HEALTH ISSUES
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Mixing a 1/2 proportional level of indigestion medicine in a moist dog food will assist in reducing gastric production and assist
in the hydration of the dog. A Tagamet-like liquid substance is often administered through injection by the vet and with
special care may be attempted by the brave at heart. This may in some cases be acquired by your understanding vet if you
choose to undertake this level of care. It is of the utmost importance that this injection is placed in the muscle, if you put it in
a vein this most surely will mean the death of your dog.
If the dog progresses into major dehydration it will be necessary to place the dog on an IV of 60-75cc of IV fluid per 1 lb.
This fluid is place underneath the skin along the neck and on each side of the spine divided into approximately 4-5 locations.
This will initially cause large bubbles underneath the skin. If leaking occurs when removing the IV needle one may pinch the
exit wound and shake the water-swollen bubble to assist in fluid dispersement and body absorption. Although many dogs
may recover in a 5-day period this procedure should be done as little as possible. The more often one has to resort to this
procedure the more the skin is traumatically disturbed and the increased chance of large segments of skin falling off the dog
which may lead to death itself and increases the potential of infection. It is my opinion that one should only partake of this at
most three times unless obvious death will occur without treatment. If this IV induction is performed by a vet they will also
administer the dog antibiotics to assist with any potential infections. One should try to work with ones vet to try and arrange
an outpatient treatment intervention on days 2 & 4 and a follow up visit on day 5 or 6 based on the dogs progress. If the dog
makes it this long it has a pretty good chance of survival.
As you go through this treatment period it may also be good to administer Tagamet or other acid reducer proportionate to
the dogs weight as compared to a human. This can be as small as 1/4 pill for a puppy up to a full pill for an adult. One can
often encourage the dog to take the pill by covering it with peanut butter or mixed in with a piece of soft food or ground beef.
During the time of treatment it is also good to try to get the dog to eat things high in moisture content. Dehydration is the
biggest problem. Overcooked boiled noodles mixed with a little meat or moist food is good and is often taken eagerly by the
dog. This will assist the dog in maintaining a higher level of hydration. This does not have all the nutrients the dog needs
however. After the dog is recovered it is very important to make sure that the dog gets the nutrients it needs which can often
be found in high nutrient dog food able to be found at the vet and pet supply stores. Also one may look at getting a nutrient
paste and using this during the treatment period. These pastes are also available at the vet and pet supply stores.
Current preventative shots are reportedly not hindered by the maternal hormones given by the mother dog. There is a lot of
out of date information on Parvo but I would caution one to begin preventative shots as early as 3 weeks with regular follow-
up, and to treat all possible treatable areas with the appropriate bleach mixtures.
Canine Distemper
Distemper which was first discovered in the early 1900’s is a very infectious disease that causes death in 50% - 80% of all
dogs that are infected. The younger the dog the greater the chance of death.
For many years Distemper has been the most feared of all canine diseases possibly only surpassed by Parvo today.
Not only does Canine Distemper affect dogs but it affects other animals such as ferrets, seals, mink, weasels and their kin
among the Mustelidae family as well as raccoons, pandas and other members of the Procyonidae family. It has even been
thought to have been the cause of the deaths of a number of African Lions.
Distemper is an RNA virus from the same viral family that causes measles in humans. Although from the same family
distemper is not transmittable to humans. Although contracted by puppies, dogs of all ages are susceptible.
Diagnosing distemper can be difficult as it has many of the same symptoms as other illnesses. Some signs of distemper are
transient fever, loss of appetite and mild depression can be symptoms at the onset. Other dogs are affected by a systemic
illness with nasal and ocular discharges, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea.
Seizures, behavioral changes, walking in circles and other ambulatory problems commonly develop. Many dogs who develop
neurologic signs develop what is scientifically known as chorea - rhythmic motions or "tics". Dogs that survive both the initial
infection and subsequent neurologic disease may go on to develop retinal damage, corneal discoloration or extreme
hardness of the skin of the nose or foot pads and even a life time of seizures.
Currently there is no cure for distemper. The only thing that can be done is supportive care and control of neurologic signs.
Often times when a dog is diagnosed with distemper it is advised that it be euthanized due to the lifetime of illnesses that they
face.
Because distemper is present in every bodily excretion and can be spread from contact, human to animal transmission and
even through airborne transmission it is critical that puppies be vaccinated to prevent infection from occurring.
Vaccinations should begin at approximately 6 weeks. Because the mother’s milk often interferes with potency a regular
interval of shots should be given after the first around weeks 9, 12, 16 and annually thereafter. Doing this will help insure that
the dog receives the full value of the vaccination and a minimal risk to contraction throughout its life.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a debilitating disease that is similar in nature to human arthritis. This disease tends to be primarily genetic in
nature and affects mostly large breeds of dogs. Other animals besides dogs can also have this disease however.
If a dog is known to be Hip Dysplastic it is imperative that they be spay / neutered so as not to pass on this negative genetic
trait. Responsible breeding has the greatest impact on the prevalence of this disease. Along with not breeding known Hip
Dysplastic dogs, breeders should also limit their levels of inbreeding. The greater level of genetic diversity any species has
the healthier that species is. Lack of genetic diversity is why many species have been placed on the endangered species list
and in many cases have or do become extinct.
Hip Dysplasia can severely effect some dogs’ qualities of life and not even show to be positive in review of their x-rays.
Others may appear to have severe Hip Dysplasia on their x-rays but exhibit little or no symptoms.
In other cases a dog may be a simple carrier of the Hip Dysplasia gene and it may never develop as the disease. If two such
carriers breed the potential for the disease actively developing in the offspring is significantly increased. Because inbreeding
brings out the most recessive genetic traits it is easy to see how such practice can increase the odds of offspring developing
the disease from seemingly healthy adults.
It is important to realize that if a dog is diagnosed with the disease the effects of the disease can be minimized through
dietary control and exercise. Probably the best known exercise is swimming. This disease when mild may also be treated with
various over the counter aspirin medications (NOT TYLENOL – especially in cats where it can cause methemoglobinemia).
When necessary prescription medications can be used to manage the negative effects of Hip Dysplasia. Some cases
however must be surgically repaired. When this is the case there are three primary options:
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)
Total Hip Replacement (THR)
It is important that if this disease is suspected in any way that proper diagnosis be made. If positive one should take the time
to sit down with their veterinarian and discuss treatment options thoroughly. After this visit the diagnosis should be confirmed
through an unbiased second diagnosis by another vet. Treat your pet’s medical health the same as you would your own and
get second and even third opinions. Your pet may survive a botched job from an unscrupulous vet, but at the same time their
quality of life can be severely diminished.
Roundworm
There are two different Roundworms. Their scientific names are Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. The control and
treatment of these worms are the same, but Toxacara canis is the most common of the two types, we will focus our
information here.
