Uterine Adenocarcinoma in Rabbits

Female pet rabbits in Singapore are commonly affected by a condition known as uterine adenocarcinoma. Simply put– it is the presence of a tumour that develops into cancer in the uterus. It may be difficult to spot the early signs as rabbits are known to “hide” their symptoms– a primitive behaviour developed as a prey animal to avoid becoming a bigger target to predators. Some telling signs that your rabbit may be affected by uterine adenocarcinoma are; 

• Blood in the urine or bloody vaginal discharge– indicative of urinary tract infections. 
• In breeding rabbits, stillborn kits or abortion are possible signs. 
• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy 
• Reduced fecal production 
• Chronic weight loss. 

Other signs will depend on where the cancer cells have spread. If the cancer has spread to the lungs, breathing difficulties or increased breathing rate will be seen. Acute fractures of the limbs or spine may happen if there is cancer spread to the bones.  

Suspect your pet rabbit may be affected by uterine adenocarcinoma?  Read further as we take a deep dive into the condition and how it may impact your furry friend. 

What is uterine adenocarcinoma?

Uterine adenocarcinoma is the most common uterine tumour in female rabbits. The estimated incidence of uterine adenocarcinoma is 4% in rabbits less than 3 years and increases to 80% by 6 years of age. 

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) is a non-cancerous uterine condition that commonly occurs in female rabbits which are less than 3 years old. It is often found together with uterine adenocarcinoma, which suggests that it may be a pre-cancerous state. However, CEH is not found in all cases of adenocarcinoma. 

Spreading (metastasis) of cancer cells from the uterus can occur to the surrounding abdominal organs through direct spread or via the blood and lymphatics to distant sites. The common metastatic areas are the lungs, liver, spleen, kidney, lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. The possibility of metastasis ranges from 20-80%. 

How is uterine adenocarcinoma diagnosed?

Any unsterilised, middle-aged to older rabbit will raise the suspicion of uterine adenocarcinoma if they are unwell as the clinical signs can be very vague and unspecific as mentioned above. A veterinarian should be able to palpate an enlarged and painful mass in the abdomen and call for an abdominal ultrasound to investigate the mass.

On an abdominal ultrasound, an enlarged uterus with thickened and irregular walls is highly suspicious of cancer. However, in some cases, CEH may have a similar appearance. The other abdominal organs can also be examined during the ultrasound to check for any metastatic growth. 

A definitive diagnosis can only be obtained by doing a biopsy of the uterus. Radiographs may be able to see an enlarged uterus but an abdominal ultrasound is more sensitive. If the abdominal mass is confirmed to be arising from the uterus after an abdominal ultrasound, radiographs to check on whether there has been metastasis to the lungs will be advisable.

What are the treatment options for rabbit uterine adenocarcinoma?

A surgery called ovariohysterectomy (also known as a spay) to remove the ovaries and the entire uterus is the best treatment. A biopsy is highly recommended as a visual inspection of the affected organ is not an accurate way to diagnose cancer. 

Unfortunately, if the cancer is found to have spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy is currently not an option for rabbits. These rabbits can only be treated with palliative care until the end of life. 

What is the aftercare for rabbit uterine adenocarcinoma?

If your rabbit was unwell before the surgery, hospitalisation for intravenous fluids, pain relief and force-feeding may be required after the surgery for a few days until she looks more comfortable.

For the fortunate rabbits who have surgery done before any noticeable spread of cancer, regular checkups with radiographs (X-rays) of the thorax and abdomen are required every 3-6 months to monitor for metastasis. 

What is the prognosis (potential outcome) for rabbit uterine adenocarcinoma?

Prognosis is good for rabbits which undergo surgery before any metastasis is detected.

How do I prevent rabbit uterine adenocarcinoma?

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund of the United Kingdom recommend neutering for all female pet rabbits. 

Neutering or spaying your female rabbit when she is at least 6 months old is the best way of protecting your rabbit. Spaying also helps to prevent mammary cancers, pyometra (infected uterus) and unwanted pregnancies. 

What is Canine Parvovirus?

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious, potentially fatal, gastrointestinal disease. It is a formidable infectious disease, mainly affecting puppies (from 10 weeks to 6 months of age), and unvaccinated dogs. Although there are no studies that highlight the prevalence of canine parvovirus in Singapore, cases reported by local veterinary practices indicate that the 2 strains of the canine parvovirus that are predominant in Singapore are CPV-2a and CPV-2B.

