Echocardiographic parameters in healthy young adult Sphynx cats.

The objective of this retrospective study is to determine normal reference values for 2-Dimension (2D) and Motion-mode (M-mode) echocardiographic parameters in nonsedated healthy young adult Sphynx cats and to compare them to those of the domestic shorthair (DSH). 131 Sphynx cats underwent cardiac screening prior to breeding. The control group consisted of 30 healthy adult domestic cats. A complete cardiac ultrasound was performed on all cats using right parasternal long and short axis views. There were few echocardiographic parameters in the Sphynx that differed from those of the healthy DSH. Only the left atrial (LA) dimension in 2D and M-mode, the left atrial/aortic (LA/Ao) ratio and the internal dimension of the left ventricle in systole (LVIDs) measured with M-mode were different. In conclusion, although the heart of Sphynx cat can often have a particular 2-D echocardiographic appearance, the M-mode cardiac dimensions are similar to those of the DSH.

The poster session: an overlooked management tool.

One approach to addressing recruitment and retention, image, and staff morale issues is through poster sessions held by local, state, and national organizations. When you and your staff communicate your projects through a poster session, you increase the visibility of your institution and nursing department, as well as your staff's professional development and morale. The authors discuss guidelines for developing poster presentations that will effectively and professionally communicate your ideas.