Animal Welfare Archives | Page 7 of 7

Canine Infertility and Abortion – Keeping Brucella Canis in Check

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Les Ellison

Breeders of pedigree dogs depend on the health and fertility of their breeding animals. Maintaining a kennel free of Brucella canis prevents early abortion and infertility. A programme of regular screening, supported by MegaCor FASTest® BRUCELLA C. Veterinary Diagnostic Test Kits, provide the essential first step to creating a Brucellosis prevention programme.

Everyone loves puppies

Everyone loves puppies. And everyone loves the anticipation of their healthy arrival. But for breeders of pedigree dogs and kennel owners, puppies represent much more than bundles of fun and frolics. The loss of a pedigree litter can have serious economic consequences for a kennel or breeder, and the loss of fertile breeding stock can have implications for the survival of a genetic line or even an entire breed.

Infection with the bacterium Brucella canis is most noticeable – and most distressing, when a litter of long awaited puppies is aborted, usually in the last two weeks of pregnancy, or die shortly after birth. Less obvious are the signs that a valued animal is a carrier and likely to infect other animals. Not all pregnancies, prematurely ended by B. canis, show up as abortions or puppies that die. A pregnant bitch can re-absorb the placentae and foetuses that die early in pregnancy. Without reference to a reliable veterinary diagnostic test for B.canis, she may appear to be infertile rather than dangerously infected and infective.

Brucella canis spreads through contact

It’s not just bitches that might carry B.canis. Male dogs too can carry the bacterium, in their reproductive organs, resulting in a defective and low sperm count with a serious effect on their fertility. Brucella canis spreads through contact not only with diseased birth material, but also through other discharges and secretions from infected dogs and bitches. Brucella canis can also pass to humans, with those handling aborted material especially at risk of infection.

Regular screening is important to maintain a disease free and fertile breeding stock

Screening with Vetlab’s FASTest® BRUCELLA C. Veterinary Diagnostic Test Kit is the trusted method for cost-effective B.Canis monitoring. The 20-minute test utilises specific antibody technology which seeks out any Brucella bacteria and attaches to it, creating a coloured complex. The whole test takes place in a small, plastic strip that gives a clear-cut positive or ‘all-clear’ negative result supported by a ‘control’ test to show that the kit is performing correctly.

With no reliable and economically viable treatment available, it’s most important that kennels and breeders have their animals regularly and continually screened for the presence of B.canis to maintain a healthy, disease free and fertile breeding stock.

ACT in Genetic Disease, Vitamin Deficiency, Poisoning and Surgical Risk.

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Les Ellison

ACT-VETube – Activated Clotting Time

Over-long Activated Clotting Times (ACT) in cats and dogs can be life-saving indicators of diseases such as haemophilia, environmental dangers such as poisoning, and potential surgical risks from internal bleeding.

As an all-in-one diagnostic kit for over-long blood clotting times, in cats and dogs, the MegaCor ACT-VETube is the coagulation-time test of choice for commercial veterinary laboratories and practising vets both in the surgery and off-site.

Blood clots are a matrix of long, sticky proteins produced in response to damage to the veins, arteries and capillaries that carry the blood to and through tissues and organs. In healthy people and animals, blood clots form quickly to prevent both excessive blood loss from external injury and excessive swelling from internal tissue trauma.

Clotting time can be vital to life-saving treatment

If clotting takes too long, an animal might suffer a life-threatening loss of blood. Measuring whether or not an animal’s blood is taking an excessively long time to clot can be vital in diagnosing internal bleeds, genetic diseases like haemophilia and deficiencies such as a lack of vitamin K. It might also indicate a potential risk to the animal during surgery. Critically, a speedy assessment of a cat or dog’s clotting time can be vital to life-saving treatment in cases of suspected of rat poisoning, which kills by disrupting the natural clotting process.

ACT-VETube kits don’t need refrigerated storage and the test doesn’t need an incubator or any kind of mixing platform. So while most clotting-time tests might be carried out in the laboratory, the test is completely portable and could be carried out at any location where the patient can’t be transported to a vet practice or surgery. Holding the tube in the hand for a few minutes is normally sufficient to warm it to the required temperature of 37°C.

