VetInsight Pakistan

​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 ...

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 Global Threat of "Goat Plague" Peste des Petits Ruminants, commonly referred to as " Bakra Shanti " or " Small Ruminant Plague ," is a contagious and deadly viral infection affecting goats and sheep. It is caused by a member of the Morbillivirus group. In Pakistan, small ruminants are a source of livelihood for poor rural communities, and if PPR strikes, a poor farmer will suffer a 100% loss in income. Because of its contagious nature and 90% mortality rate, Peste des Petits Ruminants has been classified as a transboundary animal disease. ​2. Transmission: How the Virus Invades the Flock Before we discuss how Peste des Petits Ruminants can be controlled, let's first find out how this deadly disease spreads: ​Direct Contact:  The direct contact between healthy and infected animals is considered the major mode of transmission. ​Aerosol Transmission:  The Peste des Petits Ruminants virus becomes airborne when an infected goat sneeze...

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...

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...