Infectious Diseases in Small Animals: Pathogens, Transmission, and Vaccinations

What are infectious diseases caused by?

Pathogenic microorganisms that invade and colonize within the tissues and fluids of an animal host.

Name the types of pathogens that can cause infectious diseases.

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and endoparasites.

What is the difference between transmissible and non-transmissible diseases?

Transmissible diseases can be spread between hosts, while non-transmissible diseases cannot.

What is a pathogen?

An organism that must be strong enough to evade host defense systems, reproduce, and cause disease.

What is a reservoir in the context of infectious diseases?

A place where the pathogen can survive, such as an animal, insect, or fomite.

What is the portal of exit?

The route through which a pathogen leaves its reservoir.

What are the modes of transmission for pathogens?

Direct, indirect, and transplacental transmission.

What does host susceptibility refer to?

The degree to which a host's immune system is naïve, immature, or suppressed.

What are contagious diseases?

Diseases that can be transmitted directly between animals or indirectly through contaminated fomites.

What are vector-borne diseases?

Diseases that require a biological vector for transmission.

What are zoonoses?

Diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans.

What is reverse zoonosis?

Diseases that are transmitted from humans to animals.

What is one method to control transmissible infectious diseases?

Interrupting the process of infection by killing the pathogen in the host or reservoir.

What are some methods to kill pathogens on fomites?

Sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization.

What are core canine vaccinations?

Canine Distemper, Canine hepatitis/adenovirus, Parvovirus, Rabies Virus, and Leptospirosis.

What are non-core canine vaccines?

Canine Parainfluenza, Lyme borreliosis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Canine Influenza.

What is the infectious respiratory disease complex?

A condition characterized by acute cough, nasal/ocular discharge, and tracheal sensitivity.

What are common symptoms of canine parvoviral enteritis?

Anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), and dehydration.

What is the incubation period for canine parvoviral enteritis?

3 to 7 days.

What diagnostic tests are used for canine parvoviral enteritis?

CBC for leukopenia and fecal parvovirus antigen ELISA test.

What is a key nursing concern for dogs with parvoviral enteritis?

Controlling fluid losses and treating dehydration/electrolyte imbalances.

What is an important home care step for infectious diseases?

Disinfecting contaminated areas to prevent the spread of pathogens.

What should be done to maintain hydration in affected animals?

Provide IV fluids and encourage drinking.

What is the duration of virus shedding in infected dogs?

7-10 days post onset of symptoms

How long can the virus survive in the environment?

For years

What is a key reason for not allowing unvaccinated puppies to socialize?

The risk of exposure to infectious diseases

What are the primary modes of transmission for Canine Infectious Hepatitis?

Ingestion of saliva, feces, and urine

List some clinical signs of Canine Infectious Hepatitis.

Pyrexia, injected mucous membranes, petechia, enlarged tonsils, anorexia, dehydration

What diagnostic findings may indicate Canine Infectious Hepatitis?

Leukopenia, prolonged clotting time, and possible liver biopsy showing intracellular inclusion bodies

What is a common treatment for Canine Infectious Hepatitis?

Dehydration treatment, blood product administration, and prophylactic antibiotic therapy

What are some nursing concerns for dogs with Canine Infectious Hepatitis?

Control of disease spread, pyrexia, blood loss, abdominal pain, nutritional and electrolyte imbalances, and secondary infections

What is a potential long-term complication for recovered dogs from Canine Infectious Hepatitis?

Chronic hepatitis and possible development of 'blue eye'

How is Canine Distemper Virus primarily transmitted?

Inhalation of airborne virus and contact with infected urine, feces, or mucosal secretions

What are some clinical signs of Canine Distemper Virus?

Pyrexia, nasal and ocular discharge, cough, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, and CNS symptoms like seizures

What diagnostic tests are used for Canine Distemper Virus?

CBC showing leukopenia, blood smear for inclusion bodies, antibody titers, and spinal fluid evaluation

What is a common treatment approach for Canine Distemper Virus?

Dehydration treatment, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antipyretics, analgesics, and anti-inflammatories

What nursing care is recommended for dogs with Canine Distemper Virus?

Isolation, IV fluids for dehydration, cleaning secretions, and ensuring patient comfort

How long can a recovered dog shed the Canine Distemper Virus?

For 2-3 months

What is Leptospirosis caused by?

Leptospira spp.

What is a zoonotic disease?

A disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

How can leptospirosis be transmitted to humans?

Through direct contact with infected urine or indirectly via contaminated fomites.

What are common reservoirs for leptospirosis?

Cattle and wildlife.

What are the common clinical signs of leptospirosis?

Anorexia, pyrexia, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and evidence of hemorrhage.

What is the primary treatment for leptospirosis?

Antibiotics, along with treatment for dehydration and kidney/liver disease.

