The lameness tends to occur very suddenly, usually without a history of trauma or excessive exercise.

• Pancreatitis and Pancreas Problems 2

  Dr. Mike, We have a 2-1/2 yr. old miniature schnauzer, Duffy, that is having some difficulty with his pancreas. We lost a 5 yr. old. two years ago to pancreatitis so are reaching out to stave off this horrible ailment before we lose our precious Duffy.

• Neurological Diseases and Disorders of Dogs

  Brain tumors are not highly unusual in dogs and other neurologic disorders can also occur. Another consideration would be hypoglycemia.This can cause transient loss of consciousness and signs that look like neurologic signs (seizures, muscle tremors) in some dogs.

• Myasthenia Gravis in Dogs

• Myasthenia Gravis

  Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disease in which weakness is the primary sign. This disease is caused by an inability of the certain nerve receptors (nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) to function properly

• My Canine is Diabetic: Planning Daily Exercise

  Although there is no cure for canine diabetes, there are ways to control it if your canine is diabetic to allow your dog to have the best quality of life possible. Treatment options for diabetic canines run the gamut from regular insulin injections to regular exercise.

• Multi Symptom Disorder or Multiple Disorder problems

  My 12-year-old schnauzer Delaney was diagnosed with pituitary-dependent Cushings about a year ago. He also has heart disease and kidney disease, and has had several bouts with pancreatitis since he was one year old. 

• Mouth and Jaw problems and pain

  The most common causes of bad breath are the dental disorders. If there is no obvious tartar or gum inflammation, this may be less likely. Dogs that have periodontal disease will sometimes have pain but I can't recall a patient having severe pain for fifteen minutes after eating.

• Metronidazole Treatment for Parvo Explained

  Parvo (Parvovirus, CPV) is a virulent, highly contagious, deadly virus affecting dogs. It is primarily spread through contact with dog feces, indirectly or directly.

• Meningitis in Dogs

  The definition of meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the layer of tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord. It can happen for a number of reasons. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain itself. In dogs, the most common form of meningitis is known as "steroid responsive" meningitis.

• Medication Questions

  There are a number of medications which are very helpful for most pets but which make a few pets ill or even cause death in extreme instances. Using these medications is often necessary in spite of the possible side effects, especially when there are no other medications for a condition.

• Managing Wobblers Syndrome With Corticosteroids

  The wobblers syndrome is common in horses, however dogs can suffer from this syndrome as well. The syndrome affects anatomical structures such as the spinal cord, which become unstable and cause the dogs to wobble.

• Malassezia (yeast) dermatitis in Dogs

  For Malassezia (yeast) dermatitis in dogs, ketaconazole usually has to be given for at least 30 days. If it doesn't work, itraconazole (Sporonax Rx) may be helpful, given for the same length of time. It is also important to use topical therapy. Using a shampoo that can help remove the greasiness, such as a tar and sulfur shampoo or other anti-seborrheic shampoo can be helpful.

• Lyme Disease in Dogs: High Risk Areas in the US

  However slight, there is always a possibility that any dog can catch any disease no matter where he lives. However, certain areas do present a higher risk than others depending on the disease-- such is the case with Lyme disease in dogs.

• Lyme Disease (Borrelia) Bacterin

  Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial organism, Borrelia burgdorferi . It is carried by Ixodes species of ticks and may have other tick or insect carriers. It is more common in some areas of the United States than in others

• Lyme Disease

  The early signs of Lyme disease in dogs are supposed to be loss of appetite, fever and lethargy. Lameness may occur at the same time or may occur later. In some dogs, enlargement of the lymph nodes (usually generalized enlargement) occurs. In dogs, skin signs, heart disease, kidney problems and neurologic signs are reported to be rare.

• Lupus, Discoid

  Discoid lupus is an immune mediated skin disease that is probably related to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but instead of affecting the whole body as SLE does, it primarily affects the nose and face.

• Lupus in Dogs

  In this disease, the immune system forms antibodies against the nuclear component of its own cells. This can cause a variety of effects but the most common ones are arthritis, kidney disease, skin disease and blood disorders (anemia and/or decreased in platelet numbers). A great number of other effects and side effects of this disease can occur so it is hard to rule in or rule out when faced with a multi-systemic disease.

