bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principles of ethical decision‐making in veterinary practice
Authors: Mullan Siobhan , Main David
Published: October 2010

VETERINARY surgeons are frequently faced with ethical dilemmas. Consideration of animal welfare and ethical issues is an essential component of good clinical practice in veterinary medicine and surgery. This article discusses the key steps involved in the ethical decision‐making process. While using the ethical frameworks described may not change the actual decisions made by clinicians, an understanding of ethical issues is important for client communication, improving job satisfaction and maintaining a positive public profile ‐ for both the individual vet and the profession at large.
Extramural studies‐ making the most of student placements
Authors: Latham Christine
Published: October 2010

EXTRAMURAL studies is an established part of veterinary undergraduate education and plays a key role in allowing students to develop the skills and confidence they will need in practice. In this article, Christine Latham discusses the broad aims of EMS and ways of ensuring that students derive maximum benefit from each placement.
The chronically diarrhoeic dog
Authors: Chandler Marge
Published: October 2010

DIARRHOEA is described as chronic when it has been present, either constantly or intermittently, for longer than two weeks. Determining whether the diarrhoea is primarily large or small intestinal in origin is important for deciding upon the diagnostic and therapeutic approach. This article discusses the pathophysiology of diarrhoea and outlines a diagnostic approach to chronic diarrhoea of small intestinal origin. An article in the next issue will set out an approach to the diagnosis of diarrhoea of large intestinal origin and discuss a few specific diarrhoeic diseases.
Reviewing partnership agreements
Authors: Openshaw Nick
Published: October 2010

THERE is a general view that business partners should review their partnership arrangements every three to five years. Is this just a form of ‘ambulance‐chasing’ on the part of the partnership's professional and financial advisers, or does it make good sense? According to Nick Openshaw, it is the latter, and in this article he discusses why and outlines what such a review might entail.
Undertaking research in practice
Authors: Forbes Neil
Published: October 2010

IN the last issue, Neil Forbes described the different levels of research which veterinary surgeons in practice may want to enter into. In this second article, he outlines how a project can be designed and conducted.
A new perspective on stereotypic behaviour problems in horses
Authors: Marsden Debbie
Published: October 2010

THERE is probably more misinformation about stereotypic behaviour, colloquially known as 'stable vices', in horses than on any other aspect of equine behaviour. Owner concerns are sometimes misplaced and some 'treatments' which may be attempted can be extremely detrimental to the welfare of the animal and serve only to exacerbate the problem. Conversely, certain behaviour patterns, which should alert both owners and veterinary surgeons to potentially serious clinical problems, may be overlooked, thereby delaying diagnosis and treatment. This article summarises a decade of scientific research on stereotypies, highlighting findings of practical benefit to veterinary surgeons and their clients.
Management of hernias and ruptures in small animals
Authors: Pratschke Kathryn
Published: October 2010

A HERNIA is a protrusion of an organ or part of an organ through a defect in the wall of the anatomical cavity within which it normally lies. The majority of hernias in small animals involve defects in the abdominal wall, diaphragm or perineum. These may be either congenital or acquired and can result in appreciable morbidity and even mortality. Hernial defects may occur at normal 'openings', such as the inguinal ring or the oesophageal hiatus of the diaphragm, they may be iatrogenic, or they may be abnormal in nature (eg, following trauma). This article describes how hernias are classified and outlines the principles of hernia repair (herniorrhaphy). It discusses different types of hernia and, in each case, provides guidelines on diagnosis and management of the defect.
Making a new career in career development
Authors: Coughlan Susie
Published: October 2010

FOUR years ago, Susie Coughlan found that balancing family life and practice life was becoming increasingly difficult. Not wishing to lose touch with the profession, she and her husband established a company offering CPD courses for veterinary surgeons. In this article, she describes what motivated her to move out of practice, and reflects on a challenging, yet rewarding, few years.
So you need a new assistant? Creating a ‘win‐win’ solution
Authors: Shuttleworth Sue
Published: October 2010

SELECTING the right candidate as an assistant is one of the most important aspects of practice employment management. Get it right and you will add a loyal and trusted member of staff to the team. Here, Sue Shuttleworth describes the process she recently went through when recruiting an assistant, and outlines the salient points for ensuring the process is successful for all concerned.
Time to sell: is your practice an attractive proposition?
Authors: Pound Brian
Published: October 2010

WHEN the time comes to sell a practice, its real value will lie in the amount of true profit that it generates. However, practices may not be making the most of the opportunities available to them for enhancing their profits. In this article, Brian Pound outlines a few simple performance indicators that practices can investigate to determine whether they would be an attractive proposition to a potential purchaser – and suggests ways of improving the situation if necessary.
Ultrasonography of the equine abdomen: findings in the colic patient
Authors: Freeman Sarah
Published: October 2010

