Small animal archives

Practical tips for canine and feline patients

Cat and dog parasiticides and the environment

More practical tips for small animal practice

Aggressive behaviour in dogs

Extracorporeal shockwave therap

Dermatology treatment for cats and dogs: multi-modal therapy care

Salivary mucocoele in dogs: aetiology, diagnosis, and management

Ureteral ectopia in dogs

Mites, moths and larvae

Surgical management of HO in a dog

Anal sacs: an important source of canine clinical information

Determining if a cat is in pain, and treatment options

The heat is on: the feline TNZ

Cat carriers - relieving the stress of the journey to the vet

Addressing heat distress in dogs

Affordable therapy for canine dementia

Cerebral Ischaemic Infarction in a dog diagnosed by MRI

A palliative treatment modality for appendicular osteosarcoma in a dog

A hidden pet crisis

Meningoencephalomyelitis of Unknown Origin in Dogs

Hypothyroidism: over-screened and over-diagnosed

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis and caudal feline malocclusion: treating each in first opinion practice

Canine alimentary lymphoma: clinical presentation and treatment options

Inflammatory diseases of the CNS in dogs

Clinical approach to the acute neurological intoxication

An overview of dog training and behaviour

Neutering rabbits for disease prevention: a guide to anaesthesia

How to Neuter Rabbits

Treating brachycephalic obesity in Ireland: an RVN approach to tackling the challenges that arise

Diagnosis and treatment of feline hyperthyroidism

The jaundiced cat – differentials and clinical approach

The Forgotten External Markers Of Clinical Disease

Canine and feline parasite control – too much choice?

How to approach fox casualties in general practice
Aoife Hand MVB, O’Malley Veterinary Hospital, Bray, outlines the ways in which practitioners can successfully treat fox casualties while prioritising the welfare of these astute animals

Approach to canine insulinoma
Myles McKenna MVB MVetSci MVetMed DACVIM (SAIM) DECVIM-CA MRCVS, assistant professor in small animal internal medicine at University College Dublin, presents an overview of canine insulinoma

Truth and dare: Are brachycephalic dogs really less healthy than other dogs?
Brachycephalic dog breeds are regularly asserted as less healthy than non-brachycephalic breeds. But is this really true? And if it is true, what do you and your practice dare to do to try to mitigate the welfare issues raised by brachycephalism in dogs? In this paper, Dan O’Neill, senior lecturer in Companion Animal Epidemiology, The Royal Veterinary College, explores the use of VetCompass primary-care veterinary clinical data to answer these health questions and then explores the work of the UK Brachycephalic Working Group as a framework to help you to engage with current veterinary activities on brachycephalism

Diagnosing and treating canine lymphoma
The approach to diagnosing and managing a tumour can be daunting but once a diagnosis is made there are many treatment options available. A common tumour seen in general practice and referred to UCD Veterinary Hospital is canine lymphoma. Amy M Koterbay BVMS, MS, DACVIM (Oncology) clinical lecturer in Oncology, University College Dublin Veterinary Teaching Hospital, discusses the approach to diagnosing and treating this common tumour

Open fracture management in small animals
European specialist in small animal surgery Fernando S. Reina Rodriguez DVM, MSc,DVMS, DipECVS and small animal surgeon Jose V. Targa Villalba DVM, Cert. VEAMIS, Cert. Orthop.UCH-CEU offer some guidelines on open fracture management

Approach to canine cutaneous mast cell tumours
Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are the most common canine cutaneous neoplasia and can vary widely in their biologic behaviour writes Andy Yale BVMedSci (Hons) BVM BVS (Hons) PGDipVCP MRCVS, Resident in Small Animal Oncology, Royal Veterinary College

Cobalamin in dogs
Oliver Waite BVSc MRCVS on the assessment of cobalamin in dogs

Chemotherapy in Small Animal Oncology
Staff clinician in small animal oncology at the Royal Veterinary College Andy Yale BVMedSci (Hons) BVM BVS (Hons) PGDipVCP MVetMed MRCVS provides an overview of chemotherapy and its use as a treatment for small animals

