Improve International Partners With VECCS
Last week, Improve International started a unique partnership with the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) to elevate the global standard of emergency medicine in practice. The two organizations are collaborating to raise awareness of Improve...New Training Facility Opens in Germany
Today, we reveal our first wet-lab training facility in Neu-Isenburg (Frankfurt, Main-Germany) to enhance the learning of veterinary professionals across the country. At today’s opening event, friends of the Improve International Group joined to celebrate the...The Improve International Group Supports ATVs at IBERZOO PROPET 2023
The Improve International Group joins the Iberzoo Propet 2023 in Madrid, Spain, one of the biggest events in the peninsula, to help vets and veterinary technicians understand which training opportunities are available to them. Its focus this year is on its new courses...#EmbraceEquity Celebrated by Improve International Group on IWD 2023
This International Women’s Day, staff across the Improve International Group have come together to #EmbraceEquity in this year’s global campaign. The CPD provider had staff members take photos of themselves supporting the arms-crossed gesture of #EmbraceEquity, with...Vets to Explore Small Animal Surgery in New Free Trial
We are delighted to release a brand-new free trial for our postgraduate Small Animal Surgery program to give vets an insight into the full two-year training. This online trial offers an introduction video, a taster lesson and two interactive diagnostic case studies...Canine Otitis externa – Treatment and complications
Otitis externa is a very common aliment in dogs caused by an inflammatory process of the external ear canal, resulting in either an acute or chronic nature.
Ondansetron for the treatment of nausea in dogs with vestibular syndrome
Vestibular system disorders are a common presentation in everyday clinical practice. Nausea is a complex multi-dimensional sensation and a common clinical sign in dogs with vestibular syndrome. It is difficult to evaluate and often associated with the urge to vomit; however, it is not necessarily associated with the result of vomiting.
A pilot study: appeasing pheromone diffuser products for managing of feline aggression
Cats are very socially flexible animals ranging from very independent to living in proximity. Their interactions are influenced by several factors such as lived experiences in an early onset and also resource availability.
Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol in Calves
Cannabidiol’s (CBD) studies have increased over the years due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. There are studies in both humans and animals and it is already widely used in humans and dogs. However, there is very little information about its effect on livestock.
Cheetahs balance ‘turn capacity’ with pace when chasing prey
Scientific comprehension of the strategies predators adopt when pursuing prey is still very limited. Technological advances have allowed the development of various sensors that can measure movement and collect data to document hunting strategies. In this study, the...Equine Oncology: Don’t horse around looking for answers
Earlier this year, we launched our unique online veterinary Academy Series in association with the University of Cambridge. This November, the Equine Oncology semester will be run by the Cambridge Equine Hospital, whose team consists of Anna Hollis, the only equine...Stress and strain among veterinarians: a scoping review
In the veterinary field adding to the previous stressors, we have changing working schedules, financial issues, client demands/expectations and ethical dilemmas.
Regular Positive Reinforcement training increases contact-seeking behaviour in horses
Horses are frequently trained based on negative reinforcement. Nevertheless, recently, positive reinforcement training has become increasingly popular.
Esophageal and gastric bone foreign bodies
Bone foreign bodies are a common emergency in small animal veterinary practice. The way the clinician chooses to deal with them depends not only on its location, but also on its material.
Evaluation of serum cardiac troponin-I concentrations for diagnosis of infective endocarditis in dogs
Infectious endocarditis (IE) is a microbial infection that causes inflammation of at least one of the cardiac valves or the endocardial surface of the cardiac chambers.
The efficacy of a nutritional supplement containing green-lipped mussel, curcumin and blackcurrant leaf extract in dogs and cats with osteoarthritis
One of the most common orthopedic findings in cats and dogs is osteoarthritis (OA), with an estimated prevalence of 90% in dogs after 5 years of age. This is a chronic and progressive condition that affects the quality of life of pets.
Revisiting the pathophysiology of heatstroke
Heat stroke is an extremely lethal syndrome, caused by high core body temperature. It is characterized by the inability to dissipate heat during exposure to hot environments, or during intense physical exercise under heat stress.
Neurofilament light chain as a biomarker of meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology in dogs
Neurofilaments (Nfs) are neuron specific proteins that are highly expressed in axons. When axonal damage occurs, Nfs are released into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood stream. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) concentration in the CSF and blood have recently shown to reflect neuroaxonal damage and could be potential biomarkers for disease progression in humans.
Equine parvovirus hepatitis
In 1918 Theiler’s disease was first described in a group of horses in South Africa after the administration of an equine biological. This disease is characterized by acute hepatic necrosis and fulminant liver failure.
Antimicrobial discontinuation in dogs with acute aspiration pneumonia
Aspiration Pneumonia (AP) is a usual cause of bacterial pneumonia in veterinary practice. It is currently diagnosed based on compatible anamneses, clinical signs, and imaging.
Making the most of your veterinary career connections how to make and maintain your network
It’s a known fact that professional network is influential in all occupational fields and veterinary medicine isn’t an exception. A research study done by the platform LinkedIn has found that 85% of job opportunities were tied to previous connections.
Leishmaniosis in a cat with chronic diarrhoea as the only clinical manifestation
Leishmaniosis is a disease with limited information related to epidemiologic and clinical aspect in cats. Regardless, it seems to be an emerging disease in this species.
Association of gastric lymphofollicular hyperplasia with Helicobacter-like organisms in dogs
Gastric lymphofollicular hyperplasia (GLFH) is characterized by the formation of lymphoid nodules and follicles in the gastric mucosa. In humans this might reflect an active stimulation of lymphoid tissue by Helicobacter pylori, but how does it present in dogs?
