Small Animal Medical Diagnosis

Small Animal Medical Diagnosis, Third Edition takes a problem-oriented approach to clinical diagnosis and outlines core information necessary to effectively evaluate the major medical problems in dogs and cats. The text starts by defining problems caused by disease and proceeds to integrate the history, physical examination, and diagnostic modalities into a logical approach designed to assist with the medical management of patients. The new edition continues to serve as a vital tool in accurate and appropriate diagnosis for small animal veterinarians, emergency and critical care veterinarians, and veterinary students.

Contributors xiii

Preface xv

1. The Problem-Oriented Approach 3
Michael D. Lorenz

Part One General (Polysystemic) Problems

2. Pyrexia (Fever) 15
Emily L. Medici and Michael D. Lorenz

3. Disturbances of Food Intake: Anorexia and Polyphagia 22
Michael D. Lorenz and Paul L. DeMars

4. Episodic Weakness 31
Michael D. Lorenz

5. Polyuria and Polydipsia 36
Justin D. Thomason and John P. Hoover

Part Two Behavioral Problems

6. Aggression 45
Paul L. DeMars

7. Fear, Anxiety, and Compulsive Behavior 48
Paul L. DeMars

Part Three Conformational Problems

8. Ascites, Peripheral Edema, and Abdominal Distention 53
T. Mark Neer

9. Retarded Growth 62
Michael D. Lorenz

10. Changes in Body Weight: Weight Loss and Obesity 68
Paul L. DeMars

Part Four Dermatologic Problems

11. Pruritus 77
Michael D. Lorenz

12. Primary and Secondary Skin Lesions 82
Michael D. Lorenz

13. Alopecia 87
Michael D. Lorenz

14. Disorders of Pigmentation 93
Michael D. Lorenz

Part Five Hematolymphatic Problems

15. Bleeding Disorders 101
James H. Meinkoth and Michael D. Lorenz

16. Lymphadenopathy 110
Michael D. Lorenz

Part Six Cardiovascular Problems

17. Disturbances of Heart Rate, Rhythm, and Pulse 115
Nicole Ponzio

18. Murmurs and Abnormal Heart Sounds 134
Nicole Ponzio

19. Abnormal Mucous Membranes 151
Jennifer L. Peters

Part Seven Respiratory Problems

20. Coughing and Hemoptysis 159
Justin D. Thomason and John P. Hoover

21. Respiratory Distress and Cyanosis 166
Justin D. Thomason and John P. Hoover

22. Syncope 173
Justin D. Thomason and John P. Hoover

23. Abnormal Lung Sounds 179
Justin D. Thomason and John P. Hoover

24. Sneezing and Nasal Discharge 183
Jennifer L. Peters

Part Eight Digestive Problems

25. Ptyalism 197
Jill D. Brunker

26. Dysphagia 202
Jill D. Brunker

27. Regurgitation and Vomiting 207
Jill D. Brunker

28. Diarrhea 213
Jill D. Brunker

29. Constipation and Flatulence 226
Michael D. Lorenz

30. Abdominal Pain 231
Kristy Broaddus

31. Icterus 235
T. Mark Neer

Part Nine Urologic Problems

32. Abnormal Micturition: Dysuria, Pollakiuria, and Stranguria 255
Paul L. DeMars

33. Discolored Urine 258
Mary H. Bowles and Michael D. Lorenz

34. Urinary Incontinence 274
Mary H. Bowles

Part Ten Reproductive Problems

35. Vaginal and Preputial Discharge 287
Charles C. Broaddus and G. Reed Holyoak

36. Abnormalities of the External Genitalia 293
Chris Schreiber and Gregor L. Morgan

37. Abortion, Abnormal Estrous Cycle, and Infertility 301
G. Reed Holyoak, Chelsea Makloski, and Gregor L. Morgan

Part Eleven Musculoskeletal Problems

38. Lameness 319
T. Mark Neer

39. Bone, Joint, and Periskeletal Swelling 327
Jude Bordelon

40. Nociception (“Pain”) 336
Michael D. Lorenz and Marjorie E. Gross

Part Twelve Neurologic Problems

41. Paresis or Paralysis 345
T. Mark Neer

42. Ataxia 357
T. Mark Neer

43. Head Tilt 362
T. Mark Neer

44. Collapse (Seizures, Syncope, Cataplexy, and Narcolepsy) 369
T. Mark Neer

45. Stupor and Coma 377
T. Mark Neer

Part Thirteen Special Sensation Problems

46. Blindness 385
Michael D. Lorenz and Margi A. Gilmour

47. Anisocoria 390
Margi A. Gilmour

48. Nystagmus and Strabismus 396
Michael D. Lorenz

49. Loss of Corneal Transparency 400
Margi A. Gilmour

