April 18, 2012
LATERAL EAR RESECTION POODLE
I was reviewing the poodle with the lateral ear resection case operated by me 24 hours ago. The ears were still bleeding. My assistant Min had changed a new bandage and the bleeding had stopped. It was a bright sunshine morning. So, I had some pictures taken for record.
EFFECTS OF BANDAGING
1. There was some swelling below the neck seen at 9 am today. This was inevitable as the bandage had to be tight to stop the bleeding. My assistant Min had changed bandage overnight. I had the bandage removed.
2. Yesterday, I bandaged the ear 2 hours after the surgery at around 1 pm. The poodle had cyanotic tongue colour and so I loosened the bandage and re-bandage. No breathing difficulty. Why the tongue was purplish and the gums pale? This could be due to the bleeding and surgery as this was a small poodle. I gave the duphalyte and normal saline drip, Vit K1 2 ml SC and tolfedine and baytril. The dog was monitored closely and was OK.
ANAESTHESIA
1. Domitor and Ketamine at 10% IV. Normally 50% but this poodle looked weak. "Nothing wrong with the ears (to justify the ear surgery)," Dr Daniel examined the ears. He did not know the history. "You are seeing the ears after one week of medication," I said. "The dog had been scratching the ears for several months and there were vet treatments before."
2. Isoflurane gas top up via endotracheal tube. Minimal 1% anaesthesia as this dog needed >30 minutes of anaesthesia. At the last stitch, the dog woke up with some crying as the gas anaesthesia wore off fast. It is better safety as dog would be unlikely to die from isolfurane anaesthesia during and post-op, but the disadvantage is the crying at the last stitch. Tolfedine was given SC and the crying stopped.
SURGERY
Over one hour due to bleeding. If there was no bleeding, it would be faster but every case differs.
HEAVY BLEEDING
There was heavy bleeding on the right ear at the end of surgery. Ligation of the blood vessels in the region cranial to the lateral wall would be best. Some cases don't have bleeding as the main vessels were not electro-incised. In this case, I bandaged the ears overnight and the bleeding of the left ear had stopped.
EATING
The dog usually ate dry food, according to the owner. "It would be better to fed canned food as the dog could have pain in swallowing." The dog ate one can of A/D overnight.
SPAYING A 6-MONTH-OLD SHIH TZU THAT EATS STOOLS
"Do you want Dr Vanessa to operate on your dog?" I asked the young man as his dog had been vaccinated and attended to as recently as last week. He came in at 10 am and I was on duty. Dr Vanessa usually comes around 12 noon. "If not, I will do the spay and you come back at 12 noon." He opted to have me operate.
3 kg. very thin. Ate 3x/day by hand-feeding. Still hungry after feeding.
ANAESTHESIA
Domitor and Ketamine IV at 50%. Waited 5 minutes.
The dog was sufficiently sedated to intubate.
Large tonsils of around 8mm x 4mm. Normally, can't see tonsils. I took a pic to show the owner as this is abnormal. Could be due to eating stools? I had a long chat with the young man about his management of this dog (very thin and eating stools) at around 12 noon when he came for his dog.
"If you don't spend time training him not to eat stools now, she will eat stools as an adult for the rest of her life." I advised. The dog would wait till the owner goes to work before pooping and would eat the stools.
The dog is crated in a cage of around 3-foot wide. A yellow plastic pee pan (with small holes for urine to flow through but not stools) covers 50% of the grated area. The dog lies on the grated area and poops and pees on the yellow pan.
These are my recommendations to reduce poo eating:
1. Don't confine the dog inside the crate when the owner goes to work as the dog is adult and the crate is not big. So, the dog starts to eat stools due to lack of space to move about.
1.1 When the owner goes to work at 9 am, put the dog inside a bigger space e.g. bathroom. On one side, put the crate (cleaned and neutralised with white vinegar: water at 1:3), water and feed bowls. On the other end, put the pee pan. Get a baby gate.
1.2 The owner feeds the dog at 8 am, brings her down to pee and poop as a routine (except on weekends, 9 am). Bring newspapers to scoop up poo. Bring some poo in the newspaper and put on the grass to let the dog smell it as part of the training.
1.3 Feed 2X/day instead of 3. Now the owner hand-feeds the dog as she swallows all dry food within 30 seconds and begged for more.
1.4 Antibiotics to be given for the next 7 days and repeat. There is a possible urinary tract infection as the dog passed white urine (no smell) and yellow urine (very smellay) many times a day. Dogs at this age can control their bladder unless not trained or do urine marking (female dogs do urine marking but this is uncommon). Poo-marking is possible too.
1.5 Training may take more than 4 weeks. Patience and spend time doing the training.
LARGE TONSILS
See image. Both tonsils incredibily large. Bacterial infection or toxins from eating stoolsl over past 3-6 months?
SPAYING AT 6 MONTHS
Some vets believe that bones have not been fully formed. So don't spay at 6 months. I usually advise spaying 2 months after the end of the first heat. Sometimes, as in this case, the owner prefers the spaying to be done at 6 months. Singapore dog licence - $75 if not spayed at next renewal of licence. Otherwise $14 if spayed. There used to be $14 licence only if the dog is less than 5 months old but the AVA may have changed this.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
946. Hamster nose wart enquiry from overseas
E-MAIL TO DR SING DATED APRIL 18, 2012
Dwarf Hamster Tumor or Wart
Haven for Hamsters havenforhamsters@gmail.com
12:13 AM (3 hours ago)
to judy
Hi Dr. Sing & Associates.
You helped me several years ago with a hamster who had a eye condition. I am in Albuquerque, NM and run Haven for Hamsters Rescue. Last night I discovered a large rough lump on one of our dwarf hamsters. It is blood red in color, firmly attached to her nose, does not seem to cause her any pain or discomfort. It has no hair on it and seems to be the consistence of a human wart. Do you have any suggestions on what to do. Our vet is afraid if they remove it she will bleed excessively and not survive. Can she live with this on her comfortably?
Any help you or your staff can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
E-MAIL REPLY FROM DR SING DATED APRIL 18, 2012
Pl send two images of the nose wart if possible. Bleeding can be controlled by the vet using pressure, ligation, electro-cautery or powder depending on the size of the wart and the situation. You may need to find a vet who knows what to do.
