Pet care

Endoscopy in dogs and cats: modern diagnostics in veterinary medicine

Endoscopy is a diagnostic technique that is becoming increasingly popular in veterinary medicine. It allows the inside of an animal’s body to be examined in detail without the need for complex, invasive surgery.  At Zviropolis Veterinary Clinic, endoscopic examinations are carried out by qualified veterinarians!

What does an endoscopic examination involve?

1. Inserting the endoscope: the endoscope is introduced through the animal’s natural openings, such as the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, intestines or nose.  In some cases it may also be inserted through small incisions in the skin.
2. Diagnosis: during endoscopy the veterinarian can diagnose a range of conditions, such as:
   • Diseases of the digestive system (e.g. ulcers, polyps, tumours).
   • Breathing problems (e.g. lung disease, changes in the airways).
   • Injuries or abnormalities in the abdominal cavity.
3. Taking samples: the endoscope also makes it possible to take biopsies (tissue samples) for further histopathological examination, which is extremely useful in diagnosing tumours and other serious conditions.
4. Treatment: in some cases endoscopy can also be used to perform simple procedures, such as removing foreign bodies from the digestive tract or treating polyps and ulcers.

5. Anaesthesia: the procedure usually requires general anaesthesia, which keeps the animal still and minimises its discomfort during the examination. 

How to prepare your pet for the procedure

Preparing your animal for endoscopy is a key step that ensures the procedure is safe and effective. 

1. Consultation with a veterinarian: see a vet, who will assess your animal’s health and decide whether endoscopy is necessary

2. Fasting: because general anaesthesia is part of the procedure, animals are usually advised not to eat for 12–24 hours beforehand. It is important not to give any food or treats during this time.

3. Proper hydration: make sure your animal has access to water before fasting begins, but limit the amount for a few hours before arriving at the clinic, as advised by the vet.

4. Observation: watch for any changes in your animal’s behaviour in the run-up to the procedure. This information may prove useful during the consultation with the vet. 

5. Additional tests: at Zviropolis Veterinary Clinic we are committed to providing the highest standard of care, which is why we carry out comprehensive blood tests and, where necessary, echocardiography. This minimises the risk of complications and ensures optimal conditions for the procedure. These tests allow us to assess your pet’s health accurately and choose the appropriate anaesthesia protocol

When is endoscopy indicated?

• Recurrent vomiting or diarrhoea of unknown cause
• Difficulty swallowing or discomfort in the mouth
• Unusual changes in appetite and body weight
• Suspected foreign body in the digestive tract
• Signs of recurrent respiratory infections

The decision to perform endoscopy is always made by the veterinarian on the basis of a thorough clinical examination and analysis of the signs!!!

What are the benefits of an endoscopic examination?

• Less invasive: endoscopy is less invasive than traditional surgery, which means a lower risk of complications and a faster recovery.
• Accuracy: it allows organs and tissues to be examined precisely and, where necessary, samples to be taken directly.
• Faster diagnosis: it helps establish the cause of health problems quickly, which means treatment can start sooner.

Summary

Endoscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing and treating health problems in dogs and cats. This modern veterinary approach makes it possible to establish the cause of an animal’s complaints quickly and effectively, which can greatly improve our pets’ quality of life. Proper preparation of the animal for the procedure is essential, so it is worth consulting a veterinarian for the key information and advice. Let’s look after the health of our four-legged friends together at Zviropolis Veterinary Clinic!

Pet owners are often unaware of the potential dangers that parasites pose. Among the most dangerous are those that can cause neurological damage. Parasitic infection in dogs and cats can lead to serious health problems, including damage to the nervous system, which manifests in a wide range of signs.

Where can a dog or cat pick up parasites?

Dogs and cats can become infected with parasites in many ways, mainly through contact with a contaminated environment. This most often happens during walks in parks or on beaches, where animals may eat contaminated soil or grass. It is important for owners to clean up after their pets regularly to minimise the risk of infection, because the presence of other animals’ faeces increases the likelihood of parasites in the surroundings. In addition, cats, especially those that spend time outdoors, may come into contact with infected rodents or birds, which also exposes them to infection. Regular cleaning and keeping an eye on the environment are key to our pets’ health.