Improve International launches new online Feline Nursing programme in partnership with ISVPS
An online Feline Nursing course has been launched by Improve International in order to help nurse technicians working in both general and referral practice extend their knowledge and skills. The course also offers the opportunity to achieve a Nurse Certificate...New Online Computed Tomography Programme Launched by Improve International
We are delighted to have launched an online programme in Computed Tomography (CT), offering a route to achieve a General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert), accredited and awarded by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies. CT is already a key...An ultra-long-acting recombinant insulin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrinopathy in cats, and its treatment relies upon the SC injection of insulin once- or twice-daily, along with dietary modification. In the majority of cats this is a life-long treatment. It is known that in people, increasing...Retrospective study on the use of lidocaine constant rate infusions for the treatment of ileus in ruminants and camelids
Although ileus is a poorly documented condition in ruminants, most of the cases happen after surgery and there are very few studies that mention drugs that can affect intestinal motility in these species. Lidocaine is frequently used in veterinary medicine, not just...Development of an Ethogram/Guide for Identifying Feline Emotions: a New Approach to Feline Interactions and Welfare Assessment in Practice
Veterinary professionals in mixed and small animal practice frequently assess feline behaviour to safely interact with cats and monitor their wellbeing. If the practitioner makes a mistake assessing the behaviour this can result into a stressful situation to the cat...Improve International partners with University of Cambridge in CPD first
New Veterinary Academy Series to bring the latest thinking to vets and veterinary nurses Global veterinary education specialist Improve International has partnered with the University of Cambridge Department of Veterinary Medicine to bring the latest evidence-based...Repurposing medical devices as “button” esophagostomy tubes for extended nutritional support
Nutrition is essential for patient recovery and energy supply is strongly associated with hospital discharge. For this purpose, hospitalized animals often undergo a feeding tube placement, that for the long term should be esophageal (E-tubes). In animals, it is...Survey of Veterinarians Using a Novel Physical Compression Squeeze Procedure in the Management of Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome in Foals
Compared to other species, horses are born with a more functional and developed brain. This is thought to be an evolutionary mechanism for prey survival in the wild. In the equine species the transition from fetal in utero unconsciousness to extrauterine consciousness...Clinical efficacy of a benazepril and spironolactone combination in dogs with congestive heart failure due to myxomatous mitral valve disease: The BEnazepril Spironolactone STudy (BESST)
Cardiovascular disease is currently treated with drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists has gained a significant importance in the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) in humans,...The effect of short term peripheral parenteral nutrition on treatment outcomes and mortality in critically ill pediatric canine patients
It is known that nutritional supplementation improves the outcome of veterinary patients and that the preferred route is through the gastrointestinal tract (enteral nutrition). In cases of gastric or intestinal motility disorders the effective absorption and use of...Safety and tolerability of escalating cannabinoid doses in healthy cats
The interest in using cannabinoids for therapeutic uses in companion animals is growing, particularly that of cannabidiol (CBD). In dogs, there is evidence that CBD reduces pain and increases mobility in osteoarthritic patients. Also, CBD has been shown to decrease...Proteinuria in dogs with gallbladder mucocele formation: A retrospective case control study
Kidney disease in dogs is frequently associated with an excess of protein in the urine. Urine protein-creatinine ratio (UPC) is often measured as an indicator of proteinuria. Values of ≥ 0.5 in dogs with no elevation in creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) warrant...Resting and postprandial serum bile acid concentrations in dogs with liver disease
Serum bile acids (SBA) are frequently measured in dogs, but there is limited data on their efficacy to distinguish different causes of liver disease. This study composed of 341 dogs aimed to compare resting and postprandial SBA concentrations in several liver diseases...Proposed grading scheme for inflammatory bowel disease in ferrets and correlation with clinical signs
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic intestinal inflammatory disease that affects several species and which etiology is unknown. It is considered the most frequent disease in ferrets. Definitive diagnosis is based on microscopic evaluation of intestinal...Continuous rate infusion of midazolam as emergent treatment for seizures in dogs
Cluster seizures (CS) and status epilepticus (SE) are two of the most common neurological emergencies in dogs. Twenty to forty percent of dogs with epilepsy are not adequately controlled leading many patients to present to the emergency room with SE or CS. Although...Poecivirus discovered in individuals with beak deformities in seven species of North American birds
Avian keratin disorder (AKD) is a disease characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth, often with crossing and marked curvature. These beak deformities make birds unable to properly feed, preen and cope with parasites, which compromises their survival. AKD has...Efficacy of medical dissolution for suspected struvite cystoliths in dogs
The main goal of the article to which this summary refers was to evaluate the efficacy of medical dissolution for suspected struvite cystoliths in dogs. Struvite uroliths correspond to a big percentage of uroliths cases diagnosed in dogs. Currently, the recommended...C-reactive protein in dogs with suspected bacterial diskospondylitis: 16 cases (2010–2019)
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein used in the diagnosis of several canine inflammatory conditions which cause its increase. Diskospondylitis is defined as an infection of the intervertebral disc and the adjacent endplates of the vertebral bodies. Most...Progressive increases in creatine kinase (CK) activity in an anorexic cat with necrotizing myopathy
Necrotizing myopathy (NM) is not very often diagnosed in small animals, but it might be underestimated because muscle biopsies are not done routinely. This disease is characterized by muscle necrosis and cats that have this condition may present paresis and increased...Heart rate variability analysis in horses for the diagnosis of arrhythmias
Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis was initially carried out to identify changes in vago-symphathetic balance. More recently, taking the best advantage of the latest technology, it has been used to identify cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation...Zoonotic Parasites of Reptiles
Reptiles have been generally associated with bacterial zoonotic pathogens, such as Salmonella, but reptile-borne parasitic zoonotic diseases have received little attention over the past years. As other animals, reptiles are hosts of several pathogens. The zoonotic...Tibial Apophyseal Percutaneous Pinning in Skeletally Immature Dogs: 25 Cases (2016-2019)
The aim of this study was to report the clinical experience with fluoroscopically guided tibial apophyseal percutaneous pinning (TAPP) for tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures (TTAF). This is a retrospective case series that reviewed the medical records of skeletally...Robenacoxib efficacy for the treatment of chronic degenerative joint disease-associated pain in cats: a randomized and blinded pilot clinical trial
The main objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the results obtained from the assessment of the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) robenacoxib in cats with pain due to degenerative joint disease (DJD). Otherwise healthy cats (n = 109) with...Effect of pimobendan on the cardiac rhythm and selected echocardiographic parameters of healthy cats
The effects of pimobendan on the heart rhythm in cats are unknown. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the effect of pimobendan on cardiac rhythm and selected echocardiographic parameters of the cat. To carry out this study, six clinically healthy cats...Dr Magdalena Doherty – Standing out in the crowd
Standing out in the crowd – how my journey to Advanced Practitioner Status opened up new opportunities and instilled a passion for career development. Dr. Magdalena (Maggie) Doherty qualified from the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Poland in...Thymic epithelial tumors in dogs
Primary thymic epithelial tumors (TET) are rare in dogs, and little is known about their behavior. There are many recognized human histologic subtypes of TET which have a predictive value in humans but, in veterinary medicine, the classification of TET and their...A natural repellent for felids
Felids display a typical behavioral response associated to the sniffing of specific plants, such as catnip and silver vine. This reaction is well-known and includes licking and chewing the plants, face and head rubbing against the plants, and rolling over on the...History of Sulfonamides
Since 1940, the use of antimicrobial drugs (AMD) in animals has been evolving with reports on a range of uses, misuses and abuses escalating. There are various drugs used in veterinary medicine, but we will now focus on the use of sulfonamides. The first veterinary...Communication in veterinary practice
There has been an increasing interest in the role of communication in veterinary clinical practice, particularly regarding the ways to deliver difficult news to clients, the role of communication skills in the veterinary education curriculum and the application of...Is it SARDS or CAR?
Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) is a frequent cause of irreversible blindness in dogs. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease like autoimmune retinopathies in humans (AIR). In humans, autoimmune retinopathies can develop as a form of...Rabbit welfare
Despite being one of the most popular mammalian pets worldwide, relatively little research has been conducted into the management, feeding and welfare of pet rabbits. Lack of knowledge about dietary, housing, and social needs, is commonly reported among pet owners. In...Unsuccessful animal adoptions
Pet´s adoption rate is increasing but the number of animals returned to shelters post-adoption is considerable. This study was conducted in the US to determine the animal characteristics associated with the likelihood of return, key reasons, and post-return outcomes...Senior cat’s food formulation
Older cats are at increased risk of several age-related disorders and their nutritional requirements must be considered. In fact, a complete and balanced diet may slow down or prevent the progression of negative metabolic changes associated with aging, improving the...Hypophysectomy to treat hypersomatotropism
Hypersomatotropism is a condition increasingly seen in cats and it is caused by a growth hormone (GH) secreting pituitary adenoma. There are several treatment options- medical treatment, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, and surgery. The latter is the treatment of...Raw diets for dogs
Raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners. However, their real advantages have not yet been clearly proven and some undesired consequences of these diets have already been well documented, both in dogs and cats. The risk of pets...Primary Hyperaldosteronism in Cats
In addition to being underdiagnosed, primary hyperaldosteronism is the most common adrenocortical disorder in cats. It mainly occurs in middle-aged and older cats and has been reported as a mediator of progressive renal disease. This disease may occur due to tumorous...How is the puppy weight inherited?
The size or weight of puppies at birth is an important parameter, which influences neonatal mortality and morbidity. It is also a predictor of puppy survival. Puppies should be weighed daily for at least the first three weeks to control weight gain, allowing an early...Telmisartan in cats with systemic hypertension
Pathological increases in blood pressure may lead to ophthalmic, cardiovascular and neurological injuries and, in old cats, systemic arterial hypertension is indeed an important cause of morbidity. Drugs like telmisartan, a nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor blockers,...CASE REPORT: Skin necrosis secondary sunburn in a brown Dachshund
Solar radiation may damage skin either directly or due to thermal injury (via thermal necrosis). The most affected areas are non-pigmented or sparsely haired zones, but dark skin should not be forgotten. In fact, it is important to consider that black skin absorbs way...CASE REPORT: Afloqualone intoxication in dogs
Afloqualone is used in humans to relieve back pain and neuromuscular disorder as it has muscle-relaxant and sedative effects. Although there are no published reports of afloqualone intoxication in dogs, cases of intoxication by drugs that act similarly on GABA, like...Can epinephrine help reduce the severity of BOAS?
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) includes various components that can be alleviated with surgical treatment. Nevertheless, there are secondary complications, like inflammation and edema that can lead to the need for further proceedings. Nebulized...Surgical approaches for zygomatic sialoadenectomy in dogs
The Zygomatic gland is the least frequently salivary gland involved in glandular diseases. When affected, the clinical signs are variable due to its ventral location within the orbit. In most conditions, the treatment of choice is removing the zygomatic gland. To...GS-441524 efficacy for cats with FIP
After the promising results of adenosine nucleoside monophosphate prodrug GS-5734 usage to prevent some RNA viruses, the efficacy of its parent nucleoside GS-441524 against FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) started to be evaluated. This small molecule interferes...Vestibular syndrome in dogs
Vestibular dysfunction can be central or peripheral. It is relatively common in dogs and there are multiple causes. This retrospective study aimed to assess the frequency of the different etiologies of Peripheral Vestibular Syndrome (PVS) in dogs and collect data...Exotic Animals: pets or not?
In the recent years, having parrots, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, and small rodents as pets, became a popular trend. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that these non-domesticated animals, have special needs in captivity that many pet owners cannot provide,...Dog-directed parenting styles, communication and leash guidance
Parenting styles are helpful to assess long-term social interaction patterns, not only between parents and children but also within the owner-dog dyad. Dog-directed parenting plays an important role in preventing undesired dog behaviors, being described as the main...Procedural Sedation and Anesthesia in cats
Procedural sedation and anesthesia (PSA) is defined as the process of depressing a patient’s consciousness to perform minimally invasive or unpleasant procedures. This term is original from human medicine but can also be applied to veterinary sciences. This clinical...The potential role of CSCs in canine mammary tumors therapies
Mammary gland tumors in dogs are dependent on estrogen and progesterone, being most frequently seen in female dogs. They are composed of proliferative luminal epithelial cells, myoepithelial cells and mesenchymal cells with cartilage and osseous tissues in a solitary...The heart of a dog with Trypanosoma cruzi
Chagas disease is a well-documented cause of infectious myocarditis in humans and can also affect dogs and other mammals. Its etiological agent is Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite. In contrast to human medicine, gastrointestinal infection has never been...Vets and pet owners’ perception about AMR
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing concern which threatens to undo decades of medical progress. Resistant organisms are associated to more severe diseases which require longer hospitalization periods and increased healthcare costs. Animal health care...Swine Influenza in a nutshell
Influenza viruses are known to have a huge negative impact both in human and animal health as well as global economics. Pigs are commonly associated to these viruses as they are seen as a vehicle to the appearance of new subtypes, due to the possibility of being...CASE REPORT: First isolation of Francisella tularensis holartica from a domestic cat in Europe
