Clinical

Figure 1. 3.5-year-old male Belgian Shepherd police dog with a chronic history (3 months) of left pelvic limb lameness. Sagittal (a) and transverse (b) computed tomography scans are shown. Magnetic resonance images of the T2 weighted sagittal (c) and transverse (d) are also shown. The arrows point to the vertebral body fracture of the L6 vertebra (c), ventrally compressing the cauda equina (d).

Vertebral fractures and luxations in dogs and cats, part 1: evaluation of diagnosis and prognosis

Veterinary literature discussing the exact outcome predictors for vertebral fractures and luxations is scarce. Nevertheless, information can be extrapolated from research on other spinal cord...

Figure 1. Applying joint range of motion to an elbow joint.

Rehabilitating the canine elbow: a practical guide

Clinical examination of an animal with forelimb lameness must consist of a thorough examination of all joints. Particular attention should be paid to the structures and stability of the shoulder...

A practical review of small intestinal anastomosis for the small animal practitioner

Application of Halsted's surgical principles can minimise the negative impact on the tissues for all surgeries and the small intestine is no exception. These are:.

Figure 2. A peanut can be used to support the patient during facilitated standing.

Rehabilitation of the canine patient following spinal cord injury: a practical guide

It has been demonstrated that the use of rehabilitation therapy following spinal cord injury improves a patient's return to function, particularly if it is initiated in the first 2 weeks (Sumida et...

Figure 1. Approximate distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis in the fox in Europe.

Parasite risks from raw meat-based diets for companion animals

Every owner is aware that fresh meat is appreciated by most dogs and cats, but so are many wet commercial foods. The smell, taste and shape of meat probably meets the instinctual need. In general,...

Anaesthesia of the patient with chronic kidney disease

In order to fulfil all its functions, each kidney filters a large amount of water and solutes from the blood, reabsorbing the substances needed and secreting the waste products into the convoluted...

Figure 1. Hair loss on the limb of a cat during recovery following exposure to laundry detergent. The container had fallen from a work surface and spilled on the floor near where cats were sleeping. They had detergent on their legs and feet but were not treated promptly and developed chemical burns. One cat was euthanised with severe respiratory signs and the other recovered.

Poisons affecting the skin

Detergents are very common household chemicals. They are found in a variety of cleaning products such as washing up liquids, toilet cleaners and fabric washing products and come in the form of...

Head trauma: treatment and diagnostic aids

The distinction between assessment, stabilisation, diagnosis and treatment is blurred as treatment should begin from the moment the patient enters the hospital and continue throughout the period that...

Figure 1. In addition to differences in the composition of the microbiota along the gastrointestinal tract, each animal harbours a unique microbial profile (Suchodolski, 2016). Studies show that Bacteroides, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Enterobacteriaceae are the predominant bacterial groups cultured from canine and feline intestines, although the levels found vary between different studies.

The gastrointestinal microbiome – what do we know now and what will we learn next?

Until relatively recently, traditional bacterial culture was commonly used to identify bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract, but it is now recognised that the vast majority of intestinal...

CPD article: How to perform venipuncture in avian patients

The decision of whether to sedate or anaesthetise the patient before taking blood depends on the condition of the patient, the nature (personality and risk to health and safety) of the patient, and...

Comparing approaches to sciatic nerve blocks in dogs during tibial plateau-levelling osteotomy

In total, 42 dogs were enrolled in the study, with six dogs being removed from the analysis. Figure 1 gives details..

CPD article: An updated review of the indications and adverse drug events associated with the ectoparasiticides used in small animal practice

In the following sections, the major groups of ectoparasites that have a significant impact on the health and welfare of cats and dogs in the UK are described..