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Dogs + Infectious Diseases

  • Antibodies are specialised proteins (immunoglobulins) that circulate in the blood stream. They are produced by a white blood cell called a plasma cell.

  • Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic dogs. Some other species, including ferrets, skunks and racoons, are also affected by the disease.

  • Canine herpes virus (CHV-1) is a common infection in dogs but its important role in neonatal mortality has only recently been recognised.

  • Canine coronavirus disease can be the cause of diarrhoea especially in puppies less than three months of age.

  • This is a tick borne disease caused by certain bacteria (Rickettsiae) that invade circulating white blood cells.

  • Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of dogs that can affect the blood, liver, or kidneys. It is caused by bacteria that are spiral shaped.

  • Oral papillomas are benign tumours of the epithelial lining of the mouth and throat caused by papillomaviruses. The viruses are specific for that species of animal and fairly site specific but can be transmitted to skin or eyes if the protective outer epithelium is damaged.

  • Papillomas are benign, but sometimes multiple, tumours caused by viruses. They are commonly known as warts.

  • Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a relatively new disease that first appeared in 1978. Because of the severity of the disease and its rapid spread through the canine population, CPV has aroused a great deal of public interest.

  • Owning a dog can be an extremely rewarding experience, but it also carries with it some responsibility. We hope these notes will give you some help.