Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
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J Am Anim Hosp Assoc · Jan 2008
Case ReportsSafety and feasibility of transesophageal pacing in a dog.
This study investigated the feasibility of using a modified transesophageal atrial pacing system for dogs requiring temporary ventricular pacing. Atrial pacing was readily achieved in the one dog studied, but it caused considerable diaphragmatic movement. Ventricular pacing could not be achieved at any lead configuration or energy stimulation. While transesophageal cardiac pacing was a safe procedure, the large variation in the chest anatomy of dogs requires further study to explore this model as a substitute for transvenous or transthoracic ventricular pacing.
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J Am Anim Hosp Assoc · Nov 2007
Case ReportsChronic vaginitis associated with vaginal foreign bodies in a cat.
A 2-year-old, spayed female, domestic shorthaired cat was presented for evaluation of a chronic, purulent vulvar discharge. Survey radiographs of the abdomen and pelvis revealed bone fragments in the pelvic canal. A vaginoscopy was performed, and five bony foreign bodies were removed from the vaginal lumen. Using anatomical landmarks, the bones were identified as remnants of a fetal kitten.
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J Am Anim Hosp Assoc · Sep 2007
ReviewLactate in veterinary critical care: pathophysiology and management.
The measurement of blood lactate in people has proven to be a useful tool in the diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of a wide range of clinical syndromes. Its use in small animals is increasing, and several studies have been completed that demonstrate its potential role in critical care. This article summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the physiology and pathophysiology of lactate production and lactic acidosis; current indications and the utility of measurement in a critical care setting are described; novel applications in the evaluation of cavitary effusions are highlighted; and a guide to the therapy of lactic acidosis is presented.
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J Am Anim Hosp Assoc · Sep 2005
Laryngeal, laryngotracheal, and tracheal masses in cats: 27 cases (1998-2003).
Medical records of 27 cats with masses of the larynx and trachea were examined. Six cats had inflammatory masses, and 21 cats had neoplastic lesions. A definitive diagnosis was reached in 22 cats with a single biopsy. ⋯ Dyspnea was the most common clinical sign. Accurate diagnoses were best obtained through direct laryngeal or tracheal examination combined with histological examination of tissue biopsies. Kaplan-Meier survival data for all inflammatory and neoplastic lesions showed a median survival of 5 days, with 7.4% of cats alive at 1 year.
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Veterinary clients often seek the same new and innovative cancer treatment options for their companion animals that they read about in the press or on the Internet. It is, therefore, necessary for the practitioner to have an understanding of the development of new and innovative cytotoxic drugs and delivery techniques. This article describes the drug development process and how a new product eventually finds its way into clinical use. Some of the newer drugs and delivery techniques applied to small animals are reviewed.