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Dogs + Zoonotic Diseases

  • Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by a single-celled parasite that infects dogs, cats, and certain rodents. Humans can also become infected. The parasite is transmitted by small, biting sand flies. Leishmaniasis can cause one or two types of infections: a cutaneous (skin) infection and a visceral (organ) infection.

  • Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that are passed in the urine of infected animals and survive for long periods of time in warm, stagnant water or moist soil. The disease causes severe damage to the kidney, liver, and other organs, and may be fatal in severe cases.

  • Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium that can be transmitted to dogs through the bite of an infected tick. Once in the bloodstream, the Lyme disease organism is carried to many parts of the body and is likely to localize in joints or kidneys.

  • Melioidosis is a bacterial infection that is typically associated with tropical regions. The bacteria that causes melioidosis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, is usually found in soil and water. The clinical signs of this condition, along with transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, are outlined in this handout.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Internal Parasites in Dogs

  • The Ebola virus is very contagious and is transmitted through blood, body fluids, and tissues, but not through air, water, or food. Ebola affects humans, non-human primates, and is carried by fruit bats. Other species do not appear to be affected, although there has been evidence of exposure to the disease in dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. Domestic animals are not believed to transmit the virus; however, there is a risk that they could transmit body fluids such as saliva on their fur to other humans. Any potential exposure to Ebola should be reported to your veterinarian who will contact the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Rabies in Dogs

  • Rabies is a devastating viral disease that affects mammals, including dogs and humans, and is caused by the rabies virus. Once clinical signs of rabies occur, the disease is nearly always fatal. Vaccination is the cornerstone of rabies prevention.

  • Ringworm infections in cats are caused by a fungus, not a worm. Ringworm is highly contagious and can be spread between animals and from animals to people. The clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and risks are explained in this handout.

  • Roundworms are the most common gastrointestinal worm found in dogs and can also be transmitted to people. They are of most concern to puppies when present in large numbers, causing stunted growth, a pot-bellied appearance, and recurrent diarrhea. Diagnostic testing, treatment, and preventive measures are explained in this handout.