Emergency management of dyspnoea
Dyspnoeic patients require immediate attention, assessment and stabilisation to prevent respiratory fatigue which can rapidly lead to respiratory arrest. Dyspnoeic animals, however, can be challenging to manage as many dyspnoeic animals are too unstable to tolerate investigations. Important decisions, therefore, need to be made based on clinical assessment and a capsular history. Laura Cole MA VetMB MVetMed PgCert VPS CertAVP (ECC) DACVECC DECVECC MRCVS, discusses key aspects of respiratory triage, emergency diagnostics and therapy

Steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis in dogs
Boyd Jones BVSc, FACVSc, DECVIM-Ca, Emeritus Professor in Small Animal Clinical Studies, UCD, reviews aspects of steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis in dogs

Allergy and immunoglobulin E – an evolving understanding of the relationship
Allan Bell BVSc, MACVSc, FACVSc, Specialist Veterinary Dermatologist and Boyd Jones BVSc, FACVSc, DECVIM-Ca, Emeritus Professor Small Animal Clinical Studies, University College Dublin, discuss the role of IgE and other mediators in allergic skin diseases

Ventral midline coeliotomy – reducing post-surgery complications
Fernando S Reina Rodriguez DVM MSc DVMS DipECVS, European specialist in small animal surgery and Professor Barbara Kirby BS RN DVM MS DACVS DECVS
American and European specialist in small animal surgery outline how to reduce post-surgical incisional hernia in small animals

Emergency cytology I: blood smear assessment
Interpreting cytology in-house is an incredibly useful skill to have when dealing with emergency patients. Often the ongoing diagnostic and treatment plans hinge on these results and timely assessment can make a big difference to patient management. In a two-part series, Poppy Gant BVSc MRCVS will provide a quick guide to the use of cytology in emergency patients. Part one, in this issue, will focus on blood smear assessment, including preparation, examination and the basic assessment of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets

Emergency cytology II - cytology of fluids
In part two of this emergency cytology focus, Poppy Gant BVSc MRCVS looks at the preparation and assessment of cytology from various fluids, including urine, body cavity effusions and airway lavages. Examples of emergency presentations in which immediate cytological assessment is useful will concurrently be discussed.

Wildlife casualties in general practice
Wildlife casualties are a common presentation to veterinary practices, usually brought in having been found by a member of the public. In this article, Vicki Baldrey, lecturer in exotic species and small mammal medicine and surgery at the Royal Veterinary College in London, discusses the approach to the wildlife casualty in a general practice setting and describes some of the most common presentations seen

Companion rabbits: a case study concerning human-directed aggression
Deborah J N Fry BSc (Hons) MSc CCAB, certificated clinical animal behaviourist, presents a case study that explores human-directed aggression in a companion rabbit. It highlights how, when assessing and treating problem behaviour, it is essential to consider the natural habitat, biology and behaviour of wild rabbits in relation to companion rabbit management

Demodicosis in first opinion caseloads of dogs: the ‘mitey’ facts on frequency and breeds
Dr Dan O’Neill, senior lecturer in companion animal epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College, outlines a study aimed at exploring the epidemiological features of demodicosis relevant to the general UK dog population

Hedgehogs – a practical approach to common presentations
Aoife Hand MVB O’Malley Veterinary Hospital, Bray, aims to equip general practitioners with the tools to appropriately triage and treat hedgehogs without compromising their welfare

Feline relinquishment: how can the veterinary profession help reduce this?
Vanessa Bourne MVB CertAVP(SAM-F) PGCertVetEd FHEA MRCVS, Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, writes about how veterinary practices can reduce feline overpopulation, relinquishment and welfare in Ireland

