Handy tips and instructions on "How To" perform a range of small animal tasks. Don't forget to check out our "How To" exotics pages for our more exotic small friends too. New “How To” articles and links are added weekly as we build up a library of useful procedures.
Collection and preparation of smears for cytological examination | How to collect and prepare smears, thanks to BMJ and In Practice |
How To - Anaesthesia (small)
Constant Rate Infusions | How to set up various constant rate infusions for analgesia including MLK recipe. Thanks to Veterinary Anaesthesia & Analgesia Support Group | |
In Practice: Alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists in small animal practice 1. Why they do what they do | Simple article on alpha 2 agonists in SA practice. Thanks to Inpractice. |
How To - cardiology (small)
Cardiac Ultrasound - 1 | An introduction to performing an echo. A short video by BCF Technology Vet Kimberly Palgrave filmed in association with The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. | |
Cardiac Ultrasound - 2 | Equipment and patient preparation. A short video by BCF Technology Vet Kimberly Palgrave filmed in association with The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. | |
Cardiac Ultrasound - 3 | Ultrasound machine setup. A short video by BCF Technology Vet Kimberly Palgrave filmed in association with The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. | |
Cardiac Ultrasound - 4 | Right parasternal long axis 4 chamber view. A short video by BCF Technology Vet Kimberly Palgrave filmed in association with The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. | |
Cardiac Ultrasound - 5 | Right parasternal long axis 5 chamber view. A short video by BCF Technology Vet Kimberly Palgrave filmed in association with The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. | |
Cardiac Ultrasound - 6 | Right parasternal short axis view (Papillary Muscles). A short video by BCF Technology Vet Kimberly Palgrave filmed in association with The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. | |
Cardiac Ultrasound - 7 | Right parasternal short axis view (Mitral Valve). A short video by BCF Technology Vet Kimberly Palgrave filmed in association with The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. | |
Cardiac Ultrasound - 8 | Right parasternal short axis view (LA and Aortic Valve). A short video by BCF Technology Vet Kimberly Palgrave filmed in association with The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. | |
Cardiac Ultrasound - 9 | Overview of standard right sided views. A short video by BCF Technology Vet Kimberly Palgrave filmed in association with The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. | |
Cardiac Ultrasound Measurements | How to take measurements of the Left atrium-aortic root ratio, fractional shortening and ejection fraction. Thanks to BCF. | |
Clinical Examination of the Cardiac Dog | A short online video of how to take a history and perform a clinical exam on a dog with suspected cardiac disease. Part of the Ceva Cardio Academy. | |
Interpret Cardiac Radiographs | An excellent concise guide to interpreting cardiac radiographs. Thanks to Vetmedin. Sign in to VetGrad for access. | |
Take Thoracic Radiographs | How To take good thoracic radiographs. Thanks to Vetmedin. Sign in to VetGrad for access. | |
Treat Congestive Heart Failure | A guide on how to treat congestive heart failure. Thanks to Vetmedin. | |
Vertebral Heart Score | How to calculate a vertebral heart score a pictoral guide. Only available when signed in. |
How To - Dermatology (small)
Flea Allergy Dermatitis Work-up | How To work up a suspected case of FAD in a dog. Thanks to Elanco. | |
Useful article on dealing with Canine and Feline Nail disorders. | How to diagnose and treat Feline and Canine Nail disorders, Thanks to IVIS and the NAVC. | |
Slideshow: Cytology sample interpretation | A slideshow on dermatology cytology interpretation. Thanks to DVM360 and Dr. Wayne Rosenkrantz | |
Dermatology History | "Dermatologic History" in "Dermatology for the Small Animal Practitioner", Mueller R.S. - thanks to IVIS | |
Dermatology Tests | "Specific Tests in Small Animal Dermatology" in "Dermatology for the Small Animal Practitioner", Mueller R.S. - thanks to IVIS. | |
Dermatology Trial | "Diagnostic Trials" in "Dermatology for the Small Animal Practitioner", Mueller R.S. - thanks to IVIS. | |
Describe Dermatology Lesions | Taken from "Dermatologic Examination" in "Dermatology for the Small Animal Practitioner", Mueller R.S. - thanks to IVIS. | |
Treat Bacterial Skin Infections | "Treatment of Bacterial Infections" in "Dermatology for the Small Animal Practitioner", Mueller R.S. - thanks to IVIS. | |
Treat Pruritis | "Treatment of Puritis" in "Dermatology for the Small Animal Practitioner", Mueller R.S. - thanks to IVIS. |
How To - Imaging (small)
Please also see "How To - Cardiology (small)", above for cardiology imaging.
