Module 1 - Common Health Conditions and Treatments Flashcards
What are the 4 main principles associated with caring for sick animals
- PROMPT and APPROPRIATE veterinary care + owner must be NOTIFIED.
- Sick/Injured animals + animals kept in the same enclosure as them must be ISOLATED from the PUBLIC + OTHER ANIMALS until FULLY RECOVERED or RETURNED to their owner.
- Where treatment is IMPRACTICAL or UNSUCCESSFUL or in an emergency with NO PROSPECT FOR RECOVERY + owner CANNOT be located or has REQUESTED than the animal will be EUTHANIZED.
- VET ADVICE should be obtained incase of UNEXPLAINED illness or death.
Who can perform Euthanasia
Dogs + Cats = ONLY by a certified veterinarian.
Other Animals = trained operators and certified veterinarians.
What are common health conditions in Dogs
- Heartworm
- Vomiting and Diarrhoea
- Obesity
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Parainfluenza (Viral) + Bordetella (Bacterial)
- Ear Infections
- Fleas + Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
What is Heartworm?
Parasites transmitted via exposure to larvae through mosquito bites that infect the heart and arteries causing heart failure and death.
What are Symptoms and Treatments/Prevention for Heartworm in Dogs?
Symptoms:
1. Lethargy
2. Collapsing
3. Depression
4. Coughing
Treatments:
1. Medication
2. Surgery
Prevention:
1. Annual vaccination
2. Monthly tablets
3. Topical treatments
What can cause Vomiting and Diarrhoea in Dogs?
- Parvovirus
- Eating inappropriate foods
- Eating inappropriate objects
What are Symptoms associated with, and Treatments for Vomiting and Diarrhoea in Dogs
Symptoms:
1. Blood in vomit/faeces
2. Lethargy
3. Weight loss
4. Fever
5. Change in appetite
Treatment:
1. Withhold food
2. Observation
3. Rehydration
4. Medication
5. Surgery - depending on diagnosis
What health conditions are associated with Obesity in Dogs?
- Higher risk of joint pain
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
What are Symptoms and Treatment for Obesity in Dogs?
Symptoms:
1. Heavyset frame
2. Can’t feel the ribs when pressing very hard
Treatment:
1. Low-Calorie diet
2. Exercise
What is Distemper?
A viral disease that affects the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract and Central Nervous System of Dogs.
What are Symptoms and Treatments/Prevention for Distemper?
Symptoms:
1. Sneezing
2. Coughing
3. Difficulty breathing
4. Fever
5. Possible seizures
6. Discharge from the eyes (mucous)
Treatment:
1. Supportive care
2. Observation
Prevention:
1. Vaccine
What is Parvovirus? How is it Transmitted?
A highly infectious virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system of a Dog.
Transmission:
Ingesting an infected dogs faeces and other bodily excretions.
What makes Parvovirus so infectious?
The virus is RESISTANT to heat, detergents and alcohol so it can remain in the environment for up to a YEAR.
This can result in REINFECTION.
How long does it take for clinical signs of Parvovirus to present themselves after initial infection?
7-10 days
What are Symptoms and Treatment/Prevention for Parvovirus?
Symptoms:
1. Bloody Diarrhoea (foul smelling)
2. Vomiting
3. Lethargy
Treatment:
1. IV fluids
2. Antibiotics + Antiemetics
Prevention:
1. Vaccine
What is Parainfluenza + Bordetella?
A highly contagious upper respiratory tract disease that causes inflammation of the windpipe.
What type of disease is Parainfluenza?
Viral
What type of disease is Bordetella?
Bacterial
What is Parainfluenza+ Bordetella nicknamed?
Kennel Cough
What Symptoms and Treatments/Prevention are used for Parainfluenza + Bordetella?
Symptoms:
1. Dry hacking cough (may produce phlegm in the event of a secondary infection)
2. Retching
3. Fever
Treatment:
1. Antibiotics
Prevention:
1. Vaccine
What causes Ear Infections in Dogs?
- Allergies
- Yeast
- Ear Mites
- Bacteria
- Hair Growth deep in ear canal
What are Symptoms and Treatments for Ear Infections in Dogs?
Symptoms:
1. Head shaking/tilting
2. Redness of ear canal
3. Sore ear - tender to touch
4. Ear discharge
5. Smelly ear
6. Scratching ear
Treatment:
1. Antibiotics (if bacterial)
2. Remove blockage and cleanse (if obstructive)
What are fleas?
Blood sucking external parasites that are visible to the naked eye
What are Symptoms and Treatments for Fleas and Flea Allergy Dermatitis?
