The work that follows is a list of all the diseases so far covered by the Certificate in Animal Care (Level 2), whether mentioned by tutors or myself in my studies. The list will mention the disease cause, those at risk, how its is passed on (if at all), threat of zoonosis (if any), treatment of the animal (if any), methods to halt the spread of the disease (if infection risk exists).

Vesicular Exanthema

Also known as: VESV

This is a highly infectious viral disease effecting swine. It is a part of the calicivirus genus closely related to the marine calicivirus. The closest being the San Miguel Sea Lion Virus (SMSV). Vesicles are found on the snout, mucous membranes of the mouth and the feet. Gross lesions and high fever are also signs of infection. Though lesions are nearly identical to those caused by Foot_and_Mouth Disease (FMD). Systemic lesions do not occur.

Those at risk:

Pigs only.

Transmission:

Direct contact among members of the herd.

Zoonotic threat:

None.

Treatment of animal:

None.

Control methods:

The slaughter and disposal (usually burning) of all infected and contact animals and the complete disinfection of all premises.

Vesicular Stomatitis

Very similar to Exanthema. However, this disease infects horses, cattle, pigs, sheep and goats.

Those at risk:

The infection of sheep and goats is rare. Hosts that carry this disease include man, although the severity in man is classed as very low.

Transmission:

Direct contact with infected animals. Carried by the black fly and the sand fly and other hematophagous insects (biting midges). Contaminated waterers, feed places and milking machines.

Zoonotic threat:

Low but occurring. Disease effects last 4-7 days with influenza like symptoms, headaches, high fever, mouth blisters similar to herpes virus.

Treatment of animal:

None.

Control methods:

Limit movement of animals, only move if required to be slaughtered.

Keep in stables. Disinfect milking machines between cows.

Take steps to control insect infestations.

Commercial vaccines are available but efficiency is unknown.

Viral Haemorrhagic Disease

Also known as: Necrotic hepatitis of rabbits, rabbit hemorrhagic disease syndrome, X disease, VHD

This is a peracute viral disease. It causes the intestinal, hepatic (liver) and lymphoid cells to die. It also causes fatal thickening of the intravascular system.

Those at risk:

Domestic rabbit and the European rabbit.

Transmission:

Direct contact and indirect contact (contact with objects contaminated with the virus).

Zoonotic threat:

None.

Treatment of animal:

Vaccination is available. After the first vaccination another treatment should be given 6 months later. Already infected rabbits are usually found dead, probably due to the short incubation period and rapid death.

Control methods:

These vary greatly from country to country and continent to continent. Disease free countries are advised to prohibit or at least restrict the importing of frozen rabbit carcasses, raw rabbit pelts and angora wool from countries where VHD is endemic. Europe has this disease on an endemic scale. Therefore the control is strict sanitation and maintenance of closed rabbit colonies, and the vaccination of breeding stock. Some countries have wild rabbit populations that are not susceptible and this allows for eradication. Vaccination “masks” the disease and makes serological surveillance impossible.

Myxomatosis

A disease originally from Australia. Purposely released into wild rabbit populations to cull their numbers (Australia sees the rabbit as a pest). A discharge is emitted from the eyes, swelling of the head, the ears and sometimes the genitals occurs. After some days the eyes are or maybe swollen shut. Many rabbits die, those that recover may take months to make a full recovery.

Those at risk:

Rabbits, both wild and domestic.

Transmission:

Direct contact and insects. Mosquitoes, ticks, mites and lice and fleas all carry the disease.

Zoonotic threat:

None.

Treatment of animal:

Vaccinations are available in most, but not all, countries (USA does not vaccinate). Vaccination should be done at 6 weeks of age or as soon as possible. Then every 12 moths or 6 months depending on veterinary recommendations. Supportive treatment for already infected rabbits is available. Force feeding may be required. Antibiotics can be used to prevent secondary infections.

Control methods:

Thorough housekeeping, strict control of insect populations or full infestation. De-flea all other pets and bedding and environment if necessary.

