Veterinary Vertex

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Beyond the Surface: Rethinking Fish Wound Care with Naltrexone Mar 18, 2025

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We take a fascinating dive into aquatic medicine as Drs. Anthony Cerreta and Karisa Tang share groundbreaking findings on fish wound healing. Their study reveals that topical naltrexone in iLEX ointment significantly accelerates cutaneous wound healing in black belt cichlids—a discovery with profound implications for aquatic veterinary care.
Anthony and Karisa explain how fish wounds present unique challenges due to the constant exposure to water-borne pathogens, making effective treatments critically important yet notoriously difficult to develop. What makes their findings particularly remarkable is the simplicity of the approach: applying naltrexone ointment just once every 3-4 days produced visible healing by day 19, much faster than untreated wounds. Even more surprising was how effective the treatment proved despite minimal contact time with the wounds—challenging conventional wisdom about topical treatments in aquatic animals.
This work builds on previous clinical observations at major aquariums where naltrexone showed promise treating head and lateral line erosion (HLLE). Anthony and Karisa meticulously designed their study to provide the aquatic veterinary community with solid evidence of naltrexone's efficacy. They're now expanding their research to chronic wounds across various species, potentially revolutionizing treatment protocols for fish in both professional and home aquarium settings. Their message to veterinarians and aquarists alike is refreshingly practical: this treatment is inexpensive, easy to apply, and remarkably effective despite the aquatic environment—making it a valuable addition to the limited toolkit available for fish wound management.
Have you encountered challenging wound healing cases in your aquatic patients? Try incorporating this evidence-based approach and share your experiences with the growing community of aquatic veterinary practitioners.

AJVR article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.24.04.0099

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Cold Feet: The Science of Cooling Equine Hooves Mar 11, 2025

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Cooling treatments for equine laminitis have long been standard practice, but groundbreaking research now reveals that not all cooling methods deliver equal results. Drs. Andrew Van Eps and Sarah Ciamillo join us to discuss their study which found that distal limb immersion in ice and water dramatically outperforms other cooling techniques for equine hoof lamellae under real-world conditions.
Their research addresses a critical clinical challenge: while ice water immersion has been the gold standard in experimental settings, its practical application in everyday equine practice presents significant hurdles. The weight of water columns makes movement difficult, leading many practitioners to seek alternatives like ice packs or sleeves. This study definitively demonstrates that these alternatives simply don't match the cooling effectiveness of traditional ice water immersion.
What sets this research apart is its methodological approach. By measuring temperatures directly within lamellar tissue while horses moved freely in stalls, the team created truly clinically relevant conditions. The results were striking – even to researchers who anticipated ice water's superiority. "I just didn't expect there to be such a drastic difference between all the different methods," notes Dr. Sarah Ciamillo.
Beyond cooling techniques, our conversation explores the frontier of laminitis research, including exciting applications of artificial intelligence for predicting which horses might develop supporting limb laminitis. The team discusses ongoing collaborations with equipment manufacturers to develop more practical cooling solutions that maintain therapeutic effectiveness.
For horse owners and practitioners alike, the message is clear: when dealing with horses at high risk of laminitis or showing early clinical signs, ice water immersion should be the treatment of choice – even if that means referring to a hospital facility equipped to provide this therapy properly. This episode delivers critical insights that could change how we approach one of the most devastating conditions in equine medicine.
Have you dealt with laminitis in your equine patients? Share your experiences with cooling techniques and join the conversation about this research that's transforming our approach to equine foot care.

Open access AJVR article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.24.10.0291

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Journal Award Winner Minisode: Misoprostol and The Equine Microbiome Mar 08, 2025

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The gastrointestinal microbiome represents the new frontier in veterinary medicine, with implications reaching far beyond digestive health. Dr. Rachel Pfeifle joins us to discuss her 2024 AJVR Resident Award-winning research examining how misoprostol affects the equine fecal microbiome—a study that elegantly bridges pharmacology with microbial ecology.
Rachel's research journey reflects the perfect blend of personal interest and mentor guidance, as she explains how her desire for clinically applicable research merged with her advisors' ongoing pharmacokinetic studies. The collaboration that followed involved specialists from multiple institutions, demonstrating how contemporary veterinary research increasingly requires diverse expertise to tackle complex questions.
What stands out most in our conversation is Rachel's emphasis on persistence through research challenges. Now a faculty member at the University of Georgia, she offers valuable advice to veterinary residents hoping to publish: develop the grit to weather inevitable setbacks and see projects through to completion. Her journey from resident to award winner to faculty researcher illustrates how recognition can fuel continued scientific curiosity and commitment.
We're proud to showcase exceptional early-career researchers like Rachel through our AVMA Journal Awards program, which recognizes outstanding student, intern, and resident authors. Want to support the next generation of veterinary researchers? Consider nominating a promising author for next year's awards by March 15th, 2025. You can read Rachel's groundbreaking manuscript in AJVR today and discover how microbiome research is transforming equine medicine.

