Giardia Disease in Dogs (often have no symptoms).

What is Giardia? 

Giardia is a flagellated protozoan or single-celled organisms, which are found not only in the small intestine of dogs and cats, but also found in almost all wild animals and, in fact, in humans! 

There are many unknowns about the parasite Giardia. Until now not known exactly how many species there are or which infect animals. Also not known anything about the life cycle of this species of giardia. 

Giardia is usually in the rivers, ponds, puddles and many other places. Giardia is zoonotic, meaning that if the dog has giardia or a member of the human family have it, all the other family members, both human and domestic animals can be infected. 

The puppies were obtained from puppy mills and other facilities that have a lot of dogs usually carry the parasite Giardia. 

How Giardia infection can occur? 

A dog can become infected with giardia cysts swallowing infected contained on dirt / feces of other animals. Contamination can occur directly or indirectly through contact with an infected cyst. 

The most common route is through water that has been contaminated with feces. Giardia parasite prefers humid and cold environments. 

Once inside the small intestine of dogs, the cyst opens and releases the active form of the parasite. This active form can be moved and attached to the intestinal wall, which they then multiply by division. 

In the end, the active form of Giardia cysts will form around them and get out of the dog's body through the feces. The feces contaminating water sources, grass, soil and other surfaces. 

Also, if a dog tested positive for Giardia, licking the back, and then licking the other dogs, cats or humans, then there is potential for transmission. 

Symptoms of Giardia 

The majority of Giardia infections are asymptomatic, meaning there are no clear signs that your dog is infected. When symptoms do appear, the most common being diarrhea, which can be acute, chronic, or volatile. 

Many dog owners do not consult a veterinarian about their dogs that the mushy stool, because the liquid will often improve again. Sometimes when the owner of the dog was about to make an appointment with the vet, even feces returned to normal shape and looks good again. 

Due to the nature of diarrhea on and off in Giardia, many dog owners who then thought that it might be due to eating the wrong dog. Therefore many cases of undiagnosed Giardia. 

After a week, a month or sometimes several years undiagnosed infection giardia, Giardia positive dogs may develop acute diarrhea, weaken, and bloody. Most dogs with symptoms of diarrhea in Giardia infection is not to lose their appetite, but often in chronic cases, they lose a lot of weight. 

This is because the giardia infection interfere with digestion and inhibits the absorption of nutrients from food. In addition, it can also damage the lining of the intestine. 

In fact, the parasite is the root of many cases of inflammation of the GI (gastrointestinal) infection in dogs. In addition, sometimes there is also some dogs with chronic diarrhea, malabsorption and other digestive problems which turned out to be positive giardia. 

How to diagnose giardisis? 

Giardiasis is very difficult to diagnose because the protozoa are very small and do not always come out with the feces. Tests on stool samples (one stool every day for three days) are often required to find these organisms. Special diagnostic procedures, in addition to routine stool examination, necessary to identify Giardia.

To view the active form of Giardia, a small amount of feces mixed with water on a microscope slide and examined under high magnification. Because the active form have flagella, you can see it move on the slide. The active form is more commonly found in watery stool, while the more common form of cysts found in the stool solid. And, the active form has a unique anatomy that makes it seem like having a face no eyes, nose and mouth. 

In 2004, a diagnostic test using ELISA technology has been available in the United States. This test uses a small sample of stool and it only takes 8 minutes to check it out. This test is more accurate than stool tests. 

Not uncommon, sometimes negative test results can occur in infected dogs. If there is a negative test, regular vet would suggest to repeat the test. 

Then, how to treat Giardia? 

There are several treatments for giardiasis. Fenbendazole is antiparasitic drug that kills some intestinal worms and can help control giardia. This medicine may be used alone or with metronidazole. Metronidazole can kill some types of bacteria that cause diarrhea. So, if the diarrhea is caused by bacteria, and not Giardia, the bacteria can be killed and the symptoms can be eliminated.

Unfortunately, according Peteducation.com, metronidazole has some drawbacks. This drug was found effective only capable of removing 60-70 and Giardia from infected dogs. And also, can be toxic to the liver for some animals. And also suspected of being a teratogen (an agent that causes physical defects in the developing embryo), so that this drug should not be used in pregnant dogs. 

After treatment, the dog should be re-tested to determine whether there are still remaining giardia or is completely lost. Dr Karen Becker (healthypets.mercola.com sites) suggest fecal test done in 3 to 4 months after the first treatment is completed. 

How to prevent my dog ​​is not infected with giardia? 

