Companion collection - How to...

   Hepatic encephalopathy is a complex neurophysiological syndrome that follows a critical loss of functional hepatic mass. It can be challenging to diagnose and treat.

  What are the surgical options for managing oral masses?

   A basic echocardiography examination. Ultrasound machines are in widespread use in general practice though interpretation of images can be difficult. Relatively little expertise can expand their usefulness.

  Ben Harris of Northwest Surgeons on the steps to take when confronted with a bleeding patient.

  The paraparetic dog – Rita Gonçalves of the Small Animal Teaching Hospital at the University of Liverpool on these difficult cases.

 Point-of-care blood gas analysers are becoming more commonplace but interpreting results can be daunting. Helen Wilson with a step-by-step guide.

 Immediate first aid and pain management considerations, a survey of the injuries, and ongoing therapies and management of patients with burns are described.

 In equine medicine, sports injuries are an established part of the workload but this is not the case in small animal practice where disciplines like agility are relatively recent. Lowri Davies explores the needs of canine athletes.

 Chris Shales from Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service works us through the approach to this challenging presentation

 Anaesthesia of birds is often viewed as high risk. Joanna Hedley of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies describes the process and how to minimize the risks involved.