Compendium-Continuing Education for Veterinarians最新文献

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder of dogs. Current management strategies for this disease typically involve assessing the patient for resolution of clinical signs. Biologic markers that can be used to objectively assess the natural progression and predict the course of clinical disease, including response to treatment, are needed. Over the past 5 to 10 years, there has been an ongoing search for a cost-effective, minimally invasive laboratory parameter that can detect disease activity and aid in monitoring treatment. This article reviews the biomarkers currently available for evaluating dogs with IBD.

Ureterolithiasis is a serious clinical problem in small animal veterinary medicine, and management can be challenging and frustrating. Various traditional surgical treatment options exist but are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In humans, minimally invasive treatment options have overtaken traditional surgical removal. This article reviews the current literature on the management of ureteral stone disease, including various types of lithotripsy, and discusses some of the newer minimally invasive options available for small animal veterinary patients. It is important to realize that much of the data in this article is only published in abstract form and is largely one institution's experience with these novel techniques. Articles on minimally invasive management of lower urinary tract uroliths and nephroliths were published in the January 2013 and February 2013 issues, respectively.

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disease in dogs. A variety of clinicopathologic abnormalities may be present; however, neurologic deficits are rare. In some instances, neurologic deficits may be the sole manifestation of hypothyroidism. Consequent ly, the diagnosis and management of the neurologic disorders associated with hypothyroidism can be challenging. This article describes several neurologic manifestations of primary hypothyroidism in dogs; discusses the pathophysiology of hypothyroidism-induced neurologic disorders affecting the peripheral and central nervous systems; and reviews the evidence for the neurologic effects of hypothyroidism.

Promoting health and wellness in dogs and cats is a common goal for veterinarians and pet owners alike. Over the past decade, a number of highly publicized pet food recalls, as well as a growing awareness of the role of diet in health and disease for people, have changed the way some owners approach mealtime for their pets. Many owners, and some veterinarians, now advocate feeding dogs and cats home-prepared foods (raw, cooked, or both) as the sole source of nutrition for pets and cite either perceived health benefits or a general mistrust of the pet food industry as the reason. It is important for veterinary practitioners to understand the risks and benefits of home-prepared diets, as well as the motivation behind a pet owner's decision to follow this type of feeding regimen, to ensure optimal health for their patients.

Thoracoscopy is gaining popularity in small animal surgery as an alternative to thoracotomy for an increasing variety of cases. This article discusses the details of some of the most frequently performed thoracoscopic procedures in small animal practice: diagnostic biopsy of pleural, mediastinal, pericardial, and lung tissue; thoracoscopic pericardial window creation and subphrenic pericardectomy; lung lobectomy; thoracic duct ligation; and cranial mediastinal mass resection. A companion article that presented the instrumentation, anesthesia challenges, and approaches for thoracoscopic procedures in small animals was published in the January 2013 issue.