In Practice Clinical practice

Investigation and management of splenic disease in dogs

Hayes, G., Ladlow, J. — 2012-05-10T07:35:05-07:00

Splenic disorders are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in middle-aged and older dogs, and a spectrum of presentations is possible, from chronic non-specific clinical signs to a rapidly fatal haemoabdomen. Splenomegaly is commonly recognised during clinical examination or imaging in practice, but it can be difficult to decide whether the primary problem is within the spleen itself (eg, a focal mass, in which case a splenectomy is generally the treatment of choice) or whether the splenomegaly represents systemic disease (eg, a lymphoma or immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia, in which case a biopsy may be useful but a splenectomy may be contraindicated). Splenic surgery requires an appreciation of the vascular anatomy, and adequate monitoring as well as supportive treatment may be critical to the outcome of surgery. This article discusses the anatomy of the spleen and how to investigate splenomegaly, as well as how to perform a (partial) splenectomy and the possible complications involved.

Mastitis control in robotic milking systems

Edmondson, P. — 2012-05-10T07:35:05-07:00

Robotic milking involves the use of automated systems to milk cows as and when they choose. While this has clear benefits in many cases, the use of robots for milking also has some specific disadvantages and does not always represent the best solution for every farm. This article reviews the pros and cons of robotic milking, and discusses its impact on mastitis and milk quality. In addition, it discusses other key factors that need to be considered when using robots or deciding whether to move to robotic milking.

Veterinary care of wild owl casualties

Couper, D., Bexton, S. — 2012-05-10T07:35:05-07:00

Owls are common wildlife casualties seen in veterinary practice, and the basic principles of avian medicine and surgery apply to their treatment. However, unlike birds kept in captivity, free-living owls must be fully fit with unimpaired sensory faculties, especially vision and hearing, in order to survive in the wild. Most owls presented to veterinary practitioners have been injured in traumatic collisions, usually involving road vehicles, and many will have sustained severe injuries as a result. This article covers the principles of dealing with wild owls, including their care and treatment, and the importance of cooperation with rehabilitators in making realistic decisions about their chances of regaining full fitness to avoid unnecessary procedures and suffering.

Update on feline infectious peritonitis

German, A. — 2012-05-10T07:35:05-07:00

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) remains one of the most challenging diseases to manage in veterinary practice. It is difficult to diagnose and almost impossible to treat, and can be a source of distress and financial burden for both cat owners and breeders. This article provides an update on recent developments in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of the condition, and discusses treatment options for appropriate cases.

Selection and use of disinfectants

Maillard, J.-Y., McDonnell, G. — 2012-05-10T07:35:05-07:00

Disinfection is an essential means of reducing the number of viable microorganisms on surfaces, devices and the skin. A wide range of disinfectant products are available, which vary in terms of their active ingredients, how they can be applied and their intended use. This article discusses the use of chemical disinfectants and the factors affecting their activity. In particular, it highlights the importance of understanding product labelling, efficacy claims and the regulatory requirements underpinning their application in practice.

Interpretation and use of BVA/KC hip scores in dogs

Dennis, R. — 2012-04-16T02:16:26-07:00

Hip dysplasia is a potentially debilitating orthopaedic disease in which laxity of the coxofemoral joint often leads to secondary osteoarthritis, a reduction in joint function and pain. It has been recognised for many years as being of particular importance in pedigree dogs, especially in larger breeds, and is known to be partly governed by genetic factors. In order to try to control canine hip dysplasia and to reduce its incidence, a number of radiographic screening programmes have been developed worldwide. In 1983, a scheme was established by the British Veterinary Association and supported by the Kennel Club to examine radiographs of dogs' hips by assessing different anatomical features and giving them a numerical score. This article describes the process of scoring in this scheme, explains how to interpret the score and gives advice on the use of hip scores in the selection of breeding animals.

Influence of genetics and inbreeding on disease

Woolliams, J. — 2012-04-16T02:16:26-07:00

Genetic influences on disease are far more common in epidemiology than those expressed through the phenomenon of inbreeding. However, it is useful to explore the associations between inbreeding and the occurrence of disease before considering the wider role of genetics, as the influence of inbreeding is most overtly seen in simple Mendelian diseases. In such cases, a single locus is responsible for disease manifestation, while in more complex diseases, genetic influences are commonly associated with a number of loci. While this article examines the role of genetics in cattle diseases, with a particular emphasis on inbreeding, all the principles discussed can be extended directly to other livestock, horses and companion animals.

