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External beam radiation therapy (RT) has become the standard of care for non-resectable or post-operative incompletely excised brain tumors in dogs and cats due to its relatively low side effect profile and increasing availability. This article reviews the indications for, expected outcomes of and possible toxicities associated with RT, follow-up care recommendations after RT, and publications about specific tumor types in dogs and cats with brain tumors., Competing Interests: Disclosure Dr T.L. Gieger does not have relevant commercial or financial conflicts of interest, or funding sources which are relevant to this article., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) involves the precise delivery of highly conformal, dose-intense radiation to well-demarcated tumors. Special equipment and expertise are needed, and a unique biological mechanism distinguishes SRT from other forms of external beam radiotherapy. Families find the convenient schedules and minimal acute toxicity of SRT appealing. Common indications in veterinary oncology include nasal, brain, and bone tumors. Many other solid tumors can also be treated, including spinal, oral, lung, heart-base, liver, adrenal, and prostatic malignancies. Accessibility of SRT is improving, and new data are constantly emerging to define parameters for appropriate case selection, radiation dose prescription, and long-term follow-up., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have no relevant commercial or financial conflicts of interest or funding sources which are relevant to this article., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a useful imaging tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of cardiac emergencies. Unlike complete echocardiography, POCUS is a time-sensitive examination involving a subset of targeted thoracic ultrasound views to identify abnormalities of the heart, lungs, pleural space, and caudal vena cava. When integrated with other clinical information, POCUS can be helpful in the diagnosis of left-sided and right-sided congestive heart failure, pericardial effusion and tamponade, and severe pulmonary hypertension and can help clinicians monitor resolution or recurrence of these conditions., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cardiomyopathies remain one of the most common inherited cardiac diseases in both human and veterinary patients. To date, well over 100 mutated genes are known to cause cardiomyopathies in humans with only a handful known in cats and dogs. This review highlights the need and use of personalized one-health approaches to cardiovascular case management and advancement in pharmacogenetic-based therapy in veterinary medicine. Personalized medicine holds promise in understanding the molecular basis of disease and ultimately will unlock the next generation of targeted novel pharmaceuticals and aid in the reversal of detrimental effects at a molecular level., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Canine babesiosis results from infection of 1 of 5 identified protozoal species in the United States (Babesia conradae, Babesia sp. "coco," Babesia gibsoni, Babesia vogeli, and Babesia vulpes). They are part of the Apicomplexa family of protozoa and are obligate intraerythrocytic parasites. Domestic and wild canids are suspected of being intermediate hosts. This updated article aims to provide practical guidance about the clinical manifestations of disease, treatment options, and outcomes. In addition, the authors hope to provide some clarity about the taxonomy and nomenclature of these organisms, as they have undergone multiple changes since their initial discovery., Competing Interests: Disclosure J.D. Dear: no financial or conflicts of interest to disclose. A. Birkenheuer: Co-Director of the Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at North Carolina State University (no financial compensation) and consulting and continuing education provided for Idexx Laboratories Inc, Boehringer-Ingelheim and Merck., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Focused cardiac ultrasound (FCU) is a useful point-of-care imaging tool to assess cardiovascular status in symptomatic dogs in the acute care setting. Unlike complete echocardiography, FCU is a time-sensitive examination involving a subset of targeted ultrasound views to identify severe cardiac abnormalities and is performed as part of an integrated thoracic ultrasound including interrogation of the pleural space and lungs. When integrated with other clinical information, FCU can be helpful in the diagnosis of left-sided and right-sided congestive heart failure, pericardial effusion and tamponade, and severe pulmonary hypertension, and can provide estimates of fluid responsiveness in hypotensive dogs., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Veterinary ethical dilemmas are common, complex, and unavoidable. Creating a transparent and deliberate approach to ethical issues empowers the entire veterinary team and reduces stress associated with these dilemmas. This article discusses ethical considerations and principles and propose use of the 4Es model and core communication skills to address ethical dilemmas in veterinary practice. It reviews literature defining ethical issues in practice and provides case examples to show the application of our proposed methods. The goal is to provide veterinary professionals with an approach they can use to frame and address their own ethical decisions., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) involves the precise delivery of highly conformal, dose-intense radiation to well-demarcated tumors. Special equipment and expertise are needed, and a unique biological mechanism distinguishes SRT from other forms of external beam radiotherapy. Families find the convenient schedules and minimal acute toxicity of SRT appealing. Common indications in veterinary oncology include nasal, brain, and bone tumors. Many other solid tumors can also be treated, including spinal, oral, lung, heart-base, liver, adrenal, and prostatic malignancies. Accessibility of SRT is improving, and new data are constantly emerging to define parameters for appropriate case selection, radiation dose prescription, and long-term follow-up.", (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Molecular diagnostics have revolutionized human oncology to allow early detection, targeted therapy, monitoring throughout treatment, and evidence of recurrence. By identifying genetic signatures associated with cancers, liquid biopsy techniques have been developed to diagnose and monitor cancer in noninvasive or minimally invasive ways. These techniques offer new opportunities for improving cancer screening, diagnosis, and monitoring the impact of therapy on the patients over time. Liquid biopsy also drives drug development programs. Similar diagnostics hold promise for comparable results in the veterinary field. Several noninvasive/minimally invasive techniques have been described in veterinary medicine that could be referred to as liquid biopsy., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

