Home Open House Photos 2007 Paws In The Park News Employees Appointments Services Boarding Dogs/Cats Grooming/Bathing Products Diseases Questions Asked Pet Photo/Stories Pet Boutique Lost and Found Pets Feedback Search

 

Dr. Steven V. Bleish   Serving Kansas City Since 1981

 

 

 

 

DISEASES AND CONDITIONS!

 

Diseases spread by fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.  They are more than just annoying - they can be fatal, some can also hurt humans, but we can prevent and treat most of these.

 

Canine Ehrlichiosis

Cause: Ticks that carry Ehrlichiosis canis or Ehrlichiosis ewingii.

Transmission: Mostly by lone star ticks, American dog ticks, and brown dog ticks.

How: A tick feeds off an infected dog and then spreads it to another dog by tick bite.

Symptoms to watch for: Imbedded ticks, fever, loss of appetite, stiffness, enlarged lymph nodes and lack of energy.  Also watch for swelling of the scrotum or limbs, unable to do normal exercise routine such as daily walks, etc. and shortness of breath. 

If the condition becomes chronic it can cause spleen enlargement, kidney failure, inflammation of part of the eye and meningitis.  Also, frequently weight loss occurs. Chronic ehrlichiosis can decrease bone marrow function, which reduces the number of white blood cells and platelets and makes the pet more likely to develop other infections.  The pet may show signs of bleeding in the urine, stool, or gums. Blood loss can cause anemia which can cause fatigue.

Treatment:  Special diets, pain medications, antibiotics, fluid therapy, and sometimes blood transfusions.

Be Proactive:  Annually when you have your pet tested for heartworms your veterinarian can also test for canine ehrlichiosis in a combination blood test.

After your pet has been outdoors inspect him/her for ticks and remove them.  Watch the area and if there is any kind of reaction, or change in your pet's health call the Animal Clinic of Platte County at 816-741-8338.

********

Flea Bite Dermatitis

Cause: It is an allergic reaction to flea saliva.

Transmission: By fleas.

How: A flea bites your pet depositing saliva which can trigger an allergic reaction.

Symptoms to watch for: Reddened, itchy skin and hair loss.

Treatment: Elimination of the fleas is very, very important.  We recommend using Frontline Plus on every pet (dog and cat) that you own.  This product needs to be used monthly to prevent fleas and ticks an all of your pets.  Any pet left untreated leaves your home vulnerable to flea and tick visitors to the unprotected pet.  If you are beginning with a "flea problem" at home already we recommend that you have your home spayed professionally or we will provide you with a good surface spray.  Over the years we have tested dozens of products and many of them are basically worthless.  We recommend to ask your veterinarian or your pest control specialist for a recommendation. 

Be Proactive: Put each of your pets on Frontline Plus, use it once a month and keep them on it year round.

********

 

 


 


For More Information Contact:

Animal Clinic of Platte County, Inc.
10123 NW 45 Highway
Tel: 816-741-8338
 
Internet: AnimalCareTeam@aol.com

 

Home ] Open House Photos ] 2007 Paws In The Park ] News ] Employees ] Appointments ] Services ] Boarding Dogs/Cats ] Grooming/Bathing ] Products ] [ Diseases ] Questions Asked ] Pet Photo/Stories ] Pet Boutique ] Lost and Found Pets ] Feedback ] Search ]

Copyright © 2007 Animal Clinic of Platte County, Inc.
Last modified: 10/21/07

 This information is copyrighted. No part of this website can be copied without our written permission.