Feline Triaditis

RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine, Professor Danielle Gunn-Moore from Edinburgh University, delivered a practical webinar on how to successfully diagnose and manage triaditis in cats by using her very own Bengal female cat  ‘Ninny’ as a perfect example of how to approach these challenging cases. It also becomes clear listening to Ninny’s amazing story that feline triaditis does not often present purely as a singular condition but usually develops as a result of ongoing gastrointestinal problems, and once triaditis has been established a myriad of other conditions may then develop including diabetes, lymphoma and hepatitis.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease: Focus on Causes and Management

We were in for a real treat as Professor Danièlle Gunn-Moore from Edinburgh University took to ‘The Webinar Vet’ stand to deliver a practical and information packed webinar on a disease we see all too much of in practice, Feline Lower Urinary Tract disease (FLUTD). Many of us are likely to have participated in CPD covering this topic over the years but as our host Anthony Chadwick stated, what was accepted as the correct treatment for an FLUTD cat five or even two years ago could now be deemed as the wrong course of action.

Feline Diabetes Mellitus

Any CPD I’ve encountered that has been delivered by RCVS recognised feline specialist Danielle Gunn Moore has always proved invaluable and last week’s webinar covering Diabetes mellitus (DM) did not disappoint. Danielle’s extensive knowledge and hands on experience means she has the ability to offer practical tips on managing this sometimes challenging condition and any advice which makes the diagnosis and management of DM that much easier has to be a step in the right direction.

Feline Dental Disease

Dental disease in cats is very common with conditions such as periodontal disease, gingivitis and stomatitis, and resorptive lesions being seen in practice. Bacterial plaque is the cause of periodontal disease. If the plaque persists for a prolonged period, it can become calcified to form calculus.

Feline Conjunctivitis: It's All About Herpes And Stress

Feline conjunctivitis can be a challenging condition to treat, both for vet and owner. Its tendency to recur often leads to client frustration, with vets understandably performing a number diagnostic tests and reaching for multiple treatments. Ron Ofri DVM, PhD, DECVO, who led last week’s webinar, questioned if these diagnostic tests and multiple treatments were really necessary and whether, in some cases, they could actually be making the situation worse.

Evidence Based Clinical Nutrition - Feeding RAW to Pets

The first Platinum member’s webinar of the year discussed the controversial subject of feeding raw food to pets. This is a topic which has become hotly debated both within and outside of the profession and can be an area of conflict between vets and some members of the pet owning population who whole heartedly believe in the benefits of raw feeding. In my experience, however, most of the discussions I have had with clients on this subject have been non-confrontational.

The End Of The Road For Puppy Peddlers

The proposal to ban puppy and kitten sales by third parties took a major step forward today after environment secretary Michael Gove announced his intentions to support the legislation. The proposals have now gone out to consultation and is hoping to “introduce a ban on commercial third-party sales of puppies and kittens in England, as well as running an information campaign to raise awareness of best practice when it comes to purchasing a puppy or kitten.”

Ecobricks: A New Hope?

If you’ve been keeping up with our blog posts over the last few months, you’ll know that we’re on a campaign to reduce plastic pollution in the veterinary industry, and the world in general. Today, we’re investigating an interesting new idea to deal with the unavoidable plastic that accumulates in your practice: the ecobrick.

You Are What You Eat

I am a third-year veterinary student at the University of Surrey with a strong passion for small animal nutrition.  All our nutrition teaching has been integrated into our modules and in our first year, we learnt about the role of nutrition in preventative medicine.  However, when I have seen practice, and indeed when pet food companies come and talk to us, nutrition is only discussed as part of disease and treatment.

Diagnosing Non-Effusive (dry) FIP

Part two of Dr Diane Addie’s set of webinars covering the diagnosis of dry and wet FIP was every bit as good as her first webinar delivered last year. Last week’s discussion covered the topic of dry FIP which, according to Dr Addie, is one of the most over and under diagnosed conditions in the cat. This is obviously a contradiction but Dr Addie explained that with a differential list as long as your arm, there are a number of diseases that dry FIP can mimic.

Demystifying Canine Mast Cell Tumours

The Great Pretender’ is a term often given to canine mast cell tumours (MCT) due to their ability to mimic a variety of conditions. Sometimes they are rapidly growing, erythematous masses which clearly warrant further investigation, but at other times they can look and feel like a simple lipoma which can make it easy to assume these masses are completely innocent. For this reason it is essential, if at all possible, to perform a fine needle aspirate on all masses encountered within the consulting room.