In Part 1, we learned about the symptoms and treatment for canine parvovirus, canine distemper, Lyme disease, and kennel cough. In Part 2 let’s get to know more about canine influenza, heartworm disease, rabies, and kidney disease.

Canine influenza

Canine influenza, also known as dog flu, is a respiratory disease caused by the influenza A virus.

Symptoms:

1. Coughing
2. Sneezing
3. Runny nose
4. Fever
5. Loss of appetite
6. Lethargy
7. Difficulty breathing

If you suspect that your dog has canine influenza, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment:

1. Rest: Your dog needs rest to recover from the illness, so keep them in a warm, comfortable place with plenty of water.
2. Medications: Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent a secondary bacterial infection, antiviral drugs to help control the virus, or cough suppressants to help alleviate coughing.
3. Fluids: Your dog may be dehydrated, so it is important to ensure that they are drinking enough water.
4. Isolation: To prevent the spread of the virus, keep your dog away from other dogs for at least 3-4 weeks or until your veterinarian tells you it is safe to reintroduce them to other dogs.
5. Vaccination: There are vaccines available for both strains of the canine influenza virus. Consult your veterinarian to determine whether vaccination is recommended for your dog.

In summary, if you suspect your dog has canine influenza, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. With proper treatment and care, most dogs recover fully from this illness.

Heartworm disease

Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition, which is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. The disease is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes and can affect dogs, cats, and other animals.

Symptoms:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Reduced appetite
• Swollen belly
• Collapse

If you suspect that your pet may have heartworm disease, you should seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

Treatment:

1. Stabilization: Before starting treatment, your veterinarian may need to stabilize your pet with medications to address any symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing.
2. Immiticide injections: Immiticide is a medication that is injected into the muscle to kill adult heartworms in the heart and lungs.
3. Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent secondary infections as the heartworms begin to break down.
4. Strict rest: During treatment, your pet will need to be kept as calm and inactive as possible to avoid complications.
5. Follow-up: Your veterinarian will likely want to re-test your pet for heartworms several months after treatment to ensure that the worms have been completely eliminated.

Prevention is crucial when it comes to heartworm disease, and there are a variety of preventative medications available for dogs and cats. Talk to your veterinarian about the best way to protect your pet from heartworm disease.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system, primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The virus infects the brain and spinal cord, causing inflammation and damage that can ultimately be fatal if left untreated.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of rabies usually appear within a few weeks to a few months after exposure to the virus. The initial symptoms of rabies can be similar to flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle weakness. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include:

• Anxiety, agitation, or confusion
• Difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling
• Hallucinations
• Insomnia
• Partial paralysis
• Seizures
• Sensitivity to light, sound, and touch
• Uncontrolled movements

Once symptoms appear, there is no known cure for rabies. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately if you have been bitten by an animal or have had close contact with a wild animal that may have rabies.

Treatment:

Treatment for rabies usually involves a series of injections with rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin, which helps to stimulate the immune system to fight the virus. If given before symptoms appear, these injections can prevent the disease from developing. However, once symptoms have begun, the disease is usually fatal.

In addition to seeking medical attention, taking steps to prevent exposure to the virus is also important. This includes avoiding contact with wild animals, vaccinating pets against rabies, and seeking medical attention promptly if you are bitten or scratched by an animal.

Kidney disease

Kidney disease in dogs can manifest in a variety of ways, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Symptoms:

1. Increased thirst and urination
2. Loss of appetite
3. Weight loss
4. Vomiting and diarrhea
5. Bad breath
6. Weakness and lethargy
7. Dehydration
8. Urinary tract infections

If you suspect that your dog may be suffering from kidney disease, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. The veterinarian will likely perform blood tests, urinalysis, and other diagnostic tests to determine the extent of the disease.

Treatment:

1. Medications: The veterinarian may prescribe medications to help control blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and manage symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
2. Fluid therapy: This involves administering fluids intravenously to help flush out toxins and support kidney function.
3. Diet changes: Dogs with kidney disease may need to be placed on a special low-protein diet to help reduce the workload on the kidneys.
4. Management of underlying conditions: If the kidney disease is caused by an underlying condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, managing that condition may also help to manage the kidney disease.
5. Dialysis: In severe cases, dialysis may be necessary to help remove waste products from the blood and support kidney function.

It is important to note that kidney disease in dogs is a serious condition and may not be curable, but with proper treatment and management, many dogs can live long and healthy life.