Where Dogs Congregate, Threat of Spreading Viruses Exists

During the past year, we heard a lot about the potential for a
pandemic of avian flu. Experts were giving us advice about how to
avoid infection. Good idea, since this is such a contagious
disease. But even with the most stringent precautions, people and
animals are still susceptible to infectious diseases.
During the past year, we heard a lot about the potential for a pandemic of avian flu. Experts were giving us advice about how to avoid infection. Good idea, since this is such a contagious disease. But even with the most stringent precautions, people and animals are still susceptible to infectious diseases.

Contagious illnesses can strike at any time and epidemics can affect anyone. Sometimes the illness is minor. Sometimes it can be very, very serious.

Three weeks ago, I traveled to an annual convention of hobbyists in Pasadena. This event is held at the same time in the same hotel every year, and this was my 15th trip there. This year’s meeting was the best ever; there were more than a thousand participants crowding the hall to trade old toys and tell stories. We had a great time. But for many, the following three days were very unpleasant.

A nasty gastrointestinal infection spread quickly throughout the group, causing some people to delay travel plans going home. A few ended up in at a doctor’s office for medical treatment. The cause was reportedly a virus similar to one that can sicken people on cruise ships. Some estimates said that 25 percent of our group may have fallen ill. While this number can’t be confirmed, suffice to say there were quite a few sick people. It was disconcerting to say the least.

Similar problems have happened at dog and cat shows over the years. Just a few years ago, a group of dogs was infected with an intestinal virus following a large show in southern California. There were lots of sick canines and a lot of worried owners. Fortunately, all recovered.

In another incident, a distemper outbreak shut down an animal shelter in southern California about a year ago. This time, there were also a lot of very sick dogs. But in this outbreak, a few died.

Outbreaks such as these remind us of the canine parvovirus epidemic in the late 1970s and early 1980s. That epidemic was devastating. Parvo spread quickly and was deadly to many dogs.

The common denominator for many rapidly spreading illnesses is simple. Infectious diseases that start in densely populated areas can move quickly, infecting many. Put a lot of people in a hotel or convention center and if someone is ill, a firestorm of infection can potentially start. This is exactly what happened in Pasadena.

And if a large numbers of dogs or cats are squeezed into a small area, (such as for a competitive show), the same phenomena can occur. Lots of animals in a smaller confined area makes for a perfect environment for fast spreading disease. Even dog parks and shopping areas can be a problem. Any location where pooches congregate can be a place where infectious organisms can spread.

So how do we minimize the chance of a pet falling ill? To protect your furry friend, make sure he’s vaccinated against the important contagious diseases.

This doesn’t mean he should be given any and all vaccinations that are out there. Some are more important than others. And depending on a pet’s exposure risk, mainly his lifestyle and travels, some vaccines are more appropriate than others.

There’s no question that all dogs should be vaccinated against the distemper, parvo and rabies viruses. But a dog living indoors in a city probably won’t require a vaccine to protect against Lyme disease. After all, unless that dog travels to a rural area, he won’t be exposed to Lyme-carrying ticks. Vaccinating for Lyme disease would be pointless. There are other vaccines out there available to kitties and pooches. Indiscriminate vaccination with all these in animals is foolish and can even be unhealthy.

The bottom line is this: Make sure your cat or dog is adequately protected against the important contagious diseases. Talk to your pet’s veterinarian about which vaccines will most benefit your furry friend.

Q: I understand why it’s important to spay a female dog and cat. But I’m not convinced we should neuter our dog, Harvey. He’s a laid-back couch potato of a dog. Why is it so important to put him through the surgery. If we don’t let him breed another dog, what harm is there leaving him as he is?

A: There are several things to consider as you make your decision for Harvey. Intact male dogs enjoy several health benefits as a result of surgery. Perhaps the most important is that neutered males never have to worry about prostate problems. Lack of testosterone in a neutered male eliminates the chance for prostate disease.

But a more compelling argument is this: Intact male dogs and cats have a keen sense of smell when there is a female in season in the neighborhood. She may be a few houses down the street or half a mile away, but if she’s in estrus, the males know it and will try to get to her. Testosterone drives their urge to breed.

The result? Intact males tend to wander. And some get into serious trouble. Just last week, we hospitalized three different animals for trauma related to being struck by an automobile. All three were intact males. Male dogs and cats tend to roam and will go anywhere they think there might be a female in season.

Neutering doesn’t harm male dogs and cats. Instead, it makes them better pets. And it frees them from the instinctive drive to roam where they might be injured. 

Q: What makes a bladder stone form? Is a bladder stone really a rock? Are they painful?

A: Bladder stones (also called uroliths) are indeed, uncomfortable for their victims. They’re made of minerals that have precipitated (solidified) in the bladder to form an ever-growing mineral mass. These stones can be any size or shape. They can be as small as bits of sandy grit or as large as a lemon in some larger dogs.

Usually stones are formed because of inflammation caused by infection. But in less-common situations, they can result from a metabolic disorder. Whatever the case, bladder stones cause a dog or cat to feel as though he has to urinate more frequently and strain during elimination.

Fortunately, these stones can be eliminated, though in many cases, surgery is necessary. One particular type of stone, called struvite, can be eliminated in some patients with a simple change in diet.

Bladder stones are uncomfortable, but very treatable. Any pet that urinates too frequently or irregularly should be evaluated not just for an infection, but also for bladder stones.

Pete Keesling is a veterinarian at San Martin Veterinary Hospital. He writes a bi-weekly column for South Valley Newspapers. If you have questions about pet care, e-mail them to sm****@***oo.com or mail them to Lifestyles, 6400 Monterey Road, Gilroy CA 95020.