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COLUMBUS'S
MOST COMMON PET DISEASE GUIDE
MOST COMMON PET DISEASE GUIDE
| This Guide is Provided by the Veterinarians of Benning Animal Hospital, LLC |
Columbus is in the center of the South Eastern United States. And while our climate takes
advantage of that fact, we are also a crossroads which canine and feline diseases can come
through. Click here for common diseases for pets that are transmittable to humans.
The most common diseases for pets in the Southeast are actually quite similar to those in the
rest of the USA. Here is our top 10 most common diseases we see here in Columbus, GA.
#1 ) Most Common - Internal and External Parasites- Fleas, Ticks and Lyme Disease,
Heartworms, Roundworms, Tapeworms, Hookworms and other bugs are commonly termed as
pet "diseases." With proper preventatives and treatment, these are rarely deadly to animals.
See your veterinarian for details. Most Vets have flyers and brochures on each of these nasty
creatures and how to get rid of them.
# 2 ) URI - Upper Respiratory Infection. Just like humans, dogs and cats (especially cats)
suffer from respiratory infections. They need to go to the Vet for treatment, when symptoms
such as sneezing, runny noses, watering eyes and a fever develop. This is by far the most
common ailment for cats. For dogs, "Kennel Cough" is the most common form of a URI.
#3) Metabolic Diseases- Diabetes, Kidney Disease and Urinary Tract disorders. Male cats
have a tendancy to have their urinary tract blocked, which is a very painful situation, similar to
passing kidney stones. Blocked Urinary tracts can be deadly in cats. Because of the diets and
breeding of our pets, they are more prone to Diabetes and similar digestive tract disorders
than 50 years ago. Nine percent of all elderly dogs die from Kidney failure.
#4) Parvovirus - This disease which attacks puppies, is very common in Georgia and the
Columbus Area. Extremely contagious and often lethal, this disease affects the intestinal tract
of the dogs. The symptoms of this disease are severe diarrhea, depression, decrease of
appetite. The puppies fecal matter ("poop") often has blood stains. The symptoms appear
within hours of the infestation and can kill the dog within 2 to 3 days of infection. See your vet
immediately if you suspect your puppy has parvovirus.
#5) CANCER - Cancer accounts for over 50% of pet deaths over the age of 10 years old. The
best way to reduce this risk is spaying for female animals, and annual health screens. See if
your vet offers geriatric health screening for older animals. Benning Animal Hospital provides
a full set of Geriatric health care screenings. Dogs commonly get cancer of the nose and
mouth, lymphoma, testicular cancer, and bone cancer. Cat rarely get bone cancer or
testicular cancer, but do have the other common forms.
#6) Dental Disease- Yes, your dog can get TARTAR, GINGIVITIS, AND PERIODONTAL
DISEASE. And other diseases of the mouth which can lead to severe consequences. The gum
tissue has an extensive blood supply. When periodontal infection starts, these bacteria get
into your pet's circulation and eventually leads to heart, liver, kidney, and bone and joint
disease, including organ failure. Amazingly, lack of good dental care can kill your dog or cat
over time. The good news is that it doesn't require you to go to your dentist, just your local Vet
#7) Arthritis and Joint Disorders- Dogs and cats as they age can start to move more slowly.
Their joints swell and it becomes painful to do the simplest things like chase a ball or walk
outside. There are a variety of treatments, from prescription diets with glucosomine, to
medication, and even laser treatments. Talk to your veterinarian for more information.
#8) Obesity: Yes, this is a disease, even for pets. And it can cause a number of dangerous
symptoms. See your veterinarian for details on treatment and exercise.
#9) Bloat or Gastric Dilatation - 27% of Elderly dogs die from this dreaded disease, known as
GDV, "torsion" or just "bloat." Bloat occurs with a twisting of the stomache once it is "full" or
distended. This is most common on large chested animals. Often the spleen has it's blood
supply cut off. The blood return to the heart decreases, cardiac output decreases, and
cardiac arrythmias may follow. Toxins build up in the dying stomach lining. The liver,
pancreas, and upper small bowel may also be compromised. Shock from low blood pressure
and endotoxins rapidly develop. Sometimes the stomach ruptures, leading to peritonitis.
This is a true emergency, and will usually require surgery and a long hospital stay. Make sure
your Vet performing the procedure has performed several bloat surgeries, as this is a very
complicated procedure. Symptoms include- Abdominal distention, salivating, and
retching/vomitting. Your dog may also be restless, lethargic, or have a rapid heartbeat.
#10) Feline Immuneodeficiency Virus (FIV), FELV, FIP. Up to 3% of all cats have some form
of one of these diseases. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) causes an infectious disease in
domestic cats like HIV in humans. It attacks and weakens the body's immune system, making
the animal susceptible to infections and diseases that don't usually affect healthy cats. There
is no cure for FIV, although you can talk to your Vet about potential vaccinations.
| Call us at (706) -689-6240 www.benninganimalhospital.com |