As cannabis products are become increasingly popular with pet parents, a recent study was conducted to assess Canadian pet owners’ reasons for purchasing cannabis products for their dogs, and their perceptions regarding the efficacy of these treatments. This Scientific Snapshot features an infographics poster that summarizes the results of an anonymous, online survey which sheds some light on how Canadian dog owners perceive this treatment option and on how safe they think these products...

Study compares the recurrence of UO in cats receiving standard inpatient care vs. cats treated on an outpatient basis Feline urethral obstruction (UO) is a common emergency presentation to veterinary clinics. UO is a clinical emergency due to the metabolic derangements, hyperkalemia, azotemia, acute kidney injury, and cardiac rhythm abnormalities that occur secondary to the obstruction. With intensive treatment, the short-term prognosis for UO has been shown to be good, with...

Study shows that injecting the drug may be an alternative therapy for cats that cannot be treated orally. Cyclosporine (Atopica®) oral solution is licensed for the treatment of allergic skin disease in cats. The product is also utilized off label to treat some other feline dermatological conditions. Some owners have difficulty medicating their cats orally (even with a liquid). In addition, gastrointestinal side effects of orally administered cyclosporine may limit the use of this drug in some...

Many things have changed over the years regarding how feline patients are handled at the clinic and what to do to make kitty as comfortable as possible. In this Scientific Snapshot, Registered Veterinary Technologist, Angelina Johnstone shares her Top 5 tips on low-stress handling for cats. In this video, she provides advice on different techniques to create a more enjoyable in-clinic experience for everyone concerned, especially kitty. From syringe selection, blanket use, and cat...

Veterinarians have been shown in multiple studies to have a higher suicide rate than other professions. Peer-reviewed studies in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Norway have shown this in those jurisdictions. An older study published in 1982 evaluating male American veterinarians from 1947 to 1977 revealed a suicide rate 1.7 times that of the rest of the US population. The study reviewed in this Scientific Snapshot re-evaluates the suicide rate among US veterinarians in more recent times. No...

A recent study evaluated the efficacy and safety of sarolaner in the treatment of Otodectes cynotis infestations in dogs Otodectes cynotis, commonly referred to as ear mites, cause otitis in dogs, and occasionally dermatitis of the head, neck and other areas. Treatment can include topical otic medications, though systemic therapy is often ideal to allow for the management of non-otic lesions. Parasiticides in the isoxazoline family are primarily utilized for flea and tick infestations, but the...

Many cats show signs of fear and aggression during handling and restraint. In this Scientific Snapshot, Carly Moody, MSc, PhD, discusses the effects of fear on veterinary examinations as well as the benefits associated with low-stress handling. In this video, she summarizes her findings related to assessing negative cat responses to various types of restraint using validated behavioural and physiological measures.

The well-being of their faithful companions during end-of-life care is absolutely paramount for pet owners. In this Scientific Snapshot, Dr. Céline Leheurteux, creator of Euthabag®, examines why sedation should be part of the euthanasia process. Among other things, she discusses practice standards, the two-injection technique and the benefits of sedation. She also shares magic protocols to make the experience as pleasant as possible. To claim 1 CE credit, watch this Scientific Snapshot (10...

Study shows that the application of Feline Interdigital Semiochemical (FIS) has significant potential to help clients with cats that scratch inappropriately without resorting to negative reinforcement. Inappropriate scratching behaviour in cats is one of the most common causes of pet relinquishment to humane societies, or for the consideration of “declawing” procedures. Behavioural modifications, often involving negative reinforcement, are commonly utilized to attempt to minimize feline...