62,99 €
Mehr erfahren.
- Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
- Kategorie: Fachliteratur
- Sprache: Englisch
Newly revised and updated edition of a popular reference on many of the diagnostics and treatments seen in veterinary medicine
Small Animal Pathology for Veterinary Technicians is a veterinary technician student-based textbook that fosters an understanding of small animal and small exotic mammal diseases, relating pathology information to the responsibilities of technicians in the clinical setting. The book offers in-depth information on a wide range of commonly presented diseases, providing technicians with practical information linked to their daily tasks.
Each body system includes a brief review of anatomy and function, full-color pictures, and tip boxes to help emphasize important issues. A companion website offers images from the book, review questions, and case studies illustrating the process of handling the patient.
This newly revised and updated Second Edition includes a higher number of images to aid visual learners who are learning about these diseases for the first time. This new edition also includes information on diseases, laboratory diagnostics, and treatments that have emerged in the past 10 years, a new chapter on respiratory diseases, and a new section on disinfection.
Small Animal Pathology for Veterinary Technicians includes discussion on:
- Infectious diseases of small animals, including prevention
- Gastrointestinal tract diseases, covering the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas
- Urinary tract diseases, covering urinary obstructions, acute and chronic renal failure, and bacterial cystitis
- Ocular diseases, covering pink eye epiphora, third eyelid prolapse, glaucoma, corneal ulcers, and progressive retinal atrophy
- Musculoskeletal diseases, covering bone fractures, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and intervertebral disk disease
- Diseases specific to rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, and rats
The Second Edition of Small Animal Pathology for Veterinary Technicians is an essential reference for faculty and veterinary technician students at academic institutions.
Sie lesen das E-Book in den Legimi-Apps auf:
Seitenzahl: 483
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025
Ähnliche
Table of Contents
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Preface
Acknowledgment
About the Companion Website
1 Introduction
The Veterinary Technician's Role in Pathology
Technician Duties and Required Skills
Diagnosis
Immunity
Factors Involved in Infectious Disease
Common Terminology Necessary for Understanding Pathology
Disinfection
Further Reading
2 Canine Infectious Disease
Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) or Hard Pad Disease
Canine Parvovirus Type 2 (CPV‐2)
Canine Adenovirus Type 1 (CAV‐1) or Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH)
Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis or Kennel Cough
Leptospirosis
Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) or Dog Flu
Further Reading
3 Feline Infectious Disease
Feline Panleukopenia (FPV) Feline Distemper, Feline Parvo, Feline Infectious Enteritis
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) or Feline Aids
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP or FIPV)
Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Toxoplasmosis
Further Reading
4 Rabies
Rabies Virus
Further Reading
5 Respiratory Disease
Feline Asthma, Feline Bronchial Asthma, or Feline Allergic Bronchitis
Canine Bronchitis or Allergic Canine Bronchitis
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
Respiratory Neoplasia
Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE)
Rhinitis and Sinusitis
Collapsing Trachea (Tracheal Collapse)
Pneumonia
Pneumothorax
Diaphragmatic Hernia
Nasopharyngeal Polyps
Further Reading
6 Gastrointestinal Tract Disease
Periodontal Disease or Periodontitis
Cleft Palate or Congenital Oronasal Fistula
Papilloma or Puppy Warts
Epulis
Oral Melanoma
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Oral Fibrosarcoma
Salivary Sialocele, Mucocele, or Salivary Gland Cyst
Megaesophagus or Acquired Esophageal Paralysis
Esophageal Obstructions or Foreign Bodies
Vascular Ring Anomaly (VRA) or Persistent Right Aortic Arch (PRAA)
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Acute Gastritis
Gastric Ulcers
Gastrointestinal Obstructions
Pyloric Stenosis or Chronic Hypertrophic Gastropathy
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV)
Intussusception
Linear Foreign Bodies
Chronic Enteropathy (Used To Be Called Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD)
Megacolon
Intestinal Neoplasia
Cholangiohepatitis
Portosystemic Shunt (PSS) or Portal Caval Shunt
Feline Hepatic Lipidosis (FHL) or Fatty Liver Disease
Hepatic Neoplasia
Acute Pancreatitis
Chronic Pancreatitis
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) or Pancreatic Maldigestion
Pancreatic Neoplasia
Further Reading
7 Urinary Tract Disease
Bacterial Cystitis or Urinary Tract Infection
Pyelonephritis
Urolithiasis, Urinary Calculi, or Urinary Stones
Urinary Obstruction or Blocked Tom
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) or Acute Renal Failure (ARF)
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Chronic Renal Failure (CRF), or Chronic Renal Disease (CRD)
Further Reading
8 Reproductive Disease
Vaginitis
Pyometra
Dystocia
Mastitis
Mammary Neoplasia
Prostate Disease
Testicular Disease
Male Reproductive Neoplasia
Further Reading
9 Endocrine Disease
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing’s Syndrome
Hypoadrenocorticism or Addison’s Disease
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) or Sugar Diabetes
Diabetes Insipidus (DI) Weak or Watery Diabetes
Further Reading
10 Ophthalmic Disease
Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye
Epiphora
Third Eyelid Prolapse or Cherry Eye
Entropion/Ectropion
Glaucoma
Corneal Ulcers
Chronic Superficial Keratitis or Pannus
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or Dry Eye
Anterior Uveitis, Iridocyclitis, or Soft Eye
Cataracts
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) or Progressive Retinal Degeneration (PRD)
Further Reading
11 Integumentary Disease
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
Ticks
Otodetic Mange or Ear Mites
Sarcoptes or Scabes or Sarcoptic Mange
Demodex or Demodectic Mange or Demodicosis
Pediculosis or Lice
Cuterebra Larvae or Botfly Larvae
Facultative Myiasis‐Producing Flies or Maggots
Yeast
Dermatophytosis or Ringworm
