Companion collection - How to...

   The first part of this How to… covers observation and the localization of the lesion in the neurological system.

  Hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing’s syndrome, is a common canine endocrinopathy resulting from excessive cortisol production. Simon Tappin discusses the diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

Horner’s syndrome is a common neurological disorder affecting the eyes in both dogs and cats. Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are described.

A previous How to… (Companion February 2011) described the indications for and practicalities of taking an ECG. This article discusses the interpretation of the ECG.

Cutaneous markers of internal disease are highly specific for, or diagnostic of, particular systemic disorders. Most are uncommon, but well described. Laura Buckley summarizes the clinical presentations and diagnoses.

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.