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Pet Health Articles

Infectious Diseases

  • Valley fever is an infection called Coccidioidomycosis, caused by the soil-dwelling fungus Coccidioides immitis. In the US, it is more commonly found in the southwestern states. Dogs are infected by inhaling spores released by disturbance of soil. These spores infect the lungs, forming spherules, and may migrate to different areas of the body, including the bones, joints, eyes, and rarely the brain. Dogs with weakened immune systems can become ill. Most dogs that are treated appropriately will recover from this disease.

  • Adding a kitten to your family is exciting and also a big responsibility. It is important to work with your veterinarian to keep your kitten safe and healthy. This handout includes information about basic kitten care, including vaccinations, internal and external parasites, microchipping, and the importance of early spaying or neutering.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Feline Leukemia Virus

  • The West Nile Virus (WNV) is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito that is infected with the virus. Birds are susceptible to the virus and can act as a host, though indigenous birds such as owls, hawks, eagles, crows, and jays appear to be most at risk in comparison to pet birds. There is no treatment once a bird is infected so prevention is of high importance.

  • Whipworms are intestinal parasites that can cause severe irritation to the intestines. Whipworm infection rarely affects cats. Large infestations of whipworm can cause watery diarrhea, weight loss, and general debilitation. Smaller infestations are likely to be asymptomatic.

  • Whipworms are intestinal parasites that can cause severe irritation to the intestines. Of all the intestinal parasites found in dogs, whipworms cause the most disease. Whipworm infection can cause bloody diarrhea, weight loss, changes in electrolyte concentrations, and general debilitation. Smaller infestations may be asymptomatic.

  • A zoonosis is a disease or infection that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Although cats only pose a mild risk of causing disease in humans, those with immunosuppressive conditions such as HIV or those receiving chemotherapy are at higher risk of becoming ill from these infections. The most common and significant infections that humans can get from their cats include rabies, cat scratch disease, toxoplasmosis, and ringworm. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are not zoonotic. Hygiene plays an important role in preventing the spread of these diseases, as well as preventive medicine for your cat, including regular deworming and external parasite preventives. Keep your cat indoors to minimize exposure to zoonotic diseases.

  • A zoonosis is a disease or infection that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Although dogs only pose a mild risk of causing disease in humans, those with immunosuppressive conditions such as HIV or those receiving chemotherapy will be at higher risk of becoming ill from these infections. The most common and significant infections that humans can get from their pet dogs include rabies, leptospirosis, ringworm, and gastrointestinal illness such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. Hygiene plays an important role in preventing the spread of these diseases, as well as preventive medicine for your dog, including regular deworming and external parasite preventives.