VetInsight Pakistan

Introduction And this is the story of Max – a 4-year-old energetic Labrador Retriever . One afternoon walk in the scorching heat of Lahore nearly cost Max his life. And I want every pet parent out there to read this so that no pet owner has to go through what I went through and Max went through. Max's case became a strong reminder for me that in summer, a small mistake can cost a life. I documented this case and I'm sharing it today so that you may be able to save your pets from a similar situation.  Labrador dog suffering from heatstroke lying on veterinary clinic floor Patient Details Name: Max Breed: Labrador Retriever Age: 4 years Weight: 32 kg City: Lahore Incident Time: 2:30 PM, March afternoon Outside Temperature: 43°C (109°F) How It Happened Mr. Ahmed , the owner of Max, informed me that he takes him out for a walk every day. His daily routine included taking Max out for a morning walk and an evening walk. But on this particular day, Mr. Ahmed missed the morning walk ...

Introduction Canine Distemper is a highly contagious, life-threatening viral disease, which is a result of a Paramyxovirus infection. It affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems of dogs, as well as other wild animals like foxes and wolves . Yet, despite the availability of a vaccine , this viral infection still accounts for a high mortality rate in puppies and unvaccinated adult dogs in Pakistan . Canine distemper virus ​ Transmission: How Dogs Get Infected ​Aerosol Spread:  The most common mode of infection in dogs is through sneezing or coughing, which throws infected droplets in the air. ​Direct Contact:  Through sharing food, water bowls, and urine, blood, and saliva. ​Placental Transfer:  An infected mother dog can transmit this virus to its puppies before birth. ​Clinical Signs: The Three Main Stages ​ CDV is referred to as a "multi-systemic" infectious disease, which affects different parts of a dog's body in stages: ​Respiratory St...

Introduction Brucellosis , which is otherwise known as contagious abortion or Bang's disease , is a major bacterial disease in bovines and other domestic animals, which is most commonly caused by Brucella abortus [1] [3]. Key clinical indicators of Brucellosis in dairy cattle." Etiology and Transmission Bovine brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by members of the genus Brucella , with Brucella abortus being the most common species infecting bovines [1] [15]. Transmission Routes: •Ingestion:  The most common route of transmission is through the ingestion of bacteria from aborted fetuses, fetal membranes, uterine discharges, and amniotic fluids of infected animals [3]. Such bacteria are ingested from contaminated food, water, and pastures as well [2]. •Direct Contact:  Even healthy bovines can get infected with this disease through direct contact with already infected bovines and their discharges [2]. •Indirect Contact: Brucella bacteria can persist in the environmen...

Introduction and Discovery Influenza D virus , abbreviated as IDV, is the newest member of the Orthomyxoviridae virus family , differing from the well-known Influenza A, B, and C viruses . The virus was first discovered in 2011 among pigs in Oklahoma, USA , with influenza-like symptoms [1, 4, 5]. Initially, the virus was identified as a new subtype of influenza virus; however, with further research, the virus was recognized as a new genus, Influenza D virus [6]. Since its initial discovery, the Influenza D virus has been recognized as an important virus among the cattle and swine population worldwide [1, 3]. Primary Hosts: Cattle and Swine The primary host for the Influenza D virus is considered to be cattle; however, the virus was initially identified among the pig population [2, 4]. The virus is prevalent among the cattle and swine population worldwide, causing respiratory infections among the population. In the cattle population, the Influenza D virus is known to cause respiratory ...

Introduction ​Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a viral respiratory infection of chickens caused by the Gallid alphaherpesvirus 1 . The infection is characterized by severe breathing difficulties in infected birds. For poultry stakeholders, the outbreak of this disease in a farm means not only the death of birds but also the contamination of the environment. ​Transmission and Latency ​The mode of transmission of the virus: The virus is spread through respiratory secretions/droplets. ​The "Carrier" Problem: One of the most unique features of this virus is that recovered birds can act as subclinical carriers . The virus remains "hidden" in the nervous system of recovered birds. During stressful periods, the virus re-emerges in these birds, infecting other healthy flocks of birds. ​The "Pump-Handle" Breathing: The most evident signs of the infection: ​Gasping & Dyspnea: The infected birds stretch their necks forward and upward to take in air. ​Blood-S...

