THE eThekwini District Animal Health and Welfare is encouraging pet owners to protect their furry friends by being informed about some of the common and possibly deadly diseases found in cats and dogs.

Also read: Paw-sitive results at Yellowwood Park rabies vaccination drive

Kayleen Madasamy, founder of the non-profit, said the most common diseases that they encounter are parvovirus, rabies, feline upper respiratory infections (FVR and FVC), and panleukopenia.

Parvovirus (Parvo):

Parvo is a very contagious and potentially life-threatening disease for dogs.

Symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Lethargy

Prevention:

• Vaccinations at 6, 10 and 14 weeks
• Annual booster shots

Treatment:

• Supportive care (fluids, medication)
• Hospitalisation may be necessary, depending on severity

Rabies:

Rabies affects both human beings and pets and can be transmitted through bites or scratches, which attack the nervous system that leads to death.

Madasamy added that rabies is almost always deadly if not treated, but shots can prevent it. “About 59 000 people die from rabies each year around the world, so it’s important to keep spreading awareness and preventing it,” said Madasamy.

Symptoms:

• Foaming at the mouth
• Aggression
• Confusion
• Paralysis

Treatment and prevention:

• Vaccinate your pets
• Avoid wild animals
• Wash any bites immediately and seek medical attention

Upper respiratory infections:

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) and Feline Calicivirus (FVC) are common upper respiratory infections found in cats.

Symptoms:

• Severe vomiting and diarrhoea
• Lethargy and loss of appetite
• Dehydration

Prevention:

• Vaccination
• Keeping cats indoors
• Reducing stress
• Practising good hygiene.

Treatment:

• Supportive care, such as antibiotics for secondary infections and anti-viral medication

Panleukopenia:

Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is a highly viral and often deadly virus caused by the feline parvovirus.

Symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Dehydration

Prevention:

• Vaccination at 8 weeks and older
• Annual booster shots
• Practising good hygiene
• Keeping your cat indoors

Treatment:

• Supportive care: Fluid therapy to prevent dehydration, antibiotics to prevent secondary infections
• Isolation: To prevent transmission to other cats
• Nutritional support: ensuring adequate nutrition to support recovery

Madasamy stressed that prevention is always better than treating an illness. “I encourage pet owners to make sure their animals get regular shots and are in good care as many of these diseases can be prevented,” said Madasamy.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.