Cannabis debate: Giving veterinarians a voiceNovember 22, 2018On an increasing basis, veterinarians across the country are faced with questions about the use of cannabinoids to treat their clients’ pets. In my own practice, it seems not a day goes by that a pet owner brings up the subject or asks whether cannabinoids can help their dog or cat.
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Cancer tech's futureNovember 22, 2018Veterinary oncology imaging has evolved greatly over the past decade, allowing for earlier detection, improved treatment, and more successful outcomes. Veterinary Practice News reached out to three prominent veterinary oncology centers around the U.S. to discuss imaging equipment, promising research, and what the future holds in this important field.
Responses to the virtual mailbagNovember 16, 2018It has been a little over a year since I took over this column from Dr. Narda Robinson, and I have enjoyed the opportunity to explore many interesting topics through the lens of evidence-based medicine (EBM). One core element of EBM is substantive, critical debate, and discussion about the merits and limitations of published research evidence. Every stakeholder, from clinicians to researchers to those in industry to the owners of veterinary patients, will have a different mix of goals and perspectives. The interplay among different sets of biases is one of the mechanisms for cutting through bias generally and achieving an accurate understanding of nature that informs safer and more effective patient care. One of the strengths of science is that it requires a community process.
PALS to all domestic violence victimsNovember 15, 2018PALS Place will be the first-ever domestic violence shelter of its size in the country specifically designed and outfitted for survivor-pet cohabitation, providing a place where up to 100 survivors, whether individuals or families, can heal together in safety with their pets.
Elevate patient care—even on crazy daysNovember 13, 2018Most busy practices have days where (wo)manpower, or lack thereof, may limit the care provided. Regardless of your love of animals, it’s easy to miss the “little things” when you have trouble carving out a minute to use the restroom or eat lunch. Here is a list of 20 little things we tend to overlook. Focus on them to elevate patient care, even on the craziest day.
Rare salivary gland conditionsNovember 13, 2018Last month, I discussed surgical approaches to sialoceles. In this month’s column, I’ll tackle rare salivary gland conditions that are treated medically rather than surgically. Let’s start with some definitions. Sialadenosis refers to noninflammatory, nonneoplastic enlargement of the salivary glands, which tends to not be painful. Sialadenitis is inflammation of a salivary gland (synonym: sialoadenitis). Necrotizing sialometaplasia is squamous metaplasia of salivary gland lobules and ducts with ischemic necrosis of the salivary gland lobules (a histopathological distinction).
Nutrition's role in cancer patientsNovember 5, 2018Nutrition is always important in helping a sick pet get better, and it can be an essential element of care for cancer patients and for pets recovering from debilitating illnesses or surgery. Cancer and its treatments may alter the body’s ability to tolerate particular foods or use certain nutrients; moreover, clients often have a firm belief in nutrition as good medicine and may ask about or even insist on special diets or supplements for pets undergoing cancer treatments or otherwise in need of tender loving care.
Food allergy: Fact versus fictionNovember 5, 2018Day in and day out, we as veterinarians, and particularly as veterinary dermatologists, are asked, “What should I feed my pet?” It’s such a loaded question, given all the misinformation available about canine and feline diets. The most reputable source should be the veterinarian, yet clients take to pet food blogs, pet store employees, or their neighbors for “information.”
Conservative treatment options for partial and complete CCL tears in dogsNovember 1, 2018Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) insufficiency is the most common cause of hind limb lameness in dogs. In 2003 alone, dog owners in the U.S. spent $1.32 billion for the treatment of CCL injuries in their pets. As an important stabilizer of the stifle joint, the CCL’s three main functions are to prevent hyperextension of the stifle, internal rotation of the tibia, and most importantly to prevent tibial thrust in relation to the femur. Once torn, the damaged CCL leaves the stifle unstable and results in chronic, progressive lameness, predisposition to meniscal tearing, and ultimately, the formation of osteoarthritis.
Cats need to hunt, forage for meals, says AAFPNovember 1, 2018Medical, social, and emotional problems resulting from the way most cats are currently fed and the best methods to appropriately feed them, are the principal topics addressed in Feline Feeding Programs: Addressing Behavioral Needs to Improve Feline Health and Wellbeing, the American Association of Feline Practitioners’ (AAFP’s) newly released consensus statement.
