Feline Distemper- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Distemper in Cats

Feline distemper(Feline Panleukopenia virus or call FPV) is a contagious viral disease that affects cats' digestive systems, nervous systems or bone marrow and lymph tissues. This particular virus affects the rapidly dividing blood cells in the body, mostly the cells inside intestinal tract or bone marrow and in the stem cells of the developing fetus. Since the blood cells are under attack, this virus will lead to an anemic condition and can be fatal to the affected cat. Kittens should be vaccinated who are older than 4 to 6 weeks for panleukopenia and receive booster shots each year.
Symptoms of Feline Distemper
Symptoms typically show up within 10 days of infection. The first symptoms to seem are usually a high fever and loss of appetite. Symptoms will vary, they may also include vomiting or diarrhea and dehydration. This disease will kill very rapidly, and is really common. Any cat which is behaving abnormally or has any symptoms should be taken to a vet immediately.
Symptoms other may include:
+Vomiting
+Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
+Dehydration
+Weight loss
+Sometimes high fever                                              
+Anemia (cause by lowered red blood cells)
+Rough hair coat
+Depression
+Complete loss of interest in food
+Some other cats may hide themselves for a day or two
Causes of Feline Distemper
Feline disetemper is primarily spread through contact with an infected animal's bodily fluids, feces, or other fomites, along with by fleas. The virus is shed in the bodily excretions of affected animals for up to 6 weeks following infection and has a particular affinity for feline feces. Feline parvovirus is very resistant to many disinfectants and can survive in the environment for months to years. Cats turn into infected by direct exposure to infected feces, salivary secretions and viral particles on inanimate objects (shoes, food and water dishes, towels or clothing).
Treatment for Feline Distemper
There is no cure for feline distemper. This is why it is important to get kittens vaccinated with the feline distemper vaccine. If your cat affected will require immediate live saving treatment. The primary effects of feline distemper - vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, depression and dangerous secondary bacterial infections - will quickly become life-threatening if not treated swiftly and aggressively.  And because this virus affects the immune system, your veterinarian may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics to prevent opportunistic infections from taking hold. Provide a quiet, warm space for your cat to recover, away from active areas of the house, and separate from other animals and active children. Follow your veterinarian's guidelines as far as dispensing medication, household disinfection, and necessity for quarantine.
Vaccination is the most important tool in the prevention of this disease. Before you carry a cat into your home be sure to ask your veterinarian to include the FPV vaccine in the standard vaccination package.
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Distemper in Dogs- Cause, Symptoms and Treatment of Canine Distemper

What is Canine Distemper?
Canine Distemper is a very contagious, popular disease which is often fatal. It is a virus that affects a dog’s respiratory, along with gastrointestinal and central nervous systems, along with the conjunctival membranes of the eye. Worldwide, it is the leading cause of infectious disease deaths in dogs, while in the United States it occurs only sporadically. Though its incidence has diminished greatly caused by vaccination, distemper cases and outbreaks are still found sporadically.
Cause of Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is caused by the canine distemper virus. This virus mayinfect several other species including ferrets and wild animals like coyotes, foxes or wolves, skunks and raccoons. Animals often become infected by primary contact with virus particles from the secretions of other infected animals (typically via inhalation). Indirect transmission (ie., carried on food or other objects) isn't popular because the virus will not survive for long in the environment. The virus is usually shed by dogs for several weeks after recovery.

Symptoms of Canine Distemper

In the initial stages of Canine Distemper, the major symptoms include high fever (103 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or 39 to 41C), reddened eyes and a watery discharge from the nose or eyes. An infected dog becomes lethargic and tired, and in most cases become anorexic. Persistent coughing and vomiting or diarrhea can also occur. In the later stages of the disease, the virus begins attacking the other systems of the dog’s body, especially the nervous system. The brain and spinal cord might be affected and the dog can begin having fits, seizures or paralysis and attacks of hysteria.
Symptoms may be include:

Canine Distemper

+Fever 39C to 41C (103 to106 degrees Fahrenheit)
+Loss of appetite
+Depression
+Cough
+Nasal discharge                                
+Vomiting
+Diarrhea
+Eye infection
+Pneumonia
Other symptoms: Nerve Symptoms of dog distemper include:
+Seizures
+Muscle twitching
+Deterioration of mental abilities
+Loss of motor skills
+Complete or partial paralysis
+Increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, like pain or touch (Hyperesthesia)
A fever is sometimes the initial symptom but will go unnoticed. Symptoms become much more severe and noticeable as the disease progresses. Canine distemper is sometimes also know as “hard pad disease” because certain strains of the virus can cause an abnormal enlargement or thickening of the pads of an animal’s feet. In dogs with weak immune systems, death may result 2 to 4 weeks after the initial infection.
Treatment for Canine Distemper
Unfortunately, there is no treatment specific to the distemper virus, so treatment include managing the various symptoms and secondary infections. If the dog has become anorexic or has diarrhea, intravenous supportive fluids might be given. Discharge from the eyes and nose need to be cleaned away regularly. Antibiotics might be prescribed to control the symptoms caused by a secondary infection, and phenobarbitals and potassium bromide may be needed to control convulsions and seizures.
Prevention
There is no specific treatment for canine distemper, though supportive therapy in the form of intravenous fluids are often given to correct the fluid loss due to vomiting and diarrhoea. The most effective form of protection against this virus is by way of vaccination. You are pleased to know that there are some vaccines that offer a duration of immunity of three years, meaning your dog is protected for a full three years.
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Arthritis in Dogs- Symptoms and Treatment of Dog Arthritis

Arthritis in dogs is one of the most common health problems seen by veterinarians. When we talk about arthritis in dogs, we're often referring to the leg joints, as well as describing dogs who are stiff and sore when they move. Arthritis affects one out of every five dogs. There are two types of arthritis that affects dogs. The first is known as Osteoarthritis, or OA, and the second is known as Degenerative Joint Disease, or DJD. Some cases of arthritis are related to an immune-mediated joint disease or a joint infection.
Symptoms Of Dog Arthritis
Dogs with degenerative arthritis experience varying degrees of lameness, stiffness, and joint pain, that is more apparent in the morning and after getting up from a nap. They usually exhibit irritability and behavioral changes associated with increasing disability. Cold and damp environment increase pain and stiffness. Degenerative arthritis is progressive, along with in time makes the dog’s life miserable. If a dog has infective arthritis, he shows the symptoms described above, but the affected joints are also often swollen and painful. He usually have a fever, and be quite unwell. The lymph nodes in areas of the infected joints will be enlarged. Similarly, dogs with immune mediated arthritis also have symtoms of fever and reduced appetite or lethargy. The lameness comes and go, and it may appear to affect legs.
Some other symptoms include:

Dog Arthritis

+Favoring a limb                    
+Difficulty sitting or standing
+Sleeping more
+Seeming to have stiff or sore joints
+Hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs
+Weight gain
+Decreased activity
+Attitude or behavior changes
+Being less alert
If your dog usually have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks take him to your veterinarian for an arthritis evaluation.
Treatment of Dog Arthritis
Once you have determined your dog has arthritis, it is important to start treatment right away. Canine arthritis treatment options can include physical therapy, medications or natural supplements and sometimes even surgery. Acupuncture is another therapy that has shown good results for arthritic dogs. All these should be used at the same time.
+Physical Therapy
Moderate exercise is beneficial because it maintains muscle mass and preserves joint flexibility. Excessive exercise, even so, is counterproductive. Swimming is an excellent exercise that improves muscle mass without overstressing the joints. Exercise is usually increased as the dog improves with the use of medications. Overweight dogs must be encouraged to lose weight. Being overweight very seriously complicates the treatment of arthritis.
+Immune-Mediated Arthritis
Immune-mediated arthritis reacts to anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs, such as corticosteroids and chemotherapy agents. Treatment need to be continued for eight weeks or longer. Your vet will use several drugs or drug combinations before determining which protocol works best for your dog.
In cases where conventional and alternative methods of medical management are not effective, surgical intervention might be considered. The sort of surgery needed will depend on the joint involved. Some surgeries may include: joint replacement (hip, elbow, etc.), fusing damaged joints and
arthroscopy.
In summary, arthritis in dogs is almost always progressive and irreversible. Fortunately, diet, medication, appropriate exercise are just three of the most effective areas to focus on for arthritis in dogs and help most affected dogs maintain a good quality of life.
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Lyphoma in Dogs- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment for Canine Lyphoma