Chronic kidney disease in cats – part 1
Vanessa Bourne MVB CertAVP(SAM-F) PGCertVetEd FHEA MRCVS, Royal Veterinary College, discusses how to increase longevity, improve the client-practice bond and increase revenue by employing optimal monitoring and treatment options for chronic kidney disease in cats

Chronic kidney disease in cats – part 2
In the second part of this two-part series, Vanessa Bourne MVB CertAVP(SAM-F) PGCertVetEd FHEA MRCVS, Royal Veterinary College, continues her exploration of how to increase longevity, improve the client-practice bond and increase revenue by employing optimal monitoring and treatment options for chronic kidney disease in cats

Wildlife crime in Ireland – cause and effect
In this article, Mark Naguib BVMS(Hons) CertAVP(ZooMed) MRCVS and Séan David Byrne, Trinity College Dublin zoology graduate provide a comprehensive overview of wildlife crime in Ireland and the role of the veterinary practitioner in the treatment of the animals at the centre of these crimes

Canine immune-mediated polyarthritis
Myles McKenna MVB MVetSci MVetMed DACVIM (SAIM) DECVIM-CA MRCVS, assistant professor in small animal internal medicine at University College Dublin, presents an overview of canine immune-mediated polyarthritis

Resilience in dogs: the importance of early positive socialisation
Building resilience, confidence, and social skills in puppies is essential to prevent behavioural problems later in life. It is important that this begins as early as possible with the breeder and continues with the owner, otherwise critical learning and developmental stages will elapse, writes Rachel Malkani MSc BSc (Hons) LSHC-S CDBC, a PhD student in Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Surrey

Assessment of the feline blunt trauma patient
In this article, Poppy Gant BVSc MRCVS, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, reviews the key steps taken in the physical examination of the feline trauma patient, highlighting common injuries and the approach to their emergency management

Cat breeds: the hidden problem of inherited diseases
Pedigree cats are far less widely kept compared to pure-bred dogs, but there are signs that this may be beginning to change, writes Pete Wedderburn BVM&S CertVR MRCVS, Brayvet, Co. Wicklow who details the inherited disorders that are common in these breeds

Lipoma in dogs: how common are they and what breeds are affected?
Lipomas are often clinically unremarkable but can be alarming to owners. Although perceived as common in dogs, no studies have specifically investigated risk factors associated with their occurrence. Here, Dan O’Neill MVB BSc (hons) GPCert (SAP) GPCert (FelP) GPCert (Derm) GPCert (B&PS) MSc (VetEpi) FRCVS, pathobiology and population sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, reviews a study, which explored anonymised electronic patient records of dogs attending practices participating in VetCompass to report the prevalence and risk factors for primary-care veterinary diagnosis of lipoma

Canine leptospirosis in the UK and Ireland
Leptospirosis is an important bacterial disease of dogs with infection occurring through contact with infected urine. It additionally presents a public health concern due to its zoonotic nature. Collette Taylor PhD student at The Royal Veterinary College discusses the distribution of canine leptospirosis in the UK and Ireland, clinical presentation, diagnostics, treatment and prevention

Cognitive dysfunction in the ageing pet
Clare Rusbridge, professor in veterinary neurology at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, discusses cognitive dysfunction in the ageing pet, reviewing key points in history taking for the older patient, other means of diagnosis, nutraceuticals for the ageing pet and the latest updates on treatment

Heart murmurs in young dogs and cats: differentials, tips and additional testing
Ilaria Spalla DVM PhD MRCVS MVetMed DACVIM, veterinary cardiology specialist, Ospedale Veterinario San Francesco (Milan, Italy) provides a comprehensive overview of heart murmurs in young dogs and cats

Update on leptospirosis in dogs
Collette Taylor LIDo iCASE PhD student, Royal Veterinary College discusses the distribution of canine leptospirosis in the UK and Ireland, clinical presentation, diagnostics, treatment and prevention. Although the focus is on canine leptospirosis, serovars in other species will also be discussed