Tularemia is a bacterial zoonosis which has been increasingly reported in humans, in Europe. There are four subspecies of Francisella tularensis (its etiological agent) and their isolates generally come from humans, lagomorphs, or rodents. However, there are a few...Vets around the World – Jan
My name is Jan H. Greaker and I’m a Norwegian veterinarian with 14 years’ experience in small animal medicine. I graduated from Szent Istvan University in Budapest, Hungary, in 2006. Following graduation, I was lucky enough to enroll for a one-year internship at Croft...Managing conflict within the team
Conflict is an unavoidable element of work environments and is quite common among healthcare professionals. The early signs can be subtle and knowing how to minimize and resolve it is essential to avoid damage to teams. Conflict is caused by incompatibility,...How COVID-19 influenced veterinary industry
To understand the impact of COVID-19 on the veterinary sector and how it can best adapt to the new challenges it faces, an online study was conducted from mid-March to the end of April 2020. Participants included practice owners and partners from both large and small...Charging upfront at veterinary practices
The pandemic has required new social distancing protocols that limit the number of people in work places, such as veterinary practices and hospitals. Some practices have also had to make redundancies or have experienced colleagues becoming infected with COVID-19,...Dealing with Cat Scratch Disease
While there have been advances in understanding Cat Scratch Disease (CSD), relatively little is still known about how medical doctors diagnose, treat and prevent it. The main etiological agent of this bacterial infection is Bartonella henselae but other species of the...Vets against COVID-19
COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 and it has affected all of our lives this year. Italy was one of the European countries worst affected. In addition to having to deal with overcrowded hospitals, building the capacity to perform thousands of...The Importance of a One Health approach in controlling rabies
Rabies is linked to more than 55,000 human deaths every year. Human transmission vectors vary around the world with low- and middle-income countries most severely affected. This review focuses on the situation in Nepal and highlights the importance of a One Health...Spreading emotions between parrots
In the same way that laughter in primates (including humans) and rodents is spread from one individual to another, play vocalizations may also act as positive emotional contagions. Kea parrots (Nestor notabilis), for instance, are known to exhibit complex play...Examining the eyes of ferrets
Ocular diseases in domestic ferrets are rarely reported. This article focused on the most frequent diseases of their cornea and conjunctiva and on practical techniques for accessing the eyes of Mustela putorius furo. In most cases, physically controlling the ferret is...Deslorelin implants in domestic rats
Most spontaneous mammary gland tumors in domestic rats are fibroadenomas. The treatment of choice is surgical removal but the appearance of subsequent masses is common due to the presence of persistent hormonal-promoting factors and the difficulty of performing...Vets around the World – Mariana
Hello to all readers, I’m Mariana, a Portuguese aquatic animal veterinarian, currently working on the sunny Caribbean island of Curaçao. I graduated back in 2014 at UTAD, Vila Real Portugal. I knew since I was a kid that I would work with marine mammals so I...Zoos and Conservation
Today, the global zoo and aquarium community is focused on conservation, education and research, in addition to entertainment. The community’s resources, mainly originating from visitor attendance revenue, make it the third largest in situ contributor to conservation....How can pesticides affect honeybees?
How can pesticides affect honeybees? Pesticides are used worldwide in agriculture because of their effectiveness in controlling pests. However, they can also affect honeybees by direct topical contact or through secondary exposure via the consumption of contaminated...CASE REPORT: Neurobrucellosis in a common bottlenose dolphin
Since the first description of Brucellosis in marine mammals in 1994, reported cases in cetaceans and pinnipeds have been increasing. While the disease has been seen in various cetaceans, pathological findings are unusual and cases of damage to the nervous system have...Chris Papantonio
My name is Chris Papantonio and I am Australian. I graduated from the University of Sydney in 2005 and began working in a mixed practice immediately after graduation. In 2008, I purchased a veterinary hospital with a business partner. Our goal was to build it into a...Psittacids diet and health
Psittacids, like humans, do not select food because it’s good for them but because they like it. Most owners know little about their nutritional requirements, which can cause serious health problems. Previous studies have shown that many birds receive inadequate...Pet owners’ perceptions of food quality
Owners’ concerns about the health of their companion animals are increasing with nutrition often seen as an important tool in managing their health and well-being. Studies have shown that owners prefer to spend money on pet nutrition they perceive to be of a higher...Nutrition and Cognition
Aging leads to changes that can negatively affect cognition in pets (and humans) and, in fact, a dog’s brain has a high metabolic rate, which is reported to be severely reduced by the time the animal is six years old. It is also known that a deficiency of certain...CASE REPORT: Suspected Radiation-Induced Osteosarcoma in a Cat
Tumours induced by radiation have occasionally been reported in humans and dogs, but no such cases have previously been described in cats so this may be the first known case. It started with the referral of a three-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat to the...CASE REPORT: Fatal bronchopneumonia in an African pygmy hedgehog
Infections caused by adenoviruses are generally subclinical and species-specific but this report describes a case that did not follow the rule. It involves hedgehogs which died following infection with a skunk adenovirus 1 (SkAdV-1). Eleven adult African pygmy...Could pets help us to reduce stress-related blood pressure?
The efficacy of antihypertensives in lowering resting blood pressure is unquestionable but these drugs have little effect on blood pressure responses to physical or mental stressors. Previous studies show that social support provided by people is beneficial to human...Mental health and wellbeing in veterinary medicine
Studies have confirmed a link between the veterinary profession and various forms of stress and mental illness. In a recent study to measure the prevalence of severe mental distress and determine the level of wellbeing within the profession, the authors sent out a...Is long-term stress contagious between species?
