Seizures – an introduction
16 Seizures – an introduction Seizures originate from the brain. They are the physical manifestation of abnormal synchronous electrical discharge in the brain. The brain can be stimulated to do…
Metabolic encephalopathy: insulinoma
6 Metabolic encephalopathy insulinoma INITIAL PRESENTATION Altered behaviour (agitation or lethargy), decreased mental alertness, seizures, exercise intolerance, weakness or collapse commonly occur. Stupor and coma may result. INTRODUCTION Cerebral dysfunction…
Metabolic encephalopathy: hepatic encephalopathy
7 Metabolic encephalopathy hepatic encephalopathy Ed Friend, Susan Fitzmaurice INTRODUCTION Severely reduced liver function is required to produce hepatic encephalopathy. This is most commonly due to vascular shunting. Low blood…
Birds – an introduction
9 Birds – an introduction Introduction Birds such as parrots and canaries have been kept as pets for many centuries, for their beauty, song and mimicry. Raptors are more usually…
Bearded dragon with hepatic disease
17 Bearded dragon with hepatic disease INITIAL PRESENTATION Reduced appetite in a bearded dragon. Introduction Reptiles often present with vague clinical signs that may have many differential diagnoses, often with…
Reptiles – an introduction
15 Reptiles – an introduction Reptiles are among some of the more unusual pets seen in veterinary practice (Fig. 15.1). An approach similar to that for other pets may be…
Osteomyelitis in a Hermann’s tortoise
18 Osteomyelitis in a Hermann’s tortoise INITIAL PRESENTATION Nail loss in a Hermann’s tortoise. Introduction Reptilian metabolism is slower than that of mammals. Pathological processes therefore usually develop (and heal)…
Gastrointestinal foreign body in a tortoise
16 Gastrointestinal foreign body in a tortoise INITIAL PRESENTATION Inappetence, reduced faecal output, hindlimb paresis in a Hermann’s tortoise. Introduction Pet chelonia often roam in large outdoor areas, which include…
Fish – an introduction
25 Fish – an introduction Many species of fish are kept in captivity, varying from small tropical species housed in indoor heated aquaria to larger temperate species in outdoor ponds….
Mammals – an introduction
2 Mammals – an introduction Small mammals are commonly kept as pets. Various species may be presented to the veterinary clinician, often with diverse husbandry requirements and disease predispositions. Presenting…