Introduction Bovine Ephemeral Fever (BEF), also known as "Three-Day Sickness" or "Hadda" in local farming communities, is an acute febrile viral disease of cattle and water buffaloes. The disease is distinguished by its sudden onset and spontaneous recovery in 72 hours. However, despite its short duration, economic loss in terms of reduced milk production and temporary lameness is devastating for dairy farmers. Etiology and Transmission The virus: Bovine Ephemeral Fever is caused by an Arthropod-borne Rhabdovirus , also known as Ephemerovirus . Vector Transmission The disease is not transmitted directly from animal to animal. The virus is transmitted by biting insects, mainly mosquitoes and Culicoides (midges). Seasonality The disease is highly seasonal, with peak incidence during the monsoon or post-rainy season when insect populations are at their peak. Clinical Signs Identifying the 3-Day Cycle The clinical signs of Bovine Ephemeral Fever often follow a distinct ...

Introduction Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), one of the most economically devastating viral cattle diseases in the world, is caused by the BVDV Pestivirus . BVD does not just cause diarrhea; it attacks the immune system, respiratory system, and reproductive health of the cattle. For dairy farmers in Pakistan , BVD is the cause of abortion storms and stunted growth in calves. The Two Genotypes The BVDV has two main genotypes: - BVDV-1:  The most common BVDV worldwide. - BVDV-2:  The more severe and hemorrhagic forms of BVD The Concept of Persistently Infected (PI) Animals This is the most important part of BVD management. - If the cow is infected during the gestational period of 40-120 days. - The cow’s immune system recognizes the BVDV as ‘self’ and does not produce antibodies. - The calf is born PI and sheds billions of BVDV particles. - The whole herd is infected with the BVDV, and the PI animal looks perfectly healthy Clinical Signs Reproductive:  Early embryo death, ab...

Introduction ​Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most dreaded diseases in feline medicine. It is a mutation of the Feline Enteric Coronavirus (FeCV) affecting cats of all ages, with the highest prevalence in young kittens in multi-cat households. The transition from an ordinary intestinal virus to a lethal systemic disease is of utmost importance to all veterinarians. ​The Two Faces of FIP ​The clinical presentation of FIP can be divided into two main types, though there is some overlapping between them: ​Effusive (Wet) FIP:  It is associated with the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen ( ascites ) or in the chest ( pleural effusion ). It is due to extensive vasculitis . ​Non-Effusive (Dry) FIP:  It is harder to diagnose, with granulomatous lesions in organs such as the kidneys, liver, eyes ( uveitis ), and the central nervous system ( neurological signs ). ​Diagnostic Challenges ​The diagnosis of FIP is a challenge because there is no such test as the " FIP t...

Introduction ​Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) is among the most prevalent pathogens responsible for upper respiratory infections (URI) and eye infections in domestic cats worldwide. It is also known as Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), which is highly contagious. This is a significant concern for all cat owners, especially multi-cat homes, animal shelters, and feline clinicians. ​Pathogenesis: The Concept of Latency ​One of the unique features of FHV-1 is that it is capable of causing lifelong latent infections . Once an animal is infected with FHV-1, it migrates to the Trigeminal Ganglia (nerve tissues), where it persists in a latent state. When an animal is exposed to certain environmental stresses, such as surgery, illness, or moving to a new home, the latent virus is reactivated, causing recurrence of symptoms. ​Clinical Manifestations ​The clinical signs associated with FHV-1 infection range from mild symptoms of sneezing to more serious eye complications: ​Respiratory Signs: ...

