In Practice Latest Issue

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.

Laying your cards on the consulting table

Everitt, S. — 2012-02-13T06:11:41-08:00

Consultations are central to veterinary practice. They allow the veterinary surgeon to discuss options with the client to establish what is in the best interests of the animal patient. This requires effective communication through openness, transparency and an evidence-based approach. In this article, Sally Everitt describes some of the techniques that can be used during consultations to achieve the best results for all involved.

Trouble with snow: preparing your vehicle for winter conditions

Richards, I. — 2012-02-13T06:11:41-08:00

Snow may be an opportunity for many people to have some fun, but it represents quite a different prospect for anyone who has to work in it. Practice managers have a duty to ensure that their staff remain safe when they are on farm visits or house calls. In this article, Iain Richards describes the hazards associated with bad weather and recommends some useful equipment to keep in the boot of your vehicle in case problems arise.

Branching out: a guide to practice expansion

Terry, J. — 2012-02-13T06:11:41-08:00

The extension of practice services through the development of a branch network can boost practice profits significantly. Conversely, it can also be a considerable drain on the resources of an otherwise profitable business. Getting it right requires a strategic approach that is planned and executed carefully to minimise loss and to optimise profitability. Jane Terry describes some factors to consider.

Shortcomings in locum practice procedures

Green, R. — 2012-02-13T06:11:41-08:00

While working as a short-term locum, a client asks for a repeat prescription for acepromazine tablets for a dog in the run up to bonfire night. You know that it is not the ideal treatment from a behavioural point of view, but other clients' records show that acepromazine is widely prescribed by the practice for firework phobias. It would be difficult to refuse the repeat prescription without upsetting the client and the practice, and it seems unfair to cause problems for this particular client when she could come in a week later and be given the tablets without any hassle. As a short-term locum, you feel that it is important to fit in with normal practice procedures as much as possible, and the RCVS requires you not to criticise colleagues. However, your client is likely to know other clients who are being prescribed acepromazine tablets by the practice at the same time as you are refusing to prescribe them. With this in mind, if you refuse to prescribe the tablets, how should you explain to the client that they're not an appropriate treatment?

Comments on the dilemma in the January issue: 'Promoting personal views in practice'

Mullan, S. — 2012-02-13T06:11:41-08:00

The dilemma in the January issue questioned whether it was ethical for a practice owner to provide literature in the practice waiting room sympathetic to their own personal views on farm animal welfare issues (In Practice, January 2012, volume 34, page 54). While promoting animal welfare was admirable, the question of whether it was morally or professionally acceptable to promote personal views to clients on which animal-derived products to reject was less clear. Paul Roger commented that it was fine for practice owners to promote what they saw as beneficial practices as long as no negative pressure was put on the alternative view. In fact, they had a duty to publicise their stance, while ensuring that the information they provided was accurate and reviewed regularly. This would help to maintain the focus of the public on important animal welfare issues, leading to an improvement in standards. A possible way forward was to consider using an ethical framework to help inform views on different farming methods and to evaluate each method based on how well they applied the Five Freedoms concept.

A practitioner ponders

2012-02-13T06:11:41-08:00

It's time for me to get a new wallet. Not, regretfully, because the old one is so full of money that it can hold no more, but rather because the current one is crammed with all sorts of detritus and is basically worn out. It's stuffed full of faded till receipts, long-forgotten shopping lists, dog-eared business cards, and the all-essential credit and debit cards, with the odd wrinkled five-pound note hidden among it all. It's done the job but can do no more. On closer inspection, I realise that it bulges for one reason more than any other – because I have so many so-called loyalty cards in it.

Are these a curse or a blessing of the 21st century? I have loyalty cards for hotels, coffee bars, supermarkets, petrol stations and clothing shops, and not just one but several for each type of business. If I stop for...