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...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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.

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...

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.

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...