Dogs and humans have lived closely together for at least 15,000 years and various studies have been undertaken to explore their unique bond. These studies have shown that short-term stress appears to be contagious between the species but, to the author’s knowledge,...Viewing like a horse
Vision is crucial to all species to help avoid threats and to navigate. As vision varies between species, this must be taken into account when creating sporting, training and housing environments – an issue that is particularly important when considering sport horses...CASE REPORT: Beta coronavirus outbreak on a horse breeding farm
Beta coronaviruses (BCoV) are often associated with gastrointestinal diseases in young horses but there have also been reports of outbreaks in adult horses in racing and boarding stables. To the author’s knowledge, this is the largest BCoV outbreak reported in a...Vets around the World – Chris
Hi I am Charalampos from Cyprus, I am a Veterinary Clinical Pathologist currently based at Malawi, and lucky enough to have worked/studied in 6 different countries. I studied veterinary medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece and during my...Vets around the World – Claire
I graduated from the University of Liège in Belgium in 2012. I became a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2019. Since July 2018 I have been a member of the Surgical Team at the Alliance Veterinary Clinic in Bordeaux (France). I am also an...Vets around the World – Justine
My name is Justine. I was born in the US but have lived most of my life in Spain. I studied veterinary medicine at UCM in Madrid then had the opportunity to work in small animal practices in Spain, Austria and Portugal. I also had the chance to volunteer with...Vets around the World – Joana
My name is Joana and I am Portuguese. I qualified in July 2017 and started my first job in October 2017 in Galway, Ireland, in a mixed practice in which 90% of the work was related to equine medicine – specifically reproduction. It was not easy at first. I couldn’t...Paroxysmal Dyskinesia
The first report of episodic muscle hypertonicity in Norwich terrier (NT) dogs was first reported in 1984. Since then, our knowledge has advanced little. Paroxysmal dyskinesias (PxDs) can be inherited or acquired and can be primary or secondary to other disorders. In...Diagnostic pathways for Feline Hyperaesthesia Syndrome
We have a lot to learn about Feline Hyperaesthesia Syndrome (FHS), a complex disorder characterized by clinical signs including skin rippling, episodes of running and jumping, excessive vocalization and tail chasing. Some veterinarians consider tail mutilation as a...CASE REPORT: Subcutaneous lymphangiosarcoma in a pet rat
Lymphangiosarcomas are aggressive, rare malignant tumours that originate in the endothelial cells of the lymphatic vessels. In veterinary medicine they have been reported in dogs, cats, horses, a cow and an Asian otter. A study has now reported a possible first case...Pangolins state of play
Pangolins were included in the Appendix I of CITES in 2016 and, since then, global awareness of the importance of conserving these unusual mammals has increased. They are the most trafficked animals in the world, commonly poached in Africa and Asia. Projects are now...Monitoring giraffe skin disease
Giraffe numbers have decreased around 40% over the last thirty years, mainly because of anthropogenic causes, primarily poaching and habitat destruction. Diseases, including giraffe skin disease (GSD), however, also play a role in their decreasing numbers so are of...The importance of bats
Forget about the myths and legends that have besmirched their reputation – bats play an important role in the ecosystem! Bat species represent a quarter of all mammalian species. Each is individual in terms of its hunting strategies and use of bio sonar – but it is...Food-borne parasites
The European Food Safety Authority has published an open-access report with a description of parasites not routinely controlled in food: Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Echinococcus spp. Each of these parasites can be transmitted by ingesting contaminated...Toxic Levels of Vitamin D in Pet Foods
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin which means that when it is ingested to excess, it is not promptly excreted in urine and is, instead, stored in fat and hepatic tissues. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has been analyzing the presence of potentially toxic...Chronic exposure to domoic acid
As oceans continue to warm, harmful algal blooms (HABs) are becoming more frequent, more toxic and longer lasting. This is affecting the safety of our seafood as domoic acid (a neurotoxin produced by some diatoms) produced by these events accumulates in feeding fish...A promising biomarker of AKI in dogs
The neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been extensively studied as an early biomarker of tubular damage and acute kidney disease (AKI) in humans. In dogs, some studies have concluded that the concentration of NGAL could predict azotemic AKI more...Buccal administration of tiletamine-zolazepam to sedate cats
The most commonly used routes to administer sedatives and analgesics in veterinary medicine are intramuscularly or subcutaneously but restraining cats humanely for these procedures can be difficult and adverse reactions to injections are also possible. Buccal...Congenital hydrocephalus: surgical or medical approach?
While it is the treatment of choice for dogs with congenital hydrocephalus, ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement (VSP), can bring complications and the clinical parameters to take into account when deciding between surgery and medical management can be unclear. When...CASE REPORT: Paradoxical vestibular syndrome in a guinea pig
In exotic small mammals, vestibular syndrome is generally linked to chronic cases of otitis interna but this case report is possibly the first describing a sequela with subsequent paradoxical signs. The report describes the case of a three-year-old female guinea pig,...Does abnormal spinal curvature predispose dogs to develop disc herniation?
Although not often considered the primary cause of clinical signs, it has been suggested that intervertebral malformations interfere with spinal biomechanics. A study aimed to clarify whether there is an association between kyphosis, scoliosis and intervertebral disc...Raw food and tuberculosis in cats
Tuberculosis (TB) in cats is generally linked to an outdoor lifestyle and hunting behavior but some cases in UK are showing that there is more to it than this. This article describes the clinical cases of 13 pet cats with evidence of Mycobacterium bovis infection...Understanding chronic pain in cats
A longer life expectancy in cats came together with a higher prevalence of chronic painful conditions, which assessment is a challenge for the majority of veterinarians. Chronic pain has a negative impact in the quality of life of animals and it can exist by itself or...Helping TPLO recovery with cold compression therapy
Cryotherapy is a rehabilitation technique with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, commonly used postoperatively. When combined with intermittent dynamic pressure, it is called Cold Compression Therapy (CCT). This study included 30 cranial cruciate...CASE REPORT: Thoracolumbar disc herniation in a ferret
A two-year-old neutered male ferret was diagnosed with disc prolapse with imaging tools (myelography followed by computed tomography) and taking into account his three-day history of acute onset paraplegia and lack of urination and defecation control. Neurological...CASE REPORT: Intraocular Setaria equina in a horse
Setaria equina parasites have a wide geographic distribution and are normally found in the peritoneal cavity of ungulates and some other mammals. Their life cycle is typical of filarial worms so they rely on the seasonal activity of the mosquito vectors. They rarely...The future of canine glaucoma therapy
Glaucoma, whether primary or secondary, is the main cause of blindness in dogs. The uncontrollable increase intraocular pressure and the extreme pain associated with this condition, generally justifies enucleation. This free-access viewpoint article sums up...Do cats cry more at night?
Tear film production is a parameter to evaluate while performing a complete ophthalmic examination -Aa Schirmer tear test (STT) is commonly used in veterinary medicine to determine whether they eye produces enough tears to keep it moist. Studies in humans and dogs...Evaluating dogs’ eyes with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography
Ocular blood perfusion can be evaluated by various imaging modalities and is an important parameter when the differential diagnosis list includes neoplasia. In fact, as pathologic angiogenesis is considered a hallmark of ocular tumours, contrast-enhanced...Detecting nodal malignancy using sonography and sonoelastography
In oncology, identifying lymph node malignancy is crucial to tumour-staging and to defining a therapeutic plan and prognosis. FNA cytology and biopsy are commonly used to obtain samples to characterize tumours – but they are invasive and can be expensive....Taking care of invertebrates
Despite invoking fear in some people, invertebrates are becoming ever more popular as pets – and this means that veterinarians need to learn more about them. This article discusses the repair of an exoskeleton in cases of physical trauma. It also discusses common...Is it really psychogenic alopecia?
