Splenic masses in dogs – differentials & diagnostic tips

Bernie Vaatstra Many vets will be able to recount removing astonishingly large splenic masses from dogs. Splenectomy may occur in the context of an emergency – after splenic bleed or torsion, for example – or after detection of an incidental mass on palpation. Since it is difficult to determine malignant potential based on gross appearance […]

New qPCR assay for generic detection of Parapoxvirus

Saeed Sharif & David Tisdall Parapoxviruses (PaPVs; genus Parapoxvirus) infect a wide range of species generally causing localised cutaneous lesions. The genus comprises four species: Orf virus (ORFV), Bovine papular stomatitis virus (BPSV), Pseudocowpox virus (PCPV), and Parapoxvirus of red deer (PVNZ). The most common hosts of PaPVs are ruminants, including sheep and goats (infected […]

Awanui day-to-day changes

Despite occurring a bit later than initially anticipated, we are very excited to have a new name and new look. Hand in hand with the name change are other changes which may impact you.  So here’s a run down of some things you may need to know: > The change is just in our trading […]

Gribbles is now Awanui Veterinary

On 27 February we changed our name from Gribbles Veterinary to Awanui Veterinary. Same place, same service, same smile, with a new name. Our new name Awanui Veterinary, brings us together with the medical laboratory brands and network of services, laboratories, collection centres and people under a unified Aotearoa New Zealand name for the first […]

Diagnosis of canine exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Karen Bailey There has been a recent update to the interpretation guidelines for canine serum Trypsin-Like Immunoreactivity (TLI). TLI is the test of choice for Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) in dogs. EPI occurs when there is inadequate synthesis and secretion of digestive enzymes by pancreatic acinar tissue, though clinical signs (polyphagia, weight loss, voluminous pale […]

An unusual cause of neurologic signs in a young cat

EMMA GULLIVER Clinical history A one-year-old male, neutered, domestic shorthair cat was seen by the referring veterinarian for evaluation of ataxia and a head tilt. Routine haematology and biochemistry were within normal limits, and there were no abnormalities detected on skull radiographs. The cat otherwise seemed well in himself, however clinical signs were progressive and […]

Waitangi day

All of our laboratories will be closed on Tuesday 6 February for Waitangi day. (Photo credit: Aaron Mickan, Unsplash)

Amazing resource

REBECCA ALLAN I listen to a very cool veterinary podcast called the Vet Vault. In a recent episode, they interviewed an Australian veterinary epidemiologist, Jane Heller, who cofounded AMR Vet Collective, a not for profit organisation aiming to educate veterinarians about antimicrobial resistance. It has some amazing teaching tools and resources, including guidelines on appropriate […]

Bee smart with hive health

Like any type of farming, inspection for bee diseases is an important part of beekeeping. The healthier your colony, the more productive they will bee, and in turn will help ensure the honey produced is as sweet as.  Bees are however not just producers of honey. Their pollination of crops and native plants helps ensure […]

Slug/snail bait toxicities in dogs

With the summer in full swing and molluscs invading the vegetable patch, the opportunity for accidental ingestion of slug/snail bait products is increased. In New Zealand there are two main compounds used in slug/snail bait products: metaldehyde and iron EDTA. While most of us are familiar with metaldehyde toxicity, cases of toxicity due to ingestion […]