VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Podcasts

Not sure what you're looking at on your in-house cytology? Dr. Ashleigh Newman, clinical pathology guru resident from Cornell, discusses how to approach evaluating a cytology smear in this VetGirl veterinary podcast.

The use of goal directed therapy (GDT) is prevalent in human medicine, based off a 2001 study by Rivers et al in New England Journal of Medicine. This concept has improved outcome in patients with stroke, acute myocardial infarct, and trauma. Can we apply GDT to veterinary medicine? In this veterinary podcast, VetGirl discusses the concept of goal directed therapy in veterinary medicine, and how we can better apply it to our critically ill patients.

Although more common in cats, aortic thromboembolism (ATE) can be seen in dogs as well. While ATE in cats is commonly seen with heart disease, the pathogenesis and presentation of ATE in dogs can be variable. In this veterinary podcast, VetGirl evaluates ATE in dogs including presentation, underlying causes, treatment options, and prognosis.

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

In today's VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we present the top 5 radiographic interpretation errors to avoid when reading your patient's x-rays. Dr. Matt Winter, DACVR provides some great tips.

The use of steroids in head trauma is a hot topic in both human and veterinary medicine. Theoretically, steroids can reduce inflammation; however, there are many adverse effects which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. While the use of steroids with trauma is debated, the use of steroids with head trauma is currently considered contraindicated. Why? In this veterinary podcast, VetGirl discusses why steroids are bad following head trauma in veterinary medicine.

Don't feel comfortable interpreting abnormal electrocardiograms (ECG)? Can't tell the difference between a bundle branch block from a ventricular arrhythmia? Dr. Marc Kraus, a board-certified cardiologist on faculty at Cornell University, offers a few simple clues to help differentiate ventricular versus sinus arrhythmias, how to calculate heart rate, and more!

All types of veterinarians, from general practitioners to emergency clinicians to specialist end up treating seizuring patients. So, when it comes to treating them, what’s your favorite “go to” anticonvulsant therapy? Ultimately, our goal of anticonvulsant therapy is to eradicate all seizure activity… or at least minimize them to less than 1 per 3 months, ideally. Although this goal may not be possible in every patient, we hope to achieve this goal. With that in mind, which anticonvulsant will help you achieve this? Which one would a neurologist pick? In this veterinary podcast, we compare phenobarbital and potassium bromide in treatment of seizures in dogs.

Xylitol, a natural, sugar-free sweetener, is becoming more prevalent in human foods, baked goods, gums, mints, and consumer products (like mouthwashes, tooth brushes, nasal sprays, chewable multivitamins, etc.). While it is very safe in people, it poses a significant poisoning risk in dogs. That’s because xylitol is a strong promoter of insulin release and can cause severe hypoglycemia and acute hepatic necrosis. This VetGirl podcast reviews xylitol toxicosis in veterinary medicine, including toxic doses, clinical signs, and life-saving treatment.

Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disease in dogs and cats. Unfortunately, while diabetes mellitus alone is often easy to manage, complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can occur. DKA is a serious complication which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. In the emergency room, we often use regular insulin for the treatment of DKA patients. However, with recent drug shortages and backorders, regular insulin is less readily available. What do you do if you no longer can obtain regular insulin? In this veterinary podcast, VetGirl evaluates the use of a new, short acting insulin, Lispro™, in the treatment of ketoacidotic patients to help determine if this is a reasonable alternative to regular insulin therapy.

Albumin is the primary determinate of colloid osmotic pressure (COP). Albumin plays key roles within the body. Hypoproteinemia has been associated with a poorer outcome in numerous diseases (e.g., sepsis, etc.). For this reason, the use of albumin transfusions has become more popular in the past 5-10 years. Due to the side effects of human serum albumin (HSA) administration in veterinary medicine, canine specific albumin (CSA) has been developed. In this veterinary podcast, VetGirl evaluates the usefulness of canine specific albumin in dogs with septic peritonitis.

Oncology cases can be challenging. Something as simple as knowing when to remove a slow growing mass versus when to perform a fine needle aspirate (FNA) prior to biopsy are important tips to know. Dr. Sue Ettinger, DACVIM (Oncology), discusses some important management tools to implement into your oncology patients. Check out this VetGirl veterinary podcast to find out when to start prednisone!

Intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) is an accepted method for acute kidney injury (AKI) in both human and veterinary medicine. It is often considered in patients with severe azotemia, hyperkalemia, fluid overload, or severe clinical signs. While it can be a life-saving therapy, most current publish information only evaluates the short-term outcome following IHD. In this veterinary podcast, VetGirl discusses common reasons to consider intermittent therapy, and also evaluates IHD’s use on long-term outcomes based on underlying diseases.

This VetGirl veterinary podcast tells you how you can implement asthma inhalers and chambers in your clinic and for your patients with feline asthma or canine chronic bronchitis. The use of inhaler steroids (e.g., fluticasone) and/or beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol) can be life-saving in patients with acute respiratory distress. However, appropriate use and medical management (including oral systemic drug therapy) is imperative!

Just made a blood smear? Not really sure what you're looking at? In this VetGirl veterinary podcast, Dr. Ashleigh Newman (clinical pathology resident guru who evaluates blood smears all day long!) gives us a few hints on how to approach blood smear evaluation. Don't forget to focus on red blood cell morphology, platelet clumps, parasites and more!

Glucagon is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels. It has an opposite effect of insulin in the body. An injectable form of glucagon is available and can be considered in hypoglycemic patients (e.g., insulin overdose). In this veterinary podcast, VetGirl discusses the use of subcutaneous glucagon in veterinary medicine.

Diagnosing congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs and cats can be challenging. In this VetGirl veterinary podcast, Dr. Anna Gelzer, DACVIM, provides some simple tips - found on physical exam - in diagnosing CHF. That way, you can figure out how to treat it sooner!

The impedance threshold device (ITD) is a device which attaches to the end of an endotracheal tube; it is used in human medicine to enhance circulation during CPR. You can find great information here about it's use in human medicine. This device works by regulating the influx of gases into the chest during the chest wall recoil phase. In this veterinary podcast, VetGirl discusses the ITD and how it affects the outcome of patients during CPR. Should we be using this in veterinary medicine?

Think you’re all over that poisoning case? Just going to induce vomiting and give it some charcoal? Well, before doing that, don’t forget about those contraindications for emesis induction. More importantly, make sure you’re using the appropriate emetic agent to begin with. In this VetGirl podcast, find out all the pros and cons of emesis induction in this veterinary podcast. It’s full of vomitus.

In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss the use of cathartics, when to use them, and potential side effects (e.g., hypernatremia) seen with their use. Decontamination is still the mainstay treatment of the poisoned veterinary patient. While activated charcoal is commonly used as an adsorbent, there are several forms of activated charcoal: those containing a cathartic (e.g., sorbitol) and those that do not contain a cathartic. Find out all you need to know about accelerating defecation with cathartics!

It is well documented that human trauma patients with low levels of ionized calcium at admission are at increased risk for death. As calcium has many important functions in the body, hypocalcemia can lead to numerous systemic abnormalities. In this veterinary podcast, VetGirl evaluates the importance of calcium in the body – particularly in veterinary trauma patients - and evaluates how calcium levels may affect overall treatment plan and outcome in veterinary medicine.

Questions? You can always contact us via our Contact Us page.Suggested reading:1. Lee JA, Drobatz KJ, Koch MW, et al. Indications for and outcome of positive-pressure ventilation in cats: 53 cats (1993-2002). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005;226(6):924-931.2. Hopper K, Haskins SC, Kass PH, et al. Indications, management, and outcome of long-term positive-pressure ventilation in dogs and cats: 148 cases (1990-2001). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2007;230(1):64-75.3. Edwards TH, Coleman AE, Brainard BM, et al. Outcome of positive-pressure ventilation in dogs and cats with congestive heart failure: 16 cases (1992-2012). J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2014;24(5):586-593.4. Campbell VL, King LG. Pulmonary function, ventilator management, and outcome of dogs with thoracic trauma and pulmonary contusions: 10 cases (1994-1998). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000;217(10):1505-1509.

The impedance threshold device (ITD) is a device used to enhance circulation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This device works by regulating the influx of gases into the chest during the chest wall recoil phase. In this podcast, VetGirl discusses the ITD and how it affects the outcome of patients with hemorrhagic shock.

In this VetGirl podcast, we review baclofen toxicity, a centrally-acting muscle relaxant used commonly in human medicine. Unfortunately, ingestion by veterinary patients can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Clinical signs of baclofen toxicosis include severe dysphoria, agitation, profound sedation, bradycardia, hypoventilation, coma, and death. In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss common clinical signs when ingested by dogs and cats, treatment options, and prognosis.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review the use of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE), otherwise known as intravenous fat emulsion (IFE), in veterinary medicine. ILE has been documented now in both human and veterinary medicine as an antidote for fat-soluble drug toxicities such as macrocylic lactones (e.g., ivermectin, moxidectin), local anesthetics, baclofen, cholecalciferol, etc.). In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss how ILE works, what toxins it is effective for, and how to use this exciting antidote option.

Questions? You can always contact us via our Contact Us page. Suggested reading:1. Waddell L. Blood gas analysis. Clinicians Brief 2012.

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

Transfusion of packed red blood cells (pRBCs) is a common treatment for anemia. Transfusion to a normal PCV is unnecessary and may result in fluid overload due to the volume needed to return the PCV back to the normal range. The goal of pRBC transfusion is to alleviate the clinical signs associated with anemia or decreased oxygen content (CaO2). The question is: how much blood do you have to give to achieve the “desired packed cell volume (PCV)?” In this veterinary podcast, VetGirl will examine transfusion formulas to help you determine how much blood you need to give for these anemic patients.

Chylous effusions are produced when lymph escapes lymphatic vessels to enter the body cavities, commonly the pleural space. In this veterinary podcast, VetGirl evaluates the causes of chylothorax, the species we commonly see this disease in, treatment options, and the outcome with treatment.

Should no animal die without the benefit of steroids? Like a pendulum, the use of corticosteroids is constantly being debated, up one day, down another day. While corticosteroids have many theoretical benefits (e.g., including decreased inflammation, anti-tumor properties, and enhancing appetite), there are many adverse effects which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. In this podcast, VetGirl discusses the use of steroids in trauma patients in veterinary medicine, including the benefits and risks associated with its administration.

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

In the next installment of “Your patient ate what?” VetGirl talks about fertilizer toxicosis. While most pet owners often blame clinical signs on fertilizers, they generally have a wide margin of safety. This VetGirl podcast reviews common components of fertilizers, clinical signs expected, and treatment options.

Colloid osmotic pressure (COP) or oncotic pressure is a measure of water attracting force, which is due to important proteins such as albumin within the body. This is often affected with significant blood loss, loss of protein (either from lack of production or loss via the gastrointestinal tract, liver or kidneys), vascular permeability, or following massive fluid therapy. Rapid measurement in critically ill patients is important to help determine the best method of treatment (e.g., the use of crystalloids versus colloids). In this podcast, VetGirl evaluates the accuracy of testing COP on whole blood as compared to plasma.

This VETgirl podcast reviews the dangers of fluorouracil, also referred to as 5-FU. 5-FU is a topical chemotherapeutic agent commonly prescribed for human actinic keratosis and superficial basal cell carcinomas. When accidentally ingested by dogs and cats, this topical cream can be life-threatening as it has a very narrow margin of safety. In this VETgirl podcast, we discuss toxicosis concerns including decontamination, clinical signs, treatment options, and prognosis. When in doubt, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) for life-saving advice 24/7 as needed!

Lower motor nerve diseases (LMND) cause fatigue, weakness, and collapse. If severe, LMND can affect respiratory muscles, resulting in hypoventilation. In this podcast, VetGirl evaluates causes for lower motor neuron diseases, indications for mechanical ventilation/positive pressure ventilation (PPV), and the outcome of patients treated with PPV. Before putting your LMND patient on a ventilator, do you know the pros and cons?

Post-traumatic seizures (PTS) are complications that are seen following head trauma, notably resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI). PTS has been well documented in human medicine, but not well documented in veterinary medicine. While we commonly warn pet owners about the risks of seizures post-trauma, how prevalent is it? In this podcast, VetGirl evaluates the risk, incidence, and treatment of cats with seizures following head trauma.

Feline urethral obstruction (FUO) is a common emergency condition seen in feline medicine. This disease is not only life-threatening, but can be painful as well. Once the acute obstruction has been relieved, the focus is often shifted to pain management to help reduce urethral spasm. In this VetGirl podcast, we evaluate the use of a new pain management technique - coccygeal epidurals - and how this easy to perform technique may benefit cats with FUO. For more information, check out our epidural video, where we walk through the steps of what you need and how to perform an epidural.

