Dog Diseases – Colibacillosis

Colibacillosis is an acute intestinal infection of newborn puppies. It is clinically characterized by the occurrence of abortion syndrome and diarrhea. The pathogen is Escherichia coli. Escherichia coli is widely present in the intestines, soil, feces, and water of healthy dogs, but not all E. coli are pathogenic, but some pathogenic strains are poorly managed, poor sanitary conditions in the kennel, and milk. Under the conditions of insufficient and drastic climate change, puppies can get sick.

Diagnosis points

(1) Epidemic characteristics The disease mainly occurs in puppies less than one week old. The occurrence of disease is closely related to poor feeding and management.

(2) Clinical features The sick puppies are depressed, weak in physical fitness, and loss of appetite. The most obvious symptoms are diarrhea, green, yellow-green or yellow-white, uneven viscosity, fishy feces, and often mixed. Undigested curds and bubbles, around the anus and tail are often contaminated by feces. In the later stages, sick puppies often show symptoms of dehydration. Visible mucosal cyanosis. The hind limbs are weak, walking wobbly, and the skin lacks elasticity. Body temperature before death fell below normal temperature. The fatality rate is high. Some dogs have neurological symptoms before dying.

A preliminary diagnosis can usually be made based on the age of onset and the characteristics of diarrhea. If necessary, the contents of the small intestine of dead dogs should be taken for examination.

Prevention

First, strengthen feeding management. Improve environmental sanitation. Especially before the bitch goes into labor, the delivery room should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. When the bitch’s breast is contaminated, it should be cleaned in time.

Second, if a sick dog is found, it should be treated immediately. Many drugs have good effects on E. coli, but they must be detected and treated early. Commonly used drugs are sulfa drugs, chloramphenicol, garlic tincture, and other anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal drugs. Such as Zhili Pian Ling dosage, 1-2 tablets for 2 to 4 kg body weight, 2 to 3 tablets for 5 to 10 kg body weight, 1 to 2 times a day. For severe cases, glucose saline and sodium bicarbonate solution can be injected intravenously or intraperitoneally, and sufficient clean drinking water should be ensured. Prevent dehydration.

The above-mentioned drugs can be used to prevent puppies in the same litter who have not developed the disease.