VetInsight Pakistan

Introduction Leptospirosis is a deadly bacterial infection found both in dogs and humans. It results from the Leptospira bacteria . In fact, leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease since it can be contracted from animals, especially dogs. Therefore, it is imperative that the dog owners and professionals are aware of the potential danger, the clinical features and the prevention methods of this disease. Leptospiorsis in dogs ​How Dogs Are Infected with Leptospirosis ​The bacterium lives in warm stagnant waters and moist soil. The common sources of infections are: ​Contaminated Water Sources: Drunk or swimming in puddles, ponds or other water sources contaminated with urine from infected wild animals , e.g., rats, racoons and skunks. ​Direct Contact:  When the animals come in contact with urine or other tissue fluids from infected animals. ​Exposure:  Walking through soils and bedding material where the bacteria may gain access through cuts or wounds on the skin or the mucous m...

Introduction Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is an extremely prevalent disease and cause of mortality in cats around the world. Unlike many other conditions that affect cats, FeLV is a retrovirus, which makes it very difficult for the body to get rid of the virus once infected. Many cases remain undetected in Pakistan , as symptoms are easily confused with those of ordinary seasonal ailments. Feline Leukemia virus|vetinsight Pakistan How is FeLV Spread?  FeLV has been termed the " friendly cat disease ," as the virus spreads through friendly contact with other cats. Saliva and Grooming:  The virus is shed in large amounts in cat saliva. Mutual grooming is considered the major route of transmission of the virus. Shared Food/Water Bowls:  Transmission through sharing food bowls with infected cats. Biting:  Biting and deep wounds inflicted during fight with an infected cat will infect the other. Mother to Kitten:  An infected cat may pass the virus on to her offsprin...

Case study: A very important case was referred to UVAS Pet Centre Lahore recently. It was that of a white cat that fell from a considerable height, a syndrome which is called " High-Rise Syndrome " in veterinary terms. This incident had resulted in a very serious injury to the facial area. Location: Pet Center, UVAS Lahore Date: April 4, 2026 Patient: White Cat (Adult) Clinical Presentation and Physical Exam ​On admission, the patient presented with hypovolemic shock caused by blood loss and pain. These were the main clinical manifestations of this patient: ​Epistaxis (Nasal Bleeding):  Profuse bleeding from the nose. ​Hemorrhage from the Mouth:  Profuse bleeding from the mouth. ​Dislocation of the Mandible:  Malpositioning of the lower jaw. ​Hypovolemic Shock:  Paleness of mucous membranes, palpitations, and unresponsiveness. ​Imaging (X-Ray Results) ​The X-ray films helped confirm that the trauma was very severe. The X-rays (Right Lateral and Right D-V view) show...

1. Moon Blindness (ERU) Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU), popularly referred to as Moon Blindness , is the most common cause of blindness in horses. The condition entails recurrent episodes of intraocular inflammation within the uveal tract consisting of the iris , ciliary body , and choroid . As opposed to superficial conjunctivitis, Moon Blindness is a deep-seated immune-mediated condition that causes permanent damage. Anatomy of Equine Uveitis: A comparative diagram illustrating the clinical manifestations of Moon Blindness. The right panel demonstrates corneal edema and a constricted pupil ( miosis ), highlighting the inflammation and pain associated with the disease. | VetInsight PK 2. Cause/Trigger of Moon Blindness The specific cause is often difficult to identify, but the following may precipitate the first episode: Infectious Agents:  Most commonly caused by Leptospirosis ( Leptospira interrogans ). Immune-mediated response:  Involves the development of an autoimmune...

 ​​1. What is Stringhalt?​​ Stringhalt is a disease that causes a sudden and exaggerated movement (flexion) of the horse’s hind limbs while moving in particular positions. When backing up or turning around quickly, a horse will have an exaggerated upward movement of its hind legs in stringhalt. Equine Stringhalt anatomy hock joint lateral digital extensor muscle VetInsight PK 2. What are the types of Stringhalt? There are two major types of stringhalt classified by veterinarians: a. Australian Stringhalt:  Is an outbreak of stringhalt that can occur in a large number of horses after the consumption of toxic plant materials like False Dandelion ( Hypochaeris radicata ). b. Ordinary (or sporadic) Stringhalt:  Affects one leg at a time as a result of injuries or trauma of the hock region. 3. What are the clinical signs?  Spasmodic Jerk:  The horse’s hind leg jerks upward while moving towards its abdomen. Hoof Slapping:  Once the horse lifts its hind leg sud...

1. What is Guttural Pouch Mycosis? The Guttural Pouch is an anatomical extension of the eustachian tube, exclusive to the horse. In mycosis, there is a fungal infection, which usually belongs to the Aspergillus spp., resulting in the formation of diphtheritic membranes within the guttural pouch. Anatomical location of the Equine Guttural Pouch showing fungal plaque development near the Internal Carotid Artery. | VetInsight PK 2. Why is it Dangerous? (Anatomical Significance) The guttural pouch is very close to many important structures: • Internal Carotid Artery:  The fungus may break down the walls of the artery. • Cranial Nerves:  These include nerves involved in swallowing and facial movement. 3. Symptoms  Epistaxis (Nosebleed):  This is the most important sign. It is generally non-sporting, excessive, and spontaneous. Death is possible if there is arterial rupture. Dysphagia:  Due to damage to cranial nerves, difficulty swallowing. Foul Smelling Nasal Disc...

