Canine and Feline Infectious Diseases & Gastroenteritis

I. Canine Cough

Canine cough is a highly contagious disease typically caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria. The primary pathogens include canine parainfluenza virus, canine distemper virus, and the most common secondary infection, Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Symptoms of Canine Cough:

The initial stages of canine cough are characterized by a dry cough and occasional vomiting, with the vomit often appearing as white foam. Dogs may seem normal in terms of their spirits and body temperature. As the illness progresses, dogs may exhibit painful coughing, fever, and purulent nasal discharge. Puppies are most susceptible, but dogs of any age can contract the cough. This disease spreads through the air and can be exacerbated by cold weather, environmental changes, and high humidity.

Treatment for Canine Cough:

Treating canine cough involves both addressing symptoms and combating the underlying causes. This includes controlling coughing and fighting viruses. Since canine cough is often triggered by multiple factors, antibiotics may not provide immediate relief and are not the correct approach.

During the early stages, pet owners can administer Pseudoephedrine and Codeine Phosphate, a cough suppressant and expectorant specifically designed for dogs and cats. This medication can treat coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases. For dogs suffering from canine cough, this product can help alleviate coughing.

Dogs can take this medication before or after meals. Pet owners can mix it with warm water, using 0.5 grams (onetenth of a packet) dissolved in about 2 milliliters of water. Improvement should be seen within five days.

For more severe cases, pet owners can give their dogs Pefloxacin, a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat infections caused by Grampositive and Gramnegative bacteria and mycoplasma. It can be effective in treating canine cough.

Always follow the prescribed dosage to avoid disrupting the dog's immune system, which could create more opportunities for the virus to侵入.

Precautions:

During treatment, it's crucial to maintain a clean and disinfected living environment for the dog and take measures to prevent colds and keep the environment warm. Most importantly, canine cough is a preventable disease through vaccination. Pet owners should ensure their dogs are vaccinated to significantly reduce the risk of infection.

Even with vaccination, pet owners should avoid letting their dogs interact with unfamiliar dogs or visit crowded areas. If boarding, research the facility thoroughly to prevent infection during the stay.

II. Canine Distemper Virus

1. Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is caused by canine distemper virus, a highly contagious and deadly disease, particularly affecting puppies. The virus spreads through the secretions and excretions of infected dogs, and healthy dogs can become infected upon contact with these substances.

Symptoms of Canine Distemper:

The virus initially affects the dog's respiratory system, then the digestive system, and can even impact the nervous system. Symptoms include fluctuating temperatures, respiratory infections with nasal and ocular discharge, coughing, and rapid breathing. Severe cases may lead to pneumonia, conjunctivitis, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, skin rash, and muscle tremors, indicating the virus has reached the nervous system. Without prompt veterinary care, dogs can die rapidly.

Treatment for Canine Distemper:

Treatment involves antibacterial, antiviral, and symptomatic care. For mild infections with respiratory symptoms, pet owners can give their dogs Fenbendazole and Pseudoephedrine and Codeine Phosphate, a medication known as "Shuanghuanglian Tablets," which can treat respiratory infections caused by canine distemper virus.

The dosage should be determined based on the dog's weight, with instructions for administration provided on the packaging. Pet owners can also supplement the dog's immune system with Antitrypsin IGY, which contains colostrum powder to enhance overall immunity and antiviral capabilities.

2. Feline Distemper

Feline distemper is a highly contagious enteritis that primarily spreads through contact with infected cat feces. It is caused by parvovirus and is most common in unvaccinated kittens aged 1216 weeks. Older cats and senior cats are less likely to contract the disease, with spring and winter being peak seasons.

Symptoms of Feline Distemper:

Symptoms include sudden onset, severe dehydration, and a significant decrease in white blood cell count. Pregnant queens may experience fetal death, abortion, or neurologic symptoms in neonates. The incubation period is typically 29 days, with symptoms including thirst, vomiting, fever, dehydration, and white, mucoid vomit. Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, abdominal pain, and a decrease in body temperature, indicating the approach of death.

Treatment for Feline Distemper:

It is generally not recommended for pet owners to administer medication without veterinary guidance. In cases of acute illness, immediate veterinary care is essential. For mild symptoms, pet owners can give their cats Pseudoephedrine and Codeine Phosphate, a medication used to treat colds, coughs, pneumonia, and feline distemper. However, cats with severe liver or kidney dysfunction should not take this medication, and it should not be consumed with dairy products or foods high in calcium.

Precautions:

Vaccination is crucial for preventing canine and feline distemper. Puppies can receive their first dose at six weeks of age, followed by boosters every two weeks, totaling three doses. Kittens can receive their first dose of the Feline Distemper, Enteritis, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine at around six to eight weeks, followed by boosters every three to four weeks, totaling three doses. Vaccination should only be administered to healthy animals to avoid adverse reactions or increased side effects.

III. Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is a common disease that can cause vomiting, particularly in dogs and cats with fragile digestive systems. It can be acute or chronic, with acute cases developing rapidly and chronic cases being recurrent. If a dog frequently experiences acute gastroenteritis, it can develop into chronic gastroenteritis.

Symptoms of Canine and Feline Gastroenteritis:

Symptoms are similar in dogs and cats, including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and dehydration. Weight loss may occur rapidly. Initially, pets may feel thirsty but will vomit immediately after drinking, with vomit possibly containing blood or yellowgreen fluid. Chronic enteritis may present with continuous vomiting, white foam, and a gradual decline in spirits. Dehydration and fever may follow, and without timely treatment, the pet may die due to intestinal failure.

Treatment for Canine and Feline Gastroenteritis:

During an outbreak of gastroenteritis, pet owners should place the pet in a comfortable environment and, once vomiting subsides, offer saltwater or a warm compress to the abdomen to alleviate discomfort. Easytodigest foods, such as liquid meals, can help replenish energy.

If the pet experiences bloating and diarrhea, fasting and immediate treatment are necessary. Pet owners can administer Pseudoephedrine and Codeine Phosphate, a cough suppressant and expectorant, to treat coughs and bronchitis in dogs and cats.

Precautions:

During treatment, pet owners should ensure a healthy diet for their pets, avoiding indigestible foods but not allowing them to remain hungry. The pet's living environment should also be kept clean, as weakened immunity during gastroenteritis can lead to bacterial and viral infections. Pets should be kept away from unfamiliar animals and should not be allowed to go outside alone.

Regularly feeding pets probiotics can help maintain digestive health and reduce the likelihood of gastroenteritis. Avoiding stress in cats is also important, as it can trigger gastroenteritis.

Vomiting in pets due to canine cough, canine distemper virus, and gastroenteritis is often a symptom of underlying diseases. Once the disease is treated, vomiting should improve. If pets continue to vomit, they may become dehydrated and develop other complications, posing double the risk to their health. For more information on the pathogenic causes of pet vomiting, refer to "Pet Vomiting (Part Three): Internal Parasites and ToxicityInduced Vomiting" or consult an online veterinary doctor.