Pyoderma or Bacterial Folliculitis
Seborrhea
Acute Moist Dermatitis or Traumatic Dermatitis or Hot Spots
Atopy or Allergic Dermatitis
Food Allergy
Epidermal Inclusion Cysts or Sebaceous Cysts
Feline Acne
Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumor (MCT)
Cutaneous Histiocytoma
Melanoma
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Lipoma
Further Reading
12 Musculoskeletal Disease
Bone Fractures
Osteosarcoma (OSA)
Panosteitis (Pano)
Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
Hip Dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
Patellar Luxation
Cranial or Anterior Cruciate Ligament (CCL or ACL) Rupture or Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease (CCLD)
Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)
Myasthenia Gravis
References
13 Hematologic and Lymph Disease
Anemia
Immune‐Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)
Absolute Erythrocytosis or Polycythemia
Malignant Lymphoma or Lymphosarcoma (LSA)
Multiple Myeloma (Plasma Cell Tumor)
Chylothorax
Primary Immune‐Mediated Thrombocytopenia (PIMT) or Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia
Hemophilia
Von Willebrand's Disease
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy (DIC)
Rodenticide Toxicity
Feline Aortic Thromboembolism (FATE) or Feline Saddle Thrombus
Further Reading
14 Diseases of Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Chinchillas
Urolithiasis/Bladder Sludge
Gastric Stasis
Ulcerative Pododermatitis, Bumblefoot, or Sore Hock
Malocclusion or Slobbers
Heat Stroke
Respiratory Infection
Mastitis
Rabbit Hairballs or Trichobezoar
Rabbit Bupthalmia
Rabbit Uterine Adenocarcinoma
Scurvy
Enterotoxemia
Streptococcal Lymphadenitis, Cervical Lymphadenitis, or Lumps
Cavian Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Cavian Leukemia/Lymphosarcoma
Guinea Pig Dystocia
Chinchilla Fur Slip and Fur Chewing
Chinchilla Gastric Tympany (Bloat)
Further Reading
15 Diseases of Ferrets
Pancreatic Beta Cell Tumor or Insulinoma
Adrenal Disease or Hyperadrenocorticism
Aplastic Anemia/Estrogen Toxicity
Lymphoma /Lymphosarcoma
Influenza
Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis (ECE) or Green Slime Diarrhea
Ferret Systemic Coronavirus (FRSCV) or Ferret FIP
Canine Distemper
Gastric Foreign Bodies
Further Reading
16 Diseases of Hamsters, Gerbils, and Rats
Malocclusions
Proliferative Ileitis, Proliferative Enteritis, or Wet Tail
Antibiotic‐Associated Enterotoxemia or Clostridial Enteropathy
Tyzzer's Disease or
Clostridium piliforme
Respiratory Infections
Neoplasia
Ulcerative Pododermatitis or Bumblefoot
Chromodacryorrhea or Red Tears
Arteriolar Nephrosclerosis or Hamster Nephrosis or Renal Failure
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV)
Gerbil Epileptiform Seizures
Gerbil Tail Slip or Tail Degloving
Further Reading
Index
End User License Agreement
List of Tables
Chapter 2
Table 2.1 Distemper Laboratory Work
Table 2.2 Parvo Laboratory Work
Table 2.3 CAV‐1 Laboratory Work
Table 2.4 Leptospirosis Laboratory Work (May Vary Based on Clinical Signs)...
Chapter 3
Table 3.1 Panleukopenia Laboratory Work
Table 3.2 FeLV/FIV Laboratory Work
Table 3.3 FIP Laboratory Work
Chapter 6
Table 6.1 Liver Disease Lab Work
Table 6.2 Pancreas Disease Lab Work
Chapter 7
Table 7.1 Bacterial Cystitis Lab Work
Table 7.2 Pyelonephritis Lab Work
Table 7.3 Urolithiasis Lab Work
Table 7.4 Urinary Obstruction Lab Work
Table 7.5 Acute Kidney Injury Lab Work
Table 7.6 Chronic Kidney Disease Lab Work
Chapter 9
Table 9.1 Hyperadrenocorticism Laboratory Work
Table 9.2 Hypoadrenocorticism Laboratory Work
Table 9.3 Diabetes Mellitus Laboratory Work
Chapter 13
Table 13.1 Anemia Laboratory Work
Table 13.2 IMHA Laboratory Work
Table 13.3 Multiple Myeloma Laboratory Work
Table 13.4 DIC Laboratory Work
List of Illustrations
Chapter 2
Figure 2.1 Nasal discharge from a dog with distemper virus.
Figure 2.2 Enamel Hypoplasia seen as a result of distemper virus.
Figure 2.3 Radiograph of a puppy with pneumonia (a) lateral (b) ventral/dors...
Figure 2.4 Blood film with distemper inclusions in (a) RBCs (b) WBCs. Staine...
Figure 2.5 (a) An IDEXX ELISA test and fecal sample for parvo testing.(b...
Figure 2.6 (a and b) Nasogastric tubes in dogs used to deliver nutrients to ...
Figure 2.7 Icteric mucous membranes in a dog.
Figure 2.8 Icteric eye in a dog.
Figure 2.9 Closed collection system for urine collection, quantification, an...
Chapter 3
Figure 3.1 (a) Bloody diarrhea associated with feline panleukopenia virus....
Figure 3.2 (a) Pale mucous membranes associated with anemia.(b) 10% PCV ...
Figure 3.3 Anisocoria associated with central nervous system dysfunction....
Figure 3.4 Positive IDEXX FeLV/FIV ELISA combo test.
Figure 3.5 Severe stomatitis as seen with FIV.
Figure 3.6 (a) Fluid from abdominocentesis on FIP‐positive cat.(b) Radio...
Figure 3.7 (a) Feline with FVR.(b) Cat with mucopurulent nasal and ocula...
Figure 3.8 (a) FCV oral ulcer causing hyper‐salivation.(b) Feline oral u...
Chapter 4
Figure 4.1 Rabid bat. (Image courtesy of Kristin Hebertson)
Figure 4.2 (a and b) Rabid dogs in later stages of disease.
Figure 4.3 Negro Bodies found in neuron. Two darker inclusions seen in neuro...
Chapter 5
Figure 5.1 Feline radiographs confirming asthma. (a) Left lateral. (b) Right...
Figure 5.2 Example of a brachycephalic dog—French Bulldog.
Figure 5.3 Looking into the oral cavity seeing the sutures from a palatoplas...
Figure 5.4 (a) Surgical incision for a tracheostomy. (b) Complete tracheosto...
Figure 5.5 (a) Canine pharyngeal tumor (lymphoma).(b) Canine pharyngeal ...
Figure 5.6 Radiograph showing secondary lung tumors.
Figure 5.7 (a and b) Canine CT.
Figure 5.8 Cat in an oxygen chamber.
Figure 5.9 Radiograph of tracheal collapse.
Figure 5.10 Radiographs confirming pneumonia (aspiration). (a) Left lateral....
Figure 5.11 Canine pneumonia patient with nasal cannulas delivering oxygen....
Figure 5.12 (a–c) Radiographs confirming pneumothorax.
Figure 5.13 Dog in an oxygen chamber.
Figure 5.14 Radiograph confirming diaphragmatic hernia with intestinal conte...
Figure 5.15 (a and b) Feline Polyp, once removed from the patient.
Chapter 6
Figure 6.1 Canine gingivitis.
Figure 6.2 (a and b) Severe periodontal disease and tartar accumulation in d...
Figure 6.3 (a and b) Canine oral cavity before and after dental prophylaxis....
Figure 6.4 Canine cleft palate.
Figure 6.5 Three litter mates, the smallest has a cleft palate.
Figure 6.6 Cleft seen in the roof of the mouth.
Figure 6.7 Puppy with a cleft palate in an oxygen chamber recovering from pn...
