Skip to main content

Library

Infectious Diseases

  • Canine coronavirus (CCoV) is not the same virus as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Canine coronavirus disease, known as CCoV, is a highly infectious intestinal infection in dogs, especially puppies. CCoV does not affect people, and causes gastrointestinal problems as opposed to respiratory disease. Crowding and unsanitary conditions lead to coronavirus transmission. This article discusses signs, treatment, and vaccines for this disease.

  • Kennel cough is the common name for an infectious respiratory disease that affects the trachea and lower airways in dogs. Viral or bacterial pathogens may cause it. Treatment may or may not be necessary with antibiotics and, in some cases, anti-inflammatory medication. There are no long-term effects from this infection.

  • Canine influenza is a relatively new, highly contagious virus that causes respiratory disease in dogs. It has been reported in all US states and some Canadian provinces. Clinical signs include coughing, runny nose, and fever. Definitive testing can be performed in the early stages of the disease. Vaccination is recommended for dogs at a higher risk of infection or morbidity. The virus is not spread to humans, but cats can become infected.

  • Capillaria is a small internal parasite that is closely related to intestinal worms, though they can live in a variety of locations within the body. Diagnosis can be difficult because the eggs intermittently. In many cases, earthworms serve as the source of Capillaria infection. This handout outlines diagnosis, treatments, and prevention.

  • Capillaria is a small internal parasite that is closely related to intestinal worms, though they can live in a variety of locations within the body. Diagnosis can be difficult because the eggs intermittently. Dogs acquire Capillaria infections from the environment. This handout outlines diagnosis, treatments, and prevention.

  • COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease of humans that was first discovered in late 2019. The illness is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, which is a new coronavirus that has not previously been identified in humans. Certain animals can be infected by the COVID-19 virus, but it appears to be infrequent. Dogs and cats seldom show severe clinical illness if infected with COVID-19.

  • Cat bites can be dangerous both to other animals and to humans. All cats carry bacteria in their mouths that can cause tissue infections in bite wounds. These bites may lead to serious conditions such as cellulitis and/or septicemia. Immediately wash your wound and contact a physician as soon as possible to have the wound properly treated.

  • Cat scratch disease (CSD) is caused by the bacteria Bartonella that is transmitted by cat fleas and other biting insects. Cats act as reservoirs for the bacteria. Humans are exposed to the bacteria through flea feces that contaminate skin lesions or eyes. Signs include fever, lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes, and lesions on the eye and skin. The disease is usually self-limiting; however, some people will require antibiotics, especially if they are immunocompromised. Tests are available for diagnosis in humans as well as in cats. The most important ways you can prevent CSD include strict flea control, good hygiene, keeping your cat indoors, and keeping your cat's nails trimmed.

  • Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is an infection caused by a blood-borne protozoal parasite. It is spread mostly by insects in the subfamily Triatominae, known as "kissing bugs." This handout outlines the signs of this disease, treatment, prevention, and risk to human health.

  • Cheyletiellosis in rabbits is a condition caused by the common rabbit mite, Cheyletiella parasitovorax. This mite’s effects are sometimes called "walking dandruff" because they are large, whitish mites that crawl across the skin and hair of a rabbit and cause excessive flaky skin. Other clinical signs of cheyletiellosis include itching, scratching, and hair/fur loss. This species of mites can live in the environment for a short time and affect people and other animals, so it is important to follow your veterinarian's recommendations for treating the environment and all pets in the household.