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.

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Please consult your vet prior to adopting from us should you have any concerns, or need further clarification regarding these tests. ????