Top 5 Canine Diseases – Know the Signs and Symptoms – Part 2

By Admin - Deanna, on March 25th, 2008 |

Canine Parainfluenza

This type of disease is considered to be one of the highly contagious respiratory canine illnesses and largely contributes to the possibility of contracting upper respiratory diseases and infectious tracheobronchitis. More often than not, environmental factors come into play and increases to possibility of development. Drafts and high humidity are known to enhance acute susceptibility to canine parainfluenza. The great news is this medical condition is self-eliminating and generally only lasts from 5 -10 days.

Transmission – canine parainfluenza can rapidly spread through aerosolized respiratory secretions and other contaminated inanimate materials and even human beings who are frequently moving from an infected to uninfected dog. The incubation period usually has duration of two to five days and clinical symptoms may only appear after 10 days. All breeds of dog can highly susceptible to this pathogen with 80% possibility on development of disease after exposure.

Symptoms – this particular disease mimics kennel coughing symptoms, thus in some cases the virus are often mistaken as such.

10-21 days of coughing despite antibiotic treatments
Purulent nasal discharges
Low-grade fever
Pneumonia
Increased Respiratory Effort and Rate
Possible consolidation of lung lobes

Treatment – as majority of the viral infections, treatment is largely considered as supportive. Proper nutrition and providing a clean environment considerably help dogs kick up their immune system in response to the virus. A broad-spectrum bacterial antimicrobial prescription can help relieve nasal discharges along with hydration through intravenous fluids.

Prevention and Control – although no vaccine has been introduced to ward of canine parainfluenza, dog owners can adeptly prevent the infliction of such diseases by taking insecurity precautions. This virus can be easily eliminated with commercial disinfectants such as quaternary ammonium compounds and even bleach solutions. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of canine cages as well as food bowls can significantly help in effectively preventing canine parainfluenza.

Top 5 Canine Diseases – Know the Signs and Symptoms – Part 1