Clinical articles

Prevalence of Canine Mast Cell Tumours (MCTs)

Canine mast cell tumours (MCTs) are the most common cutaneous neoplasia in dogs, but how often do you diagnose them in practice?

Worming Breeding Stock

Parasites are a major threat to foal health and appropriate worming protocols must be implemented as part of the routine management of all broodmares and their offspring.

Pain Management in Horses

Pain relief is commonly administered to horses, either as short-term treatment following acute injury or as part of longer term management of chronic disease, such as osteoarthritis. By far the most commonly used products in the management of equine pain are the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Trace Minerals and Vaccination

Trace minerals have long been reported to be important for optimal immune function in livestock1.Trace minerals are essential for livestock to mount an immune response to a vaccine and thus derive protection.

Oxidative Stress : Its Impact on Transition Cows

The trace mineral levels in cattle are not static; they change throughout the production cycle depending on the demands on the animal.

Oxidative Stress : Its Effect on Cattle and the Role of Trace Minerals

Reactive Oxygen Species or Free Radicals are constantly formed during normal aerobic cellular metabolism. Free radicals are unstable and highly reactive oxidants that can remove an electron from another compound leaving it oxidised.

Oxidative Stress : Its Effect on Calves and Weanlings

It has been well documented that the new born calf’s mineral status and antioxidant capacity is highly correlated with the maternal source. Significant mineral transfer in the last trimester leads to liver levels which are typically higher than the dam’s levels at birth.

Canine Castration: Is There More Than One Way To Crack A Nut?

Along with positive socialisation, training and appropriate nutrition, castration is often considered a key component of responsible dog ownership. As well as preventing accidental mating, castration can be beneficial in preventing specific testosterone related disease and can help in the management of some behavioural issues.

How Important Is an Ear Cleaner in the Short and Long-Term Management of Otitis Externa in Dogs?

Otitis externa is a very common condition in dogs, yet can be difficult to manage, successfully, in practice. Once the patient has been examined and a diagnosis has been established, the choice of treatment prescribed will be the key to success in treating otitis externa.

Looking Deeper Into Chronic Otitis Externa

Otitis externa (OE) in dogs is a common presentation in small animal practice, but whilst most cases of acute, early OE will respond well to symptomatic therapy, chronic or recurrent OE can present a frustrating clinical challenge.

Which Topical Antimicrobials Should Be Considered for Otitis Externa?

In light of the current focus on antimicrobial resistance, how does this affect our approach to the treatment of Otitis externa?

What Can Pet Owners Do at Home to Contribute to the Successful Management of Skin Disease?

Vets are very fortunate to have some outstanding medicines to treat the aetiology and clinical signs of atopy, giving both the pet and the owner relief from the angst of allergic skin disease. However, it is easy to overlook the value of topical therapies and simple environmental management routines, which can play an important role in managing the condition whilst also helping to cultivate client relationships.

Why Should I Use Virbagen Omega in Dogs With Parvovirus?

Parvovirus outbreaks are commonly encountered in the UK, with pockets occurring more frequently in certain areas of the country such as Wales and the North West. Outbreaks within an area can be devastating for both owners and practices alike, with treatment costly and challenging. However, rapid implementation of intensive treatment can improve prognosis.

Considering the Epidermal Barrier in the Management of Dermatology Cases

The skin is the largest and one of the most important organs of the body. It helps to support the internal environment, maintaining hydration through regulation of trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and playing a part in thermoregulation.

Travelling Dogs Going to Sunnier Climes? Skin Lesions? Don’t Forget Leishmania!

With soaring numbers of animals crossing the channel every year, as well as rescue dogs from abroad and owners moving to this country, UK vets are confronted with diseases that were very rarely identified before the PETS scheme made travelling beloved pets to EU countries much easier.

Itchy Cat? What Can Be Done?

The work up of “itchy cat syndrome” can be a laborious task with no guarantees of identifying a cause to the pruritus which may be frustrating for both vet and owner alike.

Hypoallergy and Dermatology Support Diets Are Not The Same Thing!

Clinical diets play an important role in the management of skin disease and can be a critical component of the treatment plan. However, selecting the right diet is key to achieving the best results, given that these diets are different in intended use and nutritional characteristics.

Do Sugars Have Any Role in Dermatology Today?

Sugars, or carbohydrates, are the most abundant class of organic compounds found in living organisms. There are two major subfamilies; the simple sugars (monosaccharides) and the complex sugars (oligosaccharides composed of 2-10 monosaccharides and polysaccharides composed of more than 10 monosaccharides).

Do Shampoos Provide Any Real Benefit in the Management of Skin Disease?

Control of the Home Environment in Contributing to the Successful Management of Skin Disease

In this day and age we are blessed with many drugs to treat the cause and symptoms of allergic dermatitis which often results in topical treatments and simple environmental management routines are often not discussed with pet owners.

Can Proteins Help Improve Skin and Coat Condition?

Nutrition has implications in all aspects of skin metabolism including cell renewal, healing of wounds, immune reactions and combating chronic inflammation.

Antimicrobial Peptides: The What, The How and The Why

Antimicrobial resistance is a hot topic in both human and veterinary medicine, with concerns flagged that inappropriate use of antibiotics may have contributed to an increase in bacterial resistance worldwide.

Canine Dental Health

Dental disease is a very common condition affecting dogs, with an estimated 80% of dogs developing periodontal disease by the time they are three years old1,2.

Addressing Dental Care At Home - A Combined Approach

It is important to show pet owners that dental care can be approached in a multitude of ways and alongside regular dental health checks in clinic, owners can utilise easy to use home care products which help to keep plaque and tartar at bay.

When The Chips Are Down

Is Your Practice Making The Most Of The Bonding Opportunities Provided by Compulsory Microchipping?