Shows
Veterinary VertexLeveraging Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories for Better Patient OutcomesSend us a textCurious about what happens to your samples after they leave your clinic? Wonder why some tests come back with "no growth" despite clear clinical signs? This eye-opening conversation with microbiologist Kelli Maddock reveals the world of veterinary diagnostic laboratories and how you can leverage them for better patient outcomes.Kelli, Guest Editor of JAVMA's supplemental issue "Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine: From Sampling to Test Interpretation," debunks common misconceptions about lab testing while offering practical advice for getting the most accurate results. The difference between a properly collected, promptly delivered sample and one...
2025-06-0415 minVeterinary VertexAI in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging: Ethics and ChallengesSend us a textArtificial intelligence is rapidly transforming veterinary diagnostic imaging, but are we ready? In this illuminating conversation with veterinary radiologist Dr. Ryan Appleby, we explore the joint position statement from the American College of Veterinary Radiology and European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging on AI technologies.The eye-opening discussion reveals that none of the currently available AI products for veterinary diagnostic imaging meet established standards for transparency, validation, or safety. Ryan walks us through the extensive collaborative process behind developing the position statement and outlines what veterinarians should expect from AI companies...
2025-05-3021 minVeterinary VertexA Wolf at the Door: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in the AmericasSend us a text"A wolf at the door" – that's how researchers describe the growing threat of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), a potentially deadly tick-borne disease that's increasingly prevalent across the Americas. In this eye-opening conversation, Drs. Janet Foley and Andres Lopez-Perez challenge common misconceptions about this dangerous pathogen.Did you know the brown dog tick – a primary vector for RMSF – thrives in urban environments rather than wilderness areas? This tick commonly infests homes, yards, and kennels, putting dogs and their human families at risk even in cities and towns. Drs. Foley and Lopez-Perez emphas...
2025-05-2024 minVeterinary VertexRethinking Routine: How Needles Stay Sharp After Vaccine Vial PunctureSend us a textEver wondered if you really need to change that needle after drawing up a vaccine? In this eye-opening conversation, Julia Tawil and Dr. Rachael Kreisler challenge a decades-old practice that most of us have never questioned.Their meticulously designed study measured exactly how much a needle dulls after puncturing a vaccine vial—and the results might surprise you. Using precise force measurements, they discovered that needle sharpness decreases by less than 20% after vial puncture—well below the threshold considered clinically significant. What matters more? The needle's gauge, brand, and how gently you...
2025-05-1418 minVeterinary VertexAmikacin Concentrations in Healthy Neonatal FoalsSend us a textCurious about the scientific evidence behind treating joint infections in foals? This eye-opening conversation with Dr. David Wallace explores groundbreaking research validating common clinical practices while revealing surprising limitations.Septic joints in foals present a clinical challenge requiring both local and systemic antimicrobial therapy. Until now, veterinarians have largely extrapolated treatment protocols from adult horses without solid evidence supporting these approaches in neonatal patients. Dr. Wallace's research addresses this critical knowledge gap, examining whether concurrent intravenous regional limb perfusion (IRLP) and systemic amikacin administration achieves therapeutic concentrations in both compartments.
2025-05-0618 minVeterinary VertexUltrasound-Guided Celiac Plexus Block: A Breakthrough for Equine Intestinal MotilitySend us a textA groundbreaking approach to equine intestinal motility takes center stage as Drs. Barbara Delvescovo and Marta Cercone join us to discuss their pioneering research on ultrasound-guided celiac plexus blocks in horses. Their remarkable findings reveal that this technique not only restores but actually enhances intestinal motility beyond baseline levels in normal horses—without causing discomfort.Post-operative ileus remains one of the most challenging conditions in equine medicine, significantly increasing mortality rates after colic surgery. Traditional treatments often fall short, requiring a multimodal approach with limited options. This innovative nerve block technique of...
