Writing up an interesting case as a case report in a journal

Seen an interesting case, and wish to write it up as a case report? ⁠

It is a myth that this cannot be performed in general practice, it can. This is a guide, and hopefully one that is useful for interns and residents in specialist practice as well.

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Step 1. ⁠

Identify an interesting case

Step 2

Literature search - make sure ⁠you find everything that has been written around the topic previously, including other case reports. Sometimes, you may find a case that you think is interesting, only to find that it has been published several times previously. Step 2 is crucial, to avoid wasting time.

From this exercise, answer the question - are their significant differences with my case, to warrant interest and publication in a veterinary journal⁠?

if NO - don't give up! Find another case

if YES - then continue

⁠Step 3

Read these papers inside and out to gain good knowledge of your research area. ⁠

Step 4

I generally now will choose my journal to which I plan to submit the case report (ensure the journal accepts case reports, some only accept larger bodies of research). The reason I choose the journal at this point, is because then I can gauge how they like their case reports formatted, and which information to include in the abstract/introduction/main body/discussion. You can also see how they like numbers/abbreviations/drugs and implants presented e.g. trade name in brackets etc. For this, take a look at a couple of other case reports that have been published in your chosen journal. ⁠

Additionally, I like to know the journal because if you have an endnote library, word has a function allowing you to choose the journal you are writing for. It then automatically formats your reference list when you cite a paper, in their chosen format. It can be changed down the line, but I find it easier at the start.

Step 5 ⁠

Start writing! ⁠You must use professional, scientific language. If you find a similar case report that has been published, this will give you clues as to how to word yours.

Step 6

Have people read your draft and provide critique. Make sure there is not a single error, prior to submitting for publication

Step 7

SUBMISSION - Good luck!