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VACCINATION OF YOUR PETS by Dr Liesel van der Merwe  Much work has been done to determine the optimal frequency with which we need to vaccinate our pets – the aim being to minimise the overstimulation of the immune system with foreign substances,   whilst still maintaining protective immunity against disease. Core vaccination is a termRead more

Vaccinations – What is all the fuss about? by Liesel van der Merwe   I am going to try and demystify the whole vaccination process for all you pet owners out there. This will involve me taking some liberties with the exact detail of the immunological process, so to those with a bit more knowledgeRead more

Feline Chlamydophila Feline Chlamydophila (formerly known as Chlamydia) mainly causes conjunctivitis in the cat. Conjunctivitis may be defined as the inflammation of the delicate membranes or conjunctiva that cover the inner surface of the eyelids and over the white part of the eye (the sclera). However, this infectious organism is not responsible for the fullRead more

What is Feline Bortedella? Feline bordetella is a contagious respiratory infection of cats. The symptoms of the disease can be mistaken for a wide variety of other upper respiratory illness in cats or can be overlooked entirely. What Causes Feline Bordetella Infection? Feline bordetella is caused by the bacteria bordetella bronchiseptica. The virus is transmittedRead more

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is closely related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). There is currently no cure for FIV in cats, but many cats live for many years while harboring the virus. The average life expectancy from the time of diagnosis for FIV is about 5 years, but many cats liveRead more

Rabies Rabies is a viral infection of the central nervous system that can affect all mammals, including humans, and is 100% fatal if left untreated. It is transmitted from animal-to-animal or from animal-to-human primarily through the bite of an infected animal. Rabies virus travels in the nerves from the site of the bite to theRead more

Feline Leukemia Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is transmitted from cat to cat via saliva and nasal mucus. It is also commonly transmitted directly from an infected mother to her kittens. Cats in direct contact with one another are the most likely to transmit the disease. This virus suppresses a cat’s immune system much like AIDSRead more

Feline Herpesvirus & Feline Calicivirus Feline Herpesvirus (causative agent of Feline Infectious Rhinotracheitis) & Feline Calicivirus (causative agent of Feline Influenza) are two of the three feline respiratory infections against which the feline 3-in-1 vaccine protects. The clinical signs of these diseases may include runny eyes, runny nose, ulcers of mouth and tongue, coughing, sneezing,Read more

Feline Herpesvirus Feline Herpesvirus (causative agent of Feline Infectious Rhinotracheitis) & Feline Calicivirus (causative agent of Feline Influenza) are two of the three feline respiratory infections against which the feline 3-in-1 vaccine protects. The clinical signs of these diseases may include runny eyes, runny nose, ulcers of mouth and tongue, coughing, sneezing, fever, pneumonia, lossRead more

Feline Panleukopenia Virus (AKA Feline Distemper) Feline Panleukopenia Virus (causative agent of Feline Distemper) is a widespread and highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, immune suppression, anemia and death. The virus affects mostly young cats, although cats of any age may be infected. This disease can be fatal in cats of allRead more