Leptospirosis

This disease is caused by the Leptospirosis bacteria. Symptoms show themselves, in most cases, between 7-12 days after infection has occurred. Severe cases symptoms show almost immediately. The signs of infection are headache, fever, chills, muscle aches, loss of appetite, vomiting and a skin rash. Meningitis, heart failure and jaundice are all possible too. The bacteria responsible settle in the kidneys and reproduce there causing inflammation of the kidneys. Liver failure is also a threat.

Those at risk:

Dogs and humans and rats. Others include foxes, cattle and other wild animals.

Transmission:

Through contact with urine (probably in water or soil) from those listed above.

Zoonotic threat:

Yes. High, may develop Weil’s disease in severe cases.

Treatment of animal:

Antibiotics such as penicillin are effective in the first stages of healing Leptospirosis. Penicillin stops the reproduction of Leptospirosis bacteria, after reproduction has been stopped tetracycline derivatives are used to clear the kidneys. Penicillin and tetracycline should not be used at the same time. Fluroquinolone is sometimes used instead of tetracycline for this reason. Intravenous fluids are vital to supportive treatment. Haemodialysis is now undergoing tests for effectiveness against Leptospirosis and the toxic renal problems that occur. Vaccinations help however, recent outbreaks contain serovars for which there is no vaccination.

Control methods:

Disinfection or, if necessary or possible, the avoidance of any infected areas. Protective clothing to prevent transmission to humans should be worn. Vaccinate at 12 and 15 weeks.

Rabies

Caused by a rhabdovirus carried by arthropods, such as insects. Clinical signs vary but can include paralysis, aggression, seizures, difficulty speaking. It effects the central nervous system, in turn this causes encephalopathy (brain disease) and then death.

Those at risk:

All animals, mammals and humans.

Transmission:

Through bodily fluids, normally resulting from a bite wound.

Zoonotic threat:

Yes. High (if bitten) in countries with rabies present.

Treatment of animal:

No treatment is available for animals, humans however have been known to survive after receiving intensive support treatment. Such treatment is not recommended for animals as they have been known to shed virus after recovery. Cleaning wounds with ethanol or benzalkonium chloride is recommended.

Control methods:

Vaccines are readily available in some countries and administered at 12 weeks. The UK boasts at being rabies free since 1922. This eradication has stemmed from quarantine measures and the new Pet Travel Scheme.

Lyme Disease

Also known as Borreliosis.

Some pets display no symptoms whatsoever, others have loss of appetite, fever, painful joints resulting in poor movement, vomiting and lethargy. If untreated the eyes, heart, nervous system and kidneys may be damaged.

Those at risk:

Humans, dogs, cats, horses, goats and cattle. But other species may be vulnerable.

Transmission:

Passed on through bites from the blacklegged tick and deer tick.

Zoonotic threat:

Yes. Preventative. Wear clothing that prevents ticks ability to bite the skin. Apply insect-repellents. Avoid tick infested areas if possible.

Treatment of animal:

Treatments consist of penicillin or tetracycline based antibiotics. This however does not always fully eliminate the bacteria and relapse after 30 days treatment sometimes occurs. Therefore responsible and more aggressive treatments are used. Doxycycline helps promote rapid recovery.

Control methods:

Vaccination at 12 weeks of age is possible but some veterinarians in some countries do not recommend the vaccine. The risk of infection is only reduced not stopped altogether.

Canine Influenza

Also known as parainfluenza.

Thought to be a mutated form of equine influenza virus. Dogs with “mild” influenza have a dry cough similar to kennel cough, sometimes a moist cough that lasts for 10-30 days. A thick nasal discharge is also present, though this is usually the cause of a secondary infection.

The second “severe” influenza causes high fever (104f to 106f), clinical signs of pneumonia are present, though this may be down to a secondary infection.

Those at risk:

Dogs. All ages and breeds have equal susceptibility.

Transmission:

Passed via direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected dogs and indirect contact from contaminated objects.

Zoonotic threat:

None.

Treatment of animal:

Supportive treatment in most cases. Bactericidal and microbial for the mild form and the same with hydration, possibly with the intravenous administration of fluids, for the severe form.

