They are seeking to recruit blood samples from dogs that have had an episode of dose-limiting myelosuppression (specifically, a neutrophil count that fell below 2,500/ul) associated with azathioprine.

Read more about how you can help with this exciting project!

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!

Metastatic Melanoma in Horse
Treatment of melanoma often is not pursued because of the benign, slow-growing nature of the neoplasm, size, proximity to major vessels and vital structures, or extensive local invasion. However, all dermal melanomas should be considered potentially malignant.

Surgical Removal of a Seminoma from a Black Sea Bass
To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a barium enema being performed in a fish.

Polypoid Cystitis in a Dog
Polypoid cystitis is an uncommonly reported condition of the dog; it is grossly indistinguishable from neoplasia and biopsy is essential for diagnosis

Evaluation of an In-House Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Quantitative Measurement of Serum Total Thyroxine Concentration in Dogs and Cats
Reliance on results of the ELISA kit would have led to inappropriate clinical decisions for 62% of canine samples, and 50% of feline samples.

Degenerative Myelopathy
The most important aspect of management is an accurate diagnosis. There are several differentials that can cause identical signs, including chronic disk protrusion, neoplasia, and myelitis. Imaging (myelography or MRI) and CSF analysis are required to sort this out.

Python, Ceftazidime
Once reconstituted, it's good for only a few days - unless you freeze it, then it's good for a few months. We preload syringes and freeze them, thawing one every third day as we use them.

Socializing an Aggressive Cockatoo
Does anyone else see aggression directed towards a particular sex? I have seen aggression directed at an individual, but this bird seems to hate women.

Virtual Coffeehouse
Tuesday, September 17, 9:30 pm ET -
What great cats did you get to help today? Stop by and share!
Rounds Room

How to Use VIN Course Part 2
Wednesday, September 18, 9:30 pm ET -
Learn how to use the Message Boards and Associate in Part 2 of this three part course. (Did you miss Part 1, and want to catch up so you'll be ready for Part 2? Use the VINdex on VIN's Front Page to find the How to Use VIN Course homepage.
Rounds Room

Abstract of the Week:
Bioavailability of transdermal methimazole in a pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO) in healthy cats.

Website of the Week:
Pathophysiology Hypertextbooks, and more ....

Recent Rounds:
Toxicology Rounds

Book Review:
Exotic Pets, A Veterinary Guide For Owners

From the Boards:
* Narcolepsy/Cataplexy In Puppy
* Cryo For Distichiasis
* Lithotripsy
* Pneumomediastinum Images

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.