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

  • Contagious bacterial infection.
  • Most common in unsterilised adult dogs.
  • Dogs are exposed to the disease via contact with infected bodily fluids (reproductive fluids), licking contaminated urine or other discharges of an actively infected dog, or sniffing contaminated urine or other discharges or other mucous membranes (eyes) of an actively infected dog.
  • There is some evidence of it passing from the mum to the pup in the womb, though dog to dog transmission is most common through sexual activity. Hence, where possible, all our puppies will be spayed/neutered prior to travel.
  • We also run a SAT (Serum Agglutination Test) which tests for IgM antibodies, indicating a current infection; or, where the SAT is not available to a vet, we request a PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test.
  • 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.
  • We are currently unable to send blood to the APHA laboratory in Weybridge, but we are keeping this under review.

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. ????