Diseases in Anatomy and Physiology

Unit C

Essential Standard 5.00

Discuss the role of major systems of small animals.

Objective 5.02

Discuss the ways that disease processes affect major body systems.

Infectious Diseases of Dogs

Group of diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms– Canine distemper– Canine parvovirus infection– Kennel cough– Rabies– Canine brucellosis– Salmonellosis

Canine Distemper

Caused by the inhalation of the airborne virus.

Symptoms:– Early-vomiting and diarrhea– Later-tremor and epileptic fits

Canine Parvovirus Infection

Caused by viral contact of materials contaminated with feces from infected dogs

Affects mostly young pups Symptoms:

– Vomiting– Bloody diarrhea– Refusal to eat

Kennel Cough (Tracheobronchitis)

Respiratory disease contracted in confinement (pet shops, dog shows, kennels, etc.)

Symptom:– Cough

Rabies

Viral disease that attacks the central nervous system.

All warm blooded animals can transmit rabies.

Rabies Symptoms

Occur 2 weeks to 3 months after bite. Severe can be within 10 days.– Furious rabies-animal may act strange then

wander off, attack and bite anything in its path, often frothing at the mouth

– Dumb rabies-no wandering, but paralysis of lower jaw followed by body paralysis and death

Canine Brucellosis

Bacterial disease spread through breeding Females

– Abortion– Failure to whelp– Enlargement of lymph nodes

Males– Swelling of scrotum and testicles

Salmonellosis

Bacterial disease spread by ingestion of food contaminated by feces.

Basic Noninfectious Diseases of Dogs

Heart Disease

2 types– Congenital (birth)– Contracted

Symptoms– Coughing at night during sleep– Coughing during exercise– Inability to exercise– Open mouth breathing at rest

Cataracts

Cause cloudy, white opacity of the lens. Can be hereditary or not Can cause blindness More often affects older dogs

Arthritis

Degenerative joint disease that causes pain, lameness, and stiffness in the joints.

Large, old and obese dogs are more prone to the disease.

Basic Fungus Diseases of Dogs

Ringworm

Most common fungal disease.

Symptoms:– Broken hairs around the

face, ears or feet.– Reddened skin and scaly

skin develop.– Crusting and scaling in

severe cases.

Blastomycosis

Inhaling infected spores of soil enriched with bird or bat droppings.

Symptoms:– Coughing– Rapid breathing– Pneumonia– Fever

Internal Parasites of Dogs

Ascarids or Roundworms

May grow to 8 inches in length when mature Affect mainly puppies and deprive them of

nutrients Transmitted by female dogs to puppies Severe infestation causes pot-bellied

appearance Danger to children

Hookworms

Blood-sucking parasites that attach to the small intestine, causing small spots of bleeding

Adult worms attach to the small intestine where they digest a plug of tissue.

Heavy infestations cause the animal to appear weak, listless, and anemic

Affects older dogs and puppies

Whipworms

Broad at one end and narrow at the other. Use the narrow end to attach to the cecum

and lower digestive tract. Adults produce “shell” protected eggs that

may live for years in the soil. Produce watery feces and may result in

dehydration and death.

Tapeworms

Flat and segmented worms that live in the small intestine.

Shed terminal segments in feces.

Tapeworms

Usually the largest worms affecting dogs reaching 1 foot or more in length

Most depend on a host such as a flea or wild rabbit to develop.

Not harmful for dogs, but may cause serious injury to humans.

Heartworms

Thin worms that live in the major artery carrying blood from the heart to the lungs.

Serious threat to dogs causing major injury to vital organs.

Transmitted by mosquitoes. Prevention is preferred to treatment which is

only effective in early infestation.

Heartworms

Symptoms– Frequent coughing– Labored breathing– Fainting in severe cases

Infectious Diseases of Cats

Feline Panleukopenia

Cat distemper caused by parvovirus or DNA virus.

Affects cats younger than 16 weeks and has a 75% death rate.

Spread by direct contact, infected food and water dishes, bedding, and litter boxes.

Feline Panleukopenia

Symptoms:– Depression– Loss of appetite– High fever– Lethargy– Vomiting– Diarrhea– Dehydration

Feline herpesvirus (FHV)

Respiratory infection caused by a DNA virus. Shed in discharges from nose, eyes and

throat and transmitted by direct contact. Cats can become carriers, but vaccines are

available.