In cats, psychogenic alopecia is a common diagnosis when medial regions of limbs, caudal abdomen and the inguinal area affected by hair loss – but it’s important to rule out many other conditions before confirming this diagnosis. In this article, the authors stress...Genetic testing in veterinary dermatology
Both genetic and environmental factors influence the majority of dermatological problems, including conditions such as atopic dermatitis and related diseases. This review of the scientific literature sets out the available genetic tools to support the diagnosis of...Is listening to classical music beneficial to kennelled dogs?
Rescue and rehoming environments or holiday kennels can be a stressful environment for the dogs staying in them so a study was conducted to explore whether auditory stimulation could be a useful tool in reducing this stress. This study aimed to determine the effects...The influence of maternal care in dogs’ development
Maternal care influences the development of the brain, behaviour, social skills and emotional systems of many mammals. It also plays a decisive role in neonatal survival and is the main source of stimuli during early postnatal environment. To determine the influence...The use of gabapentin to reduce stress in cats
Owners’ concerns about the stress their cats suffer while being transported to vet appointments and during the appointments themselves mean that some cats don’t receive the veterinary care they need. Gabapentin is already used to treat chronic pain and epilepsy but...Pulmonary hypertension in dog: echocardiographic parameters
Various diseases in dogs are associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH), which can be diagnosed, as in humans, by transthoracic echocardiography. To determine the relation between the right ventricle size and both the severity of pulmonary hypertension and tricuspid...Possible inheritance pattern of sudden death in Rhodesian Ridgebacks
There are some studies relating sudden death with ventricular arrhythmias in German Shepherd Dogs and English Springer Spaniels but this is the first focusing on Rhodesian Ridgebacks. The study was triggered following contact from a Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder who...Gastrointestinal protectants in dogs and cats
The ACVIM has published a consensus opinion about the administration of gastrointestinal protectants to dogs and cats in other to define the clinical use of these drugs routinely. Besides some comparisons between human and veterinary medicine, this document also...Importance of Urinalysis
Many veterinary specialists consider urinalysis an extremely important diagnostic procedure. It not only helps to identify urinary disorders but also, for example, diabetes mellitus and intravascular haemolysis. Urinalysis includes: colour and clarity evaluation,...Management of ccld in dogs: owner feedback
Cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) is a condition that affects mostly medium- and large-breed dogs and for which management is still controversial. This retrospective study compared owner satisfaction between stifle joint orthoses and tibial plateau osteotomy...Large bowel resection and anastomosis in a domestic rabbit
After 3 days of anorexia and lethargy, a 3-year-old, male neutered rabbit was diagnosed with rabbit gastrointestinal syndrome (RGS). Gas accumulation in the small intestines and cecum was confirmed by radiography and the patient was admitted to the hospital....Detection of cancer by sniffer dogs
Great advances are being made in the diagnosis of cancer with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) recognized as promising biomarkers. They can be found in the breath, urine, tissue, human breast milk and/or blood samples of oncology patients. The concentration and...Canine osteosarcoma treatment
Canine osteosarcoma (OSA) is a highly malignant and metastatic bone tumour in dogs. It is more prevalent in middle-aged dogs of large or giant breeds with more than half of the cases appearing at the appendicular skeleton (mostly in forelimbs). There is a greater...Clinical Use of Deslorelin in Companion Animals
Deslorelin is a Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, used not only for male contraception but also for oestrus stimulation or neutering. The use of slow-release Deslorelin implants is widespread in a range of pets, despite being only licensed for use in male dogs....Semen collection techniques in cats
This was the first study to compare the quality of fresh feline ejaculates collected by three different methods: urethral catheterization (CT), electroejaculation (EE) and epididymal slicing after orchiectomy (EP). Electroejaculation is the first-choice technique for...Transient reflex depression in acute spinal injuries
The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate whether acute spinal injuries on the T3-L3 segment could result in temporary clinical signs of a multifocal or caudal injury. These injuries could affect the segmental reflexes located caudally to the lesion,...Classification of involuntary movements in dogs
The authors of this paper reviewed new findings about involuntary movements (IM) in dogs and attempted to create a common classification and terminology. They believed that this would not only aid in diagnosis but also help to create a framework for further studies on...Brachycephaly, ventricular dilation and skull malformations in Persian cats
Brachycephaly is considered the most important breed-defining trait for Persian cats and breeders have been applying selective pressure to accentuate this morphological feature. An apparent association has been found in Persians between brachycephalic skull...MRI findings in Neurologic FIP
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is the most common infectious disease affecting the central nervous system in cats and is usually fatal. An accurate diagnosis is important to help clinicians to manage owner expectations and avoid unsuccessful treatment. FIP is...Seroprevalence of E. cuniculi in North Italy
Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) is an obligate intracellular microsporidium with a wide range of mammal hosts, including rodents and carnivores. It can infect humans and is a particular risk to people with compromised immunity. Rabbits shed spores in their...Survival rates in feline panleukopenia
In this study, 117 cases of shelter cats that were infected with Feline Panleukopenia virus (FPV) were analysed. The severity of FPV is related to the intensity of clinical signs and how abnormal the blood count is, particularly regarding leukopenia. Experts classify...Feline Hyperaesthesia Syndrome
Feline hyperaesthesia syndrome (FHS) was first described over 35 years ago and, unfortunately, it remains a disease with an unknown etiology that is difficult to diagnose. Clinical signs may vary but presentations include excessive vocalization, skin rippling over the...Effect of oral inflammation on the absorption of Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is an important analgesic due to its possibility of being administered orally and its reduced side effects when compared to other opioids. Gingivostomatitis in cats is a frequent multifactorial condition that causes severe pain and discomfort so it...Digital VS Optical Refractometer to measure urine specific gravity in cats
The evaluation of renal concentrating ability is an important function in veterinary medicine. The gold standard for the assessment of urine concentration is the measurement of urine osmolality, but this requires expensive equipment that’s not readily available in...Management of canine hip dysplasia using physiotherapy
While surgical intervention is recommended in many cases of canine hip dysplasia, particularly in young patients and in those with debilitating osteoarthritis (OA), there are times when multi-modal conservative management is preferable. Several physical rehabilitation...Laser Therapy in Pets
Laser therapy (LT), also known as cold laser therapy or low-level laser therapy, is an increasingly popular modality and a useful complement to physical therapy protocols. The energy of the laser light interacts with cells and tissues and this leads to biochemical...Diet and physiotherapy in post-surgery recovery
The authors of this study set out to measure the effects of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acid and of physical rehabilitation on the onset of osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs which suffered from cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCL). 48 dogs with unilateral CCL disease...Therapeutic exercises in cats
While cats may not seem the most likely candidates for therapeutic exercise (TE), it is possible to create treatment plans that can benefit most patients. TE aims to increase the range of motion in joints, improve muscle strength and limb use, as well as improving...Electrical stimulation in pets
Electrical stimulation is an attractive option for veterinary physical therapy as it’s a cost-effective way to support recovery following injury or surgery. It can be used to: not only to control pain improve the range of motion in damaged joints, reduce oedema and...Characterization of ocular melanosis in dogs
Cairn Terriers can suffer from a hereditary form of bilateral ocular melanosis (OM). It causes the accumulation of large and darkly pigmented melanocytes in the anterior uvea which may damage ocular structures. The progression of this pathology is slow but the cells...Surgery of corneal ulcers
Corneal ulcers are commonly found in cats suffering with feline herpesvirus infection with medical therapy is often indicated. Because of the delicate anatomy of the cornea and the complexity of the surgery, the decision between medical and surgical treatment needs...Changes in intraocular pressure during propofol anesthesia
Evidence suggests that some anesthetic drugs increase intraocular pressure (IOP) which could lead to complications, including the loss of globe contents through surgical or traumatic wounds and/or blindness. A study set out to establish the IOP cut-off values that...Color Vision in Chinchillas
Chinchillas are nocturnal and had been thought of as animals with a pure rod retina – but new research has shown that this is not true. Few animals have no cones at all in their retinas and, aside from some species of deep-sea fish and nocturnal reptiles, most...Characterization of hepatic masses in dogs with CT scans and ultrasound exam
As dogs age, they can develop benign hepatic masses. Fortunately, few of these require special treatment but some do and it is important to be able to distinguish them from benign neoplastic growths. CT scans and ultrasounds can be used to characterize hepatic masses...Excretory urography and urinary system diagnosis in domestic rabbits
Ultrasound and survey radiographs can be useful for the diagnosis of urinary function but their value is limited. Survey radiographs offer little insight into renal and upper urinary issues because of low tissue contrast while ultrasounds can be made difficult due to...CT scan ‘tree-in-bud’ pattern and bronchial disease in cats
The ‘tree-in-bud’ pattern found during Computed Tomography (CT) scans is used in human medicine to help diagnose problems in the bronchi. It is characteristic of centrilobular bronchiolar dilation that could be caused by bronchial/bronchiolar plugging with mucus, pus...Ultrasonographic anatomy of reproductive female leopard geckos
Leopard geckos are a popular species of small reptile. They suffer from common conditions including gastrointestinal impaction, follicular stasis, dystocia, neoplasia and lesions in the hemipene. Ultrasound imaging is very accessible and can be used to diagnose these...Bronchial collapse during forced expiration in CT scans and radiographs exams in dogs
Tracheobronchomalacia refers to an imperfection of the trachea, main bronchi and/or other smaller airways supported by hyaline cartilage. It’s often diagnosed with the help of CT scans and radiographs by measuring the luminal diameter of the bronchus. Bronchoscopy is...Quantification of pruritic behavior in dogs with the aid of a wearable sensor
Pruritus is common in many skin disorders and it manifests through several types of behaviors. Until now, research into objective identification systems has used wearable sensors with limited functionality that could only capture differences in activity. More...Generalised demodicosis and doramectin
Demodex canis mites are normally found inside the hair follicles of healthy dogs and demodicosis results from an abnormal and excessive proliferation of these organisms. Young dogs affected by this disease tend to show a genetic predisposition linked to poor immune...Recurrent pyoderma: a retrospective study
Pyoderma is usually caused by bacteria that inhabit the dog’s skin ( (this sounds strange to me). The infection begins when the skin barrier becomes compromised, allowing an abnormal proliferation of these opportunistic agents. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an...Canine Atopic Dermatitis
Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergic skin disease characterized by cutaneous inflammation and pruritus. The condition is a diagnostic challenge: it has a wide range of clinical presentations, these are often similar to other skin conditions and it’s not...Separation anxiety, fear of confinement and noise aversion in dogs
Fear-related behavioral issues such as separation anxiety, fear of confinement and noise aversion have a huge impact in the quality of life of dogs and their owners. These animals suffer high levels of stress which can lead to other injuries.. They are also at a...Influence of early life experiences and exercise in canine anxiety
As in humans and other species, anxiety is an important facet of canine behavior and affects welfare. To better characterize anxiety, the authors of this study created a validated survey for owners and collected data on 3264 dogs in Finland of various breeds and ages....Behavior problems in small animals
Behavior problems too often cause owners to relinquish or euthanize their pets. Sometimes these behavior changes are the result of underlying disease so veterinarians play a key role in identifying and treating the disease and, in doing so, resolving the behavior...Reducing of aggression in newly housed cats using rabbit maternal pheromone
Introducing new cats to a household can be cause moment of high stress and can lead to important behavioral problems, including aggression and house soiling. A recent study investigated whether long-acting pellets containing rabbit maternal-neonatal pheromone (2M2B)...Fine needle aspiration in cardiac masses
While they are still rare, the most common heart tumors in dogs are hemangiosarcomas, chemodectomas, lymphomas and ectopic thyroid carcinomas. Samples for cytological or histopathological analysis are usually collected in masses with an extra-cardiac location but this...Transesophageal echocardiography in dogs
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a semi-invasive technique that enables direct visualization of the heart and other anatomic structures through the esophagus. TEE provides better quality images than routine transthoracic echocardiography as there is less...Patent ductus arteriosus in an adult cat
This article describes the clinical approach and treatment of an 8-year old female cat that presented at consultation with decreased appetite, weakness, weak femoral pulses, jugular venous distension, a grade III/VI continuous heart murmur and abdominal effusion. A...Septic pericarditis and myocardial abscess in a dog
This article describes the diagnostic approach of two conditions seen occasionally in dogs: septic pericarditis and a myocardial abscess. A 3-year-old female English springer spaniel presented with a three-month history of intermittent pyrexia and lethargy. It has...Blood Transfusions in Cats
Performing blood transfusions between cats can save lives but we should always keep in mind that this procedure carries risks, not only for the cat receiving the transfusion but also for the donor cat. The donor is being subjected to an invasive procedure that...Cytokines levels in bitches with pyometra submitted to OHE
