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Welcome to our monthly VetLit Clinical Publication update, where Dr Simon Cook, founder of VetLit.org, provides an overview and update on recently released studies from a wide range of veterinary publications.
Yes, we talk about the Na:K ratio a lot, and yes it ‘works’ but that’s in part because we use it in populations of dogs where the pre-test probability of having hypoadrenocorticism is high. (We might not even consider the ratio in a dog that clearly has a non-hypoA cause of its presentation).
Look at it another way round – how common is a Na:K of <27 and what are the diseases most frequently associated with an Na:K of <27? Answers (in this sample population of dogs): Prevalence = 6.7%; and not hypoA. Although, hypoA did generate the lowest median Na:K ratio (median of 22) and lowest median sodium concentrations (median 133mmol/L) compared to other disease states.
The most common causes were urinary (renal) in origin, or postulated to be related to states of decreased effective circulating volume.
Simon graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011 with degrees in veterinary science and veterinary pathogenesis. After a rotating internship at the Royal Veterinary College and two years in a busy 24 hour small animal hospital, he completed a residency in emergency and critical care at the Royal Veterinary College. He is currently a senior lecturer in emergency and critical care at the Royal Veterinary College, London. Clinical and research interests combined include immunomodulation, cardiovascular monitoring, patient side ultrasonography and aspiration pneumonia. VetLit.org is his passion project, making literature more accessible to anyone and everyone.
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Why patellar luxation grading is only part of the picture in veterinary patients By Dr Daisy May, MRCVS BVSc, VetPrac Naming the problem is not the same as understanding it: a vaguely philosophical notion that is especially true with medial patellar luxation. The...
