Plague is considered a disease that can affect all animals in addition to humans. This disease is caused by a parasitic bacterial infection called Yersinia pestis. This bacteria is transmitted to dogs either through biting (biting) an infected animal, being bitten by an infected animal, or the event that he eats an infected prey, another way in which this bacteria can be transmitted is through insect bites, as some insects, especially those that feed on blood, can transmit this infection between animals, including dogs. As for the treatment method, it is mainly done through Antibiotics, but care for the infected dog depends on the condition and development of the disease, during this article, we will discuss the most important information related to the treatment of canine plague.
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Methods of treating dogs from plague
If it is proven that the dog is infected with the plague, it must be given antibiotics immediately, but only after presenting it to the veterinarian to determine the appropriate type of antibiotic. The dog must also be completely quarantined, in order to protect the humans and other animals around it, as It can cause the infection to be transmitted to them, in advanced cases of plague infection in dogs, and when the symptoms are severe and result in dehydration, health care must be provided at a veterinary center, so that the dog remains in the center to receive the antibiotic through the blood, in addition to Giving him the nutrient directly into the blood to compensate for dehydration.
Symptoms of canine plague
When a dog becomes infected with the plague, the bacteria concentrate in the lymph nodes, which become inflamed and begin to form large numbers of white blood cells. Swelling of the lymph nodes may appear clearly on the dog’s skin, in addition to many symptoms that we will mention below:
- Fever, which is accompanied by lethargy.
- Vomiting.
- Drought.
- diarrhea.
- Inflammation of the tonsils and larynx.
- Anorexia.
- Swelling of both the head and neck area is significant.
- The lymph nodes swell to such an extent that they burst and pus comes out of them.
- Mouth ulcers.
- Significant weight loss.
- Discharge from the eye.
It is noteworthy that there are three types of plague that affect dogs: pneumonic plague, botulism, and bubonic plague, and all of these types share symptoms, except that pneumonic plague is accompanied by pneumonia, while botulism plague is accompanied by transmission of the infection into the bloodstream.
How to diagnose canine plague
Plague infection is usually inferred by the symptoms that appear on the dog, and the diagnosis of the condition can be further confirmed by the dog being bitten, or having bitten another animal, or catching and eating rodents, but until the vet can diagnose the condition with certainty, there is Some of the tests he performs, such as clinical examination, blood test, and examination of the bacterial environment of infected tissues (biopsy), in addition to examining both kidney function and liver enzymes.
