In Practice Latest Issue

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.

Meeting the needs of smallholders

Roberts, V. — 2012-05-10T07:35:05-07:00

Smallholders often keep a range of species with very different needs, and have a responsibility to ensure the welfare of these animals. Victoria Roberts explains how veterinary surgeons can help this growing sector by providing a comprehensive farm health plan and offering guidance and support.

Exit interviews: good practice and good for business

Dingwall, R. — 2012-05-10T07:35:05-07:00

It is good practice for a business to conduct exit interviews when members of staff leave. They provide information that can be useful for business improvement and an opportunity for the transfer of knowledge to replacement staff or other team members. Rita Dingwall offers advice on effective exit interview techniques and gives some sample questions that have been designed to derive the most benefit for the practice as well as the interviewee.

Accommodating cultural differences of opinion

Wells, K. — 2012-05-10T07:35:05-07:00

You work for an animal charity in a developing country. The organisation runs veterinary clinics and neutering programmes with the aim of improving animal welfare. Sometimes you find that differences in religious and cultural beliefs between you and the local staff employed by the charity lead to disagreements over the best course of action to improve animal welfare (eg, concerning handling, pain management or euthanasia). How far should you accommodate these differences when making decisions about individual cases and practice policy?

Comments on the dilemma in the april issue: 'repeat vaccinations'

Mullan, S. — 2012-05-10T07:35:06-07:00

The dilemma in the April issue concerned a client from the medical profession questioning why their dog required repeat vaccinations (In Practice, April 2012, volume 34, pages 246–247). Their understanding was that the immune response had a long memory following vaccination and they implied that yearly vaccinations were only being recommended to provide a regular income stream for vets. David Williams commented that this was a common concern of clients. While the assumption that vaccination should incite long-term immunity against a particular pathogen was correct, the issue was complicated by differences between pathogens, vaccines and the prevalence of the pathogen in the recipient population. Since most companion animal diseases being vaccinated against were no longer circulating in the population, there were no natural boosters for immunity, which meant vaccination was required more frequently. It was also a case of playing it safe for vaccinations with an uncertain duration of immunity. The benefits of vaccination outweighed the side effects. Aside from protection against disease, yearly vaccination encouraged owners to present their pet for examination more frequently, which meant that any conditions were more likely to be diagnosed at an early stage when they were more likely to be treatable. A way forward was to ensure transparent communication with clients so that the vet and the client could come to a rational and amicable decision about the vaccination protocol for the animal. A requirement that some services, such as vaccinations, should not subsidise others, such as the treatment of sick animals, would also be justifiable.

A practitioner ponders

2012-05-10T07:35:06-07:00

I was bitten by a dog last month – quite badly. It was one of those determined, practiced lunges that come without warning. There was even some chewing, and not a glimpse of remorse. It was an elderly dog with a foul mouth brought in by an incompetent owner, and these circumstances only made the situation seem worse.

I was triaged within 10 minutes of arrival at A&E, thus satisfying performance statistics. The decision was eventually made that my wounds merited the attention of a hand trauma specialist at another hospital on the following day.

I began pondering the circumstances of the attack around midnight in bed when the pain relief had begun to subside and I had run out of trial positions for relieving the pressure on my swollen, oozing (and, sadly, dominant) hand.

I was now privy to the knowledge that the dog had previously sent a...