Method for Creating a Micrososoftexcel-Based Consultantant Diagnostic Database for Canine Infectious Diseases

Objective: Small animal veterinary specialists and veterinary general practitioners from resource poor settings have a challenge in accessing information on canine diseases that can assist them understand further thedifferential diagnoses of the diseases. A simple consultant diagnostic searchable databasethat contains detailedinformation about specific canine diseases would be cardinal and greatly assist veterinarians innarrowing down and further understanding the differentialdiagnoses of canine infectious diseases. The objective of this study was to createa method for developing anMicrosoft (MS) Excel-based searchable consultant diagnostic database that can be used by veterinarians in resource poor settings to assist in narrowing down the differential diagnoses.

Methods: The tool was developed using excel visual basic for applications. In Microsoft excel Visual Basic for Applications, dynamic searchable drop-down combo boxes were created to enable users to key in clinical signs. Codes were written in modules in order to define macros that provided functionality for the “search” button to execute a search for the differential diagnosis.

Results: The database contains drop-down combo boxes for inputting clinical signs, a search button and cells for displaying the differential diagnosis. Each canine disease in the database can besummarized in terms of the aetiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, control and treatment. In addition,a list of referencesand hyperlinkscan be provided which the veterinarian can consult for more information on each disease within the database.

Conclusion: This database will help in assisting veterinarians to easily access relevant information on the differential diagnosis of canine diseases. The usefulness of this searchableconsultant diagnostic data base is discussed in relation to other consultant veterinary diagnostic databases.