E-MAIL TO DR SING DATED APRIL 19, 2012
I have attached some pictures of the little hamsters wart/tumor. Any information would be great. Thank you,
E-MAIL REPLY FROM DR SING DATED APRIL 19, 2012
Thank you for pictures. Surgery is the only option if you want a good clinical outcome.
Electro-surgery is preferred. General anaesthesia and stitching are required. One anaesthetic method is zoletil sedation IM + isoflurane gas and then into electro-excision and stitching.
You may need to find a vet who does hamster surgeries.
E-MAIL TO DR SING DATED APRIL 19, 2012
Do you have any idea what it is?
E-MAIL FROM DR SING DATED APRIL 19, 2012
It is a large skin tumour. How old is the dwarf hamster?
E-MAIL TO DR SING DATED APRIL 19, 2012
I'm thinking about 6 months old or so.
E-MAIL FROM DR SING DATED APRIL 19, 2012
Your vet may need to do a skin biopsy or fine needle aspirate to check whether the growth is malignant or not and whether it is inflammmatory. This may not be feasible economically. Excision seems to be the only option. If it is inflammatory, your vet may try intra-lesion injection of antibiotics and steroids but this is not a guaranteed to work treatment. It does work for cases of lick granulomas (inflammatory) in my dog cases. E-MAIL TO DR SING DATED APRIL 21, 2012
Thank you so much for all your great advice. Our vet has determined there is just not much she can do. Here vets are very nervous about treating hamsters, no one really has the skills or knowledge. We are just getting them to learn about guinea pigs and rats. For now she is doing okay, but I can see her going down hill pretty quickly. Once again, thank you for all your help and advice. It is greatly appreciated.
Dwarf Hamster Tumor or Wart
Haven for Hamsters havenforhamsters@gmail.com
12:13 AM (3 hours ago)
to judy
Hi Dr. Sing & Associates.
You helped me several years ago with a hamster who had a eye condition. I am in Albuquerque, NM and run Haven for Hamsters Rescue. Last night I discovered a large rough lump on one of our dwarf hamsters. It is blood red in color, firmly attached to her nose, does not seem to cause her any pain or discomfort. It has no hair on it and seems to be the consistence of a human wart. Do you have any suggestions on what to do. Our vet is afraid if they remove it she will bleed excessively and not survive. Can she live with this on her comfortably?
Any help you or your staff can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
E-MAIL REPLY FROM DR SING DATED APRIL 18, 2012
Pl send two images of the nose wart if possible. Bleeding can be controlled by the vet using pressure, ligation, electro-cautery or powder depending on the size of the wart and the situation. You may need to find a vet who knows what to do.
E-MAIL TO DR SING DATED APRIL 19, 2012
I have attached some pictures of the little hamsters wart/tumor. Any information would be great. Thank you,
E-MAIL REPLY FROM DR SING DATED APRIL 19, 2012
Thank you for pictures. Surgery is the only option if you want a good clinical outcome.
Electro-surgery is preferred. General anaesthesia and stitching are required. One anaesthetic method is zoletil sedation IM + isoflurane gas and then into electro-excision and stitching.
You may need to find a vet who does hamster surgeries.
E-MAIL TO DR SING DATED APRIL 19, 2012
Do you have any idea what it is?
E-MAIL FROM DR SING DATED APRIL 19, 2012
It is a large skin tumour. How old is the dwarf hamster?
E-MAIL TO DR SING DATED APRIL 19, 2012
I'm thinking about 6 months old or so.
E-MAIL FROM DR SING DATED APRIL 19, 2012
Your vet may need to do a skin biopsy or fine needle aspirate to check whether the growth is malignant or not and whether it is inflammmatory. This may not be feasible economically. Excision seems to be the only option. If it is inflammatory, your vet may try intra-lesion injection of antibiotics and steroids but this is not a guaranteed to work treatment. It does work for cases of lick granulomas (inflammatory) in my dog cases. E-MAIL TO DR SING DATED APRIL 21, 2012
Thank you so much for all your great advice. Our vet has determined there is just not much she can do. Here vets are very nervous about treating hamsters, no one really has the skills or knowledge. We are just getting them to learn about guinea pigs and rats. For now she is doing okay, but I can see her going down hill pretty quickly. Once again, thank you for all your help and advice. It is greatly appreciated.
Monday, April 16, 2012
945. Sunday's interesting cases - old dog with heart disease - dental
Sunday April 15, 2012
The past week had been quiet. Economic recession sets in? Yet the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) to buy new cars of 1600 cc in engine size was over $80,000 last week. The Health Science Authority had decided to charge high fees to inspect every medical equipment being imported to make sure they are of good quality. This will , lead to higher medical costs of health care. Property cooling measures means increase fees for property purchasers. So, the average pet owner has less to spend. So, less visits to the vet while more vets start up their own practices.
Case 1.
Old Maltese Cross with bad breath.
Last Sunday, this case was seen last week by Dr Daniel as the Chinese father and his daughter brought in a dog for dental work. I noted that Dr Daniel took some time in consultation and Sundays are busy days. If the dog comes for dental work, then, the dog ought to be examined within 5 minutes and sent in for the anaesthesia, not taking a lot of time in talking. It is good to have long chats with clients but the review of cases hospitalised is not done early due to insufficient time and consultations if the vet does not do time-management.
I had intervened to say that tooth brushing and diet would not resolve the tartar build up and bad breath as Dr Daniel was explaining the pros and cons of brushing. "The dog has Stage 4 periodontitis," I said and pointed to the photos of Stage 3 and 4 on the left side of the consultation table. "Tooth brushing cannot get rid of the tartar." It was frank advice but we can't afford to take too much time on Sundays to chat like old friends and charge affordable fees. Owners have to understand this.
"The father had asked about tooth brushing," Dr Daniel said to me later as I asked why he had been spending so much time talking about tooth brushing when it was clear that this "alternative" treatment would never be effective. I don't like wasting the time of clients or the vets as Sunday is a busy day and in any case, there is a lot of administrative work like reviewing cases and records that the vets ought to do daily.
The father and teenaged daughter brought in the dog for dental work. He did not want a blood test. The dog coughed when I palpated the throat. I took over the case and advised antibiotics for 7 days before dental today.
