Articles
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Giardia is a microscopic, parasitic organism that causes an intestinal infection in humans and animals called giardiasis. Giardiasis can be an important cause of diarrhea in animals, but many infected dogs never develop any signs of illness.
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Hookworm is a parasitic infection of the gastrointestinal tract. The parasites have hook-like mouthparts they use to anchor themselves to the lining of the intestinal wall. This handout outlines clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
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Vaccinations are important to prevent serious illness in dogs. Even dogs that spend all their time indoors should be vaccinated. Some viruses can be carried into your home on inanimate objects such as shoes and clothing. Your veterinarian can help you determine what vaccinations your dog needs to be protected.
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This handout outlines internal parasites in dogs and what you can do to prevent or treat infection. Included are parasites of the gastrointestinal tract (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms), as well as parasites of the circulatory system (heartworm).
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Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by a single-celled parasite that infects dogs, cats, and certain rodents. Humans can also become infected. The parasite is transmitted by small, biting sand flies. Leishmaniasis can cause one or two types of infections: a cutaneous (skin) infection and a visceral (organ) infection.
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Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that are passed in the urine of infected animals and survive for long periods of time in warm, stagnant water or moist soil. The disease causes severe damage to the kidney, liver, and other organs, and may be fatal in severe cases.
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Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium that can be transmitted to dogs through the bite of an infected tick. Once in the bloodstream, the Lyme disease organism is carried to many parts of the body and is likely to localize in joints or kidneys.
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Melioidosis is a bacterial infection that is typically associated with tropical regions. The bacteria that causes melioidosis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, is usually found in soil and water. The clinical signs of this condition, along with transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, are outlined in this handout.
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The Ebola virus is very contagious and is transmitted through blood, body fluids, and tissues, but not through air, water, or food. Ebola affects humans, non-human primates, and is carried by fruit bats. Other species do not appear to be affected, although there has been evidence of exposure to the disease in dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. Domestic animals are not believed to transmit the virus; however, there is a risk that they could transmit body fluids such as saliva on their fur to other humans. Any potential exposure to Ebola should be reported to your veterinarian who will contact the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
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Rabies is a devastating viral disease that affects mammals, including dogs and humans, and is caused by the rabies virus. Once clinical signs of rabies occur, the disease is nearly always fatal. Vaccination is the cornerstone of rabies prevention.