RAPID and accurate diagnosis will significantly improve the outcome in horses with acute abdominal pain. This is particularly true of surgical lesions, where swift intervention offers the best chance of survival. However, abdominal surgery is a major procedure in the horse, with a number of potentially severe complications. Therefore, an accurate prediction of the type of lesion and need for surgery is vital to reduce morbidity and mortality. Ultrasonography improves the accuracy of diagnosis in colic patients. In a large study of horses with acute abdominal pain, ultrasonography was more sensitive than rectal palpation in detecting lesions (Klohnen and others 1996); in animals with small intestinal lesions, abnormalities were identified in only 50 per cent of cases by rectal palpation, compared with 100 per cent of cases by ultrasonography. An article in the last issue discussed abdominal ultrasonographic techniques and normal findings in the horse (April 2002, pp 204‐211). This article describes the findings in horses with acute gastrointestinal disease, and discusses the differentiation between surgical and non‐surgical lesions.
The Data Protection Act: employee rights, employer obligations
Authors: Lloyd Reggie
Published: October 2010

THE Data Protection Act 1998 gives employees the right to see and have some control over the information that their employers hold about them. In this article, Reggie Lloyd describes what action employees are entitled to take with regard to such data and the occasions when an employer is entitled to refuse access.
Routes to undertaking a certificate
Authors: Blake Caroline
Published: October 2010

AFTER the long haul through veterinary school, the last thing many new graduates contemplate is taking further exams, let alone returning to university. Like many of her fellow graduates, Caroline Blake wanted to work in a mixed practice, to gain a broad level of early experience. However, quite quickly she became keen to specialise and felt the need for a further intellectual challenge. A postgraduate certificate was the solution, and here she describes the process of studying for it at university. The alternative route of taking a certificate while in practice will be discussed in the next issue.
Canine dermnatophytosis associated with Trichophyton species and Microsporum persicolor
Authors: Bond Ross
Published: October 2010

DERMATOPHYTOSIS is defined as infection of cornified layers of the skin (ie, the hair, claw and stratum corneum) by a fungus of the genera Microsporum, Trichophyton or Epidermophyton. These fungi have adapted to digest keratinous debris and so tend not to invade living tissue. The incidence of dermatophytosis in dogs ranges from common to rare depending on geographical and other epidemiological factors. Clinical signs vary considerably and may be similar to those seen in other skin diseases, making diagnosis potentially difficult. This article discusses the diagnosis and treatment of canine dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton species and Microsporum persicolor.
Clinical audit ‐ a means of evaluating ‘quality’
Authors: Rayment Kim
Published: October 2010

THE ‘quality’ of something is notoriously difficult to define, yet the quality of care, a service or a product is often referred to as a means of recommendation to others. In the human health care professions, clinical audit is now an accepted method of evaluating how well something is done and where there might be room for improvement. In this article, Kim Rayment looks at the process of clinical audit and suggests ways in which it might be extrapolated to veterinary
Investigation of hearing loss in dogs
Authors: Cox Celia
Published: October 2010

HEARING is important in dogs for their social interaction. It makes them more pleasurable companions and also alerts them to potentially dangerous situations. In the case of working dogs, such as police dogs, guard dogs and hearing dogs for the deaf, which alert their owners to sounds like the telephone or doorbell, animals are only useful if they can 'hear well'. Hearing loss in dogs can range from complete to partial hearing loss in one or both ears. Minor losses generally go undetected, but severe loss in one ear can cause difficulty in localising sound. This article discusses how hearing loss is classified and describes a number of diagnostic aids which are available to help determine whether a hearing disorder is present, which ear is affected, the severity of the loss and the site of the impairment. It also provides some guidelines on the management of deaf dogs.
Essentials of nutrition in dogs and cats with gastrointestinal disease
Authors: Chandler Marge
Published: October 2010

NUTRITION plays a key role in the management of gastrointestinal disease in dogs and cats, and it is possible to manage some cases by dietary therapy alone. Dietary components can have a negative or positive effect on the bowel. A diet may contain toxins, allergens, toxic dietary excesses or nutritional deficiencies. It has a direct effect on intestinal physiology, affecting motility, cell renewal rate, bacterial flora, enzyme and ammonia production, and volatile fatty acid content. In humans, for example, diet has been shown to have an effect on the incidence of bowel cancer and, while this has not been studied in depth in cats and dogs, it is possible that the same may be true in these species. This article describes the effects specific essential nutrients may have on the normal and diseased gastrointestinal tract in cats and dogs.
Open all hours ‐ is it cost effective?
Authors: Joyce Judith
Published: October 2010

