General principles of neural therapy. Review

As an introduction the five applications of the neural-therapy, which are treatment of locus dolendi, segment, neural structures, vascular system and irritation-centre (disturbing field) as well as some indications and forms of treatment are described by presenting mechanisms, partly well known, partly to be completed by further research. The central function of the vegetative nervous system is pointed out.     

General principles of retrovirus immunodetection tests.

Because infecting retroviruses contain protein and glycoprotein antigenic determinants that can be readily distinguished from host cell determinants, the development of immunologic detection systems, immunodetection tests, or immunoassays capable of identifying antigens of some retroviruses (oncoretroviruses) in blood, body fluids, or cells is possible. Conversely, detection of antibodies produced by animals against some infecting retroviruses can also be used to identify current infections of lentiretroviruses and some oncoretroviruses. Studies of various microorganisms by various immunodetection systems indicate that the most specific and sensitive assays are immunofluorescence, radioimmunoassay, and immunoblot (western blot) analysis, followed by sensitive but less specific ELISA and agglutination assays, and finally by even less sensitive but very specific isolation in culture and double immunodiffusion techniques. The first test used routinely for clinical detection of any retrovirus was the immunofluorescent antibody test, introduced in 1972, for detection of FeLV infection in pet cats. Since then, tests for human retroviruses, the human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2 and the human T-cell lymphotropic virus types I and II (HTLV-I and HTLV-II) have been introduced for routine use in human medicine. Recently, retroviral tests for a second feline retrovirus, the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) have been introduced in veterinary medicine. General principles of sensitivity, specificity, true-positive and -negative rates, false-positive and -negative rates, and positive and negative predictive values apply to all methods used for detection of retroviral infections.     

General principles of surgery applied to cattle.

Basic principles of surgery are important to review, even for experienced surgeons. Although aseptic surgical principles are not always applicable in the field, we have to respect some guidelines. Recent research will influence the way that we do things, based on what we have been taught and our experience. Respecting those simple principles can make a big difference in the final outcome.     

An introduction to principles of veterinary clinical pharmacology: General principles

Three hundred and sixty goats, pregnant from an estimated 72 days to almost full-term, aborted between 30 and 50 hours afterreceiving 0.25 or 0.5ml cloprostenol by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Despite close observation, no goat was seen aborting. All membranes and some foetal limbs were consumed, afterwhich the foetuses (and three live kids) were abandoned.

Fourteen goats died from blood poisoning due to CI. chauvoei between 30 and 40 hours after aborting. It is recommended that an immunisation programme precede the induction of abortion or premature parturition in the goat.     

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.     

Upper airway obstruction. General principles and selected conditions in the dog and cat

This article presents an overview of the clinical features of upper airway obstructive disorders. It includes more detailed discussions of certain common conditions such as brachycephalic airway syndrome, laryngeal paralysis, and upper airway obstruction due to trauma, foreign bodies, extraluminal masses, and tumours of the larynx and trachea.     

Reproductive laparoscopy

Reproductive laparoscopy can be used to examine, photograph, and perform surgery on the internal reproductive organs of both the male and female of many species of animals. The equipment and teaching have been adapted from human medicine. This article discusses laparoscopy's use in this context in small and large animals and non-domestic species both in captivity and in the wild.     

General concepts of virology.

A basic understanding of viruses and how they replicate and produce disease can aid in the management of virus infections. Parameters, such as clinical signs, sample and test selection, prognosis, and control, are implicit in this understanding. Information increases almost daily about known and emerging viruses; this impacts our ability to manage and control infections.