The clotting process

The ACT-VETube contains microscopic particles of silica. When 2ml of freshly drawn venous blood from the ailing dog or cat is added to the tube, these particles trigger the clotting process. Counting the seconds on a timer or stopwatch, while gently turning the sealed tube over and back until the first blood clots appear, gives the activated clotting time for the sample.

Combined with the knowledge and experience of the veterinary practitioner, MegaCor’s 10-test pack can prove a genuine life saver in cases of disease, genetic disorders, vitamin K deficiency, rodent poisoning and bleed-risk assessment prior to surgery.

Take a look at our range of veterinary diagnostic kits or contact us today.

Alabama Rot Disease in the UK: Are you in the know?

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Les Ellison

Alabama Rot – Vets Report Increases in the UK

Vets across the UK are reporting an increase in dogs of all breeds infected with a new and potentially fatal disease known as Alabama Rot.

Alabama Rot Disease, or cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), is a disease of the skin and kidneys that’s commonly proved fatal in greyhounds in the US since the 1980s and has now infected at least 46 UK dogs of many different breeds since 2013.

First detected and particularly prevalent in the New Forest area of Hampshire, CRGV has been reported in dogs from Durham down to Surrey, and as far west as Monmouthshire and Cornwall.

Left untreated the outcome is most often kidney failure

Alabama Rot acts by destroying the blood vessels (vascular system) in your dog’s kidneys. This severely damages the vital blood cleaning and filtering tissues (the glomerula) that keep your dog’s system healthy. Left untreated the outcome is most often kidney failure followed by the decline and death of your pet.

The first visible warning of CRGV is damage to the skin; often appearing as soreness or reddening associated with swelling and ulcer-like lesions. However, these might be only the surface symptoms of more serious damage being caused to the blood vessels and capillaries of your dog’s kidneys.

Loss of appetite, tired and lethargic

When these signs accompany the usual symptoms that something more serious is wrong, then it’s time to seek urgent and expert attention from your vet. If your dog begins to loose appetite, becomes unusually tired and lethargic or vomits inexplicably, then these are signs of possible kidney disease.

Of course, kidney disease in dogs has many causes that may or may not indicate Alabama Rot. Skin disorders, too, have many different initiators; including parasites, fungal infections, skin tumours and the everyday injuries endured by normal, active dogs.

Although CRGV is still a rare condition in the UK, its cause and method infection remains unknown. This means that prevention can be difficult and early diagnosis and treatment by your vet, with the expertise and technical support of Vetlab Supplies, is essential.

Vetlab Supplies supports you, your vet and your dog with diagnostic haematology kits to inspect the health of your pet’s kidney function, and microscopy equipment and consumables to examine your dog’s skin and other tissues for early signs of Alabama Rot. Your vet can then plan an efficient, timely and potentially life-saving course of treatment for your pet, although sadly it is usually fatal. It is however important for official bodies to have the disease confirmed to record confirmed cases then we can see the spread of the disease throughout the UK.

Vetlab Supplies has a range of microscopes available and haematology supplies and consumables. We also specialise in diagnostic test kits for other problems – all backed by their wealth of knowledge and experience in veterinary testing and diagnosis.

To find out more about our large range of veterinary diagnostic test kits visit our website: www.vetlabsupplies.co.uk or Telephone: 01798 874567

Combatting Puppy Farming and the Infectious Diseases they Spread

Posted on May 18, 2015 by Les Ellison

A Shadowy & Cruel Market Place

Fuelled by the greed and desire to make cash, unscrupulous breeders continue to breed litter after litter of puppies with no regard for their health or welfare. The sharp increase of illegal trading of pets across Europe and the UK is spiralling out of control. The steady increase of parvovirus diagnostic test kit sales in the UK, just confirms the problem. What’s being done, and how can it ever be stamped out? With difficulty! This horrible trade will never be stopped despite the continuing efforts and dedication of many societies throughout the world. The Dogs Trust and Battersea Dogs Home always spring to mind, as they are invariably at the forefront of these ongoing issues, and thank goodness they are!

Proposed Animal Health Law

EU policy makers are backing an initiative which could ensure that all breeders and sellers will be registered from 2020. That seems a long way off, so just how many more sick animals will be illegally sold and traded in that time? More than any of us can possibly imagine – and will any type of law ever stop this trading? You’ve just got to feel for the legitimate breeders who work so hard to ensure their animals are healthy, vaccinated and cared for properly until they reach their new homes.