Figure 6.8 Puppy with cleft palate being fed through a feeding tube.
Figure 6.9 (a) Cleft palate before surgical repair.(b) Cleft palate imme...
Figure 6.10 (a–c) Pappilomas in dog’s oral cavity.
Figure 6.11 Epulis in a boxer.
Figure 6.12 (a and b) Epulis before and after removal.
Figure 6.13 Severe epulis seen in a pug. (a and b) Before surgical removal. ...
Figure 6.14 (a and b) Feline oral melanoma.
Figure 6.15 (a) Lingual oral melanoma.(b) Ulcerated oral melanoma.
Figure 6.16 (a) Aspirate from a melanoma mass(b) Thoracic radiographs sh...
Figure 6.17 Canine fibrosarcoma.
Figure 6.18 (a) Surgical excision of fibrosarcoma. (b) Surgical site post re...
Figure 6.19 (a and b) Undiagnosed feline oral tumor. (c) 1 of feline oral tu...
Figure 6.20 (a) Undiagnosed oral tumor with another mass present on the nose...
Figure 6.21 (a and b) Canine sublingual sialocele.
Figure 6.22 (a) Aspiration of sialocele. (b) Fluid removed from sialocele. (...
Figure 6.23 Noncontrast radiographs of canine megaesophagus patient. (a) Lat...
Figure 6.24 (a–d) Contrast studies with barium of megaesophagus patient.
Figure 6.25 (a and b) Elevated feeding of a megaesophagus patient with a dev...
Figure 6.26 Canine patient who has vomited the foreign body avoiding surgica...
Figure 6.27 (a–d) Barium series in a dog with a suspected foreign body.
Figure 6.28 Gastrointestinal foreign body exploratory laparotomy.
Figure 6.29 (a) Gastrotomy to remove a foreign body.(b) A small cat toy ...
Figure 6.30 Distended abdomen in GDV patient.
Figure 6.31 (a–c) Radiographic images of GDV/bloat patients.
Figure 6.32 Ultrasound image of an intussusception.
Figure 6.33 (a) String linear foreign body sublingual laceration.(b) Str...
Figure 6.34 Bloody diarrhea from a patient with chronic enteropathy.
Figure 6.35 (a–c) Megacolon radiographs.
Figure 6.36 (a) Icteric pinna. (b) Icteric sclera. (c) Icteric serum.
Figure 6.37 Ultrasound image of a gallstone.
Figure 6.38 Ammonium biurate and struvite crystals seen in the urine of pati...
Figure 6.39 Icteric cat.
Figure 6.40 A cat with an NG tube for enteral nutrition.
Figure 6.41 Dog with icteric sclera.
Figure 6.42 Radiograph of ascites seen in a liver disease patient.
Figure 6.43 Positive IDEXX cPL in a pancreatitis patient.
Figure 6.44 Dog with an NG tube for EEN.
Chapter 7
Figure 7.1 Hematuria.
Figure 7.2 Urinary sediment with red and white blood cells.
Figure 7.3 (a and b) Radiographs confirming uroliths in the urinary bladder....
Figure 7.4 (a–c) Cystotomy with urolith removed.
Figure 7.5 (a) Calcium oxalate dihydrate stones.(b and c) Miscellaneous ...
Figure 7.6 Uremic uveitis.
Figure 7.7 Isosthenuria from a patient with CKD.
Chapter 8
Figure 8.1 (a and b) Pyometra surgery.
Figure 8.2 Mammary abscess.
Figure 8.3 Necrotic mammary mass.
Figure 8.4 Mammary mass removal surgery.
Figure 8.5 (a and b) Testicles removed during neuter with one retained testi...
Figure 8.6 Testicular tumor (unknown type) ruptured.
Chapter 9
Figure 9.1 Thyroid function.
Figure 9.2 Distended abdomen in a Cushing’s patient.
Figure 9.3 Adrenal function.
Chapter 10
Figure 10.1 Blepharospasm in a cat.
Figure 10.2 Cherry eye.
Figure 10.3 Cherry eye post‐operative repair.
Figure 10.4 Entropion.
Figure 10.5 Canine glaucoma due to ocular melanoma.
Figure 10.6 (a) Canine glaucoma.(b) Canine glaucoma with hyphema.
Figure 10.7 Glaucoma patient post‐operative enucleation.
Figure 10.8 (a) Feline corneal ulcer.(b) Feline corneal ulcer.(c) Fe...
Figure 10.9 Canine corneal ulcer with fluorescein eye stain.
Figure 10.10 (a and b) Brown pigmentation of the cornea of a German Shepard ...
Chapter 11
Figure 11.1 Hyperpigmentation, alopecia, and pyoderma in a canine patient....
Figure 11.2 Alopecia in a canine patient.
Figure 11.3 Microscopic image of a flea,
Ctenocephalides
spp.
Figure 11.4 Microscopic image of a tick.
Figure 11.5 Tick on a feline patient.
Figure 11.6 (a–c) Microscopic images of an ear mite,
Otodectes cynotis
.
Figure 11.7 Microscopic image of a mite,
Sarcoptes scabiei
.
Figure 11.8 (a and b) Microscopic image of a mite,
Demodex canis
.
Figure 11.9 Demodectic blepharitis.
Figure 11.10 Demodectic mange with severe pyoderma.
Figure 11.11 (a) Microscopic image of a biting Louse.(b) Microscopic ima...
Figure 11.12 Cuterebra larvae removed from a cat.
Figure 11.13 Microscopic image of yeast,
Malassezia pachydermatis
, from a ca...
Figure 11.14 Feline ringworm lesion.
Figure 11.15 (a) DTM prior to use.(b) Positive DTM exhibiting color chan...
Figure 11.16 Microscopic image of ringworm,
Microsporum canis
, collected via...
Figure 11.17 Ringworm fluorescing with a Wood’s Lamp.
Figure 11.18 (a) Contact dermatitis after contact with carpet cleaner.(b...
Figure 11.19 (a) Food allergy dermatitis with erythema of the ventral side o...
Figure 11.20 Sebaceous cyst.
Figure 11.21 Mild feline acne.
Figure 11.22 Mast cell tumor found on canine inguinal region.
Figure 11.23 Microscopic image of a mast cell tumor aspirate, stained with D...
Figure 11.24 Cutaneous histiocytoma.
Figure 11.25 (a and b) Cytology of histiocytoma.
Figure 11.26 Feline SCC exhibiting an ulcerated, crusting lesion of the nose...
Chapter 12
Figure 12.1 Types of bone fractures.
Figure 12.2 (a) A complete fracture of the femur.(b) A complete fracture...
Figure 12.3 Splinted fracture.
Figure 12.4 (a and b) Casted fractures.
Figure 12.5 (a and b) Complete Femur fracture prior to surgical repair.(...
Figure 12.6 (a–d) Fracture repairs using external fixators.
