Articles

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a semi-invasive technique that enables direct visualization of the heart and other anatomic structures through the esophagus. TEE provides better quality images than routine transthoracic echocardiography as there is less interference from surrounding structures. The procedure has several practical applications as it can be used not only as a diagnostic instrument […]

This article describes the clinical approach and treatment of an 8-year old female cat that presented at consultation with decreased appetite, weakness, weak femoral pulses, jugular venous distension, a grade III/VI continuous heart murmur and abdominal effusion. A PDA had been detected when she was 8 months old but no clinical manifestations had been spotted […]

This article describes the diagnostic approach of two conditions seen occasionally in dogs: septic pericarditis and a myocardial abscess. A 3-year-old female English springer spaniel presented with a three-month history of intermittent pyrexia and lethargy.  It has also suffered episodes of tachypnoea, inappetence and vomiting. The case was forwarded to a referral hospital when a […]

Performing blood transfusions between cats can save lives but we should always keep in mind that this procedure carries risks, not only for the cat receiving the transfusion but also for the donor cat. The donor is being subjected to an invasive procedure that involves sedation and the recipient can suffer from immune-mediated adverse reactions. […]

A pyometra is characterized by the proliferation of opportunistic bacteria leading to inflammation and to a gradual build-up of pus within the uterine lumen. This condition is commonly seen in adult, intact, female dogs, and can be a life-threatening disorder, since affected animals are at risk of sepsis. Pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines are molecules released […]

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common cause of cardiac disease in both humans and dogs. Several studies have shown that a prolonged QRS complex duration is correlated to ventricular chamber enlargement, systolic dysfunction and higher chances of heart failure in humans. Keeping this in mind, the authors of this article decided to explore the prognostic […]

This case report describes the diagnostic approach for a 9-year-old female Yorkshire terrier, presented at consultation with anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea. These clinical signs had been going on for 2 weeks. Hyperthermia, depression and weight loss were also noted on physical examination. Blood tests showed some degree of dehydration, inflammation, liver damage, reduced hepatic function, […]

Feline injection-site sarcomas (FISS) are malignant tumors that arise at the site of an injection in cats. Only a small number of cats develop this adverse reaction, which may indicate that genetic factors are also involved in the appearance of these abnormal growths. In most cases, these tumors are fibrosarcomas. Although this has not been […]

Large wounds that do not allow primary closure require the use of other reconstruction techniques. Axial pattern flaps are local skin flaps that include a direct cutaneous artery and vein in their base. These enable us to transfer a large section of skin into an adjacent defect, providing viable tissue to cover an extensive wound. […]

This study provides more information on the use of deracoxib for the treatment of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), a frequent type of cancer found in the urinary tract of dogs. Treating these tumors with selective Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors could be beneficial, assuming these drugs will cause less harmful side effects when compared to nonselective COX […]

Brain tumors can be divided into primary or secondary tumors, depending on their origin. Primary tumors started developing within the brain tissues, and secondary tumors originated from other structures such as bone or muscle, or may have spread from a different primary organ. Primary brain tumors tend to appear in older animals, with meningiomas and […]

Complete tracheal rupture in small animals is normally due to trauma and a potentially fatal condition. Fortunately, this is not a common occurrence. As far as the authors know, this is the first article that describes how the anesthesia and the successful surgical treatment of complete tracheal rupture was performed in a dog and a […]

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCG) is a painful and debilitating disease characterized by erosive and/or proliferative inflammatory lesions in the oral mucosa of cats. What causes this syndrome is not yet fully understood but we do know it has a multifactorial nature. Recent research suggests microbial factors and alterations in the innate immune response may play […]

Think about the needs of your practice as a whole. Identify any key “practice builder” skills you lack and review the profitability benefits you could achieve if you invested in them. The CE may well end up paying for itself and help staff retention, reducing expense recruitment costs.   Identify several key CE providers that […]

Don’t just opt for CE that is local, cheap or free. Take a strategic approach. Consider the bigger picture and come up with a plan that aligns with your goals, interests and ambitions. Track your progress and set realistic milestones for attaining additional skills. When selecting the course or mode of training that will work […]

Feline ovariohysterectomy (OHE) is considered a moderately painful abdominal surgery. Physiological signs such as pale mucous membranes, increased blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate can be used to assess acute nociceptive response during surgery. This study was meant to evaluate the intraoperative analgesic effect of preoperative infiltration of the incision site with lidocaine or […]