Dogs veterinary clinic

03/02/2023

25/08/2022

25/08/2022

Routine canine vaccinations include those against parvovirus, the department added.
Experts were challenged after affected dogs tested negative during the initial screening by veterinarians, the Otsego County shelter and the Clare County animal control director had said.
"While those tests are valuable in the clinical setting, they are not as sensitive as the diagnostic tests we can perform here in the laboratory. We continue to further characterize the virus in hopes of better understanding why those animals were testing negative on screening tests," said Kim Dodd, the director of the veterinary diagnostic laboratory at Michigan State University.
Some of the first samples submitted to Michigan State's veterinary diagnostic laboratory were positive for parvovirus, the lab and the state agriculture department said Monday.
The affected dogs in Otsego County have generally been under 2 years old or elderly, the county shelter said.
"We have not seen any dogs ... die that are PROPERLY vaccinated," the shelter's Facebook post reads.
Canine parvovirus is spread by dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated f***s and environments, the veterinary medical association says. It is not contagious to people or other types of animals, the state agriculture department said.
No drug will kill parvovirus in infected dogs, so treatment for that virus focuses on supporting the body's systems -- including by replacing electrolyte, protein and fluid losses -- so the immune system can fight the infection, the veterinary medical association says.
Survival rates for parvovirus "can approach 90%" with proper treatment, though when death happens, it usually occurs 48 to 72 hours after symptoms start, the association says.
CNN's Amy Simonson contributed to this report.

25/08/2022

(CNN)Canine parvovirus has been identified as the illness that has killed dozens of dogs in the last month in the northern and central parts of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, state officials said Wednesday.

It has killed more than 20 dogs in Otsego County alone, usually within days of them presenting symptoms of vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite, the county animal shelter in Ga***rd, a 60-mile drive northeast of Traverse City, said Friday on Facebook.
More than 30 dogs died of similar symptoms in Clare County, three counties to the south, that county's animal control director told officials last week, according to the Clare County Cleaver. Similar reports have been made around northern and central Michigan.
"Canine parvovirus is a severe and highly contagious disease in dogs but (the state) and veterinary professionals have extensive experience with this virus," state veterinarian Nora Wineland said in a statement from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Dogs that are not fully vaccinated are at the most risk, Wineland noted, adding that effective vaccines are available.
Full vaccination protects the animals against severe illness, and cases should not cause dog owners to "drastically change" how they care for their pets or where they plan to travel, the statement said.

25/08/2022

The concern was caused by reports this month that dogs were dying within three days of developing parvovirus symptoms, including vomiting and bloody stool, but testing negative for the condition. Melissa FitzGerald, director of Otsego County Animal Shelter in northern Michigan, said most dogs with the illness seen by the shelter were younger than 2 or were elderly, and cases have been found in the northern and central parts of the state.
As of Tuesday, the Michigan agriculture department had received anecdotal reports of 15 to 25 infections but did not have an exact count because residents are not required to report the disease to the state. FitzGerald said she was aware of at least 20 deaths caused by the virus in her county.
The discrepancy between dogs testing negative at veterinary clinics or animal shelters but positive at the university lab may be due to the kind of test used, Dodd said. The lab uses highly accurate PCR tests, while shelters and clinics tend to use less-sensitive rapid tests.

25/08/2022

An illness that has recently killed several dogs in Michigan has sparked anxiety among canine owners and made veterinarians scramble to figure out how to protect the state’s pets.
Now, officials say they are confident that the mysterious illness is actually a common virus: canine parvovirus, a gastrointestinal condition that typically affects puppies before they have gotten their vaccines.
Animal samples tested for parvovirus at the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory have come back positive, said Kim Dodd, the lab’s director.
“We know we’re looking at a canine parvovirus,” she said Tuesday.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed Wednesday that the illness afflicting dogs was parvovirus and said the affected canines did not have a history of complete vaccination.

25/08/2022

An Unidentified Illness Is Killing Dogs in Michigan, Officials Say
Veterinarians are not sure how contagious the malady is. Most of the dogs affected so far have been under the age of two, an official said.
Smokey, a 10-month-old silver Labrador retriever, experienced symptoms that left him lethargic. Officials believe a strain of parvovirus could be to blame for an illness affecting dogs

25/08/2022

As a dog parent, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of common illnesses so you can seek veterinary help for your canine friend as soon as possible. Read on for information about diseases and other medical inflictions that frequently impact dogs.