When’s the last time you had to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a patient? Do you know all the cutting edge updates in veterinary medicine? These seven VetGirl podcasts looks at the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) updates, which assess the scientific evidence relevant to small animal CPR guidelines for dogs and cats. This podcast reviews Part 4 of the RECOVER project.

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

Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is one of the most commonly used therapies for hypotension in veterinary medicine. Despite numerous research studies, there is still a question as to what fluid type is best. Should we be reaching for crystalloids, colloids, hemoglobin oxygen carriers (HBOCs), or canine specific albumin (CSA)? In this podcast, VetGirl will evaluate the types of fluid options, indications, and clinical pearls to help you guide fluid therapy in your practice.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review the use of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE), otherwise known as intravenous fat emulsion (IFE), in veterinary medicine. ILE has been documented in both human and veterinary medicine as a possible antidote for fat-soluble drug toxicities such as macrocylic lactones (e.g., ivermectin, moxidectin), local anesthetics, baclofen, cholecalciferol, etc.). In this VETgirl podcast, we discuss how ILE works, what toxins it is effective for, and how to use this exciting antidote option.

Decontamination (which includes emesis induction, gastric lavage, and/or administration of activated charcoal) is an important step in the treatment of the poisoned veterinary patient. Before decontaminating, the pros and cons should be considered, including: the type of toxin itself, the time since ingestion, the stability of the patient, and choosing the appropriate emetic agent. When choosing to induce emesis in dogs and cats, the appropriate emetiic agent should be used (e.g., dogs: peroxide or apomorphine; cats: xylazine). In this VetGirl podcast, we answer all of these important questions to help best treat the poisoned patient.

Pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs) or infectious pneumonia (e.g., due to bacteria, viral, etc.) can result in significant morbidity in our patients… but, does this correlate to mortality too? Our pneumonia patients may present with mild to life-threatening signs of illness. In this podcast, VetGirl will discuss clinical presentation, physical examination findings, underlying etiologies, and the overall prognosis for aspiration pneumonia. Learn about which appropriate diagnostic tests and treatments are vital in these patients to ensure the best chance of survival.

Decontamination of the poisoned veterinary patient typically includes emesis induction, gastric lavage, and/or activated charcoal administration. While the use of decontamination has significantly decreased in human medicine, it is still considered a mainstay therapy in veterinary medicine. Before administrating charcoal to your poisoned patient, however, make sure to weigh the pros and cons. In this VETgirl podcast, we will help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of the use of activated charcoal.

Esophageal foreign bodies in dogs can range from rawhide treats to food to different foreign bodies (e.g., rocks, fishing hooks, etc.). When it comes to diagnosing this subtle - yet potentially deadly - emergency, what’s the best way to diagnose them? How should you treat them? And what’s the overall prognosis for the patient? In this veterinary podcast, VetGirl reviews all that you need to know about esophageal foreign bodies. Questions? You can always contact us via our Contact Us page.

When’s the last time you had to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a patient? Do you know all the cutting edge updates in veterinary medicine? These seven VetGirl podcasts looks at the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) updates, which assess the scientific evidence relevant to small animal CPR guidelines for dogs and cats. This podcast reviews Part I of the RECOVER project.

Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of medications that are commonly used in human medicine for depression. As these medications are the #1 prescribed drug in America, they are becoming more of a problem in veterinary medicine when our patients accidentally ingest them. In this podcast, VetGirl discusses the mechanism of action of SSRIs, how they affect our pets, what signs of toxicosis they cause, and how to treat them.

When’s the last time you had to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a patient? Do you know all the cutting edge updates in veterinary medicine? These seven VetGirl podcasts looks at the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) updates, which assess the scientific evidence relevant to small animal CPR guidelines for dogs and cats. This podcast reviews Part 2 of the RECOVER project.

So, your client calls you at 9pm on a Sunday evening…their dog just ingested something poisonous! What do you do? Is it ok to administer hydrogen peroxide to cats? What dose would you use? Is apomorphine better? What about salt or ipecac? This VetGirl podcast is a must for any clinician treating the poisoned veterinary patient.