I checked the heart. A faint machinery murmur on the left side. The dog still had a sore throat but not so painful now. This would be a high risk anaesthesia case. "Does the dog cough at night or sometimes?" I asked the daughter. She nodded her head but the father said no.
ANAESTHESIA
Isoflurane gas mask directly would be best. But this dog had s sore throat and might vomit or swallow vomitus into the lungs. The owners had not fed the dog since last night.
The following was given.
Maltese, 11 years old. 6.5 kg. Blood test advised but not accepted. So, the health status is unknown. Has left sided cardiac murmurs. A history of "coughing". Anaesthesia has to be very careful. All owners expected a dog alive at the end of dental work.
Furosemide 0.6 ml IM. Waited 5 minutes
Domitor + Ketamine IV at 10% of the calculated dosage. For healthy old dogs, I usually give 50%.
Dog was very weak as 10% could sedate him heavily. At one stage, he stopped breathing when isoflurane gas was given by mask.
Top up with isoflurane gas by mask whenever the dog moved.
"Intubation" would be preferred there was some irritation of the throat and intubation might worsen this inflamed throat.
Four molar and premolar teeth were loose and extracted.
The dog woke up as the surgery took some 30 minutes. But this was a safer method. The dog went home to a happy mum. The dad was in hurry and so he did not say much. The teenaged daughter was absent, but I could see that she was most worried about the anaesthesia. She did not voice her concerns to me.
"Better move fast," I said to the mum who came with her husband around lunch-time when Mr Min, my assistant had gone for lunch on this Sunday (Myanmar new year for one week). "No more bad breath," she said to me happily.
This case was done by Dr Daniel. It was a typical dental case but because the dog was old and had heart murmurs and coughing, this case was a very high anaesthetic case and I had to intervene. A happy ending is not guaranteed as there are dog deaths during dental work if the dog is very ill or a high standard of veterinary care is not provided (e.g. vets and assistants joking during anaesthesia).
Case 2.
The kitten had swollen conjunctiva in the left eye for more than 2 weeks. The couple had consulted 2 vets and given eye drops and medication. But the conjunctiva of the left eye was still as swollen as ever since the conjunctiva had swollen so much that the upper and lower eyelids swell to prevent any view of the eyeball.
"The kitten needs to be sedated to check whether the eyeball is infected," I said. "If the eyeball is ruptured and badly infected with bacteria, the only solution is to remove the eyeball. There is no chance of the eye returning to normal in such situations."
The other two vets had not done so. In such severe cases, eye drops don't work.
The Malay couple was concerned about this type of suggestion. "We will go home and ask my mum," the husband said after asking about the fees involved in enucleation of the eye.
Case 3.
An old cat came in for 2 black pigmented spots on the backside hip skin. "Could this be fleas?" the young adult daughter asked. The Indian father and daughter loved this cat very much and as I had "retired," I seldom see this cat. Dr Daniel was collaborating me in this case. I used a razor blade to scrape the black pigment. It was superficial jet black epidermis and examined under the microscope. "No ringworm," I said. "Was there any cream applied or any rubbing?" I asked. "No cream," the daughter said. "But the cat did rub her backside now and then."
I held the cat's tail high with one hand and expressed the anal sacs with the other. Copious amounts of brown oil shot out. I had taught the daughter how to express the glands but she said the cat would not permit it. This could be a cause of itchiness in the back area and licking. I noted a fine growth of hair coming out from the back quarters instead of the usual wiry hair. This could be due to the cat excessively grooming himself. I checked the scrotal area as the daughter did not want the cat neutered. "The scrotum is very dirty," I said. "Most cats do clean this area, but not this cat." In this case, the owner must clean for him.
"Are you retired?" the daughter asked me. "No," I said. "However, many cases have to be done by the younger vets as part of succession handing over and training."
The past week had been quiet. Economic recession sets in? Yet the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) to buy new cars of 1600 cc in engine size was over $80,000 last week. The Health Science Authority had decided to charge high fees to inspect every medical equipment being imported to make sure they are of good quality. This will , lead to higher medical costs of health care. Property cooling measures means increase fees for property purchasers. So, the average pet owner has less to spend. So, less visits to the vet while more vets start up their own practices.
Case 1.
Old Maltese Cross with bad breath.
Last Sunday, this case was seen last week by Dr Daniel as the Chinese father and his daughter brought in a dog for dental work. I noted that Dr Daniel took some time in consultation and Sundays are busy days. If the dog comes for dental work, then, the dog ought to be examined within 5 minutes and sent in for the anaesthesia, not taking a lot of time in talking. It is good to have long chats with clients but the review of cases hospitalised is not done early due to insufficient time and consultations if the vet does not do time-management.
I had intervened to say that tooth brushing and diet would not resolve the tartar build up and bad breath as Dr Daniel was explaining the pros and cons of brushing. "The dog has Stage 4 periodontitis," I said and pointed to the photos of Stage 3 and 4 on the left side of the consultation table. "Tooth brushing cannot get rid of the tartar." It was frank advice but we can't afford to take too much time on Sundays to chat like old friends and charge affordable fees. Owners have to understand this.
"The father had asked about tooth brushing," Dr Daniel said to me later as I asked why he had been spending so much time talking about tooth brushing when it was clear that this "alternative" treatment would never be effective. I don't like wasting the time of clients or the vets as Sunday is a busy day and in any case, there is a lot of administrative work like reviewing cases and records that the vets ought to do daily.
The father and teenaged daughter brought in the dog for dental work. He did not want a blood test. The dog coughed when I palpated the throat. I took over the case and advised antibiotics for 7 days before dental today.
I checked the heart. A faint machinery murmur on the left side. The dog still had a sore throat but not so painful now. This would be a high risk anaesthesia case. "Does the dog cough at night or sometimes?" I asked the daughter. She nodded her head but the father said no.
ANAESTHESIA
Isoflurane gas mask directly would be best. But this dog had s sore throat and might vomit or swallow vomitus into the lungs. The owners had not fed the dog since last night.
The following was given.
Maltese, 11 years old. 6.5 kg. Blood test advised but not accepted. So, the health status is unknown. Has left sided cardiac murmurs. A history of "coughing". Anaesthesia has to be very careful. All owners expected a dog alive at the end of dental work.
Furosemide 0.6 ml IM. Waited 5 minutes
Domitor + Ketamine IV at 10% of the calculated dosage. For healthy old dogs, I usually give 50%.