Figure 12.7 (a and b) Canine osteosarcoma lesion of the radius.(c) Canin...
Figure 12.8 (a and b) Canine panosteitis radiographs.
Figure 12.9 (a) Scapulohumeral joint pre‐operative radiograph exhibiting sev...
Figure 12.10 (a) Canine hip dysplasia patient, Radiograph exhibits degenerat...
Figure 12.11 OCD radiograph of the scapulohumeral joint exhibiting bone and ...
Figure 12.12 (a and b) Medially Luxating Patella pre‐operative radiography....
Figure 12.13 (a and b) Medially Luxating Patella post‐operative tibial crest...
Figure 12.14 (a and b) Cranial cruciate ligament injury pre‐operative radiog...
Figure 12.15 (a and b) Cranial cruciate ligament injury post‐TPLO radiograph...
Figure 12.16 Myelogram study performed to rule out IVDD.(a) Plain radiog...
Figure 12.17 (a and b) Megaesophagus secondary to myasthenia gravis.
Chapter 13
Figure 13.1 (a) Blood film from an anemic patient, nucleated red blood cell ...
Figure 13.2 Reticulocyte slide from an anemic patient, reticulocyte seen at ...
Figure 13.3 Feline patient being treated in oxygen cage. (Image courtesy of ...
Figure 13.4 Hemoglobinuria from a patient with IMHA.
Figure 13.5 Agglutination seen under a microscope.
Figure 13.6 (a) Macroagglutination seen on a microscope slide along with ict...
Figure 13.7 (a) Blood film of an IMHA patient exhibiting agglutination, NRBC...
Figure 13.8 Malignant lymphocytes from a canine patient with LSA on a blood ...
Figure 13.9 Chylous fluid removed from a patient with a chylothorax.
Figure 13.10 (a) Canine petechiation.(b) Feline petechiation.
Figure 13.11 Canine ecchymosis.
Figure 13.12 (a and b) Bleeding from the lip of a PIMT patient.
Chapter 14
Figure 14.1 (a) Rabbit urine.(b) Thick bladder sludge from a rabbit.
Figure 14.2 (a) Radiograph showing bladder sludge in a rabbit prior to flush...
Figure 14.3 Rabbit cystotomy with stone removal.
Figure 14.4 (a) In the process of flushing a rabbit urinary bladder.(b) ...
Figure 14.5 (a) Bumblefoot in a guinea pig.(b) Sore hock in a rabbit....
Figure 14.6 (a) Incisor malocclusion in a chinchilla.(b) Incisor maloccl...
Figure 14.7 Cheek teeth malocclusion in a chinchilla.
Figure 14.8 (a) Guinea pig with nasal exudate from respiratory infection....
Figure 14.9 (a) Laparotomy on a rabbit removing a dried hair mat the rabbit ...
Figure 14.10 (a–c) Surgery to remove uterine tumor in rabbit.
Figure 14.11 Clostridium found on a fecal cytology (stained with Diff Quik)....
Figure 14.12 Radiograph of a pregnant guinea pig.
Figure 14.13 Chinchilla fur slip.
Chapter 15
Figure 15.1 Ferret exhibiting chronic weight loss, hypersalivation, and acut...
Figure 15.2 Exceptionally large pancreatic islet beta cell tumor, more commo...
Figure 15.3 (a) Dorsal alopecia in a ferret with adrenal disease.(b) Ven...
Figure 15.4 Swollen vulva typical for adrenocortical disease in a female fer...
Figure 15.5 Nodules on spleen and liver due to Stage 4 lymphoma in a ferret....
Figure 15.6 1000× impression of lymphoma nodule, Wright‐Giemsa stain (Diff Q...
Figure 15.7 “Green Slim” Diarrhea in a ferret.
Figure 15.8 “Green Slim” Diarrhea in a ferret.
Figure 15.9 Rubbery gastric foreign body in a ferret.
Figure 15.10 Radiograph: Dental crown foreign body in a ferret.
Chapter 16
Figure 16.1 (a) Incisor malocclusion in a hamster.(b) Incisor malocclusi...
Figure 16.2 “Wet Tail” in a hamster.
Figure 16.3
Clostridium
in a fecal cytology (Diff Quik).
Figure 16.4 (a) Porphyrin and mucus accumulation on the face associated with...
Figure 16.5 Mammary gland fibroadenoma in a rat.
Figure 16.6 Neoplasia of the abdominal scent gland in a gerbil.
Figure 16.7 Melanoma surgically excised from the rear paw of a gerbil.
Figure 16.8 (a) Surgical excision of mammary tumor in a rat.(b) Tumor po...
Figure 16.9 Chromodacryorrhea in a rat.
Figure 16.10 Tail slip in a Degu (a close relative to the gerbil).
Guide
Cover Page
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Preface
Acknowledgment
About the Companion Website
Begin Reading
Index
Wiley End User License Agreement
Pages
iii
iv
xxiii
xxv
xxvii
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
45
46
47
48
49
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
Small Animal Pathology for Veterinary Technicians
Second Edition
Amy Johnson
VETgirl, FL, USA
Copyright © 2025 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies.
Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.Published simultaneously in Canada.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per‐copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, (978) 750‐8400, fax (978) 750‐4470, or on the web at www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, (201) 748‐6011, fax (201) 748‐6008, or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permission.
The manufacturer’ s authorized representative according to the EU General Product Safety Regulation is Wiley‐VCH GmbH, Boschstr. 12, 69469 Weinheim, Germany, e‐mail: [email protected].
Trademarks: Wiley and the Wiley logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries and may not be used without written permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.
Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional where appropriate. Further, readers should be aware that websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read. Neither the publisher nor authors shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.
For general information on our other products and services or for technical support, please contact our Customer Care Department within the United States at (800) 762‐2974, outside the United States at (317) 572‐3993 or fax (317) 572‐4002.
Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may not be available in electronic formats. For more information about Wiley products, visit our web site at www.wiley.com.
Library of Congress Cataloging‐in‐Publication Data applied forPaperback ISBN: 9781394235766
Cover Design: WileyCover Images: Courtesy of Amy Johnson
Preface
As a former instructor of small animal pathology, I am very enthusiastic about introducing this textbook, designed to equip veterinary technicians with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their careers. My journey in veterinary education allowed me to share my passion for animal health and pathology with countless students, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex biological systems that govern the well‐being of our patients.
My journey has led me into the veterinary continuing education industry, where I apply the knowledge of small animal pathology in practical, real‐world settings. The core principles of pathology, as detailed in this textbook, remain as relevant as ever. It not only serves as a comprehensive guide to small animal diseases but also as a bridge between theoretical learning and practical application.
Within these pages, you will find detailed discussions on various pathologies organized by body system, from infectious diseases to metabolic disorders, paired with clinical insights that reflect my experiences in the field. Each chapter is designed to encourage critical thinking and promote a hands‐on approach, emphasizing veterinary technicians’ vital and often overlooked role in the diagnostic process and managing animal health issues.
