In a previous Vet Info, we discussed abnormalities in red blood cells and white blood cells. In this Vet Info, we will focus on platelets, or thrombocytes. A decreased platelet count, known as thrombocytopenia, is a common finding. However, platelet counts can be falsely low when platelet aggregates are present. For that reason, it is […]
In our previous Vet Info, we briefly discussed the main abnormalities that can occur in erythrocytes. In this Vet Info, we will focus on leukocytes, or white blood cells, and review the most important changes that can be seen. There are five types of leukocytes: neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes. When interpreting leukocyte numbers, […]
Esophagostomy tubes can be very valuable in dogs and cats with hypo- or anorexia. Placement of an esophagostomy tube has several advantages: Esophagostomy tubes are not recommended in animals with esophageal disease. Life-threatening complications are uncommon. In a recent retrospective study of 225 dogs and cats with an esophagostomy tube, the most common complications were […]
Hypercalcemia is a common finding in clinical practice and ranges from an incidental laboratory abnormality to a clinically urgent condition. The first and most important step in interpretation is distinguishing between total hypercalcemia and ionized hypercalcemia. Only ionized calcium reflects the biologically active fraction and determines whether clinically relevant hypercalcemia is truly present. Total Calcium […]
The treatment of hypercalcemia depends on the severity of the abnormality, the presence of clinical signs, and the underlying cause. Have you not yet identified the cause of hypercalcemia in your patient? Then read our Vet Info on the pathophysiology and diagnosis of hypercalcemia in dogs and cats here. Not every patient with hypercalcemia requires […]
