Category: Health

Cancer Treatment Update

Dr. Rowan Milner, BVSc, MedVet
University of Florida

Introduction
Veterinary oncology is undergoing fundamental change. The old paradigm of if it can’t be surgically removed then euthanasia is the next step no longer applies. The reason for this change is due to the following factors: pet owners are becoming more sophisticated in their requirements for specialized treatment, improved results due to better treatment protocols and drugs, a heightened awareness in private practitioner of the early signs of neoplasia leads to earlier detection of cancer leading to more successful treatment, and an increase in age of the pet population has lead to a population of pets with a greater risk of developing cancer. Continue reading Cancer Treatment Update

Chronic Atopic Dermatitis

Management of Dogs with Chronic Atopic Dermatitis: What’s New?
Rosanna Marsella, DVM, DACVD
University of Florida

Concept of pruritic threshold and co-factors involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) According to the theory of threshold a given individual can tolerate a variety of stimuli without developing clinical signs as long as the threshold is not reached. All these stimuli have an additive effect and once the threshold is reached itching and other clinical signs become evident
Most dogs with AD also have other allergies thus control of concurrent allergies is crucial to decrease the severity of clinical signs.
Dogs with AD are prone to secondary skin infections that significantly contribute to the level of discomfort. Resolution of skin infections may dramatically decrease the level of pruritus. Continue reading Chronic Atopic Dermatitis

Canine Ophthalmology (the eye & its diseases)

Current Concepts in Veterinary Ophthalmology
Dennis E. Brooks, DVM, PhD
University of Florida

What do dogs and cats see?
1. Small monocular visuals fields of peripheral vision in dogs and cats (~80°) as compared
to the horse (146°).
2. Large frontal binocular visual field of 85° in dogs and cats
3. Dogs have cones that are receptive at 429 and 555 nm and are dichromats. All evidence suggests that the cat is dichromat with vision similar to a human who is red-green color blind. Dogs and cats appear to respond to the blue and yellow Continue reading Canine Ophthalmology (the eye & its diseases)

Canine Geriatric Medicine

Michael Schaer, DVM
Geriatrics: The branch of medicine dealing with the problems of ageing and diseases of the older animal.

How old is old?
Giant:  > 7 years
Medium:  > 9-10 years
Small:  > 10 years

The Big Baddies

  • Cancer
  • Renal failure
  • Heart failure
  • Chronic progressive lung disease
  • End stage liver
  • Necrotizing pancreatitis
  • Intestinal volvulus

Continue reading Canine Geriatric Medicine

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (Bloat) update

Gary W. Ellison, DVM, MS, DACVS
University of Florida
Gastric dilatation Volvulus complex also know as bloat is a medical and surgical emergency which is know to primarily affect large and giant breeds of dogs. The disease has also been reported in smaller breeds such as the Pekingese and Dachshund. Mortality has been estimated as high as 30 percent. There are no reliable estimates of how many dogs develop bloat in the United States each year, but in certain breeds such as Irish Setters and Great Danes owners reported an incidence of seven and ten percent respectively. It does appear that purebred dogs are more likely to develop bloat than are mixed breed dogs. Continue reading Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (Bloat) update

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Cheryl L. Chrisman, DVM, MS, EdS
…The intervertebral (IV) disc is a spongy cushion that is located between the vertebrae just below the spinal canal and spinal cord. The IV disc acts like a shock absorber and adds flexibility during movement of the spinal column. There are approximately 34 IV discs throughout the entire neck and back. Each IV disc consists of an outer tough ring that has a soft gelatinous center much like a day old jelly filled donut.
IV disc disease is a degeneration of the disc that can occur due to premature or normal aging specific to certain breeds of dogs. A degenerating IV disc can rupture and spill its contents into the spinal canal (Type I disc herniation). This is often referred to as a slipped disc and can irritate, bruise or compress the spinal cord causing sudden pain or paralysis. A degenerating IV disc can also enlarge and slowly push up into the spinal canal (Type II disc disease) and put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots which enter and exit the spinal cord causing a slow
progressive staggering gait, weakness in the legs or complete limb paralysis. Type I intervertebral disc herniation will be discussed here. Continue reading Intervertebral Disc Disease