Diagnosis of dental problems in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Dental problems are very common in pet rabbits. To establish a correct diagnosis of rabbit dental pathology, a general knowledge of normal dental anatomy and physiology is necessary. The specific anatomy and the most common pathologies of rabbit dentition are reviewed. Techniques for diagnosing dental abnormalities - such as clinical examination, radiography and computed tomography (CT) - are summarized. Finally two clinical cases of rabbits with dental pathologies are described

General anesthesia for the surgical repair of a tarsometatarsal fracture in a Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)

A Harris's Hawk was referred for severe lameness of the left pelvic limb. Clinical examination and radiography revealed an open transverse diaphyseal fracture in the proximal third of the tarsometatarsal bone. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen after premedication with buprenorphine intramuscularly. Closed reduction and stabilization using a Type IIa external skeletal fixation device was performed during anesthesia lasting 70 minutes. Recovery was fast, uneventful and complete 15 minutes after isoflurane was stopped. Meloxicam (0.5mg/kg bid) was administered as analgesic and and marbofloxacine (15mg/kg bid) as antibiotic therapy during the post-operative period

Anesthetic and analgesic management of a skunk (Mephitis mephitis) undergoing a laminectomy for cauda equina compression

A 6-year-old, male striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) weighing 5.9 kg was anesthetized for diagnostic imaging procedures and subsequently for a laminectomy at level L6/S1 as treatment of lumbosacral stenosis. On both occasions, anesthesia was induced by a face mask using 5% isoflurane in oxygen. After endotracheal intubation, anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. When necessary, intermittent positive pressure ventilation was instituted. For the surgical intervention, analgesia was provided with pre-operative carprofen, perioperative intravenous infusion of fentanyl and postoperative buprenorphine. The constant rate infusion of fentanyl provided a sufficient level of analgesia and reduced the amount of isoflurane needed. Hypoxemia occurred at the end of surgery and was successfully treated using a vital capacity manoeuvre. The recovery from both anesthetic procedures was smooth and uneventful and the surgical intervention was successful. Three weeks after surgery the skunk was able to move the pelvic limbs voluntarily

Magnetische resonantie bij de detectie van intracraniale letsels bij drie katten

In recent years, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been considered to be an important breakthrough in medical diagnostic imaging and it is demanding its place in veterinary medicine. To demonstrate the ability of MRI for the detection of intracranial lesions, three feline cases involving neurological abnormalities are analyzed individually and the possible differential diagnosis is discussed