Dog was very weak as 10% could sedate him heavily. At one stage, he stopped breathing when isoflurane gas was given by mask.
Top up with isoflurane gas by mask whenever the dog moved.
"Intubation" would be preferred there was some irritation of the throat and intubation might worsen this inflamed throat.
Four molar and premolar teeth were loose and extracted.
The dog woke up as the surgery took some 30 minutes. But this was a safer method. The dog went home to a happy mum. The dad was in hurry and so he did not say much. The teenaged daughter was absent, but I could see that she was most worried about the anaesthesia. She did not voice her concerns to me.
"Better move fast," I said to the mum who came with her husband around lunch-time when Mr Min, my assistant had gone for lunch on this Sunday (Myanmar new year for one week). "No more bad breath," she said to me happily.
This case was done by Dr Daniel. It was a typical dental case but because the dog was old and had heart murmurs and coughing, this case was a very high anaesthetic case and I had to intervene. A happy ending is not guaranteed as there are dog deaths during dental work if the dog is very ill or a high standard of veterinary care is not provided (e.g. vets and assistants joking during anaesthesia).
Case 2.
The kitten had swollen conjunctiva in the left eye for more than 2 weeks. The couple had consulted 2 vets and given eye drops and medication. But the conjunctiva of the left eye was still as swollen as ever since the conjunctiva had swollen so much that the upper and lower eyelids swell to prevent any view of the eyeball.
"The kitten needs to be sedated to check whether the eyeball is infected," I said. "If the eyeball is ruptured and badly infected with bacteria, the only solution is to remove the eyeball. There is no chance of the eye returning to normal in such situations."
The other two vets had not done so. In such severe cases, eye drops don't work.
The Malay couple was concerned about this type of suggestion. "We will go home and ask my mum," the husband said after asking about the fees involved in enucleation of the eye.
Case 3.
An old cat came in for 2 black pigmented spots on the backside hip skin. "Could this be fleas?" the young adult daughter asked. The Indian father and daughter loved this cat very much and as I had "retired," I seldom see this cat. Dr Daniel was collaborating me in this case. I used a razor blade to scrape the black pigment. It was superficial jet black epidermis and examined under the microscope. "No ringworm," I said. "Was there any cream applied or any rubbing?" I asked. "No cream," the daughter said. "But the cat did rub her backside now and then."
I held the cat's tail high with one hand and expressed the anal sacs with the other. Copious amounts of brown oil shot out. I had taught the daughter how to express the glands but she said the cat would not permit it. This could be a cause of itchiness in the back area and licking. I noted a fine growth of hair coming out from the back quarters instead of the usual wiry hair. This could be due to the cat excessively grooming himself. I checked the scrotal area as the daughter did not want the cat neutered. "The scrotum is very dirty," I said. "Most cats do clean this area, but not this cat." In this case, the owner must clean for him.
"Are you retired?" the daughter asked me. "No," I said. "However, many cases have to be done by the younger vets as part of succession handing over and training."
Saturday, April 14, 2012
944. An old cat with multiple seizures
"I want a house-call as I prefer my cat to be euthanased at home," the woman phoned me. I asked Dr Daniel to do the house-call. This would be his first house-call and I advised that he get an assistant and place the cat on the table for injection.
He had no problems with this house-call. The cat was having continuous fits. He gave the IV after the fits. I would have preferred sedation first. Each vet does his own way, being the vet on the spot.
He had no problems with this house-call. The cat was having continuous fits. He gave the IV after the fits. I would have preferred sedation first. Each vet does his own way, being the vet on the spot.
943. Maltese with seizure goes home on Day 2 - acute bacterial meningitis
The owner came for the Maltese in the morning. She accepted my advice to let the 5-year-old dog stay overnight at Toa Payoh Vets for observation. No fits. As good as gold. The active dog just jumped and pawed her legs as she settled the bill. Tongue pinkish as normal.
"Most likely a bacterial infection based on increase in total white cell count and a very high neutrophil count. Neutrophils are produced in large numbers by the dog's body to fight against bacterial infection. Did the dog go outdoors last few days?"
"No," she said. "This dog stays indoors and if he goes out, is not allowed to sniff the grass."
It was a surprising finding in the blood test. Evidence-based medicine is the best way as the owner wants answers and in this case, the blood test had been taken before treatment and provided some answers.
"There is a possibility of low blood gluocse which can lead to (hypoglycaemic) fits in your Maltese," I said. "The lab report mentioned a possible glycolysis and a repeat test. A blood test 2-4 weeks later is needed."
This is one of the cases where the owner got the vet to treat the seizure dog promptly and the blood test was taken. All dogs with fits must have blood tested unless the owner objects to them. Practise evidence-based medicine.
In this case, bacterial meningitis was likely to be present in the dog. As the owner had not delayed treatment, the antibiotics given had got rid of the bacteria and the dog recovered the next day.
NOTES ON ACUTE BACTERIAL MENINGITIS
1. Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the meninges which are the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
2. Causes: viral, bacterial and fungal infections.
3. Most common bacteria in people meningitis include
3.1 Streptoocccus pneumoniae (pneumonococcus),
3.2 Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)- upper respiratory infection bacteria enters bloodstream
3.3 Haemophilus influenzae (haemophilus) - upper respiratory infection, ear infection (otitis media) or sinus infections.
3.4 Listeria monocytogenes (listeria) - soil, dust, contaminated food.
When I was studying vet medicine in Glasgow in 1969-1974, I still remember my lectures about listeria in British pigs causing brain diseases. Antibiotics erythromycin were very effective.
Probably this dog had got listeria (blood test - total white cell count and neutrophils increase). The inflammation and swelling of the meninges caused "headache" (collapse suddenly according to the owner and vomiting), fever (not present in this case), neck stiffness (see image of the dog looking skywards I took) and abnormal mental state (eye-staring, salivation due to fits).
SPINAL FLUID TEST will confirm what type of bacteria is involved. Due to economic reasons, this was not done.
Bacterial meningitis can occur over a few hours or in 2 to 3 days. Delays in treatment can lead to permanent brain damage (coma, fits) or death.
Prompt antibiotic treatment enabled him to recover fully. Where the dog got infected (contaminated food, sniffing soil etc) is a mystery. This dog seldom goes out and therefore may not have the resistance to the bacteria. I had treated him for an ear infection two months ago but his ears had only a bit of yellow wax.
