Microbiology

What is gastroenteritis?

Inflammation of the stomach and intestines leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

What causes canine gastroenteritis?

Caused by infectious agents (bacterial, viral, parasitic) or noninfectious factors (dietary, toxic, immune-mediated).

Name a bacterial pathogen that causes gastroenteritis in dogs.

Salmonella spp.

What is the transmission route for Salmonella spp. in dogs?

Fecal-oral, contaminated food, raw meat, or environment.

What are clinical features of Salmonella gastroenteritis?

Acute enteritis, fever, vomiting, diarrhea (may be bloody), and possibly sepsis.

Is Salmonella zoonotic?

Yes.

What test is used to diagnose Salmonella infections?

Culture from feces.

What type of bacteria is Campylobacter jejuni?

Gram-negative curved rod.

How is Campylobacter jejuni transmitted?

Fecal-oral; through contaminated food, water, or feces.

What condition can Clostridium perfringens cause in dogs?

Mucosal necrosis leading to acute or chronic diarrhea, sometimes with mucus or fresh blood.

What are the diagnostic tests for Clostridium perfringens?

PCR or ELISA for toxin genes.

What triggers Clostridium difficile infections?

Opportunistic infections often associated with antibiotic use.

What is the transmission route for Escherichia coli in dogs?

Fecal-oral; neonatal infections are common.

What are common clinical signs of canine parvovirus?

Severe hemorrhagic diarrhea, vomiting, fever, leukopenia, dehydration.

What is the diagnosis method for canine parvovirus infection?

ELISA (fecal antigen) or PCR.

How does Canine Coronavirus affect the intestine?

Infects mature villous enterocytes leading to villous blunting.

Name a viral pathogen that can cause gastroenteritis and has a zoonotic potential.

Canine Distemper Virus (CDV).

What are common clinical signs of rabies in cats?

Behavior changes, fever, dilated pupils, and neurological dysfunction.

How is rabies transmitted?

Primarily through bite wounds.

What characterizes feline leukemia virus (FeLV)?

A chronic systemic viral infection causing immunosuppression and neoplasia.

What is the main transmission route for Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)?

Mainly via bite wounds.

What clinical signs are associated with FIV?

Weight loss, chronic infections, leukopenia, lymphoid depletion.

What is the primary tissue affected by FeLV?

Lymphoid tissues.

What is the most effective method for diagnosing rabies?

Direct fluorescent antibody test (dFA) on brain tissue.

What is FVRCP an acronym for?

Combination vaccine for Feline Herpesvirus-1, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Panleukopenia Virus.

How is equine gastrointestinal microflora primarily affected?

By dietary changes, stress, antibiotic therapy, and infections.

What is the primary function of microbial flora in the equine hindgut?

Fermentation of plant fiber and production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs).

What leads to hindgut acidosis in horses?

A sudden dietary change leading to rapid fermentation of carbohydrates.

What is the outcome of fasting in horses regarding their gut flora?

Reduced substrate for fermentation leading to microbial die-off.

What common laboratory findings can be associated with feline panleukopenia?

Severe leukopenia and neutropenia.

What is one potential clinical outcome of antibiotic therapy in horses?

Severe diarrhea due to antibiotic-associated colitis.

What are some common causes of colitis in horses?

Bacteria like Salmonella, Clostridium, and infections with parasites.

What is a prominent feature of Canine Parvovirus infection?

High mortality rate in puppies.

What is the primary host for Rabies virus?

All mammals, including dogs, cats, and bats.

What is a hallmark of FHV-1 infection in cats?

Corneal ulcers and conjunctivitis.

What are the effects of stress on equine gastrointestinal health?

Altered gut motility and increased risk of dysbiosis.

What is a characteristic sign of severe Clostridium perfringens infection?

Large-bowel diarrhea with mucus and blood.

What is the function of anaerobic fungi in the equine gut?

Aid in fiber degradation.

What impacts does age have on equine gastrointestinal microflora?

Older horses show reduced microbial diversity and slower fermentation.

What is the primary outcome of a lack of fiber in a horse's diet?

Reduced cellulose fermentation and associated health issues.

What are the three key viruses in the FVRCP vaccine?

Feline Herpesvirus-1, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Panleukopenia Virus.

What is the relationship between dietary changes and colic in horses?

Abrupt diet changes can lead to colic due to pH imbalance in the gut.

What is the primary clinical result of FeLV infection in cats?

Immunosuppression leading to opportunistic infections.

What is the key method for detecting E. coli in dogs?

Culture plus toxin or virulence gene typing.

How is stress-related colitis in horses generally triggered?

By transport, surgery, or disease.

What is a serious consequence of parvovirus infection in young dogs?

Severe dehydration and potential death.

How does the presence of protozoa benefit horse gut health?

By stabilizing pH during fermentation.

Name a diagnostic method for protecting feline viral infections.

PCR or viral isolation from clinical specimens.

What is a common clinical sign of colitis due to Salmonella infection in horses?

Diarrhea.

What condition does a high concentration of lactic acid in the equine gut lead to?

Acidosis and associated complications.

What is a common laboratory finding in cases of feline cancer linked to FeLV?

Non-regenerative anemia and possible lymphopenia.

What are the effects of rapid grain introduction in a horse's diet?

Increased risk of colic and laminitis from lactic acidosis.

What is the result of acute stress on equine hindgut microflora?

Dysbiosis and potential pathogen overgrowth.

What are common conditions that lead to disturbances in equine gut health?

Dietary changes, infections, and antibiotic treatments.

What type of bacteria commonly overgrow following antibiotic therapy in horses?

Clostridium difficile.