Align-ju SCIENCE SHORTS
Factors to consider when deciding if and when to neuter young dogs
USER-ALT Lynette Hart and others , University of California , Davis , USA
Routinely neutering young dogs is a foolproof method for avoiding the problem of unwanted puppies . However , the success of this policy has meant that there is no longer a surplus of young dogs in many countries and there is also growing awareness of the health impacts of these procedures . Age at neutering , for example , is now known to play a significant role in the later development of cancer and bone disease in some dog breeds . The authors review the general principles that should be considered when deciding if and when to neuter young dogs . They suggest that if large-breed dogs are to be neutered , this should happen only when the animal is fully mature at 1 year old , or sometimes even 2 years old . On the other hand , welfare shelters may continue the practice of very early neutering in small breeds without significantly increasing the risks of joint disease .
Veterinary Clinics of North America : Small Animal Practice https :// doi . org / 10.1016 / j . cvsm . 2023.05.005
Techniques for identifying the correct position of nasogastric tubes in dogs
USER-ALT Meera Ramesh and others , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana , USA
Nasogastric intubation is useful in the management of a wide range of conditions seen in small animal practice . However , an inappropriately positioned tube can cause serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia , oesophageal perforation or pneumothorax . The authors examined four different point-of-care techniques for assessing nasogastric tube placement , in comparison with the standard radiographic method . These were air inflation with auscultation , fluid aspiration with pH measurement , ultrasonography and capnography . Of the four alternative methods assessed , ultrasonography of the neck gave the best overall performance . However , a standard two-view thoracic radiographic examination will show the best combination of high specificity and sensitivity in determining tube placement .
Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care https :// doi . org / 10.1111 / vec . 13327
Quality of life of dogs following partial mandibulectomy or maxillectomy
USER-ALT Ingeling Bull and others , Animal Dental Clinic , Sem , Norway
Dogs with oral tumours may be treated with extensive surgery , radiotherapy and / or chemotherapy . It is therefore essential that veterinary staff are able to reassure clients that their animal is likely to have a good quality of life post treatment . The authors report a retrospective study of dogs that underwent partial mandibulectomy or maxillectomy following the diagnosis of an oral tumour . Of the 45 dog owners who received a questionnaire , 42 responded , with 38 saying that their dog ' s appearance had not significantly changed after treatment and 38 saying that they would choose the same treatment again for another dog . Therefore , a substantial majority of these owners perceived their dog ' s quality of life to be good after surgery .
Journal of Veterinary Dentistry https :// doi . org / 10.1177 / 08987564231164483
Volume 39 ( 1 ) • February 2024
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