A guide to Standard Test for Puppies
We run a number of tests on your puppy to rule out some common diseases / infections.
When puppies are first rescued from the streets, prior to vaccination, we usually run a triple test, Giardia, CCV & CPV, plus CDV
These tests are run on faeces. A second line indicates the presence of the virus
Giardia – please see below
CCV – Canine Corona Virus
- Highly contagious intestinal disease
- Causes diarrhoea, but usually mild and may not require treatment, though fluids and antibiotics may be prescribed
- Puppy does not need to be hospitalised
CPV – Canine Parvovirus
- Highly contagious viral disease that can be life threatening
- Affects the intestinal tract and attacks white blood cells
- Can also attack the heart, and may cause cardiac problems later
- Puppy needs to be treated by a vet and will most likely be hospitalised
CDV – Canine Distemper
- Highly contagious virus
- It affects the gastrointestinal, respiratory and central nervous system
- It is spread through contact with infected urine, blood, saliva or respiratory droplets and through sneezing, coughing and contaminated water and food
- Puppy needs to be treated by a vet and will most likely be hospitalised
- Dogs who survive distemper may have neurological problems
Once a puppy is old enough to start vaccinations, then these diseases should no longer present a threat.
Giardia, Babesiosia & Brucella
Giardiasis
- An intestinal infection caused by a small parasite. Clinical signs may be diarrhoea.
- Giardia cysts may be present in water or the ground.
- Treatment is metronidazole antibiotics for between 3 – 10 days depending on severity.
Babesiosis – SNAP for Gibsoni (on the left) Blood Smear for Canis (right)
- Caused by a tiny parasite which enters the bloodstream from the bite of an infected tick.
- Infection can cause severe anemia.
- An infected dog needs two injections given two weeks apart, and supportive treatment such as intravenous fluids and blood transfusions.
- Sometimes babesiosis cannot be totally eliminated from the body and dogs can experience flare ups, particularly at times of stress.
Brucellosis
- Highly contagious bacterial infection.
- Most common in unsterilised adult dogs.
- Dogs are exposed to the disease via contact with infected bodily fluids, licking contaminated urine or other discharges, or sniffing contaminated urine or other discharges or other mucous membranes (eyes).
- There is no treatment. Sometimes you can get a false positive, so if a dog tests positive, then it will be tested further, and should two positive tests be obtained, then a dog will not travel.
https://stray2me.com/2021/06/19/health-check/
Please consult your vet prior to adopting from us should you have any concerns, or need further clarification regarding these tests. ????