Greer HR, Whitfield-Cargile C, Sebastian D
… +3 more, Berghaus L, Stanton JB, Coleman MC
J Am Vet Med Assoc
· 2026 May · PMID 42173143
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OBJECTIVE: To compare plasma and peritoneal 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6'-methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase activity between horses with and without colic signs and document pancreatic histopathology...OBJECTIVE: To compare plasma and peritoneal 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6'-methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase activity between horses with and without colic signs and document pancreatic histopathology in a subset of horses. METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional study included university-owned or donated healthy horses and client-owned horses presenting to the veterinary teaching hospital for colic. Peritoneal WBC and lactate concentrations and plasma and peritoneal DGGR lipase activity were measured. Pancreatic tissue was collected via convenience sampling. Pancreatic fibrosis and autolysis were defined with the use of a histopathologic grading scheme. Lipase activity was compared between groups, and these findings were related to WBC counts, lactate concentrations, and pancreatic histopathology. RESULTS: Samples were collected from 25 healthy and 30 colic horses, and pancreatic tissue was collected from 5 healthy and 7 colic horses. Plasma and peritoneal lipase activity was significantly correlated in colic horses and higher compared to healthy horses. Significant correlations were shown between peritoneal lactate and WBC concentrations with plasma and peritoneal DGGR lipase activity. Peritoneal DGGR lipase activity was associated with strangulating lesions and nonsurvival. Acute pancreatitis was identified grossly in 1 colic horse. Pancreatic fibrosis and autolysis were identified in 1 healthy and 7 colic horses. Correlations between fibrosis and lipase activity were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperlipasemia and pancreatic fibrosis were common among colic horses and may be associated. Peritoneal lipase activity may be associated with strangulating lesions and outcome. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study suggest that pancreatitis may occur with colic. Further investigation of the clinical implications of these results is warranted.
Bronko SE, Harvey AM, Bell CM
… +5 more, Soukup JW, Lewis JR, Rice CA, Hetzel SJ, Mendelsohn D
J Am Vet Med Assoc
· 2026 May · PMID 42161311
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OBJECTIVE: To determine diagnostic agreement between frozen sectioning (FS) and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue-processing methods for veterinary oral tumors and to chronicle the method and time required...OBJECTIVE: To determine diagnostic agreement between frozen sectioning (FS) and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue-processing methods for veterinary oral tumors and to chronicle the method and time required to perform FS sample processing in a private practice setting. METHODS: 27 canine and feline oral tumor samples were collected between October 2024 and February 2025 and processed in 2 ways: (1) in-house using FS and (2) conventional FFPE. All biopsies were interpreted by 2 veterinary pathologists, one who read the FFPE samples for normal diagnostic turnaround time, who then blinded and digitized the FS slides for submission to the second pathologist. The final diagnoses for FS and FFPE tissue samples were compared for each tumor. Mitotic count and FS slide quality were also recorded for each sample. Time elapsed between surgical biopsy and completion of FS was recorded. RESULTS: Excellent diagnostic agreement (0.915 [95% CI, 0.775 to 1.0]) was documented in veterinary oral tumors processed with FS and FFPE methods. Poor to moderate agreement was documented between FS and FFPE mitotic counts (0.42 [95% CI, 0.12 to 0.65]). The mean total FS slide processing time was 19.80 minutes (SD, 8.58). CONCLUSIONS: High diagnostic concordance was documented in veterinary oral tumors processed with FS and FFPE methods, with results similar to human studies. Slides were processed in a reasonable amount of time. Future study evaluating veterinary oral tumor FS samples using telepathology is warranted. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FS should be considered a feasible and accurate tool for intraoperative veterinary oral tumor diagnosis.