Feline Herpesvirus (FHV)

Symptoms:– Depression– Sneezing and coughing– Severe eye and nasal discharges– Increase in temperature– Mouth ulcers

Feline Enteric Coronavirus

Caused by ingestion of contaminated feces in kittens between 4 and 12 weeks of age.

Spread by ingestion of contaminated feces. Symptoms:

– Low grade fever– Vomiting– Soft or watery diarrhea– Blood in the feces– Dehydration

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Disease caused by coronavirus that leads to organ failure.

Coronavirus infections are more common, but few show signs.

Symptoms– Fever– Refusal to eat– Depression– Weight loss

Noninfectious Diseases of Cats

Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS)

A.K.A. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease May range from mild inflammation to

blockage of the urethra, uremic poisoning, and death.

Causes of FUS

Improper diet (where cats are fed high levels of magnesium and phosphorus)

Low water intake that causes concentrations of various salts in the urine

Possibly a virus

Wet Eye

Excessive tear production or blockage of drainage canals that drain tears to the nasal cavity causing tears to overflow at the corner of the eyes.

Internal Parasites of Cats

Toxoplasmosis

Disease caused by infection with single-celled protozoan parasite Toxoplasm gondii.

Contracted from eating raw meat or contaminated feces.

Fever, jaundice, and difficulty moving may result.

No vaccination and humans can become infected through cat litter boxes.

Ascarids (Toxocara cati)

Ascarids from ingesting eggs passed in the feces of an infected animal or in the case of kittens from the milk of an infected mother cat.

Severe cases may cause pot-bellied appearance (distended abdomen) and an unthrifty cat.

Hookworm (Ancylostoma tubaeforme)

Infection occurs when larvae is ingested from contaminated food or water, or when larvae penetrates the skin.

May cause dark-colored feces and anemia from the loss of blood.

Tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum)

Require a cost other than the cat for development.

Dipylidium caninum must be hosted by fleas and Tania taeniaeformis may be hosted by rats and mice.

Neither type causes major harm.

External Parasites of Small Animals

Fleas

Brown, blood-sucking insects of small size that move rapidly over the skin.

May develop from eggs to adult in as little as 16 days.

May first be detected in the groin and rump area of the animal.

Fleas

Cause irritation and extreme itching May be controlled with powders, dips,

shampoos, collars, oral insecticides, foggers and sprays.

Ticks

Blood-sucking arthropods of the skin. Two main families of ticks: hard and soft Two types of hard ticks are a concern for

dogs: brown dogs tick (can survive indoors) and American dog tick (lives on grass and shrubs)

Ticks

Main soft tick is the Spirose Ear Tick. Larvae and nymph stage live in and cause

irritation to the outer ear canal.

Lice

Wingless insects that may bite or suck blood from the host.

Not common on dogs. If infestation occurs, the dog will experience

hair loss from scratching and rubbing. Two treatments 12 days apart with dips,

dusts, or spray can control.

Mites

Tiny, eight-legged arachnids. Five species cause the most problems

– Demodectic mites– Two types of sarcoptic mites– Ear mites– Cheyletiella mites

Demodectic Mites

No not usually cause problems.

A severe infestation may result in hair loss, reddening of the skin, and encrusting in spots or over the entire body of the dog.

Sarcoptic Mites

Burrow within the outer layer of the skin. Highly contagious. Cause mange or scabies which case intense

irritation and itching that may result in the dog injuring itself as it tries to scratch, chew or rub the skin.

Ear Mites

Highly contagious Found in the outer ear canal and other areas

of dogs, cats, and rabbits. Common problem Infected animals may shake their heads. Flea products are effective treatment, as well

as, ear drops.

Cheyletiella Mites

Contagious Cause a condition known

as “walking dandruff” Severe scaling on the back

may occur, but itching is not as severe as with other mite infestations.

Chiggers

Orange-red larvae stages of Trombicula mites that cause an itchy, red rash on the belly, face, feet and legs.– Picked up from underbrush.– Remain on the skin for a short time and usually

do not require treatment other than something to stop the itching.

Poisons Affecting Small Animals

Insecticides

May cause poisoning if ingested in sufficient amounts.

Organophosphates and carbamate compounds are the main source of insecticidal poisoning.

Boric acid from roach bait and arsenic from ant traps can also poison animals.

Plants

Philodendron, dieffenbachia, pothos, and caladium contain insoluble calcium oxadate crystals that cause irritation to the mouth and intestinal tract.

Poinsettia, Japanese yew, azalea, and flower bulbs may cause mild intestinal upset.

Plants

Household Chemicals

Ammonia, bleach, borates, hydroxides, pine oil, and phenol can cause sickness if pets ingest them.