The adult Roundworm can achieve a length of up to 10 cm and live in the small intestines of the host dog. Upon entry into
the intestines they are around 2cm but within ten days can grow 250+%, around 5 or 6 cm. For pups that are severely
infected with these worms they will have a potbellied appearance. Because the worm affects the nutritional intake of the
puppy another symptom that may be present is the development of a poor starting coat of fur. For some, where this worm is
very severe blockage of the gut may occur which can lead to death.
For one to understand how to control and treat a pet with roundworm infection, it is important to know the lifecycle of the
worm. As mentioned before the adult roundworm lives in the small intestines. While there, a female in one day can lay up to
200,000 eggs. These eggs are subsequently passed through the bowels and deposited upon the ground. While in and on
the ground a two-stage larvae begins to develop in the egg, this egg is very sticky and easily clings to the fur or paws of the
unsuspecting dog. Once it attaches to a dog it finds its way into the mouth when the dog licks these regions.
Because the egg has a thick and durable shell it is well protected against environmental factors and disinfectants.
If the larvae is in its second stage when digested the shell will dissolve and the larvae then find their way to the small
intestines. Once in the small intestine they dig their way through the intestine walls and into the surrounding blood vessels.
From the blood vessels they move to the liver where they burrow through the tissue and begin to molt into a third stage
larvae. This third stage larvae then find their way through a blood vessel, through the heart, and into the lungs.
While in the lungs the larvae grow for a number of weeks and finally break out into the air spaces in the lungs and can be
severe enough to cause bronchitis. During this time the dog will cough the worms up and re-swallow them where they will
then find their way back to the small intestines.
The reason it is important to understand the lifecycle is because while the worm is moving through the tissue it is unable to
be treated. The only time that treatment is effective is when the worm is an adult and in the gut of the dog.
When looking for a good de-wormer medicine our vet has advised us to purchase products with the active ingredient of
Pyrantel Pamoate. Under the theory that "more is better" it is our opinion that medicines with a higher level of this ingredient
are probably more affective and worth the extra $1 or $2. If advised differently by your vet we certainly recommend that you
follow their directions.
While in the small intestine the larvae develop into adults. Within 2-3 weeks the female adults begin to lay their eggs where
the whole cycle begins again. As long as a puppy is exposed to these eggs that puppy will face an issue of infection with
worms in various stages of development.
Because only adult worms can be treated if medicated, the dog will only expel live eggs and dead adults. Those larvae in
development in the dog will remain developing and the dog will remain infected. Because each female can lay a large amount
of eggs within a very small amount of time the dog will be re-colonized and infected with worms in various stages of
development.
Because only adult worms can be treated, it is of the utmost importance to realize that a single treatment will not be effective
in the treatment of an infected puppy. Because of this it is important to treat the puppy on a regular and continual basis for a
certain period of time to insure that the infection has been taken care of properly.
After the puppy reaches about twelve weeks of age their immune system is developed to a significant enough level to take
care of infections and treatment can stop.
One exception to this is pregnant and lactating female dogs, who once again become susceptible to infection. Because of
this, the risk to new pups is significant since they can pick up the eggs through the mothers’ droppings or through larvae that
have stuck to her fur.
Another way a pup may be susceptible to infection is inutero (while in the uterus). This happens when the female dog has
had worms when she was a pup and some larvae have hibernated in the tissue of the female until she becomes pregnant.
This hibernation can last for many years. Upon pregnancy, for reasons not fully understood, these larvae once again
become active and find their way to the uterus and burrow through to infect the pup. Because of this it is possible for a pup
as early as two weeks old to have an active infestation of adult Roundworms.
Because adult Roundworms can be found in a pup as early as two weeks of age this is usually the time when the de-worming
process should begin. Beginning treatment early will not only help the puppy out early in its life but also decrease the
chances of it developing hibernating larvae, which could infect future litters.
Because worms can exist in various stages of development it is important for the purchaser to realize that worms are a
common occurrence and have very little to do with the care of the pup by the breeder. It is also equally important for the
breeder to have been regularly treating for worms and advise the purchaser of the potential for Roundworm infection and the
appropriate treatment cycle.
In order to help reduce the chances of worms and other various diseases, such as Parvo and Distemper, the following steps
should be taken:
Collect all droppings.
Reduce exposure to other animals and areas frequented buy other animals.
Reduce exposure to unnecessary human contact, as they may be carriers.
When possible, eliminate dirt runs. Where elimination is not possible make these runs as large as possible to help dilute the
potential of infection.
Maintain a strict treatment program.
A good worming program should begin as early as two weeks and continue on the third, fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth, and
twelfth week with a Pyrantel Pamoate based de-wormer which is also effective against Hookworms.
Breeding females should be treated at least three times. Once before mating, another time after giving birth, and once again
shortly before the pups are weaned. Because of the reduced level of immunity in older dogs treatment should also be given
them on occasion.
Because humans can also become infected with the Roundworm it is important to realize the health risk involved. Because
the worm can not pass through human tissue as it can through a dog’s tissue, the larvae tend to remain in various parts of
the human body. These larvae are known as "visceral larvae migrans". These larvae often infect nervous system tissue and
can cause blindness if they reach the optic nerve.
Because of the risk of infection and its possible side effects it is important that we try to avoid infection. Human infection
comes through the swallowing of eggs, which may either be picked up from the soil or off the fur of an animal. Young children
are most susceptible because they often ignore proper hygiene and are often the ones most interactive with animals. When
you have children who play with animals it is important that you stress the importance of proper hygiene and the washing of
hands to help reduce the likelihood of infection.
Some statistics everyone, especially those with children, should be aware of:
25% of park soil may contain eggs.
40-60% of urban dogs carry this parasite.
Hookworm
There are three different types of hookworm. Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense and Uncinaria stenocephala.
The Ancylostoma caninum prefers a tropical climate and the Uncinaria stenocephala prefers a cooler climate. Because of the
various climates these worms enjoy, hookworm can occur in most any part of the world.
Of the three the Ancylostoma caninum is the most dangerous. These worms are not particular to the age of the dog they
infect and can infect any dog of any age.
The hookworm derives its name due to the fact that it looks like a tiny fishhook.
The hookworm is small at only around 1cm but do not let this fool you as they multiply in mass amounts and can cause
serious health issues such as anemia and even death. Because the hookworm feeds on the blood of the dog this can often
weaken the dog’s immune defenses and may lead into secondary health issues.
The hookworm’s mouth is well adapted to attach to the intestine lining of the dog and with a very sharp tooth causes the dog
to bleed.
The adult hookworm lives in the intestine of the dog and lays its eggs there where it is then passed out of the dog through its
feces and in lactating bitches through her milk as well. The female can lay as many as 30,000 eggs per day.
After passing out of the infected dog with the right conditions of humidity and temperature the eggs develop into larvae which
go through two molts and emerge from the egg shell as moving free living larvae. Although these larvae like shade and need
moisture in which to move they are quite resistant to many environmental conditions due to their ability to bury themselves in
the soil for extended periods of time.
