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• Anthrax in Dogs

  Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterial microorganism, Bacillus anthracis. This type of bacterium can develop small spherical bodies called spores within the bacterial cell.

• Antibodies and Antibody Titres

  Antibodies are specialised proteins (immunoglobulins) that circulate in the blood stream. They are produced by a white blood cell called a plasma cell.

• Campylobacter Infection

  Campylobacter jejuni is a major cause of human bacterial enteritis. Poultry and meat products are the main sources of human infection which is acquired by eating under cooked chicken or other food contaminated during preparation.

• Coccidiosis

  Coccidiosis describes Infection with a protozoan (one-celled) organism known as a coccidian. These are microscopic parasites living within cells of the intestinal lining.

• Demodectic Mange

  The demodectic mite usually resides in the hair follicles of the skin and can cause Demodectic mange. This is the most common form of mange in dogs.

• Giardiasis

  Giardia is sometimes confused with worms because they invade the gastrointestinal tract and can cause diarrhoea. They are not worms; instead, they are one-celled parasites classified as protozoa and have been largely overlooked until recently.

• Hookworm Infection

  Hookworms are parasites which get their name from the hook-like mouthparts they use to attach to the intestinal wall. Despite their small size, they suck large amounts of blood from the tiny vessels in the intestinal wall.

• Leishmaniasis

  This is a disease caused by a protozoan (single celled) parasite found in dogs and certain rodents in many part of the world. Thankfully the disease is exotic to Australia (foreign) and our isolation and quarantine have afforded us protection from this disease. A type of tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus is widespread in Australia and this may act as a vector for the disease if it gains entry to our shores.

• Lyme Disease

  Lyme disease (not Lyme's disease) is caused by a spirochete called Borrelia. It is transmitted to dogs through the bite of a tick.

• Oral Tumours - Papillomas and Fibropapillomas ('Sarcoids')

  Oral papillomas are benign tumours of the epithelial lining of the mouth and throat caused by papillomaviruses. The viruses are specific for that species of animal and fairly site specific but can be transmitted to skin or eyes if the protective outer epithelium is damaged.