Veterinary Vertex

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The Science of Decontaminating Subcutaneous Tissue: How Much Lavage is Enough? Aug 08, 2025

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Have you ever wondered exactly how much lavage solution is needed to effectively decontaminate a surgical wound? This question, so common in veterinary operating rooms, finally has an evidence-based answer.
Dr. Vanna Dickerson and veterinary student Cody Westmoreland from Texas A&M University join us to discuss their groundbreaking research on subcutaneous tissue lavage. Their study, published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research, reveals that using just 2.5 milliliters of sterile saline per centimeter of incision length can significantly reduce bacterial counts below infection-causing thresholds. This finding challenges previous assumptions and provides surgeons with a practical reference point for clinical decision-making.
The conversation explores the persistent challenge of surgical site infections, which affect 7-10% of patients following GI surgery despite our best preventive efforts. Dr. Dickerson shares her surprise at discovering that relatively modest lavage volumes produced significant bacterial reduction in their silicone model, though she suggests using approximately 10 mL per centimeter in clinical practice to account for the complexities of living tissue. Westmoreland, who brought his experience in surgical infection prevention to this veterinary student research project, discusses plans for future clinical validation studies and potential applications of artificial intelligence in wound management.
Beyond the science, we delve into the researchers' backgrounds, including Westmoreland's journey from operating room technician to veterinary student and Dr. Dickerson's collection of office dinosaurs that "make it impossible to have a bad day." Their work exemplifies how relatively simple interventions can significantly impact patient outcomes and client financial burden in veterinary practice.
Listen now to discover how this easy, inexpensive technique might improve your surgical outcomes, and don't forget to leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform!

Open access article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.25.01.0030

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Beyond Warming Blankets: Rethinking Temperature Control in Feline Surgery Jul 30, 2025

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Hypothermia during anesthesia represents one of veterinary medicine's most common yet preventable complications. While warming methods abound, which ones actually work? Dr. Rachel Kreisler and veterinary students Mahtab Khanezarrian and John Boules join us to challenge conventional wisdom and share evidence-based solutions.
Their groundbreaking research reveals something surprising: those cotton toddler socks commonly used in clinics provide absolutely no benefit for maintaining feline body temperature during procedures. Instead, their carefully designed "kitten mittens" made from down blanket material demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, keeping cats up to 1.2°F warmer with passive insulation alone. When low-voltage heating elements were added, temperature preservation improved even further.
The science behind this breakthrough centers on redistribution hypothermia - the averaging of warmer core blood with cooler peripheral blood during the critical first 45 minutes after induction. By focusing protection efforts on the extremities rather than just the trunk, veterinarians can make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes. The research team shares practical insights about preparation timing, environmental temperature management, and pre-warming considerations that can be implemented immediately in practice.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kreisler discusses promising new materials that may offer superior insulation while addressing the practical challenges of sanitation and reusability in clinical settings. Whether you're working in a standard veterinary practice or a specialized setting like MRI where warming options are limited, this episode delivers immediately applicable knowledge to enhance patient care. Listen now to transform your approach to feline temperature management during anesthesia, and discover why evidence-based medicine matters for even the most routine procedures.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.02.0095

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Improving Veterinary Journal Publication Times Jul 23, 2025

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How long should it take to publish your veterinary research? What happens when a journal promises publication in just 40 days? And how have publication times changed across veterinary medicine in recent years?
Dr. Mark Rishniw joins Veterinary Vertex to discuss his eye-opening research on publication speeds across veterinary journals. Drawing from his analysis of submission-to-publication timelines spanning six years, he reveals how most clinical veterinary publications have dramatically improved their efficiency—with JAVMA transforming from taking two years to publish articles to less than 100 days from submission to publication with robust peer review.
The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Mark identifies a cluster of journals with publishing speeds that "defy belief." These publications process thousands of articles annually in just 40 days or less, raising serious questions about peer review quality. "How do they find qualified reviewers who will do a critical review that quickly?" Mark asks, noting that specialized journals struggle to find reviewers for just 100 articles per year.
Beyond the data, Mark offers practical advice for researchers navigating the publication landscape. He recommends writing introductions and methods while conducting research, consulting biostatisticians before collecting data, and—most importantly—choosing journals based on audience fit and reputation rather than speed alone. "Don't pick a journal just because it's really quick," he cautions, emphasizing that publication in questionable journals might compromise the credibility of one's work.
Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just beginning your publishing journey, this episode provides crucial insights into the evolving world of veterinary publishing. How will you choose where to publish your next breakthrough? Subscribe to Veterinary Vertex for more conversations that shape the future of veterinary medicine.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.03.0151

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Inside the Fight Against Foal Pneumonia Jul 20, 2025

