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You
Can Catch Dog Diseases-
The
Good News: Transmission is rare
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Disease From Bites: RABIES.
Dog
bites are not usually sutured in humans. A vaccine can be given after
exposure if there is any risk of rabies. Most cases are prevented if
the vaccine is taken within two days of being bitten. Four
formulations of three inactivated rabies vaccines are currently licensed for
pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis in the U.S. The schedule
for dosing depends on the exposure.
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Disease
From Skin and Hair Contact: SCABIES
is incredibly contagious,
and is an uncomfortable skin disease caused by a mite. Mites can't
reproduce on a human host and die out on their own; in the meantime, you may
itch incessantly. People develop itchy red bumps anywhere on their
body, thin marks on the skin, rashes and abrasions from excessive
scratching. People's red bumps usually disappear on their own within
two weeks. Prescription creams and lotions can ease itching.
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ROCKY
MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER:
Ticks cause this
infectious disease. Incubation period is from two to 14 days after the
bite. In humans, a rash appears two to five days after the onset of
fever. Other symptoms include headache, muscle pain and
confusion. Less common symptoms include excessive thirst, nausea and
vomiting, hallucinations, diarrhea, loss of appetite and sensitivity to
light. Blood can be seen in the urine. RINGWORM:
A fungal skin disease. In people it causes
itching and red lesions. It's not serious but quite annoying.
For people, over-the-counter antifungals
or drying powders, lotions or creams are available. The ringworm
responds to topical treatment within a month; severe cases usually respond
quickly to antifungal pills. Good general hygiene is a
preventive. FLEAS: Blood-sucking,
wingless insects that bite human ankles, waist, armpits and the bend at
elbows and knees. Symptoms are red bumps that itch, rashes, swelling
at the bite site and sometimes hives. Symptoms begin within
hours. For people, over-the-counter medication, such as
hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion helps alleviate itching.
Secondary skin infections from overzealous scratching can occur.
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| Diseases Transmitted By Urine and
Feces: TAPEWORM: An internal parasite that attaches to the
intestines. The parasite's eggs are transmitted with fecal-oral
contact; you clean up after your dog, don't wash your hands and eat or touch
your mouth. Children are most likely to get worms because they sit on
the ground. Some types of tapeworms can cause internal cysts, usually
on the liver; the cysts must be surgically removed. In people,
occasionally diarrhea, abdominal cramps, flatulence and nausea occur.
Anthelmintic drugs are used for eradication and can be toxic. HOOKWORMS:
A blood sucking internal parasite that attaches to the
intestines. In humans, children are primarily affected. The
larvae from the feces of an infected dog penetrate the skin, where an itchy
rash may develop. The larvae migrate to lungs through the
bloodstream. After traveling up the bronchi, the larvae are swallowed
and infect the small intestine, then develop into adults. People can
have an itchy rash, cough, fever and bloody sputum. Treatment again is
anthelmintic drugs. ROUNDWORMS: A
large, blood-sucking internal parasite. Sometimes people have no
symptoms - but treatment again is anthelmintic drugs. LEPTOSPIROSIS:
A type of bacterium that can infect the kidneys. In people most
cases are mild and last a week or two. However, a severe infection can
damage the kidneys, liver or heart. Transmitted when cut, open skin
comes into contact with urine of an infected host. Signs are fever,
joint pain and general malaise, bleeding and jaundice. In severe human
cases, it attacks the respiratory system. Antibiotics are used in
people for treatment. |
Why All Those
TESTS! by Ellen Lucey,
DVM
Does
this sound familiar? Your older pet needs to have her teeth cleaned and
your veterinarian recommends pre-anesthetic blood tests to be sure she will
tolerate the anesthesia. Or, perhaps your senior is not feeling well, has
been losing weight and blood tests are recommended to determine the cause of his
illness.
Blood tests are very important in establishing a
complete picture of your senior pet's health. Many test results must be
evaluated in relation to each other to clearly indicate your pet's health
status. Let's look at what these tests can tell us.
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A complete
blood count (CBC) measures the number of red
blood cells (RBC), the number and specific types of white
blood cells (WBC) and platelets. The results help your
veterinarian determine if your pet is anemic (a low RBC), or if there is
evidence of infection, inflammation or
lowered resistance to infections
(WBC and cell types). |
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Thyroid hormone is essential in regulating your
pet's metabolism. A blood test to check thyroid
hormone level is important in evaluating your senior's health. |
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A Serum Chemistry Panel is a series of tests
primarily associated with a specific function or organ:
BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and Creatinine
tests evaluate the kidneys. These
tests, along with the Phosphorus level, indicate how well your pet's kidneys
filter the body's waste products. AST, ALT, ALP (or alkaline phosphatase),
and GGT are enzymes produced by the liver. In healthy
animals, only a small amount of these enzymes appear in the
blood. If the liver is damaged by disease, these levels
will increase.
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Glucose is the test for
blood sugar. The most common abnormality is an increased glucose
level, which is usually associated with diabetes. |
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Total
Protein is the test for Albumin
and Globulin combined.
Albumin is the protein circulating in the blood that is used for body
repair, and in all metabolic functions. Increased albumin generally
indicates dehydration. Low albumin is associated with kidney,
gastrointestinal or liver pathology. Globulins are antibodies, or
disease-fighting proteins. Globulins
are elevated when a pet is fighting an infection or has a longstanding
inflammation, and decreased if a pet's immune system is not functioning.
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Cholesterol and Triglyceride
tests showing abnormal values are usually associated with hormonal problems,
but some breeds of dogs do have problems metabolizing their fats properly
and require diet changes to control their blood fat and cholesterol levels.
Electrolytes include Sodium (Na), Potassium (K) and Chloride (Cl).
Electrolytes are very important in the regulation of many body
functions.
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The Complete Blood Count and
Serum Chemistry Panel are used as screening tests to determine your pet's
overall health and to help your veterinarian decide if more specific diagnostic
tests or procedures are indicated.
Where to Find Additional
Medical Help...
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Ask to see another
veterinarian at your present clinic. |
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Go to a different, general
practice veterinary clinic. |
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Find a veterinary specialist,
either in private practice or at a university. Many specialty
practices, such as orthopedics, oncology, dermatology, neurology,
ophthalmology and radiology, are available for canine healthcare. |
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Ask groomers, pet sitters, kennel
owners, humane society personnel and dog-training club members for
recommendations. |
Contact professional organizations, such as:
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Evergreen Empire Manchester
Terrier Fanciers
