HealthGene's Canine Bulletin
(11.25.2004)
IN BRIEF
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SCIENTISTS BEGIN SEQUENCING DOG GENOME
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In June, scientists at the Whitehead Institute/Massachusetts
Institute of Technology Center for Genome Research began a
project to sequence the genome of the domestic dog (Canis
familiaris). Researchers believe the project will yield vital
information in the fight against both human and canine diseases.
Source: VetProductNews.com
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MULTIDISCIPLINARY TASK FORCE TACKLES CHICAGO
DISTEMPER OUTBREAK
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A task Force of veterinarians, a virologist, and animal control
officials are searching for the cause of a canine distemper
outbreak in the Chicago area, and advising the city's municipal
shelter on disease control and eradication measures. Cases
of canine distemper were first confirmed by laboratory tests
in April; since then, more than 100 dogs have tested positive
for the disease at the Chicago Department of Animal Care and
Control shelter.
Source: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
(www.avma.org)
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DOGSTROKING CAN TRANSMIT DEBILITATING PARASITE
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People can become infected with a worm that causes blindness
simply by stroking the coats of dogs that carry the parasite.
The findings challenge previous assumptions that the worms
only spread to people who come into contact with dog feces,
and suggests that owners need to be extra vigilant in washing
and worming their pets. In the US, around 10,000 people a
year, mainly children under 12, become infected with Toxocara
canis, a newatode worm that grows up to 20 centimeters long
in the intestines of dogs.
Source: NewScientist.com
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HEALTHGENE'S HIGHLIGHTS
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CHRONIC LEPTOSPIROSIS IN DOGS
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Leptospirosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Leptospira
spp. The disease has been recorded worldwide and has been
known to spread among many animal species, including dogs.
In canines, leptospirosis represents a severe kidney and liver
infection. If not treated timely, a chronic kidney disease
is a common continuation of this bacterial infection.
Animals are usually infected with Leptospira
bacteria through contact with contaminated water or fluids
and tissues from infected animals. The bacteria can survive
in moist conditions for weeks and months.
Rats, mice and many wild animals such as raccoons, opossums
and skunks can adapt to different types of Leptospira and
serve as reservoirs of the bacteria by spreading it to other
animals. This is why hunter breeds, show dogs and other dogs
with access to water such as ponds are considered to be at
higher risk.
It should be mentioned that by spreading
to placenta and fetus, chronic leptospirosis is known to be
the cause of abortion, stillbirth, infertility and reduced
litter size. Unvaccinated puppies or puppies whose dams were
not vaccinated are at greater risk of severe disease and death.
Clinical signs of leptospirosis vary in severity.
Many infections are asymptomatic (no clinical signs) and the
incidence of this bacterial infection in dogs may be greatly
underestimated. The severity of clinical signs is influenced
by such factors as a dog's age, vaccination status, type of
Leptospira bacteria, the route and degree of exposure. Chronic
cases of infections are often associated with no apparent
illness or only fever of unknown origin and mild to severe
conjunctivitis ("red eyes").
The diagnosis of leptospirosis in dogs depends
on detecting the bacteria in clinical specimens. Latest advancement
in DNA testing has allowed for very accurate and specific
identification of the organism.
This is especially important for chronic or asymptomatic infections
when a DNA test on a urine sample can detect even a few bacterial
pathogens. Early detection and timely treatment are the most
effective ways to avoid severe development of leptospirosis.
According to CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
leptospirosis is considered to be the most widespread zoonotic
disease in the world. Zoonoses are organisms that can be transmitted
from animals to humans. In humans, symptoms of leptospirosis
are flu-like but may develop into kidney, liver, heart, brain
or lung infection. Preventive vaccination and regular testing
of pet animals will protect household members especially children,
elderly and other immunodeficient people from being infected
with Leptospira.
For more information about zoonotic infections,
visit Health Awareness Program website.
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