The hookworm can either infect the dog through consumption by the dog or through borrowing through the skin of the dog.
Skin penetrating larvae go to the lungs, break out of the lungs, are swallowed and eventually establish themselves as adults
in the large intestine.
Larvae, which enter the dog through the mouth establish themselves immediately in the small intestine.
After infection the worm has a relatively short life cycle and in as little as two weeks can be mature egg producers. Because
of this and the fact that treatment can only occur when the worm has established itself in the intestine completely curing the
dog of such infection can be difficult. Because of these issues in treatment it is important once a dog is known (or suspected)
to be infected that a regular treatment schedule begins and lasts for several weeks at a time.
Typically a treatment program can be administered every other week by the dogs owner but in cases where hookworm
infection is severe and environmental conditions are right treatment should be done in weekly intervals.
As mentioned before lactating bitches can often be the source of infection to its pups. Although the hookworm may pass
through the tissue and infect the pup inutero in most cases it happens in very large numbers through the milk. Because of
this pups as young as two or three weeks of age can actually have adult hookworms in their intestine. Pups are not able to
withstand the blood loss due to hookworm infections because their blood replacing organs are not fully developed, so if they
develop anemia it can be rapidly fatal for them.
In developing and treating the hookworm one should follow these following suggestions:
Keep your dogs run and living area dry.
Avoid having shade over the dirt section of the dogs living and recreation areas.
Where shade is allowed they should be concrete or raised boards.
Minimize dirt in living and recreation areas where possible and allow good drainage.
Pick up droppings daily where practical.
Prevent grass outside runs from growing through the fence and providing shade for larvae. Because dogs like to lay in
shaded areas this provides a perfect opportunity for larvae to infect the dog by borrowing through the skin.
Make dirt runs as large as possible (if dirt is unavoidable). This will give a dilution effect.
Limit shared areas between pups and adult dogs.
Use a strict program of treatment
Worming a dog may begin at one week of age and then continue every week through week four and then every other week
thereafter until week twelve. After week twelve, treatment should be given once every three months.
Worming products can be typically purchased at most pet supply stores and can be given orally. Typically this comes in a
liquid that has a similar taste to banana. When looking for a worming product one should make sure that it contains the
ingredient Pyrantel Pamoate, which has been proven to be effective in the treatment process.
Whipworm
The Whipworm parasite, called Trichuris vulpis, lives in the caecum (a large pouch at the beginning of the large intestine) of
dogs. This parasite, unlike most other worm parasites, usually effects only dogs over 12 weeks of age.
The worm that is called Whipworm is similar in appearance to a whip. The adult Whipworm is 4-7cm in length.
Although this parasite does not seem to severely effect a dog some dogs do develop bouts of smelly diarrhea which itself
can become a problem and create further health complications.
The egg of the Whipworm has a very thick shell which protects the parasite for long periods of time (years) and through
many adverse conditions. Once the dog ingests the egg, the larvae then emerges and attaches itself in the intestine. While
in the large intestine they lay eggs where they are then released in the dogs waste.
A dog will pick up the eggs by licking his paws or from the ground. The eggs will hatch out in the small intestine, pass down to
the large intestine and start establishing themselves as adults. This process takes approximately twelve weeks, and also
helps explain why young dogs do not tend to become fully infected.
With the Whipworm there is no tissue migration as with other worm parasites and puppies cannot be infected by the mother
other than through the droppings.
Not all types of de-worming medications are effective against Whipworm, so be sure when selecting a worming product that
treatment for the Whipworm is specifically mentioned.
In order to prevent Whipworm infection, the dogs dirt run should be limited and where dog droppings are present these
should be removed and properly disposed of.
Tapeworm
There are various types of tapeworm that can affect dogs. The most common is called Dipylidium caninum (the flea
tapeworm). The most serious from the human point of view is Echinococcus granulosus (the hydatid tapeworm).
Tapeworms consist of a head part, which attaches to the lining of the dog’s intestine and a body, and numerous segments
which hang into the inside of the dog’s gut. The flea tapeworm is quite large (up to 50cm) and its segments can often be
seen in dog droppings, which resemble small melon seeds and will often move about. The hydatid tapeworm is much smaller
(4-6 cm) and the segments in the dog’s droppings cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Tapeworms have a complicated life cycle. Adult tapeworms shed segments with the dog’s droppings from time to time. These
segments are full of fertile eggs. Unlike most other worms, tapeworms must go through a development stage in another
animal (an intermediate host) before they can re-infect the dog.
The flea tapeworm’s intermediate host is the dog flea. When flea larvae feed on the droppings of infected dogs, they take in
the tapeworm eggs that develop into cysts inside the flea. When a dog nibbles at its fleas it will occasionally swallow one – if
this flea has tapeworm cysts they hatch out and develop into adult tapeworms in the dog’s intestine.
The intermediate host of the hydatid tapeworm is one of a number of farm animals including sheep, cattle and pigs. Man can
also act as an intermediate host as we will discuss below. When grazing animals graze areas of grass contaminated with the
droppings of hydatid tapeworm infected dogs, they will pick up the eggs of the tapeworm from the contaminated droppings.
Once inside the grazing animal, these eggs will develop into large cysts called hydatids, which usually occur in the offal (i.e.
the liver, the lungs, etc.) of the intermediate host. If a dog should then eat the offal from an animal containing hydatids it will
become infected with adult hydatid tapeworms. It takes about six weeks for a new hydatid tapeworm infection in the dog to
start laying eggs.
Unless present in very large numbers, tapeworms do not usually cause a great deal of discomfort to dogs. However, the
segments passed by the flea tapeworm may cause irritation of the dog’s tail and cause the dog to rub its bottom along the
grounds.
There is no risk to humans from the flea tapeworm but the hydatid tapeworm may present a considerable public health
problem. As mentioned previously, man can act as an intermediate host for this tapeworm if he picks up eggs from an
infected dog. These eggs will develop into cysts or hydatids in the organs of the human, in the same way that they will in the
cattle or other intermediate host. If hydatids develop in the lungs, the liver or the heart of an infected human, severe disease
can result and may only be cured by surgery. It is important to realize that it is the hydatid which affects man, not the adult
worm. So eating hydatids in the offal of a cow cannot infect man, but he can become infected by picking up eggs from the
droppings of dogs. Because rural dogs are most likely to have access to infected offal, hydatid tapeworm infection is mainly a
problem in rural areas. However, the increasing practice of feeding untreated offal to urban dogs means that the incidence of
hydatid tapeworm in urban dogs is probably also increasing. The urban dog owner should also be alert to the dangers.
The flea tapeworm can best be controlled in dogs by a combination of careful flea control and regular treatments for the dog.
Twice yearly treatment with a drug that is effective against all tapeworms will normally be sufficient for most dogs. One should
always read the full instructions on all medications before use and make sure they cover the issue of concern.
