Cats

Antibody Detection

Our feline serological tests are most commonly used to assist diagnosis or assess the level of immunity to the pathogen. We also offer rabies serology tests.

Feline Coronavirus
We provide a serological testing service for antibodies to feline coronavirus (FCoV) as an aid to the diagnosis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). The assay is an indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT), which is recommended as the most specific of the available serological tools. Serum, plasma or fluids are suitable for testing.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
We offer the Indirect immunofluorescence Test (IIFT) for the detection of antibodies to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) in cat serum or plasma. The IIFT is regarded as the routine assay offering the greatest sensitivity and specificity, and has significantly improved performance over commercially available kit tests. If an ELISA or immunochromatography test is used for initial screening then it is considered best practice to confirm positives in healthy animals and negatives in sick animals by IIFT.

Toxoplasma
IgG or IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii are detected in serum or plasma by indirect immunofluorescence. This regarded as the best available serological method.

Neospora
Antibodies to Neospora are detected in serum or plasma by indirect immunofluorescence (IIFT).

Feline Panleukopaenia Virus
We use a haemagglutination Inhibition test for the detection and titration of antibodies to feline panleukopaenia virus in cat serum or plasma.

Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus
Antibodies are detected in serum or plasma by Virus Neutralisation Tests.

Assessment of immune status before booster vaccination
There is increasing concern in the veterinary world regarding the over vaccination of cats. The requirement for repeat Herpesvirus, Calicivirus and Panleukopaenia Virus vaccination can be assessed by pre-booster serology. Results certificates are available on request.

Virus/Pathogen Detection

These tests detect the presence or absence of the infectious agent in the sample submitted.

Feline Leukaemia Virus
FeLV antigen positive cells can be detected in heparinised blood samples. Fluorescence is regarded as the most accurate routinely available test.

Feline Parvovirus
Feline parvovirus (panleukopaenia) can be detected in faecal samples by haemagglutination (HA).

Feline Chlamydia and Feline Herpesvirus.
Feline chlamydia and herpes virus can be detected by PCR from nasal, pharyngeal and ocular swabs.

Virus Isolation
A variety of feline viruses may be isolated from swabs, tissues and faecal samples as appropriate. Please contact us for further details and instructions.