Infectious Disease - Your Vet Wants You to Know

Ringworm

No, it’s not actually a worm. This fungal infection of the skin is most commonly seen in young kittens and puppies. Certain breeds, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Persian cats, and older animals whose immune systems are compromised can be at risk for ringworm. This infection can be spread to people who come in contact with these animals. Join Dr. Nellie Choi, veterinary dermatologist, to find out more about this skin infections, including what to watch for, how your veterinarian might test for it, and what they can do to treat it.

Rabies

Rabies is a deadly disease that can affect all mammals, including humans and their companion dogs and cats. While rabies deaths are rare in the United States, tens of thousands of people die each year from rabies, primarily in Africa and Asia. Almost 99% of rabies cases in humans are transmitted by dogs. The rabies vaccine is safe and effective against this fatal virus. In this episode, Dr. Jess Torok joins us to discuss this preventable disease in pets and her work with Mission Rabies in Tanzania.

Skin Infections Part 2

Skin infections with bacteria and yeast can make dogs and cats very itchy. Veterinarians often treat with topical therapy, like medicated bathing or spray. Sometimes the infection is too deep or severe for topicals. In this episode, veterinary dermatologist Dr. Alicia Webb Milum discusses how skin infections are diagnosed and when sets decide to reach for oral or injectable medications to treat those infections. If you have an itchy dog or cat, this episode is packed with information to improve your pet’s health.

Skin Infections Part 1

What’s that smell? Dogs and cats with allergies or hormonal diseases can often develop infections on their skin with bacteria and yeast. These infections can cause itching, redness, scabs, and discomfort. In this episode, veterinary dermatologist Dr. Alicia Webb-Milum joins follow dermatologist Dr. Brittany Lancellotti to talk about why skin infections occur and the types of bacteria and yeast most often involved with the infection. They will also discuss how topical therapy, such as medicated bathing, can be an excellent treatment, and what to discuss with your veterinarian if you are having difficulty with topical therapy.

Dog Flu

Canine influenza is a respiratory virus that can be transmitted between dogs. The Los Angeles Public Health Veterinarians suspect that between July and October, 2021, there were over 1,000 cases, the largest outbreak ever in LA County. In this episode, Dr. Durocher-Babek, veterinary internal medicine specialist, talks about canine influenza. She provides prevention tips to help keep your pet safe, using many of the same methods being used for SARS-CoV2, such as vaccination, disinfecting surfaces, and isolating when an animal might be ill.

Leptospirosis

Rodents, like rats and mice, can make pets and their owners sick from a bacterial infection called leptospirosis, or lepto for short. Urine from infected rodents can be found in puddles in the city and in rural areas. Finding out a pet has lepto as early in the disease as possible is crucial for recovery. Talk to your family veterinarian about vaccinating against this infection. Listen to this episode to find out what to watch for and how to protect your pet and yourself from this life-threatening disease.