VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Podcasts

In today's VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we review a common presenting complaint to emergency veterinarians: hemoabdomen. Most of us know that the majority of spontaneous hemoperitoneums are due to bleeding splenic masses (malignant or not), and if you’re dealing with a hemangiosarcoma, the long term prognosis isn’t great. But have you thought about what factors might be associated with a worse perioperative outcome (for example, from the time of admission for the bleed through surgery to discharge) in this critically ill, emergent population?

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we review TRALI (again, as it's super important!). Have you ever heard of TRALI? The acronym stands for transfusion-related acute lung injury, and is a type of acute lung injury (ALI) recognized in human patients receiving transfusions. In people, this syndrome occurs either immediately after transfusion (TRALI) or within 6-72 hours of transfusion (delayed TRALI). It is characterized by an acute onset of clinical signs, hypoxemia and bilateral lung infiltrates in the absence of heart disease, and no ALI before the transfusion. TRALI can affect between 5-25% of human ICU patients receiving transfusions, and can be life-threatening. In veterinary patients, the condition is termed VetALI and is characterized by similar criteria, including:

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we review cocaine toxicosis in dogs. Have you ever seen a patient with cocaine toxicosis in your practice? Do you know how to recognize one? What do you tell owners about prognosis with treatment?

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we review the use of heparin versus saline flushes. Which is better?

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we review whether mixing dog food with activated charcoal works. After all, it's usually easier to get a dog to eat the charcoal if you mix it with some palatable food with poisoning cases, right? Well, have you ever wondered about the effect of that food on the adsorptive capacity of the charcoal? Will it decrease its efficacy in terms of helping to eliminate that toxin from your patient’s system?

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we review the association between previous splenectomy and gastric-dilatation volvulus (GDV) in dogs. Picture this scenario: it’s late into your overnight emergency shift, and you’re cutting a hemoabdomen in a middle age, large breed dog. You found a bleeding splenic mass and removed it, and now you’re trying to decide if you should do a prophylactic gastropexy. Sounds familiar, right? Well, there are actually some theories out there that suggest splenectomy might increase a patient’s risk for GDV, so considering that pexy might be smart. Possible reasons for this increased risk include the void created by removal of the spleen (especially if it was enlarged) leading to increased gastric mobility, or stretching of the ligaments in the cranial abdomen due to a splenic mass, torsion, or previous episodes of gastric dilatation (without volvulus). But, regardless of these theories, previous studies have been mixed, so how are you going to decide if you should pexy this dog that’s on the table?

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. David Maggs, BVSc, DACVO, Professor of Ophthalmology at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine on the use of lysine supplementation in cats with herpesvirus. Does it work? A recent paper adamantly debunked its use (Boll et al), and veterinarians are left wondering - should I be recommending this (safe and benign) medication? When in doubt, consider reaching for topical antivirals instead...

diagnostic-imaging-radiologyIn today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Anthony Fischetti, DACVR, Department Head of Radiology at the Animal Medical Center in New York. Here, this veterinary podcast reviews some great tips on "FAST" ultrasound to what type of probe you need to how to avoid some common mistakes when interpreting radiographs!

How do you measure blood pressure non-invasively in your patients? Do you use Doppler? Oscillometric? Do you perform the measurement with your patient sitting or standing? Do you always do it the same way? Have you ever given it much thought? Well, in today's VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we review the effect of body position on blood pressure measurement in dogs.

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we review C-reactive protein levels and whether or not they can be useful in managing your parvovirus cases.

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we review the use of pimobendan in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD). Pimobendan (commonly known as Vetmedin in the United States) is a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor and calcium sensitizer. It is commonly used as a therapy for congestive heart failure and is often referred to as an “inodilator” due to its positive inotropic and peripheral vasodilatory mechanisms of action.

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we review a common plant toxicosis seen in both dogs and cats: insoluble calcium oxalate containing plants. We'll also review the less common plant toxicant soluble calcium oxalate containing plants and discuss the difference between the two types.

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we review patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Left-to right patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most common congenital heart defect in dogs. PDA also occurs in cats but with much lower incidence. If PDA is left untreated, it results in left-sided volume cardiac overload, with a high incidence of congestive heart failure (CHF) within the first year of life. Definitive treatment usually carries a good prognosis and consists of attenuation of flow across the PDA by either surgical ligation (e.g., via thoracotomy) or placement of occlusion devices (e.g., such as coils, plugs or occluders) from within the vascular space via a transcatheter/transvascular approach. Both methods are highly successful in dogs, with transvascular methods preferred as they are less invasive and have a lower rate of major complications. So what about cats? Unfortunately, these approaches can both be more difficult in cats due to their small size. To date, minimal data exists in veterinary literature about correction of PDAs versus medical management in cats.

