Veterinary professionals often regard the "gold standard of care" as the best and only way to practise veterinary medicine. However, human medicine is increasingly adopting a "spectrum of care" approach, which tailors treatments to individual needs and circumstances. By factoring in variables such as cost, client expectations, and the specific requirements of each pet, this approach could potentially elevate veterinary practice, offering optimal, personalized care for all patients. Perk up...

Dietary changes are often the first step in diagnosing and treating dogs with chronic enteropathy, aiming to provide balanced nutrition, avoid allergens, and resolve symptoms. While many dogs improve with dietary changes alone, it is essential to closely monitor the dog's response and adjust the diet as needed for sustained symptom relief. Ultimately, collaboration between veterinarians and pet owners is crucial for proper management and improved quality of life for affected dogs. Perk up with...

Ixodes scapularis, known for transmitting diseases like Lyme disease through pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi, has expanded its geographic range in recent decades, posing new health risks in these areas. This expansion, partly due to warming temperatures, is also influenced by other factors, including the fact that adult female ticks infected with B. burgdorferi could have better survival rates during winter compared to uninfected ticks. Perk up with your monthly shot of Vetspresso! In...

While metronidazole significantly impacts the gut microbiome of dogs, veterinarians frequently resort to this treatment for cases of diarrhea. Yet, there remains a crucial need for further exploration into its effects after cessation and potential metabolic consequences. Perk up with your monthly shot of Vetspresso! In this episode, we look into a prospective study published in August 2020 that investigates the potential impact of metronidazole on gut health in healthy dogs. Get your...

Veterinary medicine covers a variety of areas and artificial intelligence holds promise for helping veterinarians work more efficiently and gain fresh perspectives on managing and treating disorders. Perk up with your monthly shot of Vetspresso! In this episode, we look into an article that provides insight into the use of AI in veterinary medicine published in May 2022. One of the authors is a board-certified veterinary radiologist and professor at the Ontario Veterinary College. Get your...

Diagnosing adverse food reactions (AFR) in dogs and cats typically involves using elimination diets followed by provocation trials. However, preparing these special diets at home and monitoring changes during these trials can be demanding and time-consuming for pet owners, thereby making it challenging to ensure their compliance. Perk up with your monthly shot of Vetspresso! In this episode, we look into a literature review performed in September 2016 of a study published in BMC Veterinary...

Diabetes mellitus is the second most common endocrine disorder in cats. It is marked by inadequate insulin function, leading to symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and increased appetite. Effective management and veterinary attention are crucial for addressing these feline health concerns. Perk up with your monthly shot of Vetspresso! In this episode, we look into a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine in April 2023 that tested the safety...

Urinalyses (UAs) represent an important diagnostic tool in first-line feline and canine practices. Veterinarians can decide to conduct these analyses through various methods, including in-house procedures or by outsourcing to external laboratories. Perk up with your monthly shot of Vetspresso! In this episode, we look into a study in which both Canadian and US veterinarians were surveyed to determine when, why, and how they perform urinalysis in their practice. 1,059 participants filled out...

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition in pets. Since there is no definitive cure, veterinarians prioritize symptom management, resulting in a growing interest in recent years in investigating fortified diets and nutraceuticals as a complementary method for pain relief. Perk up with your monthly shot of Vetspresso! In this episode, we look into a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in September 2022 that presented a systematic review and...