Common Diseases in Springer Spaniels: What You Need to

One: Rabies

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can infect all mammals, including dogs, cats, humans, and many wild animals such as bats, lions, tigers, and wolves. It is one of the most severe zoonotic diseases due to its high mortality rate. The virus travels through the nerves surrounding a wound to the central nervous system, causing symptoms such as abnormal behavior, dilated pupils initially and then constricted, gradual paralysis of the throat, changes in barking, drooling, and ultimately, paralysis and convulsions leading to death. A healthy dog or cat should receive the first nonactivated vaccine at around 4 or 5 years old, followed by booster shots every six months to a year, depending on the vaccine's effectiveness.

Two: Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a widespread disease, particularly in urban areas known as "measles." It is one of the most terrifying infectious diseases, as any dog without proper immunity is susceptible. The early stages of the disease can be difficult to distinguish, with common symptoms including fever, loss of appetite, disorientation, excessive eye discharge, sneezing, coughing, hepatitis, diarrhea, and bloody stools. Complications such as encephalitis and myelitis can lead to seizures, paralysis, and complex neurological symptoms.

The disease has a high mortality rate, and survivors may suffer severe complications. There is no specific treatment, and prevention relies on comprehensive vaccination programs. The virus is primarily spread through the air, as well as through the secretions of infected dogs, which can be transmitted directly or indirectly.

Three: Canine Hepatitis

The causative agent of canine hepatitis is the type I adenovirus. The virus can be transmitted directly or indirectly through utensils and clothing, predominantly affecting puppies. Symptoms are usually mild, including loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain and enlarged tonsils. More severe cases may exhibit the distinctive "blue eye" symptom within 12 to 24 hours of onset.

The vaccine is effective and often uses an adenovirus alternative strain, which not only prevents canine hepatitis but also aids in the prevention of kennel cough.

Four: Leptospirosis

Most infected dogs show no obvious symptoms and can only be identified through serological tests, making them carriers that excrete the pathogen in their urine. The disease is primarily caused by two types: jaundice and hemorrhagic forms.

Jaundice is primarily associated with kidney disease, leading to varying degrees of interstitial nephritis, with about 15% of cases resulting in severe liver damage and jaundice. The hemorrhagic type appears to be more severe, with symptoms including loss of appetite, high fever, eye discharge, and related gastrointestinal, renal, and liver issues. Jaundice and mucosal bleeding are present in 70% of cases. The disease is transmitted when the infected animal excretes the pathogen in its urine, which can contaminate water or food, and is then transmitted through the mouth or broken skin. Preventive vaccinations typically begin at 10 weeks of age, with followup shots at 3 to 4 weeks, and an annual booster to maintain immunity.

Five: Canine Infectious Bronchitis

Canine infectious bronchitis, also known as kennel cough, is a complex respiratory disease in dogs, commonly found in places like kennels or veterinary hospitals. It is a general term for canine respiratory diseases, primarily caused by canine adenovirus and often coinfects with parainfluenza virus.

Other environmental factors, such as high humidity, cold drafts, and changes in weather, can also trigger the disease. The incubation period for canine infectious bronchitis is about 5 to 10 days, with the most common symptom being a severe dry cough. The body temperature is usually normal, but it may slightly rise if secondary bacterial infections occur. The disease typically lasts 10 to 20 days.

Tip: For more information on dog diseases, click on "Spring Dog Disease Prevention Methods" to learn more.