2025-04-2919 minVeterinary VertexBreathing Easier: How Standard Perioperative Protocols are Changing Brachycephalic SurgerySend us a textBreathing new life into brachycephalic airway surgery practices, this eye-opening conversation with Drs. Vanna Dickerson and Mason Hill reveals how implementing standardized protocols can dramatically reduce post-operative complications in our flat-faced canine companions.The surge in popularity of brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs has brought increased attention to the challenges these dogs face during surgical procedures. Through collaborative efforts between surgery, anesthesia, and critical care specialists at Texas A&M University, the team developed a comprehensive perioperative management strategy that's making a real difference in patient outcomes. Their research demonstrated significant...
2025-04-1517 minVeterinary VertexInsights for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Small Animal MedicineSend us a textDr. Jennifer Granick takes us deep into her groundbreaking research on antibiotic prescribing patterns in companion animal practice, revealing both challenges and opportunities for improvement.This conversation unveils the complex reality of veterinary prescribing. Perhaps most surprising is the finding that preventive antibiotic treatments typically last the same duration (10 days) as those targeting confirmed infections—a practice without scientific justification.What makes this discussion particularly valuable is Dr. Granick's practical approach to creating change. Rather than overwhelming practitioners with an insurmountable challenge, she advocates starting small: "Pick one common co...
2025-04-0116 minVeterinary VertexAI in Vet Med: From Bark to BytesSend us a textArtificial intelligence is no longer the future of veterinary medicine—it's very much the present. In this captivating discussion with guest editors Casey Cazer, Parminder Basran, and Renata Ivanek, we explore the groundbreaking AJVR supplemental issue "From Bark to Bytes: Artificial Intelligence Transforming Veterinary Medicine." The conversation reveals how AI applications already extend far beyond the clinical notes scribes that many practitioners might be familiar with. Veterinarians are now using AI-assisted stethoscopes to detect bovine respiratory disease, employing machine learning algorithms to predict Lyme disease risk patterns, and leveraging artificial intelligence to...
2025-03-2527 minVeterinary VertexBeyond the Surface: Rethinking Fish Wound Care with NaltrexoneSend us a textWe take a fascinating dive into aquatic medicine as Drs. Anthony Cerreta and Karisa Tang share groundbreaking findings on fish wound healing. Their study reveals that topical naltrexone in iLEX ointment significantly accelerates cutaneous wound healing in black belt cichlids—a discovery with profound implications for aquatic veterinary care.Anthony and Karisa explain how fish wounds present unique challenges due to the constant exposure to water-borne pathogens, making effective treatments critically important yet notoriously difficult to develop. What makes their findings particularly remarkable is the simplicity of the approach: applying naltrexone oi...
2025-03-1810 minVeterinary VertexJournal Award Winner Minisode: Misoprostol and The Equine MicrobiomeSend us a textThe gastrointestinal microbiome represents the new frontier in veterinary medicine, with implications reaching far beyond digestive health. Dr. Rachel Pfeifle joins us to discuss her 2024 AJVR Resident Award-winning research examining how misoprostol affects the equine fecal microbiome—a study that elegantly bridges pharmacology with microbial ecology.Rachel's research journey reflects the perfect blend of personal interest and mentor guidance, as she explains how her desire for clinically applicable research merged with her advisors' ongoing pharmacokinetic studies. The collaboration that followed involved specialists from multiple institutions, demonstrating how contemporary veterinary research increasingly re...
2025-03-0811 minVeterinary VertexCanine Forelimb Splint Placement: Don't Disregard the Digits!Send us a textDiscover how exposed digits increase weight bearing and alter sub-bandage pressures in dogs with forelimb splints with Sarah Stark, a fourth-year veterinary student from the University of Minnesota. Guided by her mentor, Dr. Wanda Gordon-Evans, Sarah shares her groundbreaking research on forelimb splints and their influence on weight bearing and pressure distribution in dogs. Her study unveils how the design of splints, particularly whether the digits are exposed or enclosed, can significantly impact fracture healing. These revelations not only provide vital insights for veterinary professionals but also open doors for veterinary students to...