Medicine is continually evolving, necessitating the integration of new knowledge and advancements. This second edition reflects that growth by introducing updated diagnostic tests, life‐saving treatments, and the latest insights into various disease processes. Additionally, it features a new chapter dedicated to respiratory diseases and includes fresh online case studies to enhance your learning experience.
I encourage you to immerse yourself in this material, ask questions, and seek further knowledge. The field of veterinary medicine is ever‐changing, and your commitment to lifelong learning will not only benefit your career but will also enhance the lives of the animals you care for and the families who love them.
As you embark on this educational journey, remember that your role is not just to treat illness but to advocate for the health and well‐being of animals. With this textbook as your guide, I hope to inspire you to embrace the challenges and rewards that come with being a veterinary technician in the dynamic world of small animal care.
Acknowledgment
To my family and friends, thank you for your patience during my absences and for supporting all my wild endeavors.
To my current pets who kept me company while working, your companionship and warmth have made this project so much easier.
To my beloved animals who have crossed the rainbow bridge, you sparked my quest for knowledge and contributed more to this project than I would have liked.
To those who allowed me to beg for images, I’m grateful to everyone who helped me—you came through beautifully.
And to the students who inspire me and believe in my work, this is for you.
About the Companion Website
This book is accompanied by a companion website:
www.wiley.com/go/johnson2e
The website includes:
Images from the book in PowerPoint for downloading
Review questions and answers
Case studies illustrating the process of handling the patient
1Introduction
The Veterinary Technician's Role in Pathology
By law, veterinary technicians are not allowed to perform specific tasks, including making a diagnosis, determining a prognosis, prescribing medication, initiating treatment, or performing surgery. However, the absence of diagnostic authority doesn't diminish the crucial role of veterinary technicians within the diagnostic process. Proficiency in pathology remains a cornerstone of their duties.
Tech Box 1.1
Veterinary technicians play a role as an integral part of the diagnostic team.
Why does the veterinary technician need pathology information? This question has many answers:
Client education frequently falls within the realm of a technician's responsibilities. Veterinary technicians offer guidance to clients, both over the phone and in face‐to‐face interactions, regarding optimal pet care practices.
Understanding disease is essential to preventing the spread of pathogens from patient to patient. The technician's role is to ensure that they are doing what they can to keep their patients in good health.
An understanding of pathology will aid in protecting clients, co‐workers, and the technicians themselves from zoonotic diseases.
To excel as a technician, it's essential to grasp the intricacies of patient care. This comprehension of the disease process plays a pivotal role in delivering the best care possible to our patients.
A technician who knows disease processes can anticipate the veterinarian's needs, expediting patient care.
Technician Duties and Required Skills
Technician responsibilities encompass patient care, client education, laboratory diagnostics, aiding veterinarians, and treatment. It's crucial to recognize that the specific duties of a technician may vary between veterinarians, clinics, or hospitals. Therefore, it's essential for technicians to have a clear understanding of their role in their respective workplaces.
Some of the necessary skills involved in dealing with sick patients include:
Client Education and Communication Skills
The ability to speak with owners over the phone and in person
The ability to clearly communicate with pet owners during intake, providing accurate information in a manner tailored to their understanding level
The ability to keep clients informed about the status and progress of their animals
The ability to effectively communicate information between the veterinarian and the owner
The ability to articulate invoices or estimates (treatment plans) to clients, ensuring they comprehend the necessity and cost of procedures for their pet's treatment
The ability to discharge a patient and clearly convey essential information for the ongoing care of their animal
The ability to train/instruct owners on how to medicate or perform treatments that may be necessary once the animal is home
Laboratory and Other Diagnostic Skills
The ability to properly collect specimens, including urine, feces, blood, and tissues
The ability to properly submit and package samples to reference laboratories
The ability to perform a complete blood count (CBC) and other basic hematological procedures
The ability to run blood chemistry machines and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs)
The ability to collect cytologic specimens, set up slides, and analyze the slides
The ability to collect samples for bacterial evaluation, set up and read culture and sensitivity tests
The ability to set up, conduct, and process radiographs while prioritizing the safety of all individuals and animals present
The ability to prepare and restrain patients for other diagnostic imaging techniques, including ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography(CT) scans
The ability to prepare the patient, set up and clean equipment, and restrain patients for endoscopic procedures
The ability to prepare the patient and equipment for other specialized diagnostic procedures
Treatment Skills
The ability to place intravenous catheters (IVCs) in veins, including cephalic, lateral saphenous, and jugular veins
The ability to prepare fluid bags and medications
The ability to calculate the patient's fluid rate
The ability to administer medications through routes including injection, oral, and topical
The ability to isolate infectious materials and prevent further spread of contagious diseases
The ability to maintain patient comfort and ensure clean living conditions
The ability to advocate for the patient and prioritize their best interests above all else
Other Skills
The ability to perform dosage calculations and other critical veterinary calculations
The ability to induce the patient for surgery, maintain and monitor anesthesia, prepare the patient for surgery, and assist the veterinarian in surgery
The ability to sterilize instruments, prepare surgical packs, and maintain sterility
The ability to restrain patients for examinations and procedures, ensuring the safety of the animal and all persons involved
The ability to lift patients onto exam tables, into and out of cages, and help patients ambulate if they are unable to
The ability to perform euthanasia or aid in the process
The ability to maintain patient records and hospital logs
The ability to log and track controlled substances
The ability to triage patients and manage multiple animals concurrently
There are other additional skills and duties that will be discussed with specific pathologies and highlighted by “Technician Duty” boxes.
Diagnosis
The word “diagnosis” literally means “a state of complete knowledge” and labels the patient's condition.
Types of diagnosis include:
A
presumptive diagnosis
is the identification of the likely cause of disease.
A
definitive diagnosis
is the identification of the definite cause of the disease. This type of diagnosis involves diagnostic testing.
A
differential diagnosis
is a list of possible diseases the patient could have. Testing will aid in ruling diseases out and narrowing down the list.
What comprises a diagnosis, and how does the technician contribute? Rarely do patients exhibit signs so unmistakable that veterinarians can immediately discern their illness. Attaining a diagnosis requires effort, involving a systematic process. Initially, a history is gathered, followed by a physical examination. This process generates a list of problems, aiding the veterinarian in forming a differential diagnosis. Diagnostic testing or imaging helps eliminate potential conditions. Technicians are instrumental throughout as the process extends beyond diagnosis. They administer treatment initiated by the veterinarian, maintain client communication during the animal's hospitalization, and provide further education upon discharge. Thus, veterinary technicians are integral to the entire process.
Immunity
Immunity is the ability of the body to fight off disease and can be categorized in several ways.