Feline cardiomyopathy

Ferasin, L. — 2012-04-16T02:16:26-07:00

Cardiomyopathy is the most common form of heart disease observed in cats and patients present with a wide spectrum of structural and functional cardiac abnormalities. Although several attempts have been made to standardise the classification of the various forms of cardiomyopathy, substantial disagreement still exists among cardiologists since classification criteria are often subjective and are continuously evolving as the aetiology of myocardial disease becomes better understood. This article describes the current classification of cardiomyopathies, as well as the pathophysiology, clinical findings and treatment of the disease in feline patients.

Backyard poultry 2. Veterinary care and disease control

Lister, S., Houghton-Wallace, J. — 2012-04-16T02:16:26-07:00

As the keeping of backyard poultry becomes ever more popular, it is important that practitioners develop an understanding of disease management and control in these birds, particularly given the free-ranging nature of many of these flocks and the fact that some products will be destined for human consumption. This article describes the conditions affecting backyard poultry, highlighting the options for the treatment and prevention of those problems most likely to be seen in practice. An article published in the March issue of In Practice (volume 34, pages 136–145) described the husbandry and general management of small flocks.

Medical support for cattle and small ruminant surgical patients

Hallowell, G., Potter, T., Aldridge, B. — 2012-04-16T02:16:26-07:00

While the initial assessment of cattle and small ruminants presented for surgery is similar to that in other species, it can be more challenging because farm animals are often sicker than they appear to be. This article outlines how to identify and manage potential medical problems in large animal surgical patients, including practical fluid therapy, analgesia, sedation, anaesthesia and rational antimicrobial use.

A modern approach to equine dentistry 3. Imaging

Tremaine, H. — 2012-03-13T02:26:52-07:00

This article, the third in a series of four to review recent developments in equine dentistry, describes the use of imaging to aid the diagnosis of dental and oral lesions in horses, and provides a pictorial guide to features that might be seen radiographically. Part 1, published in the January issue of In Practice (volume 34, pages 2–10), described the procedure for a routine dental examination in horses, while Part 2, published in the February issue (volume 34, pages 78–89), highlighted the common dental and oral lesions that may be seen in this species. Part 4 will consider the techniques available for the prevention and treatment of equine dental disease.

Surgical diseases of the genital tract in male dogs 2. Penis and prepuce

de la Puerta, B., Baines, S. — 2012-03-13T02:26:52-07:00

An article in the February issue of In Practice (volume 34, pages 58–65) described the diseases of the scrotum, testes and epididymides of dogs, and their surgical treatment. This article discusses the most common conditions affecting the penis and prepuce of dogs, and describes the surgical techniques used to manage these disorders. Diseases affecting the penis and prepuce are rare, and the surgical techniques used to treat them are more complicated than those outlined in Part 1 for the management of testicular or scrotal disease.

Backyard poultry 1. Husbandry and general management

Houghton-Wallace, J., Lister, S. — 2012-03-13T02:26:52-07:00

‘Backyard poultry’ can cover anything from pampered exhibition birds to small egg-laying flocks, as well as pet chickens, and is an expanding area of veterinary medicine. Clients will range from experienced keepers to complete novices, many of whom will not be served by commercial poultry veterinary surgeons and, hence, will turn to their local practitioner for help and advice about caring for their birds. This article, the first of two discussing the veterinary approach to backyard poultry, describes the key elements of husbandry and general management of small flocks. Part 2, to be published in the April issue of In Practice, will focus on the specifics of veterinary care and disease control of poultry, with particular emphasis on the management of those conditions most likely to be seen in practice.

Mycoplasma wenyonii infection in cattle

Strugnell, B., McAuliffe, L. — 2012-03-13T02:26:52-07:00

In recent years, the number of reports describing a combination of clinical signs in cattle comprising pyrexia, hindlimb and/or udder oedema and prefemoral lymphadenopathy, consistently associated with Mycoplasma wenyonii infection, has increased. However, infection does not always appear to result in these typical clinical signs, and the factors leading to their manifestation have still to be fully elucidated. This article analyses the available evidence and suggests some options for diagnosis and management.

Gastrointestinal disease in rabbits 2. Intestinal diseases

Lord, B. — 2012-03-13T02:26:52-07:00

Intestinal diseases in rabbits can develop as a result of many causes. Dietrelated problems are a common aetiology of intestinal disorders but infectious (bacterial, viral, parasitic), idiopathic and neoplastic diseases are also seen with relative frequency. This article describes the diagnosis and approach to treatment of intestinal diseases in rabbits. An article in the February issue of In Practice (volume 34, pages 90–96) considered gastric diseases in this species.

