Articles
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This handout outlines internal parasites in dogs and what you can do to prevent or treat infection. Included are parasites of the gastrointestinal tract (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms), as well as parasites of the circulatory system (heartworm).
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Knemidokoptic Mange also called "cere mites" or "scaly leg and beak mite," is a relatively common disorder of the beak and/or feet in several species of small pet birds. It is caused by a mite that typically affects canaries, cockatiels and parakeets.
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Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that are passed in the urine of infected animals and survive for long periods of time in warm, stagnant water or moist soil. The disease causes severe damage to the kidney, liver, and other organs, and may be fatal in severe cases.
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Melioidosis is a bacterial infection that is typically associated with tropical regions. The bacteria that causes melioidosis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, is usually found in soil and water. The clinical signs of this condition, along with transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, are outlined in this handout.
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Pacheco's disease is caused by a herpes virus. It is often a fatal disease, but treatment with anti-herpes medication may be life-saving if used at first presentation. This disease is seen less often in today's pet bird population since most parrots are domestically raised and not imported.
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Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection, also known as parvo, is a disease that mostly affects young or unvaccinated dogs. It causes vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), depression, and anorexia. The primary source of parvovirus is the feces of infected dogs. The disease is potentially fatal.
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The Ebola virus is very contagious and is transmitted through blood, body fluids, and tissues, but not through air, water, or food. Ebola affects humans, non-human primates, and is carried by fruit bats. Other species do not appear to be affected, although there has been evidence of exposure to the disease in dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. Domestic animals are not believed to transmit the virus; however, there is a risk that they could transmit body fluids such as saliva on their fur to other humans. Any potential exposure to Ebola should be reported to your veterinarian who will contact the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
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Avian polyomavirus infection (APV) can cause benign feather lesions in budgies, slow crop emptying in newly weaned parrots, hemorrhages on the skin, or acute death. Clinical signs, diagnostic testing, and preventive measures are explained in this handout.
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Poxvirus is related to the virus that causes smallpox in humans. In cats, infection usually causes skin lesions, such as ulcerations, scabs, or abscesses. Cats often recover on their own with no further symptoms unless they are immunocompromised. There is no specific treatment or vaccine.
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Poxviruses can infect many species of birds, and each species of bird may have its own unique species of poxvirus. This handout explains three forms of the virus: cutaneous, diphtheroid, and septicaemic. Each of these forms has distinct clinical signs. Diagnosis, treatment, and ways to minimize the risk of infection in your bird are explained.

