Clinical techniques in small animal practice
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Fractures of the radius and ulna are commonly encountered in the small animal population. Diaphyseal fractures are the most common location and are often repaired with the use of external fixators or a bone plate. Select patients, such as young large breed dogs, may be managed with external coaptation. Extremely proximal and distal fractures require special consideration, especially if articular involvement is present.
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Complications are a reality of fracture repair. Many can be avoided or minimized by being aware of their pathophysiology and predisposing factors. ⋯ Consideration of these complications should factor into presurgical patient evaluation as well as postoperative management. This discussion focuses on how to avoid, recognize, and treat these complications.
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Clin Tech Small Anim Pract · May 2004
ReviewTransfusion medicine in veterinary emergency and critical care medicine.
Transfusion medicine is a vital part of veterinary emergency and critical care medicine. The goals of this article are to review blood banking and the transfusion principles surrounding care of the critically ill or injured small animal, to highlight the differences in emergency/critical care transfusions compared with standard transfusion medicine, and to discuss traumatic blood loss and sepsis as unique entities in emergency and critical medicine.
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Normal gastrointestinal motility is crucial for maintaining an appropriate balance of microorganisms within the gut. Disruption of this system results in bacterial overgrowth and associated complications such as bacterial translocation, aspiration pneumonia, and sepsis. ⋯ The use of promotility drugs in critically ill patients is a safe, effective means to circumvent the problem of gastric atony and improve patient recovery. Understanding the drugs available and their interaction with the receptors involved in neuromuscular transmission within the gastrointestinal tract will aid the clinician in selecting the optimal prokinetic therapy.