http://www.sarc.com.au Melbourne Vet Pet Veterinary Clinic Centre Dog Cat In an earlier tip we investigated placement of ECG pads for high quality ECG traces. In this video tip we briefly review placement of ECG pads for continual in-clinic monitoring. http://www.sarc.com.au/top-tip-16-ecg-pads-revisited/1099750/news-item.htm Top Tips /assets/61/newsimages/ 1534_1 24 ECG monitoring has been available from SARC for some time. We now have a range of breathable neoprene jackets especially made for Holter monitoring. http://www.sarc.com.au/top-tip-15-easier-24-hour-holter-monitor-fitting/1096950/news-item.htm Top Tips /assets/61/newsimages/ 1530_1 Oesophageal strictures are an uncommon but serious disorder in dogs and cats which can be challenging to manage. Fortunately there are simple strategies which can minimise the possibility of a stricture. http://www.sarc.com.au/top-tip-14-avoiding-oesophageal-strictures/1094850/news-item.htm Top Tips /assets/61/newsimages/ 1527_1 Upper airway obstructions are not seen every day, even in emergency centres. However, clinicians need to move fast when such a case presents. Not every clinic keeps a tracheostomy tube on hand for the once-in-a-blue-moon case. Fortunately there is a practical, readily available alternative. http://www.sarc.com.au/top-tip-13-needle-tracheotomies/1085750/news-item.htm Top Tips /assets/61/newsimages/ 1514_1 Inhibiting gastric acid secretion is of fundamental importance in the treatment of gastritis and gastric ulceration whether it is secondary to gastrointestinal or metabolic causes or a consequence of steroid or NSAID therapy. Commonly used drugs include H2 receptors blockers (eg ranitidine, famotidine, cimetidine) or proton pump inhibitors (eg omeprazole). But which is the best “anti-ulcer” medication? http://www.sarc.com.au/top-tip-12-medicine-which-antiulcer-medicatio/1062650/news-item.htm Top Tips /assets/61/newsimages/ 1481_1 If you’ve ever personally had a cruciate repair or knee reconstruction, you’ll know that recovery was far from over when you woke up from the anaesthetic… http://www.sarc.com.au/top-tip-11-getting-more-from-a-combined-surgical/1059150/news-item.htm Top Tips /assets/61/newsimages/ 1476_1 There are a number of arguments both for and against using corticosteroids in patients with intervertebral disc disease and neurologic injury. Here’s a quick glance at the potential pros and cons of corticosteroid use in your patients. http://www.sarc.com.au/top-tip-10-ivdd-and-neurologic-injury-should-i/1054250/news-item.htm Top Tips Dr Melati Laksito - Residency Trained Surgeon/assets/61/newsimages/ 1469_1 All suspected oesophageal foreign body cases we see receive a radiograph as the front line diagnostic after physical exam. However, not all oesophageal foreign bodies show up on radiograph. http://www.sarc.com.au/top-tip-9-emergency-oesophageal-foreign-bodies/1042350/news-item.htm Top Tips Dr Melati Laksito - Residency Trained Surgeon/assets/61/newsimages/ 1452_1 An atropine test is one of the tests we use at SARC in the cardiorespiratory department to fully diagnose the cause of bradycardia. It is a straightforward test and can be performed in your own practice. All you need is a functional ECG, atropine and the following guidelines. http://www.sarc.com.au/top-tip-8-cardiology-atropine-response-test/1036750/news-item.htm Top Tips Dr Melati Laksito - Residency Trained Surgeon/assets/61/newsimages/ 1444_1 Canine acquired laryngeal paralysis is a well-recognised cause of upper respiratory stridor and dyspnoea and is not an uncommon presentation to primary care practitioners. Laryngeal paralysis was once thought to be an isolated problem, however several studies suggest that laryngeal paralysis may be one manifestation of a generalised muscle disorder. http://www.sarc.com.au/top-tip-7-laryngeal-paralysis/1010150/news-item.htm Top Tips Dr Melati Laksito - Residency Trained Surgeon/assets/61/newsimages/ 1406_1 Many pets come to emergency centres for full workup and treatment, but there are many situations where you can utilise the expertise or diagnostic facilities of an emergency centre while still running the case. Here’s a few ways that some primary care clinics get the best of both worlds. http://www.sarc.com.au/top-tip-6-emergency-utilising-the-best-of-your/1000350/news-item.htm Top Tips Dr Melati Laksito - Residency Trained Surgeon/assets/61/newsimages/ 1392_1 Recording and ECG should be easy and indeed it is extremely straightforward with just a couple of simple guidelines depending on the situation. http://www.sarc.com.au/top-tip-5-cardiology-better-ecg-traces/998950/news-item.htm Top Tips Dr Melati Laksito - Residency Trained Surgeon/assets/61/newsimages/ 1390_1 It is commonly accepted that some form of rehabilitation is now a necessary part of recovery following orthopaedic or neurological injury, surgery or degenerative conditions. To lay some groundwork, here are some general tips on when it is best to start and the types of exercises appropriate for the typical cruciate ligament and patella luxation surgery. http://www.sarc.com.au/top-tip-4-physiotherapy-making-a-good-recovery/995450/news-item.htm Top Tips Dr Melati Laksito - Residency Trained Surgeon/assets/61/newsimages/ 1385_1 Not every upgrade to a clinic’s in house laboratory capability needs to be through the purchase of expensive equipment. Many clinics have long had access to the humble in-house glucometer and we often reach for simple diagnostics as a first step in even the most complicated cases. Sometimes comprehensive blood screens are not available instantaneously so information from in-house diagnostics is particularly useful. http://www.sarc.com.au/top-tip-3-sweetening-the-deal-with-your-glucomet/992650/news-item.htm Top Tips Dr Melati Laksito - Residency Trained Surgeon/assets/61/newsimages/ 1381_1 Summer may soon be ending but clients still need to remain vigilant of conditions such as heat stroke for some time yet. Furthermore, heat stroke is a common complication of seizure activity and muscle fasciculation too, so having an emergency protocol on hand can be a life saver as the months become cooler. Here's some handy hints to compare against your treatment protocol and a client handout to assist clients while the weather is still warm. http://www.sarc.com.au/top-tip-2-emergency-heat-stroke-cooling-your/991950/news-item.htm Top Tips Dr Melati Laksito - Residency Trained Surgeon/assets/61/newsimages/ 1380_1 In the Cardiorespiratory Department at SARC we regularly ask owners of animals with cardiac disease to monitor their pet’s Sleeping Respiratory Rate (SRR). This is a simple tool your clients can use at home as an indicator of developing pulmonary oedema or pleural effusion in dogs and cats. http://www.sarc.com.au/top-tip-1-cardiology-using-sleeping-respirator/986350/news-item.htm Top Tips Dr Melati Laksito - Residency Trained Surgeon/assets/61/newsimages/ 1372_1