Sudden loss of vision
25 Sudden loss of vision Depending on the disorder in question, sudden loss of vision may occur unilaterally or bilaterally, and there may or may not be changes in the…
Respiratory distress
23 Respiratory distress Dogs and cats with respiratory distress are a relatively common presentation to emergency clinics. These patients are often extremely unstable and a rational approach to their management…
Shock and dehydration
2 Shock and dehydration Shock and dehydration are both commonly seen in emergency practice and both require fluid therapy as a crucial part of their management (see Ch. 4). However,…
Petechiae and ecchymoses
21 Petechiae and ecchymoses Petechiae and ecchymoses represent superficial bleeding into the skin or mucous membranes. Petechiae are small pinpoint haemorrhages and ecchymoses are larger areas. Petechiae are more commonly…
Acute abdomen
8 Acute abdomen The term acute abdomen refers to a syndrome that involves the acute onset of clinical signs secondary to an intra-abdominal disorder which typically has the potential to…
Head tilt and nystagmus
15 Head tilt and nystagmus The vestibular system is responsible for balance and coordinating movements of the eyes, trunk and limbs with changes in head position. Head tilt and nystagmus…
Major body system examination
1 Major body system examination Clinical Tips • The initial physical examination should focus on the major body systems, namely the cardiovascular, respiratory and central nervous systems, as severe abnormalities…
Acute red eye and pain
10 Acute red eye and pain The majority of causes of acute red eye are also associated with varying degrees of pain. Ocular pain is typically associated with blepharospasm, excessive…
Acute vomiting
11 Acute vomiting Acute vomiting is a frequently encountered clinical sign in emergency medicine. Causes of acute vomiting may broadly be divided into those that relate primarily to the alimentary…
