VETERINARY MEDICINE, Oct 1, 2005

Features

Avian influenza: An emerging feline threat?

By Margaret C. Barr, DVM, PhD

Many researchers and health officials are concerned about the potential for an influenza pandemic caused by avian influenza virus.

Influenza in greyhounds: A cautionary tale

By Margaret C. Barr, DVM, PhD

Dogs, like cats, have generally been resistant to influenza infections. However, equine influenza virus was implicated in an outbreak of respiratory disease in racing greyhounds from Jacksonville, Fla., in early 2004.

Emergency management of congestive heart failure

By Elisa M. Mazzaferro, MS, DVM, PhD, DACVECC

Patients with congestive heart failure are, unfortunately, common in small-animal practice. Some patients present with acute exacerbation of previously diagnosed and treated cardiac disease. Other animals may present with vague and nonspecific clinical signs and have no known history of cardiac problems.

Top 10 cat behavior tips

By Jacqueline C. Neilson, DVM, DACVB

Cat owners can have a lot of questions: "Should I get a second cat as a playmate?" "How can I stop my cat from scratching the furniture?" "Why doesn't he use the litter box?" So in the spirit of David Letterman, I compiled this top 10 list of cat behavior tips.

CVC Highlights: Interactive play: Essential for pets and people

By Amy R. Marder, VMD, DACVB

Like food and shelter, animals need play. When taking histories from clients during routine examinations or visits regarding their petsâ€™ behavior problems, remember to ask clients whether they play with their pets.

CVC Highlights: Bathing is key to managing pruritus in dogs and cats

By Gene H. Nesbitt, DVM, MS, DACVD

Many conditions can cause pruritus in dogs and cats, the most common being allergies (atopy, food, flea) and external parasites (e.g. Sarcoptes scabiei, Cheyletiella species).

CVC Highlights: Optimizing antimicrobial therapy

By Robert L. Bill, DVM, MS, PhD

To reduce the potential for developing bacterial resistance, it is important to follow treatment guidelines that help ensure elimination of the microbial population.

CVC Highlights: Essentials for interpreting ECGs in practice

By Larry P. Tilley, DVM, DACVIM (internal medicine)

Indications for electrocardiography include arrhythmias heard on auscultation, breathing problems, shock, fainting or seizures, cardiac murmurs, and systemic disease that affects the heart (e.g. tumors, kidney dysfunction, heartworm disease).

CVC Highlights: A new tool for diagnosing acute pancreatitis in dogs

By Michael S. Leib, DVM, MS, DACVIM

Definitively diagnosing acute pancreatitis in dogs can be difficult.

CVC Highlights: A new treatment for feline Tritrichomonas foetus infection

By Debra L. Zoran, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM

Common infectious causes of diarrhea in kittens include viruses, bacteria, protozoa, helminths, and fungi.

Departments

Editors' Note: A clean bill of health

By Theresa L. Entriken, DVM

Doesn't an "I-know-it-already review" bolster your clinical skills confidence and confirm you're managing your patients correctly?

An Interview with... Dr. Stephen J. Withrow

A limb-sparing technique to treat osteosarcoma is just one of many contributions this oncologist, inspired by his patients, has given both veterinary and human medicine. "Cancer patients face their disease with dignity and grace and put their faith in our hands."

On the Forefront: Extended-release liposomal opioids for treating pain in dogs

By Lesley J. Smith, DVM, DACVA

Adequate analgesic treatment of both acute perioperative pain and chronic pain in dogs is recognized by the veterinary profession and the general public as imperative to appropriate and humane medical care.

Idea Exchange: Use sailing tools to restrain animals

Quick-release cam cleats used on sailboats to set sails make inexpensive X-ray table tie-down cleats.

Idea Exchange: Do-it-yourself wound suction drain

I construct an inexpensive wound suction drain by using a butterfly catheter and a Vacutainer tube (Becton, Dickinson, and Company).

Idea Exchange: Code bottles and boxes to avoid confusion

In my busy practice, several boxes of heartworm tests are usually open at once.

Idea Exchange: "I'll take Ticks for $200"

Staff meetings can be educational and fun if presented as a game show.

Idea Exchange: Use a towel to calm nervous or fractious cats

When giving fractious or nervous cats subcutaneous fluids, my colleagues and I cover them with heavy towels to calm them down.

Mind Over Miller: Does humor translate?

By Robert M. Miller, DVM

Practitioners are blessed if they have a good sense of humor. The stress, frustration, disappointment, and turmoil of daily practice are greatly mollified when viewed through the prism of humor.