Scientific Snapshots


Increase your knowledge with this eclectic collection of science-focused snippets, articles, video summaries and papers aimed at keeping you in the picture!

2023-07-25
9:16 min
Content presented by Karren Prost, DVM, MPH, Dipl. ACVPM
Watch this video, as Dr. Karren Prost discusses the results of a recent survey of Canadian veterinarians conducted by CommuniVET™ that explores feline hypertension diagnostics and treatment practices among Canadian veterinarians and identifies barriers to recommending blood pressure monitoring in senior feline patients (>7 years). Want to learn more about feline hypertension? Watch this interview with feline specialist Dr. Kelly St. Denis as she discusses with Dr. Prost when is blood...
2023-07-07
13:25 min
Content presented by Michelle Evason, BSc, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM (SAIM)
Watch this video as Dr. Michelle Evason discusses the highlights presented in this recent publication. These guidelines were developed by a task force of veterinary experts and provide veterinarians with essential information to assist them in recognizing cats presenting with feline infectious peritonitis and developing an appropriate diagnosis.
2023-07-03
2:00 min
Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) represent a heterogeneous group of tumors, with varying mesenchymal cell origin, size and histological grade. Large soft tissue sarcomas pose a surgical challenge due to feasibility of excision and are often dismissed as good surgical candidates due to an anticipated poor prognosis. The aim of this retrospective study (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/avj.13232) was to evaluate the long-term outcome of dogs that underwent surgical excision of large...
2023-06-12
09:42 min
Content presented by Andrea Marchegiani, DVM, PhD
Watch this video, as Dr. Andrea Marchegiani talks about fluorescent light energy (FLE) as a new treatment option to manage skin conditions in dogs. He also shares outcomes regarding cases of deep pyoderma and interdigital furunculosis successfully managed using FLE. Finally, he compares the results demonstrated with biweekly and weekly applications.
2023-06-08
03:00 min
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
Intestinal foreign bodies are common in dogs and cats. Most foreign bodies need to be surgically removed, most often via either an enterotomy or an intestinal resection and anastomosis. The decision as to which surgical technique to use is based on surgical exploration and evaluation of the appearance and apparent viability of the affected loop(s) of bowel. Older studies in veterinary medicine quoted dehiscence rates between 8.8–15.4% in patients undergoing resection and anastomosis. A study...
2023-05-31
02:30 min
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
The use of trazodone hydrochloride has become very popular to help manage several behavioural issues in dogs, including separation anxiety, storm phobia, compulsive disorders, travel phobia, and facilitation of confinement following orthopedic surgery. Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor and has a wide safety margin at doses of 1.9–16.2 mg/kg/day. The most common side effects noted in dogs include vomiting, gagging, colitis, increased excitement, sedation, increased...
2023-05-03
02:00 min
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
A review evaluates the frequency and impact of periodontal disease in dogs. Periodontal disease is initiated by a build-up of plaque, which can then mineralize to form calculus. An inappropriate immune response to the bacteria present within the plaque leads to inflammation. There are two aspects of periodontal disease. The first aspect is gingivitis, which is reversible. The second aspect is periodontitis, which is inflammation of the tissues around the tooth, including the periodontal...
2023-04-24
11:28 min
Content presented by Marilyn Dunn, DVM, MVSC, Dipl. ACVIM, Fellow IR
Watch this video, as Dr. Marilyn Dunn summarizes the highlights of the latest AAFP consensus statement on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of urolithiasis in cats, including dissolution. She also discusses minimally invasive techniques to consider if stone extraction is necessary.
2023-03-22
02:30 min
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
Proper nutrition is critical to maintain health and well-being in our patients. More and more clients seem to be questioning their veterinarian’s nutritional advice, and many are seeking guidance from other sources to meet their pet’s nutritional needs. Alternative diets that have become available and are strongly marketed have also dampened some clients’ desire to receive nutritional guidance from our clinic teams. A recent survey of 1104 dog or cat parents reported that their pets were...