DOMESTIC ANIMALSHighly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a severe, systemic and highly contagious viral disease of poultry. No single clinical sign is unique to HPAI, and the disease can present in several ways depending on the virus strain, the species of bird, the age of the flock and environmental conditions.
DOMESTIC ANIMALSBody temperature can provide an early warning of disease in cattle, including bovine respiratory disease, before obvious clinical signs develop. However, fever does not automatically justify antibiotic treatment. Responsible prescribing requires identifying the underlying cause, assessing disease severity and determining whether antimicrobial therapy is warranted.
COMPANION ANIMALSChronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in older cats, yet early disease may produce few or no obvious clinical signs. Reported prevalence ranges from 28%-81% in cats >12-years of age, making CKD one of the most frequently diagnosed diseases in this population. CKD is also a significant cause of mortality in older cats.
COMPANION ANIMALSThe Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) Initiative, a nonprofit organisation and global leader in evidence-based veterinary cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines and training, has released the first evidence- and consensus-based first aid recommendations for dogs and cats developed through a systematic and transparent evaluation process.
COMPANION ANIMALSCanine diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterised by hyperglycaemia caused by inadequate insulin secretion and/or impaired insulin action, affecting approximately 0.26–1.33% of dogs. Most affected dogs require lifelong insulin therapy, creating a significant owner burden and need for ongoing veterinary care.
DOMESTIC ANIMALSEl Niño is a natural climate pattern that shifts global atmospheric circulation, and in South Africa it typically brings below-normal summer rainfall and higher-than-normal temperatures.