Veterinary visits – the value of understanding feline behaviour
Vanessa Bourne MVB CertAVP(SAM-F) PGCertVetEd FHEA MRCVS, Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, writes about how understanding feline behaviour can reduce stress before, during and after consultation

Diabetic ketoacidosis in cats and dogs
Diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes mellitus, is an important differential for acute collapse in dogs and cats. In this article, Poppy Gant BVSc MRCVS, final-year emergency and critical care resident at the Royal Veterinary College, aims to review the pathophysiology, diagnostics and main aspects of treatment, with particular reference to what can initially be achieved in general practice

Local and regional anaesthetic techniques in small animals – part 1
Lisa McCauliffe VN BSc BVSc CertVOphthal MRCVS presents part one of a two-part series that focuses on local and regional anaesthetic techniques

Ocular manifestations of systemic disease in cats
As the eye can be examined so readily, it is invaluable to be able to recognise ocular signs that can provide an early, rapid diagnosis and accessible evaluation of therapy success, writes Natasha Mitchell MVB DVOphthal MRCVS, Eye Vet Ltd, Crescent Veterinary Clinic, Limerick

Cutaneous adverse food reactions in dogs
Cutaneous adverse food reactions account for between 10% and 25% of dogs with allergic skin disease. A successful elimination diet trial is the key to diagnosing these cases, writes Kathryn Cuddy MVB CertAVP(VD) MRCVS, Skinvet Ireland

Septic arthritis: diagnosis, management and prognosis
Septic arthritis is an uncommon but potentially devastating condition of small animal patients; Ben Mielke BVSc MANCVS (Surgery) MRCVS and Ignacio Calvo Ldo Vet CertSAS DipECVS FHEA MRCVS, the Royal Veterinary College, UK, outline the common features of this condition and the recommended treatment strategy

Approaching the hypercalcaemic patient
Consuelo Alonzi MRCVS and Simon Tappin MA VetMB CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS, Dick White Referrals, The Six Mile Bottom Veterinary Specialist Centre, UK, discuss the clinical representations of the hypercalcaemiac patient

Disease predispositions in dogs and cats: the fuller story
Dan O’Neill MVB BSc(hons) GPCert(SAP) GPCert(FelP) GPCert(Derm) GPCert(B&PS) MSc(VetEpi) MRCVS, senior lecturer in companion animal epidemiology, The Royal Veterinary College, UK, discusses recent research that pulls together all published evidence on known disease predispositions in dogs and cats into a single easy-to-use resource

Canine and feline pancreatitis
Harry Cridge MVB, resident in small animal internal medicine and Alyssa Sullivant DVM MS DACVIM, assistant professor in small animal internal medicine, Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, present a detailed overview of canine and feline pancreatitis

Managing chronic osteoarthritis? It is as easy as A,B,C
As the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs, Stuart Carmichael BVMS MVM DSAO FRCVS, managing director, AIM.OA discusses management of OA

How to manage the critical in-patient
Management of the critical SA patient is intensive but can be rewarding, writes Laura Cole MA VetMB PgCert VPS CertAVP (ECC) MRCVS, veterinary specialist-in-training, Royal Veterinary College, UK

Canine hyperadrenocorticism –diagnosis
Dr Christine Griebsch DipECVIM-CA, University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Sydney, Australia, discusses diagnosis of canine hyperadrenocorticism in part one of this two-part series

Canine hyperadrenocorticism – management
Dr Christine Griebsch DipECVIM-CA, University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Sydney, Australia, discusses management of canine hyperadrenocorticism in the second instalment of this two-part series

Novel tools in the assessment of dog welfare in veterinary practice
In veterinary medicine, health status is often equated with animal welfare; however, this measure alone provides no information about the patient’s emotional state and general welfare. Rachel Malkani MSc BSc (Hons) LSHC-S, a PhD student in Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Surrey, outlines some of the ways in which dog welfare can be established today