Canine Parvovirus – Top Of The Agenda

Vetlab Supplies have supported charities for over 30 years and have a wealth of knowledge about infectious diseases and diagnostic test kits. Parvovirus is one of the main problems that this illegal puppy-trading brings with it. Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can produce a life-threatening illness and worse. There is no doubt that illegal puppy farms/kennels can be rife with this virus, which can even survive on inanimate objects such as shoes, bowls, and all types of flooring.

Puppies and young dogs are most susceptible to the virus especially when they are not vaccinated. It’s a well-known fact that many dogs sold on through puppy farms are not vaccinated and many thousands of unsuspecting owners find that the new addition to their family quickly becomes sick and are subsequently confirmed positive for canine parvovirus. Canine Parvovirus is one of the most common and deadly causes of canine viral gastroenteritis in the world.

Charitable Discounts From Vetlab Supplies

The Fastest Canine Parvo diagnostic test kit is based on a lateral-flow principle. It is a non-refrigerated test kit with a long shelf-life and a simple 2-step procedure which gives you reliable results in under 5 minutes. The precise diagnosis of this infection enables the veterinarian to apply the immediate treatment and to introduce quarantine measures for infected animals. The Fastest Parvo Card is very reasonably priced, accurate and available at charity discounts to all veterinarians working for charities/welfare centres and shelters. Vetlab Supplies also offer many other veterinary supplies at charitable discounts – see what they can do for you.

To find out more about our large range of veterinary diagnostic test kits visit our website: www.vetlabsupplies.co.uk or Telephone: 01798 874567

How TARGET Canine Ovulation Test Kit is beneficial for successful canine breeding

Posted on June 27, 2022 by Les Ellison

Predicting The Right Time to Mate – Target Canine Cytology Kit

Dramatically improve your reproduction reputation with the TARGET Canine Ovulation Diagnostic Test Kit. Relying on visual signs of heat, like vulval swelling and bleeding and flagging, can get you close to a bitch’s perfect breeding day(s). Analysing vaginal cytology microscopically can get you closer. Combining these clues with progesterone levels is the gold standard for predicting ovulation and finding the perfect day(s). The TARGET Canine Ovulation Test Kit measures progesterone quickly and accurately. You will never have to send blood off to a lab for progesterone levels again, waiting valuable days, and missing the bitch’s perfect day(s). Multiple progesterone levels are often necessary. The test kit comes with the ability to run six different progesterone levels.

Simple Procedure – 6 Individual Diagnostic Test Kits

The TARGET Canine Ovulation Test strips are a rapid semi-quantitative ELISA test that gives you results in your practice in just minutes. It is extremely easy to run. The results are easy to read as well. Detailed instructions come with the kit, including an encompassing review of reproduction: LH surge and progesterone rising at the same time, ovulation occurring approximately 2 days after the initial rise in progesterone, etc. It is ideal to avoid feeding the bitch for about 8 hours before drawing blood to avoid a lipaemic sample.

Cytology Ovulation Testing to Increase Breeding Success

Another time in a bitch’s heat cycle where measuring progesterone levels comes in handy is near the end of her pregnancy. By using the kit and measuring progesterone levels (along with breeding days and signs like a drop in rectal temperature), you can better plan for a Caesarian section since progesterone levels drop 2-3 days before whelping. There is little doubt that this kit will help you increase your success in conception and litter size, making you and your client exceedingly satisfied. The cytology test kit is very reasonably priced, saving you and your client valuable money.

Vetlab – Veterinary Diagnostic Test Kits – FeLV-FIV testing for Cats

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Les Ellison

Our cats quickly become a much-loved and valued member of our families – but many cat owners, unfortunately, encounter health difficulties for their pets that can often be easily detected by utilising the diagnostic tests available from their vets.

Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are debilitating and often serious, lethal conditions which sadly are more common than many cat owners might think. FeLV affects the immune system and over months and years makes it very difficult for the cat to ward off common infections and viruses. FIV can result in chronic skin infections, gastrointestinal upset and persistent diarrhoea, urinary system problems, respiratory tract infections and neurologic disorders amongst others.