The hydatid tapeworm is probably best avoided by not feeding on uncooked offal or feeding it to their animals. Where this
practice is carried out or access to offal cannot be avoided, it is important that dogs should be treated every six weeks with a
suitable drug to prevent the buildup of hydatid tapeworms. The risk will be considerably reduced if offal is thoroughly cooked
or boiled before being fed.
Heartworm
Have you noticed the mosquitos yet? If not hear they come its best to be prepared. Whether you have noticed the mosquitos
or not if your Pit Bull or other pets spend any amount of time outside it’s a good bet that they are aware of their presence.
With the presence of Heartworm also come the chance that your pets may be subject to Heartworm infection.
Heartworm is probably one of the least considered worms in our grouping but failure to treat your Pit could ultimately lead to
severe heart damage and slow death. Others may be under the impression that it’s just a worm that can be easily treated.
In the Heartworm’s case however the best treatment is Prevention. True medical treatment after infection has occurred
should be done by a veterenarian, can cause serous side effects including death, and should be expected to be somewhat
costly.
There are two primary preventative methods used. There is a once a month tablet given your dog or a more recent
advancement the twice a year shot.
The Heartworm is a long thin worm which finds its way to the heart and close by blood vessels. Although Heartworms do not
tend to seriously have infected the dog before six months of age.
As males and females gather in the heart they mate and reproduce there with the female eventually releasing tiny larvae
(microfilariae). As the tiny larvae circulate throughout the infected dog they are once again picked up by their transmitter the
mosquito. While in the mosquito they continue developing an then passed onto the next dog not in a preventative treatment
program.
Once passed back into another dog the larvae begins to mature in the deep tissues of the dog. After maturing to a young
adult (approximately 3 months). Once the heart contains both male and females they begin to reproduce after 6-7 months of
the dogs initial infection new larvae will be produced.
As more and more adults accumulate in the heart they begin to cause heart failure in the dog. The dog will exhibit the same
symptoms as heart failure does in that the dog will become tolerant of exercise less and less of exercise and have abdominal
fluid buildup.
Typically Heartworm diagnosis is done by your vet giving your dog a blood test. These tests are able to predict such infection
even before onset of any symptoms. Dogs blood tests should be reviewed annually to insure that any preventative
techniques being used is also effective.
In order for any dog to be first put on preventative treatment it should be first tested. If an infected dog is treated without
having this blood test these treatments can be very harmful and even fatal. A preventative treatment program should
typically begin around the dogs 8-10 week of age mark.
One way we can all help in controlling the worms is through controlling the mosquito. Here is a basic but effective method of
controlling mosquito populations. Eliminate open aired stagnant water sources such as troths, open rain barrels, septic
overflow saturation, bird baths, buckets, etc.
Demodectic Mange
Often referred to as Red Mange, Demodectic mange (canine demodecosis) is caused by the mite Demodex canis.
Although the majority of dogs have this mite some who have impaired immune systems are susceptible to having this mite
reproduce in a way that their immune system can not effectively keep the mite in check. This weakened immune system
seems to often be a genetic trait passed on by the parents.
There are three primary forms:
Localized:
This form will often go away on it's own. This is typically characterized by a well defined red scaly lesion and hair loss most
often occurring on the face and forelegs. Although treatment may be given to this type it is often advised that it not be done
so as to be able to determine the level of the immune system in the animal and to be able to make a determination as to
whether or not it will become generalized.
If treated this determination can not be arrived at accurately.
Generalized:
This is typical of a dog who has a genetically weak immune system. This is characterized by enlarged lymph nodes, red scaly
lesions and hair loss that spreads over the entire body. This weakened immune system is often a trait inherited from
genetically weak parents and can cause issues for the pet the entirety of its life. Any pet determined to have this form should
be spay/neutered.
Any pregnant animal who has been determined to have this condition should be spayed after recovery from birth. It is
important not to treat this animal until it is fully recovered as this period in their life is stressful and added stress can cause
treatment of the condition to be much more difficult and have a lower rate of success.
After birth it is imperative that the babies be IMMEDIATELY removed and not allowed contact with the infected mother. Hand
raising these babies will be necessary to help in the prevention of infection to them. Because of the hereditary component of
this type of red mange and the care involved with hand raising the babies, those affected do not make good breeding
candidates and such attempts should never be undertaken.
Demodectic Pododermatitis:
This is where the mange has confined itself to the paws. In many cases this mange must be determined through biopsy and
is often accompanied by bacterial infections.
Treatment is typically undertaken by a vet and can be quite costly. The drug Amitraz (Mitaban) is often used and can cause
bad reactions for people who are exposed to the treatment and are taking serotonin reuptake inhibitors (such as Prozac).
Because of this both those treating the animal and those who have exposure to the treated animal should be aware of
possible health risks to themselves. This type of treatment should also never be used on any toy breeds or young puppies.
Other treatments do exist but vary in their effectiveness and reviewed by your treating veterinarian.
In old times people would attempt to treat this condition with motor oil. THIS IS NOT AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT. IT WILL
NOT WORK. In addition to it not working trying this will put your pet at great risk since it is likely that they will lick much of it off
and cause sever kidney and liver damage in many cases leading to death. That which is not licked off can absorb through
the skin and cause severe blood pressure drops and lead to death as well.
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in the hydration of the dog. A Tagamet-like liquid substance is often administered through injection by the vet and with
special care may be attempted by the brave at heart. This may in some cases be acquired by your understanding vet if you
choose to undertake this level of care. It is of the utmost importance that this injection is placed in the muscle, if you put it in
a vein this most surely will mean the death of your dog.
If the dog progresses into major dehydration it will be necessary to place the dog on an IV of 60-75cc of IV fluid per 1 lb.
This fluid is place underneath the skin along the neck and on each side of the spine divided into approximately 4-5 locations.
This will initially cause large bubbles underneath the skin. If leaking occurs when removing the IV needle one may pinch the
exit wound and shake the water-swollen bubble to assist in fluid dispersement and body absorption. Although many dogs
may recover in a 5-day period this procedure should be done as little as possible. The more often one has to resort to this
procedure the more the skin is traumatically disturbed and the increased chance of large segments of skin falling off the dog
which may lead to death itself and increases the potential of infection. It is my opinion that one should only partake of this at
most three times unless obvious death will occur without treatment. If this IV induction is performed by a vet they will also
administer the dog antibiotics to assist with any potential infections. One should try to work with ones vet to try and arrange
an outpatient treatment intervention on days 2 & 4 and a follow up visit on day 5 or 6 based on the dogs progress. If the dog
makes it this long it has a pretty good chance of survival.
As you go through this treatment period it may also be good to administer Tagamet or other acid reducer proportionate to
the dogs weight as compared to a human. This can be as small as 1/4 pill for a puppy up to a full pill for an adult. One can
often encourage the dog to take the pill by covering it with peanut butter or mixed in with a piece of soft food or ground beef.
