For Referring Veterinarians

Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome (HHS) is an uncommon form of a diabetic crisis that can occur in dogs and cats that has the following characteristics: Severe hyperglycemia (>600 mg/dl) Minimal to absent ketones Increased serum osmolarity (> 350 mosm/kg – normal ~ 300) Like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), HHS is caused by a lack of insulin with increased counter-regulatory hormones (glucagon, epinephrine, cortisol, growth hormone).  Unlike DKA though it is believed that there is not lipolysis so…

Lack of adequate food intake is a substantial problem in any veterinary intensive care unit (ICU).  This is because the diseases our patients have are often associated with significant anorexia or even an inability to eat.  Additionally, we schedule diagnostics or surgical procedures that lead us to withhold food from our patients.  We are all guilty of writing NPO on a treatment sheet because diagnostics MAY be done that MAY necessitate a fasted patient and…

Septic peritonitis is a challenging problem to diagnose and treat in dogs and cats. Early diagnosis may improve survival as it will lead to quicker surgical resolution and elimination of the septic foci. Part of the challenge is that is that the physical examination only positively predicts those that require surgery 50% of the time (Walters, 2003).  Dr. Natashia Evans and Dr. Jayme Hoffberg gives the following tips to help diagnose septic peritonitis: Tips for Diagnosing…