Effects of laparoscopy on intracranial pressure in dogs
USER-ALT Kevin Mitchell and others , University of Guelph , Ontario , Canada
Laparoscopic procedures will generally cause less pain and have a faster recovery time than open surgery . However , there is evidence from human surgery that laparoscopy and the carbon dioxide insufflation techniques used to improve access and visibility can be associated with intracranial hypertension . In veterinary patients , invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure is not routine but ultrasonographic measurements of the optic nerve sheath diameter can provide a proxy measure . The authors review the evidence on the effects of insufflation in canine patients and the potential value of optic nerve monitoring . The review aims to facilitate appropriate patient selection and decisions on anaesthetic and surgical planning .
Canadian Veterinary Journal 63 ( 4 ), 416 – 421
Ensuring the safety of owners following radiation treatment of cats for hyperthyroidism
USER-ALT Kerry Peak and others , Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists , Winchester , UK
Radioiodine treatment is considered the gold standard method for treating hyperthyroidism in cats and has a reported success rate of 95 % after a single injection . However , there are safety issues relating to the potential exposure of owners to radiation from the cat ’ s faeces , urine and saliva . The authors describe the protocol developed at their clinic to model the retained radioactivity levels in a feline patient following treatment and hence the potential exposure of owners . The study provides clinicians with a consistent and verified method to calculate the isolation periods needed for radioiodine-treated cats .
Journal of Small Animal Practice https :// doi . org / 10.1111 / jsap . 13533
Morbidity and mortality in elderly dogs as a model for human gerontology research
USER-ALT Patrícia Dias-Pereira , University of Porto , Portugal
The average lifespan of pet dogs has increased significantly in recent decades , mirroring similar changes in human life expectancy . The author investigates the appearance of agerelated disease in canine patients based on post-mortem findings in 269 elderly dogs . The main cause of mortality was neoplasia , which accounted for almost half of the deaths . Cardiovascular and urinary pathologies were also found to be a frequent cause of mortality . Such studies should help towards a better understanding of the mechanisms governing ageing and longevity , and also guide the development of strategies to extend the healthy lifespan of both dogs and humans .
BMC Veterinary Research https :// doi . org / 10.1186 / s12917-022-03518-8
Volume 38 ( 2 ) • April 2023
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