• Lupus Erythematosus

  This is a rare disease of the immune system. In this disease, the immune system forms antibodies against the nuclear component of its own cells.

• Liver Disease in Dogs - Hepatic Nodular Hyperplasia

  There is a condition in dogs, hepatic nodular hyperplasia, which causes lumps on the liver that look just like cancer but are benign lesions. It is usually possible for the pathologist to identify this condition from a biopsy sample, but the sample does have to come from an affected area, which is one of the problems with needle biopsies—they produce small samples. 

• Liver Disease in Dogs

  Ultrasound examination can sometimes detect portosystemic shunts, gall bladder stones, bile obstructions and tumors in the liver (and probably some other things that aren't coming to mind right now). Liver biopsy allows specific diagnosis of conditions that affect most of the liver, such as cholangiohepatitis and chronic active hepatitis.

• Lick Granulomas

  Acral lick granulomas are a common problem in dogs. There are a number of treatments that have been advocated for this problem, mostly because none of them is consistently successful in eliminating all cases of lick granuloma. Lick granulomas can occur secondary to allergies—in this case, treatment for the allergy is often successful.

• Leishmaniasis

  Leishmaniasis is caused by a protozoan in the Leishmania species.

• Kidney Problems

  Amyloidosis is the deposition of amyloid in the kidneys. This is a form of protein and when it accumulates it eventually causes kidney failure. It can occur in the kidneys and in other organs, as well. The progression of kidney failure is usually faster in dogs with amyloidosis than with glomerulonephritis and the treatment options are much more limited.

• Kennel Cough: As If Being Locked Up Wasn’t Bad Enough…

  The kennel cough itself does not exist and become inflammed on its own but is caused by several viral infections -- all of which can be vaccinated early -- such as: canine distemper, canine adenovirus, canine parainfluenza virus...

• Kennel Cough - Tracheobronchitis

  here are several causes of coughing associated with tracheobronchitis, all of which get lumped under the general name "kennel cough" at times. So it is possible for a dog to get kennel cough from two or three different causes in one lifetime. In addition to that, the most common cause of tracheobronchitis in dogs is probably Bordetella bronchiseptica infection, a bacterial infection.

• Kennel cough

  Kennel cough is most commonly associated with a bacterial infection caused by the organism Bordetella bronchiseptica. While it is hard to be certain in veterinary medicine when discussing statistics, it is estimated that 80 to 90% of the cases of kennel cough are due to this organism.

• Juvenile Cellulitis or Puppy Strangles

  Q: Puppy of 8 weeks...has a problem. The Grandmother there has been eye/ear infections which have been treated w/antibiotic successfully!! However problems of swelling have....the lymph system now appears to be swollen...

• Is Zyvox a Cure for MRSA-Positive Dogs?

  MRSA positive dogs may be carriers who never show symptoms. MRSA treatment can be difficult because these bacteria are resistant to many forms of traditional antibiotics, including the penicillin based drugs.

• Information on MRSA Carrier Symptoms

  An MRSA carrier may exhibit mild to severe symptoms, or no symptoms at all. If your dog is an MRSA carrier, don't despair; most dogs only carry the bacteria for a short period of time, perhaps a few weeks.

• Infectious Diseases of Dogs

  Canine influenza has been in the news lately. At the present time this appears to be an adaptation of equine influenza that can infect dogs and spread from one dog to another. It has been seen in Florida, Wisconsin and New York, so the odds are good that it has spread widely in the U.S. at this time or that it will soon.

• IMHA - Looking for Answers

  Discussion of possible drug related causes of IMHA

• Identifying Canine Diabetes Mellitus

  Canine diabetes mellitus is a disease caused by lack of insulin production in the dog's pancreas. This creates an inability to properly metabolize food, increasing the body's blood sugar.

• Identifying Canine Diabetes Insipidus

  Canine diabetes insipidus is a rare disease often referred to as water diabetes. It occurs in two forms.

• Human Health Problems Associated with Pets

  Human health problems and pet diseases - zoonotic diseases that affect people.

