Sicknesses and Treatment
The definition of sickness made by numerous scientists is a 'situation of departing from health'. It is normal that sicknesses and pests appear in animals living in natural conditions, as with human beings and other animals. The normal body temperature in dogs is 38.4ºC (101.12ºF), pulse 70-100 times/min, and respiration 15-30 times/min. The eyes and hair are glossy and bright. The skin is elastic; it returns to its place when it is pulled out and released.
Dogs should be frequently checked for any change in the above. In case of any
problem apply to a veterinary surgeon. Do not attempt to treat the dog before
consulting a vet. The Kangal (Karabash) Dog is very sensitive to tranquillizers.
For instance, even 0.25 ml of the tranquillizer acetylpromazine, known as ACP,
can cause the death of a 50 kg Kangal (Karabash). This medication is used to
calm dogs before operations. It is quite a reliable medication for dogs but not
for large breeds such as the Great Dane, the Boxer, the Saint Bernard etc. It is
reported from the UK that even a very small dose causes a drop in blood pressure,
after which introducing anaesthesia leads to the dog's death.
There are about 600 dog diseases. The most common and widespread are outlined
below.
Parasites
Canine parasites exist internally and externally. There are many different types
of parasites, some more common, and some more problematic than others. Fighting
parasites is important for your Kangal (Karabash) and for you. Here are some of
the more common parasites.
External Parasites
Fleas, lice, and mites are the most common external parasites found on the dog.
Fleas are a pest that causes annoyance. Dog fleas are different from cat and
human fleas. They lay their eggs not on dogs but in the environment, basically
anywhere the dog goes. It is therefore important to deflea all these areas at
the same time as you deflea the dog. A lot of importance should be placed on
preventing fleas in your Kangal (Karabash) Dogs because fleas are more than just
blood-sucking insects; they can also cause or transmit diseases in dogs. When a
flea bites, it feeds on blood. With many fleas feeding at the same time,
significant blood loss can occur. If the fleas are allowed to remain on the dog,
severe anaemia can result. Puppies must examined for fleas every 15 days if
possible, or at least each month until 1 year old.
Dogs are a common target for ticks. They can transmit serious diseases to dogs
and even to humans. For dealing with fleas and ticks there are many products
available. Many methods have been tried to remove ticks. The recommended method
is to use tweezers with a piece of cotton soaked with alcohol, acetone, cologne
or tincture of iodine and pull the tick off. Do not touch the tick since
diseases can be transmitted. Consider wearing gloves when removing a tick. With
tweezers grasp the tick as close to the head as possible. With steady, gentle
pressure pull the tick out of the skin. Frequently, pieces of skin may come off
with the tick. If the head of the tick remains in the skin, try to remove as
much as possible. If you are unable to remove the entire head, don't fret. This
is not life threatening. Your dog's immune system will try to dislodge the head
by creating a site of infection or even a small abscess.
Mange is a specific skin disease due to the invasion of the skin by tiny
parasites called mites. There are two common types of mites which cause mange:
demotectic and sarcoptic. The two types of mange are quite different. Sarcoptic
mites are highly communicable little bugs that actually dig tiny tunnels into
the skin where they cause intense itching, inflammation and hair loss
particularly at the back of the ears and the leg joints.
Internal Parasites (worms)
Internal parasites exist in all ages of dogs with the greatest frequency in
puppies, even within a few days of birth through the mother's milk. These
parasites have highly evolved life cycles that make their elimination impossible.
In addition, many internal parasites affect people, with the potential for
serious consequences. Dogs may have internal parasites even though the faecal
sample is negative. Fortunately, we have effective medications to treat most
parasites. I recommend that all dogs be treated for internal parasites every 6
months. The most common ones found in Kangal (Karabash) Dogs are briefly given
below.
Toxocara canis: This is common in dogs. Immunity is developed in adult
dogs against this roundworm parasite. However, the 3rd stage larvae may be found
in muscles, kidneys, eyes and brain. Toxocara canis is very easily transmitted
to children.