THE provision of out‐of‐hours cover, often regarded as an integral part of practice life, places a huge burden on those who have to provide the care. Some practices are now pursuing alternative options, such as the use of a dedicated emergency clinic service. In this article, Judith Joyce discusses some of the reasons why her practice decided to keep its out‐of‐hours cover in‐house and employ a veterinary surgeon purely to do the weekend work.
Clinical approach to feline eosinophilic granuloma complex
Authors: Foster Aiden
Published: October 2010

CATS frequently present with various manifestations of the so‐called eosinophilic granuloma complex (EGC). Many cases are considered to have an underlying allergic aetiology, especially those with recurrent and multiple lesions. Allergic causes include fleas and other insects and, occasionally, environmental and dietary antigens may be implicated. Initial investigations may include skin cytology, scrapes for ectoparasites and skin biopsy; in chronic cases, the clinician has to evaluate possible allergen exposure and, particularly, the effectiveness of flea control measures. Numerous types of medication have been recommended for chronic cases, but compliance with oral products is often poor and this syndrome of eosinophilic skin disease remains a therapeutic challenge for both owners and their veterinary surgeons. This article describes the key diagnostic features of EGC and discusses the options available for therapy.
Investing in internal communications
Authors: Barrow Martin
Published: October 2010

COMMUNICATION is increasingly recognised as being key to building good working relationships between clients and colleagues. In this article, Martin Barrow explains some of the benefits that a computerised internal communication system can bring to a practice.
Diagnostic and management protocols for equine's syndrome
Authors: McGowan Catherine
Published: October 2010

EQUINE Cushing's syndrome is a common problem in aged horses and ponies. It presents with a variable combination of clinical signs; hirsutism is characteristic of the disease, with laminitis frequently being the most devastating consequence. This article describes the diagnostic protocols available and, in view of the fact that complete resolution of the disease is not achievable, discusses how the condition might be managed appropriately to improve the quality of life of affected animals.
The business of pharmacy: preparing for possible changes
Authors: Gripper Peter
Published: October 2010

THERE will be significant implications for all practices if any changes to the retailing of veterinary medicines result in lower margins, reduced sales volumes, or both. Practices need to look very carefully at the business aspects of veterinary pharmacy in order to assess the impact of any changes and determine how best to react to them. As Peter Gripper explains in this article, a fundamental step in this process is to analyse the contribution of medicines sales to practice income and profits, as well as the true costs of supplying medicines.
Current perspectives on caseous lymphadenitis
Authors: Baird Graham
Published: October 2010

CASEOUS lymphadenitis (CLA) caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis has been present within the UK for more than 10 years. In this relatively short period of time, the infection has spread from a single group of imported animals to become increasingly prevalent within terminal sire sheep flocks throughout the country. The disease now threatens to spread from these elite flocks into the rest of the commercial sheep industry. The condition responds very poorly to antibiotic treatment and, in the absence of a licensed vaccine, control must be based on careful examination of sheep and goats and appropriate management strategies. This article outlines the current status of CLA in the UK and discusses how it might be managed to prevent further spread.
Common cranial nerve disorders in dogs and cats
Authors: Penderis Jacques
Published: October 2010

CONSIDERING the rarity and complexity of many neurological disorders, it is not surprising that neurology cases are often referred to specialist centres. However, this is certainly not the situation with regard to cranial nerves disorders, the majority of which can be readily identified and managed in practice. Initial assessment of these conditions is both quick and simple, and does not require any expensive or specialised equipment. The aim of this series of articles is to discuss the assessment of cranial nerves and detail their common disorders, either as a refresher for those already proficient in their management or as an introduction for those less experienced in clinical neurology. Part 1 considers the nerves involved in vision (CN II, III, IV and VI) and olfaction (CN I); Part 2, to be published in the May issue of In Practice, will discuss the trigeminal (CN V) and facial (CN VIl) nerves (which primarily supply sensation and motor function to the face); while Part 3, to be published in the June issue, will describe vestibular disease and deafness (CN VIII), as well as the remainder of the cranial nerves (CN IX to XII).
Disease risks for the travelling pet: Leishmaniasis
Authors: Trotz‐Williams Lise , Gradoni Luigi
Published: October 2010

SINCE the introduction of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) in 2000, many thousands of pets have travelled between Britain and the European mainland with their owners. These animals have all been vaccinated against rabies and have also been treated for tapeworms and ticks before entering or re‐entering the UK, as stipulated by DEFRA, in order to reduce the risk of importation of rabies, the zoonotic tapeworm Echinococcus species and ticks not already endemic in the UK. However, these precautions do not necessarily prevent British pets from contracting other exotic diseases while visiting countries covered by PETS, and the aim of this occasional series is to provide practical advice on the most important of these. Among the potentially fatal diseases which may be transmitted to a cat or dog, in spite of rigorous adherence to the DEFRA regulations, is leishmaniasis. This article discusses the diagnosis and treatment of this zoonotic parasitic disease in dogs and cats, and outlines some of the factors which influence the risk of transmission to the travelling pet. In doing so, it concentrates on the disease situation in Europe, while noting that, with the recent extension of PETS to North America, the picture is constantly evolving.
Advanced imaging: indications for CT and MRI in veterinary patients
Authors: Dennis Ruth
Published: October 2010

