Distemper/Parvo (DAPP)– Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvo, Parainfluenza
Distemper (canine distemper) is a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, and central nervous system of dogs. It is transmitted via airborne particles shed from an infected dog when they exhale, cough, or sneeze. It can also be transmitted through an infected dog’s secretions such as nasal discharge, saliva, and less commonly through their urine and feces.
Adenovirus-1 (canine adenovirus-1) is a highly contagious virus that causes hepatitis or liver disease in dogs. Adenovirus-2 causes upper respiratory infections in dogs. It is one of the viruses responsible for kennel cough. The virus is transmitted through feces, urine, blood, saliva, and nasal discharge of infected dogs.
Parvovirus (also referred to as parvo) is a highly contagious virus that affects the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system of dogs. It causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, as well as severe immunosuppression. Parvovirus is transmitted through the feces of affected dogs. Unfortunately, parvovirus is still very prevalent today. Even with treatment, there is only a 50% survival rate. Parvo is highly contagious and is a killer of puppies!
Parainfluenza is a virus that causes upper respiratory infections. It is one of the viruses responsible for kennel cough. It is transmitted through airborne particles shed from an infected dog.
Bordetella
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacteria that is one of the causes of kennel cough. It is transmitted through airborne particles shed from an infected dog when it coughs, sneezes, or exhales.
Kennel cough is usually caused by more than one organism. The three most common causes of kennel cough are Bordetella, Parainfluenza, and Adenovirus-2
Lepto
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection. It is transmitted through wild animal urine and rat urine. Dogs that drink out of puddles, ponds, streams or any type of standing water are at risk of contracting this disease. Dogs that spend time in wooded areas or go on hikes with their owners are high-risk patients as are dogs that live in cities or areas where rats are prevalent. Lepto can cause liver and kidney failure. Lepto is transmissible to humans! It can be transmitted from an infected dog to a human through the infected dog’s urine.
Lyme
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted by deer ticks. Most commonly, it causes joint pain, lameness, and lethargy. More severe infections can cause kidney disease. Humans can also get Lyme disease, but they can only get it from a tick bite. Humans cannot contract lyme disease from their dog. Lyme disease is very prevalent in our area.
Rabies
Rabies is a virus that causes severe neurologic disease in dogs. Rabies virus is always fatal! It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals and can be transmitted to humans through a dog bite. By law, every dog over the age of 16 weeks MUST be up to date on their rabies vaccine.
Canine Influenza
Just like human flu, canine influenza is highly contagious. There are currently two known strains of canine influenza, H3N2 and H3N8. Canine influenza causes upper respiratory illness in dogs. The most common clinical sign is coughing, however nasal discharge, lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite can also occur.