J Am Vet Med Assoc
· 2026 May · PMID 42161306
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OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of crowdfunding by veterinary clients hoping to defray the costs of pacemaker implantation in dogs. METHODS: Data were collected from all fundraising campaigns on the GoFundMe webs...OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of crowdfunding by veterinary clients hoping to defray the costs of pacemaker implantation in dogs. METHODS: Data were collected from all fundraising campaigns on the GoFundMe website looking to help cover costs of canine pacemaker implantation. Efficacy was defined as the percentage of the target amount raised, and success was defined as raising ≥ 80% of the target amount. Relationships between the target amount or campaign age and percentage raised and the target amount over time were examined. Finally, costs of pacemaker implantation from various geographic regions were compared. RESULTS: 76 campaigns were identified. Only 10% raised the target amount, 16% of campaigns succeeded in raising > 80% of the target amount, 10% failed to raise any funds, and 50% raised < 50% of their target amount. Success was not related to the target amount or age of the campaign. Pacemaker implantation costs differed between regions: costs in Europe were lowest, and those in North America were highest. CONCLUSIONS: Only approximately 10% of crowdfunding campaigns succeed in raising at least 80% of their target amount. The percentage raised is weakly associated with the target amount and very weakly associated with the age of the campaign. The target amounts have not changed substantially over the existence of the GoFundMe website. Finally, pacemaker implantation costs are greatest in North America and lowest in Europe. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clients should not expect to raise funds sufficient to cover the costs of pacemaker implantation using crowdfunding, and veterinarians should explain the probabilities of success with crowdfunding campaigns.
J Am Vet Med Assoc
· 2026 May · PMID 42161303
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OBJECTIVE: To quantify the financial impact of surgical site infections (SSIs) following clean-contaminated abdominal surgery in dogs, as well as to evaluate perioperative risk factors in this patient population. METHODS...OBJECTIVE: To quantify the financial impact of surgical site infections (SSIs) following clean-contaminated abdominal surgery in dogs, as well as to evaluate perioperative risk factors in this patient population. METHODS: This case-control retrospective study evaluated canine patients undergoing gastrointestinal or urogenital clean-contaminated surgery at a university hospital (2021 to 2024) that either developed an SSI (case) or did not develop an SSI (control). Surgical site infection-positive cases were identified via available records and matched 1:2 with SSI-negative controls by procedure, age, sex, and weight. Economic data and perioperative variables were compared with Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and univariable logistic regression. RESULTS: 63 dogs were included (21 SSI-positive, 42 controls). While initial surgical costs were equivalent, median total treatment costs were 24.1% higher in SSI cases than in matched controls. Intraoperative administration of antihypotensive medication was identified with greater frequency in cases compared to controls (OR, 4.68; 95% CI, 1.48 to 14.79), with glycopyrrolate identified as a specific risk factor (OR, 9.65; 95% CI, 1.00 to 92.73). No additional associations were identified. CONCLUSIONS: SSIs substantially increased total treatment costs in dogs undergoing clean-contaminated abdominal surgery, primarily driven by the intensity of intervention. Intraoperative vasopressor use, particularly glycopyrrolate, was identified with greater frequency in cases compared to controls. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Reducing SSI rates is essential to minimizing client financial burden. When clinically appropriate, prioritizing medical management for superficial infections offers substantial cost savings over surgical intervention. Judicious use of specific intraoperative antihypotensives may represent a modifiable risk factor for reducing infection rates.
Hepworth-Warren KL, Harbor K, Nelson NC
… +2 more, Kurihara M, Qu Y
J Am Vet Med Assoc
· 2026 May · PMID 42161302
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OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on the ultrasonographic and radiographic appearances of lungs of horses being evaluated for equine asthma syndrome (EAS). METHODS: Prospective observation...OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on the ultrasonographic and radiographic appearances of lungs of horses being evaluated for equine asthma syndrome (EAS). METHODS: Prospective observational study enrolling 32 adult horses evaluated for EAS. Ultrasonographic and radiographic examinations of the thorax were performed before and within 3 hours following BAL and scored using previously validated systems. The differences in scores between groups (normal, mild EAS, moderate/severe EAS) were evaluated through the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the differences in scores before and following BAL were evaluated by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (paired test). Statistical significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: There were significant increases in the total ultrasonographic and radiographic scores in the overall group following BAL. Ultrasonographically, there was a statistically significant increase in score on the right side following BAL; radiographically, the score was significantly higher following BAL in the caudoventral lung and caudodorsal lung. There was no correlation between the magnitude of ultrasonographic score increase, the percent recovery of BAL fluid (BALF), and the percent of neutrophils on BAL fluid cytology. CONCLUSIONS: The BAL procedure can induce changes in the ultrasonographic and radiographic appearances of lungs in horses evaluated for suspicion of EAS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinicians should be aware of these imaging changes when evaluating horses for EAS and ruling out other differential diagnoses.