Symptoms:
1. Scratching, Chewing or Licking skin
2. Rubbing skin against objects
3. Fur stained brown from licking (especially noticeable on white fur)
4. Hair loss
5. Rash and Wounds from excessive rubbing (typically on lower back, thighs and belly)
6. Skin infections
7. Flea dirt
Treatment:
1. Oral medication
2. Topical solutions
3. Powders
4. Medicated shampoo
What are common health conditions in Cats?
- Lower Urinary tract disease (FLUTD)
- Cat Flu
- Cancer
- Heartworm
- Fleas
- Kidney disease
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
- Feline Leukaemia (FeLV)
- Abscesses
What is FLUTD
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease can be FATAL and refers to SEVERAL conditions that effect a cats BLADDER
What are Symptoms and Treatments of FLUTD?
Symptoms:
1. Not using the litter box/ urinating on the floor inside
2. Straining WITHOUT producing any urine
3. Blood in urine (extreme cases)
Treatment:
1. IV fluids
2. Insertion of a urinary catheter
3. Pain medication
4. Medication to relieve swelling and spasms
5. Special diet
What is Cat Flu?
A highly contagious upper respiratory infection transmitted via respiratory discharge and sneezing. Caused by FCV, FHV, FRV
What are Symptoms and Treatments/Prevention for Cat Flu?
Symptoms:
- conjunctivitis
- oral ulcers
- fever
- gingivitis
- miscarriage in pregnant cats
- sneezing
- nasal discharge
- ocular discharge
Treatment:
- anti-viral meds
- eye drops
- antibiotics to treat potential secondary bacterial infections
Prevention:
- preventative vaccine
- isolation
Which Cancers are most common in Cats?
• Lymphosarcoma (intestine/chest)
• Squamous cell carcinoma (abnormal growths on skin)
What are Symptoms of Cancer in Cats?
Symptoms:
- lumps
- swelling
- sores
- lethargy
- weight loss
- difficulty breathing
- vomiting
- difficulty urinating and defecating
Treatment:
- chemotherapy
- surgery
- radiation
- immunotherapy
What are Symptoms and Treatments for Heartworm in Cats?
Symptoms:
- coughing
- respiratory problems
- vomiting
Treatments:
- no effective treatments
- alot recover without medical intervention
What effect does Kidney Disease have on Cats?
Reduces the ability to excrete waste = a build up of dangerous toxins in the bloodstream
What causes Kidney Disease in Cats?
• increased blood pressure
• infections
• kidney stones
• cancer
• old age
What are Symptoms and Treatments of Kidney Disease in Cats?
Symptoms:
- decreased appetite
- weight loss
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- lethargy
Treatment:
- surgery to remove blockage
- IV fluids
- special diet
- medications
What is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)?
A slow-acting virus that depletes the number of white blood cells causing a decreased ability to fight off infections transmitted via deep penetrating bites placing saliva directly into the bloodstream. Cats only.
What is Feline Leukaemia (FeLV)?
Compromises a cats immune system similarly to FIV but to a more severe degree.
What are Symptoms and Treatments/Prevention of FeLV?
Symptoms:
- tumours in the chest, bowel, lymphnodes, kidney, liver, spleen and or bone marrow
- anaemia
- infertility
- miscarriage
- various infections become more likely
Treatments:
- NO CURE
- treat secondary infections as they occur
- if cancer develops = chemotherapy
Prevention:
- keep cat indoors
- neuter cat to decrease roaming instincts
What is an abscess?
A lump full of infection that may or may not have burst caused by cat fights or attacks
What are Symptoms and Treatments for Abscesses?
Symptoms:
- lump (burst or un-burst)
- loss of appetite
- sensitivity to bring touched/ picked up
Treatments:
- antibiotics
- surgical draining of accumulated pus
- use of a head collar/cone to prevent self grooming
- contain indoors
What are common health conditions in Birds?
- External Parasites
- Internal Parasites
- Nutrient Deficiencies
- Obesity
- Beak and Feather Disease
- Yeast Infections
What are examples of External and Internal Parasites in Birds? How are they spread?
External:
- mites
- lice
Internal (rare):
- worms
- roundworms
- tapeworms
- flukes
- protozoa
= Both spread in group Aviaries or from wild birds coming into contact with caged birds
What are the Symptoms and Treatments/Preventions of External Parasites in Birds?
Symptoms:
- itchiness
- feather loss
- skin lesions
Treatments:
- mite and lice spray
Prevention:
- quarantine new birds for a few days before re/introducing to a large group
What are Symptoms and Treatments of Internal Parasites in Birds?
Symptoms:
- decreased appetite
- weight loss
- lethargy
- sitting fluffed up
- abnormal droppings
Treatments:
- worming drops added to water
- antibiotics depending on type of parasite
What are common Nutrient Deficiencies in Birds?
• eating mainly seeds = Vitamin A deficiency
Also common:
• Ioldine
•Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Vitamin D
What are the Symptoms and Treatments for Nutrient Deficiencies in Birds?
