Veterinary Medicine - April 2008 - (Page 190)

Letters Providing the right fluids in patients with hypernatremia In the January 2008 issue, the article “Toxicology Brief: Sodium hypochlorite bleach ingestion in two dogs” states that lactated Ringer’s solution was used to treat hypernatremia and hyperchloremia. It seems that a ﬂuid such as dextrose 5% in water may be more appropriate, as well as something without sodium to replenish bicarbonate. James A. Noll, DVM Florence Animal Clinic Florence, Ky. at a local veterinarian’s ofﬁce for the past year. Thanks to your publication, I ﬁnd myself well-informed on research updates, surgical applications, and clinical practices. Each time I read Veterinary Medicine, I gain helpful insight. I admire veterinarians as well as their dedicated staffs. In the future, I hope to have my own practice, and Veterinary Medicine will be required reading for those I employ! Jenny Blakely (14 years old) Mobile, Ala. Dr. Chapman responds: Thank you for this comment as this addresses an important aspect of ﬂuid therapy in the management of this case. As mentioned in the article, these animals were initially treated with lactated Ringer’s solution on admission to the intensive care unit. Fluid therapy was later changed to dextrose 5% in water when the results of the serum chemistry proﬁles were available, which is a more appropriate choice given the presence of hypernatremia. While the full treatment regimen was not provided in this brief report, Dr. Noll brings up a valid point that should have been included in the discussion. Unfortunately, because of the rapid deterioration of these animals, it was difﬁcult to fully appreciate the effect of ﬂuid therapy on the electrolyte abnormalities. Seth Chapman, DVM Department of Veterinary Pathobiology College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M University College Station, Texas A heads up on ensuring adequate sterilization In the item “A tip for laser tips” in the December 2007 “Idea Exchange,” plastic needle covers are used as containers for sterilizing laser tips. If the plastic is not steam-penetrable, then the tips are not being exposed to moist heat and will not necessarily be sterile, even though the time and temperature might be adequate for exposure to moist heat. Raymond J. Schuerger, DVM Thornwood Veterinary Hospital Pittsburgh, Pa. Do you have something to say? We want to hear it! E-mail your questions, comments, and suggestions to vm@advanstar.com; write us at Veterinary Medicine, 8033 Flint, Lenexa, KS 66214; or fax us at (913) 871-3808. Our youngest reader As an aspiring veterinarian, I spend a great deal of time reading your informative journal. I have volunteered 190 April 2008 VETERINARY MEDICINE http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/advanstar/vm0108/index.php?startid=12 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/advanstar/vm0108/index.php?startid=12 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/advanstar/vm1207/index.php?startid=776

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Veterinary Medicine - April 2008

Veterinary Medicine - April 2008 Contents Letters Leading Off The Veterinary Medicine Interview: Dr. Barrak Pressler Idea Exchange Help! My Dog Licks Everything An Update on Anaplasmosis in Dogs CE Form Advertiser Index Marketplace/Classifieds Mind Over Miller

Veterinary Medicine - April 2008

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