Companion collection - How to...

An animal that is drinking and urinating more than normal can be a diagnostic challenge with a long list of possible differential diagnoses. Simon Tappin describes the procedure.

Chylothorax is an uncommon condition in both dogs and cats and though straightforward to diagnose is challenging to treat and manage. Alasdair Hotston Moore offers his advice.

Anorexia is a common reason for tortoises presenting at veterinary practices. Poor husbandry is often the cause. John Chitty describes the signs, diagnosis and management of the condition.

At the time of writing there were no feline blood banks so blood has to be collected at the time of need. Danielle Banks describes the practicalities.

Systemic hypertension is increasingly recognized in canine and feline populations and can be damaging. Rosanne E. Jepson describes how to recognize the hypertensive patient, its affects and how it should be treated.

An expert review of the particular properties of products on offer for controlling ticks, mites and insects of veterinary importance.

Regardless of the underlying problem the principles of managing seizures are very similar, regardless of their cause. Mark Lowrie discusses the options.

Lymphoma is the most common cancer in cats and understanding of the disease and both grown and changed . Mark Goodfellow takes a fresh look at one of the most common feline lymphomas.

Susana Silva with a guide to the appropriate techniques for obtaining diagnostic liver biopsies.

Gillian Gibson on how to maximize a precious resource including the production, storage, choice and administration of blood products.

Nuala Summerfield on when and how to get the most from an ECG.

Historically there has been a tendency to treat all mammary tumours as the same, resulting in local recurrence or metastasis. A logical approach to classifying the type of tumour that presents, and how to proceed accordingly are described by Gerry Polton.

Simple enough in theory, in practice, many vets lack confidence when using a direct ophthalmoscope. David Gould describes its correct use.

The Animal Health Rabies Operation branch at Chelmsford Animal Health Divisional Office offers essential advice for vets in practice on the implications of the Pet Travel Scheme.

Twelve top tips on taking cytology samples and getting the most out of them from Kathleen Tennant.

The first of Companion’s ‘How to…’ features offers advice for the equipment and procedures needed when choosing and fitting a cat with a urinary catheter.