Introduction and Ultrasound Machine Controls | A short ‘how to’ video by BCF vet Kimberly Palgrave. Thanks to BCF Technology and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies e-learning unit. | |
Thoracic radiograph mini series | Useful document on reading thoracic radiographs. This section focused on lower airways and lung fields. | |
Ultrasound guided biopsy technique video | A really useful video on how to do an ultrasound guided biopsy. Thanks to BCF Technology | |
Ultrasound guided biopsy technique video | A really useful video on how to do a ultrasound guided biopsy. Thanks to BCF | |
X-ray Exposure Charts | Downloadable exposure charts for small animal X-ray exposures. Thanks to BCF. | |
Foetal Ageing (Canine and Feline) | How to age canine and feline foetus using ultrasound. Thanks to BCF. | |
Completing the abdominal ultrasound exam | A short ‘how to’ video by BCF vet Kimberly Palgrave. Thanks to BCF Technology and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies e-learning unit. | |
Ultrasound exam of the abdominal GI tract | A short ‘how to’ video by BCF vet Kimberly Palgrave. Thanks to BCF Technology and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies e-learning unit. | |
Ultrasound exam of the urinary bladder | A short ‘how to’ video by BCF vet Kimberly Palgrave. Thanks to BCF Technology and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies e-learning unit. | |
Ultrasound exam of the kidney | A short ‘how to’ video by BCF vet Kimberly Palgrave. Thanks to BCF Technology and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies e-learning unit. | |
Ultrasound exam of the spleen | A short ‘how to’ video by BCF vet Kimberly Palgrave. Thanks to BCF Technology and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies e-learning unit. | |
Ultrasound exam of the liver | A short ‘how to’ video by BCF vet Kimberly Palgrave. Thanks to BCF Technology and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies e-learning unit. | |
Ultrasound patient preparation | A short ‘how to’ video by BCF vet Kimberly Palgrave. Thanks to BCF Technology and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies e-learning unit. | |
The ultrasound probe | A short ‘how to’ video by BCF vet Kimberly Palgrave. Thanks to BCF Technology and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies e-learning unit. | |
FAST Scanning abdomen in dogs | How to see all the different views including diaphramaticohepatic view, pplenorenal view, cystocolic view and hepatorenal view. Thanks to the BCF |
How To - Medicine (small)
Abdominocentesis | Page 10 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
ACTH Response Test | Page 12 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Analgesia in Dogs | "Options for Analgesia in Dogs" by L.A. Wetmore, taken from "Recent Advances in Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia: Companion Animals", Gleed R.D. and Ludders J.W. - thanks to IVIS. | |
Anaphylaxis - treatment of | Page 14 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Aseptic preparation | Page 18 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Barium studies | Page 24 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Blood pressure monitoring | Page 31 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Blood sample - arterial | Page 36 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Blood sample - venous | Page 39 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Blood smear - make a | Page 43 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Blood Transfusion | Page 44 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Bone Biopsy | Page 55 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Bone Marrow Aspiration | Page 57 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) | Page 61 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Bronchoscopy | Page 63 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Buccal Mucosal Bleeding Time | Page 65 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Calculate Infusion Rates and Losses | An easy to follow table to work out infusion rates and fluid deficits for IV fluid therapy for dogs and cats | |
CardioPulmonary-CerebralResuscitation (CPCR) | Page 67 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Cardiorespiratory Examination | Page 76 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Cerebrospinal Fluid Sampling | Page 86 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Chocolate Poisoning | How to treat chocolate poisoning. Taken from the Merck Veterinary manual, however I would suggest using Maropitant (Cerenia) to control emesis if required rather them metoclopramide. | |
Complete a Pet Passport | The current guidance notes on completing the new type of pet passport that came into effect on 28th December 2014 | |
Cystocentesis | Page 93 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Dexamethasone Suppression Tests | Page 96 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage | Page 98 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
ECG Interpretation | How to read ECGs including examples of a wide range of abnormalities. Thanks to University of Pennsylvania. | |
Interpret Haematology Results | How to interpret the haemogram - thanks to IVIS. You must sign in to IVIS to access this resource. | |
Naso-oesophageal Tube Placement | How to place a naso-oesophageal tube in a cat in an excellent 5 minute video. Thanks to CPD Solutions. | |
Overview of Neurological disease | Useful very simple overview of neuro disease. Thanks to VNC | |
Safely unobstructing the bladder of an obstructed male cat? | Good helps and tips on dealing with blocked cats. Thanks to Hills and Minnesota Uroloith centre. | |
Urine Crystal Identification | A guide to identifying the different crystals found in urine sediment. Please follow the link and wait for the file to download. The guide may also be obtained from your Royal Canin Veterinary Business Manager. | |
Vertebral Heart Scoring | This excellent video by BCF Technology vet, Kimberly Palgrave, tells you How To perform a vertebral heart score. Thanks to BCF Technology. |
How To - Soft tissue surgery (small)
order test | test link | |
Video on pre- pubertal neutering for cats. | This short video will take you through the neutering male and female kittens from pre-medication to recovery. Thanks to Cats Protection. | |
Analgesia in Dogs | "Options for Analgesia in Dogs" by L.A. Wetmore, taken from "Recent Advances in Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia: Companion Animals", Gleed R.D. and Ludders J.W. - thanks to IVIS. | |
Aseptic preparation | Page 18 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Gastric Tube Placement - Surgical | Page 128 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. |
How To - Orthopaedics (small)
The approach to the feline disrupted stifle joint. | Useful resource to show the approach and diagnosis of feline stifle joint disruption. Thanks to Ireland Veterinary journal and RVC. | |
Analgesia in Dogs | "Options for Analgesia in Dogs" by L.A. Wetmore, taken from "Recent Advances in Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia: Companion Animals", Gleed R.D. and Ludders J.W. - thanks to IVIS. | |
Arthrocentesis | Page 14 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Aseptic preparation | Page 18 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Bone Biopsy | Page 55 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Cast Application | Page 83 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. | |
Cranial Draw Test | Page 92 of the PDF - From BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. BSAVA members, follow the link and LOGIN then select "Access the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice >>" for free access. Remember if you graduated this year you automatically qualify for FREE BSAVA membership until December. |