FLEAS

Myth 1. Fleas are a nuisance at times but they can’t be dangerous.

It is hard to imagine that something as tiny as a flea could be dangerous. We all know that fleas can make pets itch. Some of us are all too familiar with the spectacular skin inflammation in a flea-bite allergic pet but many people forget that fleas drink blood and that lots of fleas can drink lots of blood. The physical state of inadequate red blood cells is called: ANEMIA.

It is easy to under-estimate a pet’s infestation. Only animals allergic to flea bites will itch from their fleas. This means that the animal that is not allergic to flea bites will not be scratching or losing hair thus the owner may not realize that a heavy infestation active.

Myth 2. Fleas are just to be expected on a dog or cat.

There are still many people who unfortunately believe that fleas simply go with pet ownership, that there is no way to avoid them.  In reality, fleas have been optional for decades with flea control methods achieving higher levels of convenience and safety each year.  The days of sprays, powders, and foggers are largely gone, supplanted by pills and spot-on preparations.  No pet needs to have fleas in the 21st century; an owner has his or her pick of safe and effective products on the market.

Look for Flea Dirt

The black, pepper-like specks found in the infested pet’s coat are actually bits of blood that have been sucked by the flea and excreted in a neat little package to feed the larval fleas that hatch in the environment.  Even if live fleas are not seen, the presence of flea dirt means that live fleas are there.

Ask your Vet if you are unsure how to treat your Bichon.

WORMS

There are 5 different types of dog worms (internal parasites), which your dog can fall prey to. These are: heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, tapeworm and whipworm.

Early worm detection is important because each type of dog worm requires a different form of treatment. You should also be aware of the fact that roundworm and hookworm are zoonotic, which means that these worms can be transmitted to humans. Some worm infestations may show little to no symptoms, whereas others can demonstrate severe symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhoea and weight loss. Some dog worms can be seen by the naked eye while some cannot, therefore it is a good idea to ask your vet to perform a stool test for dog worms once a year.

Below you can find a list of common telltale symptoms of dog worm infestation, but keep in mind that these symptoms can also be a sign of a more serious problem. Either way, always consult a veterinarian whenever your dog is not "his usual self."

• Dull coat

• Weight loss

• Appetite loss

• Pot-bellied appearance

• Coughing

• Low energy level

• Diarrhoea

• Vomiting

Roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina)

 
There are two types of Roundworm: Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine. This is the most common type of dog worm, which affects the intestines and causes a pot-bellied appearance, mostly in puppies. There are a few ways puppies can become infected. Puppies are often infected before birth through the mother’s uterus or through her milk. Puppies can also contract these worms through the ingestion of an infected animal (such as a rodent) or infected soil. Roundworm eggs can live in soil for many years. Once a puppy has ingested the infected soil, the eggs will hatch in his intestines, allowing the worms to live there and grow to adulthood. These adults will then produce more eggs.

Roundworms may be found in your dog’s stool or vomit. They can grow to about 7 inches in length and have a spaghetti-like appearance. If this type of infestation is not detected early and is allowed a chance to develop, a build-up of worms in the intestines can cause an obstruction which may result in death. The symptoms of a severe infestation are: pot-belly appearance, diarrhoea, vomiting, dull coat and weight loss.

Puppies should be dewormed every 2 weeks between 2 and 12 weeks of age, then monthly until he is 6 months old. Once your puppy has reached 6 months of age, he is less susceptible to contracting these worms but should continue yearly exams (or more often if considered high-risk).

Because Roundworm can be transmitted to humans, it is important to promote good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly. Transmission of this dog worm to humans is usually through infected soil, which may be in your backyard or front lawn. Because the eggs are sticky and can easily adhere to hands or clothing, make sure children (and adults) wash their hands after playing outside (especially at a park or playground), after playing with the dog and before it’s time to eat.

Treatment generally involves administering oral medication (dewormer) with follow-up faecal exams and a monthly heartworm medication.

Prevent your dog from contracting roundworms by cleaning up faecal matter from the backyard as often as possible. Do not mix wormers and consult your vet before giving your dog any medication. And last, but not least, always remember annual exams.

