Do you have trouble taking good diagnostic dental X-ray images? A good understanding of dental radiology is an essential skill for veterinary nurses and technicians today. 

'Periodontal' comes from two Greek words that mean 'around the tooth.' Periodontal disease is associated with the inflammation and loss of the deep supporting structures of teeth. A number of criteria are used to assess the oral health of a dog and assign a grade. These include the amount and distribution of plaque and calculus, health of the gingiva (gums), radiologic appearance, and the depth of pockets.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains a viable treatment for patients with acute renal failure, particularly in the face of oliguria or anuria when renal recovery is deemed possible. This presentation will focus on the indications for initiating peritoneal dialysis (PD), and the practical application of providing peritoneal dialysis in hospital. Veterinary clinics have many of the supplies necessary to provide PD to patients. This lecture will focus on the equipment and supplies needed for PD, as well as catheter selection and placement. A procedural overview will follow including how to initiate dialysis, how to alter the prescription and clinical expectations. A review of monitoring for the dialysis patient as well as potential complications will follow. The presentation will address the support staff necessary and time commitment involved. Participants should understand the principles of PD, and have an understanding of how to perform dialysis on completion of the lecture.