During the time of treatment it is also good to try to get the dog to eat things high in moisture content. Dehydration is the
biggest problem. Overcooked boiled noodles mixed with a little meat or moist food is good and is often taken eagerly by the
dog. This will assist the dog in maintaining a higher level of hydration. This does not have all the nutrients the dog needs
however. After the dog is recovered it is very important to make sure that the dog gets the nutrients it needs which can often
be found in high nutrient dog food able to be found at the vet and pet supply stores. Also one may look at getting a nutrient
paste and using this during the treatment period. These pastes are also available at the vet and pet supply stores.
Current preventative shots are reportedly not hindered by the maternal hormones given by the mother dog. There is a lot of
out of date information on Parvo but I would caution one to begin preventative shots as early as 3 weeks with regular follow-
up, and to treat all possible treatable areas with the appropriate bleach mixtures.
Canine Distemper
Distemper which was first discovered in the early 1900’s is a very infectious disease that causes death in 50% - 80% of all
dogs that are infected. The younger the dog the greater the chance of death.
For many years Distemper has been the most feared of all canine diseases possibly only surpassed by Parvo today.
Not only does Canine Distemper affect dogs but it affects other animals such as ferrets, seals, mink, weasels and their kin
among the Mustelidae family as well as raccoons, pandas and other members of the Procyonidae family. It has even been
thought to have been the cause of the deaths of a number of African Lions.
Distemper is an RNA virus from the same viral family that causes measles in humans. Although from the same family
distemper is not transmittable to humans. Although contracted by puppies, dogs of all ages are susceptible.
Diagnosing distemper can be difficult as it has many of the same symptoms as other illnesses. Some signs of distemper are
transient fever, loss of appetite and mild depression can be symptoms at the onset. Other dogs are affected by a systemic
illness with nasal and ocular discharges, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea.
Seizures, behavioral changes, walking in circles and other ambulatory problems commonly develop. Many dogs who develop
neurologic signs develop what is scientifically known as chorea - rhythmic motions or "tics". Dogs that survive both the initial
infection and subsequent neurologic disease may go on to develop retinal damage, corneal discoloration or extreme
hardness of the skin of the nose or foot pads and even a life time of seizures.
Currently there is no cure for distemper. The only thing that can be done is supportive care and control of neurologic signs.
Often times when a dog is diagnosed with distemper it is advised that it be euthanized due to the lifetime of illnesses that they
face.
Because distemper is present in every bodily excretion and can be spread from contact, human to animal transmission and
even through airborne transmission it is critical that puppies be vaccinated to prevent infection from occurring.
Vaccinations should begin at approximately 6 weeks. Because the mother’s milk often interferes with potency a regular
interval of shots should be given after the first around weeks 9, 12, 16 and annually thereafter. Doing this will help insure that
the dog receives the full value of the vaccination and a minimal risk to contraction throughout its life.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a debilitating disease that is similar in nature to human arthritis. This disease tends to be primarily genetic in
nature and affects mostly large breeds of dogs. Other animals besides dogs can also have this disease however.
If a dog is known to be Hip Dysplastic it is imperative that they be spay / neutered so as not to pass on this negative genetic
trait. Responsible breeding has the greatest impact on the prevalence of this disease. Along with not breeding known Hip
Dysplastic dogs, breeders should also limit their levels of inbreeding. The greater level of genetic diversity any species has
the healthier that species is. Lack of genetic diversity is why many species have been placed on the endangered species list
and in many cases have or do become extinct.
Hip Dysplasia can severely effect some dogs’ qualities of life and not even show to be positive in review of their x-rays.
Others may appear to have severe Hip Dysplasia on their x-rays but exhibit little or no symptoms.
In other cases a dog may be a simple carrier of the Hip Dysplasia gene and it may never develop as the disease. If two such
carriers breed the potential for the disease actively developing in the offspring is significantly increased. Because inbreeding
brings out the most recessive genetic traits it is easy to see how such practice can increase the odds of offspring developing
the disease from seemingly healthy adults.
It is important to realize that if a dog is diagnosed with the disease the effects of the disease can be minimized through
dietary control and exercise. Probably the best known exercise is swimming. This disease when mild may also be treated with
various over the counter aspirin medications (NOT TYLENOL – especially in cats where it can cause methemoglobinemia).
When necessary prescription medications can be used to manage the negative effects of Hip Dysplasia. Some cases
however must be surgically repaired. When this is the case there are three primary options:
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)
Total Hip Replacement (THR)
It is important that if this disease is suspected in any way that proper diagnosis be made. If positive one should take the time
to sit down with their veterinarian and discuss treatment options thoroughly. After this visit the diagnosis should be confirmed
through an unbiased second diagnosis by another vet. Treat your pet’s medical health the same as you would your own and
get second and even third opinions. Your pet may survive a botched job from an unscrupulous vet, but at the same time their
quality of life can be severely diminished.
Roundworm
There are two different Roundworms. Their scientific names are Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. The control and
treatment of these worms are the same, but Toxacara canis is the most common of the two types, we will focus our
information here.
The adult Roundworm can achieve a length of up to 10 cm and live in the small intestines of the host dog. Upon entry into
the intestines they are around 2cm but within ten days can grow 250+%, around 5 or 6 cm. For pups that are severely
infected with these worms they will have a potbellied appearance. Because the worm affects the nutritional intake of the
puppy another symptom that may be present is the development of a poor starting coat of fur. For some, where this worm is
very severe blockage of the gut may occur which can lead to death.
For one to understand how to control and treat a pet with roundworm infection, it is important to know the lifecycle of the
worm. As mentioned before the adult roundworm lives in the small intestines. While there, a female in one day can lay up to
200,000 eggs. These eggs are subsequently passed through the bowels and deposited upon the ground. While in and on
the ground a two-stage larvae begins to develop in the egg, this egg is very sticky and easily clings to the fur or paws of the
unsuspecting dog. Once it attaches to a dog it finds its way into the mouth when the dog licks these regions.
Because the egg has a thick and durable shell it is well protected against environmental factors and disinfectants.
If the larvae is in its second stage when digested the shell will dissolve and the larvae then find their way to the small
intestines. Once in the small intestine they dig their way through the intestine walls and into the surrounding blood vessels.
From the blood vessels they move to the liver where they burrow through the tissue and begin to molt into a third stage
larvae. This third stage larvae then find their way through a blood vessel, through the heart, and into the lungs.
While in the lungs the larvae grow for a number of weeks and finally break out into the air spaces in the lungs and can be
severe enough to cause bronchitis. During this time the dog will cough the worms up and re-swallow them where they will
then find their way back to the small intestines.
The reason it is important to understand the lifecycle is because while the worm is moving through the tissue it is unable to
be treated. The only time that treatment is effective is when the worm is an adult and in the gut of the dog.
