Page 71 - Canine-Diseases

transferred to humans. The main source for T. gondii transmission Trapped neutrophil syndrome (TNS): Is an autosomal recessive
is raw meat and unwashed fruits and vegetables. In addition, dogs disease which results in mature neutrophils being unable to migrate
will often contract the parasite by digging in infected soil or through from the bone marrow into the blood. Without sufficient neutrophil
the ingestion of the feces of an infected cat. Both acute and chronic cells in the bloodstream, the dog’s immune system is unable to
forms of toxoplasmosis exist, where the chronic form is usually a fight off infections. Affected pups suffer from chronic infections
low-grade disease without any clinical symptoms (asymptomatic), and failure to thrive. Other symptoms can include stunted growth
and the acute form is more symptomatic. The infection can and a ferret like facial appearance. Trapped neutrophil syndrome
sometimes persist as asymptomatic “pockets” of organisms is a common fatal genetic autosomal disorder that has only been
inside the animal, called bradyzoites. Females infected with found in Border Collies.
toxoplasmosis carry a significant risk of transmitting the infection
to their young while still in the womb. Young are often stillborn Trichiasis: Is in-growth of the eyelashes that can come into contact
or die shortly after birth. Adult animals with vigorous immune with and damage the cornea or conjunctiva of the eye. Symptoms
systems control the spread of the parasite efficiently; therefore, include change in pigmentation of the iris, blepharospasm
toxoplasmosis usually causes no signs in healthy dogs. However, (closing his eyelids tightly involuntarily, epiphora (excessive
in puppies, the parasites may spread throughout the body. Signs tearing), keratitis (corneal inflammation), and ulceration on the
of infection include fever, diarrhea, cough, difficulty breathing, eye. Trichiasis does tend to appear more frequently in Pekingese,
jaundice, seizures, and death. Adult animals with weakened English Cocker Spaniels, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Japanese Chins, Toy
immune systems are extremely susceptible to developing sudden, Poodles, Minature Poodles, Boston Terriers, English Bulldogs,
generalized toxoplasmosis. Shar-peis, Chow Chows, Bloodhounds, and Saint Bernards.

Tracheal collapse: Is a chronic, progressive, irreversible disease Trigeminal neuritis: Is also known as mandibular paralysis. It
of the trachea, or windpipe, and lower airways (main stem bronchi is characterized by sudden onset of the inability to close the jaw
collapse). It is a condition characterized by incomplete formation owing to dysfunction of the mandibular branch of the trigeminal
or weakening of the cartilaginous rings of the trachea. As the roof nerves. This is often due to nerve injury, which ranges from
of the trachea stretches, the cartilage rings get flatter and flatter neuritis, demyelination, and fiber degeneration of all the branches
until the trachea collapses. Dogs that are overweight or that live of the trigeminal nerve and the nerve cell body. Clinical signs
in a household with smokers may be more at risk or at least more include acute onset of a dropped jaw, inability to close the mouth,
likely to show clinical signs. Signs include a cough, often called difficulty taking food into the mouth, and excessive drooling.
a “goose honk cough” due to its sound, especially when excited.
Other symptoms include dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing),
coughing when picked up, exercise intolerance, and fainting. Trombiculiasis: Is an infestation by Trombiculid mites, and they
Small breed dogs are most commonly affected with the disease, are also known as chiggers, red bugs, harvest mites, itch mites,
particularly Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Lhasa Apsos, scrub mites, bichos colorados, bêtes rouges, rouget, herbstmilben,
Maltese, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Poodles and Chihuahuas.
akamushi, tsutsugamushi, kedani, heel-bugs, black soil itch mites,
Transmissible venereal tumour (TVT): Also known as canine lepte automnale, aoutat, and scrub itch mites, and duck-shooters
transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) or Sticker’s sarcoma, is a itch mites. Trombiculid mites include several species of mite of
transmissible but uncommon neoplasm (tumor) of the dog. TVTs are which the larval stage is the only parasitic stage. Adults scavenge
cauliflower-like, pedunculated, nodular, papillary, or multilobulated on decaying vegetable material and may live for about 10 months.
in appearance. They range in size from a small nodule (5 mm) to Eggs are laid in the ground and hatch into the 6 legged larval
a large mass (>10 cm) that is firm, though friable. The surface is parasitic stage. Infection generally occurs around autumn (harvest
often ulcerated and inflamed and bleeds easily. TVT is spread by time). The larvae climb onto low vegetation and attach to passing
the transfer of living cancer cells between dogs, usually during animals or people. Multiple larvae will fix in one area, attaching
mating. The tumor is transplanted from site to site and from dog to with their mouth parts to the surface of the skin. Larvae drop to the
dog by direct contact with the mass. They may be transplanted to ground and moult into nymph stage, maturing into adults. A life
adjacent skin and oral, nasal, or conjunctival mucosae. TVT causes cycle is completed in about 50-70 days Lesions include pruritus,
tumours which are usually associated with the external genitalia of papules, crust, scaling and alopecia (hair loss) in affected areas.
both male and female dogs. Immunosuppression allows increased Commonly affected areas include around the eyes, ears, legs,
rate of tumour growth, and malignancy. Lesions are seen in mature, toes, perineal region and ventrum (areas in contact with grass and
sexually active animals, particularly those living in areas with vegetation). See Chiggers.
a large number of free-ranging dogs. Number of lesions, shape, Tuberculosis: Is uncommon in dogs and 75% of canine cases are
consistency, size, and depth of lesion varies. Ulceration of lesions caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is most commonly
is common. Genital discharge may be present, and lesions in this transmitted by infected humans to animals. The other cause is
area may be fragile and haemorrhagic. When metastasis occurs, Mycobacterium bovis (bovine tuberculosis) and occasionally
it is usually to the regional lymph nodes, but kidney, spleen, eye, with Mycobacterium avium complex or Mycobacterium fortuitum
brain, pituitary, skin and subcutis, mesenteric lymph nodes, and which makes 25% of canine tuberculosis. Tuberculous lesions are
peritoneum may also be sites.
usually found in the lungs, liver, kidney, pleura, and peritoneum.

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