Dipylidium caninum: This is a zoonosis parasite (found both in animals
and humans). It is commonly found in dogs, cats, foxes and rarely in humans. Its
length is about 20-28 cm. The flea is a common intermediate host.
Taenia hydatigena: It is the longest taenia living in carnivores.
Ruminant species and pigs are common intermediate hosts. While eating grass or
drinking, a ruminant accidentally ingests the eggs which pass into the small
intestine. Each egg penetrates the wall of the intestine after the eggshell is
digested away. After penetrating the wall of the intestine the larvae migrate to
the liver.
Echinococcus granulosus: This is the causative agent of hydatid disease
in man and many other mammals. The dog acts as the definitive host for this
species. This one and echinococcus granulosus equinus are the most important
among a number of sub-species of this parasite.
Echinococcus multilocularis: This is a zoonosis parasite of 2-3 mm in
length. It is a causative agent of highly pathogenic Alveolar hydatid disease in
man and other mammals. Foxes and rodents are the most important definitive hosts,
although dogs may also be infected with the adult parasite. Again there appear
to be a number of sub-species of this organism.
Diseases
Rabies (Canine madness)
Rabies, medically termed hydrophobia is an acute infectious disease of mammals,
especially carnivorous mammals, characterized by pathology in the central
nervous system, leading to paralysis and death. It is caused by a neurotrophic
virus which is present in the saliva of rabid animals. Infection can be
prevented by vaccination of three-month old puppies.
Canine distemper
Canine distemper, seen mostly in winter, is a highly contagious and serious
disease caused by a virus. Dogs usually become infected through airborne
exposure to the virus contained in respiratory secretions of an infected dog or
animal. Puppies are immune until three months of age. The first sign of
distemper is eye discharge that may appear watery to pus-like. Subsequently,
dogs develop fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite,
vomiting, diarrhoea and, in later stages, seizures, twitching, or partial or
complete paralysis. Distemper is often fatal. Currently there is no specific
treatment. Puppies must be vaccinated against canine distemper.
Canine typhoid fever (Leptospirosis)
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of dogs that can affect the blood, liver,
or kidneys. Bloody diarrhoea and vomiting may occur. Currently there is no
specific treatment.
Canine parvoviral enteritis
Parvoviral enteritis is probably the most common viral disease of dogs. Usually,
the signs are severe vomiting and diarrhoea. The diarrhoea may contain blood.
Other signs include lack of appetite, depression, and fever. Parvo can affect
dogs of all ages, but is most common in dogs less than one year of age. Puppies
less than five months of age are often the most severely affected and the most
difficult to treat. The best way to protect your Kangal (Karabash) from this
fatal virus is through vaccinations.
Hepatitis contagiosa canis
This is a highly contagious type of hepatitis in canines, caused by an
adenovirus; symptoms may be mild to severe and range from fever, vomiting, and
abdominal pain to convulsions, haemorrhage, and death. Puppies must be
vaccinated.
Canine Infectious laryngotracheitis
This is a viral contagious respiratory disease caused by Canine Adenovirus Type
2 virus.
Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Kennel cough)
This is a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs. It can infect all
dogs, but affects puppies between the ages of 6 weeks and 6 months most severely.
Kennel cough is characterized by the sudden appearance of a dry hacking cough in
an otherwise healthy dog. It is caused by the virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica.
Canine corona virus infection
This is the second most common viral infection causing moderate to severe
vomiting and diarrhoea and can lead to dehydration. The symptoms of this disease
include loss of appetite, depression, blood in stool, vomiting, and death.
Prevention as with most diseases is vaccination.
Herpes virus infection
Canine herpes virus is a viral disease that affects many puppies, causing
sporadic deaths. The virus lives in the reproductive and respiratory tracts of
male and female dogs and can be sexually transmitted. Currently there is no
specific treatment for canine herpes. All treatment is aimed at supportive care.
Infertility
In general offspring productivity is important in animal breeding. It precedes
all other productivities such as milk, meat, egg and labour because if animals
cannot produce offspring, they cannot continue their generations. Infertility
can happen in Kangal Dog breeding and there may be many causes.
