Signs of common infectious diseases

When an animal comes in for examination, you will need to ensure you know and understand what characteristics to look for when it comes to infectious diseases. Infectious diseases require a host, which is a person, animal, fish, bird, or arthropod, which is or can become infected with and give sustenance to a disease-causing organism.

There are two aspects of infectious diseases. They include:

Pathogens

Disease-causing microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, are found commonly in sewage, hospital waste, run-off water from farms, and in water used for swimming. Most pathogens are parasites (live off the host), and the diseases they cause are an indirect result of their obtaining food from, or shelter in, the host. Larger parasites (such as worms) are not called pathogens.

Opportunistic organisms

Opportunistic microorganisms are typically non-pathogenic microorganisms that act as pathogens in certain circumstances. They lay dormant for long periods of time until the host's immune system is suppressed, and then they take that opportunity to attack.

What to look for

When conducting an examination, you need to be considerate of external features and vital signs. The following table illustrates the characteristics of each.

Physical examination

Many of the animals you may examine are familiar and regular clients, but on the contrary, they may never have been to the clinic before. It is important you never assume the animal will not bite you, no matter how well you know them, always examine with caution. If you have any doubts during the examination process, you should always ask the veterinarian or experienced member of the team to assist you.

When you are preparing for examination, ensure you have consulted with the owner and discuss what they have noticed also, be considerate of when you are ready to conduct a physical examination. Once you have gathered enough information and observed the behaviour of the animal, you are ready to conduct the physical exam.

This will include checking on the following:

• temperature
• pulse rate
• respiratory rate
• abnormal lung sounds
• ears
• eyes
• mouth (if the animal will let you).

The following table illustrates the temperature, pulse, and respiratory rates of the following animals. When a physical examination is being conducted, you will need to ensure you are aware of what the normal rates are for each of these animals, so you are able to rule out an issue involving them.

Once you have completed the first half of the examination, you will then proceed to check the rest of the body, including:

• skin
• limbs
• neck
• head
• chest
• stomach
• tail
• back
• paws.

Triaging the patient

When an animal comes into the clinic, it is very important that you are able to recognise the signs of potential infectious disease that the animal may be presenting. This is also known as triage, which assesses the severity of the illness to determine how best to treat it. Some patients may present minor conditions, while others may be presenting signs of a more serious condition. Use the indicators we have discussed as a guide to support the triage process. The triage process is very important because if there is an emergency, the animal will need to be treated immediately. Each clinic will have special forms for triage purposes.

When the animal is suffering a serious condition, in addition to the signs we have discussed, the animal may also present signs of:

• chewing or licking your own body excessively
• defensive behaviours
• drooling and regurgitating food
• excessive drinking
• excessive rolling
• general changes in normal behaviour or routines
• lameness
• listlessness or disinterest in surroundings
• presence of blood, swelling, excessive heat
• reluctance or refusal to eat or drink
• reluctance to move
• sweating
• yelping or other vocalising when touched or if an animal attempts to move or perform particular tasks or grooming.

It is important you understand the various types of common infectious diseases that companion animals may be diagnosed with. Many of these diseases can be passed from animal to animal. However, some can be passed to humans from animals, and this is known as zoonoses. As an animal care worker, it is important you understand what types of infectious diseases are transmissible to both animals and people. We are now going to look at:

• The type of disease and correct scientific identification,
• The animal which it affects.
• A description of each.
• Means of transmission.
• Symptoms.
• Whether or not it is classified as zoonosis.
• Treatment.
• Prevention.

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Risks associated with contracting a zoonotic disease when working with companion animals

It is important that people who handle animals, and people like vets who treat sick animals, are very aware of the risk of zoonotic diseases. There is always a risk that someone will acquire a zoonotic disease when working with animals.

There are several zoonotic diseases that can be contracted. These diseases pose a threat to the health of other animals and staff. Depending on what disease is contracted, there are long and short-term effects on human health.

Some examples include:

• Infant loss in pregnant women
• heart conditions
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• gastrointestinal worms

Scientific name

Bordetella bronchiseptica

Susceptible animal:

Dogs (canines)

Description

Canine infectious respiratory disease complex, commonly known as kennel cough, is a transmissible infection amongst the canine species

Means of transmission:

The disease is transmitted through. Direct contact inhalation of cough or indirect contact such as sneeze droplets or licking objects contaminated with bacteria/viruses.

