Infectious diseases

Rabies is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Most rabies cases reported in South Africa were caused by bites from rabid or stray dogs. susceptibility of rabies Any person that is in  contact with an infected animal can get rabies. Children are at higher risk as they … Read more

Babesia Canis infection, also known as Biliary or Tick Bite Fever, is a life threatening illness in dogs that is caused by the bite of a single tick. The parasite goes into the bloodstream of the host (your dog) and starts multiplying and invading other red blood cells. Do only certain types of ticks cause … Read more

Feline respiratory disease complex, also known as Feline Snuffels, includes those illnesses typified by runny noses, teary eyes, inflamed eyes, salivation, and oral ulcerations. It will look like your cat suffers from a cold. This may be caused by various viruses and sometimes even bacteria. The most common culprits are Feline Herpes virus and Feline … Read more

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most important infectious diseases of cats worldwide. According to Webmd FeLV is second, only to trauma as the leading cause of death in cats. How did my cat get infected? Cat leukemia is usually contracted from cat-to-cat transmission. This will include close contact, grooming, bites, sharing litter … Read more

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) ,also known as Feline aids, has risen in numbers in recent years.  FIV has a lot of similarities compared to HIV in humans. However the disease is species specific and can not be transmitted to other species. HIV is a lentevirus. A lentevirus is a type of retrovirus, with a long … Read more

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious disease and causes primarily gastrointestinal disease. The unfortunate thing about this disease is that it can be prevented with adequate vaccination. Because of the virus’ hardiness, it is able to survive on inanimate objects eg shoes, clothes and anything else that has touched infected substances. Therefor the virus is … Read more