"In North America, with the exceptions of Bartonella henselae and Cytauxzoon felis, feline vector-borne diseases (FVBDs) have been minimally studied in domestic cats. Cats can be infected with many of the same vector-borne pathogens that infect dogs. Nonspecific clinical signs linked to FVBDs and low prevalence of certain vector-borne pathogens contribute to a limited awareness of FVBDs in sick cats. As clinicians become informed about FVBDs and as vector-borne disease diagnostics are routinely applied to evaluate sick cats, we will gain a stronger understanding of vector-borne pathogens in cats. This article focuses on recent findings related to FVBDs.", (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The importance of initial wound classification and daily reevaluation of wound stage cannot be understated. Products available to enhance healing are categorized based on the stage of wound healing to which they exert their effects. After patient stability has been verified, thorough debridement is critical in order to create an environment conducive for healing. The wound environment of acute and chronic wounds differs greatly, often requiring different management approaches., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Skin grafts and free skin flaps are useful options for closure of wounds in which primary closure or use of traditional skin flaps is not feasible. Grafts are classified by their morphology and host-donor relationship. Free skin flaps with microvascular anastomoses are developed from previously described axial pattern flaps and have the added advantage of reestablishing robust vascular supply to the flap, but require specialized equipment and a high degree of technical expertise. Despite intensive perioperative care and the risk of graft or flap failure, skin grafts and free skin flaps can serve as rewarding methods of closing difficult wounds., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Radiation therapy (RT) is an essential component for management of many cancers. Veterinary health care professionals must counsel owners about the potential side effects of RT, the anticipated management plan, and associated costs. For most veterinary patients treated with RT, acute radiation side effects are mild; however, careful radiation treatment planning and appropriate management of acute side effects are essential to try to prevent chronic sequelae and the need for ongoing wound care. This article reviews acute and late side effects to the skin and their management., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Management of severe burn injury (SBI) requires prompt, complex, and aggressive care. Despite major advances in the management of SBI-including patient-targeted resuscitation, management of inhalation injuries, specific nutritional support, enhanced wound therapy, and infection control-the consequences of SBI often result in complex, multiorgan metabolic changes. Consensus guidelines and clinical evidence regarding specific management of small animal burn patients are lacking. This article aims to review updated therapeutic consideration for the systemic and local management of SBI that are proven effective to optimize outcomes in human burn patients and may translate to small animal patients., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy is an inheritable form of myocardial disease characterized most commonly by ventricular tachycardias, syncope, and sometimes systolic dysfunction and heart failure. A genetic mutation in the striatin gene has been identified in many affected dogs. Dogs with only one copy of the mutation (heterozygous) have a variable prognosis, with many dogs remaining asymptomatic or being successfully managed on antiarrhythmic drugs for years. Dogs that are homozygous for the mutation seem to have a worse prognosis., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Hip dysplasia is among the most common orthopedic conditions affecting dogs. Joint laxity is responsible for abnormal development of the femoral head and acetabulum, leading to excessive wear of the articular cartilage. Wear leads to secondary osteoarthritis. Rehabilitation is either conservative or after surgical management. Conservative rehabilitation therapies are directed at decreasing pain, improving hip range of motion (ROM), and building or maintaining muscle mass. Postoperatively, rehabilitation focuses on decreasing postoperative pain and inflammation, improving comfort and limb use, and protecting the surgical site. Once the patient has healed, rehabilitation is directed at improving ROM and promoting muscle mass., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The goal of maintenance fluid therapy in small animals is to replace normal ongoing losses of water and salts when oral intake is withheld. Hospitalized dogs and cats may have multiple stimuli for antidiuretic hormone release that disrupt normal osmoregulation and predispose to water retention. Severe illness promotes retention of both sodium and water as edema. Commercially available fluids have electrolyte concentrations that are very different from dietary maintenance requirements, and potential consequences include development of hypoosmolality, edema, or both when excesses of water or sodium are administered. Suggestions for tailoring fluid administration toward specific goals are provided., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Proteinuria is a negative prognostic indicator for dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. A normal dog or cat should excrete very little protein and have a urine protein:creatinine ratio that is less than 0.4 or less than 0.2, respectively; persistent proteinuria above this magnitude warrants attention. Administration of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers, blood pressure control and nutritional modification are considered a standard of care for renal proteinuria. Renal biopsy and administration of immunosuppressive agents should be considered in animals with glomerular proteinuria that have not responded to standard therapy. Targeted patient monitoring is essential when instituting management of proteinuria., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Surgical intervention of aural cholesteatomas in dogs can be curative. Imaging findings include a soft tissue density in the middle ear and destruction of the bone of the bulla with characteristics of an aggressive lesion. Dogs with early stage disease have a better outcome than those with chronic disease, temporal bone involvement and neurologic signs. Dogs with recurrent disease can be reoperated or managed medically with long-term resolution or palliation of clinical signs., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Exoprostheses are devices that are secured