COMPUTED tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are increasingly being used in veterinary diagnosis due to greater accessibility of the equipment, advances in treatment options and increasing owner expectations. However, CT and MRI scanning are complex and expensive procedures that warrant careful patient selection. They should be used to supplement, rather than replace, conventional diagnostic tools. This article describes the most important indications for CT and MRI in veterinary patients and indicates which technique is preferable, should a choice exist. It also discusses the basic principles of the two imaging modalities, together with their limitations.
Skin tumours in the horse: clinical presentation and management
Authors: Quinn Greg
Published: October 2010

NEOPLASTIC skin disorders in the horse can present a diagnostic challenge for the equine practitioner and can be a source of anxiety and frustration for the owner. Due to the obvious outward signs of skin disease, the owner or client is often quick to seek veterinary attention for such disorders. Although it can be difficult to differentiate between neoplastic and non‐neoplastic skin diseases, an accurate diagnosis is necessary because treatments for neoplastic skin diseases tend to be specific for the cell type. Some common aermatological tumours can be diagnosed with a high degree of confidence by the experienced equine practitioner based on the presenting history and gross clinical signs. Where possible, a histopathological diagnosis should be sought for confirmation. This article describes the management of those skin tumours most likely to be seen in practice.
Feather plucking in psittacine birds 2. Social, environmental and behavioural considerations
Authors: Chitty John
Published: October 2010

PART 1 of this article, published in the last issue, described an approach to the medical investigation of feather plucking in psittacine birds. However, even when medical causes of plucking have been identified, most cases will be multifactorial in origin and so rarely resolve permanently with a single therapy. When presented with a plucking bird, it is generally necessary to take a holistic view of the bird's lifestyle to ascertain whether other non‐medical triggers are also involved. This article discusses the social and behavioural/psychological factors associated with feather plucking and suggests how affected birds might be managed.
The rise of women in the profession 6. The 1990s ‐ and the future
Authors: Harrison Wendy
Published: October 2010

BY the end of the 20th century, the number of female veterinary students had increased to the point that newly qualified women vets outnumbered their male counterparts ‐ a far cry from the 1930s, the first decade visited in this occasional series on women in the profession. However, as Wendy Harrison argues, if this resource of women veterinarians is to be retained by the profession, working patterns and career structures will have to adapt to accommodate their aspirations ‐ both within and outside practice.
Surgery of the lower urinary tract in dogs: 2. Urethral surgery
Authors: Lipscomb Victoria
Published: October 2010

PART 1 of this article, published in the last issue (November/December 2003, pp 597‐605), discussed the principles and preoperative management relating to surgery of the lower urinary tract and described techniques commonly used in bladder surgery. This article discusses surgical techniques used in the management of urethral disorders, as well as the postoperative management of the lower urinary tract surgery patient. It goes on to consider specific surgical diseases of the bladder and urethra to illustrate the principles and techniques covered in the two articles.
Purchase analysis ‐ a worthwhile practice investmment
Authors: Noble Linda
Published: October 2010

REGULAR analysis of the monthly purchase account can provide a wealth of information about practice performance. It may also reveal areas where significant savings might be made. Here, Linda Noble describes some of the types of analysis that can be performed and suggests specific areas to focus on.
Pancreatitis in the dog:. dealing with a spectrum of disease
Authors: Watson Penny
Published: October 2010

PANCREATITIS ‐ whether it be acute or chronic ‐ is a relatively common, but often misdiagnosed, problem in dogs. It is associated with a systemic inflammatory response which, in severe cases, can result in the development of multiorgan failure, diffuse intravascular coagulation and death. Classical acute pancreatitis is often straightforward to diagnose, but this only represents one end of a wide spectrum of disease. Milder and/or more chronic forms of the condition are not so easily recognised, but can cause significant pain and reduce the quality of life of an animal. There is no single diagnostic test with 100 per cent sensitivity and specificity for the disease, apart from biopsy which is relatively invasive and, hence, not often indicated. Treatment recommendations depend on the severity of the disease and range from conservative management at home to referral for intensive care. The causes of pancreatitis in dogs are usually unknown. Therefore, therapy tends to be symptomatic and non‐specific. The potential long‐term sequelae of chronic pancreatitis in dogs are largely uninvestigated, but can include the development of diabetes mellitus and/or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This article discusses the potential causes, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic pancreatitis in dogs.
Evidence‐based veterinary medicine 2. Identifying information needs and finding the evidence
Authors: Cockcroft Peter , Holmes Mark
Published: October 2010

