Veterinary Medicine - December 2008 - (Page 639)

Letters More support for the physical exam Bravo to Dr. David Robbins for his article in the October 2008 issue titled “Leading Off: Why the physical exam is still really necessary.” I could not agree with him more. As a surgeon in a referral practice, I see cases that have not been thoroughly worked up, thus missing conditions that could have been identiﬁed with a complete physical examination, using only the ﬁve senses and basic equipment. I am delighted that we have ultrasound, CT, MRI, and other noninvasive diagnostic tools, but they should always be used as an adjunct to a less costly physical exam. In today’s economic times, we may see that we are forced to practice without some of these expensive tools. Another area in which we often forget to use our senses is in anesthesia monitoring. Don’t get me wrong—we use pulse oximeters, CO2 monitors, ECG monitoring, blood pressure monitoring, and temperature monitoring in every patient, but a lot of valuable information can be obtained by using an esophageal stethoscope and by assessing capillary reﬁll time, pulse quality, jaw tone, etc. The point being that we should use all the tools available to us! Again, I applaud Dr. Robbins for bringing this matter to our attention. I would encourage professional schools to re-emphasize the art of physical examination. A.D. Elkins, DVM, MS, DACVS Veterinary Specialty Center Indianapolis, IN Behavior information that is fit to be shared I read with great interest and admiration Dr. Valarie Tynes’ article “10 lifethreatening behavior myths” in the September 2008 issue of Veterinary Medicine. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) plans to provide access to this important article to visitors to our Web site, AVSABonline.org. E. Kathryn Meyer, VMD President, American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior Gaithersburg, MD After all these years, Dr. Miller has still got it I am writing to thank you for your continued inclusion of “Mind Over Miller” in every issue of Veterinary Medicine. I always read his column—it’s the principal reason I subscribe. I particularly enjoy that Dr. Miller has such a wide range of interests and discusses concepts outside the strict deﬁnition of veterinary practice. For example, his recent column on the energy crisis (October) was insightful, and I loved the picture of the wood-powered car you published! You are helping us veterinarians to be more well-rounded and thoughtful human beings. Do you have something This column is a gem in the to say? We want to hear it! veterinary literature. Thanks again E-mail your questions, comments, and for publishing it. suggestions to vm@advanstar.com; write us at Veterinary Medicine, 8033 Flint, Lenexa, KS 66214; or fax us at (913) 871-3808. Rolan Tripp, DVM Animal Behavior Network La Mirada, Calif. VETERINARY MEDICINE December 2008 639 http://avsabonline.org

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

Veterinary Medicine - December 2008 Contents Letters Thanking Our Valued Reviewers Practical Matters Idea Exchange Why Do Dogs and Cats Eat Grass? Managing Atypical and Critical Cases of Primary Hypoadrenocorticism in Dogs Behaviors Suggestive of Postoperative Pain in Cats What to Consider When Considering Digital Radiography Avoid Common Bandaging Mistakes in Dogs and Cats IMHA: Diagnosing and Treating a Complex Disease CE Form/Advertiser Index Marketplace/Classifieds Mind Over Miller

Veterinary Medicine - December 2008

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