Trying something different

[vickieschessies]

I'm going to try something new. Every week I'm going to post a topic on diseases or something associated with dogs. I'll post facts? Please join in and tell if you have ever experienced or have anything to ad.? So with that here is the first topic:

Canine Puppy Strangles

Puppy strangles

Puppy strangles (Juvenile cellulitis) is a misnamed disease suggesting
respiratory difficulty. The term cellulitis more appropriately describes
the condition. Usually puppies contract the condition early from 4 weeks
to 4 months of age. There is no predisposition to breed or gender. Not
all puppies are affected in the litter but, the entire litter can be
involved. Early signs include redness around the outside of the ear
associated with edema (fluid under the skin). The disease quickly
progresses to ulcerations of the skin and deep tissues around the ear,
followed by draining tracts that can extend into the adjacent lymph nodes
of the face and upper neck.

The cause of the disease is open. Historically, a bacteria has been
suspected, in particular streptococcus species. However, bacterial
cultures never confirm any bacterial infection. Antibiotic therapy alone
is ineffective and helps to rule out a bacterial cause. More recently,
immune reactions have been suspected. Research suggests a
hypersensitivity reaction possibly to a previously eliminated bacteria.
More importantly, the disease seems to respond to immunosuppressive
therapy with consistency.

Treatment for strangles consists of support by keeping the areas clean
and dry with diluted hydrogen peroxide and astringent (Burow?s solution)
washes several times a day. Additionally, oral corticosteroids are used
for 1-3 weeks on a reducing schedule. Oral antibiotics are frequently
prescribed over 2 weeks for ancillary therapy. The coarse of the disease
is usually less than 2 weeks but can last 4-6 weeks on more severe cases.
The prognosis is usually very good but some pups may require special
nursing to insure adequate hydration and nutrition.
 
I personally have seen this 3 times 1 very severe and 2 mild cases. 1 was treated with antibiotics and the other 2 with prednisone(Steroid) The one that was treated with antibiotics was the worst. Prednisone is the way to go when treating this.

Symptoms? It will almost feel like the puppy has mumps under the jaw. (It will really swell) Using hotpacks 2-4 times daily helps alot with swelling.? Then their muzzle will break out with little blisters. This will look just like chicken pox in children.? In all the cases I seen all went away and the dogs were just fine.

I have posted pictures of what it looks like when it breaks out into blisters