P.S. Reference to human acute bacterial meningitis.
There is an interesting case of a woman who contacted acute bacterial meningitis while holidaying in Bangkok and became unconscious for 3 months.
(Straits Times, Apr 18, 2012, Home, Pg B3, ex-coma patient in flap over lease)
"Most likely a bacterial infection based on increase in total white cell count and a very high neutrophil count. Neutrophils are produced in large numbers by the dog's body to fight against bacterial infection. Did the dog go outdoors last few days?"
"No," she said. "This dog stays indoors and if he goes out, is not allowed to sniff the grass."
It was a surprising finding in the blood test. Evidence-based medicine is the best way as the owner wants answers and in this case, the blood test had been taken before treatment and provided some answers.
"There is a possibility of low blood gluocse which can lead to (hypoglycaemic) fits in your Maltese," I said. "The lab report mentioned a possible glycolysis and a repeat test. A blood test 2-4 weeks later is needed."
This is one of the cases where the owner got the vet to treat the seizure dog promptly and the blood test was taken. All dogs with fits must have blood tested unless the owner objects to them. Practise evidence-based medicine.
In this case, bacterial meningitis was likely to be present in the dog. As the owner had not delayed treatment, the antibiotics given had got rid of the bacteria and the dog recovered the next day.
NOTES ON ACUTE BACTERIAL MENINGITIS
1. Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the meninges which are the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
2. Causes: viral, bacterial and fungal infections.
3. Most common bacteria in people meningitis include
3.1 Streptoocccus pneumoniae (pneumonococcus),
3.2 Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)- upper respiratory infection bacteria enters bloodstream
3.3 Haemophilus influenzae (haemophilus) - upper respiratory infection, ear infection (otitis media) or sinus infections.
3.4 Listeria monocytogenes (listeria) - soil, dust, contaminated food.
When I was studying vet medicine in Glasgow in 1969-1974, I still remember my lectures about listeria in British pigs causing brain diseases. Antibiotics erythromycin were very effective.
Probably this dog had got listeria (blood test - total white cell count and neutrophils increase). The inflammation and swelling of the meninges caused "headache" (collapse suddenly according to the owner and vomiting), fever (not present in this case), neck stiffness (see image of the dog looking skywards I took) and abnormal mental state (eye-staring, salivation due to fits).
SPINAL FLUID TEST will confirm what type of bacteria is involved. Due to economic reasons, this was not done.
Bacterial meningitis can occur over a few hours or in 2 to 3 days. Delays in treatment can lead to permanent brain damage (coma, fits) or death.
Prompt antibiotic treatment enabled him to recover fully. Where the dog got infected (contaminated food, sniffing soil etc) is a mystery. This dog seldom goes out and therefore may not have the resistance to the bacteria. I had treated him for an ear infection two months ago but his ears had only a bit of yellow wax.
P.S. Reference to human acute bacterial meningitis.
There is an interesting case of a woman who contacted acute bacterial meningitis while holidaying in Bangkok and became unconscious for 3 months.
(Straits Times, Apr 18, 2012, Home, Pg B3, ex-coma patient in flap over lease)
Thursday, April 12, 2012
942. Lack of humility in the young
Yesterday I was at Khin Khin Employment Agency to advise on her business operations as she was new to the game of entrepreneurship.
"This girl is very good staff material. Very pretty. Can speak English very well as she has worked in Singapore for 2 years. She's got an Employment Pass. I would like to employ her as the other girl can't even speak good English."
She phoned the pretty woman and asked me to interview her by phone after showing me the resume. Certainly, the woman could not stop carrying on a conversation by greeting me and taling.
Of the few questions, I asked this: "What do you mean by increasing 72% of the sales since you joined the Singapore company?". Her resume also showed that she had increased 72% of the sales when she worked for a Myanmar company before joining this Singapore company. This was not possible. Exactly 72% increase in sales in both companies.
She gave an evasive answer and was quite impatient. I passed her back to Khin Khin who told me that the pretty woman said that if I was serious to employ her, she would bring her manager down from Kuala Lumpur to testify for her.
"I am not employing her," I said to Khin Khin. "You are the one interested."
"She's aggressive and much better than this other girl. I need such aggressive and able to speak good English staff for my business."
"Then, employ her," I said. "She does not have an E Pass and you, as the boss of the agency should present the facts correctly. She had an S Pass. An aggressive employee will be good for sales.
"But you can get your tail bitten off by an aggressive dog if you are not careful. You have need always to be careful. Besides she does not have the relevant experience. How do you know she will produce sales?
Khin Khin thinks that a pretty face and good English will get into the hearts of prospective Singapore employers. There is some truth in this.
However, this interview revealed an aggressiveness, lack of humility and respect and impatience to a young pretty woman looking for a good job. This is a time bomb when the interview reveals such a personality and I don't employ such a person if I was the prospective employer. Unlikely to be a team player. No respect for the boss or anyone.
Young people looking for good jobs need to be humble and respectful. The world does not owe them a living.
"This girl is very good staff material. Very pretty. Can speak English very well as she has worked in Singapore for 2 years. She's got an Employment Pass. I would like to employ her as the other girl can't even speak good English."
She phoned the pretty woman and asked me to interview her by phone after showing me the resume. Certainly, the woman could not stop carrying on a conversation by greeting me and taling.
Of the few questions, I asked this: "What do you mean by increasing 72% of the sales since you joined the Singapore company?". Her resume also showed that she had increased 72% of the sales when she worked for a Myanmar company before joining this Singapore company. This was not possible. Exactly 72% increase in sales in both companies.
She gave an evasive answer and was quite impatient. I passed her back to Khin Khin who told me that the pretty woman said that if I was serious to employ her, she would bring her manager down from Kuala Lumpur to testify for her.
"I am not employing her," I said to Khin Khin. "You are the one interested."
"She's aggressive and much better than this other girl. I need such aggressive and able to speak good English staff for my business."
"Then, employ her," I said. "She does not have an E Pass and you, as the boss of the agency should present the facts correctly. She had an S Pass. An aggressive employee will be good for sales.
"But you can get your tail bitten off by an aggressive dog if you are not careful. You have need always to be careful. Besides she does not have the relevant experience. How do you know she will produce sales?
