Companion collection - How to...

   Karen Harris and Philip Witte of Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists explore this common cause of canine lamenes.

  The approach to the diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma.

   Hepatic encephalopathy is a complex neurophysiological syndrome that follows a critical loss of functional hepatic mass. It can be challenging to diagnose and treat.

  What are the surgical options for managing oral masses?

   A basic echocardiography examination. Ultrasound machines are in widespread use in general practice though interpretation of images can be difficult. Relatively little expertise can expand their usefulness.

  Ben Harris of Northwest Surgeons on the steps to take when confronted with a bleeding patient.

  The paraparetic dog – Rita Gonçalves of the Small Animal Teaching Hospital at the University of Liverpool on these difficult cases.

 Point-of-care blood gas analysers are becoming more commonplace but interpreting results can be daunting. Helen Wilson with a step-by-step guide.

 Immediate first aid and pain management considerations, a survey of the injuries, and ongoing therapies and management of patients with burns are described.

 In equine medicine, sports injuries are an established part of the workload but this is not the case in small animal practice where disciplines like agility are relatively recent. Lowri Davies explores the needs of canine athletes.

 Chris Shales from Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service works us through the approach to this challenging presentation

 Anaesthesia of birds is often viewed as high risk. Joanna Hedley of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies describes the process and how to minimize the risks involved.

 Georgina Gent on what can be the daunting task of identifying the underlying cause of ‘red eye’.

   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.

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.