Canine parvoviruses are hardy viruses that can survive extreme temperatures and are resistant to many disinfectants– thriving anywhere from months to years. However, these viruses are vulnerable to disinfectants like potassium peroxymonosulfate, and dilute bleach solutions.

Why are Puppies More Susceptible to Canine Parvovirus?

Puppies that are younger than 6 months old are more susceptible to canine parvovirus because their immune systems are not fully developed. However, the risk of contracting the disease is slightly less if the mother was vaccinated for parvovirus canine, as they may be protected by their mother’s antibodies. On the other hand, they do pose a high risk of contracting the disease if the mother is unvaccinated. That is why dog owners should refrain from bringing their puppies to:

• Animal shelters.
• Dog hotels or dog boardings.
• Dog parks.
• Obedience classes.

Whilst cumbersome, these precautionary measures are necessary to limit interactions with other dogs that may be carriers of CPV.

How is Canine Parvovirus Transmitted?

Transmission of CPV occurs via oronasal exposure to CPV-contaminated stools. This means that if your dog sniffs or licks an infected dog’s stools, they may get infected. CPV can also be transmitted via virus-contaminated surfaces (e.g. shoes, clothes or hands of a human who has been in contact with an infected dog) as it is capable of surviving for long periods under the right environmental conditions. Additionally, a pregnant dog which is infected with CPV can also transmit the virus to her foetus.

Symptoms of Canine Parvovirus

When a dog is infected with CPV there is an incubation period of 7-14 days, after which clinical signs progress rapidly. CPV has a predilection for rapidly growing in the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, and heart muscle (myocardium). Some of the common symptoms indicating the proliferation of the virus include;

• Profuse watery diarrhoea, which often progresses to bloody diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite 
• Fever 

Unfortunately, these symptoms are considered universal as they overlap with other types of health conditions that can affect dogs.  Thus,  it is imperative for you to bring your dog to the vet as soon as symptoms are presented to allow prompt intervention and prevent disease progression. 

How Canine Parvovirus Affects Dogs 

When the virus replicates in the bone marrow, it reduces the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A reduction in white blood cells can be detrimental, as these cells are responsible for fighting infections. As such, a decrease in numbers will make the puppy more susceptible to sepsis, and widespread inflammation within the body. 

Sepsis can, in turn, cause widespread coagulopathies (clotting problems), which can be fatal. The puppy may also become anaemic due to loss of blood in the diarrhoea, and decreased production of red blood cells from the bone marrow.

Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), on the other hand, is more likely to develop in puppies who are younger than 6 weeks old or when a dog is infected while pregnant. Although not common, some puppies may die from congestive heart failure a few weeks to months after presumptive recovery from CPV infection.

How is Canine Parvovirus Diagnosed?

A veterinarian may suspect a CPV infection if your dog has not been fully vaccinated and is showing common clinical signs associated with CPV. CPV can be easily tested with in-clinic tests, which detect the viral antigen in a fresh stool sample. False positives may sometimes occur in puppies that have been vaccinated recently. On the other hand, false negatives can occur early in the course of the disease, as the amount of viral shedding is not high yet.

What are the treatments for Canine Parvovirus?

Treatment for CPV is mainly supportive, and will usually require hospitalisation with intensive care. Treatment goals are to correct dehydration, control secondary infections, medicate to stop nausea, and diarrhoea, and administer adequate nutritional support. Where necessary, antibiotics may be administered intravenously or as injections, to address secondary infections in the intestines. 

The best recommendation for improving a dog’s survival rate is intervention in the early stages. As viral infections do not have a definitive cure per se, supplementing your dog’s natural immune system with the necessary tools is pertinent to improving the chances of recovery. 

Can I treat Canine Parvovirus at home?

Since CPV infection is a viral gastrointestinal infection, there are no home remedies that are available to treat dogs for CPV infection. In viral conditions such as CPV  veterinarians often treat the symptoms to facilitate and support the dogs’ recovery as opposed to “curing” them of the disease. That is why visiting a licensed veterinarian, and admitting your dog to an animal hospital secures their chances of recovery. 

Canine Parvovirus be Prevented?