What is the rabies virus primarily transmitted through?

Inoculation of saliva into the skin, usually via a bite wound.

What are the three phases of rabies symptoms?

Prodromal, furious, and paralytic phases.

What is the recommended prevention method for rabies?

Vaccination.

What are the core feline vaccinations?

Feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia, and rabies virus.

What is Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Disease (FURD) caused by?

Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV).

What are common clinical signs of FURD?

Anorexia, pyrexia, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers.

How is feline panleukopenia primarily transmitted?

Through ingestion of infected feces (fecal-oral) and contaminated fomites.

What is a significant diagnostic finding for feline panleukopenia?

Leukopenia, neutropenia, and lymphopenia on a CBC.

What is the treatment for feline leukemia virus (FeLV)?

There is no cure; treatment focuses on managing symptoms and prolonging quality of life.

What are common nursing concerns for cats with FeLV?

Anorexia, weight loss, pyrexia, and generalized lymphadenopathy.

What is the role of IV fluids in the treatment of infectious diseases in felines?

To treat dehydration and maintain hydration status.

What is the significance of isolation in nursing plans for infectious feline diseases?

To control the spread of disease among other animals.

What is the most accurate diagnostic test for rabies in postmortem cases?

Virus isolation in brain tissue or fluorescent antibody test.

What is the nursing plan for a cat with FURD?

Isolation, antipyretics, antibiotics, IV fluids, and patient comfort measures.

What is the expected prognosis for a cat with severe organ damage due to leptospirosis?

Guarded prognosis depending on the extent of organ damage.

What are common secondary infections associated with FURD?

Secondary infections often occur with feline calicivirus (FCV).

What is the treatment approach for symptomatic management of FURD?

Supportive care including antibiotics for secondary infections and symptomatic treatments.

What is a common nursing intervention for cats with vomiting due to infectious diseases?

Administer antiemetics and monitor hydration status.

What is the incubation period for rabies in wildlife reservoirs?

3 to 12 weeks, often asymptomatic.

What is a common clinical sign of rabies in its furious phase?

Irritability and seizures.

What is the significance of L-Lysine in feline upper respiratory disease management?

It may help reduce the severity and duration of clinical signs.

What is the treatment for dehydration in cats with infectious diseases?

IV fluids and monitoring of electrolyte balance.

What is the primary nursing concern for a cat with lymphoma?

Treat symptomatically with antiviral therapy, immunomodulators, and chemotherapy.

What is the typical home care recommendation for cats with lymphoma?

Indoor living only, avoid stress, and regular exams with bloodwork every 6 months.

How is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) primarily transmitted?

Through direct inoculation of saliva via bite wounds.

What are common clinical signs of FIV in cats?

Weight loss, generalized lymphadenopathy, pyrexia, and evidence of immunosuppression.

What diagnostic tests are used for FIV?

FIV antibody test through blood, including ELISA and Western blot.

What is the pathogenesis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)?

The virus replicates in the intestinal tract and disseminates throughout the body, affecting macrophages.

What are the two forms of FIP and their clinical signs?

Effusive form: ascites, pleural effusion; Non-effusive form: uveitis, CNS signs, organ failure.

What is the treatment for the effusive form of FIP?

Thoracocentesis, abdominocentesis, corticosteroids, and supportive care.

What vector is responsible for Lyme Disease?

Ixodes spp. - Tick.

What are the clinical signs of Lyme Disease?

Pyrexia, anorexia, lameness, swollen joints, and lymphadenopathy.

What is the treatment for Lyme Disease?

Antibiotics such as Doxycycline and anti-inflammatories.

What is the vector for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

Dermacentor spp. - Tick.

What are the clinical signs of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

Pyrexia, depression, cough, dyspnea, vomiting, diarrhea, and CNS signs.

What is the treatment for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

Antibiotics, fluids, and managing organ-specific damage.

What causes Canine Ehrlichiosis?

Ehrlichia spp. - Rickettsial infection of the vascular endothelium.

What are the clinical signs of Canine Ehrlichiosis?

Pyrexia, depression, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and respiratory distress.

What is the treatment for Canine Ehrlichiosis?

Antibiotics, fluids, blood transfusions, and managing organ-specific damage.

What is the recommended nursing plan for cats with FIV?

Indoor living, neutering, good husbandry, and a highly nutritious diet.

What are the diagnostic methods for FIP?

Serum globulin and albumin concentrations, cytologic examination, antigen detection, and tissue biopsy.

What is the significance of immunomodulators in treating FIV?

They help manage the immune response and treat secondary diseases.

What is a common nursing concern for both FIV and lymphoma?

Evidence of immunosuppression and the risk of secondary infections.

What are the common nursing interventions for cats with FIP?

Isolation, patient comfort, and nutritional support.

What is the role of corticosteroids in treating FIP?

To reduce immune overreaction.