Download Chapter 16 Disease Classes

Chapter 16 Classification of Disease
Veterinary Technology
Disease in Clinical Practice
Classify disease, match them with domestic species in which they occur and discuss
clinical significance.
MAD TIN
• Metabolic
• Anomalies (birth defects)
• Degenerative
• Trauma, Toxins
• Infectious, Immune, Iatrogenic, Idiopathic
• Neoplasm, Nutrition
Not every disease fits neatly into one class! For example, toxins may lead to congenital
defects. (birth defects)
Metabolic
Metabolism - All processes occurring within the animal; cellular reactions
Previously discussed metabolic disorders = diabetes, hypothyroidism, milk fever,
etc...
Pregnancy Toxemia - metabolic disorder common in sheep and goats in last month of
pregnancy.
• Fetuses take up abdominal space, limiting food intake and putting increase of demand
on the mother.
• Fat is broken down as nutrient source, producing ketones.
• Carbohydrate metabolism is disrupted and ketones accumulate in bloodstream.
Anomalies
Anomalies - Deviations from what is regarded as normal.
Six toed cats, heart murmur, two headed offspring.
Hemophilia - genetic defects result in a deficiency of blood clotting factor.
• High risk for serious bleeding problems.
Angular limb deformity - obvious defect in foals where the legs have a deviation to the
inside or outside.
• Abnormal position in uterus, weak ligaments, or failure of bone to form are causes.
• Controlled exercise or splints/surgery may correct.
Degenerative
Degenerative diseases - normal wear and tear that occurs to the body with age.
Arthritis - smooth cartilage lining joints becomes rough and irregular
• Bony spicules deposit around joint = chronic irritation
• Chronic pain and restricted movement result.
Disk Disease - Vertebral disks deteriorate with age and protrude from between
vertebrae.
• Pain and paralysis result.
Trauma/Toxins
Trauma - any disruption of normal tissue integrity
Examples are lacerations, bone fractures and puncture wounds, to name a few.
Robert Jones Bandage - temporary stabilization of limbs below the elbow and stifle.
• Tape stirrups to anchor bandage.
• Roll gauze to apply even pressure and stabilize the limb.
• Stretch gauze to tighten bandage and prevent movement of limb.
• Vet wrap to finish bandage and protect underlying layers.
Toxins - harmful items that can be ingested, inhaled, or exposed by contact
Examples are plants, household cleaners, foods, and Over The Counter drugs.
See table 16-2
Hemolytic Anemia - Breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells from onion ingestion.
Infectious/Immune/Iatrogenic/Idiopathic
Infectious - diseased caused by the entry of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or prions
into the body
Immune - Disease that affects the immune system
(Both have been covered in previous chapters.)
Iatrogenic -Any condition that develops as a result of treatment.
Hypoadrenocorticism
• Allergies are treated with high doses of Cortisone.
• The body will stop making its own cortisone as it’s being provided via the treatment.
• Once the allergy treatment stops, there is not enough natural cortisone production.
• The resulting disease is considered iatrogenic.
Idiopathic - Condition in which current medical knowledge cannot explain an underlying
cause.
Idiopathic renal hematuria - blood in the urine with no detectable underlying cause
Neoplasm/Nutrition
Neoplasm - growth of cells in an uncontrolled manner; tumor.
Benign neoplasm - expand only locally, slower growing, and have well defined
borders. (-oma)
Malignant neoplasm - invades surrounding tissues, rapid spread, have edges
that are not clearly defined. (-sarcoma)
Nutritional diseases have already been discussed.
Clinical Practice
How can we determine what type of disease an animal has?
1. Note the signs/symptoms.
Benji, 25lbs, 10 yrs old, Mixed
Not sleeping through night.
Indoor only.
Diet = dry food.
PU/PD
Low appetite.
Lost 3 lbs.
2. Rule out the obvious.
Anomalies - unlikely given the age.
Trauma - Hx helps rule this out.
Infection - Kidney or bladder infection possible. ***
Nutrition - No diet change; not likely.
Toxin - Hx helps rule this out.
Neoplasm - must be considered due to age.
Metabolic - Diabetes and kidney failure are likely with this history and clinical
presentation.
3. List possible diagnoses.
Kidney failure
Diabetes
Tumor
Bladder Infection
4. Perform relevant tests to confirm/rule out the possibilities.
Complete Blood Count
Blood Chemistry
Urinalysis
Abdominal Radiographs