The Veterinary Reporter

VCA   

Spring 2016

Dear Veterinary Colleague,

Dr. David Bruyette Welcome to our Spring 2016 edition of The Veterinary Reporter! In this latest issue we present an article on the surgical management of canine perineal hernias and another paper that discusses nasal tumors. We've also included information about the new AAFP 2016 guidelines for treating feline hyperthyroidism (FHT) and a new drug therapy for managing primary hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease). For this issue we've also reviewed a recent study involving serum biomarker tests in cats with suspected pancreatitis. On news topics, we're very pleased to announce that cardiology specialist Dr. Justin Allen has joined our staff.

Let us know if you have questions or would like further information about any of the topics we've discussed in this edition. And, as always, please let us know at any time how we can be of assistance to you, your clients and patients -- we're here to help! Our sincere thanks for providing us with the opportunity to serve you and for your continuing support and trust.
 
David Bruyette, DVM, DACVIM
Medical Director
VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital
  
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Internal Medicine
UPDATE ON FELINE HYPERTHYROIDISM
  
Feline Hyperthyroidism On May 3, 2016, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) released 2016 Guidelines for the Management of Feline Hyperthyroidism (FHT) in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. The new guidelines specifically emphasize the clinical aspects of disease management, and based on current research, provide recommendations in six clinical categories for diagnostic and management strategies. The guidelines also stress the importance of treating all hyperthyroid cats and address comorbidities, treatment options, and monitoring. They also dispel some of the myths surrounding FHT.
 
Internal Medicine
A NEW TREATMENT OPTION FOR PRIMARY HYPOADRENOCORTICISM
Zycortal Treatment Hypoadrenocorticism
Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) is a condition in which a dog's adrenal glands are not working as well as they should. Dogs with Addison's have lower levels of glucocorticoids (cortisol) and mineralocorticoids (aldosterone). These hormones are vital to keeping a dog's body functioning normally. Although Addison's cannot be cured with medication, replacement hormone therapy is key to successfully managing the disease. A new replacement therapy of the mineralocorticoid deficiency in dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism has now been introduced by Dechra Veterinary Products, who has received FDA approval for ZYCORTAL® SUSPENSION (desozycorticosterone pivalate injectable suspension).
 
Radiation Oncology
NASAL TUMORS
Canine Nasal Tumor
Nasal tumors are locally invasive tumors that carry a relatively low metastatic rate. Metastasis at the time of diagnosis is seen in approximately 10% of animals, but may be as high as 40-50% at the time of death. Death, however, is usually attributable to local disease progression rather than metastatic lesions. Carcinomas, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and undifferentiated carcinoma comprise nearly two-thirds of nasal tumors in the dog, while sarcomas, including fibrosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and undifferentiated sarcomas comprise the bulk of the remaining tumors. In the cat, lymphoma and carcinoma are the most common tumors of the nasal cavity. This article discusses etiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, signalment, history and clinical signs, diagnosis, therapy and prognosis for canine nasal tumors as well as prognosis for feline nasal tumors. Also discussed is cancer of the nasal planum.
  
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Surgery

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF PERINEAL
HERNIAS IN DOGS
Canine Perineal Hernia
Perineal hernia is a common presenting condition in mature intact male dogs and rarely found in females. The exact conditions that lead to its development are not fully understood, but it is likely multifactorial. Mixed-breed dogs are commonly reported as well as Boston terriers, miniature poodles Bouviers, Boxers, English sheep dogs, and Pekingese. Perineal hernias often warrant surgical intervention. This article will discuss anatomy, etiology, clinical signs and different surgical techniques used for the treatment of perineal hernia in dogs.
 

Internal Medicine Research Review

SERUM BIOMARKERS ARE NOT SUFFICIENT
IN DIAGNOSING FELINE PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED PANCREATITIS
Feline Pancreatitis
Diagnosing pancreatitis in cats is challenging and is often based on evaluation of serum markers such as DFFR and fPL in conjunction with clinical signs and imaging findings such as ultrasound. In this paper, while agreement was good better between the 2 biomarkers, neither biomarker correlated well with histologic findings even when the entire pancreas was examined in a systematic fashion. This may be due to the presence of mild pancreatic inflammation found in a large number of patients where the clinical significance is unknown. Until tests with better accuracy are developed for feline patients with suspected pancreatic disease, clinicians will need to continue to evaluate the entire clinical picture including history, physical examination, imaging, and serum markers of pancreatic inflammation.
IN THIS ISSUE
INTERNAL MEDICINE

Update on Feline
Hyperthyroidism
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INTERNAL MEDICINE
 
A New Treatment Option for Primary Hypoadrenocorticism
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RADIATION ONCOLOGY
 
Nasal Tumors
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SURGERY
 
Surgical Management of Perineal Hernias in Dogs
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INTERNAL MEDICINE
RESEARCH REVIEW

Serum Biomarkers Are Not Sufficient in Diagnosing Feline Patients With Suspected Pancreatitis
 NEWS
 
WLA Welcomes
Justin W. Allen, DVM, DACVIM (C)
to Our Team!
  

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