Giardia cysts can live several weeks to several months outside the host in a cool environment, wet. So, lawns, stables and other areas contaminated by animal feces can be a source of infection for your dog. As much as possible you have to keep your dog away from areas contaminated by the feces of other animals.

Coccidiosis In Puppies.

A puppy offers unconditional friendship in his life, furnished with attention, devotion and entertainment. If you get a new puppy, it is important to immediately checked. It aims to detect disease / disorder as early as possible and take precautions against several types of diseases. A visit to the vet is a must do after buying a puppy. The first visit was aimed to evaluate the health and personality, as well as take action to prevent disease and to treat diseases that are commonly found in puppies, one of which is coccidiosis. 

Puppies who are at risk of suffering from coccidiosis is coming from a place with a population / number of dogs that a lot, such as kennel, pet shop, animal shelter (shelter). These places are at high risk for coccidia infection through food or water contaminated with oocysts. In an environment as mentioned above, the puppy is stress and the body's defense system is not fully developed. 

Coccidiosis is a disease caused by Isospora, which is also known as Coccidia, which is included in the phylum Apicomplexa. This parasite infects the gastrointestinal tract. Cycle life is in intestinal epithelial cells. Clinical symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, but in some cases do not show clinical symptoms (asymptomatis).

Figure 1: Microscopy Isospora Sp.

Environmental conditions and stress is a factor that determines the body's defense system puppy. These factors have a great influence in the disease coccidiosis. Often found in puppies look healthy at the time of purchase, but then had diarrhea a few days after moving to a new home. On examination, the puppy was later diagnosed with coccidiosis. The incubation period (the time between infection to clinical symptoms) is about 13 days. If the puppy has a new home is less than 13 days, most likely the infected puppy from its original location. If the puppy is in a new home is more than 13 days, then the infection came from a new home. 

In addition to the risk of environmental teinfeksi, puppies can be infected with coccidia from its parent. Puppies are often exposed to feces containing oocysts parent. The oocysts then will multiply in the digestive tract puppy. The proliferation of these parasites can occur quickly because the puppy does not yet have a healthy immune system to fully develop. These parasites can quickly spread to other puppies, for which an infected puppy should be separated from the others. In our Vitapet Animal Clinic has particularly special isolation room for a case like this.

Figure 2: Bubble Digestion.

The vet can diagnose this disease through direct fecal smear examination procedure by using a litter of puppies as a sample. If the dung contains oocysts, this can be detected by using a microscope. Oocysts that appear under the microscope are round, transparent, with a small size. Another method that can be used to detect fecal floatation oocysts are. 

If oocysts found in feces that dogs do not have diarrhea, it is an insignificant finding. However, in puppies and adult dogs were unhealthy, oocysts can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, pressure on the abdomen and vomiting. Severe cases can lead to death. 

In Vitapet Animal Clinic, we get 9 cases of coccidia during the month of April 2011, 78% occur in puppies. Children infected dogs originated from a small race that Cihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier and Pomeranian. The rest occur in kittens and rabbits. Most of the cases were treated on an outpatient basis. But in cases of severe dehydration, patients should be treated in our clinic. It aims to restore electrolyte balance. The survival rate of this disease is 89%.

Figure 3: Infected Dogs Isospora Sp.

The types of drugs most commonly used to treat coccidiosis is a type of sulfa antibiotics are given for 10-14 days. Re-infection is very likely to happen, for the disinfection of the environment should be done. Environmental disinfection can be done using chlorine bleach, diluted (1 cup diluted in 1 liter of water). To minimize the risk of transmission, good sanitation by removing dog droppings every day is recommended. In our clinic, the cleaning process is done by manually cleaning the cage and by using steam and pressure to the cage and the floor of the room.

Epilepsy in Dogs.

Although epilepsy is often known as a seizure disorder in humans, dog owners are often shocked by their discovery of epilepsy in dogs. Epilepsy in dogs reportedly experienced by 5% of dogs. By being aware of the signs and condition, you can protect your pet and give it the care it needs. 

Is Epilepsy in Dogs? 

Epilepsy in dogs is a genetic disorder that causes seizures that are not grounded in your pet. There is no specific dog breeds that are resistant to epilepsy, though the condition is more common in some dog breeds such as German Shepherd and Beagle. Epilepsy in dogs is the same with epilepsy in humans, which is the explosion of activity in the brain, providing the transmission of nerve signals and interfere with coordination. Epilepsy generally occur in the first two years of your dog's life, but symptoms can also arise even at the age of dogs older than 5 years. 

