8 The dysphagic/gagging/regurgitating cancer patient Dysphagia is defined as painful or difficult swallowing and can usually be subclassified as oral dysphagia, pharyngeal dysphagia and cricopharyngeal dysphagia. Dysphagia, therefore, generally refers…
2 Principles of cancer surgery In most cancer patients, obtaining a preoperative diagnosis before contemplating surgery is desirable. Knowledge of the type and possible grade of the tumour will allow…
9 The vomiting and/or diarrhoeic cancer patient Vomiting is the active expulsion of material from within the stomach and/or upper small intestine. Vomiting should always be differentiated from regurgitation either…
12 The polydipsic cancer patient INTRODUCTION Polydipsia is defined as when an animal drinks in excess of 100 ml/kg/day, although a high degree of suspicion for polydipsia can be reached when…
10 The haematochezic or dyschezic cancer patient Haematochezia describes the presence of what appears to be fresh blood on the surface of, passed concurrently with, or admixed into faeces. This…
4 Principles of cancer radiotherapy Radiotherapy is an extremely effective treatment modality in the management of cancer patients, either as a single treatment or as part of a multimodality protocol….
2 The neurological examination Examination of nervous system function is achieved by observation, palpation and inducing reflexes and responses. The following section will explain the significance of the tests and…
3 Localizing lesions William of Occam (died circa 1350) pioneered the KISS (‘Keep It Simple, Stupid!’) approach to problem-solving with his philosophical principle that the fewest possible assumptions are to…
47 Ataxia Spinal ataxia INITIAL PRESENTATION In spinal cord disease, the ascending proprioceptive tracts may be affected before the descending motor tracts resulting in ataxia as the presenting sign. Damage…
72 Scratching INTRODUCTION Biting, scratching, chewing and auto-amputation of digits are rare but can occur with sensory neuropathies (Fig. 72.1). Cauda equina compression in dogs may result in self-mutilation of…
