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!

2024-12-16
02:30 min
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
Raw and freeze-dried pet foods have been shown in multiple studies to commonly carry and spread pathogenic bacteria in pets, as well as to potentially spread these bacteria to pet parents and other family members. Pets often consume dried meat treats, most often purchased from pet stores. Items used as treats or chews in pets may include body parts, such as ears, snouts, tendons, skin, trachea, tails, penis, hooves and feet from a large range of domestic and nondomestic animals. Multiple...
2024-10-20
02:00 min
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
Cats commonly develop dental disease as they age; it is estimated that 70% of adult cats have significant periodontal disease. Dental disease can lead to discomfort and pain, and many patients require dental extractions to help minimize pain and further pathology. Wound healing postdental extraction can also cause further pain and discomfort. Studies in rabbits, rats and humans have shown the application of medical-grade honey into the tooth extraction site can relieve discomfort and improve...
2024-09-25
5:00 min
Content prepared by Marilyn Dunn, DVM, MVSC, Dipl. ACVIM, Fellow IR
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) brought together specialists in feline lower urinary tract disease to establish a consensus on the best approaches to diagnosis, treatment and management/prevention of feline urolithiasis. This short quiz is designed to review some of the important aspects of this consensus developed with the feline patient in mind. Contest alert Get a chance to win one of three $50 Amazon gift cards. The draw will happen on October 11, 2024, and the...
2024-09-03
10:29 min
Content presented by Scott Stevenson, DVM, MSc
In this video, Dr. Scott Stevenson explores the findings of the 2020 Canadian tick surveillance study, emphasizing the widespread presence of Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus ticks across Canada and the diseases they transmit. He also explains the difference between both passive and active surveillance methods, with a particular focus on the web-based community science tool, eTick. The video highlights the increasing threat of tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease and stresses the vital...
2024-08-27
6:08 min
Content presented by Anthony Yu, BSc, DVM, MSc, Dipl. ACVD
Watch this video as Dr. Anthony Yu outlines the essential ingredients and mechanisms of action to look for in a quality ear cleaner, considering both effectiveness and cost. He also recommends a product that meets his rigorous standards. Additionally, he offers practical tips for achieving a thorough ear cleaning.
2024-08-15
02:30 min
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
Pods containing concentrated laundry detergent have been available in Europe since 2001, and in North America since 2012. These pods contain anionic surfactants (20%–35% of pod content), nonionic surfactants (10%–20%), propylene glycol (8%–20%) and ethanol (2%–5%). Multiple case reports in human literature document children ingesting detergent pods developing more severe clinical signs than children who ingest “traditional” detergent products (either liquid or powder detergent). Several case...
2024-08-07
03:13 min
Content presented by Anthony Yu, BSc, DVM, MSc, Dipl. ACVD
Watch this video as Dr. Anthony Yu discusses the issues associated with sample collection techniques, lab culture results, and the various interpretations of systemic antibiotic sensitivity versus topical products. He also outlines when ear cultures are required and when they are not.
2024-08-05
02:30 min
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
Gorilla Glue (GG) is a household product commonly utilized as a wood glue. GG contains methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). MDI-containing glues have been reported to cause gastric foreign bodies in humans. This glue is very hygroscopic which causes a marked absorption of water and gastric secretions within the stomach, leading to expansion and hardening of the glue, and creation of a gastric foreign body. This glue can expand to 8 times its original ingested volume. There are currently 4...