The most dangerous parasites: routes of infection and signs

Toxocara canis, the dog roundworm, and Toxocara cati, the cat roundworm

Toxocara canis is an intestinal parasite belonging to the nematode family and is most commonly found in dogs. The adult worms live in the animal’s intestines, where they lay eggs that are passed in the faeces. These eggs can survive in the environment for a long time, acting as a source of infection for other dogs and, in particular, for puppies.

How does infection occur?

Infection can occur as early as in the womb, via the transplacental route (mainly in dogs), and after birth through the mother’s milk (dogs and cats). Most often, however, animals become infected by ingesting eggs present in a contaminated environment, for example in soil, sand or on grass, where the faeces of infected dogs can remain for a long time. 

The time from ingestion of the eggs to the development of larvae is usually 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the parasite species and environmental conditions. In the case of the dog roundworm (Toxocara canis), swallowed eggs can develop into larvae within the host’s body in around 2–3 weeks. For the cat roundworm (Toxocara cati) this can take up to 4–8 weeks.

What signs appear after parasitic infection in dogs and cats?

The signs of toxocariasis may include seizures, balance problems, weakness and behavioural changes, which point to the parasite’s effect on the nervous system. Veterinarians  may recommend diagnostic tests, including faecal examination, to confirm the presence of parasites. Treatment usually involves antiparasitic medication that eliminates Toxocara from the body. If neurological signs are present, the vet may also prescribe supportive medication, such as anticonvulsants, to minimise the effects of nervous system damage and restore the animal to health.

Neospora caninum

How does infection occur?

Neospora caninum is a parasite belonging to the protozoa. It is mainly responsible for disease in dogs, particularly puppies, and is also a significant problem on farms, where it causes disease in cattle. 

Infection most often occurs through eating meat containing the parasite, but it can also be passed across the placenta or through the mother’s milk. Although neosporosis can occur in animals of any age, most cases are recorded in puppies aged 3 to 5 weeks, in whom the disease runs a fairly acute course. In older dogs neosporosis takes a chronic form.

What signs appear after infection?

Initially the disease is asymptomatic. The prepatent period lasts up to 2 weeks, during which the protozoa multiply mainly in the lungs, liver, pancreas, heart muscle and spinal cord. Only once the parasite has matured and inflammation of the nerves and muscles, along with tissue necrosis, has set in do noticeable signs appear.

In puppies the signs may include paresis or paralysis of the hind limbs, which may spread to the front legs, extensive muscle wasting and stiffness of the limbs, which restricts the pet’s mobility. Puppies may also have difficulty swallowing, diarrhoea and breathing difficulties.

In adult dogs possible signs include altered consciousness, hypermetria, ataxia, intention tremor, cranial nerve deficits, unequal pupils, limb paresis, neck pain and epileptic seizures.

Dirofilaria immitis

How does infection occur?

Dirofilaria immitis, known as heartworm, is a parasite that mainly infects dogs but also cats, although it is less common in the latter. Infection occurs mainly through the bites of infected mosquitoes, which act as intermediate hosts and introduce the parasite’s larvae into the animal’s bloodstream. After infection, the larvae migrate to the heart and large blood vessels, where they develop over 6–9 months into adult worms.

What signs appear after infection?

After infection with Dirofilaria immitis, the signs in animals can vary and develop depending on the severity of the infection and how long the parasite has been established in the body. Although most signs centre on the cardiovascular system, significant neurological signs can also occur, such as:

1. Seizures, resulting from brain damage or an inadequate blood supply to the brain caused by the presence of the parasites.
2.  The infection can lead to problems with coordination, resulting in falls or difficulty moving. Animals may show weakness in the hind or front limbs, which in turn affects their ability to carry out everyday activities.
3. Some dogs may become apathetic, less active or show signs of disorientation, which may suggest damage to the nervous system.

Preventing parasitic infections in dogs and cats

Preventing parasitic infections is a key part of looking after the health of our four-legged friends. Appropriate preventive measures help not only to eliminate existing parasites but also to protect against future infection. 

