Why do we run diagnostic tests?February 7, 2018The purpose of any diagnostic test should be to improve the outcome for our patients. Tests should be selected so that they give us information that leads to reduced morbidity and mortality. Testing has risks, as well as benefits, so if the results of a test will not meaningfully affect our clinical decisions or the wellbeing of our patients, then it should not be run.
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Equipment focus: Cardiac diagnosticsFebruary 6, 2018What’s one of the most frequent questions associated with a patient in respiratory distress? More often than not, it’s whether the issue is cardiopathic, according to Eric Lindquist, DMV, DABVP, Cert. IVUSS.
Megacolon can be curable when handled the right wayFebruary 1, 2018Garfield, a 12-pound, 8-year-old domestic shorthair cat, had become constipated in the past few months. His family veterinarian initially prescribed psyllium fiber (Metamucil). Then, a few weeks later, the vet prescribed methylcellulose fiber (Citrucel). Then a few weeks later, lactulose.
What is Pickwickian Syndrome?February 1, 2018Q: What is the Pickwickian syndrome? In which type of patient does it occur? How can it be addressed?
Tufts veterinarians treat canine cancer with experimental drugJanuary 18, 2018When Edward Sloan's dog, Dozer, a 7-year-old bull mastiff went blind seemingly overnight, a devastating diagnosis revealed Dozer had cancer. Desperate to save his best friend, Sloan found a clinical trial at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, where Abbey Sadowski, DVM, found that Dozer had "lost a lot of weight [and] had several weeks of history before he even saw us." Dr. Sadowski and Cheryl London, DVM, Ph.D., are testing an experimental drug—called KPT-9274—combined with just one round of chemotherapy to treat lymphoma. "We had this remarkable response … when you combine these two things together you can get a dramatic reduction in disease," Dr. London said. Early results of the small study have been promising, especially for Sloan and Dozer. "A single heroic dose … the next day he was able to see," Sloan said. Dozer is three months in remission, and his medical reversal of fortune could eventually lead to a breakthrough in human medicine. London said the outcome of a canine trial is a valuable piece of the research puzzle. "The benefits to the human side are that you get a drug into humans that's actually much …
10 mistakes to avoid after surgeryJanuary 16, 2018Just because surgery is over doesn’t mean that your care of the patient should be, too. Most people (clients included) mistakenly believe that the riskiest part of the entire surgical process is the procedure or the anesthesia.
Minimally invasive: Less is moreJanuary 5, 2018If you have had a medical procedure performed using minimally invasive techniques, you are well aware of the benefits: less time under anesthesia, less pain, less time in the hospital, and quicker recovery.
A Humerus PuzzleJanuary 4, 2018 Presentation: Radiograph of an 11 year old male Labrador. Questions: What's your presumptive diagnosis? How would you confirm your suspicion? What else should you do?
Let there be lightDecember 13, 2017Veterinary professionals say laser therapy can provide clinically significant benefits and expand options for delivering compassionate care with fewer drugs and less surgery.
10 mistakes to avoid during surgeryDecember 12, 2017All kinds of sticky situations can be avoided by following a simple set of rules during the various steps of surgery, from the incision to the last suture.
