Pet Health Risks
Coccidia
When you adopt a pet from a shelter or kennel environment, there is a chance it may have or carry coccidia. We take several of our pets from rescue situations where there is a greater possibility that the pet you adopt may be infected.
Coccidia is a microscopic organism that infects the intestinal tract of dogs and cats. Very often the mother gives it to her young. She probably got it from another contaminated animal. It is passed through contact with feces. Most often a simple stool sample checked under a microscope will confirm the infection. The most common symptom is diarrhea with mucus or blood in it. Your pet may also show a loss of appetite.
Vets recommend that the pet receive a 10-day course of treatment, usually with a medicine called Albon. One week after finishing treatment, you should have another stool check. If coccidia shows up in that stool check, the pet would have to be treated again. If medication is given consistently, living conditions are kept clean, and the pet is given a high quality food, he should feel better within a few days. With treatment, coccidia is often gone within 10 days
It is common for the dog to have diarrhea during the first day or two of treatment. It may help to feed baby food (only the 100% meat variety) mixed with baby rice cereal until the diarrhea is gone. But be sure to check with your veterinarian if the diarrhea persists.
Canine Cough
Canine cough is a contagious, upper respiratory infection. It is spread by an airborne virus, which cannot be prevented, even with thorough disinfecting procedures. This virus is a relatively short term illness, usually no more serious than the common cold.
Because the incubation period is roughly 3-7 days, your dog may not develop any symptoms until a few days after adoption. The main symptom is a gagging cough, sometimes accompanied by sneezing and nasal discharge, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Although this coughing is very annoying, it does not usually develop into anything more serious. However, as with the normal cold, it can lower the dog’s resistance to other diseases, making him susceptible to secondary infections.
As in the case of the common cold, canine cough is not cured but must run its course. Check with your veterinarian to see if he wants to prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary infection, cough suppressants to reduce excessive coughing, or Vitamin C to boost the immune system.
There is a preventative vaccine, which is quite effective against most strains of canine cough. However, if a dog comes into our shelter unvaccinated, a vaccination at that time will not help since it takes a week to become effective.
When you walk your dog, if he pulls on the leash, the pressure created against his throat, may increase the coughing. Dogs who have canine cough should be kept warm and given limited exercise.
Upper Respiratory Infection
What is an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)? Cats commonly suffer from colds just like people do. Your cat may sneeze frequently, have a runny nose (the sniffles) or runny eyes and have noisy breathing. He may lose his appetite or seem lethargic and tired. The stress of being kenneled or going to a new home can lower the immune system and make them more apt to develop colds.
How is URI treated? There is no cure for URI, just as there is no cure for the common cold. However, if your cat shows any URI symptoms, call your veterinarian. He may prescribe an antibiotic, which will prevent your cat from developing a more serious infection. If treated at the onset of the illness, he should recover quickly. If left untreated, your cat may become sick enough to require hospitalization.
How do I care for my cat while he has a URI? Keep your cat extra warm if the weather is cold. A room temperature of 70 degrees is ideal. Give him a hot water bottle to snuggle up to. Run a vaporizer to aid his breathing if necessary.
Since your cat's sense of smell is affected, he may not eat well. Tempt him with all-meat baby food or "smelly" foods, like sardines or tuna fish.
Is a URI contagious? Other cats (but not dogs or people) can catch this cold. If you have another cat, we suggest that when you bring your new cat home, you isolate him in a separate room for at least a few days. This will help with adjustment for both cats, but it will also allow you to see if he develops any URI symptoms. If your other cat does happen to get URI, of course it can also be easily treated.
Any other hints? Make sure your other pets are up to date on shots BEFORE you bring a new pet home. Feed high quality food available from a pet supply store? Call your veterinarian if you notice any symptoms of URI.
If you have any question or concerns, please call our office at 978-745-9888.