9th Annual ARAV Conference

Are you interested in amphibians and reptiles? Check out the 9th annual Association Of Reptilian And Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) Conference. This meeting will be held Oct 9-13, 2002, in Reno, Nevada. Go to ARAV.org to learn more!

Fecal Polymerase Chain Reaction with 16S Ribosomal RNA Primers Can Detect the Presence of Gastrointestinal Helicobacter in Dogs
One drawback of the PCR methodology in this setting is that dead bacteria, in addition to viable but nonculturable coccoid forms of Heliocobacter, may be detected. It is also theorectically possible that Helicobacter colonization with intermittent shedding bacteria in the feces could result in false-negative results.

Echocardiographic and Radiographic Changes Associated with Systemic Hypertension in Cats
Asymmetrical septal hypertrophy was greater in cats with systemic hypertension [SHT]. Comparisons of the proximal ascending aorta indicated the presence of dilation in the SHT cats, and comparison of the ascending aorta to the aortic annulus was helpful in differentiating between the two groups.

The Use of 17-Hydroxyprogesterone in the Diagnosis of Canine Hyperadrenocorticism
Post-ACTH OHP concentrations decreased after treatment with mitotane or adrenalectomy. These results suggest that OHP measurements can he used as an aid to diagnose and manage canine HAC.

Cryo Methods For Distichiasis
You can buy a small dewar for liquid nitrogen and a 5 mm copper probe which can be used for distichia treatment. When you have a case to do, you just need to send someone out to have the little dewar filled with liquid nitrogen when you need it. If you don't have a liquid nitrogen supply company locally, often you can buy some from your local human dermatologist who probably gets a larger dewar filled on a monthly basis.

Bile Salt-Induced Pruritus, Feather Picking
As well as the bile salt-induced pruritis, hepatic enlargement stretching the liver capsule can cause abdominal pain, leading to featherpicking.

Anorexia, High GGT, Old Horse
In the horse, GGT is liver specific (biliary). Any GGT produced by the kidneys would be lost in the urine.

How To Use VIN Course, Postponed
Wednesday, September 11, NO How To class
There will be NO How To class tonight.
Because this is the anniversary of the 9-11 attacks in the USA, VIN will hold part 2 of the How To course NEXT Wednesday. Spend this night with your friends and family.

Joint VSPN/VIN Sunday Rounds
Sunday, September 15, 10 pm ET-
Join Jim Guenther, DVM, MBA, MHA, CVPM as he discusses ER Management: Practices And Compensation. Invite your staff to join VSPN and they too can participate in this session.
VIN Rounds Room / VSPN Chat Room

What's Your Diagnosis?
Sick Man From Maryland

Speak Out:
Must-Have Innovation

Recent Rounds:
Toxicology Rounds

From the Boards:
* Remove Placentas During Cesarians?
* Coyote Vasectomy
* Identifying Giardia
* Vas Ligation In Peacocks

Pain, Pain Go Away...
Are you confused by the actions and side effects of NSAIDs and COX inhibitors?
Would you like to UNconfuse yourself while getting FREE CE?

VIN CE can help with two FREE, upcoming CE courses:

• NSAIDs - Understanding Their Actions And Side Effects
• What's All This About COX, Docs?

In NSAIDs - Understanding Their Actions And Side Effects, you will learn why NSAIDs are commonly used for pain management, how they work, and their side effects.

In What's All This About COX, Docs?, you will learn the mechanisms by which the newer COX-2 inhibitors may help optimize analgesia in the perioperative period, and how they can be used safely.

Click here to learn more about these FREE CE courses.

Thanks to Novartis Animal Health -- Educational Sponsor for these VIN CE events.