Campylobacteriosis
Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection most commonly found in dogs, although it is also found in cats. It is prevalent in puppies and kittens younger than six months old. The bacteria which causes the disease can even be found in the gut (gastrointestinal tract) of healthy dogs, cats, and other mammals.
- Symptoms and Types
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Living and Management
- Prevention
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Colitis and Proctitis
Both dogs and cats suffer from a certain kind of bowel disease called histiocytic ulcerative colitis. This disease causes the lining of the animal’s colon to thicken, with varying degress of loss to the superficial lining (known as ulceration). The thickening is due to the infiltration of various cells in the layers under the lining. And when the colon becomes inflamed, there is a reduction in the colon’s ability to absorb water and store feces, leading to frequent diarrhea, often with mucus and/or blood. Proctitis, conversely, is the inflammation of the animal’s anus and the lining of the rectum.
- Symptoms and Types
- Causes
- Treatment
- Living and Management
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Flea Bite Hypersensitivity
Flea bite hypersensitivity or flea allergic dermatitis is very common in dogs and cats. In fact, it is the most common skin disease for pets. Flea allergies usually develop when pets are young (less than one and up to five years of age), but it can begin at any age. A flea’s saliva is actually believed to be cause for the pet’s allergy or sensitivity.
- Symptoms and Types
- Diagnostics
- Treatment
- Living and Management
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Blastomycosis
Blastomycosis is a systematic yeastlike fungal infection caused by the organism Blastomyces dermatitidis, which is commonly found in decaying wood and soil. Blastomycosis occurs most frequently in male dogs, but female dogs and cats are also susceptible.
Dogs that are frequently exposed to environments where Blastomyces dermatitidis exists are at increased risk. This is particularly so with large-breed dogs weighing at least 55 lbs (25 kg), and especially sporting breeds. The Blastomyces fungus thrives in wet environments, such as riverbanks, lakes and swamps, where damp soil lacking direct sunlight fosters growth of the fungus. It is also present in areas that are rich in decaying matter, such as wooded areas, forests, and farms.
- Symptoms and Types
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Living and Management
- Prevention
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Sarcoptic Mange
Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious skin disease found in dogs, caused by the Sarcoptes scabei mite. These mites will burrow through the skin causing intense itching and irritation. The scratching that results is what causes the majority of the animal’s hair to fall out. This is a treatable medical condition, but is highly contagious for other animals and humans. Pet owners are advised to keep the animal quarantined while it is being treated.
- Symptoms and Types
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Living and Management
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Chocolate Toxicity
Animals, especially puppies and kittens, are known for eating things when they are not supposed to. This can be a dangerous combination when there is chocolate around the house. (Also, dogs and cats have an excellent sense of smell, making it fairly easy to find any secret hiding spots.) Chocolate is derived from the roasted seeds of Theobroma cacao which contain certain properties that can be toxic to animals: caffeine and theobromine.
- Symptoms and Types
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Prevention
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