Lymphoma (called Lymphosarcoma or Malignant Lymphoma) is one of the most common forms of cancer in dogs. There are between 1 to 5 cases per 10,000 of all dogs per year. Lymphoma in dogs is a common cancer of lymphocytes. Between 15% and 20% of malignant tumors in dogs are lymphomas. Lymphomas may appear in the lymph nodes, spleen or liver, and other organs. The cancer is usually aggressive and if left untreated, can cause to a high mortality. Treatment with chemotherapy has become very successful, adding months and sometimes years to the dog's life.
Symptoms of Canine Lymphoma
The symptoms of lymphoma in dogs usually commonly mimic the symptoms of many other diseases or disorders. Almost owners of dogs with multicentric or disseminated lymphoma first find pronounced enlargement of the lymph nodes on the underside of their dog’s neck or beneath and slightly behind the chin. These include the submandibular lymph nodes (the mandible is the lower jaw bone). Affected dogs usually do not seem painful when their submandibular lymph nodes are palpated and show no other unusual symptoms. Some other signs that owners could notice include one or more of the following:
+Depression

Lyphoma in Dogs
photo by: veterinarycancer.com

+Lethargy (profound)                      
+Exercise intolerance
+Fever
+Dehydration
+Weight loss
+Loss of appetite
+Vomiting
+Diarrhea
+Constipation
+Dark tarry stool (melena; digested blood showing up in the stool)
+Distended abdomen
+Abdominal discomfort
+Increased thirst and intake of water (polydypsia)
+Increased volume of urinate (polyuria)
+Cough
+Difficulty breathing
+Difficulty swallowing
+Drooling
+Skin nodules and masses (single or multiple)
+Skin scaling
+Bruised or ulcerated skin lesions
+Hair loss (alopecia; uncommon)
+Itchiness (pruritis; uncommon)
Diagnosis
You will need to give your veterinarian a thorough history of your dog's health and onset of symptoms. The blood tests may reveal anemia, abnormally low amounts of lymphocytes in the blood (lymphopenia), an abnormally high amount of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood (neutrophilia), an abnormally high amount of monocyts (a type of white blood cell) in the blood, and abnormally low amounts of platelets (cells that are important in blood clotting), a condition named thrombocytopenia. The biochemistry profile could show abnormally high amounts of liver enzymes and calcium, a frequent finding with lymphomas. Urinalysis results are often found to be at normal levels in these patients.
Treatment for Canine Lymphoma
The treatment approach is determined by the stage of the disease. In the absence of treatment, almost of the dogs with lymphoma succumb to the disease in 4-6 weeks. The treatment for lymphoma in the dog consists of chemotherapy. Lymphoma is know as a systemic disease, making surgery and radiation impractical and ineffective. There may be a wide variety of chemotherapy protocols and drugs that are currently being used to treat lymphoma. The treatment commonly consists of a combination of oral and injectable drugs given on a weekly basis. Some other commonly used drugs include cyclophosphamide, vincristine or doxorubicin, and prednisone.  During chemotherapy, patients are more prone to various infections, which can quickly become complicated, so you will need to watch your dog for any signs of infection. Call your veterinarian immediately if you observe any untoward symptom in your dog. While most veterinarians can administer the treatment protocols, owners of a dog with lymphoma could initially want to look for a consultation with a veterinary oncologist to inform themselves of any new treatment recommendations.