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The battle against Rhodococcus equi, a devastating bacterial pneumonia in foals, continues to challenge equine veterinarians more than a century after its discovery. This fascinating conversation with Drs. Noah Cohen and Devynn Volding illuminates a previously unexplored aspect of a common preventive measure: the safety of hyperimmune plasma transfusions from an electrolyte perspective.
When veterinarians transfuse 1-2 liters of hyperimmune plasma into newborn foals, they're expanding the animal's blood volume by a staggering 20-40%. This significant intervention naturally raises questions about potential electrolyte imbalances, especially since foals are particularly susceptible to such disturbances. Through meticulous research involving sample collection from foals before and after transfusion, Drs. Cohen and Volding discovered reassuring news - the procedure causes minimal changes in electrolyte and protein concentrations, with even sodium (the electrolyte of greatest concern) showing only statistically but not clinically significant increases.
The researchers also tackle broader questions about Rhodococcus equi management, including the challenges of vaccine development, diagnostic limitations, and emerging antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Cohen provides valuable perspective on the realistic expectations for vaccine efficacy, noting that even partial protection (like that offered by human influenza vaccines) would represent significant progress. Their work exemplifies the critical distinction between statistical significance and clinical importance - a reminder that p-values don't always translate to meaningful differences in patient care.
Have you encountered Rhodococcus equi in your practice? This episode provides practical reassurance that hyperimmune plasma transfusions appear safe from an electrolyte perspective while offering insights into the future directions of research against this persistent equine pathogen. Subscribe to Veterinary Vertex for more clinically relevant conversations at the intersection of research and practice.

Open access JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.02.0115

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Navigating Bioequivalence: Why Formulation Matters for Emodepside Treatment Jul 11, 2025

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When traditional dewormers fail against resistant hookworms, veterinarians may turn to emodepside as a last resort. But are all formulations created equal? Not according to recently published research.
Join us as Theresa Quintana and Drs. Jeba Jesudoss Chelladurai and Stephanie Martinez reveal critical findings about bioequivalence between different emodepside formulations. Their research demonstrates that the feline topical formulation, when given orally to dogs at 3 mg/kg, produces approximately three times higher peak concentrations and 2.4-2.8 times greater systemic exposure compared to the EU canine modified-release tablet at the same dose.
These findings carry significant clinical implications, particularly for dogs with MDR1 mutations lacking P-glycoprotein transport mechanisms. Without this protective system, emodepside can accumulate in the brain and cause neurotoxicity. The research team guides us through proper diagnostic confirmation of resistant hookworms, recommended treatment approaches, and crucial safety considerations before turning to this last-line therapy.
The conversation expands into formulation differences, bioavailability challenges, and practical clinical protocols. Teresa, Jeba, and Stephanie emphasize that clients must follow strict fasting guidelines before and after administration, as food dramatically enhances emodepside absorption and could potentially lead to toxicity with the already higher-concentration feline product.
Whether you're dealing with suspected resistant hookworms in your practice or simply want to understand the science behind bioequivalence and drug safety, this episode provides essential knowledge for evidence-based clinical decision-making. This episode centers around the intersection of parasitology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine and highlights why the details matter when it comes to drug formulations and routes of administration.

AJVR article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.25.01.0027

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Ice Packs and Skin Perfusion Jul 02, 2025

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The simple ice pack - a staple in both human and veterinary medicine for reducing pain and swelling. But what if this common therapy has unexpected consequences for healing? Soft tissue surgeon Dr. Vanna Dickerson and veterinary student Gabriella Hansen join us to discuss their fascinating research on how ice packs affect blood flow in canine skin.
For years, surgeons have cautioned against using ice after delicate skin procedures like flaps and grafts, believing it might compromise blood flow. However, this advice lacked scientific backing until now. Through precise measurements using laser speckle contrast imaging, Dr. Dickerson and Hansen discovered that ice application reduces skin perfusion by 10-15% compared to baseline - and surprisingly, in some dogs, blood flow remained decreased even 15 minutes after the ice was removed.
This groundbreaking work confirms what many surgeons suspected but couldn't prove, giving veterinarians evidence-based guidance for post-operative care decisions. Dr. Dickerson and Hansen emphasize that ice remains valuable for pain control in most situations, but surgeons should exercise caution in cases where even small perfusion decreases could jeopardize healing. For pet owners, understanding these nuances helps explain why your veterinarian might specifically recommend for or against icing in different scenarios.
Beyond the clinical findings, Dr. Dickerson and Hansen offer valuable insights for veterinary students interested in research, encouraging them to find mentors and emphasizing that meaningful studies don't require complex laboratory setups. Their work exemplifies how asking simple questions about everyday practices can lead to significant improvements in patient care. Listen now to discover how this common therapy affects your pet's healing and what questions still remain for future investigation.