 
Hookworms (Ancylostoma caninium)

Like Roundworm, Hookworm harbours in the intestines and can also be transmitted to humans. Hookworms can affect a dog at any age. It is a small, thin worm that hooks on to the intestinal wall and sucks the blood from its victim, which causes anaemia and perhaps death. Due to their sharp teeth, they also cause bleeding in the intestines. Hookworms are not visible by the naked eye, therefore should be diagnosed by a vet. As with roundworm, hookworms also live and grow to adulthood in the intestines. They can also be transmitted to pups while in the mother’s uterus or through her breast milk. A dog infected with hookworm would experience bloody stool, anaemia, weight loss, pale gums, diarrhoea and low energy level. Skin irritation can be a sign of a severe infestation.

 
Hookworms can be transmitted to humans by penetration of the skin, making it is possible for people to become infected simply by walking barefoot on infected soil. Hookworms, when transmitted to humans, can cause bleeding in the intestines along with abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Treatment usually consists of oral medications (dewormer), follow-up faecal exams, intravenous therapy and, if necessary, a blood transfusion. Hookworm infestation can kill your pup before the worm is ever detected. This is why it is so important to keep up with veterinary visits and exams.

 
Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum)

The tapeworm gets its name from its long, flat, tape-like appearance. It is yet another parasite that affects the intestines, and like the roundworm, can be seen by the naked eye. Broke pieces of this dog worm would be found in the dog’s faecal matter, which give it a rice-like appearance. These pieces of worm, although broken, can be found (still moving) around the dog’s anus, in his stool or in his bed. Common symptoms of severe tapeworm infestation are abdominal pain, nervousness, severe itching around the anus, vomiting and weight loss.

Transmission to dogs is often caused by the ingestion of infected fleas. Although, humans are susceptible to being infected, a dog cannot transmit the dog worm to a human directly.

Regular over-the-counter deworming medication is not effective in eliminating this type of dog worm. A prescription dewormer is administered orally or by injection.

Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis)

Whipworms are long, thin (whip-shaped) dog worms that live in the dog's colon and are not visible by the naked eye. They attach themselves to the intestinal walls and feed off of them which, in turn, causes intestinal bleeding. Common symptoms of whipworm infestation are anaemia, weight loss, flatulence, diarrhoea with blood or mucus in the stool and lack of energy.

Although whipworms are the most difficult to eliminate among the families of dog worms, there is effective treatment available.

 
Whipworm is most effectively treated with fenbendazole (panacur), but febantel can also be used. Prescription medications are usually more effective. The treatment lasts for up to 5 days and is repeated after 3 weeks. After this treatment is finished, consult your vet about recommending a heartworm medication (containing milbemycin oxime) as a prophylactic to future infestation.

 
Along with administering heartworm medication regularly, here are other ways to prevent re-infection:-

• Remove faeces from your garden every day

• Clean any concrete in your garden with a safe cleaning product (which kills worms)

• Have faeces tested every 6 months (more often if previously infected).

Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis)

Heartworm, although highly preventable, has the potential to be fatal, if contracted and left untreated.

Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes, mostly during the warm months when mosquitoes are most active. The mosquito becomes infected from biting dogs that carry the disease. These dog worms destroy the muscle and tissue of the heart, which can cause congestive heart failure and result in death. At this advanced stage, your dog would experience the typical signs of worms, such as pot-belly, coughing, lack of energy and dull coat.

Unfortunately, there are no symptoms of this disease until it has progressed to an advanced stage. For this reason, it is important to start your dog on a heartworm preventative at 6 months of age (after the first stage deworming process is complete. Check with your vet). Prevention is the best medicine.

General guidelines for dog worm prevention

When walking your dog in a park, picking up his faeces as a standard practice not only prevents soil contamination, but also prevents the spread of many other dog diseases.

Regular visits to the vet and stool testing is a great way to prevent dog worms, as well as other illnesses. Twice-yearly worm testing is recommended. Make sure your dog is tested for worms before starting a heartworm preventative.

High-risk dogs should be screened more often (check with your vet).

Flea control is important because fleas are responsible for the spread of tapeworms.

Most puppies find faeces quite appetizing. Keep your dog away from faeces: his own as well as others. This is the most common form of worm infestation.

When cleaning your dog’s area, such as his bed or crate, spray it with a strong saltwater solution and let dry. This aids in the prevention of worms.

Before travelling with your dog to obscure destinations, consult your vet of the potential risks to your dog.

Avoid exposing your dog to stray animals, birds and dead rodents, which often harbour immature tapeworms that can mature inside your dog.

Contact your vet if your dog displays any symptoms after receiving worm medication.

