CVBD

CVBD is an internationally used term in the veterinary field. CVBD stands for C anine v ector- b orne D iseases, that is, by ectoparasites (so-called vectors ) transmitted diseases dog . The ectoparasites include fleas , ticks and mosquitoes . As with vector-transmitted diseases in cats ( FVBD ), rickettsioses in particular are important for humans in the sense of a zoonosis .

Significant CVBD

Leishmaniasis

Canine leishmaniasis is a serious, chronic, zoonotic , disease with an endemic spread in the Mediterranean region, Asia and Latin America. The main causative agent of the disease in dogs is Leishmania (donovani) infantum , synonymous with L. chagasi in the New World. This is one of the protozoa counting blood parasites, which for its development two hosts , an insect host (Angel or sandflies needed [Engl .: sandflies]) and a vertebrate host. Dogs are the main reservoir for L. infantum , but other members of the Canidae family can also act as vertebrate hosts. The clinical appearance is very variable. Skin and eye changes, weight loss, swelling of the lymph nodes, lameness, nosebleeds, diarrhea, etc. can occur.

Lyme disease

The disease (disease Engl. Lyme, Lyme borreliosis) is a bacterial disease, with incidence in the United States, several countries in Western and Eastern Europe, and Asia, and probably Australia. The disease is caused by various types of bacteria belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi complex. The bacteria are transmitted by ticks of the genus Ixodes spp. In the case of clinical symptoms in the case of Lyme disease in dogs , these are often characterized by fever, intermittent lameness, listlessness, lymph node swelling and fatigue.

Babesiosis

The babesiosis is a very serious, with hemolytic anemia ( anemia associated) disease with global distribution. The cause of the disease are parasitic protozoa of the genus Babesia in the red blood cells . Ticks in the Ixodidae family transmit the parasites. Depending on the pathogen, the clinical symptoms in the sick dog are differently pronounced, but are generally associated with haemolytic anemia (high fever, listlessness, weakness, bloody urination ( haematuria ), circulatory collapse, possibly multiple organ failure).

Canine Ehrlichiosis

The canine ehrlichiosis is a significant by tick borne disease of dogs with worldwide distribution (mainly tropical, subtropical, Mediterranean). The disease is caused by gram-negative bacteria of the genus Ehrlichia in the cells . Ehrlichia canis is the most important species for dogs and is transmitted by the brown dog tick , Rhipicephalus sanguineus . The acute clinical phase is characterized by intermittent fever, swelling of the lymph nodes, enlargement of the spleen / liver, (surface) bleeding, weight loss, eye changes and possibly neurological symptoms.

Dirofilariasis

The dirofilariosis or heartworm disease is a serious, by the nematodes heartworm disease caused. It is widespread in southern Europe, Canada, the United States, South America, Australia, as well as Southeast Asia and Eastern Asia, including Japan and Korea. The pathogen needs two hosts for its development , an insect host (various types of mosquitoes ) and a vertebrate host . After the pathogen has been transmitted by a mosquito bite, the vertebrate host migrates and ultimately settles the adult worms in the right ventricle and the pulmonary arteries . Depending on the location of the worms, clinical symptoms in the form of poor performance, coughing, weight loss, heart enlargement and even more develop after months to years. U. acute hemolysis , shock and sudden death.

Rickettsiosis

In the tests rickettsial infections caused the dog in particular are Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (ger .: Rocky Mountain spotted fever [RMSF]) and the Mediterranean spotted fever or boutonneuse fever (ger .: Mediterranean spotted fever [MSF]) to the fore. In both cases, rickettsial bacteria are the cause of the infection or disease ( Rickettsia rickettsii , R. conorii ). RMSF is widespread in the USA as well as Central and South America and is triggered by the bites of different ticks as a vector. MSF or boutonneuse fever has been described in southern Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa, and the main vector is believed to be the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus . The clinical manifestations of u. The RMSF disease, which is very serious in humans, may vary in dogs. Fever, loss of appetite ( anorexia ), listlessness, immobility, edema , swelling of the lymph nodes, neurological changes, punctiform hemorrhages ( petechiae ) and, in individual cases, the reddening characteristic of humans should be mentioned. With regard to MSF, infections in dogs have been demonstrated, but clinical symptoms have not yet been described.

Anaplasmosis

The anaplasmosis , formerly familiar under the term granulocytic ehrlichiosis, is not so serious in its clinical expression as by Ehrlichia canis caused ehrlichiosis . The disease is caused by gram-negative bacteria of the genus Anaplasma , in dogs especially Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys . The aforementioned pathogen has been shown to occur in Northern, Western and Central Europe and the USA and is caused by ticks of the genus Ixodes spp. transfer. The latter is described in southern Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia and is transmitted by the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus . The clinical picture of A. phagocytophilum is characterized by fever, loss of appetite ( anorexia ), fatigue, enlarged spleen, diarrhea and possibly lameness and changes in the central nervous system. A. platys infections manifest themselves with fever and altered bleeding tendencies (→ canine cyclic thrombocytopenia ).

Current situation

With regard to vector-borne diseases in dogs (CVBD), there is an increase in so far non- endemic regions. The cause of this increase can be of different types. It remains to be clarified what influence changing climatic conditions and a strongly increasing travel behavior of dogs have. The increased travel activity takes place either to exhibitions, as an accompaniment on holidays or as an import from endemic to non-endemic regions by animal protection and animal mediation organizations. In principle, however, this increasing tendency is a global problem that is also recognized by experts (e.g. WHO , CVBD World Forum).

Control options

A comprehensive education of the animal owner by the attending veterinarian is an important point of prevention. In addition, a control should be carried out, in particular through the use of preparations that are effective against ticks and mosquitoes and, if available, vaccinations in order to prevent the transmission of pathogens. In the case of an existing disease, therapeutic measures can help control the spread of the pathogen. Import examinations and a central registration of sick animals in non-endemic regions, as sometimes demanded by experts, could offer further control options.

literature

• T. Schnieder (Ed.): Veterinary Parasitology. 6th edition. Parey Verlag, 2006, p. 785.
• J. Eckert, KT Friedhoff, H. Zahner, P. Deplazes: Textbook of parasitology for veterinary medicine. 1st edition. Enke Verlag, 2005, p. 575.
• PF Suter, B. Kohn (ed.): Internship at the dog clinic. 10th edition. Parey Verlag, 2006, p. 1244.
• E.-G. Grünbaum, E. Schimke (ed.): Clinic of dog diseases. 3. Edition. Enke Verlag, 2006, p. 1232.

Web links

• CVBD World Forum
• ESCCAP recommendation for combating vector-based diseases in dogs and cats

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !