VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Podcasts

In today's VetGirl podcast, we review a study published out of North Carolina State University and University of Georgia on the use of positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) in dogs sand cats with congestive heart failure (CHF).

In this VETgirl podcast, we review pigmentary keratopathy in Pugs. About to see a "black" eyeball, and not sure what to do with it? Corneal pigmentation develops secondary to chronic corneal irritation due to primary inflammatory conditions (e.g., pannus), entropion, dry eye, incomplete blinking, aberrant eyelashes, etc. The term pigmentary keratitis implies that there is inflammation component to the primary corneal disease, which leads to pigmentation. While this diagnosis is made frequently in clinical practice, the primary cause of inflammation is not always identified.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review a study published out of North Carolina State University on the use of pimobendan in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and congestive heart failure (CHF). Should we use it?

Today's VETgirl podcast is by Dr. Catherine Lenox, DVM, CVA, DACVN, a board-certified veterinary nutritionalist. She'll be speaking on the role of fish oil and how and why to supplement it in your veterinary patient population!

In this VetGirl podcast, we interview David Liss, BA, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM), CVPM, who is an internal medicine and emergency critical care veterinary technician and the Program Director in Veterinary Technology at Platt College. Here, he provides a review and some tips of veterinary nursing, and why it's so essential to our critically ill, emergent patients! Follow him on Facebook here!

In this VetGirl podcast, we review tramadol toxicosis in a cat (80 mg/kg!) and the general mechanism of action of how this commonly used, scheduled oral analgesic works. We'll also discuss dosing and what drugs to avoid with concurrent tramadol administration. Most importantly, we'll discuss how to treat tramadol toxicosis, what clinical signs you can see in dogs and cats, and overall treatment for serotonin syndrome (including fluid therapy, cyproheptadine, sedatives, etc.).

In this VETgirl blog, we interview Dr. Søren R. Boysen, DACVECC, Associate Professor at University of Calgary on his recent study on "Effects of rapid intravenous 100% L-isomer Lactated Ringer's administration of plasma lactate concentrations in healthy dogs" published in JVECC (2014). In this blog, we find out the whether or not the "L" in LRS is potentially detrimental when used to fluid resuscitate veterinary patients in the emergency room who may have a lactic acidosis. More importantly, we review the differences between d- and l-lactate, and whether or not LRS should still be one of the favorite fluids of emergency clinicians and criticalists (Yes, VetGirl likes it). We also briefly review the use of the handheld Accutrend lactate devices, and what we're measuring with these devices. Finally, we review the importance of lactate when evaluating patients with gastric-dilatation voluvulus (GDV) and whether or not LRS can be used in these situations!

Today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast is by veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Lisa Radosta from Florida Veterinary Behavior Service on Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD); these terms are often used interchangeably. In Part 3 of 3, we discuss medications and their role in the treatment of CCD.

Today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast is by veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Lisa Radosta from Florida Veterinary Behavior Service on Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD); these terms are often used interchangeably. In Part 2 of 3, we discuss diet and supplements and their role in the treatment of CCD.

Today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast is by veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Lisa Radosta from Florida Veterinary Behavior Service on Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD); these terms are often used interchangeably. With our aging pet population, we veterinarians are seeing more behavioral problems in dogs (typically over 9 years). In current studies, 22-28% of elderly dogs showed at least one sign of CDS. So, what should we do? We want to make sure to monitor our patients for DISHA, which stands for:

Ever heard of xenotransfusions - in other words, giving blood from one species to another species (like a dog to cat transfusion)? Ken Yagi, a veterinary technician specialist in both emergency critical care and internal medicine, explains all about this. The popularity of xenotransfusions came into light thanks to social media recently based on a veterinarian in New Zealand giving dog blood to a cat supposedly intoxicated with an anticoagulant rodenticide.

In this VetGirl podcast, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, DACVECC discusses the use of desmopressin (DDAVP) for the treatment of aspirin-induced coagulopathy! So, if you're about to take a dog to surgery, and just found out he's been on chronic aspirin therapy, consider listening to this podcast... it'll help with the oozing!