25/08/2022

When you adopt a dog, you expect to deal with some health issues eventually. While most common conditions dogs suffer from are mild and often treated easily, others can be severe and cause irreparable organ damage. It's best if pet owners are aware of the most deadly dog diseases to prevent them in the first place.
While some deadly diseases in dogs are inherited or unpreventable, your dog could avoid others like cancer. Knowing what those deadly dog conditions are, how to recognize signs and symptoms, and what to do to treat them can save your dog’s life.

25/08/2022

Dogs and kids are similar in many ways, one of which is their susceptibility to catching diseases every now and then. Being a pet owner it is your responsibility to keep an eye on the dangerous diseases that may affect your dog and cause serious consequences. In this article, we will explore the 8 deadly diseases which contribute to high morbidity and mortality rates in dogs. So read on.

25/08/2022

8 deadly dog diseases
1. Canine distemper
Symptoms: runny eyes, fever, coughing, vomiting, paralysis
Canine distemper, sometimes called hardpad disease because it hardens dogs’ noses and footpads, is an extremely contagious viral disease that’s transmitted through airborne exposure or contact like shared food bowls. While all dogs are at risk of contracting canine distemper, it predominantly affects puppies and dogs that are especially prone to airborne viruses.
If you think your dog has distemper, take her to the vet. Although vets try their best to treat dogs with distemper by providing supportive care and preventing secondary infection by making sure they have plenty of rest and fluids, it’s often fatal. The best way to prevent your dog from getting it is by vaccinating her and keeping her from sick pups.
2. Canine parvovirus (parvo)
Symptoms: fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss
Parvo is another highly contagious virus that infects dogs that come in contact with the f***l matter of a sick dog. And, sadly, parvo’s easy to spread but hard to kill, once it attacks a dog’s internal organs.
Vets treat dogs with parvo by providing plenty of fluids, electrolytes and secondary infection prevention, but it’s often fatal. The best way to keep your dog safe is by getting him vaccinated and keeping him away from all f***s, especially infected f***s.
3. Heartworm
Symptoms: lethargy, coughing, respiratory problems, heart disease, weight loss
Heartworms are parasites that live in your dog’s heart, wreaking havoc on his heart, blood vessels and lungs if he gets infected. Heartworm is spread by mosquitos and has been reported in all fifty states, not just places with dry climates. Buying preventative medication (like heartworm or flea and tick) is comparable to buying insurance — while you may not want to spend money on it now, it’s better than not being able to afford a crisis later. Here are some more money-saving hacks for pet owners.
If your dog has heartworm, expect a rigorous regimen of steroids, antibiotics, and an organic arsenic injection. The easiest (and cheapest) way to prevent her from contracting it is by taking preventative measures with annual blood tests and regular pills, topicals or shots. You can find a variety of heartworm medications through sites like
4. Rabies
Symptoms: fever, pain, tingling or burning at the wound, hyperactivity
It’s the disease that took Old Yeller. Rabies caused by the rabies virus, spread by a bite or saliva from an infected animal, and fatal once an animal gets it and starts showing symptoms. Due to its severity and that it’s easily spread to humans, many cities, states, parks and groomers require dogs to have the vaccine.
There is no treatment for dogs once they contract rabies, and it is fatal. The best way to prevent it is getting her vaccinated and keeping her from rabid wildlife.
Worried about contracting rabies?
5. Lyme disease
Symptoms: pain, loss of appetite, fever, limping
This disease is caused by a bacterium that comes from tick bites (most commonly deer ticks) and once it’s in the blood stream, it spreads to the joints and causes pain for your pup. And if left untreated, lyme disease can be fatal.Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics and prevented by getting him vaccinated and checking his body for ticks after outdoor exposure.
If you're worried about being able to cover the cost of protecting your furry companion, you may want to consider pet
6. Kennel cough
Symptoms: heavy coughing, gagging, lethargy
This disease is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes inflammation and irritation of the airways. It’s called kennel cough because it’s a disease that can spread rapidly through animals in close proximity – like shelters, dog parks, boarding kennels and doggy day cares – by direct contact with an infected animal, coughing or sharing of contaminated bowls or blankets. While all dogs are at risk, puppies, unvaccinated dogs and older dogs are more likely to get kennel cough due to their weaker immune systems.
If your dog has kennel cough, your vet will prescribe antibiotics, cough suppressants and plenty of rest. But when she’s home, keep a watchful eye on her — if she becomes listless or lethargic, take her back to the vet to make sure she doesn’t have pneumonia. You can help keep her from contracting kennel cough by getting her vaccinated (especially after you rescue her from a shelter) and keeping her away from sick dogs.
7. Leptospirosis
Symptoms: fever, muscle tenderness, lethargy, dehydration, vomiting, jaundice
This disease is caused by contact – either directly or through a sick dog – with Leptospira bacteria, which can be found in soil and natural water like streams, lakes, or rivers.
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMA) says dogs can also come in contact with the bacteria in infected urine, urine-contaminated food or bedding or a bite from a sick animal.
Although vets can treat leptospirosis by providing antibiotics and supportive care, it’s easier to prevent by simply getting your dog vaccinated. If your dog ever comes in contact with the outside world, you should consider it.
8. Kidney disease
Symptoms: weight loss, increased urination and thirst, loss of appetite, vomiting
One in ten dogs will develop kidney disease, said Dr. Roberta Relford, Chief Medical Officer of IDEXX Laboratories.
"Normally, healthy kidneys are able to eliminate protein wastes, balance body water, salts and acids to produce high quality urine," she said. "However, as dogs age, kidney disease can compromise these activities."
Although kidney disease is more often seen in older dogs and cannot be reversed or cured, its progression and debilitation can be slowed as soon as it’s found and treated.
If your dog has kidney disease, your vet will prescribe medications and kidney-friendly diets, but the best way to prevent it is by catching it early. Regular vet checkups and appointments keep your dog’s health on track. Vets can measure levels of creatinine in the blood and SDMA tests can be administered so irregularities can be more easily identified.