On Epilepsy Symptoms and Stage 

Changes in attitudes often arise after a dog attacked by epilepsy. Dogs may become more aggressive, running around, getting angry and visible muscle spasms and twitching. The dog will become more tense before epileptic seizures and you are looking to make himself comfortable. Your dog will then start shaking and will not be aware of his surroundings and can not respond to your commands. After not respond, the dog will become stiff and fall. They will salivate and ground his teeth as long as they have seizures and they lost control of their limbs. Often the dog does not seem to breathe when this incident took place. When the dog became aware of the attack, the dog will look staggered, looked exhausted and slept for a while, some of the other dogs will be temporarily blinded as a result of the seizure. 

Types of Epilepsy 

1.Epilepsi primary, is Idiopathic Epilepsy, which arises in the absence of the cause and not visible abnormalities in the brain if checked. This form of epilepsy is believed to arise because it is a derivative or innate. 

2.Epilepsi secondary has a cause, usually a lesion or injury to the brain. 

Causes of Epilepsy 

In the primary type of epilepsy there is no cause, but secondary epilepsy can be caused by various medical conditions and other matters, among others: 

* brain tumors 

* infections of the brain 

* Low thyroid 

* Low blood sugar 

* vaccination 

What can you do? 

When your dog has a seizure, you must be calm, take note of his behavior before, during, and after the seizure is to be reported to the vet. Measure your dog's body temperature, if the symptoms of epilepsy arises only on one side of the body, ingestion of toxins, trauma, vaccination, diet, and all types of information can help your veterinarian to give a proper diagnosis. 

Make sure your dog is not located close to the stairs, sharp objects or other objects that can fall off or override it and injure your dog. When your dog has a seizure, you should not try to put your hand in his mouth, the dog has sharp teeth, when having a seizure, your dog can not control his body and the dog can accidentally bite you. Most epileptic seizures caused not require medical treatment, especially if they are already receiving treatment. If your dog attacked seizures for more than 20 minutes or seizures are repeated continuously, it can be fatal, and you should contact your veterinarian. 

Caring is difficult epilepsy in dogs, especially if the other conditions that cause a dog having a seizure. Ear infections can result in your dog lose balance. Respiratory disease can result in your dog visible exhaustion or lack of oxygen and cause your dog swoon. Ingestion of toxins, the presence of liver flukes or hit by a car, can cause seizures. After receiving a diagnosis for epilepsy, treatment usually includes medicine eat to reduce or prevent seizures.

Cataracts in Dogs.

Cataract is a disease that attacks the eyes wherein the color change in the lens of the eye is white like a cloud as a whole or in part, causing the eyes hard to see because the light can not get into the retina of the eye is blocked by the lens is broken. 

Causes Disease: 

* Traumatic Injuries to the eye area. 

* Wounds exposed to toxic chemicals on the eyes. 

* Radiation is too high. 

* Because of the aging. 

* Disease hypocalcemia. 

* Diabetes mellitus. 

* Diabetes mellitus. 

* Genetic factors offspring. 

Clinical symptoms appear: 

* There is a change of color in the lens of the eye becomes gray. 

* Characterized by reduced vision or blindness. 

* In case the cause of diabetes mellitus is characterized by weight loss dramatically, often urination, increased appetite and a dog drinking high (dogs frequently drink). 

Disease Diagnosis: 

* Based on the clinical symptoms appear. 

* Based on the history of the disease in dogs. 

* Based on a physical examination. 

* Perform laboratory tests (complete blood test and urine test). 

* Electroretinography test. 

prevention: 

* Immediately take him to the vet when the dog attacked and sore eyes Do not delay - delay until the condition was getting worse. 

* To avoid Diabetes mellitus avoid feeding (cake) which is a very high sugar content. 

* Provide sufficient minerals in feed. 

treatment: 

* When the severe illness can not be treated using medication. 

* When a high severity immediately did surgery.

Seizures In Dogs.

When looking at your dog having a seizure, it can be a terrible experience for you. However, to ensure you do not further harm your dog, it is very important for you to know what should (and should not) do you do when your dog has a seizure. Here are the steps. 

Do not Hold Your Dog! 

This is one of the major mistakes made ​​by many pet owners when their dog having a seizure. This has been confirmed by a veterinarian that the dog will not feel pain when they are having a seizure, so no need to hold your dog. Seizures are a spastic contraction of the muscles of the dog. Trying to restrain your dog when he was having seizures can injure both you and your dog. The most important thing is to keep your dog from falling and injuring himself. 

