Protozoal diseases are caused by protozoans, a term Scientist referring to a unicellular heterotrophic protist, such as an amoeba or a ciliate that are causing parasitic infectious diseases on mammals. Protozoa can reproduce and colonize on host body and can lead which lead to severe infections. There are microscopic, single-cell parasites that live in water, soil, and the feces of infected animals and invade canine digestive systems and blood streams.
Protozoa parasites can be transmitted in many ways, knowing and alerting ourselves with the causes and sources of these diseases with keep our dog and us from these diseases.

Giardiasis. Giardiasis or Giardia is caused by a flagellated protozoan parasites called Giardia Lamblia. These diarrhea-causing protozoans colonize and reproduces in the small intestine and affects the digestive tracts of dogs. The parasite attaches itself to the lining of the small intestines in dogs, human and other mammals, where it sabotages the body’s absorption of fats and carbohydrates from digested foods. It attaches to the cells of the intestine with its adhesive disc and rapidly divides to produce a whole population of trophozoites. Contaminated water and feces are the most likely source of this parasite. There are number of drugs to treat Giardia like Flagyl, Neftin, Tinadazole, Panacur, Valbazen and many other being formulated. Keeping our dogs away from foul water is the ideal way to prevent the disease.

Coccidiosis. The microscopic, spore-forming, single-celled parasites called coccidia (Isospora is the most common) which infect the intestinal tracts of animals, and are the largest group of apicomplexan protozoa. The disease spreads from one animal to another by contact with infected feces or ingestion of infected tissue. Diarrhea, which may become bloody in severe cases, is the primary symptom. Most animals infected with coccidia are asymptomatic; however, young or immuno-compromised animals may suffer severe symptoms, including death. Vet uses low-powered microscopic examination for affected dogs and administer/prescribe drugs to reduce or eliminate dog’s immune system to some level and make his own progress against the coccidia infection.

Leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is caused by diphasic protozoa of the genus Leishmania infantrum and Viannia. The disease was mostly transmitted tiny insect (female phlebotomidae), when he happens to be contaminated, he may develop a lesion at the inoculation point (cutaneous leishmaniasis), or an internal disease, called “Kala-Azar”, inducing the enlargement of the spleen and the liver. It can be fatal if not treated. Generally, the treatment consists in series of injections of GlucantimeND. Several insecticides can also be used: they will be applied on the dog, insisting on the nose area which is a risky spot.

Babesiosis. Babesiosis is a malaria-like parasitic disease caused by Babesia, a genus of protozoal piroplasms. They are microscopic blood parasites are spread from dog to dog by tick bites(releasing Babesia sporozoites), and they’ve been causing red blood cell destruction in their canine hosts all over the world. The disease causes anemia (lack of red blood cells) and symptoms include weakness, jaundice, fever, red or orange colored urine. Thre are injections like Imidocarb diproprionate or Dimenazene aceturate to treat the disease, but current chemotherapeutic agents used to treat canine babesiosis are incapable of completelyeliminating the disease; they only are capable of limiting mortality and the severity of clinical signs. Supportive therapy such as intravenous fluids and blood transfusions should be employed when necessary. Female dogs testing positive for Babesia should not be bred.

Neosporosis. Neospora caninum is a coccidian parasite that had been confused with T. gondii. Neosporosis is a parasite that most dogs get while still in the womb of his mother. Most common noticeable condition is when a puppy isn’t thriving and has difficulty coordinating movements. Symptoms of this condition may include inflammation of the skin, tremors and seizures. In addition, a dog may seem disinterested in eating because it causes pain. can be transmitted repeatedly through successive litters and litters of their progeny. This should be considered when planning the breeding of Neospora-infected bitches. Dogs should not be fed uncooked meat, especially beef. There is no vaccine to combat neosporosis. No drugs are known to prevent transplacental transmission.

Protozoa parasites and diseases can be transmitted in many ways, knowing and alerting ourselves with the causes and sources of these diseases with keep our dog and us from these diseases.

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If you suffer from any type of allergy, you know how miserable it can make you feel. Our pets can suffer from allergies too, and it can make them just as miserable. Allergies occur when the bodies immune system overreacts to a substance. Unlike people, pets don’t suffer from sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. They are more likely tosuffer from itchy skin and hair loss.

There are four ways pets can be exposed to allergens. A common allergy for cats and dogs is from flea bites. It does not take an infestation, one flea bite can cause a reaction. Your will notice your pet scratching, licking and chewing at his skin as well as patches of hair loss. When you treat your pet for fleas, it is important that you also treat your home as well.

Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction caused by a substance touching the skin. Some things that might cause an allergy are, grass, wool, plastic, and chemicals from lawn care or carpet cleaning. Contact dermatitis is the least common cause of allergies in dogs and cats, but it can be the easiest to prevent.

Just as they do in people, inhalants can cause difficulty in breathing for pets. Inhalant allergies are known as Atopy and are the most common cause of allergies in dogs. Your dog or cat will also likely suffer from the itchy and irritated skin. This particular allergy can be seasonal because it can be caused by mold spores and pollen. Other sources for inhalant allergies are dust and smoke.

