When renal disease is suspected, abdominal palpation is critical to the initial physical examination. Abdominal palpation will reveal changes in renal morphology that accompany various pathophysiological processes. This chapter covers diagnostic approaches to abnormal findings such as increased/decreased size, and altered shape/consistency. Case examples: Domestic shorthaired Cat with ethylene glycol toxicosis; Weimaraner with pyelonephritis.

Reconstruction of large skin defects following trauma or radical excision of neoplastic masses can be problematical, particularly when wounds occur on the extremities where there is not enough skin for primary closure. Options for management include: axial pattern flaps; local subdermal plexus flaps; skin grafts; and second intention healing. There may, however, be insufficient skin adjacent to the wound to allow second intention healing or the use of local subdermal plexus flaps. Second intention healing may also result in formation of fragile epithelium or wound contracture. Axial pattern flaps are used for the one-stage reconstruction of wounds. Flaps are usually raised from the trunk, neck or proximal limbs, where there is sufficient loose skin to allow closure of the donor site with minimal morbidity. They provide durable full-thickness skin with a predictable vascular supply, resulting in normal to near-normal hair growth and minimal visible scar tissue, although hair growth is in the opposite direction and may be of different length and texture to the hair in the local area. Functional results after successful axial pattern flap use are good, although some owners are dissatisfied with cosmetic results. The chapter considers Blood supply and axial pattern flaps; and Complications and flap failure. Case examples: Superficial cervical axial pattern flap for a face wound in a cat; Thoracodorsal axial pattern flap for an elbow wound in a dog. Operative techniques: Axial pattern flap; Thoracodorsal axial pattern flap; Superficial cervical (omocervical) axial pattern flap; Caudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flap; Lateral thoracic axial pattern flap; Deep circumflex iliac (ventral branch) axial pattern flap; Deep circumflex iliac (dorsal branch) axial pattern flap; Cranial superficial epigastric axial pattern flap; Superficial brachial axial pattern flap; Genicular axial pattern flap; Reverse saphenous conduit axial pattern flap; Superficial temporal axial pattern flap; Caudal auricular axial pattern flap; and Lateral caudal axial pattern flap

Acid-base disturbances are common, and can have a significant impact on patient morbidity and mortality if unrecognized or if treated inappropriately. Blood gas analysiscan be used to assess a patient’s acid-base status and also the oxygenation of the blood. This chapter discusses buffering, blood gas analysis, simple acid-base disorders, responses to acid-base disturbances, evaluation of samples, blood gas analysis in respiratory patients, effects of blood gas disturbances on other analytes and mixed acid base disturbances. The chapter includes case examples.

Cancer-associated pain has significant implications in terms of quality of life and is a common reason pet owners elect for euthanasia. This chapter covers recognition, prediction, assessment, treatment and monitoring of cancer-associated pain. Case examples: Transitional cell carcinoma; Soft tissue sarcoma with spinal cord involvement; Appendicular osteosarcoma; Cutaneous epitheliotrophic lymphoma.

Cloacal, uterine and rectal prolapse may be the result of primary disease of the cloaca itself, or be secondary to disease conditions involving structures that terminate in or are near the cloaca. This chapter deals with the clinical signs, differential diagnosis, systematic approach and a range of specific approaches to treatment of cloacal, uterine and rectal prolapse. Case examples: Female Cockatiel with cloacal prolapse; Amazon parrot with papillomatosis; Umbrella Cockatoo with flaccid vent.

Microorganisms interact continuously with animal hosts. Occasionally this leads to infection and disease in the host. Detection and identification of an infecting microorganism depends on good sampling technique, competent laboratory methodology and an understanding of the pathogenicity of specific microorganisms. This chapter looks at collection and storage of samples for culture, microscopy and staining, bacterial and fungal identification, significance of bacterial isolates, PCR testing, antigen detection and serology, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, in-practice bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing and multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. The chapter also includes case examples.

Protozoal and arthropod-borne infections cause important diseases in dogs and cats. Some diseases, particularly arthropod-borne, are endemic to some areas because they are transmitted by vectors restricted by geographical boundaries. However, these diseases are frequently also presented in non-endemic areas as a result of the travel and importation of animals. In addition, some of these diseases are zoonotic and, therefore, of public health concern. This chapter looks at general laboratory diagnosis of protozoal and arthropod-borne diseases and diagnostic tests for specific disease. Case examples are included.

Cytopathology, often abbreviated to cytology, is the microscopic examination of individual cells or groups of cells to identify their origin and any changes characteristic of disease. It is a quick and safe diagnostic tool that can be used to investigate superficial or internal masses, internal organs, lymph nodes and fluids (effusions, joint fluids, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs), urine, prostatic washes). This chapter deals with general sampling guidelines, routine stains, cytochemical stains, immunocytochemistry, complications and contraindications of cytology, cytological cell types, the approach to slide examination, skin cytology and cytology of lymph nodes. Case examples are included.

Erythrocyte disorders fall into two broad groups: anaemia; and erythocytosis (or polycythaemia). Anaemia may be due to reduced or defective red cell production, which results in non-regenerative anaemia, or increased red cell loss, which results in regenerative anaemia. This chapter looks at the following: A review of erythropoiesis, anaemia, erythocytosis and blood typing. Case examples are included.