Diseases, Disorders and Disabilities

 

Definitions:

Disease: A pathological condition of a animal's; body part, an organ or system. Resulting from the effect of genetic, developmental errors, infection, poison, nutritional deficiency, unfavourable environment conditions etc.

Disorder: A disruption to the normal or regular functions in the animal's body or a part of the body

Disability: Lack of adequate power, strength, physical ability.

 

Ataxia

Ataxia is a sign of disrupted balance and coordination. There are three types of ataxia, depending on the cause:

1. Sensory ataxia – can be caused by compression of the spinal cord. Symptoms include the dog misplacing their feet, general weakness and staggering

• Causes – spinal cysts, tumours, blood clots, displaces discs and trauma

• Treatment – depending on the cause surgical treatment may be possible, however if no treatment options are available it is essential to manage the symptoms and keeping the animal as comfortable as possible

• Prevention – The condition is not preventable

   

1. Vestibular ataxia – caused by damage to the vestibulocochlear nerve. Symptoms include changes to the dog’s head or neck position, leaning and falling over.

• Causes – fungal infections, ear infection, tumour,  

• Treatment – Treat infection where possible otherwise there is no cure for vestibular ataxia. Treatment options involve medication to manage the symptoms and keeping the animal as comfortable as possible

• Prevention – The condition is not preventable

   

 

1. Cerebellar ataxia. The cerebellum is the area of the brain responsible for movement and co-ordination. Cerebellar ataxia occurs when the cerebellum becomes damaged or compressed. The symptoms include uncoordinated movement of the limbs, head and neck, head and body tremors, swaying, weakness and unnatural walking / running paces.

• Causes – tumours, infections and injury can result in ataxia, however there is also a genetic cause.

• Treatment - Cerebellar ataxia can be fatal and the treatment options involve managing the symptoms and keeping the animal as comfortable as possible

• Prevention – The condition is not preventable, although can be reduced through breeding dogs who do not carry the genes for the condition.

   

   

Examples of breeds of dog which suffer from hereditary cerebellar ataxia.

• Scottish Terrier

• Kerry Blue Terrier

• Parsons Russell Terrier

• Chinese Crested 

 

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Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic, bacterial infection usually passed on through contact with the urine of infected animals, e.g. rats. It causes flu like symptoms (fever, joint and muscle pain, decreased appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea. If the infection reaches the kidney or liver the condition becomes much more serious and can be fatal.

• Causes – Infection with the Leptospira virus.

• Treatment – Antibiotics and intravenous fluids.

• Prevention – Vaccination and good hygiene routines.

 

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Distemper

Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease. The virus can be airborne and therefore spread by close contact or direct contact with contaminated urine, blood or saliva. The disease affects the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system, causing mucus discharge from eyes and nose, vomiting and diarrhoea and a condition known as Hard Pad due to the hardening of the foot pads.

• Causes – Infection with a strain of the paramyxoviridae virus.

• Treatment – No specific cure, supportive therapy is provided through intravenous fluids and patient care. Dogs who do survive may suffer from brain or nerve damage.

• Prevention – Routine vaccination.

 

Grooming consideration – to prevent spread up to date vaccination certificates should be presented for each dog. Where symptoms are identified during the groom the animal should be immediately isolated and the owner informed. Once returned to the owner the environment should be thoroughly disinfected.

 

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Parvovirus

Parvovirus is a highly contagious, viral disease which can be fatal. It is spread through contact with contaminated faeces, however it can live on infected surfaces for months and is resistant to  heat, cold and drying. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and causes bloody diarrhoea, dehydration, lethargy, intestinal damage. The virus can take effect quickly and can cause death within 72 hours.

•  Causes – Infection with a strain of the canine parvovirus.

• Treatment – No specific cure, supportive therapy is provided

• Prevention – Routine vaccination.

 

Grooming consideration – to prevent spread up to date vaccination certificates should be presented for each dog. Where symptoms are identified during the groom the animal should be immediately isolated and the owner informed. Once returned to the owner the environment should be thoroughly disinfected to prevent cross contamination.