Enhancing Veterinary Care: The Crucial Role of IVDs in Combatting Common Infectious Diseases in Canines and Felines

Enhancing Veterinary Care: The Crucial Role of IVDs in Combatting Common Infectious Diseases in Canines and Felines

In the world of veterinary care, staying ahead of infectious diseases is paramount to ensure the health and well-being of our beloved furry companions. In recent years, In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) technologies have emerged as powerful tools in the battle against a range of infectious diseases that affect both canines and felines. Here, we will delve into some of the most prominent infectious diseases that affect cats and dogs, and explore how IVDs, such as ViraxVet™’s range of antibody and antigen tests, can be best employed to enhance veterinary practices.

Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) Feline Coronavirus is a common viral infection that can lead to mild gastrointestinal symptoms in cats. However, it’s also known for its potential to mutate into a more severe form known as Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). IVDs play a crucial role in diagnosing FCoV and differentiating it from FIP. Tests like reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) help detect the virus’s genetic material and track its prevalence.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) FIP is a dreaded disease with a complex pathogenesis. Differentiating it from FCoV is challenging due to similarities in their genetic makeup. IVDs such as immunochromatographic tests and PCR assays have improved diagnostic accuracy. These tests detect specific antibodies, viral antigens, or genetic material associated with FIP, assisting veterinarians in making more informed treatment decisions.

Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) FPV, commonly referred to as feline parvovirus, is highly contagious and can cause severe gastrointestinal and immune-related issues in cats. Rapid diagnosis is crucial to prevent its spread. IVDs like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) aid in detecting antibodies or viral antigens, enabling early detection and timely treatment.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) FIV and FeLV weaken a cat’s immune system, making them susceptible to various infections and diseases. IVDs offer quick and accurate detection of antibodies against these viruses. Early identification of infected cats helps prevent further transmission and implement proper care strategies.

Feline Herpesvirus (FHV) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV) FHV and FCV are significant contributors to feline upper respiratory tract infections. These viruses can lead to severe discomfort and health complications in cats. IVDs play a pivotal role in diagnosing these infections, allowing veterinarians to swiftly identify the viruses’ genetic material through PCR assays or detect specific antibodies through serological tests. Such rapid and precise diagnostics enable timely interventions and better management of these viral infections.

Canine Parvovirus (CPV) and Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) CPV and CDV are two of the most devastating diseases among dogs. IVDs, such as ELISAs and PCR assays, facilitate rapid and accurate diagnosis. They aid in identifying viral antigens or genetic material, enabling veterinarians to isolate and treat affected dogs promptly.

Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) and Canine Coronavirus (CCV) CIV and CCV are highly contagious respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, respectively, in dogs. IVDs play a vital role in diagnosing these diseases, helping veterinary professionals manage outbreaks and control their spread.

Canine Adenovirus (CAV) CAV can lead to severe respiratory and liver infections in dogs. IVDs, such as PCR tests, assist in detecting viral DNA, aiding in early diagnosis and proper disease management.

Giardia Ag and Toxoplasma Giardia and Toxoplasma are protozoan parasites that can affect both cats and dogs, causing gastrointestinal and other health issues. IVDs, including immunoassays and PCR tests, help identify the presence of these parasites in fecal samples, allowing for timely treatment and preventing the spread of infection.


The role of In Vitro Diagnostics in veterinary care cannot be overstated. From early detection and differentiation of infectious diseases to facilitating informed treatment decisions, IVDs have transformed the way we approach the health of our canine and feline companions. As technology continues to advance, these diagnostic tools will likely become even more sophisticated, further enhancing our ability to combat infectious diseases and safeguard the well-being of our beloved pets.

Please feel free to contact us to learn more about the IVDs we offer for the diagnosis of these diseases.

Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements: This blog post contains forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including: our financial performance and projections; our growth in revenue and earnings; and our business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our ability to change the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The forward-looking events discussed in this blog post and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Virax and its current plans or expectations and are subject to a number of known and unknown uncertainties, risks and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These and other important factors are described in detail in the “Risk Factors” section of Virax’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended March 31, 2022. Although we believe the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this blog post and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives might not occur.

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  • Nic Johnson and Adanna Alexander
  • Russo Partners, LLC
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  • adanna.alexander@russopartnersllc.com