In this VetGirl podcast, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, DACVECC discusses the findings of a large, prospective multicenter evaluation of coagulation abnormalities seen in dogs following severe trauma. So, should you be running more coagulation panels in your hit-by-car (HBC) cases? If you see a lot of trauma cases in your busy ER, this podcast is a must-listen to!

x 1.0 < current intake, continue with step 55. Select a diet and feeding plan and include treat options Treat calories should be less than 10% of total kcal, and the remaining kcals should be fed as a therapeutic weight loss diet, if possible. The therapeutic weight loss diets are higher in protein in other nutrients and help avoid nutrient restriction despite caloric restriction.It’s always best to ensure that there is adequate protein in the chosen diet. Dogs should receive approximately 1 gram protein per pound of current body weight and cats should receive approximately 2 grams of protein per pound of current body weight.If the pet has concurrent health problems, there are other options – but if you need severe caloric restriction to allow for weight loss, it’s best to consult with a DACVN for these cases. I use homemade diets in a lot of patients that are obese but have other nutritional issues.6. Reassess the patient Patients should lose 0.5-2% of starting body weight per week. I try to give my clients a schedule (e.g. it will take up to x months to achieve ideal weight) so they know what to expect. I recommend checking patients’ weight every 2 weeks until they establish a weight loss trend – that is, they are not losing too quickly or too slowly. After the weight loss trend has been established, the weight can be checked every 2-4 weeks. If the plan needs to be adjusted, I usually decrease or increase in increments of 5-10% of total calories. Make sure you reduce treat calories if you do that, but never eliminate treats entirely. I have the best luck with compliance if I include controlled treat options in a weight loss plan.

Today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast is by veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Lisa Radosta from Florida Veterinary Behavior Service discusses cognitive dysfunction in dogs and cats. Dr. Radosta discusses how to implement a simple, one-page cognitive dysfunction quiz that can be used by veterinary clinics for pet owners to test for it. This VetGirl podcast specifically discusses DISHA, which is short for Disorientation, Interaction, Sleep Wake-Cycle, House-training, and Activity/Anxiety/Aggression level changes.

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In this VetGirl podcast, we review a clinical case example of canine leptospirosis. Small dog from the city? Azotemic with increased liver enzymes? It's leptospirosis until proven otherwise? This podcast reviews a true case example of Darby, a 5 year old Papillon.

Today's VetGirl podcast is by Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, DACVECC. She discusses a published case report of a French bulldog with severe aspiration pneumonia post-ovariohysterectomy and brachycephalic surgery, only for it to develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). She discusses the successful use of a unique type of ventilation called airway pressure release ventilation (with a reverse inspiratory to expiratory ratio). After two weeks on the ventilator, the dog did great! This podcast is vent-heavy and is a must-listen to for emergency critical care residents!

PaO2, SpO2, and end-tidal CO2, oh my!! Dr. Jane Quandt, DACVA, DACVECC explains all you need to know about these confusing abbreviations! Why should you care? Because it lets you assess your oxygenation and ventilation! Find out why you need to care (a lot!) when your pulse oximetry reading (SpO2) is only 90%!

In this VetGirl podcast, Dr. Catherine Lenox, DACVN discusses what you need to know about implementing a food trial in your veterinary patients or pets. So why do food trials? To rule out gastrointestinal disease or cutaneous adverse food reaction. Check out what you need to know and how long you need to food trial your patients for!

Fluid therapy

In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARDS), a condition in dogs in which total blindness occurs acutely, usually over days to weeks. Diagnosis of SARDS is made in cases of acute vision loss with an otherwise normal eye exam, and a flat-line electroretinogram (or ERG) recording is confirmatory. Multiple investigations into the pathogenesis of SARDS have failed to identify an underlying cause.1-4 The average age at diagnosis is about 8 years, and approximately 60% of cases are female dogs.5 The Dachshund, Miniature Schnauzer, and mixed-breed dogs are most commonly affected. 4 The blindness from SARDS is considered permanent, with no reported successful therapy. In addition to blindness, about 40% of dogs with SARDS demonstrate systemic clinical signs of polyuria/polydipsia, polyphagia, and weight gain. These signs may develop prior to the onset of blindness, or shortly thereafter.5,6 Serum biochemical abnormalities including elevated cholesterol, AST, ALT, and ALP are also commonly reported. Despite the clinical resemblance to hyperadrenocorticism, it is very rarely confirmed in SARDS patients.4,7

In today’s VetGirl podcast, we’ll discuss the prevalence and risk factors for growing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus – what we’ll call MRS from now on - from dogs with pyoderma. Clinically, what do we see with dogs that have a superficial pyoderma? Classic lesions include pustules, papules, epidermal collarettes, and crusts.

Questions? You can always contact us via our Contact Us page.

In this VetGirl podcast, we review treatment for canine leptospirosis, including aggressive intravenous (IV) fluid therapy, appropriate antibiotic therapy, gastrointestinal support, supportive care, and monitoring.

Questions? You can always contact us via our Contact Us page.

