Foetal loss in dogs and cats

List causative agents of abortion in dogs

Canine Herpesvirus

Brucella canis

Salmonella

Campylobacter jejuni

Strep. canis

Leptospirosis

Toxosporosis gondii

Neospora caninum

Leishmania infantum

List causative agents of abortion in cats

Feline Panleukopenia virus

Feline alpha-herpes virus

Feline leukaemia virus

Feline infectious peritonitis virus

Coxiella burnetti

Salmonella spp

Causative agent of this petechial haemorrhage on a dogs kidney

Canine herpesvirus

Clinical signs of Canine Herpesvirus (including gross and histo path)

Adults can have ocular/vaginal discharge

Viraemia due to macrophage infection

Puppies:

• anorexia

• hypothermia

• vocal

• disorientated

• fading puppy syndrome?

Bilateral, multifocal, petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhage of kidneys and liver

Necrosis of kidneys, liver and lungs on histo, along with intranuclear viral inclusion bodies

Causative agent in the dog

Brucella canis

• epididymitis

• discospondylitis

• uveitis

How is Brucella canis transmitted, causes of abortion and clinical signs in an aborted foetus

Transmitted to bitch via mating, then to puppy in utero and in milk

Abortion occurs mid-pregnancy due to placentitis and endometritis

Puppy = bronchopneumonia and renal haemorrhage

What sample is needed to test for Brucella canis?

Any fluid from adult or foetus can be used for bacterial culture

What are the effects on the kitten when infected with Feline Panleukopenia virus:

1. early utero

2. perinatal (2weeks prenatal - 2 weeks postnatal)

3. 2-4 months postnatal

4. 4-12 months postnatal

1. foetal death and resorption

2. infection of cerebellum at crucial time of development = cerebellar hypoplasia = ataxia

3. infection of bone marrow, thymus, GIT, mucousal lymphoid tissue = leukopenia and enteritis

4. Enteritis

How is Feline Panleukopenia virus transmitted?

Faeco-orally