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!

2022-07-26
03:00 min
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
A study evaluates the chances of surviving to discharge in cats with uroabdomen. Uroabdomen in cats can occur secondary to vehicular trauma, other blunt trauma, and urinary tract obstruction. It can also be iatrogenic (cystocentesis or rupture during palpation), or due to other less common scenarios. The most common source of urine within the abdomen is secondary to bladder rupture, but urethral injuries can also be a cause. Due to the smaller diameter of the male urethra, leading to less...
2022-06-07
09:33 min
Content presented by Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, Dipl. ABVP (feline practice) | Karren Prost, DVM, MPH, Dipl. ACVPM
Monitoring blood pressure in feline patients can be challenging in clinical practice. In this second video on feline hypertension, Dr. Kelly St. Denis shares her tips and tricks with Dr. Karren Prost. She provides practical guidance on how to reduce the risk of situational hypertension and false positive diagnoses, avoid stressors in the examination room and account for anti-anxiety medications in readings. Dr. St. Denis advises on how to incorporate blood pressure monitoring in busy clinical...
2022-05-13
03:00 min
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
A study evaluates the efficacy of diphenhydramine and cetirizine in canine allergic skin disease. Antihistamines are often utilized as an aid in the management of pruritus secondary to allergic skin disease in dogs. Historically, diphenhydramine (DPH) has commonly been prescribed for this purpose. DPH has also been utilized to attempt to minimize mast cell degranulation during surgical removal of cutaneous mast cell tumours. Hydroxyzine and cetirizine are other antihistamines that have been...
2022-05-03
12:12 min
Content presented by Paulo Steagall, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVAA, Associate professor of anesthesia and pain management
As co-author of the 2022 ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Management of Acute Pain in Cats, Dr. Paulo Steagall summarizes the highlights of this recent publication on the assessment and treatment of acute pain in cats. He presents useful tools and treatment options. He also identifies confounding factors that may affect some case assessments as well as unusual behaviours to recognize in a cat that is feeling in pain. He concludes with a list of things to consider when building an acute pain...
2022-04-13
10:57 min
Content presented by Adronie Verbrugghe, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECVCN
In this video, Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe shares her passion for pet nutrition as she reviews the 2021 AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines for dogs and cats. Based on these new guidelines, she discusses the importance of screening, nutritional history, and physical examination, among other steps to consider when assessing a pets’ condition and communicating nutritional recommendations to clients.
2022-03-29
02:30 min
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
A study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of polysulfated glycosaminoglycans as an adjunct therapy in pemphigus foliaceus. Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is an immune-mediated disease caused by the immune system targeting desmocollin-1, an intracellular adhesion molecule. The lack of proper intracellular adhesion leads to the formation of fragile pustules and eventual acantholysis, as well as flaking and erosion of the affected skin. Treatment of the disease involves suppressing the immune...
2022-01-27
03:00 min
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
A study evaluates breed-, age- and sex-specific factors in calcium oxalate stone formation. Calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones in dogs are the most common type of stone submitted for analysis in the United States. Previously performed studies of breed susceptibility did not take the popularity of breed into account, leading to results that are difficult to interpret. The study highlighted in this Scientific Snapshot (Epidemiologic Evaluation of Calcium Oxalate Urolithiasis in Dogs in the United...
2021-11-17
07:00 min
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
A study evaluates dehiscence rates following enterotomy for foreign body removal. In veterinary literature, dehiscence rates following enterotomy range between 12-15.7%, which seems like a high number. As most of those earlier studies included foreign body removal, but also resection and anastomosis for neoplastic conditions, as well as intestinal trauma cases, it would seem intuitive to believe that dehiscence could be more likely to occur following enterectomy as opposed to enterotomy. The...