AJVR article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.25.01.0023

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The Team Advantage: Relational Coordination in Veterinary Practice Jun 27, 2025

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Veterinary teams are complex systems where communication, shared goals, and mutual respect directly impact workplace satisfaction and staff retention. In this enlightening conversation, researchers Natasha Janke and Jason Coe reveal groundbreaking findings on the power of relational coordination in veterinary practice.
Originally developed in the airline industry to understand Southwest Airlines' exceptional performance, relational coordination has transformed healthcare delivery across multiple fields. Now, for the first time, this powerful framework has been applied to veterinary medicine with remarkable results. Natasha explains that relational coordination thrives in environments characterized by time pressure, uncertainty, and interdependence between roles—a perfect description of the veterinary workplace.
Their research demonstrates significant positive associations between relational coordination and healthier psychological workplace climate, increased job satisfaction, and perhaps most critically for practices struggling with staffing challenges, reduced intention to leave. By focusing on seven core components—frequent, timely, accurate, and problem-solving communication, alongside shared goals, shared knowledge, and mutual respect—veterinary teams can transform their workplace culture.
Dr. Coe's twenty-year journey pursuing this research reveals how veterinary practices can use relational coordination as a diagnostic tool to identify specific areas for improvement rather than implementing broad, sweeping changes. The visual mapping of role interdependencies provides practice leaders with clear insights into team dynamics that might otherwise remain invisible. Both researchers emphasize the importance of including clients in the relational coordination framework, recognizing pet owners as essential members of the veterinary healthcare team.
Listen now to discover how strengthening your team's relational coordination could revolutionize your practice culture, improve staff retention, and ultimately enhance patient care. The evidence is clear—how we work together truly matters for everyone involved in veterinary medicine.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.09.0570

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Polygenic Risk Score Prediction of Complex Diseases in Companion Animals Jun 18, 2025

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Genetic prediction technology is revolutionizing how we understand disease risk in our pets, yet companion animal medicine lags behind similar advances in humans and production animals. Why? And what does this mean for veterinary medicine?
In this fascinating conversation with Dr. Peter Muir and Dr. Mehdi Momen, we explore the emerging science of polygenic risk scores – statistical tools that can predict an animal's likelihood of developing complex conditions based on their genetic makeup. Using cruciate ligament rupture in dogs as their primary example, our guests explain how conditions often mistaken as simple injuries actually have significant genetic components. With heritability estimated at 40% for this condition in Labrador Retrievers, the potential for accurate genetic prediction is substantial.
The challenges, however, are equally significant. Dog breeds show remarkable genetic diversity, meaning risk factors that predict disease in one breed may not transfer to another. As Dr. Muir notes, Greyhounds – despite being among the most athletic dogs – rarely suffer cruciate ligament ruptures, highlighting the breed-specific nature of genetic risk. Combined with limited funding and smaller datasets compared to human genomics research, these factors have slowed progress.
Yet the future looks promising. Advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and multi-omics approaches are enhancing prediction accuracy. Unlike diagnostic tests, polygenic risk scores serve as preventive tools, allowing owners to modify their pets' lifestyle before problems develop – "not scary, just caring," as Dr. Momen eloquently puts it. These advances could transform veterinary practice, requiring future veterinarians to become more versed in bioinformatics and computational science.
Want to understand how genetic testing might help your pet live a healthier life? Subscribe to Veterinary Vertex for more cutting-edge discussions at the intersection of clinical practice and scientific discovery.

AJVR article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.25.01.0018

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Heart Rate Variability Derangements in Dogs with Chagas Disease Jun 13, 2025

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Dr. Roy Madigan joins us to uncover the hidden danger of Chagas disease, a parasitic infection transmitted by "kissing bugs" that's far more prevalent than most veterinarians realize.
Contrary to outdated beliefs that Chagas is a "third world disease," this silent killer affects up to 18% of dogs across the southern United States, with millions of cases going undiagnosed. Dr. Madigan shares how his journey began with one fateful case named Max, whose unexplained death led to a 25-year quest to understand this misunderstood condition. What he discovered changes everything we thought we knew about cardiac disease in dogs.
The most alarming revelation? Heart rate variability analysis shows that dogs with Chagas disease develop serious autonomic nervous system dysfunction long before showing any symptoms. This explains the devastating phenomenon of sudden death in apparently healthy dogs—a tragedy Dr. Madigan has witnessed countless times. Through sophisticated monitoring techniques, veterinarians can now detect these dangerous irregularities early, potentially saving lives.
Perhaps most concerning is the One Health implication. Dogs serve as sentinels for human infection, with Dr. Madigan noting that several dog owners have tested positive for Chagas only after their pets were diagnosed. The disease doesn't discriminate based on neighborhood or housing quality—these bugs readily infiltrate modern homes regardless of socioeconomic factors.
For veterinarians, the message is clear: implement thorough cardiac assessments and consider Chagas when arrhythmias are detected. For pet owners, especially those in the southern states or who've adopted dogs from these regions, ask your veterinarian about testing. Your vigilance might save not only your dog's life but potentially your family's health as well. Listen now to understand the heartbeat irregularities that could be your first warning sign of this emerging threat.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.12.0773

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