Veterinarians have several methods of treating your pets allergy symptoms. The vet may prescribe an antihistamine, the same as the ones you would use. Your vet could also prescribe a steroid treatment. This could be given as a pill or topically. Steroids have more of a chance of side effects, including increased thirst and urination. Just as is the case with people, steroids are not usually a long term treatment. Another option to treat allergies in your dog or cat, is desensitization. Over a period of time, your furry family member is given an injection under the skin of the allergy causing substance. This will build up the animals resistance to the substance.

The most difficult allergy to diagnose in dogs and cats is from food. The main symptom of a food allergy is itchy skin and the problems that result from constant scratching. If none of the other causes of allergies can be confirmed, you’ll need to work with your vet to figure out which ingredient in your pets food is causing the problem. The most common foods that cause allergies are beef, soy, chicken, milk, corn, wheat and eggs. Unfortunately, these are the main ingredients in most commercial dog foods. You will have to change your pets food to a special formula which your veterinarian can recommend, or you’ll have to prepare a homemade diet. This grants you to control everything your dog or cat eats. Whichever feeding method youselect while you are trying to find the culprit, your pet can have no other food at all, including treats. It takes up to 12 weeks to determine if the diet change has eliminated the problem.

Recent research has shown that certain dietary components can help dogs and cats in the treatment of allergies. Omega 3 fatty acids are known to be good for the skin and coat, but now it has been determined that these fatty acids can work in the skin to help reduce the histamines released in response to allergies. It takes several weeks or even months to notice a significant change, but Omega 3 fatty acids are very safe. Another dietary component that helps with dry, itchy skin is Biotin. Biotin is a B vitamin. You can find these dietary supplements in an all natural, human grade pet vitamin.

We do not like to see our four-legged family members suffer with allergies. A visit with your veterinarian can help eliminate the problem so your pet will be happier and healthier.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol

If you suffer from any type of allergy, you know how miserable it can make you feel. Our pets can suffer from allergies too, and it can make them just as miserable. Allergies occur when the bodies immune system overreacts to a substance.

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Pets Articles: http://www.article-buzz.com

Pet health insurance, like any form of insurance, is a risk. You are dead sure that your pet will need it. But, nowadays, because of the limitations and caps on the policy that a company is selling you, you are actually wishing that your pet wouldn’t.

Many people state it’s really hard to comprehend in a moment’s notice what goes into your pet’s insurance policy. So, before you finally decide if you’re getting a pet health insurance, it is beast to scrutinize all its details, contents, benefits and other “charge” that are initially hidden from you. Being knowledgeable and meticulous in getting a pet health insurance won’t only help you save up some money but can also ensure that you’ve something that will take care of your beloved pet companion.

To help you understand what are the underlying principles contained in most pet health insurance offers, here are some points that you should look into:

– A network or provider list. Asking if the pet health insurance is one of the ideal ways in knowing if the insurance will work. If you are looking to remain with your vet, tough luck, most of the insurance companies have their own list of providers that they approve. This is provider’s list is given to you so you’ve a clear-cut idea of who you can go to for pet care. But if your vet is already accredited then it’s much better.

– Exclusions. The next question that would probably come to mind is, “Are there exclusions?”. Asking if there are is a wise move because all kinds of health insurance policies have exclusions-which are part of the pre-enrollment conditions-or as insurers describe it, “injuries, medical conditions, hereditary diseases and other symptoms prior to enrollment.” These conditions are usually part of the exclusions and should be covered. This is why it is a must that owners of a pet with a pre-existing medical condition should be aware that their cat, dog, bird or other pet may not be eligible for coverage. In addition, pets who have previously suffered a medical problem or been involved in an accident may not be eligible for reimbursement on future costs if the future problem is found to be directly related to the original incident-providing that original incident occurred before the insurance policy became effective.

– Deductibles and the co-pay. Some companies have deductibles that are on a flat rate. These deductibles are usually for claims that are caused by excessive visits to the vet or other incidentals.

– A “one size fits all” policy. You cannot really state that there is a one size fits all policy. Most of the time the terms and conditions of policies are greatly dependent on the need of the pet owner and the pet, there are plans that include services that are exclusive for dogs or cats or vice versa. Some policies cover some situations that other policies don’t. Some companies have higher premium prices than others. That is one of the reason why the pet owner should be aware of the different needs to their pet so they could get the most out of their policies.

– The coverage of the said policy. When choosing pet insurance coverage, first Considerwhat kind of insurance customer you are. This decision will lay the groundwork for your final choice. Make sure to check for coverage of pre-existing conditions as well as breed-specific genetic ailments, such as hip dysplasia forMassivedogs. Some plans refuse to cover these conditions while other place limits on annual, per-incident, per-illness or lifetime costs.

Pet health insurance, like any form of insurance, is a risk. You are dead sure that your pet will need it. But, nowadays, because of the limitations and caps on the policy that a company is selling you, you’re actually wishing that your pet wouldn’t.

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Pets Articles: http://www.article-buzz.com