When looking for a good de-wormer medicine our vet has advised us to purchase products with the active ingredient of
Pyrantel Pamoate. Under the theory that "more is better" it is our opinion that medicines with a higher level of this ingredient
are probably more affective and worth the extra $1 or $2. If advised differently by your vet we certainly recommend that you
follow their directions.
While in the small intestine the larvae develop into adults. Within 2-3 weeks the female adults begin to lay their eggs where
the whole cycle begins again. As long as a puppy is exposed to these eggs that puppy will face an issue of infection with
worms in various stages of development.
Because only adult worms can be treated if medicated, the dog will only expel live eggs and dead adults. Those larvae in
development in the dog will remain developing and the dog will remain infected. Because each female can lay a large amount
of eggs within a very small amount of time the dog will be re-colonized and infected with worms in various stages of
development.
Because only adult worms can be treated, it is of the utmost importance to realize that a single treatment will not be effective
in the treatment of an infected puppy. Because of this it is important to treat the puppy on a regular and continual basis for a
certain period of time to insure that the infection has been taken care of properly.
After the puppy reaches about twelve weeks of age their immune system is developed to a significant enough level to take
care of infections and treatment can stop.
One exception to this is pregnant and lactating female dogs, who once again become susceptible to infection. Because of
this, the risk to new pups is significant since they can pick up the eggs through the mothers’ droppings or through larvae that
have stuck to her fur.
Another way a pup may be susceptible to infection is inutero (while in the uterus). This happens when the female dog has
had worms when she was a pup and some larvae have hibernated in the tissue of the female until she becomes pregnant.
This hibernation can last for many years. Upon pregnancy, for reasons not fully understood, these larvae once again
become active and find their way to the uterus and burrow through to infect the pup. Because of this it is possible for a pup
as early as two weeks old to have an active infestation of adult Roundworms.
Because adult Roundworms can be found in a pup as early as two weeks of age this is usually the time when the de-worming
process should begin. Beginning treatment early will not only help the puppy out early in its life but also decrease the
chances of it developing hibernating larvae, which could infect future litters.
Because worms can exist in various stages of development it is important for the purchaser to realize that worms are a
common occurrence and have very little to do with the care of the pup by the breeder. It is also equally important for the
breeder to have been regularly treating for worms and advise the purchaser of the potential for Roundworm infection and the
appropriate treatment cycle.
In order to help reduce the chances of worms and other various diseases, such as Parvo and Distemper, the following steps
should be taken:
Collect all droppings.
Reduce exposure to other animals and areas frequented buy other animals.
Reduce exposure to unnecessary human contact, as they may be carriers.
When possible, eliminate dirt runs. Where elimination is not possible make these runs as large as possible to help dilute the
potential of infection.
Maintain a strict treatment program.
A good worming program should begin as early as two weeks and continue on the third, fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth, and
twelfth week with a Pyrantel Pamoate based de-wormer which is also effective against Hookworms.
Breeding females should be treated at least three times. Once before mating, another time after giving birth, and once again
shortly before the pups are weaned. Because of the reduced level of immunity in older dogs treatment should also be given
them on occasion.
Because humans can also become infected with the Roundworm it is important to realize the health risk involved. Because
the worm can not pass through human tissue as it can through a dog’s tissue, the larvae tend to remain in various parts of
the human body. These larvae are known as "visceral larvae migrans". These larvae often infect nervous system tissue and
can cause blindness if they reach the optic nerve.
Because of the risk of infection and its possible side effects it is important that we try to avoid infection. Human infection
comes through the swallowing of eggs, which may either be picked up from the soil or off the fur of an animal. Young children
are most susceptible because they often ignore proper hygiene and are often the ones most interactive with animals. When
you have children who play with animals it is important that you stress the importance of proper hygiene and the washing of
hands to help reduce the likelihood of infection.
Some statistics everyone, especially those with children, should be aware of:
25% of park soil may contain eggs.
40-60% of urban dogs carry this parasite.
Hookworm
There are three different types of hookworm. Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense and Uncinaria stenocephala.
The Ancylostoma caninum prefers a tropical climate and the Uncinaria stenocephala prefers a cooler climate. Because of the
various climates these worms enjoy, hookworm can occur in most any part of the world.
Of the three the Ancylostoma caninum is the most dangerous. These worms are not particular to the age of the dog they
infect and can infect any dog of any age.
The hookworm derives its name due to the fact that it looks like a tiny fishhook.
The hookworm is small at only around 1cm but do not let this fool you as they multiply in mass amounts and can cause
serious health issues such as anemia and even death. Because the hookworm feeds on the blood of the dog this can often
weaken the dog’s immune defenses and may lead into secondary health issues.
The hookworm’s mouth is well adapted to attach to the intestine lining of the dog and with a very sharp tooth causes the dog
to bleed.
The adult hookworm lives in the intestine of the dog and lays its eggs there where it is then passed out of the dog through its
feces and in lactating bitches through her milk as well. The female can lay as many as 30,000 eggs per day.
After passing out of the infected dog with the right conditions of humidity and temperature the eggs develop into larvae which
go through two molts and emerge from the egg shell as moving free living larvae. Although these larvae like shade and need
moisture in which to move they are quite resistant to many environmental conditions due to their ability to bury themselves in
the soil for extended periods of time.
The hookworm can either infect the dog through consumption by the dog or through borrowing through the skin of the dog.
Skin penetrating larvae go to the lungs, break out of the lungs, are swallowed and eventually establish themselves as adults
in the large intestine.
Larvae, which enter the dog through the mouth establish themselves immediately in the small intestine.
After infection the worm has a relatively short life cycle and in as little as two weeks can be mature egg producers. Because
of this and the fact that treatment can only occur when the worm has established itself in the intestine completely curing the
dog of such infection can be difficult. Because of these issues in treatment it is important once a dog is known (or suspected)
to be infected that a regular treatment schedule begins and lasts for several weeks at a time.
Typically a treatment program can be administered every other week by the dogs owner but in cases where hookworm
infection is severe and environmental conditions are right treatment should be done in weekly intervals.
As mentioned before lactating bitches can often be the source of infection to its pups. Although the hookworm may pass
through the tissue and infect the pup inutero in most cases it happens in very large numbers through the milk. Because of
this pups as young as two or three weeks of age can actually have adult hookworms in their intestine. Pups are not able to
withstand the blood loss due to hookworm infections because their blood replacing organs are not fully developed, so if they
develop anemia it can be rapidly fatal for them.
In developing and treating the hookworm one should follow these following suggestions:
Keep your dogs run and living area dry.
Avoid having shade over the dirt section of the dogs living and recreation areas.
Where shade is allowed they should be concrete or raised boards.
Minimize dirt in living and recreation areas where possible and allow good drainage.
Pick up droppings daily where practical.
Prevent grass outside runs from growing through the fence and providing shade for larvae. Because dogs like to lay in
shaded areas this provides a perfect opportunity for larvae to infect the dog by borrowing through the skin.