Feline urine spraying: behaviours and solutions
Urine spraying is perfectly normal behaviour in felines. However, there are ways to manage and prevent the activity, writes Ellen O’Connor, Clanrye Veterinary Clinic, Newry, and final-year veterinary nursing student at Dundalk Institute of Technology

Adverse health consequences associated with canine angiostrongylosis
Adam Shuttleworth and Hany Elsheikha BVSc MSc PhD DipEVPC FHEA FRSPH, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, UK, outline how angiostrongylosis, the cardiopulmonary disease, affects dogs

Trematodes in farm and companion animals
The comparative aspects of parasitic trematodes of companion animals, ruminants and humans is presented by Maggie Fisher BVetMed CBiol MRCVS FRSB, managing director and Peter Holdsworth AO Bsc (Hon) PhD FRSB FAICD, senior manager, Ridgeway Research Ltd, Park Farm Building, Gloucestershire, UK

Intestinal surgery in small animals – how to prevent it leaking?
Kathryn Pratschke MVB MVM CertSAS DiplECVS MRCVS RCVS, European specialist in small animal surgery, provides a brief historical context for intestinal surgery and explains how we have reached our current recommendations for closing intestinal incisions, as well as addressing the question of how to prevent surgical sites leaking

Communicating empathy in veterinary practice
Jantina McMurray DVM and Søren Boysen DVM DACVECC, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada, discuss communicating empathy in veterinary-client-patient interactions

Canine pheochromocytoma
Isabelle Desmas, Davies Veterinary Specialists, Manor Farm Business Park, UK, examines the diagnosis and the administering of medical treatment prior to surgical treatment of canine pheochromocytoma

Anaemia in dogs and cats (part 1)
Defined as a reduction in red blood cell mass, anaemia can be caused by red blood cell loss (haemorrhage, destruction) or reduced production; RCVS recognised and European veterinary specialist in small animal medicine, Polly Frowde MA VetMB DipECVIM MRCVS explores a logical approach to investigating anaemia in dogs and cats and summarises its main causes

Anaemia in dogs and cats (part 2)
In the second part of this article, RCVS recognised and European veterinary specialist in small animal medicine, Polly Frowde MAVetMB DipECVIM MRCVS examines the causes and management of regenerative anaemia

Medical management of uroabdomen in cats
Cecilia Stilwell BVMS MRCVS, intern at Dick White Referrals, UK, discusses the treatment of the accumulation of urine within the abdominal cavity following injury to the urinary tract in cats

Canine genitourinary carcinomas: where are we now and where are we going?
Katarzyna Purzycka DVM MRCVS, Ana Lara-Garcia DVM MRCVS MSc PhD DACVIM & ECVIM-CA (Oncology) and Sarah Stewart DVM DACVIM (SAIM) MRCVS, Royal Veterinary College Oncology Department, review the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment of canine genitourinary carcinomas

Canine spaying: the positives and negatives
Can we make evidence-based recommendations about neutering dogs, asks Kathryn Pratschke MVB MVM CertSAS DiplECVS MRCVS RCVS, European specialist in small animal surgery, UK

Small animal point of care ultrasound techniques
The role of veterinary point of care ultrasound in determining the presence or absence of specific pathologies is examined by Jantina McMurray DVM; Søren Boysen DVM DACVECC, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada

Management of acute kidney injury in the dog and cat
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects all species; in this article, Laura Cole MA VetMB PgCert VPS CertAVP (ECC) MRCVS veterinary specialist-in-training, Department of Clinical Science and Services,
Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, UK, discusses the classification and diagnosis of AKI in dogs and cats and highlights the causes of AKI based on their effect on renal function

Approaching the dyspnoeic cat in the middle of the night
A logical approach to the feline patient in respiratory distress, including collection of a brief history, signalment information and performing a physical examination, will allow the clinician to localise the pathological process, writes Daria Starybrat DVM MRCVS and Simon Tappin MA VetMB CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS, Dick White Referrals, Six Mile Bottom Veterinary Specialist Centre, Cambridgeshire, UK

