FELINE DISEASE

Feline Distemper is an often fatal viral disease that affects the cat’s intestinal tract and causes vomiting and diarrhea. It is transmitted through contact with the mouth or nose.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is another viral illness that is fatal once clinical signs develop. If symptoms appear, they can include fluid in the abdomen, fluid in the chest and a persistent fever.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) are viral infections and are the leading causes of death among cats. Both Viruses are spread by direct contact from cat to cat.

Feline Heart Disease is much more prevalent than previously thought. Cats can be infected at any age. Signs of heartworm disease include coughing, lethargy, vomiting, collapse, seizures, and respiratory problems. Some cats show no early symptoms and can die without warning.

Rabies in cats, like Canine Rabies, is very serious. It is transmitted through a bite and is always fatal. Rabies is contagious to humans.

CANINE DISEASE

Canine Distemper, a viral infection that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems is transmitted by airborne particles. Canine distemper is incurable and often fatal. Symptoms include fever, discharge from the eye, diarrhea, pneumonia, runny nose and vomiting.

Heartworm Disease is caused by a parasite and is spread by mosquitoes, which transfer the larvae from one infected animal to another.  As the name implies, Heartworm Disease attacks the cardiovascular system and, if left untreated, is fatal.

Hepatitis is a viral infection that attacks the liver. Canine hepatitis is not contagious to humans.  It is transmitted through contaminated water and may be fatal.

Kennel Cough, a bacterial infection that is characterized by a dry, coarse, hacking cough is transmitted by airborne particles. When a susceptible dog inhales these particles, they invade the upper respiratory system.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through water, which has been contaminated with urine from an infected dog. The organism causing leptospirosis attacks the kidneys, causing inflammation and eventually kidney failure. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, joint pain, and nausea. Excessive drinking and jaundice.

Lyme Disease attacks the musculoskeletal system and is transmitted by deer ticks. Symptoms may be severe and include lameness, fever, joint swelling, kidney failure and heart problems.

Parvovirus and Coronavirus infections attack a dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Parvovirus can be very severe and is often fatal. Both diseases are transmitted by contact with infected feces. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, fever or abdominal distention.

Rabies is a very serious disease which is usually transmitted through a bite from an infected animal and is almost always fatal. Rabies affects the brain and nervous system. The most common symptom of rabies is an abrupt change in behavior for no apparent reason.  Rabies can also be contagious to humans.

Any of these diseases may have a devastating effect on your pet, but chances are greatly reduced with regular veterinary care.