Brian walker

06/03/2025

HAEMORRHAGE VS INFLAMMATION…⁣
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Just because it looks like blood doesn't mean it is caused by a life threatening HAEMORRHAGE.⁣
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What do I mean by that… blood from oozing irritated tissues caused by inflammation such as post-operative inflammation or inflammatory conditions like pancreatitis can look like a life threatening haemorrhage and make you want to jump into surgery and go and find the bleeder and achieve haemostasis however you might be jumping the gun and making the wrong call.⁣
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The important point to understand here is that fluid can look like a significant bleed but actually be caused by inflammation… again what is the difference??⁣
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A significant haemorrhage generally has a packed cell volume (PCV) that is similar to the peripheral PCV whereas the PCV of an inflammatory effusion that “looks” haemorrhagic can be significantly lower than the peripheral PCV.⁣
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The only way to know is to spin your “blood appearing” sample down and determine the PCV! For me if the PCV is less than 10% then I consider it generally as inflammatory rather than hemorrhage.⁣
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The first photo is a sample that I collected from the abdomen, you can see that it looks like blood. The second photo is that same sample spun down. It has a PCV of 6%.⁣
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My assessment of this case is that this effusion is likely due to inflammation (or a disease process that causes inflammation) as opposed to a haemorrhaging blood vessel. My management process for inflammation is significantly different to haemorrhage.⁣
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Tip: You can collect another sample later and reassess the PCV, if it is increasing slowly then that might mean that a small bleed is occurring, if it is increasing rapidly, close to the peripheral PCV then that will likely mean that a larger bleed is present.

05/05/2025

When a dog's intestines start dying, we've got to move fast. Necrosis has many causes, but these are frequent offenders I see in the ER:⁣⁣
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Intestinal Torsion/Volvulus - The intestines twist around themselves, cutting off blood flow. Large, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes are prone.⁣⁣
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Intestinal Obstruction - Foreign objects, tumors, etc. can block the intestines. Vomiting, anorexia, and abdominal pain follow.⁣⁣
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Intussusception - One section of intestine telescopes into another, creating an obstruction. More common in puppies.⁣⁣
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Infections - Parvo, coronavirus, and parasitic infections can damage the intestinal lining and lead to necrosis.⁣⁣
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Toxins/Drugs - NSAIDs, insecticides, etc. can initiate intestinal injury. Bacterial toxins from clostridium perfringens are also culprits.⁣⁣
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Diagnosing the underlying cause guides treatment. Surgery ASAP is key to resect dead tissue and restore blood supply before sepsis sets in. IV fluids, pain control, and antibiotics support recovery. Don't hesitate to get emergent care if intestinal necrosis is suspected. Faster intervention = better prognosis.

05/05/2025

Pps 🥰

05/05/2025

Blood transfusion triggers in veterinary medicine. As we all know, staying updated on best practices is essential for the well-being of our animal patients. Blood transfusions are a vital procedure that can make a significant impact on patient outcomes, and understanding the triggers for these interventions is crucial for timely and effective care.⁣
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So, why are blood transfusions necessary in veterinary practice? These procedures are often performed to treat animals suffering from severe anaemia, surgical blood loss, clotting disorders, or traumatic injuries. In many cases, they are life-saving interventions that can truly make a difference in the lives of our patients.⁣
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Now, let's talk about the triggers for blood transfusions. Clinical signs such as lethargy, weakness, rapid breathing, or pale mucous membranes can indicate severe anemia, prompting the need for urgent intervention. Additionally, a hematocrit (packed cell volume) level below 20% is often a critical trigger for transfusions, signaling severe anemia. Acute blood loss from surgery or injury, coagulopathy, and certain underlying conditions may also necessitate the need for transfusion support.⁣
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When it comes to making informed decisions about blood transfusions, it's crucial for veterinary professionals to assess each case individually, taking into account both clinical signs and diagnostic results. The decision to transfuse should carefully balance the immediate needs of the patient with potential risks, such as transfusion reactions or the transmission of infectious diseases.⁣
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As veterinary medicine continues to advance, we have seen significant improvements in the safety and effectiveness of blood transfusions. Establishing clear protocols and having a well-organized blood bank can further enhance the efficiency of this critical service. It's important for us to stay informed about these advancements and protocols to ensure that we are providing the best possible care for our animal patients.