Khin Khin thinks that a pretty face and good English will get into the hearts of prospective Singapore employers. There is some truth in this.
However, this interview revealed an aggressiveness, lack of humility and respect and impatience to a young pretty woman looking for a good job. This is a time bomb when the interview reveals such a personality and I don't employ such a person if I was the prospective employer. Unlikely to be a team player. No respect for the boss or anyone.
Young people looking for good jobs need to be humble and respectful. The world does not owe them a living.
941. The 5-year-old Maltese "vomited" and collapsed at 10 pm - Standard Operating Procedure
"Why you did not give diazepam injection first and then take blood sample?" Dr Daniel asked me when we attended to this emergency. "Diazepam will not affect the blood test analysis."
The Maltese's neck extended skywards and he was recumbent. "His eyes are so staring and he has saliva coming out of his mouth," the mother said to me while the father and teenaged daughter were worried.
Naturally, the first thing to do is to give the diazepam to resolve the sky-looking head.
I don't know whether diazepam will affect the blood analysis but I prefer to do the basic. Take the blood before any drug is administered. That will be the basic of scientific research, in my opinion.
"We need to check for glucose level to see if there is hypoglycaemia," I said. "We can take some more blood after giving the IV drip." I had also included the glucose and multivitamin amounts to be added in the normal saline drip. The Hartmann's solution would be given soon.
"You can't take the blood to check for glucose level after administering glucose", Dr Daniel had pointed out.
After taking the blood, we gave glucose 50 ml IV, Normal saline and diazepam amongst others.
Within 1 minute, the dog's neck returned to normal position and was not rigid anymore. I asked the owners to come and see. The daughter's eyes were red.
"His eyes are closed and no more staring," the mum noted. Eyes are windows to the soul in this case. I mean, dilated pupils can indicate impending death from uncontrolled seizures and the mum must have meant "staring dilated pupils" as staring eyes.
"What's the cause of this seizure?," the mum asked me. She had consulted me earlier about this Maltese having ear infections 5 months ago but there is no more redness or ear itchiness now.
"It is hard to say. If it is sudden, it could be an injury to the brain. Is the Maltese a very active dog?" I asked.
"Yes, yes," the mum said. "He jumps up and down, to greet us, and he was doing it before dinner."
"The blood test will give us some answers," I said.
Dr Daniel said to me that the dog could be suffering from hypoglycaemia and went into fits as he was fed only once a day instead of twice a day. "Possible," I said. "Wait for the blood glucose result."
In conclusion, the standard operation procedure of taking the blood before treatment is still the best. Take blood before doing any treatment will NOT result in conflicting test results as, for example, after administering glucose and taking blood during emergency confusion will make the test for glucose invalid. There must always be a SOP in emergencies.
The Maltese's neck extended skywards and he was recumbent. "His eyes are so staring and he has saliva coming out of his mouth," the mother said to me while the father and teenaged daughter were worried.
Naturally, the first thing to do is to give the diazepam to resolve the sky-looking head.
I don't know whether diazepam will affect the blood analysis but I prefer to do the basic. Take the blood before any drug is administered. That will be the basic of scientific research, in my opinion.
"We need to check for glucose level to see if there is hypoglycaemia," I said. "We can take some more blood after giving the IV drip." I had also included the glucose and multivitamin amounts to be added in the normal saline drip. The Hartmann's solution would be given soon.
"You can't take the blood to check for glucose level after administering glucose", Dr Daniel had pointed out.
After taking the blood, we gave glucose 50 ml IV, Normal saline and diazepam amongst others.
Within 1 minute, the dog's neck returned to normal position and was not rigid anymore. I asked the owners to come and see. The daughter's eyes were red.
"His eyes are closed and no more staring," the mum noted. Eyes are windows to the soul in this case. I mean, dilated pupils can indicate impending death from uncontrolled seizures and the mum must have meant "staring dilated pupils" as staring eyes.
"What's the cause of this seizure?," the mum asked me. She had consulted me earlier about this Maltese having ear infections 5 months ago but there is no more redness or ear itchiness now.
"It is hard to say. If it is sudden, it could be an injury to the brain. Is the Maltese a very active dog?" I asked.
"Yes, yes," the mum said. "He jumps up and down, to greet us, and he was doing it before dinner."
"The blood test will give us some answers," I said.
Dr Daniel said to me that the dog could be suffering from hypoglycaemia and went into fits as he was fed only once a day instead of twice a day. "Possible," I said. "Wait for the blood glucose result."
In conclusion, the standard operation procedure of taking the blood before treatment is still the best. Take blood before doing any treatment will NOT result in conflicting test results as, for example, after administering glucose and taking blood during emergency confusion will make the test for glucose invalid. There must always be a SOP in emergencies.
940. Veterinary anaesthesia to spay stray cats & multiple ovarian cysts
Yesterday, April 11, 2012, I visited a vet who had spayed thousands of stray cats. The young cat was laid on a metallic M-shaped holder (apparently commonly seen in Australian vet spays), without the need to tie up the legs. She tried to hook out the ovary but could not. She extended the skin incision to bigger than the width of her forefinger and could hook out the left uterine horn.
The cat had been pregnant and therefore the uterine horn was not easily hooked out. There seemed to be something stuck to the left ovary as she could not pull it out. I saw large veins from the uterine body to the ovary. "I have to refer to Vet 1", she said. Complicated surgical and medical cases are farmed out to Vet 1, as this is the policy.
"Just extend the skin incision by 1 to 2 cm more," I advised. "You will see what's been affecting the ovary." She used the scissors and cut further. It was a huge surprise. Around 3 big ovarian cysts of around 1 cm in diameter. had prevented the pulling out of the ovary till the incision was extended.
"I need to take a picture," I said as this type of medical condition is very rare. She had not seen it too despite many years of spaying stray cats. She said OK and I rushed to the car park to get my camera. When I returned, she had taken out the ovary but the cyst had ruptured. There was one cyst I managed to photograph for vet students to appreciate. We are taught about ovarian cysts but in the real world, they are uncommon. "Take another picture of the normal ovary to compare," she said as I had not thought of it. I got a few tips from her.