25/08/2022

Intestinal parasites in dogs transmitted to humans
Filariasis in dogs and humans
Skin diseases dogs can transmit to people
Rabies passed on from dogs to humans
Other diseases dogs can transmit to people
External parasites transmitted from dogs to humans
Precautionary measures

25/08/2022

Conscientious Owners Can Keep Their Dogs Disease-Free
Many common canine diseases can be prevented or treated with available vaccines.
Dogs are susceptible to many diseases transmitted by contact with infected dogs or wildlife. Here are the common canine diseases:
Rabies — Transmitted by bites from infected animals. Symptoms can include seizures, paralysis, aggression and lack of coordination. Unless treated quickly, rabies is often fatal.
Distemper — Transmitted by contact with secretions from an infected dog’s nose. Causes pneumonia and seizures. There is no cure for the disease. Several vaccines exist that prevent the disease. Distemper is the leading cause of infectious disease death in dogs.
Parvovirus — Transmitted by exposure to contaminated f***s. Causes vomiting and diarrhea. Treatment is intensive, requiring intravenous fluids and medications. Mainly a disease of unvaccinated puppies and dogs; younger pups are more likely than older dogs to die.
Hepatitis (Adenovirus) — Virus is found in f***s and saliva. Causes fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Treatment consists of aggressive fluid therapy. Often fatal, but prevented through vaccination.
Parainfluenza — Transmitted by nasal secretions. Causes coughing and sneezing. Antibiotic treatment helps speed recovery.
Bordetella — Transmitted by nasal secretions. Causes coughing and sneezing. Antibiotic treatment helps control symptoms.
Lyme disease — Transmitted by ticks. Causes fever and joint inflammation. Treatment with antibiotics usually successful.
Leptospirosis — Picked up from water contaminated by infected urine. Causes kidney and liver disease. Many infections go unnoticed; severe infections are often fatal.
Giardia — Picked up by drinking contaminated water. Causes diarrhea. Treated with antibiotics.