50. Abnormal Anterior Chamber 406
Margi A. Gilmour

51. Abnormal Lens 412
Margi A. Gilmour

52. Anosmia—Loss of Olfaction 417
Michael D. Lorenz

53. Deafness 420
Michael D. Lorenz

Part Fourteen Laboratory-Defined Problems

54. Hematologic Problems 427
Robin W. Allison

55. Abnormalities of the Standard Biochemical Profile 438
Robin W. Allison, James H. Meinkoth, and Theresa E. Rizzi

56. Problems Identified on Urinalysis 461
James H. Meinkoth

57. Abnormal Blood pH, Anion Gap, and Blood Gases 474
Theresa E. Rizzi

Index 483

"This book fills a gap that exists between the quick reference texts that have proliferated recently and more extensive medical reference texts. It provides an approach to problems in manageable and meaningful chunks to create conceptual understanding, rather than providing an outline of facts and recommendations. The book is probably most useful for veterinary students and new graduates overwhelmed by the amount of information in other texts but facing animals with problems in their clinics. It would also be a handy off-the-shelf reference for practitioners faced with rare problems or hoping to avoid overlooking a key differential diagnosis. Students who work through the book in a thoughtful manner can be expected to gain skills in problem identification and the mechanistic diagnostic approach. Working through the clinical vignettes also strikes me as an excellent way to prepare for the national licensing examination, with more learning gained than anticipated from practicing multiple-choice questions. In summary, this book should be an excellent investment for veterinary students and small animal practitioners." (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, March 2010)

"The new edition includes the addition of case reports, and I felt it helps give the reader a clearer picture of the patient and the development of the thought process as it progresses through the case during the work-up. There have been updates to diagnostic tests that are reflective of the changes and improvements that have been made in procedures as they are performed in the veterinary field.... The format is an excellent way to help teach how to think through a case and the logical steps to thoroughly work through it." (VSPN, October 2010)

"Overall I feel it would be a good text for both veterinarians and veterinary technicians alike to help teach or reinforce many points to be considered when presented with a patient, including clinical signs throughout the disease process." (Veterinary Information Network, October 2010)

“The pathophysiological background in each section is certainly useful information and the clinical vignettes make surprisingly pleasant reading-a bit like Aesop’s Fables for vets.” (Veterinary Practice, April 2010)

Michael D. Lorenz is Dean of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University.

T. Mark Neer is Professor of Internal Medicine and Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Oklahoma State University.

Paul DeMars is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Small Animal Community Practice at Oklahoma State University.

Small Animal Medical Diagnosis, Third Edition provides a valuable update of this ever-popular text. Taking a logical problem-oriented approach to clinical diagnosis, this book provides core information on diseases and disorders to aid in the effective evaluation of major medical problems in dogs and cats. The third edition will update the diagnostic plans provided in each chapter to more accurately reflect the latest information and technology available to small animal veterinarians. In addition, several chapters have been consolidated to streamline content and enhance the user-friendliness of the text. Small Animal Medical Diagnosis, Third Edition will continue to serve as a vital tool in accurate and appropriate diagnosis in small animal medicine.