Online small animal case simulations, a.k.a. the Virtual Veterinary Clinic

Six years of experience at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine using an online, asynchronous, problem-solving small animal case simulation tool are presented. Student satisfaction with the online problem-solving experience was high, and the majority of students felt that the experience was realistic and worthwhile. The effort required to keep the experience realistic required a large investment of time by instructors, which ultimately led to discontinuation of the online course. A summary of features to consider when creating case simulations is presented.     

Ivomec, a treatment against rabbit mange.

The trial with Ivomec as a treatment against sarcoptic mange in rabbits gave very encouraging results. There was 100% clinical recovery in 31 rabbits that were treated with no cases of reinfestation. Even though there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in weight gain between the treated and untreated groups, the efficacy of Ivomec was visually appreciated. Pruritus ceased one week post-treatment while total hair regrowth occurred after 6 weeks.     

Anterior crossbite correction in a dog using a lingual bar, a labial bow, lingual buttons, and elastic threads.

Anterior crossbite occurs as a result of several conditions. These conditions include retained deciduous teeth, over-crowding, trauma to developing permanent tooth buds, and trauma to erupted teeth. Treatment includes the use of orthodontic appliances and materials to correct the occlusal relationship. This case illustrates the use of a maxillary labial bow, a mandibular lingual bar and lingual buttons to correct an anterior crossbite in a dog.     

Knemidokoptes in a Swainson's hawk, Buteo swainsoni.

A male Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni) at a rehabilitation facility in Colorado was presented with severe crusting of the skin on the medial thighs and caudal ventral body. Male and female Knemidokoptes mites were found on a cellophane tape preparation of the affected area. The hawk's clinical signs resolved with treatment with ivermectin administered at 200 microg/kg, i.m., every 10 days for three treatments.     

P-15 Identification of Malassezia spp. isolated from a cat and cattle, including a new species, M. nana

Preliminary studies showed that lufenuron inhibits chitin synthesis, a dermatophyte cell wall constituent, and may be effective in the treatment of dermatophytosis. Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of lufenuron in the treatment of feline dermatophytosis. Forty-six cats (Persians and mixed-breed cats from 1-month to 4-years old) naturally infected with Microsporum canis were included in this study. Fifteen cats were treated isolated in cages in the veterinary hospital and 31 were treated in their home environment (some with access to the outdoors). Dermatophyte skin lesions were seen in 29 animals while 17 other cats were asymptomatic carriers. Wood's lamp, direct microscopic examination of hairs, fungal culture and skin biopsies were used for the diagnosis. Affected cats and all in-contact animals received lufenuron at a dose of 120 mg/kg every 21 days for four treatments. Of the 29 symptomatic cats treated with lufenuron, 70% recovered within 21 days and 28% within 42 days of initiation of therapy. One cat had only partial recovery and another was euthanized. Negative fungal culture was recorded only after the fourth dose of lufenuron in 98% of affected cats and 100% of asymptomatic carriers. There was no difference in clinical response to lufenuron between the cats treated in their home environment and those treated in the veterinary hospital. Side effects were not observed, thus the drug proved to be safe and effective for the treatment of dermatophytosis.
Funding: Novartis.     

Anterior uveal melanoma, with secondary keratitis, cataract, and glaucoma, in a horse.

Intraocular melanoma was diagnosed in a 13-year-old horse. Secondary clinical findings included keratitis, cataract, and glaucoma. The eye was enucleated. Follow-up information did not give an indication of metastatic disease.     

Idiopathic, aseptic, effusive, fibrinous, nonconstrictive pericarditis with tamponade in a standardbred filly.

A Standardbred filly was admitted for evaluation of pleuritis and pneumonia. Heart rate was 80 to 120 beats/min, and the pulse was barely palpable. Thoracic and abdominal ultrasonography and echocardiography revealed substantial pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade, fibrinous pericarditis, pleural effusion, and ascites. Initial electrocardiography revealed normal sinus rhythm with decreased amplitude of the QRS complexes consistent with pericardial effusion. Following thoracentesis, echocardiogram-guided pericardiocentesis was performed. Bacterial culture yielded no growth from any of the fluids, and bacteria were not seen on cytologic examination. Initial treatment included broad-spectrum antibiotic treatments, IV fluid therapy, and anti-inflammatory agent administration. On the basis of negative culture results, an immune-mediated cause was considered, and dexamethasone was instituted in a decreasing dosage regimen. Pericardial effusion, ventral edema, and ascites began to resolve within 3 days after beginning dexamethasone treatment. Thirty days following discharge, the filly was reexamined, and at that time, the prognosis for athletic performance was considered good so the horse was returned to race training. The final diagnosis in this case was idiopathic, effusive, nonconstrictive pericarditis with tamponade. Early identification, clinical understanding, and application of knowledge of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of pericarditis in horses, combined with use of diagnostic aids such as ultrasonography and aggressive therapy consisting of effusion drainage, pericardial lavage, antibiotics that penetrate the pericardium, and corticosteroids when indicated are critical for a successful outcome in horses with pericarditis.