J Am Vet Med Assoc
· 2026 May · PMID 42140270
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe clinical characteristics, prognosis, and therapeutic approaches for central corneal degeneration syndrome (CCDS) in dogs. ANIMALS: 11 eyes from 9 client-owned dogs diagnosed with C...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe clinical characteristics, prognosis, and therapeutic approaches for central corneal degeneration syndrome (CCDS) in dogs. ANIMALS: 11 eyes from 9 client-owned dogs diagnosed with CCDS between 2015 and 2024. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: CCDS was diagnosed on the basis of the presence of central corneal facets that progressively deepened and widened in the absence of corneal ulceration. RESULTS: The mean age at diagnosis was 14.2 years (range, 10 to 17 years). At the time of diagnosis, the facet depth was < 50% in 5 eyes, between 50% and 90% in 4 eyes, and > 90% in 2 eyes. The lesions were located in the axial cornea in 5 eyes and in the paraxial cornea in 6 eyes. At the final follow-up (mean follow-up period, 500.2 days; range, 87 to 1,195 days), progression of the facet depth to > 90% was observed in 10 of 11 eyes. Corneal perforation occurred in 3 eyes, and 2 unperforated eyes underwent corneoconjunctival transposition, resulting in restoration of normal corneal thickness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CCDS is a rare condition in dogs, characterized by progressive thinning of the axial or paraxial corneal stroma without evidence of corneal ulceration, leading to the formation of corneal facets, potentially resulting in corneal perforation. Our findings suggested that CCDS occurs exclusively in older dogs and may be bilateral in some cases. When there is a risk of corneal perforation, surgical intervention, such as corneoconjunctival transposition, is recommended.
Poh KC, Owen J, Williams L
… +2 more, Claude R, Eleftheriou A
J Am Vet Med Assoc
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42127999
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Endemic and emerging tick-borne diseases in humans and animals in the US are becoming more frequent and are likely driven by several socioecological factors. Although numerous hard and soft ticks are of medical and veter...Endemic and emerging tick-borne diseases in humans and animals in the US are becoming more frequent and are likely driven by several socioecological factors. Although numerous hard and soft ticks are of medical and veterinary significance, this review focuses on species that are most relevant for the One Health practitioner. This article presents key aspects on significant tick species and tick-borne diseases in the US. Tick biology and ecology of several ticks are discussed, including black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), western black-legged ticks (Ixodes pacificus), American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis), Rocky Mountain wood ticks (Dermacentor andersoni), lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum), Gulf Coast ticks (Amblyomma maculatum), brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), and the recent invader, Longhorned ticks (Haemaphysalis longicornis). In addition, the epidemiology of several diseases is also discussed, such as Lyme disease, spotted fever rickettsioses, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis/ehrlichiosis. Finally, management recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are provided. By integrating knowledge of key tick species, associated pathogens, and evidence-based management recommendations, this review adopts a One Health perspective to inform coordinated veterinary and human health responses to tick-borne diseases in the US. The companion Currents in One Health article by Eleftheriou et al, AJVR, June 2026, addresses research gaps and developments in tick and tick-borne disease research across biological scales.
