Conditions and Disorders Flashcards
What is arthritis?
Inflammation of the joints
What are the causes of arthritis?
Idiopathic (wear and tear)
Degenerative
Immune-mediated
What are the clinical signs of arthritis?
Swelling of joints
Pain in affected joints
Lameness
Exercise intolerance
Crepitus (grating of bones together)
Pyrexia (from immune-mediated)
How is arthritis diagnosed?
X-ray
Ultrasound
Radiography
Physical Examination
Arthrocentesis (removal of fluid round the joint)
What is the treatment for arthritis?
Hydrotherapy
Metacam
Diet if animal is overweight
Physiotherapy
Laser Therapy
Pain Relief
How does a veterinary nurse take care of an animal that has arthritis?
Provide soft bedding
Provide exercise for the animal little and often
Keep the animal out of draught and damp
Provide a diet that takes excess weight off
What is colitis?
Inflammation of the colon
What are the clinical signs of colitis?
Watery diarrhoea
Blood and mucous in faeces
Excessive straining
What are the causes of colitis?
Bacterial infection
Allergic reaction
Cause is often unknown
What is the treatment for colitis?
Adjusting the diet
Anti-inflammatories
Antibiotics
What is pancreatitis?
Inflammation of the pancreas
What are the causes of pancreatitis?
Often unknown
Sometimes linked to a high fat diet
What are the clinical signs of pancreatitis?
Vomiting
Lethargy
Abdominal pain
Inappetence
What is the treatment for pancreatitis?
Fluid therapy
Low fat diet
Pain relief
Sometimes assisted feeding
What is chronic kidney disease?
A disease that involves a progressive loss of renal function
What are the clinical signs of chronic kidney disease?
Polydipsia (excessive drinking)
Polyuria (excessive urinating)
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Dehydration
Ulcers in the mouth
Poor coat condition
High blood pressure
Anaemia
How is chronic kidney disease diagnosed?
Blood and urine tests
Ultrasound
What is the treatment for chronic kidney disease?
Specialised food
Fluid therapy
Drugs
What is cystitis?
Inflammation of the bladder
What is urolithiasis?
Minerals or stones in the urinary tract
What are the clinical signs for cystitis and urolithiasis?
Pain
Dysuria (difficulty passing urine)
Vocalising whilst urinating
What is the treatment for cystitis?
Antibiotics to combat the infection
What is the treatment for urolithiasis?
Flushing the blockage under general anaesthetic
Fluid therapy to support the kidneys
Altering the diet to dissolve the stones and prevent them re-forming
Surgical removal
What is pyometra?
Infection or pus in the uterus
What are the clinical signs of pyometra?
Lethargy
Pyrexia
Discharge (if the cervix is open)
Vomiting
Polydipsia
Toxic shock
How is pyometra diagnosed?
X-ray
Ultrasound
What is the treatment for pyometra?
Ovariohysterectomy (spay)
What is type 1 diabetes mellitus?
A lack of insulin production
What is type 2 diabetes mellitus?
An inadequate response to insulin
What are the clinical signs for diabetes mellitus?
Polyuria
Polydipsia
Weight loss
High blood glucose
Glucosuria - glucose in urine
What are the causes of congestive heart failure?
Heart is unable to pump blood sufficiently
Valve diseases
Diseases like cardiomyopathy
How is congestive heart failure diagnosed?
ECG - Electrocardiogram
What are the clinical signs of congestive heart failure?
Exercise intolerance
Heart murmur
Arrhythmia - irregularities in the heartbeat
Coughing
Breathing difficulties
Collapse
What is an abscess?
A localised collection pus
Where can abscesses be found?
Skin
Bone
Muscle
Organs
Brain
What are the clinical signs of an abscess?
Pain
Swelling
Reduced function
Pyrexia
How are abscesses treated?
Draining of the abscess
Antibiotics