HOW TO ENSURE THAT SPAYED STRAY CATS DON'T GET STITCH BREAKDOWN
1. Suture muscle layer and linea alba with cat gut.
2. Subcutaneous suture, interrupted, at either ends of the fatty tissue with monofilament
3. Subcutaneous suture of the fatty tissues with continuous
4. Two horizontal mattress sutures of the skin, with one interrupted suture knot stitching out at one end. I can't figure this out as it is supposed to be buried.
No complaints of stitch breakdown with this method. The other knot at the other end was buried.
I just do Steps 1 and 4 in all cats and have no problems with stitch breakdown. Too many layers (Step 2) irritate the cat and dog during healing and also likely introduce pathogens. Keep spay simple is my policy.
Each vet has his own tested method and will not change his or her mindset when the method is successful. The important thing is the client's perception as many Singaporean clients appreciate excellent stitching (which may be a buried subcuticular suture, continuous i.e. Step 2 without Step 3.)
VETERINARY ANAESTHESIA FOR STRAY CATS IN THIS PRACTICE
Well tested and proven to be effective and does not involve "ketamine."
I saw two cats well anaesthesized with this procedure. The dosage is as follows:
Spay
3kg young
Zoletil 100. 0.2ml. IM. Separate syringe.
Xylazine 20. 0.2ml. IM. Separate syringe.
duration >25min
Hartmann SC post op
DOG
Eg Jack Russell
Xyla 0.3 ml first.
Zoe 100. O.3 ml. Slow IV
To effect
Each vet has his or her own method. This method works very well and the vet sees no need to change. For me, in cats, I give a one-syringe Xylazine+ketamine combination IM. So, the cat gets one injection IM instead of 2. The less the better for our patients as injections may cause irritation. It is hard to change mindsets of most vets when they are used to a successful method of anaesthesia. Younger vets want to introduce propofol and althesin but these are expensive and add to the inventory. It is best that young vets adopt what is effective in the practice unless their method is more superior as for example, diazepam and xylazine is said to be safer than domitor and xylazine IV but I am used to the latter and find it effective. Diazepam is said to be safer than domitor in anaesthesia by not "affecting blood pressure or cardiac rate" according to one vet I spoke to.
But how much safer? So, I don't also go for another type as I find my present formula very effective and safe. In other words, there are many injectable anaesthestics and the vet must focus on one combination. Peferably one injection.
The cat had been pregnant and therefore the uterine horn was not easily hooked out. There seemed to be something stuck to the left ovary as she could not pull it out. I saw large veins from the uterine body to the ovary. "I have to refer to Vet 1", she said. Complicated surgical and medical cases are farmed out to Vet 1, as this is the policy.
"Just extend the skin incision by 1 to 2 cm more," I advised. "You will see what's been affecting the ovary." She used the scissors and cut further. It was a huge surprise. Around 3 big ovarian cysts of around 1 cm in diameter. had prevented the pulling out of the ovary till the incision was extended.
"I need to take a picture," I said as this type of medical condition is very rare. She had not seen it too despite many years of spaying stray cats. She said OK and I rushed to the car park to get my camera. When I returned, she had taken out the ovary but the cyst had ruptured. There was one cyst I managed to photograph for vet students to appreciate. We are taught about ovarian cysts but in the real world, they are uncommon. "Take another picture of the normal ovary to compare," she said as I had not thought of it. I got a few tips from her.
HOW TO ENSURE THAT SPAYED STRAY CATS DON'T GET STITCH BREAKDOWN
1. Suture muscle layer and linea alba with cat gut.
2. Subcutaneous suture, interrupted, at either ends of the fatty tissue with monofilament
3. Subcutaneous suture of the fatty tissues with continuous
4. Two horizontal mattress sutures of the skin, with one interrupted suture knot stitching out at one end. I can't figure this out as it is supposed to be buried.
No complaints of stitch breakdown with this method. The other knot at the other end was buried.
I just do Steps 1 and 4 in all cats and have no problems with stitch breakdown. Too many layers (Step 2) irritate the cat and dog during healing and also likely introduce pathogens. Keep spay simple is my policy.
Each vet has his own tested method and will not change his or her mindset when the method is successful. The important thing is the client's perception as many Singaporean clients appreciate excellent stitching (which may be a buried subcuticular suture, continuous i.e. Step 2 without Step 3.)
VETERINARY ANAESTHESIA FOR STRAY CATS IN THIS PRACTICE
Well tested and proven to be effective and does not involve "ketamine."
I saw two cats well anaesthesized with this procedure. The dosage is as follows:
Spay
3kg young
Zoletil 100. 0.2ml. IM. Separate syringe.
Xylazine 20. 0.2ml. IM. Separate syringe.
duration >25min
Hartmann SC post op
DOG
Eg Jack Russell
Xyla 0.3 ml first.
Zoe 100. O.3 ml. Slow IV
To effect
Each vet has his or her own method. This method works very well and the vet sees no need to change. For me, in cats, I give a one-syringe Xylazine+ketamine combination IM. So, the cat gets one injection IM instead of 2. The less the better for our patients as injections may cause irritation. It is hard to change mindsets of most vets when they are used to a successful method of anaesthesia. Younger vets want to introduce propofol and althesin but these are expensive and add to the inventory. It is best that young vets adopt what is effective in the practice unless their method is more superior as for example, diazepam and xylazine is said to be safer than domitor and xylazine IV but I am used to the latter and find it effective. Diazepam is said to be safer than domitor in anaesthesia by not "affecting blood pressure or cardiac rate" according to one vet I spoke to.
But how much safer? So, I don't also go for another type as I find my present formula very effective and safe. In other words, there are many injectable anaesthestics and the vet must focus on one combination. Peferably one injection.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
939. The hot dog growls at the vet
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
"More active, no more vomiting," the lady said. "The dog has not recovered fully from hepatitis yet," I said. I prescribed some liver supplements and anitbiotics. Every family member is happy. The dog was warded 4 days for lethargy and recurring fever. 10 days ago, I had operated on him and removed a big epidermal cyst. The dog was rubbing his back area where
the cyst had been removed. So, the grandpa applied bright yellow powder onto the wound. It looked like yellow sulphur, which is toxic.