01/05/2022

Flea allergy dermatitis is an immunologic disease caused by the injection of antigens from the salivary glands of fleas as they feed on the host animal. The primary clinical signs are pruritis and papulocrustous lesions distributed on the lower back, tailhead, and caudal and inner thighs in dogs or pruritis and papular dermatitis found on the face, neck, and back in cats. Diagnosis can be based on clinical signs, finding fleas, and results of intradermal skin testing. Control is based on treatment and prevention of flea infestations, along with supportive care for dermatitis.
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) or flea bite hypersensitivity is the most common dermatologic disease of domestic dogs in the US. Cats also develop FAD, which is one of the major causes of feline miliary dermatitis. FAD is most prevalent in the summer, although in warm climates flea infestations may persist throughout the year. In north temperate regions, the close association of pets and their fleas with human dwellings creates conditions that permit a year-round problem. Temperature extremes and low humidity tend to inhibit flea development.
When feeding, fleas inject saliva that contains a variety of histamine-like compounds, enzymes, polypeptides, and amino acids that span a wide range of sizes (40–60 kD) and induce Type I, Type IV, and basophil hypersensitivity reactions. Flea-naive dogs exposed intermittently to flea bites develop either immediate (15 minutes) or delayed (24–48 hours) reactions, or both, and detectable levels of both circulating IgE and IgG antiflea antibodies. Dogs exposed continuously to flea bites have low levels of these circulating antibodies and either do not develop skin reactions or develop them later and to a considerably reduced extent. This could indicate that immunologic tolerance may develop naturally in dogs continually exposed to flea bites. Although the pathophysiology of FAD in cats is poorly understood, similar mechanisms may exist.
Clinical Findings of Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs and Cats
Flea allergy dermatitis, dog
flea_allergy_dermatitis_high
COURTESY OF DR. MICHAEL W. DRYDEN.
Clinical signs associated with FAD are variable and depend on frequency of flea exposure, duration of disease, presence of secondary or other concurrent skin disease(s), extent of hypersensitivity, and effects of previous or current treatment. Nonallergic animals may have few clinical signs other than occasional scratching due to annoyance caused by flea bites. Those patients that are allergic will typically have a dermatitis characterized by pruritus.
In dogs, the pruritus associated with FAD can be intense and may manifest over the entire body. Classic clinical signs are papulocrustous lesions distributed on the lower back, tailhead, and caudal and inner thighs. Dogs may be particularly sensitive in the flanks, caudal and medial thighs, ventral abdomen, lower back, neck, and ears. Affected dogs are likely to be restless and uncomfortable, spending much time scratching, licking, rubbing, chewing, and even nibbling at the skin. Hair may be stained brown from the licking and is often broken off. Common secondary lesions include areas of alopecia, erythema, hyperpigmented skin, scaling, papules, and broken papules covered with reddish brown crusts. The rump and tailhead areas are typically the first, most evident, areas affected. As FAD progresses and becomes chronic, the areas become alopecic, lichenified, and hyperpigmented, and secondary bacterial and yeast infections occur.
In extremely hypersensitive dogs, extensive areas of alopecia, erythema, and self-trauma are evident. Traumatic moist dermatitis (hot spots) can also develop. As the disease becomes chronic, generalized alopecia, severe seborrhea, hyperkeratosis, and hyperpigmentation may develop.
In cats, clinical signs vary from minimal to severe, depending on the degree of sensitivity. The primary dermatitis is a papule, which often becomes crusted. This miliary dermatitis is typically found on the back, neck, and face. The miliary lesions are not actual flea bites but a manifestation of a systemic allergic reaction that leads to generalized pruritus and an eczematous rash. Pruritus may be severe, evidenced by repeated licking, scratching, and chewing. Cats with FAD can have alopecia, facial dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, and “racing stripe” or dorsal dermatitis.
Diagnosis of Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs and Cats
Clinical evaluation for hair loss and presence of fleas
Intradermal skin testing
A number of factors must be considered in the diagnosis of FAD, including history, clinical signs, presence of fleas or flea excrement, results of intradermal testing, and exclusion of other causes of dermatologic disease.
Clinical signs associated with FAD are variable and depend upon frequency of flea exposure, duration of disease, presence of secondary or other concurrent skin disease, degree of hypersensitivity, and effects of previous or current treatment. Nonallergic animals may have few clinical signs other than occasional scratching due to annoyance of flea bites. Those that are allergic will typically have dermatitis, characterized by pruritus. In dogs, the pruritus associated with FAD can be intense and may manifest over the entire body. Affected dogs may be particularly sensitive in the flanks, caudal and medial thighs, ventral abdomen, lower back, neck, and ears. Chewing, licking, and scratching of these areas will usually be evident. Hair may develop brown staining from the licking and is often broken off. In extremely hypersensitive dogs, extensive areas of alopecia, erythema, and self-trauma are evident.