Testing times for Charities

FeLV-FIV is the most infectious cat disease in the world. Charities have the biggest problem with this disease, as many of the cats that come in to be rescued or rehomed are strays and are high-risk carriers of both diseases. Testing for FeLV-FIV is very important, as any responsible owner should not allow infected cats to mix with other cats.

The most concerning thing about these conditions is that even the most loving, scrupulous pet owner may not know their cat is infected. There can sometimes be no clinical signs for years until the cat gets really sick. Most charities do test cats before they are rehomed, and vets should encourage their cat clients to have their cats tested regularly. Many owners may not even be aware of these diseases – so it’s important to spread the word and take precautions accordingly.

Charitable discounts from Vetlab

In light of the seriousness of both of these diseases, Vetlab veterinary supplies give 50% discount to all charities and veterinary practices working for charities. Owing to the seriousness of these diseases, we also offer a free backup service to confirm results if there is a query on any result, as we have our own laboratory for re-testing and 30 years of experience in testing for FeLV-FIV. Vetlab Supplies are the only company that will also send inconclusive samples and results to Glasgow University Veterinary School for further investigation using ‘gold standard methods’ and pay the cost for the client! It’s all about customer service, supporting our MegaCor products and getting the right result.

Vetlab products have a long shelf life and are non-refrigerated, enabling them to be used when needed, without having to be ordered in small amounts, lowering the cost overall. We are passionate about preventing and curbing these deadly infectious diseases and feel supporting charities by offering this unprecedented backup service will help the good work they do, ensuring they have the right result, and can take action where needed.

To find out more about our large range of veterinary diagnostic test kits visit our website: www.vetlabsupplies.co.uk or Telephone: 01798 874567

A Fishy Tale!

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Fiona Sturgess

Koi selectively bred for colours, pattern and body shape

Amazing! “Would you believe that Koi carp can sell for up to £10,000 and the oldest Koi on record lived for 200 years! Typically growing up to three feet long…that’s big business!”

Over the years Koi have been selectively bred for colours, pattern and body shape and not necessarily for resistance to bacteria, parasites and viruses.

Koi are more fragile than you think

Many people think that koi are the same as carp and therefore extremely hardy. And while it is true that koi are technically carp, they are distant cousins to the wild fish you see in lakes. Because of the selective breeding process used, Koi have lost much of that wild hardiness and they are more fragile than you might think.

One of the most common diseases in koi is called Cyprinid herpesvirus 3, also known as Koi herpesvirus (KHV) belonging to the family of Alloherpesviridae. It is spread world-wide, mainly by intensive international fish trading, and strains from different countries were shown to have high similarities. The virus causes a highly contagious and acute viraemia in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and its variant, the Koi carp (C. c. koi). This devastating virus disease may result in mortality rates between 70 and 100 %. Interestingly, the disease is temperature dependent, mostly occurring between 16 and 25 °C. All age groups of carp appear to be susceptible to KHV, although, generally, younger fish up to one year are more susceptible to clinical disease.

High levels of virus DNA have been shown to be present

The mode of transmission of KHV is horizontal, but vertical transmission cannot be ruled out. Horizontal transmission may be direct or vectorial, water being the major abiotic vector. KHV remains active in water for at least 4 hours at water temperatures of 23–25 °C. The virulent virus is shed via faeces, urine, gills and skin mucus. Infection mainly occurs via the skin. After entry, the virus spreads systemically from the portal of entry to superficial and internal organs. High levels of virus DNA have been shown to be present in skin, gills, spleen, liver and gut tissues.

Clinical signs of KHV can be difficult to distinguish from other fish diseases and generally include an evident hyper-secretion of mucus in the early stage of infection. Additional typical clinical signs are loss of appetite, discolouration of skin and gills as well as skin lesions. Sunken eyes (enophthalmia) and necrotic gills are frequently seen. Due to its potential to cause considerable economic damage, the disease is listed as a notifiable disease by the world animal health organization OIE (www.oie.int).

To limit disease spread, a rapid identification of KHV in diseased or dead fish is crucial

The use of FASTest KOI HV as a fast “pond-side” test enables veterinarians, Koi owners, breeders, importers and/or pet shops a fast aetiological diagnosis of a fresh and acute KHV infection.

For further information about our new FASTest KOI HV test kit follow this link

To find out more about our large range of veterinary diagnostic test kits visit our website: www.vetlabsupplies.co.uk or Telephone: 01798 874567