THE first article in this three‐part series (In Practice, January 2004, pp 28‐33) explained the importance of evidence‐based veterinary medicine (EBVM) and described the range of skills required to practise it. The first step in the process of EBVM is to identify information needs and translate these needs into scientific questions. This article discusses how to do this, as well as how to locate sources of evidence and then search for evidence. Part 3, to be published in the next issue, will be concerned with appraising the evidence.
Lameness in sheep 2. Treatment and control
Authors: Winter Agnes
Published: October 2010

MUCH time and effort is expended by farmers in trimming and treating sheep's feet, often with little apparent benefit. There is widespread misunderstanding about the best measures for treatment and control of different forms of lameness, even assuming that the diagnosis is correct (see Part 1, In Practice, February 2004, pp 58‐63). This article describes the equipment and procedures available for the treatment of lameness in sheep and discusses a number of measures which might be implemented to help control and prevent foot problems.
Evidence‐based veterinary medicine 3. Appraising the evidence
Authors: Holmes Mark , Cockcroft Peter
Published: October 2010

THE final article of this three‐part series discusses a key skill required for the practice of evidence‐based veterinary medicine (EBVM) ‐ the ability to appraise the evidence presented in scientific papers. Having identified information needs and searched for evidence ‐ processes discussed in Parts 1 and 2 ‐ the clinician needs to evaluate the usefulness of the evidence by asking questions such as, 'Is it true?' and 'Is it relevant to my patient?'. Clearly, an understanding of study design and methods of analysing the results is required in order to determine the validity and relevance of clinical studies.
Management of skull fractures in the horse
Authors: Tremaine Henry
Published: October 2010

INJURIES to the equine head are common, particularly in young horses, possibly due to their inquisitive and excitable nature. Skull fractures may be caused by direct trauma and many are open fractures with communication to the skin, oral and nasal cavities or paranasal sinuses. Despite this, perhaps due to the high vascularity of equine skull bones or the relatively low loads placed on these bones, the prognosis for complete recovery in horses with skull fractures is good, with only minor cosmetic blemishes remaining in most cases. This article discusses the diagnosis and management of skull fractures in the horse.
Clinical examination of the abdomen in adult cattle
Authors: Cockcroft Peter , Jackson Peter
Published: October 2010

CLINICAL examination of the abdomen in adult cattle can be daunting due to the fractious nature of infrequently handled animals and the lack of adequate restraint facilities on some farms. For many veterinary surgeons, cattle have become an unfamiliar species which are only examined periodically. The range of abdominal conditions which may occur in cattle is challenging and a careful cost‐benefit analysis is required before an investigative or treatment protocol in embarked upon. Nevertheless, much can be achieved by using a methodical approach and many conditions may be successfully (and dramatically) treated if the correct diagnosis is achieved. This article describes how to conduct a systematic clinical examination of the bovine abdomen and outlines the abnormalities which may be found. In particular, it considers the observation and examination of the patient and any further diagnostic investigations which may be useful. Where appropriate, specific conditions are used to illustrate the abnormalities which may be present. The urogenital system is not covered.
Demystifying diagnostic testing: non‐culture techniques for large animal infectious disease
Authors: Webster Kath
Published: October 2010

MOLECULAR biological methods have become increasingly applicable to the diagnosis of infectious disease. To become widely used, the methods need to be easy, safe, sensitive, reproducible and eventually automated to facilitate the evaluation of large numbers of samples. Antigens (generally proteins) or nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) can be detected in samples to provide evidence of infection with specific organisms. These types of approach are considered in this article. Alternatively, the organism may be cultured or products of the immune system that have been produced in response to infection, such as antibodies or cytokines, may be detected.
Managemnent of peritonitis in dogs and cats
Authors: McGrofty Yvonne , Doust Ross
Published: October 2010

PERITONITIS is localised or diffuse inflammation of the peritoneal cavity and is most commonly associated with bacterial contamination from the gastrointestinal tract. Mortality associated with this condition is high, and rapid diagnosis and early surgical and/or medical intervention is essential to optimise the outcome. This article describes the diagnostic tests, and various medical and surgical options available for the treatment of peritonitis in small animals, with emphasis on the management of bacterial (septic) peritonitis and uroperitoneum (urine peritonitis). In addition, it discusses the factors that influence the prognosis and outcome of affected cases.
Optimising health, productivity and welfare of dairy cattle: on‐farm nutrition
Authors: Huxley Jon
Published: October 2010