Introduction Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) is also referred to as Equine Cushing's Disease and represents the most widespread endocrinopathy among senior equines. The condition is caused by the hyperplasia and hyperactivity of the pituitary gland, which results in increased production of hormones, especially Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH). Even though PPID is predominantly diagnosed in horses over 15 years of age, its earlier onset is increasingly observed due to more extensive veterinary screening practices. Clinical markers of Equine Cushing’s Disease (PPID): Note the Hirsutism (abnormally curly haircoat), visible Muscle Wasting over the ribs, and the poor Topline condition. These signs are hallmark indicators for veterinary diagnosis. | Image: VetInsight PK Symptoms and Clinical Signs As the disease progresses, horses may exhibit different signs. The most common ones are listed below. Hirsutism/Hypertrichosis:  Abundant hair growth on the body, making i...

 1. Introduction Laminitis is a serious condition affecting the horse's hooves. It is characterized by inflammation of the sensitive laminae, which are soft tissues connecting the hoof wall to the coffin bone. When the connection between the hoof and the coffin bone breaks down, rotation or sinking of the bone can occur, referred to as Founder . Equine Hoof Anatomy: Understanding the laminar structures is essential for diagnosing Laminitis . Any disruption in the inter-laminar space leads to the rotation of the Coffin Bone , as shown in these anatomical landmarks. | Visual by VetInsight PK 2. What Triggers Laminitis? Laminitis is rarely limited to the hooves; it is often a reaction to something happening throughout the body. • Endocrine/metabolic issues:  This is the most common cause, with conditions such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome ( EMS ) and Cushing's Disease ( PPID ) causing high insulin levels, resulting in inflammation. • Poor dietary choices:  Excessive cons...

1. Introduction ​Strangles is an upper respiratory tract infection of horses that is highly contagious. The disease is caused by the bacterium *Streptococcus equi* subsp. *equi*. The disease is called strangles because of the extreme swelling of the lymph nodes in the throat area that can literally strangle the horse. Clinical manifestation of Strangles ( Streptococcus equi ) in horses, showing characteristic lymph node swelling and purulent nasal discharge. Early diagnosis of these anatomical landmarks is vital for equine biosecurity. | Image: VetInsight PK 2. Transmission  ​The disease is transmitted quickly via: ​Direct Contact:  Infected horses transmit the disease to other horses by nose-to-nose contact. ​Indirect Contact:  Infected horses transmit the disease via the sharing of water containers, grooming equipment, and even the hands or clothing of the horse owner. ​Shedding:  Infected horses transmit the disease even after showing signs of wellness. ​3. Clin...

​1. Introduction ​ Equine Colic is one of the most common and life-threatening emergency cases faced by veterinarians. It is not a disease in itself but a general term used to describe abdominal pain in horses. The gastrointestinal anatomy of horses is such that they cannot vomit. Moreover, there are many sharp turns or flexures in their intestines. These two factors contribute to even minor gastrointestinal disturbances turning into life-threatening diseases. Internal anatomy of a horse showing major organs including the respiratory and circulatory systems. Proper knowledge of these structures helps in better livestock management. | Source: VetInsight PK 2. Common Types of Equine Colic ​It is important for veterinarians to know the specific type of colic so as to determine whether medical or surgical intervention is required. ​Spasmodic (Gas) Colic ​This is the most common and least severe colic. This occurs when the intestines contract abnormally. ​Impaction Colic ​This occurs ...

​1. Introduction ​ Lactic Acidosis , which is also known as Grain Overload , Rumen Acidosis, or Carbohydrate Engorgement, is considered to be an important metabolic disorder in cattle, sheep, and goats. This condition develops as a result of the sudden ingestion of large amounts of readily fermented carbohydrates like cereal grains. The condition causes the pH in the rumen to drop rapidly, which leads to dehydration and acidosis in cattle. Lactic Acidosis in cattle ​2. Etiology and Risk Factors ​The main cause of Lactic Acidosis in cattle is the sudden change in the diet without an adequate transition period. The following conditions may cause Lactic Acidosis in cattle: 1.​Accidental exposure to feed containing grains in the feed storage areas. 2.​Sudden introduction of high-concentrate rations in feedlots. 3.​Sudden change from a forage-based ration to a grain-based ration. 4.​Low fiber content in the total mixed ration. ​3. Pathogenesis: The Microbial Shift ​ Rumen Microbiota : The r...

1. Introduction Listeriosis , also known as "Circling Disease" or "Silage Sickness," is a sporadic but highly fatal infectious disease in sheep, goats, and cattle. Listeriosis, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes , results in encephalitis , localized paralysis , and sometimes abortion or septicemia . For the livestock farmer and the veterinarian, the connection between poor quality feed and the neurological disorder is the key to the survival of the herd. Listeriosis in sheep ​2. The Pathogenesis: From Silage to the Brain Listeria monocytogenes, the infectious agent, is a ubiquitous microbe. This means the microbe is ubiquitous or "everywhere" in the environment. However, the source of the infectious agent in Listeriosis comes from spoiled silage . ​pH Levels If the pH levels in the spoiled silage are above 5.0, Listeria will grow and multiply. ​Entry Point The infectious agent will enter the animal via a wound in the oral mucosa (gums) caused ...