The successful treatment of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and severe hypernatremia, secondary to joint supplement toxicity in a dog.

Objective: To describe a case of the successful management of hypernatremia and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome secondary to joint supplement toxicity in a dog.

Case Summary: A 6-year-old neutered male Dachshund was presented for severe hypernatremia and neurological abnormalities after ingestion of a large quantity of joint supplements. The patient developed evidence of multiple organ dysfunction in the form of increased hepatocellular enzymes, prolongation of prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times, azotemia, and thrombocytopenia.

Mechanical ventilation in a dog with acetylcholinesterase inhibitor toxicosis.

Background: To describe a case of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) toxicosis with ventilatory failure that was successfully treated with mechanical ventilation (MV).

Key Findings: A 7-year-old, female spayed German Short-haired Pointer, presented with acute onset ptyalism, generalized muscle tremors, and diarrhea. Physical examination findings included evidence of muscarinic overstimulation in the parasympathetic nervous system (eg, diarrhea, ptyalism, lacrimation), and nicotinic overstimulation in the sympathetic nervous system (tachycardia), central nervous system (agitation), and the neuromuscular junction (eg, diffuse muscle fasciculations, tetraparesis).

Evaluation of a training course in focused echocardiography for noncardiology house officers.

Objective: To determine whether a training course in focused echocardiography can improve the proficiency of noncardiology house officers in accurately interpreting cardiovascular disease and echocardiography findings in dogs entering the emergency room setting.

Design: Prospective, blinded, educational study.

Setting: University veterinary teaching hospital.