• How Canine Herpes is Transmitted

  Canine herpes virus lives in the reproductive and respiratory tract of male and female dogs. The virus is more of a reproductive problem rather than respiratory one.

• HGE: Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs Explained

  HGE or Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis is a disease that hits quickly and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Veterinarians and pet owners remain...

• Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)

  Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) usually causes a very sudden onset of vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration and depression. Dogs affected by this condition get very sick, very fast.
  

• Hemolytic Anemia

  Hemolytic anemia describes the condition in which this loss of red blood cells occurs because the red cells break up (lyse). This can happen inside the blood vessels (intravascular hemolysis) or outside of the blood vessel (extravascular hemolysis). Hemolytic anemia can occur for many reasons, including heat stroke, parasites, viral infections.

• Handling a Dog With Red Eyes

  A dog with red eyes requires special attention and immediate treatment, as your pet might have an infection. The most common eye infections in dogs are: conjunctivitis, keratitis, uveitis and cherry eye.

• Fungal Infection in Dogs

  Blastomycosis is normally acquired by inhalation of spores of this fungus, causing pneumonia and then spread to other areas of the body. Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection. Coccidioidiomycosis is not spread from animal to animal, nor from human to human.

• Foot and Nail Problems

  Most traumatic injuries to footpads will heal within two to three weeks, with or without treatment. Using an antibiotic ointment can be helpful in keeping the pad a little moist and in preventing infection. It is not unusual for people to clip a toenail too short and for bleeding to occur.

• Face and Head Problems

  We have a 13 year old lab/Queensland Heeler mix (apprx. 60 lbs) who, from all the research we have done, seems to have the symptoms of craniomandibular osteopathy.  For his age, he is in extremely good shape and health. 

• Examining Your Dog for Tongue Infections

  Of all of the possible dog oral problems, dog tongue infections are one of the least common, but most unpleasant Learning how to recognize dog tongue problems early on will save you a lot of stress (and maybe money) later.

• Ehrlichiosis

  Ehrlichiosis is caused by the rickettsial organism Ehrlichia canis. Other examples of rickettsial organisms are Riskettsia rickettsi, which causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Ehrlichia risticii, which causes Potomac Fever in horses

• Ehrlichia in dogs

  Some tick borne diseases can be found in many parts of the world and others have very limited geographical distribution. Lyme disease, is an example of a tick borne disease that is most prevalent in a fairly limited geographical area. The Ehrlichia family of parasites is found in many areas of the world.

• Early Detection of Disease in Dogs: Importance Regular Check Ups

  The key to successfully treating dogs disease is early detection. The only way to stop disease from progressing to advanced stages is to have regular check ups so that the right treatments can be administered quickly.

• Ear Surgery for dogs

  I do not believe that the surgical ear modification procedures are justified in very many patients. There is a reason that these dogs have ear problems and finding the reason and treating the reason is very much better than removing part of the ear so that you are treating a smaller problem area, in my personal opinion.

• Ear problems in dogs

  Most ear infections in dogs affect the portion of the ear canal that lies between the visible external ear and the ear drum. Infections in this portion of the ear are referred to as otitis externa. Infections in this region most commonly involve bacteria, with yeast being the next most likely problem.

• Ear Infections in Dogs: A Sign of Ear Disease

  Symptoms of ear infections in dogs include odor and discharge from the ear. Dog ear problems may cause your dog to scratch or rub at her head.

• Dog Seizure: Causes, Stages, Coping Skills and Treatment

  Dog seizure can be a symptom of conditions such as hypoglycemia, kidney disease, or toxoplasmosis.

• Dog Rabies: A Serious and Contagious Disease

  Dog rabies is one of the most well-known viral diseases affecting dogs. Most communities require a rabies vaccination by law because dog rabies is transmissible to humans and many other animals.

• Dog Rabies Symptoms Explained

  Dog rabies is a dangerous, deadly disease that is contagious to humans. Fortunately, active vaccination programs mean that rabies is very rare in the United States. While unvaccinated dogs remain at risk for rabies infection, the rabies vaccine is one of the four core dog vaccinations that your pet should receive as part of his routine medical care and as required by law in most locations.

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