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A thorough physical examination is the cornerstone of clinical assessment in small animal practice. It provides critical diagnostic information. In dogs and cats, a systematic, nose-to-tail approach ensures no anatomical system is overlooked and facilitates early detection of subtle abnormalities. This article presents a comprehensive guide to the small animal physical examination, highlighting normal and abnormal clinical findings, and essential techniques used to evaluate each body system.

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disorder of the exocrine pancreas characterized by premature activation of digestive enzymes, leading to autodigestion, acinar cell necrosis, local inflammation, and potentially systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). In dogs, it commonly presents with acute vomiting, abdominal pain, and anorexia, while in cats, clinical signs are often nonspecific, including lethargy, hyporexia, and dehydration. The condition may be acute or chronic, with recurrent episodes contributing to progressive pancreatic fibrosis and exocrine insufficiency. Etiologies are often multifactorial and idiopathic, but risk factors include dietary indiscretion, obesity, endocrinopathies, drugs, and concurrent hepatobiliary or gastrointestinal disease.

La pancreatitis, en sus formas aguda y crónica, continúa siendo una causa significativa de morbilidad en medicina de pequeños animales, a menudo subdiagnosticada. Esta patología implica una activación prematura de zimógenos pancreáticos, lesión de células acinares y una cascada inflamatoria sistémica que puede progresar a SIRS o incluso a disfunción multiorgánica (MODS). En perros, se manifiesta típicamente con vómito, anorexia y dolor abdominal craneal; en gatos, los signos suelen ser inespecíficos, predominando la letargia y la hiporexia. El diagnóstico se basa en una interpretación cuidadosa del cPLI/fPLI, ecografía abdominal y la exclusión de diferenciales como lipidosis hepática o linfoma gastrointestinal en felinos. El tratamiento requiere un enfoque multimodal con analgesia, antieméticos, nutrición enteral temprana y soporte de fluidos individualizado.

Heartworm disease remains one of the most clinically significant and preventable vector-borne diseases affecting dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats worldwide. Caused by the filarial nematode Dirofilaria immitis and transmitted by mosquitoes, this potentially fatal condition leads to severe cardiopulmonary damage, thromboembolic complications, and multisystemic inflammation. In dogs, heartworm infection primarily results in proliferative endarteritis and pulmonary hypertension, while in cats, even immature stages may trigger intense respiratory or gastrointestinal signs, often misdiagnosed as asthma or vomiting disorders.

La dirofilariosis, causada por Dirofilaria immitis y transmitida por mosquitos, es una enfermedad grave pero prevenible en perros y gatos. 🐶🐱 En los perros puede causar hipertensión pulmonar y falla cardíaca, mientras que en los gatos, incluso con pocos parásitos, puede provocar signos respiratorios graves o muerte súbita. En este artículo te presentamos una guía profesional y actualizada sobre fisiopatología, signos clínicos, diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención según las últimas recomendaciones de la AHS. 🩺

Gabapentin has become an increasingly valuable tool in small animal practice, particularly for its roles in neuropathic pain modulation, adjunctive seizure control, and anxiety management. Originally developed as an antiepileptic for human use, its pharmacological profile—characterized by favorable tolerability, minimal hepatic metabolism, and wide therapeutic safety margins—makes it especially appealing in veterinary medicine. Despite its growing popularity, optimal dosing, clinical indications, and pharmacokinetics in companion animals remain areas of active discussion and refinement.

La gabapentina se ha consolidado como una herramienta terapéutica versátil en la medicina veterinaria de pequeños animales, especialmente por su utilidad en el manejo del dolor neuropático, como coadyuvante en trastornos convulsivos y en el control de la ansiedad. Su mecanismo de acción se basa en la unión a los canales de calcio tipo α2δ, lo que disminuye la liberación de neurotransmisores excitatorios y contribuye al alivio del dolor.

En perros y gatos, la gabapentina se utiliza ampliamente para el manejo del dolor crónico y postoperatorio, así como en casos de ansiedad situacional o generalizada. En equinos, su uso se ha explorado principalmente en el tratamiento del dolor neuropático y crónico, con resultados clínicos prometedores. Es importante tener en cuenta que su farmacocinética presenta variaciones significativas entre especies, lo cual requiere una individualización cuidadosa de la dosificación y el monitoreo terapéutico.

🔬 Mastering the CBC in Dogs and Cats 🩸

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most fundamental and informative tools in veterinary diagnostics. Yet, interpreting it with clinical precision requires more than reading values—it demands a thorough understanding of hematologic physiology, species-specific norms, and the pathophysiologic implications of each component.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down every element of the CBC—red and white cell indices, platelet parameters, reticulocyte counts, and morphologic assessments—highlighting their diagnostic relevance, associated disorders, and interpretive nuances in dogs and cats. Whether you're assessing anemia, identifying a left shift, or deciphering a leukogram, this article is designed to enhance your diagnostic confidence and deepen your hematologic acumen.

🩺 For clinicians, students, and specialists alike—this is the CBC, decoded. Let’s elevate your interpretation from routine to exceptional.