AS financial pressures within the farming sector increase, the role of the veterinary surgeon on the modern dairy and beef farm is shifting more and more towards preventive medicine and herd health planning. It is becoming particularly important to have at least a working understanding of practical and applied bovine nutrition and its affect on animals on the farm. Many practitioners nowadays attend regular meetings with the farm nutritionist and a good grasp of nutritional principles is an advantage. Practitioners are also expected to identify and flag up any problems or interactions between the health, productivity and welfare of animals and their diet. This article discusses the underlying principles of bovine nutrition and describes how nutritional status may be assessed.
An exacting science: the veterinary surgeon as expert witness
Authors: Forbes Neil
Published: October 2010

THIS article discusses the role of the expert witness in the wider context of the fast‐developing and challenging field of forensic veterinary medicine. Neil Forbes, who has been involved in this field for many years, gives a flavour of what is currently expected and required of the forensic practitioner and discusses moves that are afoot to assure the quality of forensic veterinary work through the establishment of a register of forensic experts.
Differential diagnosis of collapse in the dog
Authors: Wray Jon
Published: October 2010

COLLAPSE is a challenging clinical sign to investigate in dogs due to the very large number of potential causes. It may occur acutely, episodically or may be the end result of more chronic debilitation associated with one or more of a wide variety of critical illnesses. This article, the first in a series of three, reviews the mechanisms by which acute or episodic collapse may occur in the dog and outlines an approach to the investigation of collapse. Part 2, to be published in the February issue of In Practice, will discuss neuromuscular causes of acute or episodic collapse, while Part 3, to be published in the March issue, will describe cardiovascular and other miscellaneous causes of collapse.
Practical contrast radiography 4. Myelography
Authors: Diaz Francisco Llabres
Published: October 2010

DESPITE the advent of advanced imaging techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, myelography remains a very important part of the diagnostic work‐up of many neurological conditions, and can be performed relatively easily in practice. This article, the fourth in a five‐part series on contrast radiography, outlines the indications for myelography, and describes how to conduct a myelographic study and interpret the findings.
Behaviour of the pet rabbit: what is normal and why do problems develop?
Authors: Magnus Emma
Published: October 2010

THE behavioural problems that owners commonly experience with their pet rabbits can be understood better, and hopefully resolved, if viewed in the context of the natural behavioural patterns of these animals. The simple but fundamental differences of carnivore versus herbivore, predator versus prey, are not always considered, and owners may approach problems as they would those in a dog or cat. While meant with the best of intentions, such a lack of knowledge of species‐specific behaviours can lead to physical and psychological welfare issues. This article discusses what motivates some of the more common problem behaviours of rabbits and what steps may be taken to address them.
Make the most of your benefits
Authors: Moore Andy
Published: October 2010

ACCOUNTANTS aside, not many people are likely to get excited over the tax issues surrounding salary and benefits packages. However, approached in the right way, simple changes can result in substantial savings for both practices and their employees, without entering a sea of administration. Andy Moore provides some pointers.
Practice past, practice present
Authors: Clark Mike
Published: October 2010

MEDICINES legislation … a new animal health and welfare bill … clinical audit … societal change and higher client expectations. As the veterinary profession grapples with myriad challenges and looks to the future and the prospect of a new Veterinary Surgeons Act, the implications for practice are significant. Compared with, say, 30 years ago, elements of practice have changed almost beyond recognition but, Mike Clark argues, the veterinary practices that have emerged are well placed to meet the current challenges head on.
Differential diagnosis of collapse in the dog
Authors: Wray Jon
Published: October 2010

PART 1 of this three‐part series (In Practice, January 2005, pp 16–28) described an aetiological and investigative approach to the collapsing dog. This article considers some of the neuromuscular causes of acute or episodic collapse, while Part 3, to be published in the next issue, will review cardiovascular and miscellaneous causes of collapse.
Differential diagnosis of collapse in the dog.
Authors: Wray Jon
Published: October 2010

PART 1 of this three‐part series (In Practice, January 2005, pp 16‐28) described an aetiological and investigative approach to the collapsing dog, while Part 2 (In Practice, February 2005, pp 62‐69) discussed the neuromuscular causes of collapse. This final article reviews the cardiovascular and miscellaneous causes of acute or episodic collapse.
Factors associated with lameness in dairy cattle
Authors: Blowey Roger
Published: October 2010