01/06/2025

Wishing you all exploetion 2025 💥🎉💯❤️‍🩹🎁

08/14/2023

H20 💦

08/05/2023

In the whirlwind of veterinary life, it's crucial to remember the rejuvenating power of hobbies and life outside of veterinary. Whether it's the physical rush of a morning run, the meditative calm of yoga, or painting, our hobbies offer a sanctuary away from the demands of our profession. ⁣
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For me as a veterinarian, I understand the importance of physical health, but engaging in regular exercise is more than just keeping fit; it's a powerful stress-reliever. It clears our minds, brings emotional stability, and connects us with the natural world around us. The feeling of achievement after a good workout or a peaceful hike is unmatched and vital for our overall well-being. ⁣
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Another more recent passion I have discovered is the art of keeping marine fish, a hobby that mirrors the patience, care, and precision we bring to our veterinary practice. The tranquil beauty of an aquatic world provides a serene escape, and an important time for reflection and calm in our busy daily lives. ⁣
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Embracing these hobbies is not just about taking a break; it's about enriching our lives, finding joy outside our clinics, and developing skills that resonate both personally and professionally. So, take a moment to appreciate and integrate these meaningful activities into our lives, for they are essential in maintaining our mental and physical health, so helping us to be better vets and colleagues.

10/04/2022

Let's talk about the ultimate goal: achieving a harmonious balance between your professional and personal personas. That balance we all crave!!!⁣
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So, how do you strike this delicate balance? Is it even possible to be a dedicated veterinary professional without sacrificing your personal life? The answer is YES, but it requires some intentional effort, clarity and lots of focus!⁣
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- Time Management: Allocate specific times for work and personal activities. Stick to these as much as possible to avoid one encroaching on the other. If gym, date night, time with the kids or a club is incredibly important to you, then schedule that first!! Also communicate clearly your boundaries!⁣
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Remember, the goal isn't to keep your professional and personal personas entirely separate but to allow them to coexist in a way that enriches your life as a whole.⁣
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This journey to balancing your professional and personal personas is a continuous one, and there is no finish line, it will take continuous work as you and your life and career evolve. But with intentional effort, it's a journey well worth taking.⁣
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Keep striving for that perfect balance, and remember: you've got this! ❤️

10/03/2022

10/03/2022

In the intricate world of diagnostics, where the well-being of our furry companions relies on our keen insights, veterinary ultrasound emerges as a master of technology and expertise. How cool is it that as veterinarians, we can use ultrasound to transform sound waves into incredible visuals that tell the stories of health within. 🖼️🔍⁣
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With the ultrasound probe in hand, we glide over a patient's body, guided by our knowledge and experience and the screen responds with images that unveil layers of information, from the rhythm of a beating heart, to the contours of organs and the fluid dynamics that sustain life.⁣
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10/03/2022

IT HAPPENS TO ALL OF US! It is how we learn. ⁣ 😀⁣⁣ Let me share a lesson I learnt a while ago!⁣
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After I have recovered from the shock (that is completely normal) in order to stop the rumination which never helps and to coach myself forward, I ask myself two questions...⁣⁣⁣⁣
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1) What have I learned from the situation and how the outcome resulted? Without self-criticism or judgment.⁣⁣⁣⁣
2) What can I put in place to reduce the likelihood of this occurring again? Within the locus of what I can control.⁣⁣⁣⁣
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This helps me focus on moving forward, learning, improving my systems/processes, and focusing on the things that I can control.
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This new system has helped me over a dozen times since then pick up what I missed the first time.

10/03/2022

If you suspect a patient is suffering from laryngeal paralysis, the following diagnostics should be considered. Radiographs of the thorax and neck are crucial. Thoracic images help identify other lower airway diseases, such as aspiration pneumonia, while neck images can reveal any noticeable masses or swellings. A complete blood count, biochemistry panel, and T4 test should also be part of the diagnostic workup to rule out other comorbidities like hypothyroidism or kidney failure. In Australia, a tick search or clip should be performed to check for paralysis ticks. Genetic testing may be necessary if a congenital disease is suspected, and ultrasound of the neck can be useful as well. However, the most important diagnostic test is the laryngeal examination.⁣
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When conducting a laryngeal examination, it is advisable to first evaluate the lower airway before proceeding with anesthesia. Sedation is necessary for assessing the larynx, but it can also reduce the movements of the arytenoids. Thus, the lightest possible anesthesia should be used to make the diagnosis. The patient's jaw should still offer some resistance, and the smallest effective amount of anesthetic should be administered to achieve the desired effect (visualization of the larynx). Therefore, titration to the desired effect is recommended. Commonly used medications include ketamine, diazepam, propofol, and opioids. Doxapram, a respiratory stimulant, can also be considered. Despite the sedation, doxapram will hopefully stimulate the respiratory system, allowing for a proper evaluation of the arytenoids.⁣
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During the laryngeal examination, it is crucial to assess the entire upper airway. Look for masses, obstructions, swelling, or edema to support your suspected diagnosis. Then examine the larynx specifically, focusing on the movement of the arytenoids. During inspiration, the arytenoids should exhibit maximum abduction (opening). The absence of movement or paradoxical motion (collapse when it should open due to negative pressure during inspiration) raises suspicion of laryngeal paralysis. It's important to note that dysfunction can occur unilaterally or bilaterally.