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 ​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 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...

Introduction We all love our pets. Be it the wagging tail of our canine friend or the purr of our feline companion, they bring immense joy and happiness to our lives. But do you know that in their mouths, they harbor a tiny invisible killer called Capnocytophaga canimorsus ? This bacteria is a normal inhabitant of the oral flora of 74% of dogs and 57% of cats [1, 5]. For our pets, it is completely harmless. But for us, under certain circumstances, it may become a silent killer. Pathogenesis You don’t necessarily need to be bitten by a dog or cat to acquire Capnocytophaga. While bites and scratches are the most common modes, Capnocytophaga can be acquired by:•Licks to an open wound or broken skin•Contact with pet saliva touching mucous membranes , e.g., your eyes or mouthMost people who encounter Capnocytophaga will not become infected. For some, however, it can cause a serious life-threatening illness [4, 9]. Clinical signs The symptoms of a Capnocytophaga infection manifest themselve...

What is Feline Calicivirus? If you have a cat, you have probably heard of the " cat flu ." It is a mild respiratory infection with symptoms of sneezing, runny eyes, and possibly a few mouth ulcers. Cats usually get over it quickly with a little tender loving care. But there is a darker side to this common disease that every cat owner should be aware of: Virulent Systemic Feline Calicivirus . The Deadly Mutation: From Nuisance to Killer VS-FCV is not a new virus but rather a highly aggressive and mutated form of a common feline virus known as calicivirus . This virus is like the 'super-powered' flu virus because while the flu virus infects only the nose and throat areas, this mutated form infects the entire body. This includes the blood vessels and internal organs [1, 2].What is so scary about this virus? This virus is highly contagious and has a mortality rate up to 50% or more. This virus puts healthy, vaccinated adult cats at risk as well. Signs of the Systemic Form...

1. Introduction The Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) is a complex condition caused by a variety of viral and bacterial infections. Traditionally, scientific research into CIRDC has concentrated on more familiar viral and bacterial infections, for example, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Canine Parainfluenza Virus . Nevertheless, the discovery of Canine Pneumovirus (CnPnV) in 2010 has opened a new chapter in the complex aetiology of CIRDC [1,2]. CnPnV is a Pneumoviridae virus related to Murine Pneumovirus and Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV). Despite the disease potential of CnPnV, this viral infection is frequently not considered in routine veterinary diagnosis. The emergence of CnPnV as a clinically important disease entity, especially in high-density populations such as animal shelters and rehoming centres, suggests a more comprehensive approach to the complex aetiology of CIRDC [1,3]. 2. Viral Characterization and Pathogenesis CnPnV is an enveloped, s...

 What is Canine Circovirus (CanineCV)? Imagine a small and indirect virus that has been silently spreading among dogs. This is what Canine Circovirus ( CanineCV ) is! The virus was first identified in 2012 and a researchers are making efforts to determine its influence on canine health since it is relatively new and still being examined by scientists [1].CanineCV is a member of the virus family Circoviridae , as are Powassu circovirus and Cb-sav circovirus . These viruses have relatively small circular DNAs . The fact that CanineCV can do this and is therefore a permanent threat to veterinarians and pet owners is what makes that virus far more interesting and a bit worrying[2]. Canine Circovirus What consequences are there for dogs of CanineCV? CanineCV is a virus that is associated with a number of diseases in dogs, including those that are predominantly found in the digestive system . Some of the symptoms that dogs might have after being infected with the CanineCV parasite are ....

1. Introduction Rabies is a really dangerous viral disease brought about by Lyssavirus . That belongs to the family of Rhabdoviridae. It attacks the Central Nervous System (CNS) in, among other species, humans. After the pre-clinical signs appear; death is nearly a done deal. 2. Transmission The main route is through the saliva of the infected animal, mostly by a bite or a deep scratch. Common carriers in Pakistan are: > Stray Dogs (99% of human cases) > Cats, Bats, and Jackals. 3. Clinical Signs in Animals Furious Form:  acute aggressiveness, biting inanimate objects, and excessive salivation (e.g., foaming at mouth ) are its main characteristics. Dumb Form:  Paralysis of the jaw causes the inability to swallow and the face to look like it has a dropped jaw. Hydrophobia:  The patient has a fear of water due to a tense throat. (This specific symptom can be seen in humans only). 4. Pathogenesis The virus is introduced to the body through muscle tissues when a per...

 Introduction Itching, bright red spots, and hair loss the are the usual complaints that pet owners bring to a vet clinic. There is a situation when a pet scratch first, but the most common times are when they are infested with worms or have an allergy. Out of the numerous situations, the ones I usually handle as a veterinarian include the two fundamental skin pests:  Skin Allergies and Mange.  To heal the pet, getting the correct diagnosis based on this knowledge is the key. 1. Skin Allergies:  The `Enemy` in the EnvironmentLike humans, pets can be allergic to environmental conditions, certain foods, and even pests.  Environmental Allergies (Atopy):  Pollen, dust mites, and mold can be the party of microbes that cause the itching which is mostly localized around the hand, face, and belly Food Allergies:  A number of pets develop sensitivity to certain proteins (such as chicken or beef) or grains in their diet. As a result, the furry friends might have...

Introduction Feline Panleukopenia (FPV) is a disease that is brought about by a kind of parvovirus found in feline that is quite tough and can remain in an area for even years. It is typified by severe reduction of the body's white blood cells (Panleukopenia) which is then followed by total immune system dysfunction . This virus primarily targets the female kittens and the female and male adults that are not vaccinated . Pathogenesis (The mode of attack) The virus mainly goes after cells that are rapidly dividing. The steps are: Bone Marrow:  Stopping of white blood cells production. Inestinal Crypts:  The killed gut cells will lead to the occurrence of the diarrhea and reabsorptive sepsis. Lymphoid Tissue:  Hypoimmune further. 3. Clinical Signs (Identification) FPV clinical signs appear in an instant and can be confused wth food poisoning: High Fever:  Then the body temperature drops very suddenly (subnormal) in terminal stages. Vomiting & Anorexia:  Cats...