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!

2023-03-06
2:30 min
Content presented by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is the most common splenic malignancy in dogs and occurs most often in large breed dogs. The most frequently affected breeds are German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers. A previous study of dogs undergoing splenectomy found HSA to be more common in the spleens of larger dogs (39%) compared to smaller dogs (25%). That study defined small dogs as those weighing less than 27.8 kg. The study reviewed in this Scientific Snapshot (Outcome of 43 small breed...
2023-02-27
10:45 min
Content presented by Katie Clow, DVM, PhD
Watch this video, as Dr. Katie Clow shares key highlights from a recent report released by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association which examines the perspectives concerning prevention strategies and awareness regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases across Canada. Bonus tool Download this ready-to-share infographic poster and use it as a tool to help spark the conversation with your clients and improve their awareness about ticks.
2023-02-20
13:06 min
Content presented by Andrew S. Peregrine, BVMS, PhD, DVM, Dipl. EVPC, Dipl. ACVM
Watch this video, as Dr. Andrew Peregrine examines the latest data on parasite prevalence in Canada, with a focus on Ontario. He discusses parasite seasonality according to their species as well as recommendations for tests and treatments based on the animal’s age and level of risk. He also lists some questions to ask clients to better understand their situation and recommend the best prevention approach.
2023-02-20
6:09 min
Content presented by Josée Marcoux, DVM, Dipl. AVDC, IPSAV, DES (dental care)
Watch this video, as Josée Marcoux, DVM, IPSAV, DES (dental care), discusses the importance of at-home dental care for pets. Through her explanation of periodontal disease, she describes various options pet owners can use to help decrease the buildup of plaque and calculus on their pet's teeth. Bonus tool Download this quick and simple algorithm prepared by Dr. Marcoux to help you better identify which dental products to recommend based on your patient’s needs and their owner’s willingness to...
2023-02-13
16:42 min
Content presented by Christopher Fernandez-Prada, DVM, MSc, PhD
Watch this video as professor of veterinary parasitology Christopher Fernandez-Prada, DVM, MSc, PhD, reviews the most recent Canadian tick and flea prevalence data in terms of seasonality and location with a focus on Quebec. He talks about sites of infection within the province as well as recommended prevention protocols based on risk levels and types of parasites.
2023-02-07
04:00 min
Content prepared by Suma Reed, DVM, Scientific content and partnership development manager at CommuniVET™
A study evaluates the effect of veterinarian attire and gender on clients’ perceptions of comfort and trustworthiness. It has been well-documented in human medicine that higher levels of compliance, patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes seem to be achieved when there is a better physician-patient relationship. Although detailed studies in veterinary medicine are lacking, increasing trust in the veterinarian-client relationship seems to have positive effects. One way to build trust may...
2023-02-07
13:04 min
Content presented by Emily Jenkins, PhD, DVM, BSc (Hons)
Watch this video, as veterinary parasitologist Emily Jenkins, PhD, DVM, BSc (Hons), reviews the most recent Canadian tick and flea prevalence data in terms of seasonality and location, with a focus on Western Canada. She talks about some of the parasites to look out for as well as the high-risk factors to take into consideration when managing parasites. She also discusses the benefits of a risk-based approach and the recommended preventative treatment.
2023-01-27
02:00 min
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
It is not uncommon, after a case of severe pancreatitis, for dogs to develop bile duct obstruction secondary to regional inflammation and scarring. In a previous study, pancreatitis was found to be the cause of 42% of cases of extrahepatic bile duct obstruction (EHBDO). Historically, the management of pancreatitis associated bile duct obstruction (PABDO) has been either medical or surgical. In one study, surgery of the biliary tract was reported to have a 50% case fatality rate. As part of...
2023-01-23
12:44 min
Content presented by Serge Chalhoub, BSc, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM (SAIM)
Watch this video, as Serge Chalhoub, BSc, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM (SAIM), discusses the highlights presented in this recent publication, including reasons why cats don’t eat, their unique nutritional and energy requirements, and general considerations to take into account when examining an inappetant cat. He also talks about the nutritional support options available to help resolve the situation.