Symptoms:

The common signs or symptoms of this disease include:

• a strong cough, often with a “honking” sound (this is the most obvious symptom)
• runny nose, sneezing
• lethargy
• loss of appetite
• low fever.

Zoonoses:

While this disease is contagious between canines, it cannot be transmitted to humans.

Treatment:

In many cases, Bordetella can clear on its own, but it can also be treated with antibiotics and cough suppressant medication to ease the symptoms.

Prevention:

There is a vaccine available to treat Bordetella, in addition to oral and intranasal vaccines. It is best to ensure vaccination for Bordetella is carried out annually, especially if the dogs are attending boarding kennels and grooming salons.

Scientific name:

Canine parvovirus

Susceptible animal:

Canines (dogs/ puppies)

Description

The Canine Parvovirus (CPV) is a disease that causes severe gastrointestinal illnesses commonly detected in puppies aged between 6-20 weeks. The virus attacks the small intestine, causing the destruction of the gut lining. In addition, the virus can also attack the bone marrow, causing the inability to produce white blood cells to fight infection. It is important to note that this virus can be transmitted to older dogs, although it is most commonly seen in puppies.

Means of transmission

The CPV is highly contagious and is transmitted through the faeces of infected animals. Dogs can pick up the virus from their own paws, sniff the ground on walks or in dog parks, and pick it up on people’s shoes. It is very important to understand that this virus is extremely durable and can survive on surfaces for a long period of time.

Symptoms

The common signs and symptoms of CPV include:

• severe, often bloody diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• abdominal pain and bloating
• fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)
• vomiting

Zoonoses:

While this disease is contagious between canines, it cannot be transmitted to humans.

Treatment

The treatment of CPV will often require the animal to be kept in an animal hospital where they can receive clock care with fluids and antibiotics and, in some cases, blood transfusions to replenish the diminishing white blood cells from the bone marrow. The severity of the virus will determine the level of care that is required.

Prevention

In the case of the CPV, prevention is better than cure. The best form of defence for this virus is early vaccination of puppies. Puppies should receive a combination of shots which will include a vaccination for CPV every 3-4 weeks from when the puppy is 6 weeks old until it reaches 16 weeks. The puppy will then require a booster vaccine.

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Scientific name:

Feline calicivirus

Susceptible animal:

Cats (felines)

Description:

Feline upper respiratory disease complex is commonly known as cat flu. It is highly contagious and causes a mild to severe infection in the respiratory system in cats. It is common in shelters and targets younger cats. In most cases, the cat is likely to recover completely; however, some mutations of this virus can be fatal.

Means of transmission:

Felines that have been diagnosed with this disease can transmit it to other felines through cough and sneeze droplets and through sharing bedding and food/water bowls.

Symptoms:

Signs and symptoms felines may exhibit if they have contracted this disease include:

• sneezing
• conjunctivitis
• rhinitis
• lacrimation
• salivation
• oral ulcers.

Zoonoses:

While this disease is contagious between felines, it cannot be transmitted to humans.

Treatment:

There is no treatment to stop the virus, and in many cases the cat can be treated at home, however if the virus is severe, the cat will require intensive care in an animal hospital.

Prevention:

Vaccines may not prevent a cat from contracting a virus completely, however it will lessen the severity should it be contracted. The vaccine is usually given in addition to others that are used to treat viruses, which can be given via injection or nasally.

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Scientific name:

Panleukopenia

Susceptible animal:

Felines (Cats)

Description:

Feline panleukopenia is an extremely infectious disease that commonly affects cats, mainly kittens. This virus infects, attacks, and kills cells in the animal’s body that are known for multiplying and dividing, such as white blood cells found in bone marrow, cells in the intestines and a developing fetus.