Control methods:

Healthy diet and general good animal care to help build a strong immune system. High level of house keeping with ammonium compounds is a good idea. Wear proper protective equipment if handling animals and wash hands and face after handling.

Canine Distemper

This is a virus caused infection that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory and the nervous system. It is highly contagious and serious. Vomiting, diarrhoea and neurological symptoms are evident.

Those at risk:

All dogs, particularly young non-vaccinated pups. Wild canids such as wolves, foxes, coyotes, as well as raccoons, skunks and ferrets are also under threat.

Transmission:

This is an airborne disease so contact with wild and domestic animals is the source of transmission.

Zoonotic threat:

None.

Treatment of animal:

There is no specific cure for already infected dogs. Most treatments are aimed at preventing secondary infections. Ill dogs should be kept warm, receive good nursing care and be isolated from other dogs.

Control methods:

Vaccinations at around 6 weeks of age should be started with follow up vaccination shots at intervals of 3-4 weeks until 12-16 weeks of age.

Canine provirus

Strain names: CPV-2 (CPV-2a, CPV-2b, CPV-2c)

Highly contagious, highly threatening, characterised by blood mark diarrhoea. The gastrointestinal tract in domestic and wild dogs is effected. The heart muscle in very young pups can be effected as can unborn pups. Loss of appetite and rapid dehydration also happen. Death can occur 48-72 hours after symptoms are visible.

Those at risk:

All dogs. Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers are more at risk than other breeds.

Transmission:

Direct dog-dog contact. Indirect contact with objects, environment and even human handlers.

Zoonotic threat:

None to humans, new mutated strain may infect felines.

Treatment of animal:

Supportive therapy including intravenous fed fluids to replace those lost to vomiting and diarrhoea. Severe cases may require blood transfusions. Antibiotic treatments are given to prevent secondary infections. After intestinal problems have passed via treatment de-worming can begin. Even parenternal nutrition (intravenous fed nutrients) may be needed.

Control methods:

Vaccinations for pups should be given between 14 and 16 weeks of age even if they have had previous vaccine shots. Contact with the waste of other dogs should be avoided at all costs.

Canine Hepatitis

Also known as Hepatitis blue eye.

A disease that enters the bloodstream and affects the eyes, kidneys and liver and other internal organs. It is caused by canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1). This particular virus is found worldwide. First affecting the tonsils and larynx resulting in a sore throat, coughing and sometimes pneumonia. As the liver and kidneys fail seizures occur as does vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Death can be so fast the infected dog can appear to be poisoned. Death can occur as soon as 2 hours after symptoms show.

Those at risk:

All dogs.

Transmission:

This is primarily via direct contact from infected dogs, but also from contaminated runs, cages, food/water bowls, hands, boots etc.

Zoonotic threat:

None.

Treatment of animal:

There is no current treatment. Intravenous fluids and supportive care may help recovery.

Control methods:

Extremely good vaccines are used to immunise puppies as well as adult dogs. A vaccine may contain adenovirus type 1 or type 2 but never both. Type 2 is a cause of cough. But both types protect against both hepatitis and cough.

Coronavirus

This is the second biggest cause of diarrhoea in dogs. Coronavirus (CCV) is not, unlike Parvovirus, associated with a high fatality rate. Only lab testing between Coronavirus and Parvovirus can differentiate between the two.

Those at risk:

Dogs and cats, *large game cats included with the cheetah being at high risk. * findings from Class of 2004 (Baranik), Department of Pathology (LeRoy, Latimer, Johnson, Tarpley) and Diagnostic Laboratory (Roberts), College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7388

Transmission:

Viral shedding of faeces.

Zoonotic threat:

None.

Treatment of animal:

No specialised treatment is available. However, dehydration must be avoided. Fluids must be force fed or subcutaneous or intravenous administration may be needed.

Control methods:

Vaccination for all dogs are available, vaccination should be performed at the age of around 6 weeks. Sanitation will regular disinfectants is normally effective enough and should be observed in premises where breeding and grooming take place. Kennels and veterinary hospital areas should be sanitised this way too.