Make dirt runs as large as possible (if dirt is unavoidable). This will give a dilution effect.
Limit shared areas between pups and adult dogs.
Use a strict program of treatment
Worming a dog may begin at one week of age and then continue every week through week four and then every other week
thereafter until week twelve. After week twelve, treatment should be given once every three months.
Worming products can be typically purchased at most pet supply stores and can be given orally. Typically this comes in a
liquid that has a similar taste to banana. When looking for a worming product one should make sure that it contains the
ingredient Pyrantel Pamoate, which has been proven to be effective in the treatment process.
Whipworm
The Whipworm parasite, called Trichuris vulpis, lives in the caecum (a large pouch at the beginning of the large intestine) of
dogs. This parasite, unlike most other worm parasites, usually effects only dogs over 12 weeks of age.
The worm that is called Whipworm is similar in appearance to a whip. The adult Whipworm is 4-7cm in length.
Although this parasite does not seem to severely effect a dog some dogs do develop bouts of smelly diarrhea which itself
can become a problem and create further health complications.
The egg of the Whipworm has a very thick shell which protects the parasite for long periods of time (years) and through
many adverse conditions. Once the dog ingests the egg, the larvae then emerges and attaches itself in the intestine. While
in the large intestine they lay eggs where they are then released in the dogs waste.
A dog will pick up the eggs by licking his paws or from the ground. The eggs will hatch out in the small intestine, pass down to
the large intestine and start establishing themselves as adults. This process takes approximately twelve weeks, and also
helps explain why young dogs do not tend to become fully infected.
With the Whipworm there is no tissue migration as with other worm parasites and puppies cannot be infected by the mother
other than through the droppings.
Not all types of de-worming medications are effective against Whipworm, so be sure when selecting a worming product that
treatment for the Whipworm is specifically mentioned.
In order to prevent Whipworm infection, the dogs dirt run should be limited and where dog droppings are present these
should be removed and properly disposed of.
Tapeworm
There are various types of tapeworm that can affect dogs. The most common is called Dipylidium caninum (the flea
tapeworm). The most serious from the human point of view is Echinococcus granulosus (the hydatid tapeworm).
Tapeworms consist of a head part, which attaches to the lining of the dog’s intestine and a body, and numerous segments
which hang into the inside of the dog’s gut. The flea tapeworm is quite large (up to 50cm) and its segments can often be
seen in dog droppings, which resemble small melon seeds and will often move about. The hydatid tapeworm is much smaller
(4-6 cm) and the segments in the dog’s droppings cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Tapeworms have a complicated life cycle. Adult tapeworms shed segments with the dog’s droppings from time to time. These
segments are full of fertile eggs. Unlike most other worms, tapeworms must go through a development stage in another
animal (an intermediate host) before they can re-infect the dog.
The flea tapeworm’s intermediate host is the dog flea. When flea larvae feed on the droppings of infected dogs, they take in
the tapeworm eggs that develop into cysts inside the flea. When a dog nibbles at its fleas it will occasionally swallow one – if
this flea has tapeworm cysts they hatch out and develop into adult tapeworms in the dog’s intestine.
The intermediate host of the hydatid tapeworm is one of a number of farm animals including sheep, cattle and pigs. Man can
also act as an intermediate host as we will discuss below. When grazing animals graze areas of grass contaminated with the
droppings of hydatid tapeworm infected dogs, they will pick up the eggs of the tapeworm from the contaminated droppings.
Once inside the grazing animal, these eggs will develop into large cysts called hydatids, which usually occur in the offal (i.e.
the liver, the lungs, etc.) of the intermediate host. If a dog should then eat the offal from an animal containing hydatids it will
become infected with adult hydatid tapeworms. It takes about six weeks for a new hydatid tapeworm infection in the dog to
start laying eggs.
Unless present in very large numbers, tapeworms do not usually cause a great deal of discomfort to dogs. However, the
segments passed by the flea tapeworm may cause irritation of the dog’s tail and cause the dog to rub its bottom along the
grounds.
There is no risk to humans from the flea tapeworm but the hydatid tapeworm may present a considerable public health
problem. As mentioned previously, man can act as an intermediate host for this tapeworm if he picks up eggs from an
infected dog. These eggs will develop into cysts or hydatids in the organs of the human, in the same way that they will in the
cattle or other intermediate host. If hydatids develop in the lungs, the liver or the heart of an infected human, severe disease
can result and may only be cured by surgery. It is important to realize that it is the hydatid which affects man, not the adult
worm. So eating hydatids in the offal of a cow cannot infect man, but he can become infected by picking up eggs from the
droppings of dogs. Because rural dogs are most likely to have access to infected offal, hydatid tapeworm infection is mainly a
problem in rural areas. However, the increasing practice of feeding untreated offal to urban dogs means that the incidence of
hydatid tapeworm in urban dogs is probably also increasing. The urban dog owner should also be alert to the dangers.
The flea tapeworm can best be controlled in dogs by a combination of careful flea control and regular treatments for the dog.
Twice yearly treatment with a drug that is effective against all tapeworms will normally be sufficient for most dogs. One should
always read the full instructions on all medications before use and make sure they cover the issue of concern.
The hydatid tapeworm is probably best avoided by not feeding on uncooked offal or feeding it to their animals. Where this
practice is carried out or access to offal cannot be avoided, it is important that dogs should be treated every six weeks with a
suitable drug to prevent the buildup of hydatid tapeworms. The risk will be considerably reduced if offal is thoroughly cooked
or boiled before being fed.
Heartworm
Have you noticed the mosquitos yet? If not hear they come its best to be prepared. Whether you have noticed the mosquitos
or not if your Pit Bull or other pets spend any amount of time outside it’s a good bet that they are aware of their presence.
With the presence of Heartworm also come the chance that your pets may be subject to Heartworm infection.
Heartworm is probably one of the least considered worms in our grouping but failure to treat your Pit could ultimately lead to
severe heart damage and slow death. Others may be under the impression that it’s just a worm that can be easily treated.
In the Heartworm’s case however the best treatment is Prevention. True medical treatment after infection has occurred
should be done by a veterenarian, can cause serous side effects including death, and should be expected to be somewhat
costly.
There are two primary preventative methods used. There is a once a month tablet given your dog or a more recent
advancement the twice a year shot.
The Heartworm is a long thin worm which finds its way to the heart and close by blood vessels. Although Heartworms do not
tend to seriously have infected the dog before six months of age.
As males and females gather in the heart they mate and reproduce there with the female eventually releasing tiny larvae
(microfilariae). As the tiny larvae circulate throughout the infected dog they are once again picked up by their transmitter the
mosquito. While in the mosquito they continue developing an then passed onto the next dog not in a preventative treatment
program.