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Dog Allergies - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Allergies in Dogs

One of the most common conditions affecting dogs is allergy, dogs can show allergic symptoms when their immune systems begin to recognize certain everyday substances-or allergens- as dangerous. There is a wide variety of allergies that dogs can suffer from, but the most common is itching of the skin, sometimes localized (one area) or generalized (all over the dog). Some other manifestation involves the digestive system, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea. Allergic dogs may also suffer from secondary bacterial or yeast skin infections, that may cause hair loss, scabs or crusts on the skin.
Dog Allergies Symptoms

Dog Allergies
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  +Itchy, red, moist or scabbed skin    
  +Increased scratching
  +Itchy, runny eyes
  +Itchy back or base of tail (most commonly flea allergy)
  +Itchy ears and ear infections
  +Sneezing
  +Vomiting
  +Diarrhea
  +Snoring caused by an inflamed throat
  +Paw chewing/swollen paws
  +Constant licking
In some cases, the symptoms involve the respiratory system, with coughing, sneezing, or wheezing. Sometimes, there could be runny discharge from eyes or nose.
Causes of Dog Allergies
There are five main categories of allergies in dogs
+Food allergies: The most popular symptoms of food allergies consist of skin irritation, excessive itching and hair loss or hot spots. Also, they may be cause the dog to have loose bowel movements and even cause them to throw up from time to time. Some of causes for food allergies including a built-up intolerance to beef, dairy products or chicken, corn and soy.  The easiest solution is to change to a different dry dog food, and if this is not the answer, a visit at your vet is necessary for further assistance.
+Flea: Such as food allergies, the dog will develop redness to the skin, become itchy, and can start chewing in spots. The main cause of dog fleas is the saliva of fleas that irritates dog’s skin. As well as mosquitoes, fleas suck the blood out of the dog. Can treatment is giving the dog a bath in cool water with a shampoo designed for fleas. If your dog has chewed his own skin, antibiotics might be sometimes necessary, depending on the severity of the problem.
+Bacteria: Bacterial allergies is usually identified by red blotches, pus pockets or hair loss and skin formation that looks like ringworm. Sometimes, bacteria allergies are secondary to other problems the dog may have such as parasitism or hormonal disorders.
+Contact Allergy: The symptoms of contact allergies are very similar to flea and bacteria allergies symptoms. The main cause for contact allergies is the dog coming into contact with any kinds of allergens. Anything from the bedding, chemicals and plants, or household cleaning products can bring on contact allergies. There are many different treatment methods including using a certain kind of shampoo, a prescribed oral form of steroids, and any natural treatments like omega-3.
+Atopy(Airborne Allergy ): Atopy allergies start with itching, biting or hair loss and face rubbing. Some other symptoms may be papules, that are small red bumps, or pustules, that are small pimple-like lesions. Atopy allergies are usually caused by fleas, but can also be caused by airborne and chemical.
Dog Allergies Treatment
+Anti-inflammatory therapy: Treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids and antihistamines, will easily block the allergic reaction in many cases. Fatty acid supplements of the diet will improve the response to steroids and antihistamines in some cases.
+Shampoo therapy: Frequent bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo may be soothing. The bathing can also rinse out allergens in the coat that could be absorbed through the skin. Some other therapeutic shampoos contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that may further benefit your dog.
+Hyposensitization therapy: If the specific offending antigens are identified by allergy tests, an allergy injection serum or "allergy shots" may be given to the patient. Using this treatment, small amounts of the antigen are injected weekly. Success rates vary with this treatment.  Approximately 50% of treated dogs will see significant improvement in their clinical signs while approximately 25% more will see a decrease in the amount or frequency or corticosteroid usage.

