The trauma patient
28 The trauma patient Trauma is one of the most common reasons for emergency presentation and can also be one of the most stressful to the patient, owner and veterinary…
Emergency database interpretation
3 Emergency database interpretation Together with an astute major body system examination, an immense amount of useful information can be derived from an emergency database. Traditionally the minimum emergency database…
Cardiac dysrhythmias
12 Cardiac dysrhythmias Cardiac dysrhythmias are a relatively common finding in emergency patients and are probably also underdiagnosed in general. Physical examination may generate the suspicion of a dysrhythmia (e.g….
The acute abdomen
29 The acute abdomen Differential diagnoses of acute abdomen are discussed in Chapter 8 and some of the most common disorders are discussed in greater detail here using case examples….
Respiratory emergencies
32 Respiratory emergencies Feline Pleural Effusion Theory refresher Pleural effusion is a relatively common cause of severe respiratory distress in cats. A rational and considered approach to the stabilization of…
Haematological and haemostatic emergencies
33 Haematological and haemostatic emergencies Canine Immune-Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA) Theory refresher Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) is the result of red blood cell destruction by the immune system. Red blood…
Regurgitation
22 Regurgitation Regurgitation is the passive expulsion of oesophageal or gastric contents from the oral cavity, and is most commonly the result of oesophageal disease. Regurgitation is the most common…
Parenteral fluid therapy
4 Parenteral fluid therapy Parenteral fluid therapy is the most common therapeutic intervention performed in veterinary emergency practice. A thorough understanding of the indications for the use of parenteral fluids,…
Cardiovascular emergencies
31 Cardiovascular emergencies Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Progressive heart disease results in failure of the heart to pump adequately and this may manifest as low-output heart failure, where sufficient blood…
Toxicological emergencies
30 Toxicological emergencies Suspected or witnessed poisoning is a common reason for presentation of small animals to emergency clinics, with dogs being much more commonly affected than cats. This chapter…