Canine parvovirus vaccination, and hygiene are the best prevention steps against CPV infection. Additionally, canine parvovirus is also considered a core vaccination,  defined as vaccines recommended for all dogs, irrespective of lifestyle (unless there is a specific medical reason not to vaccinate). For puppies, a full vaccination protocol starts when they are at least 6 weeks old and continues monthly until they are 16 weeks old. 

Puppies, and dogs that have not been fully vaccinated should not be allowed to go outdoors. This includes no outdoor walks and no interaction with other dogs who have not been up-to-date on vaccination. These precautions, though they may be deemed extreme by some, are necessary as CPV is a very resistant virus. 

Additionally, vaccination for pregnant dogs helps to protect both the mother as well as her foetuses. This is especially necessary if your pregnant dog has insufficient antibodies to fight the virus. 

Aside from routinely disposing of your dogs’ faecal matter, it is just as important for you to disinfect your home, especially because CPV has a long survival rate on a multitude of surfaces. Fortunately, they are vulnerable to bleach, which is an inexpensive, yet highly effective disinfectant that can be found in almost every household. By mixing a cup of bleach with approximately 4 litres of water, you will have an indispensable solution that effectively kills CPV, so long as there is at least 10 minutes of contact time between the surface and the solution.

How Many Shots of Canine Parvovirus Vaccination Do Puppies Need?

Vaccination starts at 6-8 weeks old, then monthly until 14-16 weeks old. All of these shots are essential to ensuring that your puppies are well-protected against CPV infections.

It is highly discouraged for you to miss or delay a shot for over 4 weeks, as it puts your puppies at risk of contracting the disease. In the event a booster shot is either missed or delayed for more than 6 weeks, then an additional booster will be administered 3 weeks following the continuation of the immunisation schedule.

Can a Dog Get Canine Parvovirus Twice in Its Lifetime?

Once your dog has been infected with CPV, it is highly unlikely that they will contract the disease a second time. This is because your dogs already have the necessary antibodies to fight off the infection in their system. Be that as it may, they still pose a risk of infecting other dogs with CPV infection for about 2 weeks after they have been discharged from the animal hospital. As such, you should isolate your dog during this time frame to prevent the virus from spreading.

After learning how fatal CPV infections can be, and how vital it is to ensure your dogs are vaccinated, Dr. Paws Vet Care strongly encourage all dog owners to ensure their canine friends’ vaccinations are up-to-date. 

When it comes to feline health, an often overlooked disease that demands attention and care is the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), a close relative of the well-known Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). While not a household name, FIV poses a massive threat to our feline friends, particularly those who roam outdoors.

As an insidious viral infection, FIV quietly infiltrates a cat's immune cells and progressively compromises its natural defence mechanisms. Unlike some viral infections, FIV doesn't directly lead to fatal outcomes but causes secondary infections that exploit the cat's weakened immune system. FIV-infected cats ultimately succumb to secondary infections caused by a weakened immune system rather than due to the virus itself.  

How is FIV transmitted? 

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is primarily transmitted through bite wounds due to aggressive behaviour commonly associated with territorial disputes and mating activities among outdoor, intact male cats. 

The virus is present in high concentrations in the saliva of infected cats, and when an FIV-positive cat bites another cat, the virus can be introduced into the bloodstream of the bitten cat. However, unlike other infectious diseases in cats, FIV is not easily transmitted through casual social contact, such as grooming, shared food and water bowls, or urine and faeces. 

Furthermore, mother-to-kitten transmission of FIV can occur, but it is relatively uncommon. Kittens born to an FIV-positive mother may become infected during birth or through the ingestion of breast milk. 

However, not all kittens born to FIV-positive mothers will contract the virus, and this transmission tends to happen only if the FIV-positive mothers have a high viral load. Though relatively uncommon, a pregnant FIV-infected cat may miscarry or give rise to a stillborn in some extreme cases.

What are the clinical signs of FIV infection?

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) manifests in distinct stages, and each phase has a different facet of the infection. It's crucial to note that not all cats will go through every stage, and some may remain asymptomatic throughout their infected lives.

Stage 1: The Acute Phase

During the acute phase, a cat has recently contracted FIV. At this stage, the virus enters the vital immune organs, such as lymph nodes, and through white blood cells, it disseminates to other organs, including the bone marrow, brain, and lungs.

The clinical signs may include lethargy, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes. However, some cats may exhibit no outward symptoms during this stage.