2024 Journal Awards Nominee Research: 2024 Journal Awards Collection

Journal Award nomination instructions: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association | AVMA

AJVR Article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.22.09.0161

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Canine Forelimb Splint Placement: Don't Disregard the Digits! Feb 25, 2025

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Discover how exposed digits increase weight bearing and alter sub-bandage pressures in dogs with forelimb splints with Sarah Stark, a fourth-year veterinary student from the University of Minnesota. Guided by her mentor, Dr. Wanda Gordon-Evans, Sarah shares her groundbreaking research on forelimb splints and their influence on weight bearing and pressure distribution in dogs. Her study unveils how the design of splints, particularly whether the digits are exposed or enclosed, can significantly impact fracture healing. These revelations not only provide vital insights for veterinary professionals but also open doors for veterinary students to gain recognition through journal awards.
But the journey doesn't stop there. We also spotlight the indispensable role pet owners play in their animal's recovery process. From understanding the intricacies of splint placement to the critical task of monitoring exposed digits, owners are key players in ensuring proper post-injury care. Be sure to check out Sarah's article in JAVMA and join us in appreciating her significant contributions to veterinary medicine.

JAVMA open access article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.10.0684

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The Importance of Recognizing Concurrent CKD in Hyperthyroid Cats Feb 18, 2025

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Are you overlooking azotemia in hyperthyroid cats? Explore the intriguing world of feline hyperthyroidism with veterinary endocrinologist Mark Peterson, who sheds light on why some hyperthyroid cats developing azotemia post-radioiodine treatment face shorter survival times. We'll challenge previous assumptions and dive into new research involving over 1,000 cats, revealing insights that are crucial for making informed treatment decisions for these beloved pets. Uncover the complexities of diagnosing concurrent chronic kidney disease and the critical role of factors like increased blood flow, muscle mass loss, and subsequent treatment options, including medical and dietary therapies.
In our conversation, Mark also takes us on his personal journey into endocrinology and his impactful contributions to feline health over the past four decades. As we look to the future, we discuss the potential advancements in diagnosing and managing azotemia, including the promising but cautious role artificial intelligence might play in veterinary research. Join us for a captivating discussion on the challenges of recognizing hypothyroidism in cats and the ongoing efforts to improve survival rates through innovative treatments, all backed by Mark’s extensive experience and passion for unraveling the mysteries of hyperthyroidism in cats.

Open Access JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.10.0653

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Reevaluating Liposomal Bupivacaine: Insights and Implications for Canine Pain Management Feb 11, 2025

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Join us as Drs. Vanna Dickerson and Danielle Hollenbeck discuss the impact of peri-incisional liposomal bupivacaine on postoperative pain scores, opioid use after soft tissue surgeries, and incidence of incision site complications in dogs. Despite its widespread use, liposomal bupivacaine may not be providing the pain relief many expect. With 83 dogs enrolled in their study, these findings challenge the status quo in veterinary medicine, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based care and cost-effectiveness. These revelations could reshape clinical practices, especially in cases where traditional analgesics fall short. Explore the nuances of their study and the broader implications for veterinarians striving to enhance patient outcomes.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.09.0589

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Understanding Perineal Hernia Recurrence in Dogs: Risks, Challenges, and Solutions Feb 04, 2025

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Discover the hidden complexities behind perineal hernia recurrence in dogs as we chat with Dr. Mandy Wallace and Abigail Hatch. Mandy and Abigail provide fascinating insights into the risks associated with hernia development and the challenges of fecal incontinence. Mandy and Abigail emphasize the crucial need for pet owner education. Their discussion offers a deep dive into the nuances of soft tissue surgery, contrasting it with the generally healthier cases found in orthopedic surgery, while sharing personal journeys that led them to this specialized field.
Our conversation also touches on the evolution of veterinary record-keeping, highlighting the shift from paper to electronic systems and how this impacts data collection for retrospective studies. Mandy and Abigail offer their perspectives on improving these practices, guided by their own experiences with scientific writing and mentorship. This episode promises a blend of serious insights and light-hearted moments with two passionate professionals in the veterinary world.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.07.0487

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Strategies for Affordable and Effective Canine Bacteriuria Screening Jan 28, 2025

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Discover innovative strategies for revolutionizing veterinary care as we tackle the complex issue of urinary tract infections with Drs. Kayla Sample, Jennifer Grady, Gregory Wolfus, and Claire Fellman. Learn how affordable, in-house bacteriuria screening tests, such as the SediVue, RapidBac, and in-houes cultures, can redefine practices in veterinary clinics, especially those catering to financially constrained clients. Kayla, Jennifer, Gregory, and Claire share their cutting-edge research from the JAVMA article, providing insights into cost-effective diagnostic methods that can significantly enhance antimicrobial stewardship while improving accessibility and quality of care.
This episode dives into the practical application of in-house urine cultures, revealing a tiered diagnostic approach that not only slashes client costs but also addresses the critical issue of antibiotic resistance. With Greg offering a strategic guide for implementing these practices in clinics, and Kayla, Jennifer, and Claire emphasizing the importance of educating future veterinarians on responsible antibiotic use, listeners will leave with a clear understanding of how to improve veterinary diagnostics. Tune in to learn about the utility of in-house screening tests for bacteriuria.
JAVMA open access article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.05.0307

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Revolutionizing Feline Fluid Therapy Jan 21, 2025

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Join us as we explore fluid therapy in anesthetized cats with our guests, Drs. Stefania Gelendi and Ben Liao. Discover how mild hypothermia reshapes the way fluids are processed in feline bodies, challenging traditional treatment methods and offering a fresh perspective on veterinary medicine. With insights into feline shock management and the complex interplay of temperature and anesthesia, this episode promises to elevate your understanding of fluid dynamics and the unique physiological traits of our feline friends.
Explore the groundbreaking revelations of volume kinetic analysis as Stefania and Ben unravel the unexpected enlargement of the central compartment during hypothermia. This fascinating development reveals less effective fluid administration. This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the delicate art of feline fluid therapy.
AJVR article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.24.09.0279

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