Means of transmission:

Felines that have been diagnosed with this disease can transmit it to other felines through a range of routes, including faecal-oral, direct contact with faeces from litter trays, and shared water and food bowls. In addition, the disease can be transmitted via contaminated surfaces from urine or vomit along with humans that have virus contaminants on their clothing or shoes. The virus is exceptionally durable and can last up to a year on surfaces if they are not cleaned properly. Any area that has been contaminated with this virus must be cleaned with bleach, as this is the only substance that can completely remove it. If a cat has been diagnosed with this virus, they will need to be isolated immediately, and any area that it has been in contact with has been thoroughly cleaned to avoid transmission to other cats.

Symptoms:

Felines that have contracted this disease will display symptoms that include:

• loss of appetite
• extreme lethargy
• vomiting
• fever
• diarrhoea (sometimes bloody).

Zoonoses:

While this disease is contagious between felines, it cannot be transmitted to humans.

Treatment:

While it can be treated, it is very difficult, especially for kittens that have not been vaccinated under 8 weeks; the likelihood of survival is very slim. Older cats that may have contracted the virus will need to undergo special intensive care treatment to combat the virus.

Prevention:

When it comes to this virus, prevention is better than cure. Vaccination against the virus while the felines are still kittens is the best defence against this virus. It is advised kittens undertake their vaccinations between 6-8 weeks and follow-up vaccines at 16 weeks to help build their resilience to this virus.

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Scientific name:

Salmonellosis

Susceptible animals:

• reptiles
• amphibians
• poultry
• horses
• pigs
• cattle
• rodents
• birds
• dogs
• cats.

Description:

Salmonellosis is a type of bacterial group that affects the intestinal/ digestive tract of the body of many animals. It is a bacterial disease caused by Salmonella. Salmonella is naturally in the intestines of many different animals. There are several strains of Salmonellosis that can cause illness to animals should they become infected.

Means of transmission:

The most common means of transmission for Salmonellosis is through ingestion of contaminated food and water or contact with infected faeces that can shed onto the animal’s fur, skin, or scales. The bacteria can also survive on surfaces and can be picked up from any surface the infected animal has come into contact with if surfaces are not cleaned properly after the bacteria has been diagnosed or identified.

Symptoms:

• diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus.
• lethargy
• vomiting
• fever.

Zoonoses:

Salmonellosis is categorised as zoonoses because animals that have been infected can pass it to humans. Commonly, people can pick up the bacteria from touching infected surfaces, bedding, pet food, including treats, and faeces without washing their hands thoroughly. Some animal products humans eat may also carry bacteria and infect people, making them very ill. Some people may have reptiles and amphibians as pets and can also become infected without touching the animal because the water in the tank or the aquarium has been exposed. Salmonellosis does not discriminate against those susceptible to contracting it. That means virtually anyone is at risk of contracting the bacteria when proper care is not taken. However, people who have a lower immunity from an ongoing illness are at risk of serious infection in addition to those who are elderly and children.

Treatment:

If a companion animal has been diagnosed with Salmonellosis, it will need immediate veterinary attention, with plenty of fluids and antibiotics- depending on the severity of the illness. In extreme cases, animals may need to be kept in an animal hospital or veterinary clinic overnight, where they can be monitored closely.

Prevention:

One of the best ways of preventing salmonella is by minimising exposure and thoroughly cleaning bedding, food, and water bowls and areas that house animals. In addition to cleaning practices, you will also need to ensure you are maintaining appropriate hygiene with correct handwashing and cleaning of surfaces after treating animals. Finally, you should ensure you have isolated the animal and any other animals that may have come into contact with infected animals until they have been cleared of infection. Avoid feeding your dog raw or undercooked meat, as this is a risk factor.

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Scientific name:

Toxoplasmosis gondii

Susceptible animals:

• Felines (cats)

Description:

Toxoplasmosis is caused by a protozoan parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Wild and domestic cats are the most susceptible hosts for this parasite. Cats become infected initially after they have ingested prey that has also been infected with it. Once the parasite enters the body of the cat, it begins to attack the digestive tract and multiplies on the wall of the small intestine. As it multiplies, it produces oocysts, which are then released into the cat’s faeces. However, once it has been shed, it is not immediately infectious. It must go through sporulation, which can take up to five days, and it is after this stage that it becomes infectious. The following diagram illustrates the lifecycle of toxoplasmosis.