A pyometra is characterized by the proliferation of opportunistic bacteria leading to inflammation and to a gradual build-up of pus within the uterine lumen. This condition is commonly seen in adult, intact, female dogs, and can be a life-threatening disorder, since...Dilated Cardiomyopathy and QRS Complex Duration in Dogs
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common cause of cardiac disease in both humans and dogs. Several studies have shown that a prolonged QRS complex duration is correlated to ventricular chamber enlargement, systolic dysfunction and higher chances of heart failure in...Case Report: Cholangiohepatitis in a dog
This case report describes the diagnostic approach for a 9-year-old female Yorkshire terrier, presented at consultation with anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea. These clinical signs had been going on for 2 weeks. Hyperthermia, depression and weight loss were also noted...Feline Injection-Site Sarcoma
Feline injection-site sarcomas (FISS) are malignant tumors that arise at the site of an injection in cats. Only a small number of cats develop this adverse reaction, which may indicate that genetic factors are also involved in the appearance of these abnormal growths....Lateral Caudal Axial Pattern Flap in dogs
Large wounds that do not allow primary closure require the use of other reconstruction techniques. Axial pattern flaps are local skin flaps that include a direct cutaneous artery and vein in their base. These enable us to transfer a large section of skin into an...Antitumor effects of deracoxib in dogs with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder
This study provides more information on the use of deracoxib for the treatment of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), a frequent type of cancer found in the urinary tract of dogs. Treating these tumors with selective Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors could be...Brain Tumors in Small Animals
Brain tumors can be divided into primary or secondary tumors, depending on their origin. Primary tumors started developing within the brain tissues, and secondary tumors originated from other structures such as bone or muscle, or may have spread from a different...Complete Tracheal Rupture in Small Animals
Complete tracheal rupture in small animals is normally due to trauma and a potentially fatal condition. Fortunately, this is not a common occurrence. As far as the authors know, this is the first article that describes how the anesthesia and the successful surgical...Chronic Gingivostomatitis with Esophagitis in Cats
Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCG) is a painful and debilitating disease characterized by erosive and/or proliferative inflammatory lesions in the oral mucosa of cats. What causes this syndrome is not yet fully understood but we do know it has a multifactorial...What do you hope to get out of your Continuing Education this year?
Think about the needs of your practice as a whole. Identify any key “practice builder” skills you lack and review the profitability benefits you could achieve if you invested in them. The CE may well end up paying for itself and help staff retention, reducing expense...Do you see CE as a career burden or a career booster?
Don’t just opt for CE that is local, cheap or free. Take a strategic approach. Consider the bigger picture and come up with a plan that aligns with your goals, interests and ambitions. Track your progress and set realistic milestones for attaining additional skills....Intraoperative analgesia in cats undergoing OHE
Feline ovariohysterectomy (OHE) is considered a moderately painful abdominal surgery. Physiological signs such as pale mucous membranes, increased blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate can be used to assess acute nociceptive response during surgery. This...Cutaneous Manifestations of Allergies in Cats
The manifestation of feline dermatological abnormalities can be different from what is seen in dogs, especially when considering non-flea, non-food hypersensitivity dermatitis or feline atopic dermatitis. The clinical signs in cats include pruritus and lesions that...Progressive myelomalacia
Progressive myelomalacia (PMM) is characterized by progressive necrosis of the spinal cord after acute spinal injury. A spinal injury is often caused by type I disk herniation and, as such, breeds like the Dachshund are more at risk of developing progressive...Megaesophagus in Dogs
Megaesophagus is a disorder of the esophagus characterized by diffuse dilation and decreased to absent peristalsis. It can be classified has congenital or acquired and in either case it could be idiopathic. The congenital form presents soon after birth or by the time...Nasolacrimal Endoscopy and Stenting Procedure in a Cat
An 8-year-old female cat underwent a new procedure to permanently reopen an obstructed tear duct. This minimally invasive approach had already shown great promise in one horse and a number of dogs, but had not yet been performed in a cat. The nasolacrimal apparatus...Poisoning of dogs and cats by human drugs
An accredited General Practitioner Advanced Certificate (GPAdvCert) has been launched by Improve International aimed at veterinary professionals across Europe who wish to advance their knowledge and practical skills in a particular field.
Cryptorchidism
Dr Graeme McKeown has become the first veterinary surgeon in the UK to be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Practice Sciences (PgD AVPS). Dr McKeown, who owns practices in Hove and Tunbridge Wells, was one of a number of Postgraduate awardees to receive their awards at a ceremony at Harper Adams University on Tuesday 25 April 2017.
Behavioral signs of Pain in cats
At an awards ceremony at Harper Adams University on Tuesday 25 April 2017, 17 new Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) holders and the first recipient of a new Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) were presented with their awards. The ceremony was organised by Harper Adams University in association with veterinary CPD provider Improve International and the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS). Harper Adams provides the higher education body quality assurance for Improve’s postgraduate clinical modular training programmes across a range of species and disciplines.
The effect of dexmedetomidine on the cardiac silhouette of cats
Dexmedetomidine, an alpha2 -adrenergic agonist, may be used in companion animals for chemical restraint, including cardiac evaluation. A recent study describes the effects of dexmedetomidine on the cardiac silhouette in healthy, adult cats. Fourteen cats received...Decreased expression of caspase-14 in an experimental model of canine atopic dermatitis
Alterations in skin barrier function and filaggrin expression have been reported in atopic dermatitis (AD). Caspase-14, a protease important for filaggrin processing, is decreased in human AD. Atopic Beagle dogs with skin barrier alterations have been validated as...Risk factors for cluster seizures in canine idiopathic epilepsy
Cluster seizures (CS), two or more seizures within a 24-hour period, are reported in 38–77% of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE). Negative outcomes associated with CS include a reduced likelihood of achieving seizure freedom, decreased survival time and increased...An in vitro method to test the safety and efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the healing of a canine skin model
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used clinically as a treatment modality for a variety of medical conditions including wound-healing processes. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of LLLT on cellular migration and proliferation of...Dermatology and Endoscopy & Endosurgery
Improve has announced that two more of its small animal modular veterinary programmes have been validated by Harper Adams Uni under the 2012 partnership arrangement.