Rodenticides

Strychnine and warfarin can cause internal bleeding and death if ingested in sufficient amounts.

Herbicides

Glyphosphate herbicides and arsenic-based weed killers can poison pets.

Antifreeze

Common source of poisoning because it has a sugary taste that animals like.

Animal may appear drunk or depressed.

Rabbit Diseases

Enteritis

Intestinal tract inflammation Probably the most common cause of death in

rabbits Causes include: stress, unsanitary

conditions, and high energy feeds

Enteritis Symptoms

Diarrhea stained with blood Animals will stop eating but drink lots of

water Animals grind their teeth Almost 100% mortality rate

Enteritis Treatment

Prevention is best. Accomplished through proper environment, sanitary conditions, feeding rations that are high in fiber, low in energy, control of birds and rodents that carry the disease.

Treatment when applicable is through broad spectrum antibiotics.

Snuffles

Disease aggravated by stressful conditions such as poor sanitation, poor ventilation, changing temperatures, shipping, or show conditions.

Symptoms: persistent sneezing with a white colored nasal discharge.

Prevention: Reduce stress through proper environment.

Mastitis

Inflammation of mammary tissue Also called caked breast May cause nursing problems Nursing baby rabbits may bite the nipples

when they are unable to nurse Nursing mothers may refuse to nurse the

young.

Mastitis Prevention and Treatment

Remove concentrates from the diet for 72 hours.

Widespread cases, clean and disinfect all nesting boxes.

Wry Neck

Condition caused by inflammation of the inner neck.

Head tilted to the side is the most common symptom.

Often found where snuffles are also present. Best prevented by controlling upper

respiratory diseases.

Fur Chewing

Pulling of fur from itself or other rabbits caused by simple boredom, a nutrient deficiency, and a low-fiber diet.

Prevention and treatment: Best by feeding hay or straw to add fiber to the diet. Adding magnesium oxide to the ration also helps.

Hutch Burn

Chapped or burning condition of the external genital area of the doe. Caused by sitting in dirty, wet, urine soaked bedding.

Prevention and treatment: keep bedding clean. Treatment is with antibiotic creams.

Sore Hocks

Ulcerated area on the bottom of the foot pads most often associated with rough wire cage floors and size of the foot pad not supporting the weight of the animal.

Large breed with long foot pads are most often affected.

Sore Hocks Prevention and Treatment

Get off wire and place on a solid surface Apply astringents to the sore pads

– Petroleum jelly– Bag balm (for cow udders)– Human hemorrhoid ointments

Hamster Diseases

Wet Tail (Enteritis)

Most common disease of hamsters Caused by poor sanitation, bacteria, viruses,

and diet.

Wet Tail Symptoms

Wetness around the tail and rear of the animal caused by runny diarrhea.

High death rate occurs within 2 days of symptoms appearing.

Most often associated with poor sanitation caused by general neglect and poor care.

Wet Tail Prevention and Treatment

Change and disinfect spoiled bedding, cages, and equipment and isolate infected animals.

Keep temperature around 70 degrees to avoid estivation (sleep above 80 degrees) or hibernation (below 50 degrees). Avoid drafts.

Animals do not respond well to treatment.

Common Diarrhea

Caused by incorrect diet with overabundance of green leafy materials, vegetables, or fruits.

Should not be confused with serious infections.

Correct by removing green leafy vegetables and fruits and feeding dry grains and seeds.

Gerbil Diseases

Colds

Gerbils are hardy and seldom affected by disease, but colds are most common.

Symptoms:– Loss of appetite– Constant sneezing– Runny eyes and nose

Cold Prevention and Treatment

Reduce stress caused by overcrowding (gerbils need more space than hamsters)

Avoid drafts, humidity and temperature fluctuations.

Red Nose

Commonly caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria.

Animal will recover without any medication.

Symptoms:– Hair loss– Red, swollen areas of the

skin around the nose and muzzle

Rat Diseases

Respiratory Disease

Common disease caused by Microplasma pulmonis

Symptoms: – Nasal discharge– Snuffling– Rattled breathing– Rubbing eyes and nose– Tilted head– Uncoordinated and circling

Mouse Diseases

Mouse Diseases

Hardy animals with proper diet, housing, and exercise.

Respiratory disease can be caused by several organisms and result from changes in temperature, drafts, high humidity.

Symptoms: squeaking or rattling breath, runny nose, watery eyes and fur loss.

