Urate uroliths from a black Russian terrier ALTHOUGH a number of different types of urolith have been reported in dogs, including those associated with drugs and toxins such as sulphonamides, struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate) accounts for approximately 40 per cent of canine urolithiasis cases and can be successfully treated with diet alone. Diet is also a central component in the treatment and management of calcium oxalate, urate and cystine uroliths, as well as playing a key role in preventing or reducing the risk of recurrence of virtually all types of urolith encountered. This article discusses some of the general current concepts regarding urolith formation, describes some dietary strategies that may be appropriate to try to prevent their recurrence, and briefly outlines possible predisposing factors. Kit Sturgess graduated fromCambridge in 1986 and then spent six years in general practice. After some time as a lecturer in small animal internal medicine at the Royal Veterinary College and Bristol, he moved to work in private referral practice. In 2006, he co-developed a specialist referralonly clinic near Winchester. He holds a PhD for studies investigating the mucosal immune response to feline immunodeficiency virus, RCVS certificates in veterinary radiology and cardiology, and the RCVS diploma in small animal medicine. He is an RCVS specialist in small animal medicine.

To describe a modified keratoleptynsis procedure, as a method of preserving central corneal function, and evaluate the outcome in vision, reduction of corneal thickness and treatment of epithelial corneal ulcers in cases with endothelial cell dysfunction. Methods: Forty-four dogs (72 eyes) were affected by progressive corneal edema, with or without ulcerative keratitis. All patients were treated with a dorsal and ventral superficial keratectomy followed by conjunctival flaps, maintaining a clear central cornea. Corneal thickness measurements were obtained via ultrasound biomicroscopy. Results: All eyes showed resolution of ocular discomfort postoperatively, with a median time to resolution of 35 days. Two years post-surgery, vision had been lost in 2 of 29 eyes (7%). From the initial population, 23 dogs (39 eyes) had follow-up evaluations of corneal thickness. The mean central corneal thickness was 1359 ± 251 μm prior to surgery. Thickening of the central cornea was observed one week after surgery to 1559 ± 263 μm. Decreased corneal thickness was reported, at 1 month, 4 months, 10 months and 2 years postoperatively (1285 ± 267 μm, 1102 ± 150 μm, 1121 ± 288 μm, 1193 ± 283 μm, respectively). All eyes showed a similar trend of increasing and then decreasing corneal thickness. Conclusions: This surgical technique provided statistically significant reduction in central corneal thickness and sustained relief of ocular pain. Reduction in corneal thickness appeared to be maintained 2 years post-surgery, and all patients remained comfortable. Superficial corneal pigmentation and fibrosis resulted in vision loss in two eyes.

INFLAMMATORY bowel disease is a common cause of gastrointestinal (GI) signs in dogs and cats. Weight loss, despite an often normal to increased appetite, is a prominent feature. Inflammatory bowel disease is not a specific diagnosis but describes a pathological change that primarily affects the lamina propria (mucosal surface) of the intestinal tract. In approximately 75 per cent of cases no underlying cause of the intestinal inflammation is evident. These animals are deemed to have idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IIBD) that is thought to be associated with a loss of tolerance to luminal antigens (food and/or bacteria). The inflammatory infiltrate is usually lymphoplasmacytic, but eosinophilic, granulomatous and suppurative forms are described. This article sets out a diagnostic route for dogs and cats presenting with historical signs suggestive of IIBD, and reviews various protocols that are available for the management of the condition.

SYNTHETIC corticosteroid drugs have both mineralo- and glucocorticoid activity to varying degrees although, in most situations, they are primarily prescribed for their glucocorticoid effects. While corticosteroids undoubtedly have a central role in the treatment of a number of diseases, their misuse is also responsible for causing problems, either directly by, for example, immunosuppression in the presence of sepsis, or indirectly by masking a diagnosis and thereby preventing appropriate treatment. In addition, corticosteroids suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) which can lead to the development of iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism. In all cases, monitoring of therapy is vital as side effects are common and can be potentially life-threatening. This article describes the basic pharmacology and physiological effects of corticosteroids and discusses the rationale behind the decision to use this group of drugs. It outlines how to choose the appropriate dose rate and duration of treatment and highlights some strategies for reducing systemic side effects.

CHYLOTHORAX is relatively uncommon in cats and rare in dogs. It is caused by a variety of disease processes, resulting in a complicated condition that is poorly understood and can be frustrating to treat. Successful resolution usually involves determining and treating the underlying cause. This article outlines the causes of chylothorax and discusses the approach to diagnosis and management of the disease in small animal patients.