Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that can affect all warm-blooded mammals, including dogs, cats, wildlife and humans. The virus infects cells of the nervous system, producing incoordination and behavioral abnormalities, such as unusual aggression or withdrawl. Once the signs of rabies appear, the disease is always fatal. Rabies is usually transmitted by bite wounds, often from infected wildlife, which represent the largest reservior of the disease in the U.S. Vaccines are very effective in preventing rabies. Arkansas requires rabies vaccination of dogs and cats every year.

Canine Respiratory Disease

Infectious respiratory disease is a troublesome problem in dogs because it is easily transmitted in the air or by direct contact, especially in kennels or among dogs living together. Upper respiratory disease can limit the dog's activity, and progress to pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. The most common causes of respiratory infections in dogs include canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), canine parafluenza virus, and Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria. CAV-2 is closely related to CAV-1, the cause of infectious canine hepatitis (ICH). For this reason, CAV-2 vaccines provide dual protection against both ICH and respiratory disease causted by CAV-2. Infectious tracheobronchititis ("kennel cough" or "canine cough") is persistant respiratory disease with a harsh, dry cough, often caused by viral infection complicated by Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a widespread, high-mortality viral disease of dogs. Exposure is considered inevitable during a dog's lifetime, so canine distemper vaccination is always recommended. Puppies and young dogs without immunity are at greatest risk. Canine distemper virus infects various tissues in the dog's body, producing diarrhea, fever, nasal and ocular discharge, respiratory disease, appetite loss and neurologic signs such as muscular spasms and paralysis. The disease is easily transmitted and often fatal.

Enteritis (Diarrhea, Vomiting) - "Parvo"

Dogs are at risk of enteritis (intestinal disease) caused by two common viruses, canine parvovirus and canine coronavirus. Canine parvovirus enteritis is generally considered to be more severe that coronavirus enteritis. However, parvovirus enteritis may be more serious if coronavirus is also present. Diarrhea and vomiting caused by these viruses can range from mild to severe, and are accompanied by depression and loss of appetite. Unvaccinated puppies and young dogs are most commonly affected because they usually have not been previously exposed or vaccinated and are susceptible to infection. Viral enteritis is easily spread because of the large volume of virus in feces, which contaminates the environment and is readily spread from one animal to another. Severe cases of viral enteritis can be fatal due to dehydration and loss of appetite. Puppies are at greatest risk of death because of their limited body reserves.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis

Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH), caused by canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1), is a worldwide disease of dogs. CAV-1 infects a wide range of tissues, including the liver (hence the name hepatitis), kidneys, spleen and lungs. Infected gos typically develop a fever, bleeding of gums and soft tissue, and experience loss of white blood cells that are a key component of the immune system. Opacity of the eye ("blue eye") occurs in some cases. Death, chronic hepatitis, or severe illness may occur, and recover may be gradual in non-fatal cases. CAV-1 is shed in urine, and can survive outside the host for weeks or months.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection resulting from contact with infected wildlife, urine from infected dogs, or contaminated water or food. Leptospira bacteria infect the kidneys and liver, causing fever, anorexia, depression and generalized pain. Several types of Leptospira bacteria can infect dogs. Your veterinarian can advise you on which types to vaccinate against. Leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans by contact with breaks in the skin or mucous membranes.