Mouse Diseases

Salmonella and related bacteria are responsible for many of the serious infectious diseases.

Control with clean cages, clean water, clean feed, and parasite control.

Guinea Pig Diseases

Guinea Pigs

Very healthy under favorable conditions. Avoid drafts and keep temperature and

humidity constant to avoid problems. Common cold and respiratory diseases can

be a problem if environment is not good.

Colds in Guinea Pigs

Animals become lethargic, listless, have nasal discharge and sneezing

Prevention:– Maintaining a good environment– Immediate treatment with broad-spectrum

antibiotics– Increase Vitamin C

Toxemia

Build-up of toxins in the blood that developed in late pregnancy.

Symptoms: females will be lethargic, go off feed, refuse to eat, and have difficulty breathing.

Prevention and Treatment: Feed a high quality diet to the pregnant female and add ½ teaspoon of sugar in the water bottle.

Chinchilla Illnesses

Chinchilla Environment

Need proper nutrition and a clean, dry, draft-free environment with low stress.

Provide adequate ventilation Avoid temperatures above 80 degrees or

cold drafts and high humidity

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Organism that causes infection in wounds, inflammation of eyes and ears, pneumonia, intestinal inflammation, uterine inflammation, and poisoning of the circulatory system.

Eye Inflammation (conjunctivitis)

Swelling and redness around the eyes, sensitivity to light, watering, and pus formation.

Treatment: Isolate infected animals, wash eyes gently with warm boric acid solution, and use ophthalmic medications. Clean cages and feed containers.

Inner Ear Infection (otitis)

Symptoms: Twisting and lowering of the head, hanging head to one side, running in a circle.

Prevention and Treatment: Avoid drafty, cool environmental conditions. Clean the ear with warm boric acid solution and treat with ear drops.

Pneumonia

Symptoms: listlessness, failure to eat, breathing difficulty, swollen abdomen

Prevention and treatment: Eliminate cold drafty, and high humidity conditions and treat immediately with aureomycin, penicillin, or other antibiotics.

Impaction

Lower digestive system becomes tightly packed with food material or feces. May then follow diarrhea.

Caused by poor quality feed, stress, and poor nutrition.

Animal is often humped with chin resting between its front feet.

Treatment for Impaction

Give a dropper full of mineral oil daily OR Add up to three full droppers of grapefruit

juice to the animal’s diet.

Ferret Illnesses

Canine distemper

A disease that also affects dogs and is highly contagious. Usually results in death.

Symptoms: discharge from the eyes and nose, breathing problems, diarrhea.

Canine Distemper Treatment

Vaccination is important. Vaccinate at 12 weeks of age and give

boosters annually to prevent canine and feline distemper.

Treatment is not effective.

Hemorrhagic enteritis

Bloody diarrhea is commonly seen Symptoms: Go off feed, bloody diarrhea,

weight loss, dehydration, possibly death Prevention and treatment: Treat with

antibiotics and sulfur material.

Botulism

Caused by toxin produced by bacteria. Symptoms: breathing difficulty and paralysis Death can occur without symptoms. Keep food supply fresh.

Disease Prevention and Treatment for Pocket Pets

Maintain Good Sanitation

Remove spoiled urine soaked bedding regularly

Remove urine and feces contaminated feed regularly

Keep fresh water available at all times

Provide a Good Environment

Keep animals free of drafts and eliminate any cool, damp drafts immediately

Maintain low humidity. Higher humidity contributes to respiratory diseases.

Maintain constant temperature that does not fluctuate to a great degree.

Provide adequate ventilation to remove stale air.

Feed an appropriate ration.

General Disease Treatment for Pocket Pets

First, isolate sick animals to prevent the spread of disease.

Remove and replace bedding from the cage of a sick animal.

Chemically disinfect and sanitize cage prior to installing new bedding.

Use medicated water routinely when disease is a constant threat.

General Disease Treatment for Pocket Pets

Use proper treatments and antibiotics if recommended.

Dispose of dead animals properly (burn and bury in some cases)

Cull animals that do not show signs of improvement.

Improve environmental conditions that may be causing disease.

General Disease Treatment for Pocket Pets

Avoid breeding animals that may have inherited diseases.

Use recommended pesticides to control pests.

Parasites of Birds

Internal Parasites

Rarely a problem with birds Roundworms

– Diagnosis is by observing feces for long, thin, white worms.

– Contracted from ingesting worm eggs in contaminated feces, soil, or food.

– Symptoms: blockage of intestines, poor plummage, weight loss, diarrhea.

