The traditional view of chronic renal disease is that, with the exception of instigating a proprietary ‘kidney diet’, there is very little that can be done to help. In fact there are a number of therapeutic options that have the potential to improve quality of life and to slow disease progression.
Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (CSM) or ‘Wobblers’ is a disease seen in large and giant breed dogs; Great Danes, Dalmatians and Dobermann Pinschers being particularly over-represented, but cases in German Shorthaired Pointers and German Shepherd Dogs have also been seen. Onset is usually insidious, with the owner describing vague signs comprising a combination of thoracic limb lameness, […]
Ideally, any animal showing signs indicative of spinal pain and/ or neurological deficits should undergo thorough investigation to achieve a definitive diagnosis: Only then can an accurate prognosis be offered and rational advice be given.
A 12-year-old, neutered, female Weimeraner presented with a history of pyrexia of two month’s duration. Previous treatment with clavulanate/amoxicillin had temporarily resolved the pyrexia, but this had recurred as soon as treatment was stopped.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a commonly seen and rapidly life-threatening endocrine emergency. DKA develops in severe uncontrolled cases of diabetes mellitus. A relative or absolute lack of insulin leads to hyperglycaemia due to lack of uptake of glucose into the tissues.
An 18 month old female pregnant Springer Spaniel was referred with a history of acute severe azotaemia and oliguria. On physical examination, she was bright, and in good bodily condition.
An eight-year-old male, neutered Labrador Retriever was referred for assessment of paraparesis. Two days prior he had appeared ataxic behind. The following day he was having difficulty standing, and collapsed after a short distance. The owners reported that he was vocalising, especially at night, but attributed this to frustration at his disability rather than a […]