Means of transmission:

The most common form of transmission for toxoplasmosis is through contact or ingestion. The most common exposure is to cat faeces containing oocysts, coming into contact with the faeces and then subsequent ingestion. Cats can become infected by eating infected rodents, birds or other small animals.

Symptoms:

• fever
• loss of appetite
• lethargy
• pneumonia
• yellowish tinge to the skin
• inflammation in the eye.

Zoonoses: Toxoplasmosis can be transmitted from animals to humans; therefore, it is categorised as a zoonosis.

Humans can become infected with toxoplasmosis if they ingest food that has been contaminated and not washed properly and touch faeces from the litter that has been through the sporulation process. Pregnant women should avoid changing cat litter trays as they are at risk of contracting it.

Treatment:

Treatment for toxoplasmosis is usually a course of antibiotics

Prevention:

Cat litter needs to be changed regularly, preferably twice a day, to ensure sporulation does not take place and avoid allowing cats to hunt and roam to avoid the risk of ingesting an animal that may be infected with toxoplasmosis. Always practice effective hygiene, use gloves, and warm water soap and disinfectant.

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We are now going to look at parasites. Parasites are very common in companion animals and can be an issue all year round, but some can be more prevalent during the warmer months. When discussing parasites, there are internal and external ones that commonly affect companion animals.

Internal versus external

Each type of parasite that affects our companion animals causes a range of health concerns and, if left untreated, can be quite dangerous for them. It is essential companion animals receive the appropriate treatment for each type of parasite to ensure they remain in a healthy condition.

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Internal parasites are those that live inside the body of the animal and can attack a range of internal organs of the animal. They may include:

• hookworm
• roundworm
• tapeworm
• whipworm

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Scientific name:

Ancylostoma caninum (dogs) or Ancylostoma tubaeforme (cats).

Susceptible animals:

• dogs
• cats
• rodents

Hookworm is an internal parasite that attacks the digestive system. There are two types of hookworms that affect cats and dogs in Australia, and they are called Ancylostoma and Uncinaria. Adult worms are roughly 16mm in length and very thin. They attach themselves to the intestines of dogs and cats and feed off blood and the intestinal wall. Hookworms, if left untreated, can cause serious illness or even death. Animals may pick up the parasite when they have been exposed to other animals that have not been appropriately treated for hookworm and defecate on the ground, for example, at a park.

Means of transmission: Ingestion of contaminated food is one of the most common means of transmission. Usually, once the food has been ingested, the egg, also known as an ova, enters the body, and the larvae penetrate through the skin or the digestive system. It can be picked up off the ground and transmitted to unborn puppies and kittens via the placenta if the mother has ingested the ova. If the mother has contracted hookworm after she has given birth, it can be passed to the litter while she is lactating and infect the young.

The following image illustrates the transmission of hookworms.

Symptoms:

• diarrhoea often (with blood and mucous)
• anaemia
• lethargy

Zoonoses: Hookworms are highly contagious and can be transmitted from animals to humans, making hookworms a type of zoonose.

Humans contract hookworms when they touch contaminated soil from infected faeces with their bare hands or feet. Humans may also contract hookworm if they ingest contaminated soil from poorly washed food.

Treatment:

An effective wormer can help treat hookworm, which will then need to be kept up regularly because the larvae and newly contracted worms will not be affected by the treatment; therefore, an additional dose is required. In extreme circumstances, animals with severe side effects such as anaemia will require hospitalization and may require a blood transfusion.

Prevention:

Like many other diseases or parasites, prevention is better than cure, and it is highly recommended that the animals are given a good quality wormer to target hookworms and prevent them from becoming an issue. Puppies and kittens will need to partake in regular worming regimes every 2 weeks until they reach 12 weeks of age. They will then need to receive a worming treatment once a month until they reach 6 months, and finally, they will require a treatment once every three months when they reach full maturity.

Watch

Take a short break from the reading and watch the following video based on hookworms in dogs.

Scientific name:

Toxocara canis (dogs) or Toxocara cati (cats)

Susceptible animals:

• Canines
• Felines.