MANY studies have shown that, despite years of research, the incidence of lameness in dairy herds in the UK remains unacceptably high. This is partly due to the impact of digital dermatitis, which was first reported in the UK in 1986 and now accounts for some 15 to 20 per cent of lameness cases in cows. More generally, increases in herd size and yield – factors which are themselves associated with an increased prevalence of lameness – have outstripped efforts in control. Lameness is most likely to result from pain in the limb, usually within the foot, and hindfeet are more commonly affected than front feet. It is not the purpose of this article to describe the range of lesions involved and their pathogenesis. Rather, the focus is on management factors involved in the aetiology of lameness, particularly as they relate to cow comfort, nutrition and routine husbandry.
Join the club – a novel approach to sheep work
Authors: Richards Iain , Knight Richard
Published: October 2010

AS a response to the difficulties that have faced the farming industry over the past few years, Iain Richards and Richard Knight are developing new ways of communicating and working with farmer clients. Here, they outline the rationale behind their ‘lambing club’ – a scheme they hope will pave the way towards greater involvement with whole flock health, with farmers, vets and animal welfare all benefiting as a result.
Clinical audit in veterinary practice – the story so far
Authors: Viner Bradley
Published: October 2010

WHEN Bradley Viner started a Masters degree course in veterinary general practice, he found himself taking a close look at the process of clinical audit – how effective it is, how it can improve practice performance and help deliver better services to clients, and how best to collate and compare data. Further research in veterinary clinical audit is under way, but, as he explains in this article, now is an opportune time to summarise veterinarians' understanding of the process of clinical performance monitoring, and the hopes and concerns that surround it.
Biosecurity: reducing disease risks to pig breeding herds
Authors: Pritchard Geoff , Dennis Ian , Waddilove Jake
Published: October 2010

DISEASE imposes considerable constraints on the productivity and profitability of the livestock industry. Pig producers have probably suffered more than other sectors from the devastating effects of a succession of infectious disease outbreaks over the past 30 years. Many of these have been highly contagious viral diseases, including transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE), swine influenza (SI), Aujeszky's disease (AD), and porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome (PRRS). Postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), which is linked to porcine circovirus (PCV‐2) infection, has challenged the very survival of the pig industry in Britain and elsewhere. Even long established endemic diseases, such as enzootic pneumonia (EP) and swine dysentery (SD), still cause significant losses if introduced into naive herds. The recent reappearances of classical swine fever (CSF) and foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) in Britain were timely reminders that there is no place for complacency in disease prevention programmes at both national and herd level. The concept of biosecurity, which gained prominence in Britain during the FMD epidemic, encompasses the full range of measures aimed at disease prevention. In fact, it is one of the cornerstones of the Government's Animal Health and Welfare Strategy for Great Britain, which aims to promote biosecurity to a livestock industry that, in the past, has not always given it high priority. This article reviews the most important sources of disease on pig units — and, thus, the key areas for consideration in terms of farm biosecurity.
Doppler ultrasound examination in dogs and cats
Authors: Lamb Chris
Published: October 2010

THIS article, the second of a three‐part series on the role of Doppler ultrasonography in the investigation of diseases in dogs and cats, discusses the applications of Doppler ultrasound in the abdomen. Part 1 (In Practice, April 2005, pp 183‐189) described the Doppler principle and the different Doppler techniques used for diagnosis. The applications of Doppler ultrasound in the assessment of cardiac diseases will be discussed in Part 3, to be published in the next issue.
Honing communication skills in the workplace
Authors: Sutton Ray
Published: October 2010

LAST year, the Shuttleworth Veterinary Group, in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, ran a workshop in which some of the client communication issues that were identified by the practice team as causing particular difficulties were explored via a series of simulated scenarios. The workshop was led by Ray Sutton, who has previously worked with the Veterinary Defence Society and contributed to the University of Liverpool's communications skills programme. Here he discusses the day's experiences and describes how the problems of an overly talkative client, an angry client and a letter of complaint were approached, the issues that this process threw up, and some of the conclusions reached.
Turnover versus profit: the new assistant's guide to practice finances
Authors: Shield Christine
Published: October 2010

IT is easy to understand why, as a new assistant in practice, you might become disillusioned: you see clients paying £700 for the work that you do in a day, but only receive, say, £60 of that money in your pay packet – with the rest, you imagine, going straight into your employer's pocket. Practice finances are, in fact, rather more complicated than that; here, Christine Shield explains just how much turnover must be generated before the true profit is made.
Shopping around for better practice
Authors: Tiffin Ross
Published: October 2010

CLIENTS are no longer clients, but ‘consumers’, says Ross Tiffin, and veterinary practices need to find new ways of attracting them into the waiting room. Here, he explains how the typical client has changed over the past several years, and how new research methods (including ‘mystery shopping’) can be used to measure and improve practice marketing.
Practical contrast radiography
Authors: Latham Christine
Published: October 2010

