Entries in Endocrine (5)

Monday
Nov232020

VIN Topic Rounds

Are you missing out on clinical rotations because of COVID-19? The VIN Student Team has you covered with Tuesday Topic Rounds.  During the month of November, join Dr. Sherri Wilson for 30 minute, case-based sessions on Endocrinology every Tuesday at 12ET. Everyone and all levels of experience are welcome. There will be time for Q&A and discussion following. The next session is Hypercalcemia in the Dog and Cat on November 24, 2020 at 12 ET.

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Monday
Nov162020

VIN Topic Rounds

Are you missing out on clinical rotations because of COVID-19? The VIN Student Team has you covered with Tuesday Topic Rounds.  During the month of November, join Dr. Sherri Wilson for 30 minute, case-based sessions on Endocrinology every Tuesday at 12ET. Everyone and all levels of experience are welcome. There will be time for Q&A and discussion following. The next session is Hypoalbuminemia in the Dog and Cat on November 17, 2020 at 12 ET.

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Monday
Nov092020

VIN Topic Rounds

Are you missing out on clinical rotations because of COVID-19? The VIN Student Team has you covered with Tuesday Topic Rounds.  During the month of November, join Dr. Sherri Wilson for 30 minute, case-based sessions on Endocrinology every Tuesday at 12ET. Everyone and all levels of experience are welcome. There will be time for Q&A and discussion following. The next session is Hypocalcemia in the Dog and Cat on November 10, 2020 at 12 ET.

In this rounds:

  • The very short list of causes of hypocalcemia
  • How to stabilize a hypocalcemic pet acutely
  • How to stabilize a hypocalcemic pet chronically

REGISTER HERE FOR THE SESSION

The Veterinary Information Network (VIN) is here to help you as a vet student – especially during this worldwide pandemic. Membership is always free as a student!

Monday
Nov022020

VIN Topic Rounds

Are you missing out on clinical rotations because of COVID-19? The VIN Student Team has you covered with Tuesday Topic Rounds.  During the month of November, join Dr. Sherri Wilson for 30 minute, case-based sessions on Endocrinology every Tuesday at 12ET. Everyone and all levels of experience are welcome. There will be time for Q&A and discussion following. The next session is Hypoglycemia in the Dog and Cat on November 3, 2020 at 12 ET.

In this rounds:

  • How to prioritize differential diagnoses to look for the most likely causes first
  • How to prioritize differential diagnoses depending on the animal's age
  • Some effective treatments

REGISTER HERE FOR THE SESSION

The Veterinary Information Network (VIN) is here to help you as a vet student – especially during this worldwide pandemic. Membership is always free as a student!

Wednesday
May272015

Canine Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency: A Challenging Condition

Introduction

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a particularly concerning digestive condition that leads to nutrient deficiencies, weight loss, and death if left untreated (Foster and Smith, 2012). EPI4dogs Foundation defines EPI as “the inability of the pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes: amylase to digest starches, lipases to digest fats, and proteases to digest protein. Without a steady supply of these enzymes to help break down and absorb nutrients, the body starves. When EPI is undiagnosed and left untreated, the entire body is deprived of the nutrients needed for growth, renewal, and maintenance. In time, the body becomes so compromised that the dog either starves to death or dies of organ failure. The Merck Veterinary Manual defines EPI as “a syndrome caused by insufficient synthesis and secretion of digestive enzymes by the exocrine portion of the pancreas”. “Lack of pancreatic digestive enzymes leads to maldigestion and malabsorption” (2011). This condition is certainly nothing to overlook. Many pet owners and veterinarians are unfamiliar with the detrimental condition and the purpose of this case study is to enhance the veterinarian’s and pet owner’s knowledge and awareness of EPI.

Like other canine medical conditions, EPI requires proper diagnosis and management. However, the condition is unique because it also requires a responsible and financially stable dog owner with patience and willingness to learn as much as he or she can about EPI and nutrition. Clinical signs can be misleading, as they are comparable to those of many other conditions. While diagnosis can be simplified when differentials get ruled out, medical bills can add up to an outrageously high expense. Overall management of EPI is best described as nutritionally variable, effective, expensive, and lifelong. The following case report outlines signs, diagnosis, dietary management, and financial aspects of a canine EPI patient. Its purpose is to emphasize requirements of the veterinarian and client in nutritional support for the condition, as well as to highlight the significance of financial requirements. As such, this case can be of interest to a broad readership of veterinary professionals, veterinary science students, and pet owners.

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