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233 results for “antibody”
How strong is a German Shepherd mix’s immunity?
A German Shepherd mix generally has fairly strong immunity: purebred Shepherds are already robust, and mixed-breed dogs often have tougher constitutions and are easier to raise. Puppies are still weak, so keep them warm and vaccinate after 2 months; once vaccinated, antibody levels rise and resistance to diseases like distemper and parvovirus improves markedly.
Feline Panleukopenia: How Fast Is It Fatal?
Panleukopenia is a deadly, highly contagious viral disease that attacks the gut and bone marrow. Unvaccinated kittens under a year often die within 2–4 days if untreated; unvaccinated adults usually within 5–7 days, some lasting around 10. Vaccinated cats rarely die. Early care lifts kitten survival above 50% and adults above 80%—and surviving one week usually means recovery. Prevention through vaccination beats treatment every time.
When should a kitten get its vaccinations?
Kittens usually start vaccines at about two months old - before that, maternal antibodies can neutralize the vaccine. Once those antibodies wane, begin with the FVRCP (feline distemper) vaccine, then give the rabies shot about a week later (rabies is typically given at around three months). Only vaccinate a healthy kitten.
Canine and Feline Lymphosarcoma
Lymphosarcoma is a malignant cancer of the lymph nodes and lymphoid tissue that affects both dogs and cats, most often dogs over four years of age. It presents in multicentric, alimentary, and thymic forms, each with distinct clinical signs. While incurable, prompt chemotherapy can extend life from a matter of weeks to 6–24 months.
Rheumatoid Arthritis in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, immune-mediated, erosive polyarthritis, often in small and toy breeds between 8 months and 9 years. It causes recurring lameness, stiff swollen joints, fever, and poor appetite, and can end in joint deformity. Treatment relieves pain, controls inflammation, and protects joint tissue.
Selenium Metabolism Disorders in Dogs and Cats: Deficiency (White Muscle Disease) and Toxicity
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that supports antioxidant defence and immune function in dogs and cats. Both too little and too much are harmful: deficiency causes nutritional myodegeneration (white muscle disease) affecting skeletal and heart muscle, while excess produces acute and chronic poisoning.
Canine and Feline Gammopathy (Dysgammaglobulinemia)
Gammopathy is an abnormal rise in blood immunoglobulins, usually from cancer or chronic disease, which can damage organs and bones. Treatment targets the underlying cause, especially any tumor.
Canine and Feline Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disease in which the body blocks the receptors that let nerves activate muscles, causing weakness that worsens with activity. It is managed with immune therapy and drugs that improve nerve-muscle signaling.
Hypothyroidism in Dogs and Cats
Hypothyroidism is reduced thyroid hormone from thyroiditis or tumor that slows metabolism, causing lethargy, weight gain, hair loss, and cold intolerance, sometimes with nerve signs. Lifelong thyroid-hormone replacement is the treatment.
Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Thrombocytopenic purpura is a bleeding disorder, often immune-mediated, in which low platelet counts cause spontaneous bruising and hemorrhage from the gums, gut, or urinary tract. Treatment stops the bleeding, suppresses the immune attack, and replaces platelets when needed.