1. Introduction Milk fever is one of the most important metabolic disorders in dairy cattle, especially in older, high milk-yielding dairy cows [1, 6]. Unlike small animal eclampsia , milk fever in cattle is accompanied by progressive flaccid paralysis rather than tetany . However, subclinical hypocalcemia , where the cow is standing but has low blood calcium levels, is more prevalent and is often accompanied by other diseases such as displaced abomasum , ketosis , and retained placenta [2, 10]. 2. Pathogenesis:  The Calcium GapLactation demands that the cow mobilizes 20-30 grams of calcium daily, while her total blood calcium pool is only 3 grams [2, 4]. •Homeostatic Failure To overcome the calcium deficit, the cow has to mobilize more calcium from her bones and intestine. This is done with the help of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) and Vitamin D . •Risk Factors High amounts of potassium in the feed, which cause metabolic alkalosis , make PTH receptors insensitive, effectively 'lockin...

1. Introduction The canine viral gastroenteritis is undergoing dynamic changes with the detection of new viral pathogens. Among these, Canine Kobuvirus ( CaKoV ) has been recognized as an important, though poorly studied, agent in canine viral gastroenteritis. Though Canine Parvovirus (CPV) and Canine Coronavirus (CCoV) are recognized as major viral pathogens in canine viral gastroenteritis, the detection rate of CaKoV in infected dogs indicates that it is probably playing an active role in canine enteric viral disease. 2. Viral Taxonomy and Genetic Diversity CaKoV is classified as a member of the Kobuvirus genus in the family Picornaviridae . The viral genome is 8.2 kb in length and consists of a single open reading frame (ORF) that codes for a polyprotein that is subsequently cleaved into structural and non-structural proteins.  • Genetic Characterization:  The viral genome has been found to possess considerable genetic diversity . The detection of unique viral lineages in...

Introduction Canine Astrovirus (CaAstV), also known as Small Virus, is a small, non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus . It is often present in co-infections with Parvovirus or Coronavirus and is one of the main culprits in the Canine Infectious Diarrhea Complex . It is also one of the oldest viruses but still considered a "sneaky" disease that owners often do not even think of. the name "Astrovirus" comes from the Greek word 'astron' , meaning star, because of its shape under a microscope.  Transmission and Pathogenesis Canine Astrovirus is mainly spread by the fecal-oral method . Once it is ingested, it infects the mature enterocyte cells located at the tips of the microvilli in the intestine, leading to: Malabsorption Osmotic Diarrhea Villous Atrophy (shortening of the microvilli) Clinical Signs It is often subclinical in adult dogs but in puppies or immunocompromised dogs, the symptoms include: Watery Diarrhea Vomiting Lethargy and Anorexia Growth ...

Introduction While the news of Rabies and Parvovirus dominates the front pages of veterinary journals, a stealthy and cunning foe, Brucella canis , silently attacks breeding stock and poses a danger to the general public. As a Gram-negative, facultative, intracellular coccobacillus , Brucella canis is the primary causative agent of Contagious Abortion and Reproductive Failure in Dogs. But most importantly, it's a Zoonotic disease , meaning that it can leap from your loyal canine companions to you. Transmission The transmission of Brucella canis from one dog to another, or from a mother to a puppy, or even from a puppy to a human, is a complex and not yet fully understood subject. However, Brucella canis is a highly contagious disease and can be transmitted as follows: Oronasal contact Oro-Nasal transmission of vaginal discharge, aborted fetuses, or urine. Venereal Transmission Venereal transmission, i.e., from a female in heat to a male through coitus. Vertical transmission Vertic...

1.Introduction The Helicobacter genus comprises a wide range of bacteria that have adapted to survive in the extreme and acidic environment of the stomach. Though H. pylori is the primary focus of human gastroenterology, NHPH , including H. heilmannii , are increasingly recognized for their clinical relevance [1, 2].In domestic pets, H. heilmannii is notably prevalent in both symptomatic and clinically healthy animals. The zoonotic potential of H. heilmannii, or the ability to transmit the bacteria from pets to their owners, adds a multifaceted public health issue to the management of this microorganism. Though it is associated with chronic gastritis and even gastric cancer in humans, H. heilmannii is still an understudied microorganism in relation to the human-animal bond [1, 3]. 2. Prevalence and Pathogenesis in Pets It is a common inhabitant of the stomach of dogs and cats. Studies for its prevalence have yielded a range of 41 to 100 percent in healthy dogs and cats, and similar...