– Treatments are available

Internal Parasites

Tapeworms– Diagnosed by observing small rice-like segments

in the feces– Contracted from eating an intermediate host such

as house flies, fleas, ticks, or earthworms.– Proper cleaning and sanitation are the best

prevention.– Treatment with piprazine, nicotine sulfate and

Kamal powder

External Parasites

Red Mites– Appear as tiny red specks and feed on blood of

infected birds at night, causing restlessness, scratching, and picking at their feathers.

– Spread through contact with infected birds.– Adults may be dusted with pyrethium powder.– Clean and disinfect all cages and nest boxes.

External Parasites

Feather Mites– Cause a bird to chew or pick its feathers.– Look for small, gray-colored moving specks– Feed on the bird during both day and night– Symptoms: restlessness, severe scratching,

feather picking, skin irritation– Cages and equipment should be treated with

nicotine sulfate, Malathion, or coumaphos and birds should be sprayed with a mite spray.

External Parasites

Scaly Leg Mites– Tunnel under the scales on the legs of

budgerigars, lovebirds, and canaries.– Live their entire life cycle on the bird.– Symptoms: white scaly deposits that become

thickened, enlarged, and encrusted– Treatment: Use Vaseline or mineral oil to kill the

mites and loosen deposits. This also suffocates the mites.

Scaly Leg Mite

Bacterial Diseases in Birds

Parrot Fever

Chlamydiosis or psittacosis Bacterial disease that affects the liver and

spleen. Contracted mainly through feces and

contaminated food and water. Symptoms: nasal discharges, listlessness,

appetite loss, weight loss, greenish-colored diarrhea and labored breathing.

Parrot Fever

Psittacosis can be transmitted to humans. Treat birds with chlortetracycline-

impregnated seed for at least 21 days.

Bumblefoot

A painful ailment associated with staphylococcal infections.

Symptoms: feet and joints become hot and swollen with a thick, grayish white fluid and not walking or clasping onto perch.

Prevent by using suitable perches and sanitation.

Treatment is with antibiotics.

Bumblefoot

Viral Diseases in Birds

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease

A.K.A. French Molt Viral disease that attacks the immune

system. Symptoms become evident at the first molt

when new feathers do not emerge or are deformed and break off.

Nails may be soft, overgrown, and lose their pigment.

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease

There is no cure for this disease. Treatment is with vitamins, minerals, and

control of secondary diseases through sanitation.

Newcastle Disease

Viral disease that has high mortality rates and spreads rapidly.

Imported birds are the main source of possible infection.

Symptoms: Respiratory difficulty (wheezing) followed by tremors, wing droop, and a twisted neck.

Birds should be vaccinated to prevent the disease.

Nutritional Problems in Birds

Goiter

Swelling of the thyroid glands in the neck and interference with breathing.

Major cause is iodine deficiency. Especially a problem for budgerigars

Rickets (Osteomalacia)

Imbalance or deficient amount of calcium, phosphorus, or Vitamin D3 that causes deterioration or softening of the bones.

Symptoms: lameness, stiff-legged gait, constant resting in the squatting position, decreased growth.

Oyster shell or coarse limestone in the diet and Vitamin D3 supplementation is the best preventative.

Obesity

Too much food, not enough activity or seeds high in fat.

Bird owners should avoid feeding too many sunflower seeds if obesity is a problem.

Other Aviary Problems

Overgrown Claws

Can result in injury if they become entangled in the cage.

May be clipped with pet nail clippers.

Avoid the pinkish streak in the center of the claw. It is a blood vessel.

Feather Plucking

Boredom, bad diet, needs mate, lack of bathing

Birds living indoors need regular bathing or spraying to encourage preening.

Preening is the process that birds go through in cleaning and trimming its feathers with its beak.

Symptoms of Problems with Birds

Sleeping on two legs may indicate that a bird is uncomfortable or ailing. Birds normally sleep on only one leg.

A bird that fluffs its feathers out is usually chilled and trying to retain body heat.

If feces are runny, a digestive ailment may be the problem.

Not flying and lack of activity may indicate the bird is sick.

Symptoms of Problems with Birds

Eye discharges or continually closed eyes are an indication of cold, etc.

Wheezing, noisy, or irregular breathing may be a sign of a respiratory problem.

Not eating or very little eating indicates a loss of appetite that is often associated with sickness.