to incomplete limbs to enable locomotion. By comparison, orthoses are devices externally applied to support or protect an injured body part. Orthoses also can be used to control, guide, protect, limit motion of, or immobilize an extremity, a joint, or a body segment. Exoprostheses and orthoses are a growing aspect of the physical rehabilitation of companion animals. They require precise design and fabrication. Patients and owners must be trained to use the devices. Exoprostheses and orthoses can have a profound beneficial impact on the mobility and the quality of life of companion animals., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Patients who have total joint arthroplasty have varying needs related to rehabilitation. In the short term, rehabilitation should be used in all dogs to identify high-risk patients and to minimize the likelihood of postoperative complications. Many patients undergoing total hip replacement recover uneventfully without needing long-term physiotherapy. All patients undergoing total knee replacement and total elbow replacement need rehabilitation to restore limb use and maximize their functional recovery. This article presents rehabilitation considerations for companion animals undergoing total hip replacement, total knee replacement, and total elbow replacement; postoperative complications and how to mitigate risks; and anticipated patient outcomes., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A comprehensive physiotherapy plan for neurology patients manages pain, prevents secondary complications, and supports the health and function of musculoskeletal tissues during recovery. Neurologically impaired patients range in ability from complete immobility (tetraplegia/paraplegia), partial mobility (tetraparesis/paraparesis), mild ataxia, to pain only. Important considerations for the design of a physiotherapy program include access to the patient, level of staff support, and safety of staff, patient, and client during treatments. A thorough overview of the treatment plan and expected outcome should be discussed with the client at the onset of therapy and should be reviewed frequently, particularly as the patient's status changes., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Optimal function after injury, surgery, or in patients with chronic conditions requires adequate motion in joints, muscles, tendon, fascia, and skin. Range of motion and stretching exercises are commonly used in companion animal rehabilitation programs to maintain or improve motion of musculoskeletal tissues. Range of motion exercises and stretching prevent adhesions from forming, help scar tissue remodeling, may improve muscle tone, and prevent future injury from occurring. Stretching is used to avoid loss of motion or to regain lost joint motion. Stretching is done manually, using external coaptation, or using therapeutic exercises. Careful documentation of range of motion is necessary., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cats have orthopedic problems, including osteoarthritis, fractures, and luxations that are positively impacted by physical rehabilitation. Most cats have an independent behavior that requires using a tactful approach to rehabilitation. Cats often do well with manual therapy and electrophysical modalities. Feline rehabilitation sessions may be shorter than canine rehabilitation sessions. Cats do best with therapeutic exercises when these exercises are linked to hunting, playing, or feeding., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Therapeutic exercises are the cornerstone of the rehabilitation programs of companion animals. Therapeutic exercises are used to improve active joint range of motion, to improve weight bearing and limb use, to build strength and muscle mass, and to increase conditioning (eg, endurance, speed). Each case is unique as chronicity, type of injury, patient signalment and temperament, owner compliance, and level of required functional recovery vary widely. Therapeutic exercises are also essential for partial return to work or performance and to learn to perform activities of daily living after injury or surgery., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Paroxysmal dyskinesias are episodic movement disorders characterized by muscle hypertonicity that can produce involuntary movements. Signs emanate from the central nervous system; consciousness is not impaired, ictal electroencephalography is normal, and there are no autonomic signs, distinguishing them from seizure disorders. In humans they are classified into 3 groups, each responding to different therapies. A mutation in the gene for brevican (BCAN) has been identified as the cause of Episodic Falling in Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Further elucidation of the genetic causes will enhance our ability to identify and treat these canine diseases., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The hereditary ataxias are a group of neurodegenerative diseases that cause a progressive (or episodic) cerebellar ataxia. A large number of different disorders have been described in different breeds of purebred dog, and in some instances, more than one disorder occurs in a single breed, creating a confusing clinical picture. The mutations associated with these disorders are being described at a rapid rate, potentially changing our ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat affected dogs. A breed-related neurodegenerative process should be suspected in any pure bred dog with slowly progressive, symmetric signs of ataxia., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The goal of this article was to provide veterinary practitioners with an overview of the types of alternative dietary options available to pet owners and a practical method by which to evaluate the nutritional adequacy of these various options. Our approach to categorizing the alternative dietary options is based on the nutritional adequacy of these dietary options, because patients will be at risk for nutrition-related diseases if fed a nutritionally incomplete or improperly balanced diet long term., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cardiac emergencies are life-threatening conditions that must be diagnosed quickly to avoid delays in therapy. A timely and accurate diagnosis leads to early relief of symptoms and improved survival. This article provides both a comprehensive review and updated management recommendations for common cardiac emergencies in dogs and cats. Specifically, the article confers updates for the efficient clinical recognition of decompensated cardiac patients, including focused echocardiography, cardiac biomarkers, and electrocardiogram interpretation. This article also reviews the latest recommendations for the treatment of heart failure (including the use of pimobendan) and the management of arrhythmias, pericardial effusion, and aortic thromboembolism., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)