Clinical application of prong-type tissue anchors in small animal surgery

Prong-type tissue anchors were used in six dogs and one cat in a variety of orthopaedic procedures in order to aid repair and replacement of tendons and ligaments. All animals returned to normal function with minimal problems.     

Opinions of Finnish small animal owners about surgery and pain management in small animals

Objectives : To examine the opinions among small animal owners regarding the management of pain and surgery in small animals. Methods : A questionnaire was presented to 800 owners of dogs or cats who visited one of the four participating clinics in Finland in February 2006. Results : A total of 482 owners completed the questionnaire (60·3 per cent response rate); 90 per cent of the respondents were female. Owners classified surgical procedures (for example, fracture repair, skin tumour removal and neutering) as more painful than medical conditions (otitis externa and lameness). In addition, owners disagreed most with statements that they had received sufficient information on the appropriate methods of management of animal pain and that the recognition of animal pain is easy. With respect to surgical procedures, owners expressed greatest concern in relation to the animal experiencing fear or anxiety during hospitalisation and the presence of postoperative pain. Clinical Significance : The animal owners had concerns about the presence and management of animal pain, fear and anxiety. Knowledge of these animal owner opinions could aid veterinary practitioners when communicating with their clients on medical and surgical patient management. Furthermore, studies are merited to clearly define how best to successfully respond to these owner attitudes.     

Recommended techniques in small animal anaesthesia: An update

A protocol for anaesthesia of healthy small animals (dogs and cats) is described with the emphasis on good technique. The anaesthetic period is considered in stages from pre-operative evaluation through to recovery.     

Practical haematology for the small animal clinician

In this paper an attempt is made to describe the more common situations in which simple haematological techniques may aid the small animal clinician with his diagnosis. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of the results.     

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.     

Diagnostic toxicology for the small animal practitioner.

The successful diagnostic investigation involves an accurate history and appropriate antemortem and postmortem sampling. This chapter discusses factors such as sample size, shipping, test requests, and interpretation that must be considered when pursuing a small animal diagnostic investigation.