VPN Plus+ ExclusiveTime to stop horsing around with equine pain managementJune 19, 2025 Many horses are described as grumpy, aggressive, unwilling, lazy, bad-tempered, or ill-mannered, but what if they are none of those things? Equine pain experts say unwanted behavior is often an attempt to communicate the animal is in pain. Failure by owners and veterinarians to recognize pain occurs for several reasons: the propensity of horses to conceal pain; a lack of training for veterinarians in evaluating poor performance or low-grade multi-limb lameness, especially in ridden horses; and denial by owners and trainers who may not want to admit that their horses are aging, injured, or unable to compete in a particular event. "I think one of the biggest challenges for us is equine medicine hasn't really come along as well as small animal medicine, dogs and cats, with regard to recognition of pain as a vital sign and something we should be treating," says Rachel Reed, DVM, DACVAA, associate professor at University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. "For horses, we're a little bit behind on thinking about managing their pain. It's often an afterthought to whatever they are presented for." Veterinary researchers are seeking improved methods and tools for recognizing and …
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VPN Plus+ ExclusiveAddressing acute neuromuscular diseases of dogsJune 12, 2025Acute neuromuscular diseases comprise several common and other uncommon conditions that can lead to signs ranging from exercise intolerance to paralysis in dogs. Some are associated with distinct clinical signs and sensitive and specific tests, while others are diagnosed based on clinical suspicion and elimination of alternative differential diagnoses. T
Tools and scales are a must to ID, reduce painApril 24, 2025Learn how the future of pain assessment in veterinary medicine promises more refined and comprehensive tools that will transform animal care standards worldwide.
Agility injuries in dog athletes: Are veterinarians dropping the ball?March 1, 2025Canine agility is booming, with over a million competitors, but injuries and illnesses are common. Growing popularity highlights the need for research, better training, and proactive veterinary care to protect these athletes.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveVideo series demonstrates 3 massage therapy techniquesJanuary 24, 2025In the Surgical Insights column of the February 2025 issue of Veterinary Practice News, Michael Petty, DVM, addressed using rehab therapy, including massage, in post-op patients. In a VPN Plus+ exclusive, Dr. Petty shares three videos to demonstrate his techniques.
Rehab therapy in the post-op patientJanuary 24, 2025Discover how rehabilitation therapies like laser, massage, and exercises can transform recovery and outcomes for your patients.
Best practices for pharmaceutical pain management with surgery for cats and dogsJanuary 14, 2025Streamlining pain control protocols can improve outcomes—this article highlights key options without overwhelming, ensuring happier patients and caregivers.
Palliative care for nasal cancer patientsDecember 16, 2024Learn how you can help alleviate pain and discomfort, enhance quality of life, and provide emotional support both for your cancer patients and their owners through the integration of palliative care in the practice.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveA New Way to See an Old Disease: Updates on Canine and Feline OsteoarthritisDecember 4, 2024In this session: Kristin Kirkby Shaw, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVS, DACVSMR, reviews the latest information regarding OA prevalence in dogs and cats, provides tips for how to recognize and diagnose OA and OA pain as early as possible, discusses how to engage the entire veterinary healthcare team (including the caregiver) in management, and discusses how to develop an effective plan of care.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveHow Old is "Too Old:" Anesthesia for the Geriatric PatientNovember 22, 2024In this session: Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPP, VTS, provides a comprehensive overview of veterinary anesthesia for geriatric patients, starting with an introduction to the unique physiological changes and considerations in older animals.
