Topics in Companion Animal Medicine This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader or to display this data on your own website or blog.

Introduction: Seizures in the Small Animal Patient
It is my pleasure to serve as the guest editor for this issue of Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, focusing on a common and very relevant topic in small animal medicine: seizures. Because terminology relating to seizures in the veterinary literature can be somewhat confusing, Dr. Chris Mariani has authored the first article in this issue, focusing on standard definitions and descriptions of seizures and epilepsy in small animal medicine. The second article, written by Dr. Ned Patterson, reviews the pathophysiology of seizures and epilepsy. The third article, written by myself, presents a practical approach to the diagno...
Source: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine - May 1, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Sarah A. Moore Source Type: research

Table of Contents
(Source: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine)
Source: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine - May 1, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research

Polyurethane Adhesive Ingestion
Abstract: Polyurethane adhesives are found in a large number of household products in the United States and are used for a variety of purposes. Several brands of these expanding wood glues (those containing diphenylmethane diisocyanate [MDI]) have the potential to form gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies if ingested. The ingested adhesive forms an expanding ball of glue in the esophagus and gastric lumen. This expansion is caused by a polymerization reaction using the heat, water, and gastric acids of the stomach. A firm mass is created that can be 4-8 times its original volume. As little as 2oz of glue have been reported...
Source: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine - February 1, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Kevin T. Fitzgerald, Alvin C. Bronstein Source Type: research

Cholecalciferol
Abstract: The primary source of exposure to cholecalciferol in dogs and cats is ingestion of rodenticide baits with vitamin D3 as the active ingredient. Other sources of this toxin are human medications and rarely, contaminated pet food. Although the reported lethal dose 50% for cholecalciferol is 88mg/kg, deaths have been seen with an individual exposure of 2mcg/kg in dogs. Clinical signs are induced by profound hypercalcemia affecting multiple body systems. Clinical presentations may include anorexia, depression, muscle weakness, vomiting, polyuria, polydipsia, dehydration, abdominal pain, hematemesis, melena, and bradyc...
Source: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine - February 1, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Michael E. Peterson, Kerstin Fluegeman Source Type: research

Bromethalin
Abstract: Bromethalin is a potent neurotoxin capable of inducing fatal cerebral edema in companion animals. Bromethalin decreases adenosine triphosphate production resulting in cerebral edema. Toxicosis can be seen in cats and dogs with oral exposures as low as 0.3 and 2.5mg/kg, respectively. High doses produce severe muscle tremors, hyperthermia, seizures, and death within a couple hours postingestion. The usual presentation after moderate to low exposure develops over 12-24 hours with progressive ataxia, paresis, and hindlimb paralysis. Central nervous system depression continues to semicoma or coma. Diagnosis is based u...
Source: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine - February 1, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Michael E. Peterson Source Type: research

Xylitol
Abstract: Xylitol is a prevalent sugar substitute found in a wide variety of foods, particularly those labeled as “low carb.” It is found in many medicines and dental products both for its antibacterial activity and to increase palatability. Originally, this toxin was recognized as a problem in dogs following sugarless gum ingestions. Xylitol is generally nontoxic to mammals except for dogs. In the dog, xylitol induces marked increases in insulin production and occasionally hepatopathy. The clinical syndrome is manifested with signs consistent with profound hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, and acute hepatic...
Source: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine - February 1, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Michael E. Peterson Source Type: research

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Exposure
Abstract: Many antidepressants inhibit serotonin or norepinephrine reuptake or both to achieve their clinical effect. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class of antidepressants (SSRIs) includes citalopram, escitalopram (active enantiomer of citalopram), fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline. The SSRIs are as effective as tricyclic antidepressants in treatment of major depression with less significant side effects. As a result, they have become the largest class of medications prescribed to humans for depression. They are also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorders, alcoholism, o...
Source: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine - February 1, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Kevin T. Fitzgerald, Alvin C. Bronstein Source Type: research

Marijuana Poisoning
Abstract: The plant Cannabis sativa has been used for centuries for the effects of its psychoactive resins. The term “marijuana” typically refers to tobacco-like preparations of the leaves and flowers. The plant contains more than 400 chemicals but the cannabinoid δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the major psychoactive constituent. “Hashish” is the resin extracted from the tops of flowering plants and generally has a much higher THC concentration. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. Currently, several states have passed legislation to decriminalize possession of small amounts of...
Source: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine - February 1, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Kevin T. Fitzgerald, Alvin C. Bronstein, Kristin L. Newquist Source Type: research

Adderall® (Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamine) Toxicity
This article discusses our present understanding of Adderall® intoxication and examines 3 dogs presented to our practice after ingestion of large amounts of the drug. (Source: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine)
Source: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine - February 1, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Kevin T. Fitzgerald, Alvin C. Bronstein Source Type: research

Foreword
In 2006, I was asked to guest edit an edition of “Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice” which focused entirely on practical toxicology. Although a daunting task, I undertook the project and attempted to include articles that were heavily slanted toward what I and other small-animal clinicians were seeing in emergency rooms all over the country. In that issue, commonly seen poisonings were examined and their sources, mechanisms of action, clinical signs, diagnostics, management, and prevention were investigated. Chapters selected included “The Poison-Proof Practice,” “Smoke Inhalation,” “Over-the-Count...
Source: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine - February 1, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Kevin T. Fitzgerald Source Type: research

Table of Contents
(Source: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine)
Source: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine - February 1, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research