Page 48 - Cote clinical veterinary advisor dogs and cats 4th

Overview 1

This section, Diseases and Disorders, aims to DIAGNOSIS Possible Complications
summarize the most important clinical entities Diagnostic Overview Selected, recognized problems that may occur
VetBooks.ir specific disease syndromes and general clinical This segment is a brief summary that states what complication of treatment Diseases and Disorders
as a result of the disease process alone or as a
in small-animal practice. These entities include
is appropriate to achieve a functional clinical
findings.
Recommended Monitoring
The following pages summarize several
hundred of the most frequently encountered diagnosis in most cases of the disorder. The Methods the practitioner should use for
goal of the Diagnostic Overview is to give
diseases and disorders. Over 100 more, which direction to the reader/practitioner for applying ensuring that treatment and/or resolution of
are encountered less frequently but are well the information provided subsequently. The the disease or disorder is proceeding as expected
recognized in veterinary practice and are equally result is diagnostic guidance, rather than just
complete and up to date, are accessible online a list of possible diagnostic tests. PROGNOSIS & OUTCOME
in this same format at www.ExpertConsult.com.
Differential Diagnosis The expected evolution of the disease or
BASIC INFORMATION Other diseases or disorders that may mimic disorder, with or without treatment.
the one under discussion. When appropriate,
Definition the reader may be directed to concise lists of PEARLS & CONSIDERATIONS
A brief explanation of the meaning of this differentials in Section III of the text.
disease or disorder Comments
Initial Database Single items of counterintuitive observations,
Synonyms A summary of basic clinical tests that are pitfalls to avoid, and other important points
Where appropriate, other terms used inter- appropriate when this disease/disorder might that don’t readily fit into other categories
changeably to name this disease or disorder be present. These are largely tests that should be
accessible in most outpatient clinics or facilities. Prevention
Epidemiology Methods to avoid recurrence or reduce occur-
SPECIES, AGE, SEX Advanced or Confirmatory Testing rence of new cases
The typical signalment of affected individuals Diagnostic tests that are performed if the initial
database is insufficient for establishing the Technician Tips
GENETICS, BREED PREDISPOSITION diagnosis. Some of these tests may be performed This segment provides information relevant
Information regarding possible hereditary easily in any clinic or hospital, whereas others to nursing care and the role of the veterinary
factors may require referral to a specialty center. technician in managing cases of this disease/
disorder.
RISK FACTORS TREATMENT
Elements that might predispose a patient to Client Education
this disease or disorder Treatment Overview This section points out key features of the
Like the Diagnostic Overview, this section disease or disorder that can improve the client’s
CONTAGION AND ZOONOSIS summarizes the goals and priorities of treat- understanding of the disorder or patient care.
Important information regarding infectious ment. The purpose is to offer guidance in the
spread of certain diseases application of treatment information. SUGGESTED READING
GEOGRAPHY AND SEASONALITY Acute General Treatment Every disease and disorder has at least one rec-
Features that would help to raise or lower the Those forms of treatment that are instituted ommended bibliographic source for additional
clinician’s index of suspicion for a disease or promptly, either because treatment is simple consultation. In most cases, there are others
disorder, based on environment and timing or because of immediate need in the online version of this book at www.
of occurrence ExpertConsult.com.
Chronic Treatment
ASSOCIATED DISORDERS When necessary, ongoing treatment typically
Entities that often occur simultaneously with provided at home RELATED CLIENT EDUCATION
this disease or disorder SHEETS
Nutrition/Diet
Clinical Presentation Alterations in food intake or food type that In many chapters, the practitioner is directed
DISEASE FORMS/SUBTYPES may assist in treatment to useful client information handouts available
If applicable, the different variants of a disease from the online edition of the text. This includes
a clinician should consider Behavior/Exercise information regarding specific disorders, a
Information pertaining to deliberate changes variety of “How To” sheets that help explain
HISTORY, CHIEF COMPLAINT in physical activity (increase, decrease, or new) at-home care, as well as documents designed
The information provided by the owner and any forms of treatment related to behavioral to both provide a simplified explanation of
(history), together with the primary reason for modifications commonly performed procedures and to serve
seeking veterinary attention (chief complaint) as a printable form that can be signed by the
Drug Interactions client to document informed consent.
PHYSICAL EXAM FINDINGS Relevant information regarding incompatibility
The relevant abnormalities—or, if important, of medications commonly used in the treatment
relevant normal findings—associated with the of the disease/disorder. This section by necessity
disease/disorder is perhaps one of the least comprehensive; the
reader is advised to seek information from clini-
Etiology and Pathophysiology cal pharmacology sources to assist in identifying
The mechanisms and pathways according to potential or real problems.
which the disease or disorder begins and then
evolves

www.ExpertConsult.com