BSAVA Foundation Collection

Not only are certain parasites endemic to the UK expanding their demographic range, but as a result of increasing numbers of animals travelling abroad and many being imported into the UK, more exotic parasites are gaining a foothold. Ian Wright of Mount Vets and Head of ESCCAP UK & Ireland, offers advice on what to look out for in first-opinion practice to try and arrest this parasitic spread.

This chapter covers all of the vital stages of emergency evaluation in the critically ill patient: telephone triage; waiting room triage; primary survey and initial treatment; and secondary survey and the emergency plan. The chapter highlights methods for blood sampling and analysis, acid-base and electrolyte monitoring and cage-side ultrasonography.

Simon Tappin presents notes on Ehrlichiosis.

Reports of Babesia canis being diagnosed in the UK sometimes relate to dogs that have not travelled outside the UK. This is a reminder of the need to be alert to the presence of vector-borne diseases not only in pets which have been abroad but also those with no history of travel. BSAVA has produced key information for the profession about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of babesiosis. Last reviewed 2023.

The bacteria that cause leptospirosis are found worldwide and can cause clinical disease in most mammals. Dogs, and less commonly cats, can become infected with Leptospira, which can cause a variety of clinical signs, ranging from mild and non-specific to severe, multi-systemic, fulminant disease that can lead to death. Both species can also be asymptomatic shedders of this potential zoonosis in the urine, so awareness and control of the disease is important from a public health perspective. . Owners, vets and laboratory personnel may be at greatest risk of zoonotic transmission from dogs, and it is thought that pet rat owners may be most at risk of pet-associated leptospirosis as rats are the main reservoir for L. icterohaemorrhagiae, the serovar most pathogenic to humans. Last reviewed 2023.

Antimicrobial resistant bacteria are of great concern in both human and veterinary healthcare. Animals could be at risk of colonisation or infection in veterinary premises and/or act as reservoirs for colonisation or infection of in-contact humans. High standards of clinical practice and hygiene are vital to prevent the spread of these organisms. Responsible antimicrobial use will help slow the development of resistance and help preserve the efficacy of antimicrobial drugs for the future. This resource includes the BSAVA Practice Guidelines on Reducing the risk from MRSA and MRSP. Last reviewed 2016.