Continuing Education

Full-thickness meshed sheet grafting and punch grafting are 2 of the most common grafting procedures performed in small animal practices.

In order to properly treat sizable wounds on the distal extremities of small animals, it’s helpful to know how skin grafts heal, tips for avoiding graft failure, and how to perform full-thickness meshed sheet and punch grafting.

An effective epilepsy treatment plan for dogs should reduce seizure frequency, minimize adverse drug effects, and maximize quality of life.

An effective epilepsy treatment plan for dogs should reduce seizure frequency, minimize adverse drug effects, and maximize quality of life.

Coaptation is an essential tool veterinarians must have for limb fracture treatment, and the keys to successful use include case selection, fracture reduction and cast application, and post-application care and monitoring.

Veterinarians must preserve their knowledge and skills in the “art” of utilizing splints and casts for limb fracture treatment. Learn the keys to successful use of coaptation as a definitive fracture treatment.

Most UTIs are successfully treated with commonly used drugs, dosages, and administration intervals, but proper understanding of the location of the UTI is crucial in successful treatment of these challenging infections, especially when they involve the kidneys and/or prostate.

One of the most commonly performed oral surgery procedures in general practice is exodontia, or tooth extraction. Completing extractions in a consistent, orderly manner will decrease the incidence of complications.

Some long bone fractures are best managed with bandages or splints for temporary “first aid” immobilization until definitive treatment via surgical fixation can be achieved; other fractures can be effectively managed with a splint or cast as the primary definitive treatment.

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a general term used to describe conditions affecting the bladder or urethra of cats; it is not a syndrome or specific diagnosis. It has been reported that between 4.5% and 8% of cats presenting to veterinary practices or teaching hospitals have FLUTD.

In the U.S., 2 strains of canine influenza virus (CIV)—H3N8 and H3N2—have been identified. Learn to recognize the clinical signs of CIV infection, select appropriate diagnostic tests, and develop a therapeutic plan. Plus, when to recommend vaccination for CIV and deploy strategies to prevent spread of disease if a case presents in your practice.

Intravenous fluid administration is probably the most frequently used therapy in veterinary hospitals. Aggressive IV fluid resuscitation in emergent patients and continuous IV fluid administration in hospitalized patients have long been considered fundamental in the management of critically ill animals. However, research into whether the type and volume of fluids infused can contribute to comorbidities and decrease the chances of a favorable outcome continues. This article reviews new trends in fluid therapy in human and veterinary critical care medicine.