Module 1 - Common Health Conditions and Treatments Flashcards
What are the 4 main principles associated with caring for sick animals
- PROMPT and APPROPRIATE veterinary care + owner must be NOTIFIED.
- Sick/Injured animals + animals kept in the same enclosure as them must be ISOLATED from the PUBLIC + OTHER ANIMALS until FULLY RECOVERED or RETURNED to their owner.
- Where treatment is IMPRACTICAL or UNSUCCESSFUL or in an emergency with NO PROSPECT FOR RECOVERY + owner CANNOT be located or has REQUESTED than the animal will be EUTHANIZED.
- VET ADVICE should be obtained incase of UNEXPLAINED illness or death.
Who can perform Euthanasia
Dogs + Cats = ONLY by a certified veterinarian.
Other Animals = trained operators and certified veterinarians.
What are common health conditions in Dogs
- Heartworm
- Vomiting and Diarrhoea
- Obesity
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Parainfluenza (Viral) + Bordetella (Bacterial)
- Ear Infections
- Fleas + Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
What is Heartworm?
Parasites transmitted via exposure to larvae through mosquito bites that infect the heart and arteries causing heart failure and death.
What are Symptoms and Treatments/Prevention for Heartworm in Dogs?
Symptoms:
1. Lethargy
2. Collapsing
3. Depression
4. Coughing
Treatments:
1. Medication
2. Surgery
Prevention:
1. Annual vaccination
2. Monthly tablets
3. Topical treatments
What can cause Vomiting and Diarrhoea in Dogs?
- Parvovirus
- Eating inappropriate foods
- Eating inappropriate objects
What are Symptoms associated with, and Treatments for Vomiting and Diarrhoea in Dogs
Symptoms:
1. Blood in vomit/faeces
2. Lethargy
3. Weight loss
4. Fever
5. Change in appetite
Treatment:
1. Withhold food
2. Observation
3. Rehydration
4. Medication
5. Surgery - depending on diagnosis
What health conditions are associated with Obesity in Dogs?
- Higher risk of joint pain
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
What are Symptoms and Treatment for Obesity in Dogs?
Symptoms:
1. Heavyset frame
2. Can’t feel the ribs when pressing very hard
Treatment:
1. Low-Calorie diet
2. Exercise
What is Distemper?
A viral disease that affects the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract and Central Nervous System of Dogs.
What are Symptoms and Treatments/Prevention for Distemper?
Symptoms:
1. Sneezing
2. Coughing
3. Difficulty breathing
4. Fever
5. Possible seizures
6. Discharge from the eyes (mucous)
Treatment:
1. Supportive care
2. Observation
Prevention:
1. Vaccine
What is Parvovirus? How is it Transmitted?
A highly infectious virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system of a Dog.
Transmission:
Ingesting an infected dogs faeces and other bodily excretions.
What makes Parvovirus so infectious?
The virus is RESISTANT to heat, detergents and alcohol so it can remain in the environment for up to a YEAR.
This can result in REINFECTION.
How long does it take for clinical signs of Parvovirus to present themselves after initial infection?
7-10 days
What are Symptoms and Treatment/Prevention for Parvovirus?
Symptoms:
1. Bloody Diarrhoea (foul smelling)
2. Vomiting
3. Lethargy
Treatment:
1. IV fluids
2. Antibiotics + Antiemetics
Prevention:
1. Vaccine
What is Parainfluenza + Bordetella?
A highly contagious upper respiratory tract disease that causes inflammation of the windpipe.
What type of disease is Parainfluenza?
Viral
What type of disease is Bordetella?
Bacterial
What is Parainfluenza+ Bordetella nicknamed?
Kennel Cough
What Symptoms and Treatments/Prevention are used for Parainfluenza + Bordetella?
Symptoms:
1. Dry hacking cough (may produce phlegm in the event of a secondary infection)
2. Retching
3. Fever
Treatment:
1. Antibiotics
Prevention:
1. Vaccine
What causes Ear Infections in Dogs?
- Allergies
- Yeast
- Ear Mites
- Bacteria
- Hair Growth deep in ear canal
What are Symptoms and Treatments for Ear Infections in Dogs?
Symptoms:
1. Head shaking/tilting
2. Redness of ear canal
3. Sore ear - tender to touch
4. Ear discharge
5. Smelly ear
6. Scratching ear
Treatment:
1. Antibiotics (if bacterial)
2. Remove blockage and cleanse (if obstructive)
What are fleas?
Blood sucking external parasites that are visible to the naked eye
What are Symptoms and Treatments for Fleas and Flea Allergy Dermatitis?
Symptoms:
1. Scratching, Chewing or Licking skin
2. Rubbing skin against objects
3. Fur stained brown from licking (especially noticeable on white fur)
4. Hair loss
5. Rash and Wounds from excessive rubbing (typically on lower back, thighs and belly)
6. Skin infections
7. Flea dirt
Treatment:
1. Oral medication
2. Topical solutions
3. Powders
4. Medicated shampoo