Physiotherapy in small animal medicine

The benefits of physiotherapy have been extensively demonstrated in human medicine. Although physiotherapy has been performed in veterinary medicine for already several decades, it is only very recently that scientific research on this subject is increasing. The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the different veterinary physiotherapeutic assessment and treatment techniques and possibilities, and correlate them to the data in the veterinary literature

Osteochondral fragments in the metacarpo- and metatarsophalangeal joint and their clinical importance

The radiographic evaluation of the fetlock joint as part of a lameness or prepurchase examination often reveals osteochondral fragmentation. These fragments can either be causing lameness or have no clinical importance at the time of examination. However, they can cause lameness at a later stage. An appropriate analysis of the situation requires a correct assessment of the fragment type and an up-to-date knowledge of their possible clinical importance. In this overview, the most common types of fetlock fragments, such as dorsoproximal first phalanx (PI) and proximal synovial pad fragments, as well as fragmentation on the proximal palmar/plantar border of PI and of the sesamoid bones are discussed. A few cases of uncommon large fragmentation on the abaxial borders of P1 are included. Fetlock fractures, obviously causing lameness, such as dorsofrontal fractures of the proximal phalanx, distal metacarpal/metatarsal and sesamoid bone fractures, are not dealt with in this review

Hyperthyroidism in cats, part I : anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and imaging

In the first part of this review article, thyroid anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology are reviewed to continue more specifically on hyperthyroidism, the most common thyroid disorder in cats. The diagnostic work-up of this disorder is discussed with emphasis on thyroid gland imaging. Scintigraphy is most commonly used and best suited to assess thyroid function, which will be discussed extensively in the second part of this review article. All other available imaging modalities do not offer a functional assessment and are therefore of limited use in the diagnosis and evaluation of hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism in cats, part II : scintigraphic diagnosis and radioiodine treatment

In the second part of this review article, the diagnostic aspects of thyroid scintigraphy are discussed, with major emphasis on hyperthyroidism, followed by an overview of radioiodine treatment

Congenital anomalies of the vertebrae in dogs

In this review article, a overview is given of the congenital pathologies of vertebrae in the dog. These pathologies are common in dogs and can be divided in two major groups: neural tube defects or spinal dysraphism, such as spina bifida with or without meningocoele and dermal sinus tract, and congenital anomalies of the vertebral column. The latter group can be subdivided in malformations originating in the embryonic period of development, such as butterfly vertebra, mediolateral wedged vertebra and transitional vertebra, or in the foetal period, such as block vertebra and dorsoventral wedged vertebra. Congenital vertebral anomalies can be incidental findings on radiographs or CT, but sometimes they can be the underlying cause of a clinical, mostly neurological problem. Due to pressure on the spinal cord, symptoms, such as pelvic limb ataxia, paresis, loss of spinal reflexes, incontinence and atrophy of the pelvic limbs may occur

Acute pancreatitis in dogs and cats: medical imaging, biopsy, treatment and prognosis

Diagnosing acute pancreatitis in dogs and cats is difficult. Abdominal ultrasonography provides specific information about the size, shape and homogeneity of the pancreas, but is very dependent on the experience of the operator and the quality of the echography machine. Abdominal radiography is less useful, while computed tomography is less practicable in veterinary patients because of the anesthesia risks, the need for experienced operators, and the high cost. Furthermore, computed tomography has low diagnostic value in cats. Biopsy of pancreatic tissue remains the gold standard. Treatment consists of fluid therapy and nutritional support, combined with pain medication, anti-emetics and antibiotics. The prognosis in dogs and cats is variable and largely depends on the clinical condition of the patient at admission. It is usually guarded, especially in cats