Dogs presented with neurological problems are often viewed as particularly challenging to diagnose and manage. Animals with neurological diseases may present with a variety of clinical signs, including seizures, ataxia, pain, paresis/paralysis and behavioural changes. This chapter deals with history, physical examination and common conditions. Quick Reference Guides: Short ‘screening’ neurological examination; Emergency treatment of status epilepticus.

Skin masses, nodules and swellings are a common presentation as they are visible to owners and often worry them. Solid, cystic or oedematous elevations of the skin may be epidermal or dermal, or may extend into the subcutaneous fat and panniculus. All masses and nodules are composed of accumulations of cells, which can be neoplastic, inflammatory, or a mixture of the two. This chapter considers history, clinical examination, differential diagnoses, diagnostic approach, empirical treatment whilst awaiting results, when to refer and what to do if finances are limited. Quick reference guide: Fine-needle aspiration.

Sneezing and nasal discharge are common presenting clinical signs in cats, indicating disease within the nasal cavity or nasopharynx. Unlike many other presenting clinical signs, the differential diagnoses for these signs are relatively limited, and diagnostics are also limited to a number of key procedures. This chapter will look at differential diagnoses and diagnostic approach. Quick reference guides: Evaluating the nasopharynx; Nasal flushing and biopsy.