Clinical

Figure 1. Rabbit position for endotracheal intubation. An assistant keeps the head and neck extended dorsally and cranially.

Basic principles of anaesthesia of small mammals: part 2

General anaesthesia in small mammals can be induced with inhalant anaesthetics, either by mask or in an induction chamber, or with injectable agents, particularly propofol and alfaxalone..

Figure 1. Mediolateral and plantarodorsal views of the tarsus of a 5-year old Labrador Retriever that presented after a road traffic accident non-weight bearing on the hind limb. The calcaneal tuber is fractured transversely at its base with moderate proximal and plantar displacement. Many pinpoint bone fragments are present at the fracture site dorsally. There is mild swelling of the plantar tarsal region.

Tarsal fractures: part 2

The calcaneus is the largest and longest bone of the tarsus (Evans, 1993). The distal half of the bone is wide transversely and possesses three facets and two processes whereby it is fitted with the...

Figure 4. Infraorbital nerve block in a rabbit. Needle inserted at the level of the infraorbital foramen.

Cuffed endotracheal tubes in cats

Laryngoscopy is invaluable when performing endotracheal intubation in the cat, whether using a cuffed or uncuffed tube. A cuffed ET tube may be more difficult to pass into the trachea than an uncuffed...

Raw food diets for companion carnivores: an untapped panacea or a disaster waiting to happen?

Raw food diets are being fed to companion animals with ever-increasing frequency in the UK and elsewhere; however, the advantages and disadvantages are frequently debated. There is currently no...

Figure 3. Ocular thelaziosis by Thelazia callipaeda in a cat living in central Italy (courtesy of Mariasole Colombo).

Vector-borne disease distributions and risks to the UK

Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis) are cosmopolitan ectoparasites, feeding on dogs and cats, which act as competent vectors for a high number of pathogens (Traversa, 2013). A...

Figure 1. Tick hook — tick removal device.

Spring parasite update 2020

It has been brought to the attention of ESCCAP UK and Ireland by veterinary surgeons that routine preventative treatment against Angiostrongylus vasorum is dropping in the midst of the current...

Figure 1 Polydipsia is one of the most common signs seen with chronic kidney disease, but is generally not present until International Renal Interest Society stage 2 of disease.

Diagnosis of the cat with early chronic kidney disease

CKD is primarily diagnosed by a history, physical examination and clinical signs (Box 2, Figure 1) compatible with CKD, alongside identification of azotaemia and a urine specific gravity <1.035. Note...

Ear cytology for the veterinary nurse

An assessment of the dog's ear condition prior to attempting to take a sample is important to try to gain an understanding of the severity of the otitis. While some infections such as with Malassezia...

Figure 2. Oxygen supplementation, if required, should be carried out using a face mask.

The challenges of small animal veterinary anaesthesia in 2020

In modern veterinary practice, maintenance of anaesthesia is generally achieved using an inhalant agent (commonly isoflurane or sevoflurane) vaporised in oxygen and delivered via an anaesthetic...

Figure 1. Cardboard boxes provide inexpensive hiding places that can be arranged throughout a home.

COVID-19: implications of self-isolation and social distancing for the emotional and behavioural health of cats

To answer this question, we need to consider whether cats are capable of acting as a vector for SARS-CoV-2 to be passed on to a greater number of humans. In an interview (Weese, 2020), Dr J Scott...

How do I know if this tortoise is dead?

Tortoises are reptiles and ectotherms, that is their body temperature and metabolic rate are dependent on the temperature of their environment. If kept in cold environments, their metabolic rate will...