2025-02-2520 minVeterinary VertexThe Importance of Recognizing Concurrent CKD in Hyperthyroid CatsSend us a textAre you overlooking azotemia in hyperthyroid cats? Explore the intriguing world of feline hyperthyroidism with veterinary endocrinologist Mark Peterson, who sheds light on why some hyperthyroid cats developing azotemia post-radioiodine treatment face shorter survival times. We'll challenge previous assumptions and dive into new research involving over 1,000 cats, revealing insights that are crucial for making informed treatment decisions for these beloved pets. Uncover the complexities of diagnosing concurrent chronic kidney disease and the critical role of factors like increased blood flow, muscle mass loss, and subsequent treatment options, including medical and dietary therapies.
2025-02-1826 minVeterinary VertexReevaluating Liposomal Bupivacaine: Insights and Implications for Canine Pain ManagementSend us a textJoin us as Drs. Vanna Dickerson and Danielle Hollenbeck discuss the impact of peri-incisional liposomal bupivacaine on postoperative pain scores, opioid use after soft tissue surgeries, and incidence of incision site complications in dogs. Despite its widespread use, liposomal bupivacaine may not be providing the pain relief many expect. With 83 dogs enrolled in their study, these findings challenge the status quo in veterinary medicine, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based care and cost-effectiveness. These revelations could reshape clinical practices, especially in cases where traditional analgesics fall short. Explore the nuances of their study and...
2025-02-1117 minVeterinary VertexUnderstanding Perineal Hernia Recurrence in Dogs: Risks, Challenges, and SolutionsSend us a textDiscover the hidden complexities behind perineal hernia recurrence in dogs as we chat with Dr. Mandy Wallace and Abigail Hatch. Mandy and Abigail provide fascinating insights into the risks associated with hernia development and the challenges of fecal incontinence. Mandy and Abigail emphasize the crucial need for pet owner education. Their discussion offers a deep dive into the nuances of soft tissue surgery, contrasting it with the generally healthier cases found in orthopedic surgery, while sharing personal journeys that led them to this specialized field.Our conversation also touches on the...
2025-02-0420 minVeterinary VertexStrategies for Affordable and Effective Canine Bacteriuria ScreeningSend us a textDiscover innovative strategies for revolutionizing veterinary care as we tackle the complex issue of urinary tract infections with Drs. Kayla Sample, Jennifer Grady, Gregory Wolfus, and Claire Fellman. Learn how affordable, in-house bacteriuria screening tests, such as the SediVue, RapidBac, and in-houes cultures, can redefine practices in veterinary clinics, especially those catering to financially constrained clients. Kayla, Jennifer, Gregory, and Claire share their cutting-edge research from the JAVMA article, providing insights into cost-effective diagnostic methods that can significantly enhance antimicrobial stewardship while improving accessibility and quality of care.This episode dives...
2025-01-2828 minVeterinary VertexRevolutionizing Feline Fluid TherapySend us a textJoin us as we explore fluid therapy in anesthetized cats with our guests, Drs. Stefania Gelendi and Ben Liao. Discover how mild hypothermia reshapes the way fluids are processed in feline bodies, challenging traditional treatment methods and offering a fresh perspective on veterinary medicine. With insights into feline shock management and the complex interplay of temperature and anesthesia, this episode promises to elevate your understanding of fluid dynamics and the unique physiological traits of our feline friends.Explore the groundbreaking revelations of volume kinetic analysis as Stefania and Ben unravel the...
2025-01-2121 minVeterinary VertexA New Age of Veterinary OphthalmologySend us a textWhat are the hidden potentials and challenges in veterinary ophthalmology? Join us as we sit down with Michala Henriksen to discuss inflammatory ocular diseases. Michala's research, featured in the December JAVMA ophthalmology supplemental issue, brings to light the promising safety profile of CBD, while also raising important questions about its efficacy and unexpected ties to elevated liver enzymes. We also navigate through the harrowing 2020 Colorado wildfires with Michala, understanding their severe impact on canine eye health, particularly the rise in corneal ulcerations.But the journey doesn’t stop with canines. Michala sh...
2025-01-1432 minVeterinary VertexJournal Award Winner Minisode: Elasmobranch Medicine and ResearchSend us a textEver wondered how veterinary medicine extends beyond land animals to the fascinating world of aquatic species? Join us as we spotlight David Minich, an AJVR Intern Award winner, who shares his groundbreaking research on Robenicoxib pharmacokinetics in smooth dogfish. Transitioning from studying terrestrial creatures to diving into the aquatic realm, David encounters unique challenges and abundant opportunities in treating infectious and inflammatory conditions in elasmobranchs, such as sharks and rays. Discover how this remarkable recognition not only honors his accomplishments but also ignites his passion for advancing zoo and wild animal medicine.