Description:

Roundworms are white and cylinder in shape and closely resemble spaghetti. Roundworms are some of the most common types of parasites that affect dogs and cats. The adult roundworms live and feed off the small intestines. Roundworms have been known to pass through to the lungs, causing the animal to cough. Roundworms can produce up to 85,000 eggs a day!

Means of transmission:

Roundworms are transmitted by eating food that has been affected by the parasite. Pregnant and lactating mothers can pass the parasite to their offspring, making puppies and kittens very susceptible to infestation. Roundworms in felines can be transmitted through contact with faecal matter picked up from litter trays. Birds and rodents may also harbour the parasite and can infect a cat or dog if they hunt and eat birds or rodents.

Symptoms:

• diarrhea
• vomiting
• weight loss
• swollen abdomen
• dull fur.
• Poor condition with a potbelly
• Stunted growth
• Intestinal obstruction
• Lack of appetite

Zoonoses: Roundworm is highly transmissible to humans, especially pregnant women, children, and those who are immunocompromised, making it a type of zoonoses.

Humans can contract roundworms from touching or handling soil that has been contaminated with faeces from an infected animal. Roundworms in humans can have serious health implications, including issues with their eyes, lungs, heart and neurological concerns.

Treatment:

If the animal has been diagnosed with roundworm, they will need to be treated with specific deworming drugs to combat the parasite. Treatment will need to be carried out with a strict deworming regime to ensure all roundworms and eggs have been treated.

Prevention:

Preventing roundworms is achievable with a consistent worming regime, especially with pregnant and lactating mothers and their offspring. Worming should commence for puppies and kittens at 2 weeks of age. Worming should continue fortnightly until 12 weeks of age. After 12 weeks of age, worming continues monthly until 6 months of age. At 6 months of age, worming is continued every 3 months for the remainder of the pet's life. Some products are combined with heartworm, and therefore, worming may need to be given monthly.

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Scientific name:

Trichuris vulpis

Susceptible animals:

• Canines
• Felines (Although very rare)

Description:

Whipworms are like many of the other internal parasites that attach themselves to an animal’s small intestine. Whipworms get their name from their unique shape; they are long, thin and enlarged at one end.

Means of transmission:

Animals can become infected with whipworm if they have eaten a contaminated animal, ingested contaminated water or come into contact with and ingested infected faeces. Puppies and kittens are most at risk from contracting whipworms as the parasite can be passed on from the mother during pregnancy and when lactating.

Symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea often with blood
• Lethargy
• Abdominal bloating

Zoonoses:

While whipworms are highly contagious between animals, they cannot be transmitted to humans.

Treatment:

Should an animal be infected with whipworm, it will require a treatment regime starting from two treatments that have been spanned over 3-4 weeks. If animals are severely ill from exposure to whipworms, they may require a stay in an animal hospital to offer treatment.

Prevention:

Prevention is the most essential measure to take when combating whipworm. Regular worming is essential to keep whipworm from infecting the animal, especially for pregnant and lactating mothers.

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Scientific name:

Dipylidium caninum

Susceptible animals:

• Canines
• Felines

Description:

Tapeworms are long, flat worms that attach themselves to the animal’s intestines. Tapeworms are unique compared to other internal parasites because their body is made up of different parts, with each part of the body having its own reproductive organs. When an animal has been infected with a tapeworm, you may often see a small white worm attached to the anus of the animal (similar in appearance to a grain of rice). The worms may also appear in the animal’s faeces or in bedding. Tapeworms come in various species, and when they infect the animal, they do so at different stages.

Means of transmission:

Initially, tapeworms attach themselves to a host, whether it is another animal or fleas. When the animal has eaten an infected source, the parasite is ingested and starts to feed of the intestines of the new host. Dipylidium caninum is the tapeworm that attaches itself to fleas as the initial host. When the fleas attach themselves to the skin of animals, the parasite then passes from the flea into the animal when the animal is grooming itself and ingests the flea.

Symptoms:

• Licking or biting their anus
• Irregular itching of their behind, perhaps by dragging or ‘scooting’ along the floor
• Weight loss even though they are eating normally
• Vomiting: this can be caused if segments make their way into the stomach
• White or cream ‘grain size’ segments on the fur, particularly by their tail or in their bed
• White or cream ‘grain size’ segments, or worms, in their stool

Zoonoses:

Tapeworm can be transmitted to people, therefore categorizing it as a zoonose. While it can be transmitted, it is very unlikely unless the person has swallowed an infected flea. Children are most susceptible to contracting tapeworm; however, if the animal is regularly treated for fleas, chances of transmission are minimised.