Hypoadrenocorticism
A logical approach to the feline patient in respiratory distress, including collection of a brief history, signalment information and performing a physical examination, will allow the clinician to localise the pathological process, writes Daria Starybrat DVM MRCVS and Simon Tappin MA VetMB CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS, Dick White Referrals, Six Mile Bottom Veterinary Specialist Centre, Cambridgeshire, UK

Management of congestive heart failure on a budget
Congestive heart failure can account for up to 38% of all cases of dyspnoea. While CHF can be managed well, with strong evidence for multi-drug therapy, treatment can be a costly exercise and successful management is ultimately often limited by financial considerations. Treatment of CHF is similar irrespective of underlying cause, but a diagnosis can aid prognosis and alter recommended follow-up. Reported median survival times in dogs with CHF are reported to be between 6-12 months, writes Chris Linney BVSc GPCertSAP CertAVP(VC) MRCVS RCVS, advanced practitioner in veterinary cardiology, Cardiology Department, Willows Referral Service, UK

Canine appendicular osteosarcoma
What are the different treatment options veterinary practitioners have in relation to canine appendicular osteosarcoma, writes Beatriz Belda, Canadian Veterinary Hospital, Doha (Qatar), Ana Lara-Garcia and Pilar Lafuente, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, London (UK)

Canine idiopathic epilepsy
Clare Rusbridge BVMS DECVN PhD MRCVS, European and RCVS Specialist in Neurology, discusses canine idiopathic epilepsy

Acute ocular chemical injuries: recognition and treatment
Professor Sheila Crispin MA VetMB BSc PhD DVA DVOphthal DECVO FRCVS, Visiting Fellow, Centre for Comparative and Clinical Anatomy, University of Bristol, UK, outlines how to recognise and treat acute ocular chemical injuries

Initial triage, diagnosis, and stabilisation of the acutely collapsed dog
Professor Søren R Boysen DVM DACVECC, Veterinary Clinical Diagnostic Sciences, University of Calgary, Canada, outlines why, due to the variation in prognosis and the plethora of underlying causes, an efficient diagnostic work-up is essential to reach an accurate diagnosis of the acutely collapsed dog

Wildlife crime: call to action
Globally, wildlife crime threatens biodiversity and sustainable development of communities. Ana Vale, Mike Rendle and Emma Higgs, Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, discuss how veterinary professionals can provide medical assistance and raise awareness

Bleeding disorders: causes and treatment
Daria Starybrat DVM MRCVS; Joy Fenner BVM BVS CertAVP(ECC) MRCVS;Simon Tappin MA VetMB CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS, Dick White Referrals, The Six Mile Bottom Veterinary Specialist Centre, Station Farm, Cambridgeshire, UK, review normal haemostasis before outlining the diagnostic approach, therapies and specific causes of abnormal coagulation

Common inflammatory liver diseases in the dog (part 1)
The pathogenesis, clinical signs and diagnosis of common inflammatory liver diseases in dogs, is outlined by Daniel Davies BVMedSci (Hons) BVM BVS (Hons) MRCVS, resident in small animal diagnostic imaging, University College Dublin

Common inflammatory liver diseases in the dog (part 2)
The second article in a two-part series on management of acute and chronic hepatitis in dogs, is presented by Daniel Davies BVMedSci (Hons) BVM BVS (Hons) MRCVS, resident in small animal diagnostic imaging, University College Dublin

Pug health using VetCompass ‘big data’
Dan O’Neill MVB BSc(hons) GPCert(SAP) GPCert(FelP) GPCert(Derm) GPCert(B&PS) MSc(VetEpi) MRCVS, Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, The Royal Veterinary College, UK, discusses recent research on the demography and common disorders of the general population of Pugs under veterinary care in England. These results are likely to be mirrored in Ireland