Wilkins MJ, Heck AR, Rangel J
… +2 more, Vu AT, Milbrath MO
J Am Vet Med Assoc
· 2026 May · PMID 42102870
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OBJECTIVE: Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are food-producing animals. Veterinarians are necessary to provide appropriate antibiotic treatment for bees and can support beekeepers by learning to diagnose diseases, manage para...OBJECTIVE: Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are food-producing animals. Veterinarians are necessary to provide appropriate antibiotic treatment for bees and can support beekeepers by learning to diagnose diseases, manage parasites, and provide nutritional and husbandry recommendations similar to other livestock industries. The objective of this study was to identify the challenges faced by veterinarians contemplating the addition of honey bee medicine to their practice. METHODS: In this observational, cross-sectional study, the survey was deployed via multiple electronic avenues across the US to veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students starting on February 20, 2023. Information from the first 22 months of data collection is included herein. Survey response frequency distributions are presented as counts and percentages and associations between variables as χ2 and P values. On the basis of survey distribution channels, self-selection bias is expected to be present. RESULTS: Nearly 1,400 surveys were included in the analysis. Over half of the respondents indicated moderate to high interest in working with beekeepers. Numerous challenges were identified; the most commonly cited (40.2%) was a lack of knowledge, education, skills, and training. The challenges identified did not vary by type of practice, but did vary significantly by interest level. CONCLUSIONS: While interest levels are high, many barriers to accepting beekeeping clients have been identified. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As a livestock species upon which we are highly dependent for food production, honey bees are suffering from an unacceptable mortality rate. There is both a need and opportunity for veterinarians to engage in this important and emerging area of practice.
Lowndes CR, Luethy D, Skelton G
… +3 more, Kulp J, Stefanovski D, van Eps AW
J Am Vet Med Assoc
· 2026 May · PMID 42102868
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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate bexagliflozin for insulin control in horses with naturally occurring insulin dysregulation. METHODS: In a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study, 10 client-owned Arabian horses with hyperin...OBJECTIVE: To evaluate bexagliflozin for insulin control in horses with naturally occurring insulin dysregulation. METHODS: In a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study, 10 client-owned Arabian horses with hyperinsulinemia (> 30 μIU/mL) were treated with bexagliflozin (0.03 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h; BEXA03) or placebo control for a 10-day treatment period, crossing over after a 4-day washout. After a further 12-day washout, 8 of the horses were treated with bexagliflozin (0.06 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h; BEXA06) for an additional 7-day treatment period. Oral sugar tests were performed at the beginning of each treatment period (untreated control) and on the final day of each treatment course. Insulin, glucose, triglycerides, and adipokines were compared with mixed-effects linear regression. RESULTS: Mean resting, maximal (Cmax), and area under the curve (AUC) insulin were lower after BEXA06 (resting, 17.6 μIU/mL [95% CI, 5.3 to 29.9 μIU/mL]; Cmax, 48.4 μIU/mL [95% CI, 24.0 to 72.8 μIU/mL]; AUC, 4,084.0 μIU/mL*min [95% CI, 1,944.4 to 6,223.5 μIU/mL*min]) compared to placebo control (resting, 53.9 μIU/mL [95% CI, 35.0 to 72.7 μIU/mL]; Cmax, 90.9 μIU/mL [95% CI, 65.0 to 116.9 μIU/mL]; AUC, 9,146.3 μIU/mL*min [95% CI, 6,428.9 to 11,863.7 μIU/mL*min]), but not after BEXA03. Mild hypertriglyceridemia was observed in some horses following treatment with BEXA06 (n = 5), but mean resting triglyceride concentrations were not significantly higher for BEXA06 (49 mg/dL; 95% CI, 30 to 67 mg/dL) compared to the untreated control (32 mg/dL; 95% CI, 26 to 38 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS: Bexagliflozin (0.06 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h) controlled insulin with minimal impact on serum triglycerides in Arabian horses with naturally occurring insulin dysregulation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Treatment with bexagliflozin was effective for the short-term management of naturally occurring insulin dysregulation in horses.
