Bouvier Health

Bloat: This can be a life threatening disease that usually affects deep chested dogs in the prime of life. Bloat involves a swelling up of the stomach from gas, fluid, or both. The signs can be a combination of any of the following: excessive salivation, drooling, extreme restlessness, attempts to vomit and defeca~e, and abdominal distention. In nearly all cases there is a history of overeating, eating fermented foods, drinking excessively after eating or vigorous exercise after a meal (within 2 or 3 hours).

Bloat calls for IMMEDIATE veterinary attention. All dog owners should make sure they are thoroughly acquainted with both the symptoms and cures for the condition.

Heartworm: Your dog needs to be put on a heartworm preventative and kept on it for life. If you live in an area where mosquitoes are a year-round problem you must treat him year round. If you live in a seasonal climate you may only need to give treatment from May until the first frost. Ask your veterinarian which treatment is appropriate for your dog. If you do not treat year-round the dog must be retested each year before resuming treatment.

In the following "Canine Disorder Quick Reference Table" you will find tables on common dog ailments and their symptoms and treatments. These tables are not all-inclusive but may be used as a ready reference. As always, CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN at the first sign of illness or injury.

Canine Quick Reference Tables

Following, you will find tables on common dog ailments and their symptoms and treatments. These tables are not all-inclusive, but may be used as a ready reference. As always, CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN at the first sign of illness or injury.

Common Puppy and Dog Diseases

Name Vaccination Symptoms Treatment Notes
Distemper Yes; at 8, 12 & 16 wks of age; then yearly Fever, loss of energy & appetite, nose discharge, diarrhea, eye inflammation, convulsions Fluid & antibiotic therapy Part of canine vaccines.

Can be fatal and can cause permanent brain damage.

Call veterinarian immediately. Highly contagious.
Hepatitis Yes:

same as above

 Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, jaundice. Fasting, fluid therapy, medication, antibiotics. Part of canine vaccines.

Can be fatal; viral disease; affects liver, intestinal tract, and eyes.
Leptospirosis Yes:

same as above

 Fever (high), thirst, vomiting.

Can cause skin spots.

 Antibiotics, fluids & special diet, pain medication. Part of canine vaccines.

Can be fatal; bacteria related disease affecting liver, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.
Para influenza Yes:

same as above

 Drier cough than Bordatella, less responsive to treatment. Cough suppressant, antibiotics, rest, moist food. Part of canine vaccines.

Extremely serious for puppies; call veterinarian immediately; highly contagious
Parvovirus Yes:

same as above

 Vomiting, diarrhea/bloody diarrhea, often a distinctive, unpleasant odour, depression, no appetite. Fluid & antibiotic therapy, pain medication, immune stimulation. Part of canine vaccines.

Can be serious for puppies; call veterinarian immediately; highly contagious.
Coronavirus Yes:

same as above

 Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression. Fluid & antibiotic therapy. Also given with canine vaccines.

Can be serious for puppies; call veterinarian immediately; highly contagious.
Rabies Yes; At 16 wks of age & yearly thereafter. Very aggressive behaviour, biting or too quiet, can't swallow. No effective treatment. Required by counties to be given; fines for animal not wearing current rabies tag; always fatal.
Bordatella Yes Dry hacking cough, may spit up white froth. Cough suppressants, antibiotics, wet food. Otherwise known as kennel cough; give vaccination if dog is ever boarded at a kennel (it is usually required).
Gastric Torsion No Stomach is swollen & painful; dog salivates excessively and is restless, can't sit. Stomach tube, surgery for advanced cases. Also known as bloat; take to veterinarian immediately as this will be fatal and must be treated right away; most common in large deep-chested dogs.
Giardia No Diarrhea, often frequent & particularly foul-smelling, sometimes bloody. Medication Single cell intestinal parasite - spread through contaminated feces or untreated water. Found in many animals, including man.
Coccidia No Diarrhea Medication Single cell intestinal parasite, many species, infecting many mammals and birds.
Tapeworms No Increase in appetite, diarrhea in some cases. Medication Segments of tapeworm may pass out of the anus and when dried, look like grains of rice.
Roundworms No Vomiting, diarrhea, sometimes anemia & coughing. Medication Puppies often born infected, worms deprive animal of nourishment; may have poor coats, be thin with pot bellies.
Hookworms No Bloody diarrhea, dogs may be weak, thin & anemic. Medication Common in warm, moist territories, severe infection may lead to pneumonia & bronchitis; can be fatal, especially for puppies.
Heartworms No No symptoms until disease is advanced; cough, weakness, loss of stamina. Medication for prevention. Although there is no vaccination, pills are available to prevent heartworm.