Exotic animal blood transfusions: An overviewBlood transfusions are an ever-growing therapy in small animal practice. Transfusions offer patients a lifesaving option by giving us time to treat the underlying disease or correct hemodynamic imbalances. However, did you know you could use most of the same methods used in cats and dog blood transfusions in other species? Read More
Minimally invasive treatment options: The use of stents in the veterinary patientThe use of stents in the veterinary patient is constantly expanding. Requests from owners for minimally invasive treatment options and palliative care options are steadily increasing. This article discusses some of the more common stents used in veterinary medicine. Read More
Current diagnostic approaches to chronic diarrhea (Part II)In last week's article, we discussed current diagnostic approaches to chronic diarrhea. In this newsletter we will discuss several different steps in treating chronic diarrhea, especially when diagnostics such as biopsies, either via surgery or endoscopy, are not possible due to the status of the patient. Read More
Every patient, every time: Basic nursing assessments for hospitalized patients for the veterinary technician and assistantAt my practice we are growing and constantly have new people join our team. With every new person we do our best to instill a certain authority they have with the patients they are asked to watch during admission or shift change. Below is our hospital’s patient assessment checklist we emphasize during training. Each hospital should have something similar to help ensure patient safety and healing, while allowing the veterinary nurse to really take some ownership. Read More
Current Diagnostic Approaches to Chronic Diarrhea (Part I)Diarrhea is described as an increase in fecal mass, specifically volume, frequency or fluidity, and it is an important clinical sign of intestinal disease. Diarrhea as a clinical sign can be found with both small and large intestinal disease. Part I of this two-part series discusses clinical signs and diagnosis. Part II, which discusses treatment, will published next week. Read More
Immunomodulating therapy in dogs: Beyond glucocorticoidsAlice Benedict, DVM, DACVIM VCA Shoreline Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center Many immunomodulating drugs have been developed over the past 50 or so years to treat immune-mediated disease and improve transplant success. In veterinary Read More
Corneal transplantsNicholas Cassotis, DVM, DACVO Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital, Portsmouth, NH The beauty of the cornea is in its clarity. This avascular, thin, anterior-most tissue of the eye serves functional and structural roles. Functionally Read More
Repetitive strain injury of the psoas muscle in dogsRepetitive overuse of the psoas is a common yet under appreciated cause of mobility impairment in the dog. This article presents an overview of the pathomechanics, diagnosis, and management of psoas RSI in dogs. Read More
Canine chronic hepatitisCanine chronic hepatitis (CH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease that without intervention, progresses to hepatocellular necrosis and fibrosis/cirrhosis. A definitive diagnosis is made with histopathology. There are several known causes of canine hepatitis, including... Read More