Nonspecific immunity/resistance is the general protection that does not initiate a response against a specific pathogen. Mucous membranes provide the first line of defense, and the skin provides a physical barrier. Innate immunity, including inflammation, fever, antimicrobial proteins, and phagocytes, is the body's second line of defense. Specific immunity/resistance is the body's third line of defense, giving the body the ability to target and destroy specific antigens. Specific immunity involves lymphocytes that produce antibodies and memory cells.
Active immunity is formed when the body is allowed to create its own antibodies against a pathogen. Examples of active immunity include antibodies formed when the body is exposed to a disease or a vaccine. Passive immunity is produced when the body receives preformed antibodies such as colostrum or plasma.
Cellular Immunity (cell‐mediated immunity) is immunity involving the activation of T cell lymphocytes. These T cells have different functions:
Cytotoxic T cells
have the ability to attach to the antigen and attack it
Helper T cells
enhance the activities of other immune responses
Suppressor T cells
aid in control of the immune response
Memory T cells
create a memory of the antigen for a quicker response with the second exposure
Humoral immunity involves the production of antibodies from B cell lymphocytes. B cells transform into plasma cells, creating antibodies that neutralize the pathogen, prevent cell attachment, immobilize bacteria, and enhance phagocytosis. Antibodies formed are for specific antigens and initiate memory B cells that create a quicker response in future exposures.
Factors Involved in Infectious Disease
How can two animals come in contact with a disease in their environment, and only one gets sick? The answer involves factors or variables involved with each patient and circumstance. First are host factors, which deal with the patients themselves. Age, nutritional status, health status, medications, immunization status, and stress affect how well a patient's immune system will protect them. Next are environmental factors, which involve temperature, humidity, and sanitation. Lastly, agent factors involve the micro‐organism. Virulence, mode of transmission, and the amount of exposure needed aid in determining how a patient's immune system will react to each pathogen.
Common Terminology Necessary for Understanding Pathology
Pathology—
The study of disease
Homeostasis
—The ability of an organism to maintain its internal environment within specific constant ranges
Disease—
Any changes in the state of health disrupting homeostasis
Local disease—
A disease that affects a small area or part of the body
Systemic disease—
A disease that affects several organs/tissues or body systems
Infection—
Invasion and multiplication of a micro‐organism in body tissues
Infectious disease—
A disease caused by a micro‐organism
Contagious infectious disease—
An infectious disease that can be passed from one animal to another
Zoonotic Disease—
An infectious disease that can be passed from animal to man
Bacterial translocation—
The movement of bacteria or bacterial products across the intestinal lining to enter the lymphatics or peripheral blood circulation
Pathogen—
An infectious agent or micro‐organism
Prognosis
—The estimate of the likely outcome of Disease
Incubation period—
The period of time from when a pathogen enters the body until signs of disease occur
Subclinical or unapparent infection—
An infection where clinical signs are not able to be observed
Carrier—
A living organism that serves as host to an infection yet shows no clinical signs of the disease
Reservoir
—A carrier or alternative host that maintains an organism in the environment
Latent infection—
An infection where the individual does not show signs of disease unless under stressful conditions
Vector—
Anything that transmits a contagious infectious disease
Biological vector—
An organism in whose body a micro‐organism develops or multiplies prior to entering the definitive host
Mechanical vector—
An organism that transmits a micro‐organism by moving it from one location to another
Fomite—
An inanimate object that transmits a contagious infectious disease
Endemic—
A disease that is present in the community at all times
Mortality—
The number of deaths among exposed or infected individuals
Morbidity—
A ratio of sick to well in a population refers to how contagious a disease is
Clinical sign—
Objective changes an observer can see or measure in a patient
Symptom—
Subjected changes that are not obvious to the observer requiring the patient to report them
Pathognomonic sign—
A hallmark sign or one that is unique to a particular disease
Resistance—
The ability to ward off disease (immune)
Susceptibility—
The lack of immunity or vulnerability to disease
Palliative—
Relieving clinical signs/symptoms without curing disease
Vaccine—
An immunization against a viral agent
Core vaccine—
A vaccine that is required for all animals of the species it is manufactured for, usually due to high morbidity and high mortality.
Noncore vaccine—
An optional vaccine based on the animal’s risk factors for coming in contact with and/or contracting that disease.
Bacterin—
An immunization against a bacterial agent
Horizontal disease transmission—
Transmission of disease among unrelated animals that can occur through direct contact or vectors (horizontal disease transmission occurs when an animal comes in contact with a disease in their environment).
Vertical disease transmission—
Transmission of disease from parent to offspring in the period prior to birth or immediately after birth (examples of vertical disease transmission include transplacental transmission of disease or transmission through colostrum or lactation).
Disinfection
Disinfection is one of the most critical tasks technicians will perform when it comes to protecting the patient, client, and anyone in the veterinary hospital. Yet, we don’t often do it correctly. Inappropriate disinfection can lead to infectious disease outbreaks, risking the practice. Disease outbreaks risk the hard‐earned reputation the practice has worked hard to establish in the community, put veterinarians at risk of malpractice lawsuits, and may require the practice to take on the cost of caring for patients who become ill within their walls.
First, it is crucial to discern the difference between cleaning and disinfecting, as both are essential processes but are different. Cleaning uses a detergent (soap) and water to remove dirt, debris, and microbes physically. Disinfection, conversely, is using a chemical to kill, deactivate, or significantly reduce the number of micro‐organisms on a surface. The two terms are often used interchangeably, and the processes are frequently mixed into one step. It is common to spray disinfectant on a dirty surface and immediately wipe the chemical and debris off it. Instead, we must first ensure the surface is cleaned of organic material. In our veterinary practices, organic material is prevalent, even if not visible to the naked eye; whether it be dirt, feces, dander, or other material, we must get it off the surface for two reasons:
Organic material will often deactivate many disinfectants
Organic material usually acts as a physical barrier that will block the disinfectant from reaching the surface it is supposed to be acting on
Once the surface has been cleaned, it can be disinfected using the appropriate protocol.
Other common mistakes in disinfecting include:
Not diluting disinfectants properly
Many disinfectant chemicals are bought as concentrates that must be diluted. “Eyeballing,” the color of a diluted liquid in spray bottles, is fast and easy but inaccurate. All concentrated disinfectants come with instructions on how to dilute them. These instructions must be followed to the tee, which means measuring out specific volumes and resisting the urge to “guesstimate” the water‐to‐concentrated disinfectant ratio. Chemicals that are too dilute won’t work as they should, and those that are too concentrated can be dangerous.
Not knowing/tracking expiration dates of disinfectant bottles
Not only should you pay attention to the expiration date of the concentrated chemical, but dilutions are only stable for a set time period as well. Most chemicals, once diluted, are only good for a day or two at the most. Using chemicals beyond their stated expiration date will do as much good as wiping our surfaces down with water alone.