Treatment:

The treatment for tapeworm is relatively straightforward and can be treated with a special drug called praziquantel, which can be given orally or as an injection.

Prevention:

As with all intestinal worms, prevention is better than cure. Animals should partake in a regular worming and flea treatment regime to keep these parasites from infesting the body.

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Scientific name:

• Paralysis tick: Ixodes holocyclus
• Brown tick: Rhipicephalus sanguineus
• Bush tick

Susceptible animals:

Description: Ticks are small parasites that attach to the skin and suck blood from the host. In Australia, there are three main types of ticks that pose a threat to domestic animals, they include:

• Paralysis tick
• Brown tick
• Bush tick.

The paralysis tick most dangerous of the ticks and is found along the east coast of Australia, including the south-east coastal areas in Victoria. Once the paralysis tick attaches to a host, it starts to inject a toxin. If the tick is left long enough, it will start to cause paralysis of the animal, which can, if left untreated, lead to death. Tick saliva is neuro and cardiotoxic, which means it has a deleterious effect on the heart and nervous system, causing ascending paralysis.

There are also bush ticks and brown dog ticks that may be present in Victoria, but they are not as harmful as the paralysis tick. These ticks will suck blood and become engorged but do not cause paralysis. They may cause local irritation and soreness at the site of attachment, but if there are enough high numbers, they can also cause anemia due to the amount of blood loss. The following image sliders illustrate the stages in which a tick goes through as they are feeding off the host.

1. 

   Unengorged

2. 

   Partially engorged

3. 

   Fully engorged

Means of transmission:

Ticks usually attach themselves to a host, whether an animal or a person and begin to feed off their blood. The tick firmly attaches itself, often burying its head into the surface of the host's skin, inserting the feeding tube, and secretes saliva. The salvia of a tick has anesthetic properties, which allow the tick to feed, going virtually unnoticed. Whatever disease the host animal has, the tick will ingest, and when it drops off to find a new host, it will transfer that disease to the next one.

Symptoms of paralysis tick toxicity:

• A change in the sound of the bark or voice
• Gagging/retching
• Regurgitation or vomiting (sometimes with froth)
• Breathing changes – difficulty breathing, often with a characteristic grunting sound.
• Wobbliness in the back legs, which worsens to paralysis and an inability to stand (sometimes owners describe it as ‘my dog has gone in the back legs’)
• Excessive salivation/drooling (sometimes frothing around the mouth area)
• Coughing (sometimes it is a moist cough)
• Not eating
• Progressive paralysis to include the forelegs
• Other abnormal behaviour
• Agitation
• The sound of meow may change
• Unusual breathing pattern with a soft grunt at the end of expiration (breathing out)
• Weakness, though this is typically less obvious to owners early on
• Gagging or retching
• Salivation
• Not eating
• More advanced stages include a more obvious difficulty in walking, staggering and swaying
• Other abnormal behaviour

Treatment:

If an animal has been bought suspected to have been exposed to a tick, they will need immediate medical attention where they receive a tick antiserum in addition to intravenous fluid therapy (IV drip) and a period of hospitalization where they can be appropriately monitored and treated.

Prevention:

Prevention is far better than cure in the case of ticks. Wherever possible, known tick habitats should be avoided, grass should be kept short, and animals should avoid walking in bush areas. In addition to avoiding these habitats, tick prevention treatment should given to animals. It is important to note, however, that the same medication given to a dog should not be given to a cat and vice versa. These medications have been specifically designed to suit the type of animal they are prescribed for and may pose a risk to them if they are prescribed or administered incorrectly.

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Scientific name

Ctenocephalides felis

Susceptible animals:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Guinea
• rabbits
• birds

Description:

Fleas live, breed, and multiply on the skin of animals. Fleas can transfer tapeworms, cause bacterial infections, and can cause the animal to lose its fur and make it very irritated. Fleas can multiply very quickly and reach maturity within a few short weeks, when the animals become infested, this can be hard to control, especially in the home.