PYOMETRA

Unfortunately Bichons appear susceptible to Pyometra which is a common disease in female dogs.  Older, intact female dogs that are one to two months beyond estrus are at high risk for pyometra.  Intact females of all ages that receive progesterone or estrogen hormones for estrus synchronization or mismating are also at risk.  Spayed animals are rarely affected.

Overview

Pyometra, a serious infection of the uterus, is a well-recognized disease of female dogs.  Pyometra often results from the animal's own bacteria within the genital tract.  Escherichia coli is the most common bacteria identified in pyometra. Whenever levels of the reproductive hormone progesterone rise, the uterine lining becomes susceptible to bacterial infection.

Dogs with pyometra commonly have a vaginal discharge, fever, lethargy, and a loss of appetite.  Affected dogs are often dehydrated; some may drink and urinate excessively.  Some dogs will appear asymptomatic until after vaginal discharge begins.  Others will go into shock.  Laboratory tests often show dehydration-related abnormalities of electrolyte balance and kidney function.  Changes in the white blood cell count are common.  Most patients are diagnosed using history, clinical signs, physical examination, and abdominal x-rays.

Pyometra requires prompt treatment.  Antibiotics to fight the infection, and intravenous fluids to correct dehydration-related abnormalities, are routinely administered.  Supportive therapy is given to correct other organ system dysfunction and to stabilize the patient.  Generally, surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries is the preferred treatment.  However, owners of valuable breeding animals may elect an intensive medical approach instead of surgery.

Clinical Signs

Signs of pyometra usually appear between one to two months after the female is in heat, or after the hormone progesterone has been administered.  Common symptoms include vaginal discharge, anorexia, lethargy, pyrexia, depression, polyuria, and polydipsia.  Some dogs remain asymptomatic except for a thick, vaginal discharge.  This discharge is usually purulent, or pus containing, but may occasionally be mixed with blood.

Physical examination reveals abdominal distention, an enlarged, palpable uterus, vaginal discharge if the cervix is open, and lethargy.  A closed-cervix pyometra more likely will result in the animal showing signs of septicaemia, including shock, hypothermia, dehydration, vomiting, and collapse.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include foul or bloody discharge from the vulva, loss of appetite, inactivity, fever, depression, and increased water consumption and urination. The abdomen frequently enlarges.  Severely affected animals may show signs of blood poisoning, with pale mucous membranes, cold extremities, reduced body temperature, vomiting or collapse.  The presence of vaginal discharge is variable.

LUXATING PATELLAR

The most common orthopedic problem found in the Bichon Frisé is patellar luxation, which can lead to rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.  Signs of patellar luxation are limping, pain, and the dog may frequently stop to stretch his rear leg behind him.  This straightening of the leg is done to allow the patella to pop back into its normal groove.  There are several degrees of luxation, with the lower grade being the ability of the kneecap to pop back into place on its own and the highest grade (of four) being such severe luxation that only surgical repair can correct the dislocation.  Keeping your Bichon's weight down will help immensley.

EYE PROBLEMS

The Kennel Club are reported to be investigating the increase in Bichons getting cataracts.  As soon as we see any information we will include it on our website.

LEGG-CALVE-PERTHES DISEASE

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCP) is a disorder of hip joint conformation occurring in both humans and dogs. In dogs, it is most often seen in the miniature and toy breeds between the ages of 4 months to a year which obviously includes the Bichon.

LCP results when the blood supply to the femoral head is interrupted resulting in avascular necrosis, or the death of the bone cells. Followed by a period of revascularization, the femoral head is subject to remodeling and/or collapse creating an irregular fit in the acetabulum, or socket. This process of bone cells dying and fracturing followed by new bone growth and remodeling of the femoral head and neck, can lead to stiffness and pain.

LCP is believed to be an inherited disease, although the mode of inheritance is not known. Because there is a genetic component, it is recommended that dogs affected with LCP not be used in breeding programs.

In mild cases, the dog may occasionally resist bearing weight on the affected leg or may exhibit periodic lameness.  In these cases, limited activity and treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be sufficient.

In more severe cases as the pain and discomfort experienced increase, the dog may become totally lame and avoid all use of the affected leg.  Furthermore, the leg muscles may begin to atrophy after extended periods of non-use. In severe cases, treatment often resorts to excision of the femoral head and neck.  By removing the femoral head and neck, the bone on bone contact that is the source of the pain and discomfort is eliminated.  Later, through the healing process and with therapy, a new false joint is formed by muscle and tissue, and the dog may have a complete recovery.

© Copyright Friends of Bichon Frisé Rescue 2007