In this VetGirl podcast, we review the clinicopathologic testing for leptospirosis. The diagnosis of canine leptospirosis is based on clinical suspicion, clinical signs, and clinicopathologic results consistent with leptospirosis. Clinicopathologic findings consistent with leptospirosis include the presence of: neutrophilia, a left shift, lymphopenia, a mild to moderate non-regenerative anemia, hemoconcentration (seen with dehydration), hemolysis (seen with cattle), thrombocytopenia (seen in up to 58% of dogs), azotemia (seen in > 80-90% of dogs), increased liver enzymes (including increases in ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin; these changes are almost always seen with concurrent azotemia with leptospirosis), electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypochloridemia, hyperphosphatemia), and increased creatinine kinase. Additional findings consistent with leptospirosis include isosthenuria, bilirubinuria, hematuria, glucosuria, proteinuria, and evidence of coagulopathy (e.g., increased fibrinogen, FDP, FSPs). Prolonged PT or PTT may be seen in 6-50% of dogs with leptospirosis.

Today's VetGirl podcast features Dr. Craig Webb, PhD, DVM, DACVIM of Colorado State University, who discusses his research supported by Morris Animal Foundation on the use of probiotics in cats. Do probiotics survive the gastric acid, and should you be using veterinary probiotics versus what's over-the-counter? Do they play a role in gastrointestinal disease? Tune into this VetGirl podcast for more info!

In this VETgirl podcast, we interview Dr. Stacee Santi of Vet2Pet on the importance of veterinary apps for pet owners and clients. Think you need one? Listen to this podcast to find out if it's worth the investment for your clinic!

Today’s VetGirl podcast is on food trials. I’m particularly passionate about this podcast since my own pit bull just went on his first ever food trial. Not knowing anything about dermatology, I learned quite a bit from our VetGirl dermatology expert, Dr. Amy Haarstad. So, today’s podcast is going to focus on food trials… and whether or not it’s appropriate to use over the counter foods as dietary elimination trials!

In this VetGirl podcast, we review the transmission and clinical signs seen from canine leptospirosis. When it comes to leptospirosis, there are both saprophytic and pathogenic leptospires. Pathogenic leptospires are shed from renal tubules of both domestic and wild animals, and can remain viable in the soil and environment for weeks to months. That said, leptospires are inactivated by UV radiation and freezing. Infection can also occur through intact mucous membranes or abraded skin with direct or indirect exposure to urine. Rarely, leptospirosis can be transmitted via bite wound, ingestions of infected tissue (e.g., eating raw meat), or by venereal or placental transfer).

In this VetGirl blog, we review the basics about leptospirosis, a thin, motile spirochete with a hook-shaped end that results in zoonotic disease in veterinary medicine. With canine leptospirosis, infection with certain serovars are thought to be associated with certain types and severities of clinical disease, although this is not definitive (Goldstein et al). L. pomona appears to result in more severe renal disease and worse outcome (50% as compared to 78-81%) as compared to other serogroups (Goldstein et al).

Pronunciation help from Dr. Ashleigh Newman!

In this VetGirl podcast, we interview Dr. Greg Lisciandro, DABVP, DACVECC about ultrasound techniques in small animal medicine.

When it comes to treating skin disease, we know that Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a common cause of canine pyoderma. Previous dermatology studies have found that dogs with superficial or deep bacterial pyoderma respond well to clindamycin administration, with success rates of approximately 71-100%. As a result, dermatologists often recommend using clindamycin hydrochloride as an antibiotic for systemic therapy to treat canine pyoderma, with a dosage ranging is 5.5-11 mg/kg once a day to twice a day. In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss whether or not you can use clindamycin at 11mg/kg once-aday versus 5.5 mg/kg twice-a-day when it comes to dosing in dogs.

In today's VetGirl podcast, we interview Dr. Hilary Hu, PhD candidate at Iowa State University. Dr. Hu and Dr. Nick Jeffery are conducting a clinical study on the experimental use of chondroitinase, which may improve outcome in dogs after spinal cord injury.

In this final Lyme VetGirl podcast, we review 3 clinical cases. Decide if you want to treat or not, and see if you learned all you need to know about both acute and Lyme disease and chronic Lyme nephritis.

Did your patient just ingest a toxic amount of acetaminophen (commonly called paracetamol in other countries)? Acetaminophen toxicosis is commonly seen in dogs and cats, and can result in liver failure, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), oxidative injury, methemoglobinemia, and Heinz body anemia. In dogs, the toxic dose is > 100 mg/kg, while in ferrets and cats, the toxic dose is as little as 10 mg/kg. This VetGirl podcast reviews all you need to know about acetaminophen toxicity. Thankfully, this toxicity has an antidote, n-acetylcysteine (NAC).

In this VetGirl podcast, we review initial treatment of chronic Lyme nephritis, focusing specifically on antihypertensive therapy, ACEi therapy, nutritional support, and possible immunosuppressive therapy. For chronic Lyme disease, appropriate monitoring for proteinuria or microalbuminuria should be performed q. 3-6 months. In patients that have continued proteinuria (after 4-6 weeks of antibiotic therapy), a renal biopsy should be considered (to rule out an immune-mediated glomerulonephritis), along with a low-protein diet, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) therapy, and an additional course of antibiotic therapy. If evidence of immune-mediated glomerulonephritis is seen, the use of immunosuppressive therapy is warranted (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate, etc.).