Symptoms:
- Vit A = lesions on mouth, eyes and or nose, nasal discharge, sneezing, conjunctivitis, eye swelling, poor feather quality and decreased appetite
- Vit D, Calcium + Phosphorus = weakness, fractures and poor egg quality
Treatments:
- supplemented diets
- direct exposure to sunlight
What are the Cause and Treatments for Obesity in Bird?
Cause: high seed diet especially sunflower seeds.
Treatment:
- feel for the keel bone (boney ridge dividing two breast muscles) and ensure it feels present without having too much flesh covering either side.
> Once determined: dietary revision
What is Bird and Feather Disease?
A contagious disease that spreads through contact with she’d feathers. It is Common in wild Cockatoos
What are Symptoms and Treatments/Prevention of Beak and Feather Disease?
Symptoms:
- weak feathers
- loss of feathers
- suppressed immune system
- general illness
Treatments:
- good cage hygiene
- dust control
Prevention:
- limiting contact with wild birds
What are some examples of yeast Infections in birds?
• Candida
• Aspergillus
• Cryptococcus
• Malassezia
What are Symptoms and Treatments/Prevention for Yeast infections in birds?
Symptoms:
- weight loss
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- lethargy
- sneezing
- breathing issues
Treatment:
- lengthy and invasive so prevention is ideal
Prevention:
- strong immune system with high quality feed
- good hygiene
- low stress
What are Common Health Conditions in Mice?
- Malocclusion
- Tumours (including cancerous)
- Ear Infections
What is Malocclusion?
Misalignment of the upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) jaws causing incisor misalignment = startvation and poor growth
What are Symptoms and Treatments for Malocclusion?
Symptoms:
- visible over/undergrowth of incisors
- excess salivation
- rubbing at mouth with feet
- bad breath
- trouble chewing hard food
- weight loss
- sores near/in mouth
- difficulty eating
Treatments:
- tooth trimming
- powdered diet reduces need for chewing
What are Symptoms and Treatments for Tumours in Mice?
Symptoms:
- discomfort
- restricts normal movement
- lethargy
- obvious protrusions
Treatments:
- non-cancerous tumours = surgically removed and or treated with antibiotics
- cancerous tumours = chemotheraputic meds to stop spread.
- lab mice receive trial meds and vaccines
What are Symptoms and Treatments of Ear Infections in mice?
Symptoms:
- may walk in circles
- in extreme cases may fall to one side
- pain and discomfort
- difficulty hearing
- difficulty breathing
- red discharge from eyes
- sneezing
- scratching ears
- seizures
- lethargy
- depression
Treatments:
- antibiotics may treat clinical signs
- wax removal
- rupture eardrum
- anti-inflammatory meds
What are Common Health Conditions in Reptiles?
- Calcium Deficiency
- Necrotic Stomatitis (Cancer)
- Parasites
What are Symptoms and Treatments of Calcium Deficiency in Reptiles?
Symptoms:
- weakness and reluctance to move
- low appetite
- soft bones = fractures
Treatments:
- Calcium and Vit. D supplements
- increased UV exposure
What is Necrotic Stomatitis?
A disease of the oral cavity involving bacterial pathogens. Environmental stress like poor temperature regulation and over handling can predispose the reptile to this illness.
What are Symptoms and Treatments for Necrotic Stomatitis?
Symptoms:
- swelling of lips, gingiva and head
- build up of necrotic material
- increased salivation
- respiratory difficulty/open-mouth breathing
- anorexia/weight loss
- dehydration
- gingival ulceration/inflammation
- depression
-lethargy
Treatments:
- antibiotics
- oral anti-septic
-surgery in severe cases
What are Symptoms and Treatments of Parasites in Reptiles?
Symptoms:
- diarrhoea
- breathing difficulties
- regurgitation
- swelling of internal organs
- itching
- mouth rot
- weight loss
Treatments:
- deworming meds
- environmental cleaning/disinfection
What are Common Health Conditions in Livestock and Horses?
- Footrot
- Flystrike
- Bovine Respiratory Disease
- Q Fever
- Colic
- Strangles
What is Footrot?
An extremely painful infectious disease caused by two different strains of bacteria that if left untreated causes lameness and deterioration in hooves.
What are Symptoms and Treatments/Prevention for Footrot?
Symptoms:
- inflamed, red and moist skin btw digits
- grey pasty scum btw digits
- lifting of the skin-horn junction btw digits
- under-running/seperation of horn around heel, sole, toe and outside hoof wall.
Treatments:
- zinc sulfate bathing solution
- immediate slaughter
Prevention:
- vaccine
What is Flystrike?
When parasitic flies lay eggs on soiled wool/open wounds of sheep that hatch into maggots that bury themselves into wool and under the skin feeding off flesh.