Prevention of Diseases and Ailments

Select a healthy bird Place bird in a dry, warm, draft-free place Subject the bird to little stress No other animals should be around Quarantine and observation period of at least

3-4 weeks before introducing to other birds. Keep perches and cage clean

Prevention of Diseases and Ailments

Sanitation is extremely important—should provide fresh food and water.

Prevention of Diseases and Ailments

Bathing and spraying reduces feather dust and dirt and cuts down on mites– Small birds prefer to bathe in a container which

may be placed in the cage at regular intervals for 30 minute time periods.

– Large birds need to be sprayed with a fine mist from a plant sprayer. Mist should be sprayed above the animal and allowed to filter down. Do not saturate, but gently spray 2-3 times per week.

At the First Sign of Illness

Cage temperature should be maintained between 85-90 degrees F.– Move the cage to a warmer location– Adjust the temperature with a light bulb near the

cage or a heating pad under the cage.– Provide 2 or 3 perches so that the bird can find

the most comfortable temperature

At the First Sign of Illness

Partially cover the cage to prevent drafts Provide quick energy fluids such as sugar

water, honey water, or orange juice.

Diseases of the Aquarium

Signs and Symptoms of Disease

Fish are behaving unusual/strange Fish are floating to the surface, sinking to the

bottom, or leaning to the side of the aquarium.

Fins are unusually lying flat against the body. Rolled or caudal fins A fish is off by itself and not swimming with

the school.

Signs and Symptoms of Disease

Fish appears to be in slow motion and not keeping up with the other fish.

Breathing seems unusually faster and deeper than normal.

Fish is at the surface gasping for air. Rubbing/scratching against objects in the

aquarium. Not interested in eating.

Signs and Symptoms of Disease

Belly appears caved in or unusually thin. Belly appears bloated or swollen. Color of fish has changed or unusual. Fin appears frayed. Back and spinal column appear distorted. Eyes are not clear, appear cloudy. White spots are covering the body.

Signs and Symptoms of Disease

Scales that stick out from the body instead of lying flat.

Protruding eyes Anal discharge hanging from the fish.

Parasites of Fish

White Spot (Ich)

Caused by the parasitic organism Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and causes numerous white spots on the body and fins of a stressed fish. One of the most common diseases in aquarium fish.

Slime Disease

Parasites attack skin of fish causing a large amount of mucus. May cause death if it attacks the gills.

Hole-In-The-Head

Organism Hexsamita live under skin in muscle tissue and make the tissue break down and skin opens up to make the fish appear to have holes.

Velvet Disease

Organism Oodinium penetrates skin cells and feed on fish.

White Fungus Growth

White growth around mouth, fins, eye, and gills. A secondary infection is usually present already.

Flukes

Worm-like parasite that attaches to the gills and body of the fish.

Anchor Worms

Adhere and burrow under scales to attack the muscles

Fish Lice

Attach to body of fish and pierce skin to discharge a poison.

Bacterial Diseases Affecting Fish

Fin Rot

Where the edges of the fish’s fins start to appear frayed and ragged, lose their color and the tissue between the fins breaks down.

Mouth Fungus

Caused by bacteria with a white tufty material appearing around the mouth and white patches on the skin.

Neon Disease

Caused by parasite Pleistophora hyphessobryconis. This organism is found in the fish’s body tissue where it causes the production of spores which are released when it dies.

Tuberculosis

Causes by bacteria that invades the organs and tissues of the body.

Pseudomonas and Aeromonas

Secondary infections in fish that are already sick. Fish have swollen bellies, lesions or ulcers.

Environmental Problems (In the Tank)

Environmental Problems

Lack of oxygen and overabundance or carbon dioxide can be readily observed when almost all of the fish are swimming near the surface gulping for air.

Incorrect water pH-causes respiratory problems and excess mucus production.

Environmental Problems

Chemical filtration ability reduced and ammonia builds up—observed by cloudy, murky water

Gravel filtration system pollution buildup of iron sulphite can be observed by the black color on the gravel.

Treatment

Use of chemicals in the water with the aquarium being thoroughly cleaned before the fish are returned.

Placement of fish in a hospital tank for treatment before returning to normal tank.

Most treatments can be found at the local pet store.

Amphibians and Reptiles

Salmonella

Bacterial disease that can be transmitted to humans.

Affects the digestive tract and causes watery, green foul-smelling diarrhea.

Mouth Rot

Fungal disease associated with sores or open wounds in the mouth.

Mites and Ticks

External parasites that attack amphibians and reptiles.

Mites usually go undetected until there is a heavy infestation.

Symptoms: anemia, anorexia, depression, stress, listlessness, lack of appetite, possible death.