1. Using antiparasitic products: a wide range of products is available, such as spot-on drops, tablets and collars, which protect against both common and less common parasites such as fleas, ticks and nematodes. They should be used as recommended by your vet and tailored to your animal’s individual needs.
2. Environmental control: cleaning up after your pet on walks is a key element in preventing infection with parasites such as Toxocara, which develop in faeces. Regularly tidying the garden and keeping an eye on the surroundings will help minimise the risk of parasites in your pet’s immediate environment.
3. Avoid contact with wild animals: dogs and cats should have limited contact with wild animals, which may carry various parasites. 
4. Hygiene: keeping the areas where animals spend time clean is important in preventing the spread of parasites. Regularly washing beds, toys and pet accessories will help reduce the risk of infection.
5. Regular veterinary visits: routine visits to the vet, including faecal check-ups and advice on prevention, allow your pet’s health to be monitored on an ongoing basis and any problems, including parasitic infections, to be detected early.

Summary

Parasitic infections such as Toxocara canis, Neospora caninum and Dirofilaria immitis can lead to serious health problems in dogs and cats, including neurological signs. At our Zviropolis Veterinary Clinic we have neurology specialists who can help diagnose parasite-related health problems and put the right treatment in place. Remember that by looking after our pets’ health we also protect ourselves from possible infection. Prevention and good health care are the key to a long, happy life for our animals, and to our own peace of mind and safety.

Introduction

The Singapura is one of the smallest cat breeds in the world, known not only for its distinctive appearance but also for its gentle, sociable nature. Despite its small size, the breed has won recognition among cat lovers around the globe.

Origins

The breed has its roots in Singapore, where its history dates back to the 1970s, when people first began to notice its unique looks and friendly disposition. The breed most likely arose from natural crosses between local cats, and its development was taken up in the 1980s by breeders in the United States such as Margaret E. E. Tully. In 1988 the Singapura was officially recognised by the Cat Fanciers’ Association, which helped it gain popularity worldwide. Today these cats are prized for their small size, elegant appearance and sociable temperament.

What does a Singapura look like?

The Singapura is one of the smallest cat breeds, with a slender, elegant build. Adults usually weigh between 2 and 3.5 kg. The head is rounded with a slightly domed forehead, and the large, wide-set ears have rounded tips. The Singapura’s eyes are an intense golden colour, which gives the face great expressiveness.

The coat is short, dense and silky to the touch, most often in a shade of beige or gold, frequently with darker accents. Small ticked markings on the body are another hallmark of the breed and give it its distinctive look.

What kind of companions are Singapura cats?

Singapura cats are exceptionally sociable and friendly. They are known for their openness towards people and other animals, which makes them ideal companions. They love being the centre of attention and are very sensitive to their owners’ emotions. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, and they can solve simple puzzles, so they tend to be active and curious about the world.

The Singapura’s behaviour can be described as lively and playful. These are high-energy animals that need both mental and physical stimulation. They love interactive games and climbing, and happily accompany their owners in everyday activities. These cats are usually loyal and form strong bonds with family members.

How to care for a Singapura

Caring for a Singapura is relatively simple, mainly thanks to its short coat. 

1. Brushing: regular brushing (once or twice a week) helps remove dead hair and minimise shedding. It is also a good opportunity to check the cat’s skin for unwanted parasites or skin problems.
2. Hygiene: regular checks of the ears and teeth are important. Cleaning debris from the ears and looking after the teeth, whether by brushing or with special dental treats, helps keep the mouth healthy.
3. Bathing: Singapura cats do not need frequent baths unless there is a specific need (for example if they get dirty). Otherwise their grooming mainly consists of regular cleaning.
4. Exercise: providing plenty of activity through a variety of toys and opportunities to climb is essential for keeping the cat healthy and in good condition.
5. Veterinary visits: regular check-ups at the vet, including vaccinations and health assessments, are key to keeping your cat healthy.

Health considerations for the breed

For all their charm and energy, Singapura cats can be prone to a few specific health problems worth knowing about. The most common is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which causes thickening of the heart muscle and increases the risk of heart failure. The breed can also experience urinary tract problems such as cystitis and the formation of urinary stones, which show up as frequent trips to the litter tray and discomfort when urinating. Dental problems, including gum and tooth disease, are also common, so regular oral hygiene is a must. In addition, Singapura cats may be inclined to put on weight, which can lead to a range of health complications, and in some cases they may suffer from hereditary eye defects. That is why it is important for owners of this breed to consult a vet regularly and to look after their cat’s health through a proper diet and good care.

Summary

The Singapura is a delightful breed that combines a small body with a big heart. Its sociability, intelligence and unusual looks make it an ideal companion for active people who love animals. Like any breed, the Singapura needs proper care, but it will certainly repay its owner with unforgettable friendship and devotion.