Notes on Canine Internal Medicine. Kathryn F. Murphy

the recognition that not everything in internal medicine is black and white is part of its challenge; and not every patient ‘reads the textbook’. We still believe in the advice of the first edition that ‘basic, careful history‐taking and thorough and, if necessary, repeated clinical examination are fundamental procedures that may yield a diagnosis in a complicated or unresolved case’. One should always remember that there is always one more question to be asked, or one more investigation to be performed on problem cases, and one should never be afraid to go back to the beginning and start again.

      V.L.B, K.F.M., J.R.P. and E.J.H.

      2022

      Note

      1 * Source uncertain; https://quoteinvestigator.com/2017/11/26/zebras/

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

      The initial inspiration for this book was Peter Darke’s and we are honoured to write this new edition. The book retains its original title to emphasise its aim to be easily accessible notes for the veterinary practitioner and student to assist their diagnostic investigations of medically ill dogs.

USING THIS BOOK

      SECTION 1

       Presenting complaints

       In this section, the common presenting complaints are listed alphabetically according to a stylised format.

       Each problem is defined, and the expected clinical signs listed although not every case will show every sign.

       Causes for the problem are divided into ‘common’ and ‘uncommon’ to guide the reader, but are only the opinion of the authors, and may vary in different geographical locations.

       For each problem a logical diagnostic approach is suggested; any numbering indicates a suggested order for the investigations:Clinical clues in the history.Potential findings in the clinical examination.Laboratory findings that aid the diagnosis.Key results from imaging.Special tests that may confirm the diagnosis.

      SECTION 2

       Physical problems

      In this section, significant findings from the physical examination are listed alphabetically.

       Each problem is defined.

       Common and uncommon causes, listed alphabetically, are suggested for each problem.

       Related clinical signs are listed.

       For each problem a logical diagnostic approach is suggested.

       Key findings to look for in the history and physical examination are noted; not all will be present in every case.

       Laboratory findings that aid the diagnosis are noted.

       Key results of imaging are noted.

       Special tests that may confirm the diagnosis are listed.

      SECTION 3

       Laboratory abnormalities

      In this section laboratory abnormalities of haematology, serum biochemistry and urinalysis are listed alphabetically.

       The abnormality is defined.

       Causes are listed alphabetically, and the likely degree of severity is suggested.

       The diagnostic interpretation for the abnormality is given.

       Adjunctive tests that may help support or confirm the diagnosis are given.

SECTION 4

       Imaging patterns

      Differential diagnoses for specific plain radiographic and ultrasonographic patterns and appearances are listed. Relevant further imaging modalities (contrast radiography, cross‐sectional imaging, i.e. CT and MRI) are suggested.

       SECTION 5

       Organ systems

      The relevant clinical presentations and physical, laboratory and imaging abnormalities (identified in Sections 1–4, respectively) are given for each major internal organ system. Then the diagnostic approach and the methods of investigation of each organ system are briefly explained. Finally, the more common diseases of each system are covered alphabetically. For each, its aetiology, predisposition, historical clues, clinical signs, laboratory test results, treatment and monitoring, sequelae and prognosis are given in note form.

COMMONLY USED ABBREVIATIONS

      Commonly used scientific and medical abbreviations listed here are used throughout the book without further expansion.

      All other abbreviations are spelled out in each section, and are listed at the end of the book with the Index.

      ACTHadrenocorticotrophic hormoneALP (SAP)(serum) alkaline phosphataseALTalanine aminotransferaseBIDtwice daily (q12h)CBCcomplete blood countECGelectrocardiogramEDTAethylenediaminetetra‐acetic acidELISAenzyme‐linked immunosorbent assayHCThaematocritIgAimmunoglobulin AIMintramuscularIVintravenousNPOnil per os (nothing by mouth)NSAIDnon‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugPCRpolymerase chain reactionPCVpacked cell volumePOper osQIDfour times daily (q6h)q.v.quod vide (see related material)RBCred blood cellSCsubcutaneousSIDonce daily (q24h)T4thyroxineTIDthree times daily (q8h)WBCwhite blood cell