Topping off disinfectant bottles
Although topping off bottles may seem proactive, it is another common mistake. Once a chemical is diluted in a secondary container, do not top it off to keep it full. Adding to already diluted bottles means that the concentration is not likely what it should be. If the chemical in the container is close to expiring, the new diluted disinfectant will not work as well once mixing has happened. Always use the bottle until it is empty or empty the bottle of all contents, wash it out, and start fresh to ensure the disinfectant is at its full strength with a known expiration date.
Mixing chemicals/disinfectants
Mix only the concentrated chemical with the appropriate diluent listed in the instructions, and don’t add any other chemicals to the mixture. For example, some practices may mix scents or essential oils into disinfectants to make the practice smell better. Although smell is important, this will inactivate the disinfectant, putting patients at risk. The same thing goes for mixing soaps with disinfectants. If something is washed with soap and then isn’t thoroughly rinsed before adding a disinfectant to that surface, the chemicals can mix and potentially emit a toxic gas.
Not knowing or meeting disinfectant contact times
Time is of the essence when the day is busy, and turning that exam room, surgery table, or even cage is vital to keep your workflow moving smoothly and quickly. However, each chemical requires a specific time in which it must remain wet on the surface of the object being disinfected to be able to do its job entirely. The contact time for many veterinary disinfectants ranges from 30 seconds to up to 10 minutes. The labels must be read, the specific contact time for each chemical must be understood, and teams must be trained to allow that time. If a chemical with a contact time of five minutes is sprayed on an exam room table and immediately wiped dry, we have done very little to protect the next patient touching that table.
Not choosing the proper disinfectant
There are many chemicals on the market for use in our veterinary practices. Each type of disinfectant will work better on some micro‐organisms than others. Choosing the wrong one will result in some organisms not being deactivated/killed. For example, a quaternary ammonium compound will easily kill gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria but is useless in killing most viruses. Ensuring the proper choice of disinfectant for practices is essential, and that might include needing more than one based on the situation/micro‐organism. An exam table where a parvo puppy was examined will be disinfected differently than a treatment table where a cat with a cat bite abscess was treated.
Missing high‐touch surfaces when it comes to disinfection
Many high‐touch areas in the practice should be disinfected regularly but get missed. These include door handles, pens, computers, phones, cage handles, washing machine handles, etc. These surfaces will all act as fomites, contributing to the transmission of disease.
Further Reading
“2018 AAHA Infection Control, Prevention, and Biosecurity Guidelines.” Accessed March 2024.
https://www.aaha.org/aaha‐guidelines/infection‐control‐configuration/aaha‐infection‐control‐prevention‐and‐biosecurity‐guidelines/
.
“Biology‐Online Dictionary.” Accessed February 27, 2013.
http://www.biology‐online.org/dictionary/Main_Page
.
Leifer, Michelle. “What Do Veterinary Technicians Do?” Vetstreet. Accessed February 27, 2013.
http://www.vetstreet.com/learn/what‐do‐veterinary‐technicians‐do
.
Levinson, W. (2004) Immunology. In:
Medical Microbiology & Immunology: Examination & Board Review
. New York: Lange Medical Books/McGraw‐Hill.
“Medical Dictionary.” Accessed February 27, 2013.
http://medical‐dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/
.
2Canine Infectious Disease
Numerous infectious agents are ubiquitous in the environment with which dogs come into contact. While most can be handled by the immune system, various factors can compromise this defense, as detailed in Chapter 1. Although vaccines can safeguard many dogs, cases of these infections still bring patients to veterinary clinics.
Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) or Hard Pad Disease
Description
Distemper virus is a highly contagious systemic infection caused by an enveloped RNA virus within the paramyxoviridae family. Belonging to the morbillivirus genus, it is closely related to the human measles virus. While primarily affecting domestic dogs and ferrets, transmission can also involve wildlife such as skunks, minks, raccoons, coyotes, wolves, and foxes. Notably, it is susceptible to common disinfection methods due to its relatively fragile nature in the environment. The incubation period for the distemper virus is approximately 2 weeks.
Transmission
The main transmission route for distemper is through aerosolization. Respiratory secretions contain the virus, although all other secretions should be considered contagious as well.
Distemper can be passed from mother to fetus across the placenta.
Clinical Signs
The highest rate of infection is among young, unvaccinated puppies.
Dogs with distemper may have a fever accompanying the disease.
Respiratory signs include severe ocular and nasal discharge and pneumonia (
Figure 2.1
).
Integumentary signs include pustules on the abdomen and hyperkeratosis of the pads and nose. These tissues produce excess keratin, causing a waxy, hard surface, commonly called a “hard pad.”
Vomiting and diarrhea are clinical signs associated with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Dental disorders arise from enamel hypoplasia as the enamel does not properly form when developing teeth in puppies with the infection (
Figure 2.2
).
Figure 2.1 Nasal discharge from a dog with distemper virus.
(Image courtesy of Michael Curran)
Figure 2.2 Enamel Hypoplasia seen as a result of distemper virus.
(Image courtesy of Shawn Douglass)
Seizures are common with distemper. If the dog is exposed to distemper after birth, the seizures may develop during the course of the disease or be delayed 1–3 weeks after recovery from the other clinical signs. These seizures will range from mild to severe. “Chewing gum” seizures and focal seizures in the facial muscles are common.
Tech Box 2.1
Distemper is one of the most common causes of seizures in puppies less than 6 months old.
Puppies exposed to distemper before birth will develop seizures within the first few weeks of life in the absence of other clinical signs.
Diagnosis
Distemper is most commonly diagnosed based on presenting clinical signs, physical exam, and history.
Radiographs can be used to diagnose pneumonia (
Figure 2.3
).
Reference lab testing includes polymerase chain reaction (PCR), antibody titers, and immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA).
In‐house testing includes distemper antigen test kits and routine laboratory work (
Table 2.1
), although the lab values are not definitive. Distemper inclusions can be found in the red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) of infected patients (
Figure 2.4
) on a routine blood film.
Figure 2.3 Radiograph of a puppy with pneumonia (a) lateral (b) ventral/dorsal.
(Images courtesy of Brandy Sprunger)
Table 2.1 Distemper Laboratory Work
Morphology changes on blood film
Inclusions found in RBC and WBC: Dark purple round to oval inconsistent size
Blood cell count changes
Leukopenia first 3–6 days of infection
PCV/TP
Increase due to hemoconcentration
Blood chemistry
Hypoglycemia due to anorexia and vomiting
Electrolytes
Imbalances due to dehydration and anorexia
Urine changes
Increase in USG due to dehydration
Figure 2.4 Blood film with distemper inclusions in (a) RBCs (b) WBCs. Stained in routine hematology stain (Diff Quik).
(Images courtesy of Tammy Schneider)
Treatment
Treatment is supportive care targeted at the patient’s clinical signs.