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we review Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI). In veterinary medicine, the use of transfusions has become more prevalent, particularly in the field of emergency and critical care. Transfusion medicine is important to help improve oxygen delivery, provide coagulation factors, and provide hemoglobin. That said, the benefits of transfusions must outweigh the risks - albeit rare - from the product itself.

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we review updates in treatment for canine parvovirus (CPV). As parvovirus can result in severe dehydration, secondary hypovolemia, hypoglycemia, sepsis, and DIC, rapid identification, recognition of clinical signs, and treatment should occur to ensure the best outcome. In this Part 2 of 2 podcasts, we review the clinicopathologic results of parvovirus and focus on treatment of the critically ill pediatric patient.

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we review updates in treatment for canine parvovirus (CPV). As parvovirus can result in severe dehydration, secondary hypovolemia, hypoglycemia, sepsis, and DIC, rapid identification, recognition of clinical signs, and treatment should occur to ensure the best outcome. In this Part 1 of 2 podcasts, we review the etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical signs of parvovirus.

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we review the significance of pulmonary hypertension in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (or what we’ll call MMVD from now on). Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is thought to commonly occur in dogs with MMVD due to passive elevations in pulmonary venous and capillary pressures; this can progress to pulmonary arterial vasoconstriction and remodeling of pulmonary vasculature (with the latter considered an irreversible stage).

In today's VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we interview Dr. Deborah Silverstein, DACVECC, Associate Professor of Critical Care at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine. (She's also one of the co-editors for the fantastic book Small Animal Critical Care Medicine). She talks about all the scary acronyms of critical care: SIRS, MODS, sepsis, and septic shock. So, if you don't think you see Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) or multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), think again. Tune in to learn what you need to do to treat your critically ill patient.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we review Herring et al's recent publication in Journal of Veterinary Emergency Critical Care called "Intravenous lipid emulsion therapy in three cases of canine naproxen overdose." Naproxen, an OTC or prescription human NSAID, has a narrow margin of safety in dogs and cats. As little as 5 mg/kg can result in gastrointestinal distress (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) while doses > 10-25 mg/kg can result in acute kidney injury (AKI). Doses > 50 mg/kg can result in central nervous system signs (e.g., tremors, coma, etc.).

Who likes treating dyspneic cats?

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we interview Dr. Kelly Hall on what the Veterinary Committee on Trauma (VetCOT) Veterinary Trauma Center (VTC) network is. The goal of VETCOT is to create a network of lead hospitals that seed development of trauma systems. There are three different levels (1 through III) of Veterinary Trauma Centers. This is different from VECCS Facility Certification. These hospitals will work collaboratively to define standards of care and disseminate information that improves trauma patient management efficiency and outcome. Find out more about VetCOT here!

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE blog podcast, we interview Dr. Allison Sande, DACVIM, DACVECC on her JVECC publication on acute liver failure in dogs and cats. What are the underlying causes of acute hepatic necrosis in dogs and cats, and what is the overall treatment and prognosis? Learn more in this VETgirl podcast!

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of heart disease in cats and carries a particularly poor prognosis for those cats with HCM that experience aortic thromboembolism (ATE), congestive heart failure (CHF), and distortion of cardiac chamber dimensions and function. Assessment of cardiac biomarkers such as cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) in various disease states has increased in human and veterinary medicine but little prognostic data is available for these biomarkers with HCM in cats. Both cardiac biomarkers appear to carry prognostic value in humans with HCM. So, Borgeat et al out of Royal Veterinary College wanted to investigated whether a single measurement of NTproBNP or cTnI would provide such value in cats with HCM in a study called Plasma Cardiac Troponin I Concentration and Cardiac Death in Cats with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast blog, we interview Dr. Lindsey Nielsen, DACVECC on her study that she conducted retrospectively at Angell Animal Medical Center on the the use of fenoldopam. Fenoldopam is a selective D1 receptor partial agonist used to help attempt to vasodilate the renal vessels in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients. So, does fenoldopam help increase urine output and improve the outcome with AKI (No.)? Here, a review of AKI, fluid therapy, dopamine, mannitol, or other unique drugs like fenoldopam.

