Neurogenic disorders of micturition.

Anatomic considerations of micturition are reviewed as well as the effects of lesions at various levels on the urinary system as a whole. Proper diagnostic approach, interpretation of results, and recommendations for therapy are outlined to aid the practitioner in handling neurogenic disorders of micturition.

Canine von Willebrand's disease. A heterogeneous group of bleeding disorders.

The term "von Willebrand's disease," refers to a group of inherited bleeding disorders, all of which are caused by a deficiency of the multimeric plasma glycoprotein, von Willebrand factor. The various forms of canine von Willebrand's disease can be categorized into one of three major types: in type I canine von Willebrand's disease, all sizes of von Willebrand factor multimers can be detected in the plasma; in type II canine von Willebrand's disease, only the smaller von Willebrand factor multimers are found in the plasma (larger multimers are absent); and in type III canine von Willebrand's disease, von Willebrand factor is completely absent from the plasma or present in only trace amounts. Von Willebrand's disease is common in dogs, but some forms of the disease are so mild that they are of questionable clinical significance.

Husbandry and medicine of small rodents.

Biology, physiology, husbandry, and commonly occurring diseases of small rodent pets, including the Syrian hamster, Mongolian gerbil, rat, and mouse, are presented.

Biology and medicine of the ferret.

There is still much more to be learned about ferret behavior, nutrition, and physiologic responses associated with aging, disease, and environmental stimuli. The many similarities in the clinical disorders of ferrets and other small companion animals should emphasize the importance of using the same diagnostic methods developed for common companion animals in examinations of ferrets. There is still very little known of the efficacy of a wide spectrum of drugs in ferrets, and judicious use of pharmacodynamic agents that are safe for cats would be a reasonable approach to drug therapy.