Hereditary faults
The main cause of hereditary faults is the mating of dogs which are related to
each other. Kangal (Karabash) Dogs do not breed sibling-to-sibling, dam-to-son
or sire-to-daughter unless they have no other option. Near relative mating can
be seen only if a male dog cannot find any other bitch for mating, yet his
instinct drives him to continue his line.
The genotypes, namely the genetic structures of a near-related pair resemble
each other, in comparison with other individuals who are not related. Numerous
gene pairs will become homozygote in the pups created from near-relative mating,
due to the similar genotypes of their parents. The character defining the
homozygote gene pair may be recessive. If this recessive gene carries a
hereditary fault, this will appear in the pup. In other words, the chance of
genes having negative characteristics meeting with each other will increase in
the case of mating with near relatives. This will cause the appearance of a
hereditary fault. Some hereditary faults are shown below.
Cryptorchidism: This is defined as the failure of the testis to descend
from its intra-abdominal location properly into the scrotum.
Position defects of legs: More or less apart or jointed from the middle
or lower part of the legs.
Faulty bites: Overshot bite and undershot bite other than the scissors
bite when the mouth is closed.
Tongue bond: The top surface of the tongue is stuck to the palate.
Swallowing is difficult.
Short tail: The tail is shorter than normal.
Hip Dysplasia: According to one study this is a hereditary fault seen in
32% of Kangals. The first symptoms are usually seen in the period 4-9 months of
age, when growth is accelerated. Pain in the hip, tiring easily, difficulty in
standing up, a swinging walk, and thinning muscles in the hip section are the
main symptoms. Final diagnosis is achieved by means of radiography. There is no
therapy.
Traffic accidents and fighting injuries
Kangal (Karabash) Dogs may from time to time be injured by vehicle collision,
bumping into trees while running, or in fighting with other dogs and/or
predators. As its mouth does not harbour microorganisms it is hygienic. Small
injuries and bites can therefore be cured by licking. It must be taken to the
nearest vet if its injuries are serious or if it has any broken bones.
Precautions and preventive vaccination
Vaccination must be carried out seriously and regularly. Dogs can be protected
from all diseases through vaccination.
Precautions for owners: A healthy, well-cared for dog is unlikely to pass
on a disease to humans. However, it is sensible to take precautions. Do not kiss
your dog or let it lick you when it is sick. A dog's nose and tongue are often
put to very different purposes from humans. If you have been handling your dog,
wash your hands afterwards. Make sure its dishes are kept and washed separately
from the rest of the family's. Do not let it sleep in your bed. Shake and wash
or change its bedding regularly. Keep your dog clean by regular grooming.
Administering dog medicines
People have kept dogs as companions ever since human beings began to domesticate
animals. Unfortunately though, such four-legged family members do get sick now
and then. So you will be responsible for administering medicines from time to
time. But first let me give you a few important tips.
1. Consult with your veterinary surgeon about the medicine and doses you should
be giving your Kangals.
2. Read medicine labels carefully or follow the vet's advice.
Oral dog medications: Experienced owners know very well how difficult it
is to give oral medications to a dog. The easiest way is to take advantage of
the animal's desire for food. Simply hide the powdered or capsuled remedy in
your dog's favorite meat and let it gulp it down.
Some mature dogs are very skilful in finding a pill hidden in the meat and keep
it in their mouth. In addition, certain medications should not be given along
with food. In such cases you can get a reluctant dog to take the pills by
grasping both sides of the animal's upper muzzle with one hand, and pressing its
lips against its upper teeth. This squeeze action will force the dog to open its
mouth enough for you to pop a pill over its tongue. Larger capsules can be
lubricated with a little butter or mineral oil. Then close your dog's jaws and
hold them shut and slightly elevated until it finally swallows. You may also
need to stroke the dog's neck to encourage the gulping reflex. Liquid
medications are usually easier to administer. Simply pull the dog's lower lip
out on one side to form a cup, pour the liquid into the mouth and then tip the
head slightly upward.