The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
-
Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · May 2011
Case ReportsA case report: veterinary palliative care and hospice for a west highland terrier with transitional cell carcinoma.
In providing palliative care and hospice in a veterinary outpatient primary care setting it is important to manage all aspects of the patient's needs as well as the primary disease process, and to understand that veterinary palliative care and hospice do not require a special degree or board certification. They only require compassion for the terminally ill patient and the human family members, a commitment to keeping patients united with their families for as long as they are comfortable, and a willingness to keep a comprehensive perspective on the patient's changing needs as death nears.
-
Adverse food reactions (AFR) are a common problem that may cause cutaneous and/or gastrointestinal signs in dogs and cats. They comprise food intolerance, food intoxication, and food allergy. ⋯ However, only a fraction of them relapse after a dietary challenge. These animals may have mild to enteritis and/or colitis and benefit from various additional properties of the elimination diet.
-
Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is an adult-onset fatal neurodegenerative disease that occurs in many breeds. The initial upper motor neuron spastic paraparesis and general proprioceptive ataxia in the pelvic limbs progress to a flaccid lower motor neuron tetraparesis. ⋯ This article reviews the current knowledge of canine DM with regard to its signalment, clinical spectrum, diagnostic approach, and treatment. The implications of the SOD1 mutation on both diseases are discussed, comparing pathogenic mechanisms while conveying perspectives to translational medicine.
-
Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · May 2010
ReviewVaccines in veterinary medicine: a brief review of history and technology.
The use of vaccines in veterinary medicine has progressed from an experimental adventure to a routine and relatively safe practice. The common and aggressive use of efficacious vaccines has been responsible for the control and eradication of several diseases. ⋯ Global availability, field compliance, effectiveness, and safety are also significant concerns. This review addresses the history, current practices, and potential future improvements of vaccine use in veterinary medicine.
-
This article discusses considerations for general anesthesia for various endoscopic procedures in small animals. Specific drug and monitoring recommendations are made. Special physiologic concerns of individual procedures affecting the anesthetized patient are discussed.