J Am Vet Med Assoc
· 2026 May · PMID 42102862
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Ancylostoma caninum, the canine hookworm, is the most common and clinically important gastrointestinal nematode parasite infecting dogs in the US. Common clinical signs associated with acute infections include anemia, me...Ancylostoma caninum, the canine hookworm, is the most common and clinically important gastrointestinal nematode parasite infecting dogs in the US. Common clinical signs associated with acute infections include anemia, melena, hematochezia, dehydration, and poor weight gain or weight loss. In the past few years, multiple anthelmintic drug resistance to fenbendazole, moxidectin, and pyrantel pamoate has been documented in A caninum in the US, and cases of drug-resistant canine hookworms are increasingly being reported in the US and Canada. Clinical and genetic evidence strongly suggests that multiple anthelmintic drug-resistant A caninum likely originated on Greyhound breeding farms and kennels. However, the problem is no longer restricted to Greyhounds; several large national studies have shown that drug-resistant A caninum was present in dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds and at varying but always high prevalence in every region of the continental US. The high prevalence and wide distribution of drug-resistant hookworms present a matter of urgent concern for veterinarians in North America and elsewhere. In response to this concern, the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists established a Hookworm Task Force in 2021, and this paper is a result of the work of that task force. Here we provide guidance on best practices for diagnosis, treatment, and management of drug-resistant hookworm cases and summarize relevant studies to help veterinarians understand what is known about the biology, prevalence, and epidemiology of these parasites.
Nugent C, Embertson R, McQuerry K
… +2 more, Woodie JB, Hopper S
J Am Vet Med Assoc
· 2026 May · PMID 42102861
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OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation, treatment, short- and long-term outcomes, and subsequent fertility of Thoroughbred broodmares undergoing surgical repair of periparturient uterine tears. METHODS: A retro...OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation, treatment, short- and long-term outcomes, and subsequent fertility of Thoroughbred broodmares undergoing surgical repair of periparturient uterine tears. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted with medical records from a single tertiary referral equine hospital (2000 to 2023). Thoroughbred broodmares with confirmed periparturient uterine tears that underwent surgical repair were included; mares euthanized prior to surgery or intraoperatively or that had incomplete medical records were excluded. Data collected included signalment, clinical and clinicopathologic findings at presentation, surgical management, postoperative complications, survival to hospital discharge, long-term survival (> 1 year), and reproductive outcomes. Fertility data were obtained from The Jockey Club Information System via mare produce records. RESULTS: Uterine tears were confirmed and surgically repaired in all broodmares. Short-term survival to discharge was 66 of 76 (86.8%). Long-term outcome data were available for 64 of 66 mares that survived to discharge and 60 of 74 (81%) that survived > 1 year. Of 31 broodmares that were rebred during the same year as the uterine tear, 27 (87%) conceived and 23 (74%) produced a live foal the following year. CONCLUSIONS: Surgically repaired periparturient uterine tears in Thoroughbred broodmares were associated with high short- and long-term survival. Among mares selected for breeding, reproductive outcomes were favorable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prompt surgical repair of periparturient uterine tears can result in favorable survival and preservation of future fertility in Thoroughbred broodmares.
J Am Vet Med Assoc
· 2026 May · PMID 42091078
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OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively assess veterinarian perceptions of barriers and solutions to pet nutrition communication during small animal appointments in the US and Canada. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was circula...OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively assess veterinarian perceptions of barriers and solutions to pet nutrition communication during small animal appointments in the US and Canada. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was circulated by the Veterinary Information Network to its members between March 28 and April 13, 2022. Respondents included veterinarians in active practice. The survey included fixed-choice and free-text response items. Fixed-choice items were tabulated with R software. Free-text items were coded thematically with Atlas.ti software. RESULTS: From 561 survey respondents, the top 3 barriers identified were pet owner preconceived notions about nutrition (86% [483 of 561]), insufficient time (63% [352 of 561]), and pet owner resistance to discussing nutrition (41% [230 of 561]). The top 3 solutions identified were showing/talking to owners about what veterinary professionals feed their pets (59% [332 of 561]), having direct yet compassionate conversations with owners (58% [327 of 561]), and specific nutrition recommendations (49% [274 of 561]). Free-text responses clarified nuances within each potential solution, such as the importance of establishing veterinary-owner trust first and not being too technical with specific recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Small animal veterinarians reported that pet owner preconceived notions about nutrition were the most common reported barrier to nutrition communication. What veterinary professionals feed their pets, direct yet compassionate conversations, and specific nutrition recommendations were reported as potential solutions, with the caveat that veterinary-owner trust was important to establish first. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Building trust with pet owners, being proactive with direct yet compassionate nutrition conversations, and including specific nutrition recommendations may be helpful in breaking down barriers to nutrition communication.