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Dog Ear Mites- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Ear Mites in Dogs

What is Dog Ear Mites?
Ear Mites in Dogs isn't  disease but rather a symptom. Otodectes cynotis mites, most commonly called ear mites, common and relatively mild parasite infection. Ear mites are not like fleas, because they do not eat of their host’s blood. Rather, ear mites will eat of ear wax, ear tissues and other oils inside the ear canal.  Ear mites are the most common cause of ear symptoms in puppies and young adult dogs. Dog ear mites symptoms are the same to an ear infection, however there is one major difference between ear infections and dog ear mites. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, you consult with your veterinarian to obtain a correct diagnosis.
Symptoms of Ear Mites in Dogs
When it comes to symptoms of ear mites in dogs, because you will not see them, you may have to look for other signs. Don’t worry, your pet will display obvious enough signs of discomfort that you will know. Affected dogs will have extremely itchy, irritated or sensitive ears and will be very uncomfortable. They will try to reduce their discomfort by scratching at their ears, and head or neck vigorously and relentlessly. They will rub their ears on the ground and on furniture or will shake their heads violently. You may also notice a foul odor coming from the ears. Some other symptoms include:

Dog Ear Mites
Photo by drzoo.com.au

+Itching of the ears, head and neck                            
+Sometimes generalized itching
+Excessive scratching at ears or around head
+Frequently shaking the head
+Thick red-brown crusts in the outer ear
+Scratches on the back side of the ears
+Crusting and scale on the neck and rump or tail
Causes of Ear Mites in Dogs
The number one most common reason for ear mites in dogs is coming in contact with an infected animal. Ear mites are transmitted from dog to dog from both direct and indirect contact, however all mites begin their life on infected animal. Fortunately, they are not contagious to people, because they won't live very long on the skin of humans.
Treatment of Ear Mite in Dogs
You have two options for treatment of your dog’s ear mites, and that is to do it yourself or carry your dog to the veterinarian. However, in any case the first step in treatment will include a thorough cleaning of the dog’s ear to remove debris and other waxy substances to allow the medication to reach the dog’s skin and not just make contact with the wax. The best way to clean the ear is by using cotton balls and canine ear cleaner. When the cleaning is completed, the vet will often prescribe either an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medications. It also popular to see topical ointments and drops used to get rid of ear mites in dogs.

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Cat Ear Mites- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Ear Mite in Cats

Ear mite infection is one of the most common health problems seen in cats. Ear mites are tiny parasites that live out their life cycle mostly inside the ear canal.They are very common, and will cause severe irritation and itchiness of the ears. Complications may arise when an animal has an immune hypersensitivity reaction that results in intense irritation of the external ear. Ear mites are most often seen in kittens, but they can influence cats of any age.
Symptoms of Ear mite in Cats
Cats that are afflicted with ear mites will typically scratch at the ears excessively and shake their heads, even dragging out their own hair and drawing blood as they scratch. This type of mange is common in young cats, although it may appear at any age. It is known for being highly contagious, regularly passing from parent to newborn, as well as between animals of different species (this mite does not affect humans). Not all cats will display symptoms of ear mites but often they will scratch at their ears & or shake their heads.
Other symptoms can include:
+Itching of the ears, head and neck
+Sometimes generalized itching
+Frequently shaking the head
+Thick red-brown and black crusts in the outer ear
+Coffee ground as bumps in the ear canal
+Abrasions or scratches on the back side of the ears
+Crusting and scale on the neck, rump and tail
+Reddish/brown discharge in the ear
+Bleeding from the ear
+Scratch marks
+Odour

Cat ear mites
photo by animalswecare.com

Cause of Ear mite in Cats
Ear mites thrive in the warm moist area where the air flow is restricted. They eat epidermal debris and ear wax. Ear mites primarily live in the ear canal, where they eat skin debris. Their presence causes inflammation, and may lead to secondary ear infections. Cats are more commonly affected than dogs. Ear mites are spread generally by direct contact with another animal that has ear mites (they are commonly seen in outdoor cats).
Treatment of Ear mite in Cats
You can purchase ear mite treatments from your usual pet supply store or your veterinarian will prescribe an oily insecticide to treat the ear canals.The best way to do this is with a cotton ball or soft cloth dipped in vegetable oil. Your veterinarian will be able to prescribe a commercial insecticide to kill the mites and you must continue for two weeks to beat the life cycle of the mite.

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