Dog Site: May 2014

Canine Herpes Virus

Canine Herpes virus can affect both the dogs and the puppies. This dog disease is also known as ‘fading puppy syndrome’. This dog disease affects the reproductive organs in adult dogs and as a result it may be passed to puppies at birth or sexually transmitted. This dog disease can cause infertility, stillbirths and abortion. This dog disease is found all over the world, mainly in the United States, England, Germany, Japan, Australia and Canada.

Symptoms in adult dogs:
Since canine herpes virus is mainly found to affect puppies adult dogs often do not show any symptoms. A few symptoms which may be seen are:
•    Occasionally raised genital sores may be seen
•    Stillbirth
•    Infertility
•    Abortion
•    Kennel cough
•    Inflammation of the vagina
•    Lesions on the male penis
•    Conjunctivitis (in unexposed adults)

Symptoms in puppies:
•    Sudden death of newborn puppy
•    Anorexia
•    Weakness, lethargy, crying
•    Pain in the abdomen/ bruising of abdomen
•    Soft, yellow/green feces
•    Difficulty in breathing
•    Nasal discharge
•    Diarrhea
•    Awkward muscle movement
•    Hemorrhages, such as nose bleeds and small bruises
•    Older puppies may develop nervous system abnormalities

Treatment
There is no specific treatment of this dog disease. However, antibodies are injected into the abdomen of the puppies which may help them to survive. Moreover, the puppies are also kept warm. The virus is unable to survive outside the body and is easily destroyed by most detergents. In case of adult dogs rest is very important to help them get over the active stages of this dog disease infection or relapses.It is important to note that once a dog catches this specific dog disease, they are never completely free of it again and will always carry the virus. Even though this virus is not dangerous and can not be spread to other dogs, it may however; reappear in its infective state if the dog’s immune system is stressed.

Belgian Shepherd Groenendael

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: 60-65 lbs

Height: Male: 24-26; Female: 22-24 inches

Color(s): black

The Belgian Sheepdog is also known as the Belgian Shepherd Dog, or Chien de Berger Belge. It is a breed of moderate-to-large-sized dog. It emerged in Belgium and is thus similar to the other sheep herding dogs which come from that region. These may include Dutch Shepherd Dog, the German Shepherd Dog, the Briard and others. This breed does extraordinarily well in herding and guarding. It is a bright and loving breed which performs best in the country environment, but can also do well in home life. This may also be used as a guard dog because of its protective instincts.

Belgian Shepherd Groenendael Health and Diseases

Their average life span is about 13-14 years of age. These dogs are generally healthy and thus do not have any major health concerns. However minor concerns include epilepsy, allergies, eye problems, extreme behavioral fluctuations, and sometimes hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This breed may become obese and lazy if overfed.