Surgical diseases of the genital tract in male dogs 1. Scrotum, testes and epididymides

de la Puerta, B., Baines, S. — 2012-02-13T06:11:40-08:00

While castration is the most common surgery carried out on the genitals of male dogs in first-opinion practice, there are several other, less common, surgical procedures that are performed to treat various conditions affecting the male reproductive tract. This article discusses the surgical diseases and treatment of the scrotum, testes and epididymides of dogs. A second article, to be published in the March issue of In Practice, will cover the surgical techniques used to manage disorders of the penis and prepuce.

Abdominal ultrasonography as an adjunct to clinical examination 2. Cattle

Scott, P. — 2012-02-13T06:11:40-08:00

This article, the second of two discussing the use of abdominal ultrasonography as an adjunct to a thorough clinical examination in farm animal practice, describes ultrasonographic findings that might be visualised in the abdomen of cattle, with particular focus on the common problems encountered in the species. Part 1, published in the January issue of In Practice (volume 34, pages 12–21), considered ultrasonography of the abdomen in small ruminants.

Muscle and tendon disorders in small animals 2. Conditions affecting the hindlimb and digital flexor tendons

Moores, A. — 2012-02-13T06:11:40-08:00

A wide range of muscle and tendon conditions are seen in small animals. An article in the January issue of In Practice (volume 34, pages 22–26) reviewed some general aspects of managing tendon and muscle disorders together with conditions affecting the forelimb. This article describes conditions affecting the hindlimb as well as digital flexor tendon injuries that affect both the fore- and hindlimbs.

A modern approach to equine dentistry 2. Identifying lesions

Tremaine, H., Casey, M. — 2012-02-13T06:11:40-08:00

This article, the second in a series of four to review recent developments equine dentistry, describes the common dental and oral lesions that may be seen during a routine dental examination in horses, the procedure for which was published in the January issue of In Practice (volume 34, pages 2 to 10). Part 3, to be published in the March issue, will consider how these lesions may be investigated further using appropriate imaging techniques, while Part 4, to be published in the April issue, will consider the techniques available for the prevention and treatment of equine dental disease.

Gastrointestinal disease in rabbits 1. Gastric diseases

Lord, B. — 2012-02-13T06:11:40-08:00

Gastrointestinal diseases in rabbits are being recognised with increasing frequency. A pet rabbit presented with anorexia, weight loss, changes in defecation and depression can present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the clinician. Diet- and stress-related problems predominate, and preventive treatment plays a large role in managing these conditions. However, gastric ulceration and bacterial, viral, parasitic, idiopathic and neoplastic diseases are also seen frequently in pet rabbits. This article provides an overview of the common gastric conditions seen in rabbits, including their diagnosis and the options for treatment. The common causes, diagnosis and approach to the management of intestinal diseases will be discussed in an article to be published in the March issue of In Practice.

A modern approach to equine dentistry 1. Oral examination

Tremaine, H., Casey, M. — 2012-01-11T08:21:53-08:00

Recent developments in our understanding of dental anatomy, pathology and the effects of specific dental techniques have advanced the current status of equine dental care. This article, the first in a series of four to review these developments, describes how to carry out a thorough oral examination in horses. Subsequent articles, to be published in consecutive issues of In Practice from February to April, will describe the different lesions that might be seen in equine patients (Part 2) and how these might be investigated further using appropriate imaging techniques (Part 3). Part 4 will consider the techniques available for the prevention and treatment of equine dental disease.

Abdominal ultrasonography as an adjunct to clinical examination 1. Small ruminants

Scott, P. — 2012-01-11T08:21:53-08:00

Abdominal ultrasonography is a diagnostic technique that can be used in farm animal practice as a complementary adjunct to a thorough clinical examination. This article describes the ultrasonographic findings that can be visualised in the abdomen of small ruminants and outlines some of the common indications for ultrasonography. It illustrates how this modality can be readily incorporated into a clinical examination on farm to provide an accurate demonstration of underlying pathology. A second article, to be published in the February issue of In Practice, will discuss the use of abdominal ultrasonography in cattle.

Muscle and tendon disorders in small animals 1. General management and conditions affecting the forelimb

Moores, A. — 2012-01-11T08:21:53-08:00

Muscle and tendon injuries and diseases are common causes of lameness in dogs and occasional causes of lameness in cats. This article reviews the general management of these disorders and provides an overview of specific conditions affecting the forelimb (thoracic limb). A second article, to be published in the February issue of In Practice, will consider conditions affecting the hindlimb (pelvic limb) and digital flexor tendon injuries.

