in Practice最新文献

The correct storage of veterinary medical products and accurate recording of temperatures has been highlighted as an area of concern by the RCVS and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. This article explains the refrigeration technology that can ensure compliance with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations and help to take the pressure off busy practices and teams.

Background: Weaning has long been considered a stressful time for both lambs and ewes and, as such, many problems can be encountered during this time. The timing of weaning is generally when lambs reach ages of between 12 and 14 weeks; however, rather than being a fixed time event this should be based on the grazing available, ewe body condition score and lamb growth rates.

Aim of the article: This article discusses common issues encountered by both ewes and lambs at weaning time and outlines how to minimise these problems.

Pharmacovigilance is a regulatory activity that continues to evolve and adjust to medicines coming to market and their potential impact on those exposed, which at times includes indirect exposure. It has developed to recognise environmental impact and there is increasing focus on efficacy of medicines. It is important that even when an event, degree of resistance or partial efficacy is already acknowledged, we still remain vigilant as the incidence of the event needs to be monitored to ensure that what was originally noted is consistent with what arises subsequently, and guidance can be amended accordingly. This article provides a background to pharmacovigilance and provides practitioners with a guide to reporting adverse events in the UK.

Background: As with many non-traditional companion animals, husbandry is a crucial part of maintaining the health of captive tortoises. Husbandry deficiencies are a common factor in the development of clinical disease, and awareness of the species-specific requirements and common consequences of husbandry failings, are critical in managing these patients in practice.

Aim of the article: This article outlines basic husbandry requirements and husbandry-related conditions for the more common tortoise species that may present to first-opinion practice. Descriptions to assist in species identification are included, as these become relevant when assessing hibernation suitability of individual animals. Hibernation-related health concerns are also discussed.

Background: It is a truth now universally acknowledged that cats suffer from osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis in cats has received a lot of attention in the past 15 years, but previously it was an infrequently recognised and poorly understood problem. As veterinarians we should be assessing cats (both old and young) for the presence of OA, and should educate owners about the treatment and management of the condition.

Aim of the article: This article aims to provide a broad overview of current diagnosis and management practices for OA in cats, outlining how to confirm an OA diagnosis, the treatment options that are available and when surgery may be required.

Background: A variety of acute spinal cord disorders (myelopathies) can occur in dogs and cats. Understanding the typical clinical presentation and examination findings of the most common acute myelopathies is the key to formulating an accurate diagnostic and treatment pathway in clinical veterinary practice.

Aim of the article: This article describes the characteristic clinical features for the most common acute myelopathies in dogs and cats, as well as outlining a diagnostic approach and important treatment considerations to achieve a successful outcome.