There are many diseases that can affect dogs and cats. Some of these diseases are common to both species while others are specific to one or the other. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common diseases that can affect your pet.
1. Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is needed to move sugar into cells and to stop it from being released into the blood stream. When diabetes occurs, the pancreas produces too little insulin and the sugar levels rise.
There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system destroys the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. This causes an absolute lack of insulin production. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not use insulin properly.
The symptoms of diabetes are usually easy to spot and include increased thirst, frequent urination, and increased hunger. Other symptoms include weight loss, weakness, and lethargy.
2. Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis. It is spread by mosquitoes and infects the heart, lungs, and circulatory system. The worms live inside the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. They cause damage by eating away at the walls of the blood vessels.
The worms are very small, less than one millimeter in length, and they are white and transparent. They are sometimes visible to the naked eye, but more often they can only be seen under a microscope.
If you have pets that spend time outdoors, heartworm disease is very common. It is also possible for infected pets to become carriers without showing any signs of the disease. If your pet is infected, the first symptom is usually lethargy and coughing. Your pet may lose its appetite and become tired easily. If you notice these symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.
3. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Feline leukemia virus is a serious viral infection that affects the lymph nodes and bone marrow. It is also known as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Cats that contract FeLV are more likely to develop secondary infections.
Cats that contract the virus are usually between 6 months and 5 years old. FeLV is transmitted through bites from infected cats. It is also possible for an infected cat to pass the virus to another cat through the saliva or urine.
The symptoms of FeLV are fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and vomiting. The most common complication of FeLV is cancer. The cancer is usually found in the liver, spleen, or kidney.
4. Parvo
Parvovirus is a virus that causes a number of different illnesses in dogs and cats. The virus is spread through the feces and urine of infected animals. Most dogs and cats that contract parvo show no signs of illness. However, some animals develop diarrhea and dehydration.
The symptoms of parvo are usually mild and include diarrhea, fever, and dehydration. However, if the condition is left untreated, the dog or cat may develop pneumonia and neurological problems.
5. Rabies
Rabies is a deadly virus that is spread through the saliva of infected animals. If you see an animal that has been bitten by a wild animal or a domestic animal that is suspected of having rabies, do not attempt to treat the wound yourself. Call your local animal control agency immediately.
The rabies virus is highly contagious and once it enters the body, there is no cure. If you catch rabies, you will die within days.
6. Heartworm Disease
If your pet has been diagnosed with heartworm disease, he or she will need to be treated regularly with medications. The treatment is usually a combination of medications. Your veterinarian will determine the proper dosage and frequency of medication based on your pet’s size and weight.
The treatment is usually administered by injection. A small amount of the medication is injected into a muscle. This allows the medicine to enter the bloodstream faster.
7. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be contracted by dogs and cats. It is caused by bacteria called Leptospira.
The bacteria is transmitted through contact with contaminated water. If you walk in the woods or swim in a lake where other animals have been swimming, you may contract leptospirosis.
The symptoms of leptospirosis are usually mild and include fever, joint pain, and diarrhea. If your pet is suffering from leptospirosis, contact your veterinarian right away.