Management of tail pull injuries in cats

Davies, E., Walmsley, G. — 2012-01-11T08:21:53-08:00

Feline tail pull injury is a challenging condition that is commonly encountered in first-opinion practice. This article discusses the key factors in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of tail pull injuries, including the use of radiography to confirm sacrocaudal luxation, and the identification and appropriate treatment of associated urinary and faecal dysfunction. It also highlights the importance of good owner communication, as currently the best prognostic indicators at the time of presentation for the return of continence (the conscious perception of noxious stimuli applied to the perineum or tail base) are not infallible and recovery can take weeks.

Anaesthesia and analgesia in chinchillas

Saunders, R., Harvey, L. — 2012-01-11T08:21:53-08:00

Chinchillas are becoming increasingly popular as pets, and so are being presented more often for veterinary care. The most common indications for anaesthesia of chinchillas include the diagnosis and treatment of dental disease, neutering, caesarean section, fracture repair and the collection of diagnostic samples. For successful anaesthesia of chinchillas, an understanding of their particular anatomy and physiology, and a sound knowledge of anaesthesia, is important. This article discusses the perianaesthetic and anaesthetic management of these animals.

Diagnostic testing for the detection of feline retroviruses

Adam, F., Dandrieux, J. — 2011-12-21T04:02:10-08:00

Since the discovery of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) in 1964 and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in 1986, knowledge of viral epidemiology and disease pathogenesis has developed greatly. Diagnostic tests demonstrating antigen, whole virus and the presence of virus-specific antibody titres have allowed the identification of retrovirus-infected cats. More recently, molecular testing methods have been developed for use in the diagnosis of FIV and FeLV. This article discusses the commercial diagnostic tests available for the detection of these viruses and outlines how such tests may be applied in clinical practice.

Welfare assessment in sheep

Goddard, P. — 2011-12-21T04:02:10-08:00

Protocols for the assessment of welfare in sheep are not as well developed or validated as in other livestock species. However, it is possible to use a number of animal- and resource-based measures to indicate the standard of animal welfare in sheep flocks. This article considers the potential indices that can be implemented when assessing welfare in sheep, and reflects on what difference this might make to the animals themselves. In addition, it highlights how these might be tailored to individual production units in order to make them more relevant and, hence, maximise welfare.

Investigation of pelvic problems in horses

Powell, S. — 2011-12-21T04:02:10-08:00

Despite the advanced diagnostic techniques that are currently available, diagnosing equine pelvic injuries and pain can be challenging for even the most experienced equine diagnostician. Due in part to its size and complexity, the equine pelvis is rather daunting to investigate as a site of pain. Localising diagnostic anaesthesia – required for the assessment of pelvic and thoracic limbs in horses – is restricted in the back and pelvis, leading to a degree of subjective assessment, which is obviously not ideal. The introduction of scintigraphic imaging has revolutionised the diagnostic potential of bone injuries of the pelvis but has contributed to a far lesser degree to the understanding of soft tissue pain. This article describes an approach to the investigation of pelvic pain in horses and outlines a number of pathological conditions that can be encountered.

Pleural effusions in dogs and cats 2. Placement of tubes and treatment

Murphy, K., Papasouliotis, K. — 2011-12-21T04:02:10-08:00

It is not uncommon for dogs and cats to present with a pleural effusion, which often requires emergency management involving the placement of a thoracic drain. This article describes a step-by-step guide to placing traditional wide-bore tubes and small-bore drains in practice. It also focuses on the general management of specific conditions that can cause pleural effusions. The diagnostic investigation of dogs and cats with pleural effusions was discussed in an article published in the October issue of In Practice (volume 33, pp 462–469).

Veterinary care of snakes

Rowland, M. — 2011-12-21T04:02:10-08:00

Snakes are becoming increasingly popular pets and are hence seen more frequently in general veterinary practice. It is therefore important that clinicians have a working understanding of the species presented, as well as the steps required to accurately diagnose and manage health issues. This article reviews the commonly presented species and outlines the husbandry requirements of each. In addition, it discusses the unique anatomy and physiology of snakes and highlights commonly seen conditions, their diagnosis and treatment.

Oestrus detection in dairy cattle

Gordon, P. — 2011-12-21T04:02:10-08:00

Achieving reproductive targets in artificially inseminated cattle herds relies on oestrus (heat) detection, which can be identified directly and indirectly from behavioural changes in cows. Increased herd size and reduced oestrus expression have been linked to suboptimal detection. This article reviews current knowledge of oestrus detection and highlights the opportunities for veterinary surgeons to become further involved in its management through training, monitoring and the identification of appropriate aids for oestrus detection.