In this VetGirl podcast, we review initial treatment of chronic Lyme nephritis, focusing specifically on fluid therapy and gastrointestinal support. For chronic Lyme disease, appropriate monitoring for proteinuria or microalbuminuria should be performed q. 3-6 months. In patients that have continued proteinuria (after 4-6 weeks of antibiotic therapy), a renal biopsy should be considered (to rule out an immune-mediated glomerulonephritis), along with a low-protein diet, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) therapy, and an additional course of antibiotic therapy. If evidence of immune-mediated glomerulonephritis is seen, the use of immunosuppressive therapy is warranted (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate, etc.).

Phacoemulsification, or small incision cataract surgery, is the preferred technique for removal of cataracts in dogs. Previous studies evaluating visual outcomes following phacoemulsification in dogs report success rates varying from 71.4 – 95.3%. However, there are some potential complications of phacoemulsification, including post-operative ocular hypertension (POH), uveitis, retinal detachment, and secondary glaucoma. In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss the success rate for restoring vision after cataract surgery with foldable intraocular lens implantation…and what you need to know about when it comes to the Boston terrier breed!

In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss clinical signs seen with Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). In canine patients suspected of having Lyme disease based on a positive 3DX or 4DX SNAP test, the decision to treat should be based on the presence of clinical signs, breeds at risk for developing life-threatening chronic effects (e.g., breeds predisposed to Lyme nephritis), and presence of proteinuria or microalbuminuria.

When it comes to skunks, we all know that they can cause an odiferous problem to dogs (and less commonly, cats). Most of us have the “skunk bathing formula” ready to recite to owners on the phone. However, when skunk exposures happen, do we warn pet owners about the other potential health risks that can occur? This VetGirl podcast reviews skunk musk toxicity, and how it can result in oxidative injury, Heinz body hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia.

In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss clinical signs seen with Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). In dogs, three states of Lyme disease can be seen. With acute Lyme disease, dogs typically develop transient fever, lethargy, depression, hesitance to move, anorexia, pain, lymphadenopathy, and acute arthritis (seen as a mono- or polyarthropathy). Joints may be inflamed and warm to the touch. Sub-acute signs may also be seen, where lameness can last several weeks. While clinical arthritis may be transient, inflammatory changes to the synovial fluid may be ongoing and potentially persistent. Typically, lameness in dogs occurs months after tick exposure. Chronic signs include cardiac changes (e.g., bradyarrhythmias such as heart block, etc.), neurologic signs, arthritis and changes related to Lyme nephritis (estimated to occur in 1-2% of dogs affected by Lyme disease).

What the heck is BNP? BNP stands for B-type natriuretic peptide, and is released from left atrial stretch (commonly seen with cardiac disease and congestive heart failure). How important is it, and can it help my patient? In this VetGirl veterinary CE podcast, Dr. Marc Kraus, a board-certified cardiologist on faculty at Cornell University, tells us all we need to know about this soon-to-be bedside test.

In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss transmission, pathophysiology and testing for Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). While Bb can be transmitted by urine, milk, and blood, the most common transmission is likely via tick infestation by hard-shell deer ticks (e.g., Ixodes scapularis or other related Ixodes species). Ixodes ticks have a 2-year life cycle and hatch in the spring (into larvae). A female tick lays approximately 2000 eggs. Larvae become infected with Bb when feeding on white-footed mice, which are persistently infected, but often remain unaffected or asymptomatic. The larvae molt into nymphs that feed on new hosts. While nymphs are less effective vectors than adult ticks, they can still infect their hosts within the four-day feeding period. Likewise, nymphs can become infected when feeding on an infected animal. In the fall, nymphs molt to adults, with 50% of adult ticks in the Northeast estimated to be carrying Bb. Once the tick attaches and feeds, the spirochetes (which live in the midgut of the tick) begin to migrate to the salivary gland and enter the host. Risk of infection is believed to be minimal during the first 12 hours of feeding. Typically, transmission of Bb occurs during prolonged feeding periods (typically > 48 hours).

Bromethalin is a mouse and rat poison that may sound like brodifacoum or bromadiolone, but it has nothing to do with Vitamin K1 or coagulopathy. Bromethalin results in cerebral edema and has a narrow margin of safety. Check out this VetGirl veterinary podcast to learn more about this rodenticide that is becoming more prevalent due to new EPA mandates!

Questions? You can always contact us via our Contact Us page.