Diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases (parvovirus, FIP, babesiosis, Lyme disease)
Rapid diagnosis and treatment of viral, bacterial and tick-borne infections — on-site tests, PCR, hospitalisation with fluid therapy when needed.
What it involves
Infectious diseases develop quickly and leave no room for delay: parvovirus can kill a puppy within days, babesiosis damages a dog's kidneys within a week, and FIP in cats was until recently a death sentence. That is why the time from the first symptom to diagnosis and the start of treatment matters.
In our laboratory we carry out rapid antigen tests (parvovirus, Giardia, FeLV/FIV, FIV), a blood count with a blood smear (babesiosis is visible under the microscope) and biochemistry assessing the organs. PCR and serological tests (Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, FIP) are sent to a reference laboratory, and we start treatment without waiting for the result when the clinical picture is clear enough.
Patients in a more serious condition are admitted to our in-patient hospital: fluid therapy using infusion pumps, anti-sickness medication, antibiotics, oxygen, warming and an observation chart. We isolate infectious animals from other patients.
When it is used
Please come in (during opening hours — after phoning, no referral needed) immediately if a puppy or an unvaccinated dog has bloody diarrhoea and vomiting, if a dog is lethargic after a tick bite, has a fever and dark urine, or if a cat has a fever that does not respond to treatment, a swollen abdomen or yellow gums.
We carry out planned testing (FeLV/FIV, Lyme disease, FIP antibodies) in adopted cats or before a new cat is introduced, in dogs with unexplained lameness and fever, and in blood donors and breeding animals.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- A puppy has watery, foul-smelling diarrhoea with blood, is vomiting and refuses to drink.
- A few days after a tick bite, a dog is weak, has a fever, and its urine is as dark as tea.
- A dog's lameness shifts from leg to leg and it has a fever with no obvious cause.
- A young cat has a persistent fever, is losing weight, and its abdomen is becoming large and soft.
- A cat has pale or yellowish gums and is lethargic.
- You have adopted a cat and want it tested before it meets other cats.
- A stray cat has recurring infections and its wounds do not heal.
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
We start with a clinical examination, taking the temperature and assessing dehydration. In the laboratory: a blood count with smear (Babesia, Anaplasma, a fall in white blood cells in parvovirus), biochemistry (kidneys, liver, proteins — crucial in FIP), rapid antigen tests on faeces or blood. We have the result in 15–60 minutes.
If FIP is suspected, we examine fluid from the abdomen or chest (Rivalta test, cytology) and send it for PCR. We confirm Lyme disease by serology; in a dog with lameness and fever we add a urine test, because Lyme disease can damage the kidneys.
How it proceeds
A patient in good condition goes home after diagnosis with medication and instructions; a check-up follows after 2–3 days. For babesiosis, we give the drug on site and check the kidneys at the follow-up.
A dehydrated, vomiting or feverish patient stays in hospital: intravenous cannula, fluid therapy using infusion pumps, anti-sickness medication, antibiotic cover, supportive feeding, monitoring of temperature and blood parameters. A puppy with parvovirus stays in an isolation room, usually for 3–7 days. Overnight monitoring of the patient is decided individually by the lead veterinarian and discussed with you. We treat FIP on an out-patient basis: a drug daily for 12 weeks with blood checks.
Aftercare
After discharge the animal needs rest, an easily digestible diet in small portions and regular medication. A dog can shed the virus for several weeks after parvovirus — please avoid contact with unvaccinated dogs and disinfect your home with a virucidal product.
A blood check after babesiosis, Lyme disease and during FIP treatment is mandatory. Please call immediately if fever, vomiting or lethargy returns, or if the colour of the urine changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is parvovirus curable?
Yes, but it requires rapid, intensive in-patient treatment. The chances depend on age, the time since the first symptoms and the patient’s condition on admission. We do not promise an outcome — we can promise to fight the disease according to protocol.
Can FIP be treated?
For several years, antiviral drugs have been available that lead to remission in many cats. Treatment lasts about 12 weeks and requires regular blood tests. We discuss the details and costs before starting.
My dog was vaccinated and still got babesiosis — why?
Vaccines against babesiosis are not used routinely in Poland; protection comes from regular tick prevention. Any dog bitten by a tick can become ill.
Can I catch it from my pet?
Parvovirus, babesiosis, FIP, FeLV and FIV are not transmitted to humans. Leptospirosis and giardiasis are, so when they are suspected we recommend hand hygiene and separate bowls.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Have questions about the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.