DESPITE the advent of newer imaging techniques, radiography remains one of the most useful diagnostic tools in veterinary practice. In most cases, plain radiographs are all that are required, especially if complemented by ultrasonography, but there are still some situations when it is useful to supplement the information gained from a routine radiographic examination by using one or more contrast agents. Contrast media can improve or allow the visualisation of organs surrounded by tissues of the same radiographic opacity, thus providing information about the size, shape and position of these structures and neighbouring areas. They can show the internal structure of an organ, including its mucosal pattern, and may also occasionally help in assessing organ function. While mainly used for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal and urogenital tract disorders, contrast agents can also be useful in other areas of veterinary work such as myelography, angiography and the investigation of joints and sinus tracts. This article, the first in a series of five, reviews the types of media available and their respective properties to help practitioners select the most appropriate agent for an individual case. Future articles, to be published in the forthcoming issues of In Practice, will focus on specific applications and techniques of contrast radiography.
Repair of long bone fractures in cats
Authors: Scott Harry
Published: October 2010

LONG bone fractures are common and account for 50 per cent of all feline fractures. They are usually caused by road traffic accidents, but may also result from falls, fights and gunshot wounds. Fractures of the hindquarters predominate, with reports of 73 per cent of fractures involving the hindlimbs, pelvis or sacrum. Although the broad principles of long bone fracture treatment are the same irrespective of species, cats are not small dogs, and important differences exist with respect to patient and fracture management. There is a common misconception that repair of feline long bones is simple to perform and not prone to the same range of complications seen in dogs. It has been facetiously remarked that two cat bone fragments will heal if placed together in the same room. Unfortunately, this casual attitude is not borne out by clinical experience and studies, which have shown the cat to be susceptible to the same range of complications as the dog. The notion that feline fracture repair is straightforward may have arisen because of the cat's ability to compensate for impaired function. This article provides an overview of the most commonly used methods of diaphyseal long bone fracture repair in cats and suggests some guidelines to aid decision making, with the emphasis on features that are pertinent to this species.
Clinical use of a haemoglobin‐based oxygen‐carrying solution in dogs and cats
Authors: Adamantos Sophie , Boag Amanda , Hughes Dez
Published: October 2010

HAEMOGLOBIN‐based oxygen‐carrying (HBOC) solutions have been extensively developed and studied in the human medical field over the past three decades as a means of providing a readily available alternative to red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, due to increased concerns over disease transmission and limited supplies of human blood. Their use so far in human clinical medicine has been restricted by the lack of licensed products. Recently, an HBOC solution for the treatment of anaemia in dogs (Oxyglobin; Biopure) has been licensed in the UK. This article, based on the authors' experience of using the product to date, discusses the clinical applications, and limitations, of this new addition to the veterinary clinician's armoury.
Practical contrast radiography 2. Gastrointestinal studies
Authors: Bradley Kate
Published: October 2010

DIAGNOSTIC information provided by plain radiographs of the gastrointestinal tract is often limited due to the relatively poor contrast between structures. The gastrointestinal tract anatomically comprises the oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, pancreas, mesentery and associated lymph nodes. Contrast radiography is less useful for the investigation of the pancreas, mesentery and lymph nodes. For the small animal practitioner, its value lies in its ability to provide information about the size, shape, position and mucosal surfaces of the oesophagus, stomach and intestines, and aid the detection of many structural lesions; in addition, it allows a crude evaluation of transit time. Contrast procedures are relatively simple to perform in practice although they can be time consuming and, hence, expensive. These techniques should not be embarked upon without considering the clinical indications and whether they are likely to yield diagnostic information. This article describes how to conduct and interpret contrast radiographic studies of the oesophagus, stomach and intestines.
Coping with loss
Authors: Smart Neil
Published: October 2010

IN this article, Neil Smart looks at coping with loss. As a vet who left the profession to enter the church, Reverend Smart had to learn how to help people suffering from profound loss and grief. He realised, looking back, that there were many similarities with the veterinary practice situation when clients lose a pet. Here he outlines some methods relevant to veterinary surgeons, nurses and receptionists as they comfort those who grieve.
Diagnosis and management of leukaemia in dogs and cats
Authors: Dobson Jane , Villiers Elizabeth , Morris Joanna
Published: October 2010

NEOPLASIA of the haematopoietic system is common in dogs and cats. In both species, lymphoma (eg, malignant lymphoma, lymphosarcoma) occurs far more frequently than leukaemia and multiple myeloma. Nevertheless, these conditions are important in the differential diagnosis of haematological and some metabolic problems. Animals with leukaemia do not present with an obvious tumour mass or lump, but rather with vague and non‐specific clinical signs. Diagnosis, therefore, relies on a series of laboratory‐based investigations ‐ some more specialist than others. The aim of this article is to update practitioners on current diagnostic and treatment approaches for dogs and cats with leukaemia, using case examples as illustrations.