VetInsight Pakistan

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...

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 ​ 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:  Coccidiosis is a protozoal infection that is caused by different protozoans belonging to the Eimeria genus . It is arguably the most important disease to the poultry industry, and its economic impact is huge. Unlike a viral infection, coccidiosis infects the lining of the intestine, resulting in malabsorption, poor feed conversion, and even death from bloody diarrhea Coccidosis in poultry 3. Life Cycle of Eimeria To understand the life cycle is essential to control it. Eimeria has an Exogenous Phase Outside the Bird and an Endogenous Phase Inside the Bird. Sporulation (Environmental Phase):  The life cycle of Eimeria begins when an infected bird sheds unsporulated oocysts with feces. These need specific conditions to sporulate. These are warmth (25-30°C), moisture (humidity of litter >25%), and oxygen. After 24 to 48 hours, they are now infectious. The most important factor is the litter. Wet litter is the biggest enemy in the poultry house. Ingestion an...

1. Introduction: The Invisible Threat ​ Aflatoxicosis is considered one of the most important non-infectious diseases in the world poultry industry. It is caused by the ingestion of toxic metabolites called Aflatoxins produced by the fungi * Aspergillus flavus * and *Aspergillus parasiticus*. Unlike other infectious diseases like viral and bacterial diseases, Aflatoxicosis is a silent threat because it does not cause a sudden outbreak of death among the birds but gradually destroys the internal organs of the birds, specifically the liver, causing a huge loss to the farmers of Pakistan. ​2. The Chemistry of Aflatoxins ​There are various types of Aflatoxins: B1, B2, G1, and G2. Among these, the most toxic and dangerous to poultry is Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). This toxin is highly hepatotoxic and carcinogenic in nature. After the ingestion of contaminated corn, cottonseed meal, or soybean meal, the toxin metabolizes into highly reactive epoxide in the liver of the bird. ​3. Why is it a Prob...

  An infographic illustrating how the misuse of antibiotics (like Oxytetracycline) in dairy farming creates resistant bacteria that can impact human health through milk. Introduction The dairy sector is the backbone of Pakistan’s agricultural economy, providing livelihoods to millions of rural families. However, there is a silent crisis in the industry: the widespread use of broad spectrum antibiotics, especially oxytetracycline (OTC). While essential for treating infections, these drugs are increasingly being misused as growth promoters or for self-medication by farmers. This indiscriminate use, without veterinary supervision, is leading to a major public health emergency known as Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Why Oxytetracycline? Factors Driving Overuse Oxytetracycline remains the most commonly abused antibiotic in local dairy farming due to its low cost and over-the-counter availability. Several factors contribute to this: Lack of Veterinary Oversight Many farmers practice "s...