Euthanasia in the dog and cat

A survey was made of the euthanasia of dogs and cats in the Scottish Region of BSAVA. The reasons for euthanasia were classified and major differences were found between the two species in the numbers destroyed on veterinary, behavioural and convenience grounds. Methods of destruction and body disposal were also considered.     

Uveitis in the dog and cat

Uveitis, inflammation of the vascular middle coat of the eye, may be a common manifestation of several diseases. Clinical signs of uveitis include ocular discharge, redness, and pain. Uveitis should be differentiated from other conditions causing similar clinical signs. Once uveitis is recognized, attempts to identify a specific cause should be undertaken. In some cases, an underlying cause is not identified, and treatment is aimed at preventing additional ocular damage.     

Uveitis in the dog and cat

The clinical signs, possible causes and types of treatment available for uveitis in the dog and cat are reviewed. While in many cases the aetiology is obscure, infection, neoplasia, trauma and lens damage are established as possible causes of uveitis and immune mediated mechanisms are increasingly recognised as important in uveal tract disease.     

Chylothorax in the dog and cat

The etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of chylothorax are discussed in this article. A detailed discussion of thoracic duct anatomy, physiology, and methods of lymphangiography is included. The information presented is a review of previous literature, an update on recently completed studies, and speculation about where future research is needed.     

Glaucoma in the dog and cat

Conjunctivitis, mydriasis, corneal edema, lens luxation, buphthalmos, and blindness are caused by elevated IOP in the glaucomas. Primary glaucomas with a bilateral potential for development are noted in two cats and several dog breeds, with secondary glaucomas caused by uveitis and neoplasia common in the cat and dog. Tonometric evaluation is essential for the early diagnosis and management of glaucoma. Medical therapy of topical demecarium bromide and timolol maleate, with systemic dichlorphenamide, are recommended for general glaucoma maintenance therapy in dogs and cats. Transcleral cyclophotocoagulation will surgically reduce IOP in cases in which maximum medication has been reached.     

Dacryocystorhinography in the dog and cat

The normal nasolachrymal systems of the dog (meso-, dolicho-, and brachycephalic) and cat were investigated by dacryocystorhinography and latex preparations. Nasolachrymal abnormalities associated with obstructions, deviations, a congenital defect and invasion of the system were demonstrated by dacryocystorhinography in four dogs and two cats. The value of dacryocystorhinography in the clinical evaluation of nasolachrymal diseases and in the diagnosis of nasal masses is presented. Résumé. Le systeme naso-lacrymal normal du chien (méso-, dolicho-, et brachyocéphale) et du chat a été étudié par dacryocytsto-rhinographie et d'après des préparations de latex. Les anomalies nasolacrymales dues à l'obstruction, aux déviations, aux lésions congénitales ou invasives ont pu être mises en évidence grâce à la dacryocysto-rhinographie chez 4 chiens et deux chats. Les auteurs soulignent les avantages de cette méthode dans le diagnostic des affections naso-lacrymales et en particulier dans celui des masses nasales. Zusammenfassung. Die normalen nasolachrymalen Systeme des Hundes (meso-, dolicho-und brachiocephal)und der Katze wurden mittels Dacryocystorhinographie und Latexpräparaten untersucht. Nasolachrymale Anomalitäten, die mit Obstruktionen, Abweichungen, einem con-genitalen Defekt und Invasion des Systems verbunden waren, wurden durch Dacryocystorhinographie bei vier Hunden und zwei Katzen nachgewiesen. Der Wert der Dacryocystorhinographie bei der klinischen Untersuchung nasolachrymaler Krankheiten und für die Diagnose nasaler Massen wird erläutert.     

Osteomyelitis in the dog and cat

Osteomyelitis was seen in 38 dogs and five cats over a 10 year period. Seventy per cent of cases occurred as a complication of orthopaedic surgery. The remainder were due to spread from infective foci elsewhere in the body. Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest organism isolated from long bones. Bone infection was responsible for delayed union in 13 fractures and non-union in four. Surgical treatment was necessary for the resolution of most cases.     

Contraception in the dog and cat

Contraception, the prevention of pregnancy, can be achieved by any method which prevents the union of sperm and follicle. In the case of the dog and cat contraception is seldom necessary for the animals' well-being, but is sought for the owner's convenience, and it therefore behoves the veterinary surgeon to discuss fully the various options. Notwithstanding this, it is essential from the social angle to limit the production of unwanted kittens and puppies.Contraception may be achieved by confinement or by surgical or chemical methods. Whereas formerly confinement was the method of choice, followed closely by surgery, various chemical methods are now in vogue, and it is not always realized, even by veterinary surgeons, that the way these chemicals work is not fully understood, and that for this reason alone they are inherently dangerous. All methods are associated with some danger but whereas in the case of confinement or surgery the dangers are most likely to be immediate, adverse results from the use of chemical contraceptives may not appear for many years.     

Epidural analgesia in the dog and cat

SUMMARY: A brief outline of the history of epidural analgesia is followed by a review of the anatomy of the epidural space with particular reference to epidural block. The technique of epidural injection in the dog is described as are the indications for the technique. These include the provision of anaesthesia for such procedures as orthopaedic surgery of the hind limb and caesarian section. The cardiovascular effects of epidural block are discussed and suggestions are made for the prevention of hypotension. The various drugs and their combinations which may be used for epidural administration are outlined. The commonest used local anaesthetic agents are bupivacaine and lidocaine. Epidural administration of opioid drugs is a relatively new technique which is used to provide intra- and post-operative analgesia. Morphine is the drug of choice for this indication.The use of other classes of drugs, such as the alpha 2 agonists and ketamine, are also considered. A variety of side-effects, contra-indications and complications are described together with methods for reducing their incidence and effects.     

Para-aural abscess in the dog and cat

The term para-aural abscess is used to describe the condition when suppuration has extended from the external ear canal or the middle ear cavity into the surrounding soft tissues. This report describes a series of 17 dogs and three cats in which otitis had advanced to the stage of para-aural abscess formation. The diagnostic procedures and subsequent treatments are rationalized but it is concluded that the prognosis is not favourable in most animals in which otitis has progressed to this state.     

Corneal dystrophy in the dog and cat

Two types of epithelial dystrophy have been described in dogs, one each in the Boxer and Shetland Sheepdog breeds, both of which can be associated with corneal erosions. Medical therapy is recommended when erosions or tear film abnormalities are present. Stromal dystrophies documented in dogs appear to be a primary lipid deposition in various layers of the stroma, depending on the breed. Stromal dystrophies seldom lead to loss of vision, but vision loss has been observed in middle aged Airedale Terriers and aged Siberian Huskies. Treatment is usually unnecessary. The dog demonstrates two types of endothelial dystrophy, one of which (posterior polymorphous dystrophy in the American Cocker Spaniel) does not lead to corneal edema. Endothelial dystrophy observed in the Boston Terrier, Chihuahua, and other breeds is associated with progressive corneal edema, which can lead to bullous keratopathy and corneal erosions. Stromal and endothelial dystrophies, both of which are associated with rapid progression of corneal edema, occur rarely in the cat. Treatment of dystrophies with progressive corneal edema is symptomatic and palliative.