Fleas are blood-sucking parasites. Fleas can jump and move rapidly throughout the fur of the animal.

Means of transmission

Fleas will spend most of their time on the host animal with an endless blood supply. Other animals are likely to catch fleas from an infested environment, such as their bedding or carpet, as opposed to direct contact with another animal.

Symptoms:

• Skin damage
• Itchiness
• Skin irritation
• Infection
• Anaemia (blood loss)

Treatment:

Fleas and lice are relatively easy to treat with on-the-spot treatments available. All veterinary practices will be equipped with the appropriate treatments for animals that come in with fleas or lice in the form of oral or topical medication.

Prevention:

Using preventative flea treatment will significantly reduce the likelihood of flea infestations and help maintain the animal's health and comfort.

It is best to address both the pet and its environment simultaneously. Regularly vacuum floors, upholstery, and areas where pets rest indoors. Treat animal bedding by boiling or using insecticides safe for animals, ensuring products are recommended by professionals.

Animals with fleas should also be treated for tapeworms under veterinary supervision.

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Scientific name:

Microsporum canis/ Dermatophytosis

Susceptible animals:

• Canines (dogs)
• Felines (cats)
• Birds
• Rodents
• Rabbits

Description:

Ringworm is a type of skin and scalp disease that is caused by a type of fungi. Ringworm is identified by the unique ring-like shape that appears on the skin in the form of a rash. The fungus that is responsible for spreading ringworm is found in spores in the environment.

Means of transmission:

Ringworm is transmitted through direct contact with another animal that has been infected. The animal may also contract ringworm through objects that have also been in contact with the fungus such as bedding, food bowls, blankets and so on. Ringworm even spreads through the shedding of infected hair.

Symptoms:

• Hairless patches on the skin
• Circular and irregularly shaped areas of scabs and hair loss
• Dry, brittle hair
• Rough and brittle claws

Zoonoses:

Ringworm is highly contagious and can be transmitted from animals to humans; therefore, it is classified as a zoonosis. Humans with animals that have been diagnosed with ringworm are likely to contract it through direct contact with their pets.

Treatment:

Animals that have been infected with ringworms will require topical and oral medication as well as thorough cleaning of the affected area. Oral medication is the best form of treatment for ringworms, and the animal will need to complete its course of oral medication to ensure the infection does not recur.

Prevention:

Preventing ringworm can be tricky, however, preventing the spread of infection can be carried out through regularly cleaning of the animal’s bedding or housing, along with brushing hair and keeping brushes clean. You will also need to ensure once an animal has been brushed, the area has been cleaned in case the fur is contaminated, and another animal or person picks it up in transmission.

The following images are examples of how ringworm would look on animals and people if they are infected,

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Scientific name:

Sarcoptes scabiei.

Susceptible animals

• dogs
• cats
• horses
• goats
• pigs
• birds.

Description

Scabies, or what it is also known as Sarcoptic mange, is a parasite that can be carried by most mammals, including foxes, wombats, dogs, and cats. The parasite/ mite lives on the host animal, burrowing under the skin of the animal, causing severe itching and hair loss on the host.

Means of transmission

Scabies are highly contagious and cause immense itching on the animal. The scratching leads to skin infections, which make the problem worse and require treatment. The mite is passed between animals by direct contact with an infected animal; however, in some cases, especially when the months are cooler, it might survive in the environment, and then it will attach to the animal if it contacts the same area.

Symptoms:

• Intense scratching
• Rash
• Crust formation
• Hair loss.

Zoonoses:

Scabies is classified as a zoonotic disease because humans can contract it from their pets, and the mites can transfer from the animal to the human, causing the same itchy rash.

Treatment:

Topical treatment, including medicated sprays and washes, can be used to treat scabies/ mange in addition to chewable tablets.

Prevention:

Animals should have their skin regularly checked and avoid skin-to-skin contact with other animals that may have been exposed to the mites. In many cases, animals may pick up the parasite by hunting other animals or reading/by-passing animals in holding facilities or kennels, especially if the animal has been severely neglected.

The following images provide a visual of how scabies can affect animals

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