Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice RSS feed: Current Issue. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice offers you the most current information on the treatment of dogs and cats; updates you on the latest advances; and provides a sound basis for choosing treatment options. Each issue focuses on a single topic in small animal practice and is presented under the direction of an experienced guest editor.http://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice0195-5616395September 2009 © 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0195561609001077/abstract?rss=yesContents10.1016/S0195-5616(09)00107-7Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 39, 5 (2009)2009-09-01Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice2009-09-01395S0195-5616(09)X0005-7vviihttp://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0195561609001089/abstract?rss=yesForthcoming Issues10.1016/S0195-5616(09)00108-9Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 39, 5 (2009)2009-09-01Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice2009-09-01395S0195-5616(09)X0005-7viiiviiihttp://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/PIIS019556160900093X/abstract?rss=yes Pet owners are increasingly aware of the advances in the practice of medicine and have come to expect the same for their pets. Endoscopy entered the veterinary field as a diagnostic tool, but the limitations of its use have been shattered in the past few years. Veterinary endoscopy started with viewing through natural orifices. There is not one that has not been “scoped;” however, entry into body cavities and other sites rapidly followed. Many interventional techniques are now well described; some have become the standard of care for certain conditions, and some are still “works in progress.” The future of endoscopy is bright, to say the least. The minimal invasiveness of the techniques described in this issue has allowed veterinary patients to benefit from the rapid recovery and shortened duration of hospitalization. The development of these techniques was pioneered by physicians, and the equipment is becoming more available and specialized for veterinary use in the very large to the tiniest of patients.PrefaceMaryAnn G. Radlinsky10.1016/j.cvsm.2009.06.001Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 39, 5 (2009)2009-09-01Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice2009-09-01395S0195-5616(09)X0005-7ixxhttp://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0195561609000941/abstract?rss=yesEndoscopic procedures are minimally invasive in nature, and have been found to decrease the postoperative stress response and postoperative pain compared with similar procedures performed by an open approach. There is an ongoing effort to make minimally invasive surgery even less invasive through research and the development of new and improved medical devices. This article provides a general overview of the necessary equipment and instrumentation that will assist practitioners in making decisions for the incorporation of endoscopy/endoscopic surgery into their practice.Equipment and Instrumentation in Veterinary EndoscopyStephen J. Van Lue, Anne P. Van Lue10.1016/j.cvsm.2009.06.002Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 39, 5 (2009)2009-09-01Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice2009-09-01395S0195-5616(09)X0005-7817837http://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0195561609000734/abstract?rss=yesThis article discusses considerations for general anesthesia for various endoscopic procedures in small animals. Specific drug and monitoring recommendations are made. Special physiologic concerns of individual procedures affecting the anesthetized patient are discussed.Anesthesia for Endoscopy in Small AnimalsAnn B. Weil10.1016/j.cvsm.2009.05.008Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 39, 5 (2009)2009-09-01Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice2009-09-01395S0195-5616(09)X0005-7839848http://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0195561609000928/abstract?rss=yesDiagnostic examinations are markedly improved by using rigid endoscopy in the ear, nasal cavity, and urinary tract. This article presents the procedure, equipment, indications, and examples of abnormalities of rigid endoscopy in these areas. Textbooks, “hands-on” courses, and in-hospital training are methods for learning about these techniques and their applications. In addition to improving diagnostics, endoscopy can also be used for therapy in these three body areas.Diagnostic Rigid Endoscopy: Otoscopy, Rhinoscopy, and CystoscopyClarence A. Rawlings10.1016/j.cvsm.2009.05.010Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 39, 5 (2009)2009-09-01Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice2009-09-01395S0195-5616(09)X0005-7849868http://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0195561609000667/abstract?rss=yesFlexible endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic approach to the upper and lower respiratory tract, becauseit allows direct visualization and sample collection. Techniques requiring a range of specialized equipment and varying levels of experience have been developed to access and evaluate each anatomic region. Familiarity with appropriate indications for each procedure and normal appearance, cytology, and culture results from each region will enhance diagnostic success.Airway Evaluation and Flexible Endoscopic Procedures in Dogs and Cats: Laryngoscopy, Transtracheal Wash, Tracheobronchoscopy, and Bronchoalveolar LavageKate E. Creevy10.1016/j.cvsm.2009.05.001Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 39, 5 (2009)2009-09-01Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice2009-09-01395S0195-5616(09)X0005-7869880http://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0195561609000746/abstract?rss=yesFlexible endoscopy is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of many small animal digestive tract diseases. This article provides a basic introduction to small animal gastrointestinal endoscopy including its diagnostic advantages as well as its limitations and complications. Although proficiency in endoscopic techniques can only be obtained through many hours of practice, this article should also encourage and stimulate the novice endoscopist.Flexible Endoscopy in Small AnimalsSteffen Sum, Cynthia R. Ward10.1016/j.cvsm.2009.05.009Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 39, 5 (2009)2009-09-01Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice2009-09-01395S0195-5616(09)X0005-7881902http://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0195561609000679/abstract?rss=yesSince 1999, when the author first described the research and potential applications of minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery in animals, veterinarians have begun to apply some of these techniques in treating client owned animals. Minimally invasive surgery is advocated with diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic intent. There has been a transition from a minimally invasive caseload toward the expansion of diagnostic procedures, adoption of prophylactic procedures (such as lap-assisted gastropexy), and performing more difficult therapeutic procedures. Small animal patients benefit from reduced tissue trauma and experience a rapid recovery. In this article, current research and minimally invasive gastrointestinal procedures in animals are discussed.Gastrointestinal Laparoscopy in Small AnimalsLynetta J. Freeman10.1016/j.cvsm.2009.05.002Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 39, 5 (2009)2009-09-01Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice2009-09-01395S0195-5616(09)X0005-7903924http://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0195561609000692/abstract?rss=yesThis article discusses several advanced laparoscopic procedures that have now been described in clinical veterinary patients. Laparoscopic-assisted cholecystostomy tube placement, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and adrenalectomy can all be performed safely and efficiently. Case selection guidelines as well as indications, techniques, and possible complications are discussed in detail.Advanced Laparoscopic Procedures (Hepatobiliary, Endocrine) in Dogs and CatsPhilipp D. Mayhew10.1016/j.cvsm.2009.05.004Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 39, 5 (2009)2009-09-01Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice2009-09-01395S0195-5616(09)X0005-7925939http://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0195561609000680/abstract?rss=yesLaparoscopic procedures provide the advantage of decreased patient morbidity with improved visualization and rapid patient recovery. Complications associated with laparoscopic procedures are discussed. Conversion to open laparotomy may depend on a variety of factors related to the patient, procedure, and surgeon. There are few contraindications for performing laparoscopic procedures, but complications or conversions to an open laparotomy may be expected in a percentage of patients.Complications and Need for Conversion to Laparotomy in Small AnimalsJanet Kovak McClaran, Nicole J. Buote10.1016/j.cvsm.2009.05.003Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 39, 5 (2009)2009-09-01Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice2009-09-01395S0195-5616(09)X0005-7941951http://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0195561609000722/abstract?rss=yesExploratory thoracoscopy in small animal veterinary medicine is, compared with an open exploratory thoracotomy, a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure with several benefits. Specific indications, patient positioning, and anesthetic considerations are discussed, as well as instrumentation and general techniques for endoscopic intrathoracic exploration and biopsy.Small Animal Exploratory ThoracoscopyChad Schmiedt10.1016/j.cvsm.2009.05.007Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 39, 5 (2009)2009-09-01Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice2009-09-01395S0195-5616(09)X0005-7953964http://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0195561609000709/abstract?rss=yesThoracoscopy is a minimally invasive technique for viewing the internal structures of the thoracic cavity. The procedure uses a rigid telescope placed through a portal and positioned in the thoracic wall to examine the contents of the pleural cavity. Once the telescope is in place, either biopsy forceps or an assortment of surgical instruments can be introduced into the thoracic cavity through adjacent portals in the thoracic wall to perform various diagnostic or surgical procedures. The minimal invasiveness of the procedure, the rapid patient recovery, and the diagnostic accuracy make thoracoscopy an ideal technique compared with other more invasive procedures. This article discusses the use of interventional thoracoscopy (an emerging surgical technique) in veterinary surgery to perform pericardial window, subtotal pericardiectomy, or lung lobectomy to correct vascular ring anomalies, to ligate patent ductus arteriosus and the thoracic duct, and to aid in the treatment of pyothorax. Most procedures are performed under thoracoscopy, and some procedures can be thoracoscopically assisted.Interventional Thoracoscopy in Small AnimalsEric Monnet10.1016/j.cvsm.2009.05.005Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 39, 5 (2009)2009-09-01Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice2009-09-01395S0195-5616(09)X0005-7965975http://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0195561609000710/abstract?rss=yesThoracoscopy is useful for the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions in veterinary patients. It decreases patient morbidity and improves visualization and lighting of structures within the thorax due to the magnification and lighting adjacent to the structures evaluated. The complications of thoracoscopy are described, as is the need for converting to an open thoracotomy. Complications and the need for conversion depend on the patient and the procedure performed. Procedural complications are not discussed unless they specifically relate to thoracoscopy. As confidence is gained with thoracoscopy, the need for conversion may decrease over time. However, conversions may be required more often as the degree of difficulty of thoracoscopic procedures increases.Complications and Need for Conversion from Thoracoscopy to Thoracotomy in Small AnimalsMaryAnn G. Radlinsky10.1016/j.cvsm.2009.05.006Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 39, 5 (2009)2009-09-01Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice2009-09-01395S0195-5616(09)X0005-7977984http://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0195561609001090/abstract?rss=yesIndex10.1016/S0195-5616(09)00109-0Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 39, 5 (2009)2009-09-01Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice2009-09-01395S0195-5616(09)X0005-7985991