Many people choose to adopt a dog or a cat. And some overexuberant ones decide to keep both. A great thing to do, it does sound fun but may not be easy to manage. Both animal breeds have their respective health problems, and both have some common ailments as well. And if they are left to roam outside, your dog or your cat may often have regular interactions with each other and with other stray pets. Their risk of exposure to infectious disease and the ways by which pathogens are transmitted can impact the health of their owners and the pet’s health as well.
Also Read: Canine Influenza: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment Of This Doggy Disease
There has been a global increase in the spread of many viral, bacterial, and protozoal diseases, with some characterized by recent new outbreaks. In veterinary practice, addressing infectious diseases is a routine yet essential aspect of ensuring the well-being of our furry companions. Many of these infections are zoonotic, and veterinarians and pet owners have the responsibility to control any canine and feline infectious diseases that could be transmitted to humans. Veterinary professionals must bear the responsibility of educating pet owners on preventing and controlling infectious diseases.
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Canine Infectious Diseases Commonly Seen in Practice
Understanding and addressing infectious diseases in canine and feline practice is fundamental for veterinary professionals and pet owners. Through awareness, preventive measures, and early intervention, we can ensure the health and happiness of our cherished companions. Regular veterinary check-ups, pet vaccination, and maintaining hygiene standards play pivotal roles in mitigating the impact of these infectious diseases on our beloved pets.
Here Is a list of common canine and feline ailments that can be a threat to your four-legged buddy.
Canine Herpesvirus: A virus causing mild respiratory symptoms in adults and significant reproductive issues in breeding female dogs
Symptoms: Abortion, stillbirth, and fading puppy syndrome in neonates.
Prevention And Treatment: Isolation of pregnant female dogs, vaccination, given in two doses during each pregnancy).
Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (kennel cough): A combination of infectious agents caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus, respiratory coronavirus, influenza virus, canine distemper virus.
Symptoms: a hacking cough, nasal discharge, and sometimes anorexia.
Prevention and Treatment: Vaccination, symptomatic treatment, and practicing hygiene measures.
Canine Parvovirus: A highly contagious virus that can be fatal if not treated on time
Symptoms: acute vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
Treatment: Interferon medication, fluid, and electrolyte replacement, antibiotics, anti-emetics, and hygiene measures.
Prevention: Parvo vaccination, thorough cleaning, and disinfection.
Canine Adenovirus (Infectious Canine Hepatitis): A hardy virus causing various clinical signs, including abdominal pain, paleness, and corneal edema.
Transmission: Oronasal route that survives well in the environment.
Treatment: Supportive care, fluid therapy, nutritional support, antibiotics, and blood transfusions in severe cases.
Feline Infectious Diseases Commonly Seen in Practice
Feline Viral-Induced Upper Respiratory Tract Disease (Cat Flu): Caused by feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus
Symptoms: Nasal discharge, depression, and coughing.
Carrier State: Cats become carriers, shedding the virus continuously.
Treatment: Supportive nursing care, fluid therapy, antibiotics, antivirals, and hygiene measures.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): A non-zoonotic disease primarily transmitted through saliva, more common in male cats due to fighting.
Symptoms: Gingivitis, recurrent infections, B-cell lymphoma.
Treatment: No cure available. Symptomatic and supportive is only recommended.
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV): Has three presenting formats—immunosuppression, proliferative, and degenerative.
Transmission: Through saliva; large amounts are shed.
Prevention: Vaccination for cats going outside the house. Antiretroviral, and supportive care for infected cats.