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, David Liss, RVT, discusses how to best utilize your veterinary technician in helping you manage emergencies in daily practice. Are you not taking the time to do "doctor things" during an emergency? Check out this podcast to learn what you can do to improve your efficiency thanks to the help of your team!

In this VETgirl podcast, we review the clinical utility of Holter monitoring in dogs with advanced myxomatous mitral valve disease with or without a history of syncope.

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we interview Dr. Lauren Sullivan, DACVECC, an Assistant Clinical Professor at CSU. She reviews this common infectious disease affecting immunocomprised, poorly vaccinated puppies, and discusses etiology, clinical signs, treatment, and some new updates in veterinary medicine. In a recent study at CSU, the use of outpatient therapy with canine parvovirus can still yield a good prognosis. Check out this VETgirl podcast for more information and get your street medicine on!

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, Dr. Lisa Radosta, DACVB from Florida Veterinary Behavior Service discusses litterbox size preference in domestic cats. As inappropriate urination is the #1 feline behavioral disorder, help your clients by educating them on what exact size box is appropriate for the average-sized cat.

In today's VETgirl podcast, we review the importance of performing a venous blood gas in the vomiting patient. Why? Because when we see a hypochloremic, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, we should be ruling out an obstructive gastrointestinal (GI) foreign body. Previously, the presence of a metabolic alkalosis has been associated with a upper GI (e.g., pyloric) foreign body. Why? Because of protracted vomiting and loss of chloride, which deletes the body of an anion. In order to maintain electroneutrality, when a sodium (Na+) moves, a negatively charged anion must exchange with it. While this is typically chloride, if the body is chloride deplete, it absorbs bicarbonate (HCO3-) instead, resulting in the classic metabolic alkalosis.

In today's VETgirl podcast, we review feline arterial thromboembolism (FATE) - otherwise known as arterial thromboembolism (ATE). FATE is commonly associated with underlying cardiomyopathy and most commonly affects peripheral limbs. The high morbidity and mortality thus carry a generally poor prognosis, with euthanasia a frequent outcome. Cats may present with concurrent congestive heart failure (CHF). For the minority of cats who achieve partial or complete resolution of ATE, the likelihood of recurrent ATE is high.

In this VETgirl podcast, Dr. Lisa Powell, DACVECC reviews a study out of Tufts University assessing the time of antimicrobial administration in the treatment of septic peritonitis and overall survival. Does it matter when you reach for a vial of antibiotics in your emergent or critically ill patients? The goals of this study were to determine whether creation and implementation of a canine abdominal sepsis protocol decreased time to antimicrobial administration in dogs with septic peritonitis.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, Dr. Anusha Balakrishnan from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine reviews how to handle the respiratory emergency in dogs and cats. In this 30-minute podcast, she reviews approach, signalment, oxygen therapy, general handling, differential diagnoses, pharmacological interventions, and overall treatment. So, don't get tachypneic with your dyspneic patients and get all your tips here!

In this VETgirl podcast, we review patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and the long-term outcome. Should you be recommending your puppies for PDA closure?

Traditionally, the PF is used to evaluate the severity of acute lung injury (ALI, < 300) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS, < 200). But can we use our pulse oximetry as a non-invasive way of obtaining assessment?

Today's VETgirl podcast is an interview with Dr. Jeremy Campfield, an emergency veterinarian from southern California. He's a blogger for DVM360 at Death to Debt, and recently lectured as an IGNITE speaker at NAVC 2015. In today's podcast interview, he discusses his views on how to pay off the overwhelming, massive debt associated with veterinary school. Here, Dr. Campfield reviews a few key tips on how to pay off your veterinary school loans. Please note that Dr. Campfield is not a financial advisor, and the opinions expressed here are his own!

In this VETgirl podcast, we review platelet activation in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Arterial thromboembolism - more commonly known as saddle thrombus - in cats with HCM occurs secondary to intracardiac thrombi formation, believed associated with Virchow's triad: underlying endocardial injury, blood stasis (e.g., left atrial blood flow), and a disease condition that predisposes towards a hypercoagulable state (e.g., cardiac disease, IMHA, neoplasia, etc.).

In today's VETgirl podcast, we review sewing needle foreign bodies in dogs and cats. Should we treat these with endoscopy, surgery or medical management?

In this VETgirl podcast, we discuss how to perform a thoracocentesis in the dyspneic dog or cat. If you don’t commonly perform a thoracocentesis, you may not feel comfortable. However, keep in mind that thoracocentesis is easy to perform and is generally safe.