Treatment includes intravenous (IV) fluids, correction of electrolyte imbalances, anticonvulsants, and oxygen therapy. Antimicrobials may be used to prevent and treat secondary bacterial infections.
Even with treatment, the disease will most often be fatal.
Client Education and Technician Tips
Distemper is one of the leading causes of death in unvaccinated dogs.
Vaccination, isolation, and sanitation are vital in preventing the spread.
High‐risk young puppies can be given a human measles vaccine. This offers cross‐protection as the antibodies formed will recognize the distemper virus but will not interfere with maternal distemper antibodies.
If a dog survives distemper, they may have lifelong problems, including dental and central nervous system (CNS) (seizure) problems.
Tech Box 2.2
With distemper, the long‐term prognosis is questionable. The patient may not recover from neurological clinical signs.
“Old dog encephalopathy” (ODE) is a condition seen in surviving dogs as they age. The virus remains long term in their brain tissue and can cause encephalitis. It is important to note that these dogs are not contagious and will not develop any other signs of distemper. Dogs with ODE will exhibit CNS signs such as seizures, ataxia, and head pressing.
Canine Parvovirus Type 2 (CPV‐2)
Description
Canine parvovirus type 2, an extremely contagious virus, induces severe acute gastroenteritis in dogs. CPV‐2 affects both domestic and wild canids. This nonenveloped DNA virus belongs to the Parvoviridae family, which encompasses viruses affecting numerous species; however, CPV‐2 remains species‐specific. Clinical signs in dogs typically manifest within 4–9 days post‐exposure. Viruses within the Parvoviridae family are known for their resilience, with CPV‐2 surviving in the environment for approximately a year or possibly longer. Despite its durability against disinfectants, extreme temperatures, and pH variations, diluted bleach effectively eradicates the virus on hard surfaces.
Transmission
Parvovirus is spread through the feces. Dogs are infected via the fecal‐oral route. The virus is spread through direct contact with the infected dog, feces, or vectors, especially fomites.
The virus is shed in the feces of infected dogs for up to 3 days before the onset of clinical signs and up to 3 weeks post‐recovery.
Parvovirus initially replicates in the lymphoid tissue of the oral cavity and pharynx and then spreads to the bloodstream. The virus attacks rapidly dividing tissue or cells, including the bone marrow, lymphopoietic tissue, and intestinal crypt cells.
Clinical Signs
Common signalment is puppies less than 1 year of age, although the virus cannot be ruled out in older dogs with clinical signs consistent with CPV‐2.
Acute onset of vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and lethargy are common presenting clinical signs. Diarrhea is most often hemorrhagic and has a distinct odor to it.
Fever often accompanies the other clinical signs.
Some dogs can be asymptomatic carriers of parvovirus.
Diagnosis
The most common diagnosis is through an in‐house enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. This test detects the parvovirus antigen in the feces of infected dogs and is considered definitive (
Figure 2.5
).
Reference tests are available but rarely used due to access to in‐house testing.
Laboratory blood testing may help add to the developing diagnosis but is not definitive if used alone (
Table 2.2
).
Tech Box 2.3
A definitive diagnosis of parvovirus is easily obtained in‐house. The testing is readily available, reasonably inexpensive, and will give the owners and veterinarians a quick diagnosis.
Figure 2.5 (a) An IDEXX ELISA test and fecal sample for parvo testing.
(Image courtesy of Amy Johnson)
(b) A positive IDEXX ELISA for CPV‐2 antigen in the feces.
(Image courtesy of Raymond Romero)
Table 2.2 Parvo Laboratory Work
Blood cell count changes
Leukopenia, especially lymphopenia and neutropenia
PCV/TP
Increase due to hemoconcentration
Blood chemistry
Hypoglycemia due to vomiting and anorexia
Electrolytes
Imbalances due to dehydration and anorexia
Urine changes
Increase in USG due to dehydration
Treatment
Treatment is supportive and aims to correct electrolyte and fluid imbalances, stop bacterial translocation and septicemia, and control clinical signs.
Often, dogs with CPV‐2 are removed from oral food, water, or medications until the vomiting subsides. However, many veterinarians advocate parenteral feeding early in treatment. One of the more common ways to deliver EEN is through a nasogastric (NG) tube (
Figure 2.6
a and b). Getting the enterocyte nutrients will speed the patient’s recovery. To make early enteral nutrition (EEN) successful, the patient’s vomiting must be controlled.
Parvo puppies present severely dehydrated due to vomiting and diarrhea, making rehydration and electrolyte balance a priority. Ideally, the patients will receive IV crystalloid fluid therapy, as subcutaneous (SQ) fluids pose a higher risk for infection due to contamination and often cannot keep up with the dog’s hydration needs. Once an IV catheter is placed, replacing it every 48–72 hours is essential to avoid infection and inflammation.
Most clinics use their own “parvo cocktail” to treat patients. These vary but often contain a mixture of crystalloid fluid with dextrose, broad‐spectrum antibiotics, electrolytes, antiemetics, and analgesics. Some may also include immune‐boosting vitamins.
Figure 2.6 (a and b) Nasogastric tubes in dogs used to deliver nutrients to the stomach and intestine.
(Images courtesy of Amy Kaplan‐Zattler, DVM, DACVECC, MRCVS)
A monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment has hit the market and has shown promising results. This mAb is used in conjunction with supportive therapy and is designed to specifically target and neutralize CPV‐2 particles by preventing viral attachment and entry into enteric host cells, lessening clinical signs, and providing quicker recovery.
Dogs with parvo should be hospitalized in an isolation ward. Due to a weakened immune system, these dogs are susceptible to secondary infections. Keeping them in the isolation ward protects them from the infections of other hospitalized patients. This isolation also protects the other patients from infection with the highly contagious parvovirus.
Technician Duty Box 2.1
Keeping parvo patients and their cages clean and free of urine, feces, and vomit is crucial. This can be difficult based on the amount of diarrhea excreted; the veterinary technician must stay on top of monitoring these patients.
Client Education and Technician Tips
Vaccination, isolation, and sanitation are vital in preventing the spread of this virus.
Tech Box 2.4
Although parvoviruses are very difficult to kill in the environment, dilute bleach will kill the virus on hard surfaces.
Some breeds have been found to be more susceptible than others. These breeds include Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers. These breeds may require an extra vaccine for full protection from the virus.
Most dogs presenting to clinics for parvo are puppies, but we must not overlook that CPV‐2 can also be seen in adult dogs. Unvaccinated or inappropriately vaccinated dogs, old dogs, or dogs with weakened immune systems and vaccine failures may be at risk for CPV‐2.
Most dogs that develop and survive parvo will be immune to the disease. Owners do not need to worry about the dogs re‐infecting themselves when they go home.
With intensive in‐hospital treatment, the prognosis for dogs with CPV‐2 is good.
