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!

2020-11-12
Jocelyn Anne Mason, DVM
Veterinarians are responsible and accountable for pet care and wellbeing throughout their patients' lifetime. But what happens once the pets pass away? In this Scientific Snapshot, Jocelyn Ann Mason, DVM, summarizes the AVMA Companion animal aftercare guidelines. This recap will cover the topic of aftercare as well as the more delicate subject of aftercare providers and crematoria.
2020-10-28
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
A study comparing once daily torasemide to twice daily furosemide Patients in congestive heart failure require multimodal therapy. A cornerstone of this therapy is the use of a strong diuretic. Furosemide is the diuretic recommended for canine patients in congestive heart failure according to the 2009 ACVIM consensus statement. Torasemide, like furosemide, is a strong loop diuretic. Torasemide has a longer half-life than furosemide (8 hours vs. 2 hours), as well as a longer duration of action...
2020-09-03
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
Study evaluates complication rates and progression-free survival times associated with commonly recommended treatments Mammary tumours in cats are most often malignant. Eighty percent of feline mammary masses are adenocarcinomas, and this neoplastic process is typically very aggressive in nature. “Lumpectomy” is not recommended in cases of feline mammary adenocarcinoma. Unilateral or bilateral full-chain (or “radical”) mastectomy is most commonly recommended. This Scientific Snapshot...
2020-08-13
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
A recent study confirms that high-phosphorus diets may have adverse effects on kidney function parameters in healthy cats It is well accepted that phosphorus-restricted diets are beneficial for patients with underlying renal disease. Studies have shown that feline patients suffering from chronic renal disease live longer when fed diets restricted in phosphorus content. Studies in humans, dogs and rats have confirmed that high phosphorus diets can lead to renal disease (phosphate nephritis) in...
2020-07-30
Content presented by Jinelle A. Webb, DVM, MSc, DVSc, Dipl. ACVIM
For the best chance at increasing longevity, each dog should have an individualized healthcare strategy in place to monitor for diseases as the pet matures. In this video, Dr. Jinelle Webb, DVM, MSc, DVSc, Dipl. ACVIM (SAIM), discusses how veterinary practices can help develop that strategy using the latest version of the AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines as a framework – and points out notable updates to the life stage definitions that better reflect the newest research and approaches to...
2020-07-23
How often do dog owners overfeed their pets due to inaccurate measuring, and could their measuring devices be to blame? A recent Canadian study examined the rate of accuracy from dog owners measuring kibble for their pets testing three of the most commonly used commercial scoops – and lends suggestions for the most accurate measuring approaches. We’ve formulated a downloadable infographic outlining the key messages for you. Get the scoop on the study results by downloading our infographic...
2020-07-08
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
An epidemiological investigation links raw pet food exposure to E. coli infections in humans Feeding raw food diets to pets has been a trend since the early 1990’s, and in some areas is increasing in popularity. Many benefits of this practice are reported, but none of them have been proven via peer-reviewed science. On the other hand, there is considerable peer-reviewed literature showing the potential dangers of this feeding practice, for both pets and the humans who interact with them. A...
2020-07-02
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...
2020-04-30
Content prepared by Danny Joffe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Emeritus (canine/feline), Vice-President of Medical Operations at VCA Canada
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...