Deutsch
Hrvatski
Русский
Português
Until now, AnimaLabs has primarily specialized in genetic testing. Genetic tests analyze inherited traits and diseases that animals carry throughout their lives. These tests are not influenced by the animal's current health status - if your pet has a specific mutation, it has been present since birth and will not change over time.
In contrast, infectious disease tests detect the presence of viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens that may pose an immediate threat to an animal's health. Unlike genetic tests, the results of infectious disease testing can vary over time, depending on whether the animal has been exposed to a pathogen, developed an infection, or successfully overcome it.
To provide a comprehensive service and equip pet owners and breeders with the best tools to safeguard their pets' health, we have expanded our offerings. From now on, you can test your pets for infectious diseases in the same laboratory where you conduct genetic testing.
Advanced Detection with Real-Time PCR (qPCR)
For pathogen detection, AnimaLabs utilizes leading-edge equipment and real-time PCR (qPCR) technology, allowing simple, rapid, and precise detection of viral or bacterial genetic material in samples. Our method is capable of detecting very low quantities of viruses or bacteria, even before symptoms appear, in the early stages of infection and it offers quick turnaround times to enable timely treatment.
Our team has conducted extensive research to develop a comprehensive testing panel that ensures the highest standards of reproductive health for dogs and cats. By carefully selecting the most relevant pathogens, we provide breeders and pet owners with a reliable tool for detecting infections that can impact fertility, pregnancy, and the health of newborns. Our Reproductive Panel is designed to support informed breeding decisions, prevent disease transmission, and promote healthier litters.
Why Are Reproductive Infections Important?
Numerous bacteria and viruses can cause reproductive infections, but they often have no clear symptoms or exhibit a wide range of signs not immediately linked to reproductive health. However, infections from these pathogens can severely impact fertility and the health of puppies and kittens.
Reproductive pathogen infections can lead to severe consequences, including:
That is the reason why testing either prior or after mating is suggested.
Why Test Before or After Mating?
Pre-mating testing helps identify potentially infected animals, reducing the risk of disease transmission to offspring or other nearby animals. If unsuccessful mating, miscarriage, or weak offspring occur, post-mating testing can identify causes, enabling timely treatment and preventive measures for future litters. Regular testing is essential to prevent infections and protect animal health, as many of these diseases present subtle or misleading symptoms in adults.
Canine/Feline Herpesvirus (CHV-1/FHV-1):
Canine and Feline Herpesvirus (CHV-1/FHV-1) are highly contagious viruses that primarily affect the respiratory and reproductive systems of dogs and cats. In adult animals, symptoms often include sneezing, nasal discharge, eye infections, fever, and lethargy, while in severe cases, it can cause pneumonia. In breeding animals, herpesvirus poses a significant risk, particularly to pregnant females and newborns. Infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, or the birth of weak, non-viable offspring. In neonates, herpesvirus infections often result in high mortality rates within the first few days of life. Since the virus remains latent in infected animals and can reactivate under stress, regular testing and preventive measures are crucial for breeders to minimize disease spread and protect litters.
Chlamydia:
Chlamydia is a genus of bacteria that can cause infections in various animal species, including dogs and cats. Infected animals may show symptoms such as eye infections (conjunctivitis), respiratory issues like sneezing and nasal discharge, and, in some cases, reproductive complications. In breeding animals, different species of Chlamydia can lead to infertility, miscarriages, or weak litters, especially if the infection spreads to the reproductive tract. Since symptoms can be mild or absent, infected animals may unknowingly transmit the bacteria to their offspring or other animals. Our test can detect several Chlamydia species including common animal pathogens such as C. psittaci, C. abortus, C. caviae, C. pecorum, and C. felis.
Mycoplasma:
Mycoplasma is another genus of bacteria that can infect both dogs and cats, affecting the respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems. While some infections may be mild or asymptomatic, symptoms can include conjunctivitis, coughing, nasal discharge, and reproductive issues. In breeding animals, Mycoplasma infections are linked to infertility, miscarriages, stillbirths, and weak or non-viable litters. These bacteria can also cause inflammation of the reproductive organs, leading to long-term fertility problems. AnimaLabs’ test can detect over 12 Mycoplasma species, including M. arginini, M. bovigenitalium, M. canis, M. cynos, and M. felis, with species determination available as needed.
Brucella canis:
Brucella canis is a bacterial pathogen that causes canine brucellosis, a highly contagious reproductive disease in dogs, while cats usually show no signs of infection or symptoms. It primarily affects the dog’s reproductive system, leading to infertility in both males and females, late-term miscarriages, stillbirths, and weak litters. Infected males may develop testicular inflammation and reduced sperm quality, while females may experience irregular heat cycles and difficulty conceiving. Brucella canis is also a zoonotic pathogen, meaning it can be transmitted to humans, posing a risk to breeders, veterinarians, and anyone in close contact with infected dogs.
Leptospira:
Leptospira are bacteria that cause leptospirosis, a serious zoonotic disease affecting both animals and humans. In dogs, symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, kidney and liver damage, and, in some cases, death. In breeding animals, Leptospira infections can lead to infertility, miscarriages, and stillbirths. The bacteria are shed in the urine of infected animals and can contaminate water sources, spreading to other animals and potentially, to humans. Our test can detect several Leptospira species, including L. kirschneri, L. interrogans, L. borgpetersenii, L. santarosai and L. noguchii.
Testing: breeders can order REPRODUCTION PANEL from AnimaLabs. We'll send you detailed instructions and sampling kits upon placing the order.
Literature:
Verstegen J., Dhaliwal G., Verstegen-Onclin K. (2008). Canine and feline pregnancy loss due to viral and non-infectious causes: A review, Theriogenology, 70:3, 304-319, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.05.035.
Flores, F. da S., Braga, D. N., Costa, E. P., Rosa, C. C. da, Corrëa, L. F. D. (2023). Infectious diseases linked to the reproduction of canids and felids. Seven Editora. Retrieved from https://sevenpublicacoes.com.br/editora/article/view/1257
Decaro, N. et al. (2012). Viral Reproductive Pathogens of Dogs and Cats. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 42:3, 583 – 598, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2012.01.006