Most cases are seen in the late summer, corresponding to the peak of flea populations. In these cases, history can be highly suggestive. Age of onset is also important, because FAD does not ordinarily occur before 1 year of age. Visual observation of fleas on the infested pet is helpful in diagnosis. Demonstration to the owner of the presence of fleas or flea excrement is helpful. Slowly parting the hair against the normal lay often reveals flea excrement or the rapidly moving fleas. Flea excrement is reddish black, cylindrical, and pellet- or comma-shaped. Placed in water or on a damp paper towel and crushed, the excrement dissolves, producing a reddish brown color.
Extremely hypersensitive animals are likely to be virtually free of fleas because of excessive self-grooming. In these patients, it is usually difficult to find evidence of fleas, thus making it harder to convince owners of the problem. Use of a fine-toothed flea comb (32 teeth/in.) facilitates finding of fleas and their excrement. Examination of the pet’s bedding for eggs, larvae, and excrement is also useful.
Intradermal skin testing may be used to support a presumptive diagnosis of FAD. Positive immediate reactions are characterized by a wheal 3–5 mm larger in diameter than the negative control. Alternatively, a positive wheal measurement can be defined as a response that is at least equal in diameter to the halfway point between the size of positive and negative control reactions. Observations for an immediate reaction (15–20 minutes) and, if negative, a 24-hour delayed reaction are recommended. The delayed reaction may not be seen as a discrete wheal but rather as a diffuse erythematous reaction. A positive reaction does not conclusively indicate that the clinical condition is FAD—it indicates only that the animal is allergic to the flea antigen, either from present or past exposure. The reliability of intradermal skin testing in cats to diagnose FAD is variable.
Serologic testing of IgE directed against flea-specific salivary antigens can be used to aid in the diagnosis of FAD.
FAD must be differentiated from other causes of dermatologic disease. The presence of fleas or a positive reaction to an intradermal test does not exclude the presence of another dermatologic disease responsible for the clinical signs. In dogs, differential diagnoses include atopic dermatitis, food allergy dermatitis, sarcoptic or demodectic mange, other ectoparasites, and bacterial folliculitis. In cats, other conditions that can result in miliary dermatitis include external parasites (cheyletiellosis, trombiculosis, notoedric mange, and pediculosis), dermatophytosis, drug hypersensitivity, food allergy, atopic dermatitis, bacterial folliculitis, and idiopathic miliary dermatitis.
Treatment and Control of Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs and Cats
Control is based on killing the fleas resident on the patient, elimination of the biomass at the home premises, and prevention of future infestations
Supportive care may also be necessary in cases of FAD, including when there is subsequent anemia
Also see Ectoparasiticides Used in Small Animals.
Flea control measures have changed dramatically over the years. The development of insecticides and insect growth regulators (IGRs) with convenient dosage formulations and prolonged residual activity has dramatically improved owner compliance and helped eliminate recurrent infestations. The goals of flea control are elimination of fleas on pet(s), elimination of existing environmental infestation, and prevention of subsequent reinfestation. The first step is still the elimination of existing pet flea infestations. Elimination of those fleas currently established on the dog or cat is necessary to eliminate pet discomfort.
One common consideration is termed "rate" or "speed" of flea kill on a patient. However, it is important to differentiate between speed of elimination of established infestations and speed of elimination of newly acquired fleas after a product has been applied. When treating a dog or cat with a topically applied formulation, it could take several hours (12–36 hours) until the compound has spread sufficiently or reached sufficient systemic concentrations to eliminate all existing fleas. If a more rapid rate of kill is needed, a flea spray or systemic oral or topical product such as afoxolaner, fluralaner, lotilaner, sarolaner, or spinosad may be desirable.
Several available insecticides provide excellent elimination of established flea infestations on both dogs and cats, including afoxolaner (dogs only), dinotefuran, fipronil, fluralaner (dogs only), imidacloprid, indoxacarb, lotilaner, nitenpyram, sarolaner, selamectin, and spinosad.
The second step is to eliminate the existing infestation in the pet’s environment. This can be accomplished in several ways: 1) topical application of residual insecticides that kill newly acquired fleas (within 24 hours) before they can initiate reproduction; 2) administration of topical, injectable, or oral IGRs to stop flea reproduction; 3) repeated application of insecticides, IGRs, or both to the premises; or 4) combinations of the above.
Administration of topical or systemic residual insecticides have become the preferred methods to eliminate flea infestations. Several of these insecticides have demonstrated their ability to very effectively control fleas on pets living in infested premises. Recent field studies have shown that the systemically active compounds afoxolaner, , fluralaner, lotilaner, , sarolaner, -selamectin, and spinosad can effectively control flea infestations, without the need for premise treatment. Flea infestations can be eliminated via regular monthly use of transdermal and oral-systemic approaches, because most fleas are killed before they can produce the next generation. However, even if the oral-systemic or transdermal insecticide used is 100% effective, control of an existing infestation will typically take 2–3 months because of the existing flea life stages in the environment.
Older, nonsystemic topical flea products, although frequently effective, can at times fail to eliminate an infestation. When this occurs, there can be several reasons for the failure:
Residual activity