Make sure your dog Approximately Net of Goods 

When your dog has a seizure, try to set aside items that can injure your dog. If possible, blockade of the areas around your dog, such as stairs. 

Important! 

NEVER hold your dog's mouth to try to prevent it from "bite his tongue"! Because when your dog was having a seizure, it will only add to the stress in dogs and can cause your hand bitten by your dog without knowing it. 

being Quiet 

This is another area that is essential in the treatment of seizures in your dog. Try to not panic and should, talk to your dog with a soft, pleasant tone. Being stressed or speak loudly will only exacerbate the state of your dog, so try as best you to calm down. 

Other Animals of the Area Move Your Dog 

When your dog is having a seizure, chances are they can bite or attack people or other animals. Take away your hands from areas around the dog's head and make sure to keep other animals out of your dog for your dog having a seizure. 

Record 

This is another thing you can possibly do. However, try to identify the character of your dog's seizures. It is very important to help your veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog seizures. 

What are the causes Seizures In Dogs 

1. Epilepsy 

This disease is a major factor that is known to cause seizures, both in dogs and humans. 

"Epilepsy is a neurological disorder involving seizures were frequent and sudden." 

This includes sensory dysfunction or dog muscle function. Seizures in epilepsy may or may not be accompanied by loss of consciousness. 

Researchers speculate seizures in epilepsy caused by a neural network that is not normal, which is a start mengirimkam signals through nerves. Because the area of the brain is not normal, the impulse produces a chain reaction which causes the muscles in the body of the dog voluntarily become active. This is characteristic of a seizure and "twitch" that accompanies seizures in epilepsy. 

2. Canine Distemper 

Canine Distemper is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the dog at a young age. Distemper is a very serious condition, because it has a relatively high probability of being fatal to your dog. Canine Distemper Virus (VCD) darting contagious, can be transmitted without any direct connection with dogs that have been infected by the virus. When Canine Distemper developing nervous system, this disease can lead to muscle weakness, loss of basic motor abilities, and seizures. Seizures can occur whether or not the dog is suffering from Canine Distemper stage higher. 

3. Genetic 

There is some evidence that the seizure is a hereditary trait (However, epilepsy is a hereditary disease which has been confirmed). Also, many breeds of dogs are prone to seizures known. Breeds include the German Shepherd, Dachshund, Collie, Beagle, Kesshond, Golden Retriever and Poodle. 

4. Brain Tumor 

If your dog has a brain tumor, this may result in some type of seizure. Brain tumors are characterized by abnormal brain growth, which results in impaired brain function. The reason why brain tumors can cause seizures in your dog, because the tumor can provide load in brain tissue. This leads to seizures, and also accompanied by other problems such as, loss of coordination and poor vision capabilities. 

5. Head Injuries 

If your dog had an accident, along with a significant head injury, this may be the cause of seizures. The impact of head injury or a breakdown of the cranium, which can cause nerve damage to the brain. In addition, the skull is displaced or damaged can put pressure on the brain, which causes seizures in dogs. 

6. Environmental Toxins 

We assume that the household goods are safe both for humans and pets. However, this is not a problem. Many household items that can cause seizures in your dog. One good example is the potential for seizures caused by chemicals called Organochlorines. Organochlorines are commonly found in some brands of anti-lice, and in products that are designed to control parasitic infections in dogs. Other chemicals that can cause seizures is Lead (rat poison and paint), Methylxanthines (commonly found in cocoa content, and products containing chocolate), and Zinc Phosphate (substances found in rat poison). 

7. Lyme Disease 

Maybe for your dog to be infected by Lyme disease when he was bitten by Kütt "Ixodes genus" (also known as "Deer Tick"). The most common symptoms of a dog infected by Lyme disease is arthritis. However, the Lyme disease who have severe, can cause symptoms related to the central nervous system, such as seizures. 

The addition of adapter :

1. Seizures can also occur in dogs affected by heatstroke, heatstroke are seizures that occur due to heat or exercise that is too strenuous. 

2. If your dog has a seizure, make sure to incorporate the fabric into your dog's mouth under the tongue position to make sure the dog does not bite her tongue.

High Fever in Dogs.

You may have heard that you can know your dog had a fever or not by feeling his nose - the nose is wet and cold is a good sign, hot and dry means a fever - but actually it is not that easy. In fact sometimes fever in dogs is not known or can not be detected.

One reason why the detection of fever in dogs is more difficult, because the dog's body temperature is hotter than the temperature of the human body.