Once passed back into another dog the larvae begins to mature in the deep tissues of the dog. After maturing to a young
adult (approximately 3 months). Once the heart contains both male and females they begin to reproduce after 6-7 months of
the dogs initial infection new larvae will be produced.
As more and more adults accumulate in the heart they begin to cause heart failure in the dog. The dog will exhibit the same
symptoms as heart failure does in that the dog will become tolerant of exercise less and less of exercise and have abdominal
fluid buildup.
Typically Heartworm diagnosis is done by your vet giving your dog a blood test. These tests are able to predict such infection
even before onset of any symptoms. Dogs blood tests should be reviewed annually to insure that any preventative
techniques being used is also effective.
In order for any dog to be first put on preventative treatment it should be first tested. If an infected dog is treated without
having this blood test these treatments can be very harmful and even fatal. A preventative treatment program should
typically begin around the dogs 8-10 week of age mark.
One way we can all help in controlling the worms is through controlling the mosquito. Here is a basic but effective method of
controlling mosquito populations. Eliminate open aired stagnant water sources such as troths, open rain barrels, septic
overflow saturation, bird baths, buckets, etc.
Demodectic Mange
Often referred to as Red Mange, Demodectic mange (canine demodecosis) is caused by the mite Demodex canis.
Although the majority of dogs have this mite some who have impaired immune systems are susceptible to having this mite
reproduce in a way that their immune system can not effectively keep the mite in check. This weakened immune system
seems to often be a genetic trait passed on by the parents.
There are three primary forms:
Localized:
This form will often go away on it's own. This is typically characterized by a well defined red scaly lesion and hair loss most
often occurring on the face and forelegs. Although treatment may be given to this type it is often advised that it not be done
so as to be able to determine the level of the immune system in the animal and to be able to make a determination as to
whether or not it will become generalized.
If treated this determination can not be arrived at accurately.
Generalized:
This is typical of a dog who has a genetically weak immune system. This is characterized by enlarged lymph nodes, red scaly
lesions and hair loss that spreads over the entire body. This weakened immune system is often a trait inherited from
genetically weak parents and can cause issues for the pet the entirety of its life. Any pet determined to have this form should
be spay/neutered.
Any pregnant animal who has been determined to have this condition should be spayed after recovery from birth. It is
important not to treat this animal until it is fully recovered as this period in their life is stressful and added stress can cause
treatment of the condition to be much more difficult and have a lower rate of success.
After birth it is imperative that the babies be IMMEDIATELY removed and not allowed contact with the infected mother. Hand
raising these babies will be necessary to help in the prevention of infection to them. Because of the hereditary component of
this type of red mange and the care involved with hand raising the babies, those affected do not make good breeding
candidates and such attempts should never be undertaken.
Demodectic Pododermatitis:
This is where the mange has confined itself to the paws. In many cases this mange must be determined through biopsy and
is often accompanied by bacterial infections.
Treatment is typically undertaken by a vet and can be quite costly. The drug Amitraz (Mitaban) is often used and can cause
bad reactions for people who are exposed to the treatment and are taking serotonin reuptake inhibitors (such as Prozac).
Because of this both those treating the animal and those who have exposure to the treated animal should be aware of
possible health risks to themselves. This type of treatment should also never be used on any toy breeds or young puppies.
Other treatments do exist but vary in their effectiveness and reviewed by your treating veterinarian.
In old times people would attempt to treat this condition with motor oil. THIS IS NOT AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT. IT WILL
NOT WORK. In addition to it not working trying this will put your pet at great risk since it is likely that they will lick much of it off
and cause sever kidney and liver damage in many cases leading to death. That which is not licked off can absorb through
the skin and cause severe blood pressure drops and lead to death as well.
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HAYNES PIT BULLS
Parvo
Parvo can strike a dog at any time in its life. Puppies of younger than 9 weeks of age
are at most risk and most danger. The Parvo does not kill the dog, but the symptoms do.
Once dehydration has set in this is usually marked by decreased appetite, diarrhea, and
then move progressively to vomiting, all which continue to lead to further dehydration,
shallow breathing, severe depression and in most un-maintained cases, death.
The good news is once over Parvo the dog has an increased tolerance to the disease
and some experts say sometimes even lifetime immunity.
The bad news is the longer it takes to recognize that your dog is in progressive Parvo,
the more drastic the maintenance procedure in keeping them alive and many times the
more costly.
If one recognizes Parvo early enough they may be able to bypass the treatment by the
vet.
It is important to treat all areas with a 1oz bleach to 9 oz water ratio this includes the
yard and any where in the house that may withstand such a concentration of bleach.
These areas include wood, linoleum, or tile floors, doorknobs, counters, etc.
All shared dishes should be washed in this solution and thoroughly rinsed or at least be
run through a dishwasher.
Humans cannot catch Parvo, but they are probably one of the greatest transmitters of
the disease. They carry it from dog to dog via petting, dog showcasing, walking in
common areas, etc.
The greatest precaution one can take is to begin the puppies of a litter on preventative
shots as early as three weeks. Worming should also begin at this time. If one has an
increased concern they may follow up with this treatment on the 4-5 week an then on the
6-7. These may be purchased at most feed stores, CO-OPs, etc.
If one begins to notice these symptoms it is important to begin to act promptly because
death can occur within two to three days. Most dogs who make it through their
progressive symptoms for at least 5 days will more than likely survive.
Parvo can strike a dog at any time in its life. Puppies of younger than 9 weeks of age
are at most risk and most danger. The Parvo does not kill the dog, but the symptoms do.
Once dehydration has set in this is usually marked by decreased appetite, diarrhea, and
then move progressively to vomiting, all which continue to lead to further dehydration,
shallow breathing, severe depression and in most un-maintained cases, death.
The good news is once over Parvo the dog has an increased tolerance to the disease
and some experts say sometimes even lifetime immunity.
The bad news is the longer it takes to recognize that your dog is in progressive Parvo,
the more drastic the maintenance procedure in keeping them alive and many times the
more costly.
If one recognizes Parvo early enough they may be able to bypass the treatment by the
vet.
It is important to treat all areas with a 1oz bleach to 9 oz water ratio this includes the
yard and any where in the house that may withstand such a concentration of bleach.
These areas include wood, linoleum, or tile floors, doorknobs, counters, etc.
All shared dishes should be washed in this solution and thoroughly rinsed or at least be
run through a dishwasher.
Humans cannot catch Parvo, but they are probably one of the greatest transmitters of
the disease. They carry it from dog to dog via petting, dog showcasing, walking in
common areas, etc.
The greatest precaution one can take is to begin the puppies of a litter on preventative
shots as early as three weeks. Worming should also begin at this time. If one has an
increased concern they may follow up with this treatment on the 4-5 week an then on the
6-7. These may be purchased at most feed stores, CO-OPs, etc.
If one begins to notice these symptoms it is important to begin to act promptly because
death can occur within two to three days. Most dogs who make it through their
progressive symptoms for at least 5 days will more than likely survive.