VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Podcasts

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!

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.

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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).