Clinical techniques in small animal practice
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Pit vipers are the largest group of venomous snakes in the United States and are involved in an estimated 150,000 bites annually of dogs and cats. The severity of any pit viper bite is related to the volume and toxicity of the venom injected as well as the location of the bite, which may influence the rate of venom uptake. The toxicity of rattlesnake venom varies widely. ⋯ The only proven specific therapy against pit viper envenomation is the administration of antivenin. The dosage of antivenin needed is calculated relative to the amount of venom injected, the body mass of the victim, and the bite site. The average dosage in dogs and cats is 1 to 2 vials of antivenin.
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Unfortunately, fires are common events both in urban and rural portions of the United States. Smoke inhalation is the leading fire-related cause of death. The elemental combustion products of fire are light, heat, and smoke. ⋯ This discussion will investigate the toxic nature of fire smoke, its mechanism of action upon respiratory tissues, the clinical signs displayed, and its diagnosis and treatment. Differential diagnoses of smoke inhalation and prevention and prognosis will also be explored. Veterinary hospitals should have set protocols in place for managing animal victims of smoke inhalation in order to ensure a successful outcome.
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The medically important groups of Hymenoptera are the Apoidea (bees), Vespoidea (wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets), and Formicidae (ants). These insects deliver their venom by stinging their victims. Bees lose their barbed stinger after stinging and die. ⋯ The majority of Hymenopteran stings are self-limiting events, which resolve in a few hours without treatment. Because life-threatening anaphylactic reactions can progress rapidly, all animals stung should be closely monitored and observed. In the following review article, we will examine the sources and incidence, toxicokinetics, pathological lesions, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for dogs and cats suffering Hymenoptera stings.
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Black widow spiders are found throughout the continental United States and north into the southern Canadian provinces. Male black widow spiders are of little medical importance. Female black widow spiders can be 20 times larger than males. ⋯ First aid is of no value in the treatment. The primary treatment for black widow spider envenomation is the administration of specific antivenin, which provides the most permanent and quickest relief of the envenomation syndrome, usually within 30 minutes of infusion. The prognosis of Latrodectus envenomation is uncertain of several days, and complete recovery may take weeks.
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Feline ocular emergencies include any ophthalmic condition that has rapidly developed or is the result of trauma to the eye or periocular structures. Common feline emergencies include proptosis, lid lacerations, corneal ulcers, and foreign bodies. ⋯ This article reviews some of the more common feline ocular emergencies, including conditions affecting the orbit and globe, adnexa, conjunctiva, and cornea. Feline uveitis, glaucoma, and lenticular diseases are covered more thoroughly elsewhere in this issue.