The need for research in small animal medicine

Extract

You are all aware that the needs for research in small animal medicine differs from those of other veterinary endeavours because we do not deal with export markets and primary in dustry, but rather with an unique area of consumerism. Because we deal mainly with individual animals rather than groups, some people try to link our work with that of the physician, but here again the requirements are different. The economic value of the patient may be limited but we all know that the emotional value to the client can create both challenge and demand for the veterinarian.     

Laparoscopy in small animal medicine

Summary

Laparoscopy is described as a safe, simple, and relatively non‐invasive diagnostic technique for the visualization of abdominal organs. The instruments required, the procedure of laparoscopy, and indications and contra‐indications are described. The advantages of laparoscopy above laparotomy are discussed.     

Laparoscopy in small animal medicine

Laparoscopy is described as a safe, simple, and relatively non-invasive diagnostic technique for the visualization of abdominal organs. The instruments required, the procedure of laparoscopy, and indications and contra-indications are described. The advantages of laparoscopy above laparotomy are discussed.     

Leukotriene inhibition in small animal medicine

Leukotrienes are important mediators of inflammatory and allergic conditions in people and are suspected to play an important role in tumorigenesis and tumor growth of several different tumor types. Based on this, researchers are making great progress in identifying novel pharmacologic targets for several human diseases. Leukotriene inhibition has resulted in therapeutic benefit in clinical trials involving people with osteoarthritis, allergic asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Despite this progress and the possibility that leukotriene inhibition may also play an important therapeutic role in veterinary patients, parallel advances have not yet been made in veterinary medicine. This article summarizes leukotriene function and synthesis. It also reviews the published literature regarding potential therapeutic applications of leukotriene inhibition in both human and veterinary medicine, focusing primarily on osteoarthritis, NSAID induced gastrointestinal mucosal damage, allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis, and cancer.     

Anti‐platelet therapy in small animal medicine

Thromboembolism is a significant complication in many commonly encountered diseases, and can be a devastating sequel to otherwise treatable conditions. Platelets play an essential role in the hemostatic process and, consequently, are associated with thrombus formation. Platelets adhere to denuded vascular subendothelium, recruit additional platelets and cells, aggregate, and provide the catalytic surface for thrombin production and fibrin formation. Therapy to prevent unwanted thrombus formation and thromboembolic crises is essential in the management of hypercoagulable patients. Unfortunately, many of the medications used in veterinary medicine that inhibit or modulate coagulation factors, such as the heparins, are cost prohibitive, only effective when administered by injection or require frequent drug monitoring, and are therefore poor choices for long term at home therapy. While the role of the platelet in pathologic thrombus formation is not fully understood, veterinarians often resort to anti‐platelet therapy in the management of patients at risk for thromboembolic complications, because many anti‐platelet medications are inexpensive, require minimal drug monitoring, and can be given orally. The aim of this review is to discuss the anti‐platelet therapies that are currently being used or being considered for use to inhibit platelet function and reduce thromboembolic complications in hypercoagulable dogs and cats.     

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in small animal medicine: an update

In December 2005, the American Heart Association published new guidelines for cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation (CPCR) in humans for the 1st time in 5 years. Many of the recommendations are based on research conducted in animal species and may be applicable to small animal veterinary patients. One important change that may impact how CPCR is performed in veterinary medicine is the recommendation to avoid administration of excessive ventilatory rates because this maneuver severely decreases myocardial and cerebral perfusion, decreasing the chance of survival. The new guidelines also emphasize the importance of providing well-executed, continuous, uninterrupted chest compressions. Interruption of chest compressions should be avoided and, if necessary, should be minimized to <10 seconds. During defibrillation, immediate resumption of chest compressions for 2 minutes after a single shock, before reassessment of the rhythm by ECG, is recommended. This recommendation replaces previous recommendations for the delivery of 3 defibrillatory shocks in rapid succession. Allowing permissive hypothermia postresuscitation has been found to be beneficial and may increase success rate. Medications utilized in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including amiodarone, atropine, epinephrine, lidocaine, and vasopressin, along with the indications, effects, routes of administration, and dosages, are discussed. The application of the new guidelines to veterinary medicine as well as a review of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in small animals is provided.     

General principles of fluid therapy in small animal medicine

The clinician's knowledge about total body water distribution and the appropriate choice of fluids for treatment can have an important effect on the eventual outcome of his or her patients. The ability to calculate fluid deficits and to compute infusion rates appropriately is an essential aspect of top-quality patient care. The principles of fluid therapy that were provided in this article should provide one with a logical and practical means for prescribing fluid treatments.     

Pyrantel in small animal medicine: 30 years on

Pyrantel, a tetrahydropyrimidine nicotinic agonist anthelmintic, has been used in companion animal medicine since the 1970s to control two important nematode groups, the hookworms and the roundworms. Given the zoonotic potential of these parasites, pyrantel has served a dual role in helping to protect the health of both companion animals and the public for more than 30 years. This review describes the history and mechanism of action of this drug, and collates evidence that resistance to pyrantel has developed in at least one canine nematode, the hookworm Ancylostoma caninum. The role of in vitro diagnosis tests in managing anthelmintic resistance in companion animal parasites is discussed, as are management practices that may reduce the rate at which resistance develops.     

Case presentation from small animal medicine. Diabetes mellitus in a cat]

This case report is about a 9 year old female spayed domestic shorthair cat with a previously diagnosed diabetes mellitus. After an insulin treatment for a short period of time, the cat was given an oral hypoglycemic agent. Four years after initiating therapy the cat was presented with diabetic ketoacidosis. Various aspects of the etiology, pathophysiology and treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis are discussed.     

Heatstroke in small animal medicine: a clinical practice review

Objective: To review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, current treatment, and prognosis of heatstroke. Etiology: Heatstroke can be a life‐threatening condition occurring because of an imbalance of heat dissipation and production. Certain factors may predispose some animals to heatstroke. The pathophysiology and sequelae of heatstroke share similarities with that of sepsis; thus, multiple organ dysfunction often ensues. The pathophysiological derangements that occur with heatstroke result from a complex series of events associated with direct cytotoxicity of heat and initiation of the acute‐phase response by endotoxin, inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines. Activation of endothelial cells, coagulation factors, and fibrinolysis (with ensuing microvascular thrombosis) leads to hypoxia and organ dysfunction. Heat shock proteins produced secondary to sudden heating act as protein chaperones or molecular guardians to provide protection against future heatstroke and may be implicated as a possible genetic component of heatstroke. Diagnosis: A history of recent exercise or being confined in a hot and/or humid environment, combined with clinical signs such as body temperature above 40°C (104°F), panting, tachycardia, hyperemia, dry mucous membranes, and depression to prostration is consistent with a diagnosis of heatstroke. A complete blood count performed during the initial examination of dogs with suspected heatstroke often includes nucleated red blood cells. Therapy: The mainstays for treating heatstroke include rapid evaporative cooling, volume replacement to provide cardiovascular support, and management of secondary complications. Prognosis: The prognosis is multifactorial. There is a significant negative correlation between comatose mental status, decreased temperature, and hypoglycemia with mortality.