Canine Illness - Facts

1.     Problem Definition:

Several canine illnesses have been discovered, and their cures have been found. The most common illnesses are due to worms, such as tapeworms, hookworms, heartworms, whipworms and roundworms. Dogs are very susceptible to skin infections like ringworms. There can be more serious metabolic complications like pancreatitis and hepatitis. Dogs can also suffer from the severest of all diseases, cancer.

2.     Symptoms:

There are a host of symptoms depending on the disease the dog is suffering from. Worms may bring on abdominal pains and faulty stools. Other diseases can show as fevers, coughing, epileptic fits, fatigue, frequent urination, vomiting, etc. Some symptoms can be indicative of a number of diseases.

3.     Duration of Problem:

It depends on the disease how long the dog will suffer from it. Worms and skin infections can be treated within a week, but metabolic problems like renal failures take a long time to solve. Cancers might end only with the death of the dog.

4.     Exposure:

There are many contagious diseases in dogs -- ringworm being the best example -- which spread on contact with other infected dogs. But only the simple diseases are contagious. The serious ones are not.

Canine Illness - Prevention & Treatment

1.     The Treatment:

Antibiotics have been discovered for almost all dog diseases. Vets can prescribe them after diagnosing the symptoms. There are also many surgical methods; including more sophisticated methods like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Holistic medicines are also used in common.

2.     Prevention:

Vaccinations are developed against many worm infections, tuberculosis and such diseases. These vaccinations are one-time doses given at around four months of age, and then kept up with boosters.

3.     Precautions:

Several genetic diseases can be controlled at the breeder level by carefully selecting the parents of the puppies. Proper hygiene can control many of the contagious diseases.

4.     Helpful Supplies:

Its feeding and drinking bowls, crate and playthings should be washed and cleaned often.

Canine Illness - Concerns

1.     Level of Seriousness:

The level of seriousness of the dog's disease depends on the nature of the disease. Diarrheas, infections and worms are common problems that are the least serious. Cancers and renal failures will spell death if neglected.

2.     Lasting Consequences:

Most diseases in dogs can be cured and then the dog would live normally. Some of them would need care till death.

3.     Genetics:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive corneal atrophy and other eye disorders are genetically transmitted diseases in dogs.

4.     Lifestyle Accommodations:

Dogs will need to keep regular checkups with their vets even if they are not suffering from any apparent disease.

5.     Expense:

Expenses differ from disease to disease. Simple diseases can be cured with inexpensive antibiotics. Surgeries can be quite expensive.