Is Fever in Dogs?
Normal body temperature of a dog is between 38◦C until 39.1◦C (101 - 102.5 F), compared to the normal human body temperature ranged 36.4◦C up 37.5◦C (97.6 - 99.6F). In means you can feel that your dog had a fever despite a normal body temperature of your dog.

The word "fever" or fever is usually used to describe a high body temperature caused by an infection or inflammation. 39.4◦C temperature greater than in dogs, it can be stated that the dog was hit by a fever.

When the dog has a high body temperature caused by heat or excessive exercise in humid conditions, the condition is referred to as hyperthermia or heat stroke. When the dog's body temperature reaches 41.1◦C the serious and fatal complications can occur.

Symptoms Dog Fever 
Although there is no definite signs, some symptoms may predict disease and fever in dogs, among others:

lethargy
depression
tremble
Loss of appetite
vomiting
cough
The release of snot

The only way to know if your dog has an increased body temperature is by measuring the temperature of your dog's anus. Experts recommend using a digital thermometer that is made ​​specifically for dogs. Most thermometers are inserted into the human ear can not work well in dogs.

To measure the body temperature of your dog, first, lapisilah thermometer with a lubricant, such as vegetable oil or baby oil. Then, masukanlah slowly into the rectum of your dog and wait for the results. Most thermometers are sold to measure the body temperature of the dog will take less than 60 seconds to show results.

Causes of Fever in Dogs 
Various types of diseases and conditions can result in your dog fever, among other things:

Infection. This can be due to various causes, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The infection can be anywhere in the body, such as the lungs (pneumonia), kidneys (pyelonephritis) or in the brain (encephalitis). Symptoms you can see depends on where the infection came from and the main cause. Several types of infections, such as fungi, can affect the body in several places at the same time.
Vaccination. Low fever at 24 to 48 hours after vaccination is normal and is the result of the interaction between the vaccine with the immune system of dogs.
Poison. Consuming substances that are toxic to dogs, including macadamia nut and anti-anxiety medicine man, can increase the body temperature of the dog.
There was a time when the cause of fever in dogs can not be explained; this is called the "fever of unknown origin" or FUO. It is the cause of FUO is usually caused by the body's immune system abnormalities, bone marrow problems behind, undetected infections and cancer.

Handling and Veterinarians 
If your dog has a temperature greater than 39◦4C, you should call your veterinarian. Dogs with fever above 41.1◦C is an emergency that must be dealt with immediately.

If your dog has a body temperature above 40.5◦C, you can help lower the body temperature by way of wiping the fur with cold water, especially around the ears and feet. Use fans to damp hair can help lower body temperature. Be sure to pay attention to the temperature taken from the rectum as long as you do the things above, and stop the cooling procedure after your dog's body temperature is at 39.4◦C.

If your dog had a fever, try to give him water to drink little by little so that fluid in the body to stay awake, but do not force your dog to drink. Never give your dog human medicine to reduce fever, such as acetaminophen or aspirin because they are toxic to dogs and can cause severe injury or even death.

Symptoms of Diabetes In Dogs.

Symptoms symptoms of diabetes in dogs 

1. Drink plenty of water

Although it is natural for your dog to feel thirsty during the summer or after doing a bit of strenuous exercise, excessive drinking of water throughout the day and it continued for a few days may be a sign of diabetes. If you find that you have to fill the water bowl more often, you might want to check your dog for a diabetes test. Other diseases can also cause increased thirst in dogs, so check your dog to the vet is a good idea.

2. Many urination
If your dog is drinking lots of water, then they will waste a lot of water too. So, if you do not know how much your dog to drink (because it happens gradually), you will definitely realize your dog's desire to defecate.

3. Your dog has a smell "sweet breath"
Most dog owners will complain about the "breath" dog, so it is likely that you will be aware if your dog has a bad smell "sweet breath". This is a sign that the blood sugar levels in your dog have risen higher and takes care to make it balanced.

4. Looks weak and exhausted
Your dog can also look weak and tired on most days. If your dog is generally an active dog and suddenly shows any of these symptoms for a few days, do a test of their diabetes.

5. Loss of weight
In general, Diabetes will cause the dog to experience weight gain, but sometimes a dog will continue to lose weight. Regardless of whether this is an early symptom of diabetes or not, you need to take your dog to the vet to perform certain tests to rule out other types of serious diseases.

The things above are only the symptoms of diabetes in dogs. To ensure the disease suffered by your dog or not, take your dog to the vet to be checked and tested diabetes.