Saturday, April 8, 2012
The owner had brought the dog to see me last Wednesday with complaint of lethargy and fever. I boarded him for observation and on Saturday, the whole family of 2 ladies, their husbands and grandparents came to visit this miniature schnauzer of 5 years, male. Saturday was my day off, but I went back to Toa Payoh Vets to see this dog. That was how I met the group outside. The dog growled when I approached him to palpate his abdomen to see whether it was still tense and hard. "That is a good sign of recovery to health," I said. "Yesterday, Dr Daniel said he stood like a statute for a few minutes when let out."
"Maybe he is frightened," the young lady said.
"Possibly," I asked the owner to hold his muzzle while I palpated his abdomen. Not tense as before. So,I decided to let him go home. He would recover faster at home.
Well, he did recover. As to the cause of his tense stomach area, I can only sketch this scenario as follows:
1. The wound was contaminated by the yellow powder. Toxins and bacteria entered the wound. Blood test showed high liver enzymes. Low red cell count.
2. Stomach was full. Impaction. I had given anti-spasmodic inj to cool him down. The tense anterior abdomen was due to his liver inflammation.
"More active, no more vomiting," the lady said. "The dog has not recovered fully from hepatitis yet," I said. I prescribed some liver supplements and anitbiotics. Every family member is happy. The dog was warded 4 days for lethargy and recurring fever. 10 days ago, I had operated on him and removed a big epidermal cyst. The dog was rubbing his back area where
the cyst had been removed. So, the grandpa applied bright yellow powder onto the wound. It looked like yellow sulphur, which is toxic.
Saturday, April 8, 2012
The owner had brought the dog to see me last Wednesday with complaint of lethargy and fever. I boarded him for observation and on Saturday, the whole family of 2 ladies, their husbands and grandparents came to visit this miniature schnauzer of 5 years, male. Saturday was my day off, but I went back to Toa Payoh Vets to see this dog. That was how I met the group outside. The dog growled when I approached him to palpate his abdomen to see whether it was still tense and hard. "That is a good sign of recovery to health," I said. "Yesterday, Dr Daniel said he stood like a statute for a few minutes when let out."
"Maybe he is frightened," the young lady said.
"Possibly," I asked the owner to hold his muzzle while I palpated his abdomen. Not tense as before. So,I decided to let him go home. He would recover faster at home.
Well, he did recover. As to the cause of his tense stomach area, I can only sketch this scenario as follows:
1. The wound was contaminated by the yellow powder. Toxins and bacteria entered the wound. Blood test showed high liver enzymes. Low red cell count.
2. Stomach was full. Impaction. I had given anti-spasmodic inj to cool him down. The tense anterior abdomen was due to his liver inflammation.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
938. Close-circuit anaesthesia is efficient and economical
Two days ago, I met a senior vet. He was reiterating the way the younger vets now use gaseous anaesthesia with a very high flow rate of oxygen, using an open circuit, thereby wasting a lot of anaesthesia and Oxygen. The younger vets would not accept his method of using closed circuit. This was also a method I used. Now I used the semi-open method.
"Take it easy," I said. "The younger vets have their mindsets so much different from us. Their vet professors have had trained them and they did it the professors' way. After all, vet professors don't have to account for the bottom-line. Neither do the younger employee vets. So, they don't worry since they don't have to pay to replace fast-consumed isoflurane which is extremely expensive.
I used oxygen flow rate of 0.5 in a closed circuit, while the younger vets used 2 litres/min. In a long surgery of 2 hours, the volume of oxygen and isoflurane gas used is considerable and costly.
"Maybe the younger vet is afraid that in a closed circuit, the isoflurane level increses and then kills the dog," I said.
"No," the senior vet said. "Just switch off the oxygen or lower the flow. The 2% maintenance isoflurane in a closed circuit may go down to 1.8% but will not increase."
"Maybe the younger vet is afraid that the carbon dioxide will accumulate inside the closed circuit, killing the patient. I know, soda lime absorbs the CO2, but the younger vet may be worried."
"Yes, the soda lime removes the CO2. So, there is no worry. I had long discussions with a human anaesthestist on the closed circuit and that's the most economical way. Don't use nitrous oxide though as some dogs do die."
"But young vets who are employees don't have to pay for any amount of isoflurane they use. So, a high oxygen flow rate (over 2 litres/min) use up a lot of isoflurane in an open circuit - so what? They don't need to pay. So, they can't be bothered," I said.
This senior vet is irked by inefficiency and unnecessary wastage but the younger vet refused to adopt the closed circuit. Maybe, they have their reasons. I have not talked to them.
Each vet has his own peculiarities. This senior vet uses electro-surgical coagulation in the castration of dogs. I don't. Seldom do other vets. "I wonder how I manage without it?" I asked one young vet as this senior vet uses it for all surgeries except spay.
"Take it easy," I said. "The younger vets have their mindsets so much different from us. Their vet professors have had trained them and they did it the professors' way. After all, vet professors don't have to account for the bottom-line. Neither do the younger employee vets. So, they don't worry since they don't have to pay to replace fast-consumed isoflurane which is extremely expensive.
I used oxygen flow rate of 0.5 in a closed circuit, while the younger vets used 2 litres/min. In a long surgery of 2 hours, the volume of oxygen and isoflurane gas used is considerable and costly.
"Maybe the younger vet is afraid that in a closed circuit, the isoflurane level increses and then kills the dog," I said.
"No," the senior vet said. "Just switch off the oxygen or lower the flow. The 2% maintenance isoflurane in a closed circuit may go down to 1.8% but will not increase."
"Maybe the younger vet is afraid that the carbon dioxide will accumulate inside the closed circuit, killing the patient. I know, soda lime absorbs the CO2, but the younger vet may be worried."
"Yes, the soda lime removes the CO2. So, there is no worry. I had long discussions with a human anaesthestist on the closed circuit and that's the most economical way. Don't use nitrous oxide though as some dogs do die."
"But young vets who are employees don't have to pay for any amount of isoflurane they use. So, a high oxygen flow rate (over 2 litres/min) use up a lot of isoflurane in an open circuit - so what? They don't need to pay. So, they can't be bothered," I said.
This senior vet is irked by inefficiency and unnecessary wastage but the younger vet refused to adopt the closed circuit. Maybe, they have their reasons. I have not talked to them.
Each vet has his own peculiarities. This senior vet uses electro-surgical coagulation in the castration of dogs. I don't. Seldom do other vets. "I wonder how I manage without it?" I asked one young vet as this senior vet uses it for all surgeries except spay.
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