Questions for infectious diseases Flashcards
Which disease is caused by a virus similar to human measles? (1)
Distemper
Explain the pathophysiology of canine parvorvirus (3 marks)
Virus has affinity for rapidly dividing cells in the gut wall and lymphoid tissue including bone marrow
Multiplies in small intestinal crypt lining cells leading to destruction of lining and inability to absorb nutrients
In advanced cases intestine may be so compromised as to allow bacterial invasion from the gut to the bloodstream
Effects on bone marrow/lymphoid system will suppress immune response and lead to leucopaenia
Explain why dogs infected with l. icterohaemorrhagiae develop the following signs;
Jaundice –
Pyrexia –
Impaired blood clotting –
Jaudice - bilirubin builds up in plasma due to effect on liver
Pyrexia - immune system respone to infection
Impaired blood clotting - due to disease of liver leading to reduced plasma protein production
Explain why the veterinary surgeon might select a SNAP elisa test for diagnosis of CPV rather than an viral PCR assay
The SNAP can be carried out quickly and easily in practice although it may not be reliable if the period of peak viral shedding ( meaning false negatives can occur). The PCR test takes a few days to obtain a result as it is sent to an external laboratory but will confirm if the virus is present if there is doubt about the SNAP test result.
Which of the canine infectious diseases can cause tooth enamel hypoplasia if the animal is affected as a puppy?
Canine distemper
List the clinical signs that might be seen in a dog with canine distemper in the early stages of infection (9 signs)
Conjunctivitis, dry cough, muco-purulent nasal and occular discharges, pyrexia (>40°C), dysponea, dull, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea
Briefly describe the treatment and nursing of a dog with leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae (4)
IV fluids, antibotics - penicillin, close monitoring, must be kept in isolation, barrier nursed
Describe the clinical signs associated with Chlamydia felis infection in cats (6)
Conjunctivitis - unilateral then bilateral
Serous occular discharge, devloping to mucopurulent
Blepharospasm
Chemosis
Occasionally mily upper resp. signs - nasal discharge,sneezing
Often bright and responsive
Feline infectious enteritis infection has a similar pathophysiology to which canine disease?
Canine parvovirus infection
Which two feline viral diseases are caused by retroviruses?
FeLV and FIV
Describe the pathophysiology of Feline Leukaemia virus
outcome of infection is variable - depends on many factors including cats immune response
some cats can eliminate the virus
virus replicates in the lymphoid tissue and enters lymphocytes and monocytes where it is transported around the body
eventually enters the bone marrow
in some cats a persistent infection with the virus can lead to immune suppression, neoplasia or anaemia
Explain why the clinical signs of FeLV and FIV may be non-specific and variable
Both viruses invade the lymphoid system, both may affect the bone marrow leading to anaemias and development of secondary symptoms in a variety of tissues as the viruses travel via the lymphoid system.
How are both viruses diagnosed?
SNAP Elisa test ( must be at least 12 weeks post exposure for FIV and repeat in 12 weeks for FeLV if result is positive in a healthy cat) – looking for FeLV Antigen and FIV antibody
Viral DNA isolation by PCR
What other feline infectious agent might contribute to anaemia in an FeLV infected cat?
Mycoplasma felis
Describe the treatment of Feline upper respiratory disease
Treatment is symptomatic, antibiotics for secondary infection, fluids if anorexic, hand feeding (assisted feeding), steam therapy, keeping face free from discharge