Stage 2: The Latent Phase

Following the acute phase, the infected cat enters a latent phase, usually characterised by an absence of observable symptoms. This period can persist for varying durations, ranging from months to years. Despite the absence of clinical signs, the virus quietly persists within the cat's system and prepares itself for the next stage.

Stage 3: AIDS-Related Complex (ARC) Phase

The AIDS-related complex (ARC) phase marks a critical juncture in FIV progression. At this stage, the infected cat experiences a progressive immune system compromise and becomes susceptible to various secondary infections.

These infections can manifest in various organs and lead to complications in the eyes, gums, lungs, skin, or even the development of tumours. The ARC phase often surfaces years after the initial infection, highlighting the slow and insidious nature of FIV's impact on feline health.

How is FIV diagnosed? 

Accurate diagnosis plays a significant role in managing Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV); therefore, we provide an in-clinic test kit that can test for antibodies against FIV antigen. The diagnostic process involves testing for antibodies against the FIV antigen, which requires only a small blood sample from your cat. 

However, as the FIV test detects antibodies, cats previously vaccinated against FIV will test positive. To overcome this, it is recommended that cats undergo FIV testing before receiving their first vaccination. This precaution ensures that subsequent tests accurately differentiate between a naturally infected cat and one that has been vaccinated.

For kittens under 6 months old who test positive, caution is advised as maternal-advised antibodies in their blood might yield a positive result, but it doesn't necessarily indicate actual infection. Retesting is recommended after 6 months, as maternal immunity wanes, providing a clearer picture of the cat's FIV status. Persistent positivity after this age indicates the cat has encountered an FIV infection.

False negatives can occur under specific circumstances. Recent infections may yield inaccurate results as it takes time for antibodies to develop, typically around 60 days. Moreover, some cats may exhibit a delayed response and require up to 4 months to develop sufficient antibodies for detection.

In cases of end-stage disease, cats may have such low antibody levels that they fall below the test's detection threshold, which may result in false negatives.

How do I take care of an FIV-positive cat? 

Discovering that your cat is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) positive can be pretty disheartening, but with informed care and attention, your feline companions can lead fulfilling lives despite no cure for this infection. 

While the latent (asymptomatic) phase duration remains unpredictable, it's reassuring to know that FIV-infected cats have the potential to live up to their expected lifespan with the proper care.

Keep your cats indoors

The first step in caring for FIV-positive cats is to create a safe and comfortable indoor environment, as this can reduce the risk of exposure to potential infections and minimise the chances of injury from outdoor hazards. We recommend providing stimulating toys and ensuring fun indoor activities to keep your cats engaged indoors and enhance their physical and mental well-being. 

Regular veterinary check-ups

A regular veterinary check-up is another crucial step to protect and minimise the chances of FIV-positive cats contracting other infections. These regular follow-ups will help your veterinarian monitor the cat's overall health, detect any emerging issues, and provide timely intervention.

Ensuring a nutritious diet

Ensuring a well-balanced and nutritious diet is essential for supporting the immune system of FIV-positive cats. High-quality cat food, rich in essential nutrients, can improve their overall health. Raw food should be avoided, as this will expose your cat to worms and bacterial infections.

What is Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)? 

Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) is a pervasive infectious disease that affects cats globally. Beyond its association with leukaemia, this virus is a multifaceted threat and causes immunosuppression and the risk of contracting secondary diseases.

While the name implies a connection to leukaemia, FeLV's impact extends far beyond this specific form of cancer. The virus targets the cat's white blood cells, which may sometimes lead to leukaemia. However, its primary mechanism lies in immunosuppression, which leaves the affected cats vulnerable to various secondary diseases.

FeLV-induced immunosuppression weakens the cat's ability to fend off infections and creates an environment for secondary diseases to flourish. Respiratory infections, dental problems, and gastrointestinal issues are among the health complications that can arise in FeLV-positive cats.

How is FeLV transmitted?  

Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) is primarily transmitted through close contact between cats. The transmission commonly occurs through the following routes:

• Mutual grooming: FeLV can be transmitted when infected cats groom each other. The virus is present in saliva, and an unaffected cat may come into contact with the virus during grooming sessions.
• Shared food and water bowls: FeLV can be present in saliva, and if cats share food and water bowls, there is a risk of virus transmission. This risk factor is particularly relevant in multi-cat households or communal feeding areas.
• Bite wounds: aggressive interactions among cats, such as biting, can lead to the direct transfer of FeLV through saliva. A bite that breaks the skin makes a cat more susceptible to transmission.
• Vertical transmission (from mother to kittens): FeLV can be transmitted from an infected mother cat to her kittens during pregnancy, birth, or through the consumption of infected milk. Kittens born to FeLV-positive mothers are at an increased risk of infection.

However, FeLV is not highly contagious and does not survive for long periods in the environment. However, the risk of transmission is higher in situations where cats have prolonged, close contact, especially in multi-cat households. 

Stages of FeLV Progression

FeLV infection unfolds in three distinct stages: abortive, regressive, and progressive.

Stage 1: Abortive infection

After a cat is infected with FeLV, the virus initially reproduces in the lymphoid tissues of the oropharynx (throat). If the cat's immune system successfully eliminates the virus during this stage, it is classified as having an abortive infection. Most cats with robust immune systems fall into this category.

Stage 2: Regressive infection

If the virus is not cleared at the initial stage of entry to the body, it infects white blood cells and migrates to the bone marrow. In regressive infection, the cat's immune system attempts to control viral replication, although complete elimination is not achieved.

The virus remains in the bone marrow without active replication. Cats in this stage may appear healthy for extended periods, but the virus can reactivate, particularly after stressful events or immunosuppression.

Stage 3: Progressive infection

For cats whose immune systems cannot control or eliminate the virus, FeLV replicates extensively in lymphoid tissues, bone marrow, and epithelial tissues of salivary glands, bladder, and tear glands. Cats with progressive infections shed substantial amounts of virus in their saliva and bodily fluids. This category of cats is more prone to developing FeLV-related diseases.

Understanding these stages is crucial for assessing the potential outcomes of FeLV infection in cats. While some cats can successfully clear the virus, others may enter a state of controlled persistence, and unfortunately, a portion may experience ongoing replication, leading to increased health risks. Regular veterinary monitoring and preventive measures are critical components in managing FeLV-infected cats at each stage of the infection.

What are the clinical signs of FeLV?

Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) infections can manifest in various clinical signs, with distinct presentations depending on the stage of infection.

Cats in the regressive stage may outwardly appear normal, yet the virus can reactivate, particularly during times of stress, and give rise to symptoms. On the other hand, progressive FeLV infection results in multiple health challenges, including the heightened risk of leukaemia, lymphoma, and immunosuppression, making cats susceptible to secondary infections.

Common clinical signs include fever, lethargy, weight loss, and lymph node enlargement, which warrant attention during routine monitoring. Other symptoms include respiratory infections marked by coughing and nasal discharge, oral ulcers that impact eating habits, and gastrointestinal disturbances that lead to vomiting and diarrhoea.

Recognising these clinical cues is crucial for early detection and timely intervention. Cats exhibiting these symptoms, particularly those with a history of FeLV exposure, should undergo immediate veterinary evaluation.

How is FeLV diagnosed?

FeLV can be diagnosed in the clinic with a simple blood test that detects the viral antigen (part of a virus). For regressive cats, as the viral levels in their blood fluctuate depending on whether the virus is in its dormant or reactivated stage, some regressive cats may test negative. 

However, it's essential to note that for regressive cats, whose viral levels can fluctuate depending on whether the virus is in its dormant or reactivated stage, there may be instances where these cats test negative. Therefore, it’s essential to focus on the cat's clinical history, potential exposure, and symptoms and repeat testing for accurate diagnosis, especially in cases where initial results are inconclusive. 

Regular veterinary monitoring and consultation are essential to the diagnostic process and ensuring the well-being of FeLV-infected cats. To ensure the health and well-being of your feline companions, schedule an appointment with Dr Paws Vet Care today! 

What are the treatment options for FeLV-infected cats?

Regrettably, there is currently no cure for the Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV); therefore, it is essential to take proactive measures in its management. A crucial step in safeguarding feline health is testing any newcomer cats before introducing them into a household. This precautionary approach allows for the early identification of FeLV-positive individuals and helps make informed decisions about their integration into a new environment.

While a definitive cure remains elusive, regular testing, preventive strategies, and close collaboration with veterinary professionals can also help minimise the impact of FeLV on feline populations. The vigilance and preventative measures are crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of individual cats and the overall feline community.