2025-01-0707 minVeterinary VertexNavigating Pet Owner Vaccine Hesitancy: Insights and Strategies for VeterinariansSend us a textDiscover the intriguing world of pet owner vaccine hesitancy with Dr. Simon Haeder, who brings his expertise and personal experiences to our conversation on Veterinary Vertex. Drawing from his recent AJVR article, Simon offers a detailed exploration of how the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey tool was adapted to understand the hesitancy among pet owners. With over 20% of dog and cat owners showing reluctance to vaccinate, Simon underscores the vital role veterinarians have in safeguarding public health, urging them to build trust and communicate effectively about the risks and benefits. This...
2024-12-2417 minVeterinary VertexA One Health Approach to Detecting and Reporting Non-Native Zoonotic PathogensSend us a textHow can a stray kitten spark an investigation that spans hundreds of miles and delves into the heart of zoonotic disease control? Join us as Dr. Ann Carpenter and Dr. Ryan Wallace unravel the surprising discovery of a raccoon rabies virus variant found far from its expected territory. Their expertise sheds light on the critical yet often unseen role veterinarians play in identifying and reporting zoonotic diseases, underscoring the need for vigilance and the diverse career opportunities within the profession. Through their stories, you'll gain insights into the complexities of rabies diagnostics and...
2024-12-1717 minVeterinary VertexBoosting Veterinary Client Engagement with Benefit-Focused CommunicationSend us a textHave you ever wondered why your clients might not be engaging with your veterinary clinic's preventative services? Join us as we uncover insights with our guests, Drs. Kat Sutherland and Jason Coe, who explore the transformative power of benefit-focused communication in veterinary practices. Drawing from their enlightening research in a recent JAVMA article, Kat and Jason reveal how emphasizing the benefits, rather than just the features, of preventative care can significantly boost client engagement. Learn how to tailor your communication strategies effectively to bridge the gap between how veterinarians and clients perceive value...
2024-12-1020 minVeterinary VertexInnovations in Canine Cancer Treatment: Harnessing ImmunotherapySend us a textCan dogs benefit from the same revolutionary cancer treatments as humans? Join us as we explore the promising world of canine cancer immunotherapy with our distinguished guest, Dr. Tim Fan. Tim sheds light on breakthrough strategies like monoclonal antibodies, cancer vaccines, and adoptive cellular therapies, transforming how we manage cancer in our beloved pets. Drawing from his recent JAVMA article, he explains how these innovations leverage the immune system's power to fight cancer, offering hope for more effective treatments. Learn how advancements in veterinary medicine are extending pet lives, making the fight against...
2024-12-0326 minVeterinary VertexForecasting Veterinary Economics: Supply, Demand, and Data-Driven StrategiesSend us a textLearn about the veterinary economic landscape with insights from industry experts Matthew MacLachlan and John Volk. Learn how historical data and economic models shape the future of veterinary services, as our guests dissect the supply and demand dynamics impacting veterinarians today. With John highlighting the influence of pet ownership and disposable income, and Matt delving into the effectiveness of the ARIMA framework, this episode promises a comprehensive guide to navigating economic instability and forecasting with confidence.Explore how data-driven strategies can revolutionize veterinary practice management. Gain practical advice on building robust...
2024-12-0217 minVeterinary VertexRevolutionizing Canine Wound Care with Nitric Oxide DressingSend us a textDiscover the revolutionary advancements in veterinary wound care with our special guest, Dr. Sarah Marvel, as she unveils the potential of a groundbreaking nitric oxide wound dressing for dogs. This episode promises to change your perspective on treating acute traumatic wounds, shining a light on the impressive median surgical closure time of just six days without any significant complications. Join us as we explore the remarkable antimicrobial effects observed in this study and discuss the exciting future of this nitric oxide dressing in chronic wound management and biofilm treatment. We dive i...
2024-11-2613 min