Canine parvovirus

Extract

Sir:- The paper Canine parvovirus in New Zealand: epidemiological features and diagnostic methods by G.W. Horner [N.Z. vet. J. 31 (1983): 164-4] suggests “it is probable that many veterinary clinics were heavily contaminated with CPV” quoting an Australian reference in support of his contention.     

Long-term clinical observations on feline immunodeficiency virus infected asymptomatic carriers.

Eleven feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infected asymptomatic carrier (AC) cats were observed for 2 years for development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Four of the 11 (36.4%) showed progression of the clinical stage. Persistent generalized lymphadenopathy was noted in three cats as the first sign of illness after the AC phase, while the other showed lymphadenopathy with signs of AIDS-related complex. In all four cats the AIDS-related complex stage lasted for 10 months or longer, and two showed progression of the disease into AIDS. The two cats showing AIDS illnesses died within approximately 1 year after they had developed persistent generalized lymphadenopathy. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of AIDS characterized by the presence of depletion lesions in the lymphoid organs, and of severe infections of an opportunistic nature. The overall mortality of FIV infected AC cats during a 2 year period was two out of 11 (18.2%). These cats showed decreased concanavalin A mitogen response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells as the disease progressed.     

Canine parvovirus infection

Extract

Sir — Referring to M. H. Blunt's letter to the Journal for December, 1980 regarding canine parvovirus disease, I would like to take issue with several points.     

Canine parvovirus infection in Nigeria

Pups of Nigerian mongrel dogs randomly bought from two village markets for experimental purposes at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, were observed to be ill within 4 days of purchase. By 13 days after purchase 52.5 per cent of all the animals had died. All sick animals were anorectous and suffered from diarrhoea. The faeces were mostly dark yellow to light brown and a few contained spots of blood. Few animals responded to treatment with fluids, antibiotics and vitamins and death occurred within 24 hours of the onset of clinical signs. In most cases, post mortem and histopathological lesions were similar to those characteristic of canine parvovirus. The sera of the surviving animals tested for haemagglutination-inhibition antibodies to canine parvovirus, using porcine red blood cells, were positive.     

Canine and feline uveitis.

The clinical signs of uveitis occur as a result of inflammation within the vascular coat of the eye, which causes breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier and blood-retinal barrier. Many infectious and noninfectious causes can incite episodes of uveitis. Although a complete diagnostic evaluation is highly recommended to identify any underlying etiologic agent, many cases remain idiopathic in nature. The goals of therapy are preserving vision, minimizing pain, and halting inflammation.     

Canine and feline nasal neoplasia

Dogs and cats of our society have outgrown their status as merely pets and are now considered our close companions and even family members. This shift in their roles has led to pet owners seeking improved preventative medicine for their four-legged friends. Subsequently, dogs and cats are living longer lives than ever before and developing more old-age-related diseases. One of the most devastating diseases of older animals is cancer. Once a veterinarian has detected cancer in a pet, pet owners seek advice on their next course of action. This article is intended to provide concise information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of intranasal tumors of the dog and cat. This article outlines the forms of nasal tumors that are the most common, the recommended imaging and biopsy techniques to diagnose the tumor, and the most appropriate treatments of them.