Mediterranean Diseases in Dogs
Many dog owners choose to adopt a dog from a shelter or from abroad to join their family.
However, it’s important to be aware that these dogs may also have health issues or behavioral problems.
We would like to inform you about some of these diseases.
The owner knows their dog best and is quick to notice any changes in its behavior. It is important to interpret the signs correctly and have infections or diseases diagnosed, for example, through blood tests.
Babesiosis (canine malaria):
Vector: Brown dog tick/woodland tick
Babesia are single-celled organisms that originate from the Mediterranean region but are now also widespread in Germany.
Symptoms: Lethargy, fever, bleeding, vomiting, weight loss
Leishmaniasis:
Überträger: Female sand flies (also found in some parts of Germany)
Leishmania are protozoa that first develop inside the sand flies, are then transmitted to the dog when the sand fly bites and feeds, and multiply in the white blood cells.& nbsp;
Symptoms: We distinguish between two groups of symptoms:
Internal organs may be affected. Lethargy, bouts of fever, diarrhea.
Skin symptoms may occur. Bald patches (often on the bridge of the nose), ears, and eyes, as well as changes in the claws.
Heartworm disease:
&Vectors: Mosquitoes. The pathogen is a nematode.
The adult worms reside in the pulmonary vessels or the right side of the heart, but can also colonize other organs. However, it is not the worms themselves but their larvae that are transmitted by the mosquito. Whether these larvae develop into adult, sexually mature worms depends on the strength of the immune system. Although there are anti-worm medications, dead worms are foreign bodies that can block blood vessels and thus contribute to the symptoms. It is believed that more dogs die from this than from the actual worm infestation.
Symptoms: Coughing, breathing difficulties, blood in the saliva, fluid retention (in the legs), weight loss, rapid fatigue, enlargement of the liver and the right ventricle.
Infection does not necessarily mean illness:
Not all infections lead to the onset of disease. We treat our patients with natural remedies and various substances that strengthen the immune system. However, should the use of chemical antibiotics be necessary in severe cases, nature offers a range of options to restore the body’s natural balance.
A positive titer means that the dog has been exposed to the pathogens, but this does not mean that it will necessarily develop the disease. The immune system plays a crucial role here.
Factors that can lead to an outbreak:
Chemical deworming, stress, vaccinations…
We’d be happy to advise you on this.
On the topic of ticks:
There are more than 900 species of ticks. They belong to the mite family; all species are bloodsuckers and can transmit diseases.
The most common tick found on dogs & cats is the castor tick (wood tick).
All tick species are affected by dry conditions, especially when combined with high temperatures and direct sunlight. Ticks often crawl across their host for hours until they find a suitable spot. Ticks have an organ that allows them to “smell” their victims’ exhaled gases. These are primarily lactic acid, butyric acid, and ammonia, but also exhaled CO2.
That’s why nutrition plays a major role here as well. We’d be happy to advise you on a healthy, balanced diet for your pets.
Lyme disease:
Vector: wood tick
Dogs are constantly being infested by ticks and bitten by them. However, only a fraction of these ticks are infected with Lyme disease. Even if an infection does occur, it doesn’t necessarily mean your dog will get sick. Here, too, the immune system plays a major role.
We also offer plenty of natural remedies for ticks, fleas, and mites, and lice.
If you have any questions, feel free to call us or send us an email!
Your Dr. Ziegler Team
