Symptoms & Treatment for Dachshund TB: Essential Guide

Pathogen

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a causative agent of tuberculosis, possesses a remarkable resilience to external environments. It is particularly robust against dry and cold conditions, but it is vulnerable to high temperatures, as it can be killed within 30 minutes at 60 degrees Celsius. Common disinfectants require up to 4 hours to eliminate it, with 70% ethanol and 10% bleach solution being effective disinfectants. There are currently three types of tuberculosis bacteria: human, bovine, and avian, and these types can infect each other. For instance, humans can contract bovine tuberculosis by drinking contaminated milk, while cattle can become infected with human tuberculosis by drinking water contaminated with human sputum. Dogs are also susceptible to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Canine tuberculosis is primarily caused by human and bovine tuberculosis, with a rare occurrence of avian tuberculosis.

Epidemiology

Tuberculosis has a long history, but effective prevention and treatment measures have significantly controlled the disease in most parts of the world. Currently, Africa is the most severely affected region, with an average of 540,000 deaths annually due to tuberculosis.

Transmission Sources

Both infected individuals and animals can serve as sources of transmission, especially when they have open tuberculosis, as the secretions contain a high concentration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is generally believed that dogs are primarily infected by humans. Dogs are highly susceptible to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can be transmitted through the digestive and respiratory tracts. Throughout the illness, affected dogs can release the pathogen through sputum, feces, urine, and skin lesion secretions, posing a significant threat to humans.

Symptoms

The incubation period of canine tuberculosis varies, ranging from a few weeks to several months or even years. After infection, the disease progresses chronically. As it is a chronic condition, affected dogs may not exhibit symptoms for a considerable period, eventually showing signs of decreased appetite, fatigue, weakness, progressive weight loss, and depression. Pulmonary tuberculosis presents with dry cough, which later becomes productive with sputum containing mucus and pus. Gastrointestinal tuberculosis manifests as disordered digestion, persistent diarrhea, weakness, weight loss, anemia, and ascites. Cutaneous tuberculosis commonly occurs on the neck, with irregularly shaped ulcers and granulation tissue at the base.

Diagnosis

Clinical symptoms: Canine tuberculosis lacks distinct clinical symptoms, with gradual weight loss, debilitation, fatigue, cough, and a significant decrease in appetite. Cutaneous tuberculosis can lead to skin ulcers.

Postmortem examination symptoms: The lungs show noncalcified, meaty, white, and firm nodules that may even penetrate the pleura, causing pleurisy. The tonsils and maxillary lymph nodes often become involved, sometimes melting and breaking through the skin to form fistulas. As the tuberculosis lesions expand and spread, they can lead to multiple cases of tuberculous bronchitis and bronchopneumonia. The bronchi are surrounded by tuberculous granulation tissue, forming a sleevelike structure. Tuberculous lesions on the mucosa present as ulcers with a rimlike edge.

Tuberculin skin test: Most dogs with tuberculosis do not exhibit distinct symptoms, but the tuberculin skin test can be helpful in diagnosing the disease. During the test, purified tuberculin is injected into the subcutaneous tissue of the thigh or scapula, and after 48 to 72 hours, the injection site of the affected dogs may show significant swelling, with central necrosis (positive reaction).

Prevention and Control

Prevention: Prevention is crucial in managing this disease. Dog shelters and pet dogs should be regularly tested for tuberculosis. Dogs with open tuberculosis should be immediately isolated and treated. Dogs with a positive tuberculin test should not come into contact with other dogs. Regular disinfection of dog care equipment is essential, using solutions like 10% bleach or 0.5% peracetic acid. Also, exposing equipment to sunlight can be effective.

Personal protection: When in contact with infected dogs, it is important to wear masks and use 70% ethanol or lower concentrations of chlorinebased disinfectants to clean hands. If a dog tests positive for tuberculosis, it is advisable to conduct selfexamination. It is strictly forbidden for tuberculosis patients to come into contact with pet dogs.

After recovery: Tuberculosis patients should be completely cured before they can own a dog.

Boiled milk: Many people purchase raw milk to feed their pets. It is crucial to boil the milk before feeding to effectively prevent the transmission of bacteria.

Treatment: Dogs receiving treatment must be strictly isolated and undergo enhanced disinfection. Antituberculosis medications, such as isoniazid, at a dosage of 4 to 8 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, taken twice or thrice daily, and rifampin, at a dosage of 10 to 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, taken twice or thrice daily, can be administered orally.