In this VETgirl podcast, we review the diagnostic yield of cytologic analysis of pericardial effusion in dogs. Is it worth submitting fluid analysis and cytology for your hemorrhagic sample?

In this VETgirl podcast, Dr. Lisa Powell, DACVECC reviews a study out of Canada that reviews the effects of tetrastarch, a synthetic colloid fluid on hemodynamic and laboratory variables in both healthy dogs and dogs with systemic inflammation. The goal of this study was to evaluate the response of administering equal volumes of isotonic crystalloids (0.9% saline) and synthetic colloids (e.g., tetrastarch) on hemodynamic and laboratory variables in dogs. This study looked at two population of dogs: healthy dogs and dogs with systemic inflammation. This study also evaluated several parameters including heart rate (HR), blood pressure, PCV, total protein (TP), lactate, and colloid osmotic pressure (COP) measurements.

In today's VETgirl podcast, we review potential side effects of chronic inhalant glucocorticoids in cats.

In today's VETgirl podcast, Dr. Nathan Lee, a board-certified radiation oncologist, reviews all you need to know about radiation therapy (RT) in veterinary medicine. What are the side effects and pros or cons? How much does it cost? What's the difference between traditional RT and stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT)? What tumors does it work best for? Get your veterinary continuing education through our tech-savvy VETgirl podcasts and webinars!

In today's VETgirl podcast, Dr. Lisa Powell, DACVECC, reviews pneumomediastinum in cats. This original study was published by Thomas et al out of University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, and characterizes the incidence, causes, presenting complaint, clinical course, and outcome of cats diagnosed with pneumomediastinum.

In today's veterinary online podcast, we interview VETgirl's COO Dr. Garret Pachtinger on some recent veterinary studies about anticoagulant rodenticide (ACR) toxicosis. How should we test for it? Should we run a prothrombin and when? Should we automatically treat with Vitamin K1 therapy? Tune in to find out more!

In today's VETgirl podcast, we interview Dr. Amie Koenig, an Associate Professor at University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine on her recent publication in JAVMA entitled "Formulation and validation of a predictive model to correct blood glucose concentrations obtained with a veterinary point-of-care glucometer in hemodiluted and hemoconcentrated canine blood samples."

In this VETgirl podcast, we review subaortic stenosis (SAS) in dogs, and whether or not the affect of certain cardiac medications (e.g., specifically beta-blockers) affect the overall survival. Subaortic stenosis, more commonly causes SAS, is a common congenital cardiac condition in dogs; it is characterized by a fibrous ring/ridge of tissue below the aortic valve, causing narrowing of this region and secondary pressure overload to the left ventricle. The severity of SAS is determined by the left ventricular-to-aorta pressure gradient (PG), with severe pressure gradients considered to be ≥ 80 mm Hg. In general, the prognosis for mild to moderate SAS is generally considered significantly better than for severe SAS with minimal treatment initiated for the former group. In cases with severe SAS, prior data is limited to a single, small study that reported a 19 month median survival.1,2 As a result, the overall long-term prognosis for severe SAS has been considered to be poor. Treatment of severe SAS has been limited to:

In today's veterinary online continuing education podcast, we interview VETgirl's COO Dr. Garret Pachtinger on some recent veterinary literature about the accuracy of canine pancreatitis tests such as SNAP and Spec canine pancreatic lipase tests. What tests should you use, and what has shown to be the most effective? Should we be using these tests in every dog that presents for vomiting (No!). Tune in to VETgirl to learn how to diagnose pancreatitis... especially if you don't have abdominal ultrasound readily available!

In this VETgirl podcast, we discuss why it's so important that everyone in veterinary medicine Lean In - regardless if you're male or female. Is there a lack of women in leadership in veterinary medicine? (Please see the article previously published here in Veterinary Team Brief).

Parameters were measured as soon as the patient was induced, at 30 and 60 minutes afterwards, and overall. What'd this study find? Overall, this study found that those patients that received 20 mL of LRS/kg/hour had the greatest total and perfused density vessel (in those vessels that were > 20 μm in diameter, which are mostly venules and arterioles).

In today's veterinary podcast, we interview VETgirl's COO Dr. Garret Pachtinger on some recent veterinary studies that he likes. Too busy to read your veterinary journal? Tune in for our online veterinary continuing education to learn it! Tune in to find out about what's more effective: buprenorphine or butorphanol for ovariohysterectomies in cats, or heparin versus just plain saline for flushing IV catheters. Learn it here with VETgirl!