Journal Of The American Veterinary Medical Association[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Survey of United States-based veterinarians reveals knowledge gaps in coccidioidomycosis and guides future One Health-based educational initiatives.
Ahmed SZ, Sykes JE, Laporte C … +4 more , Mount R, Schick A, Tater KC, Rishniw M
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 May · PMID 42091070 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Coccidioidomycosis, or Valley fever, is a climate-driven fungal disease. Dogs are valuable sentinels for human disease. We sought to evaluate veterinarian-reported clinical encounters with coccidioidomycosis i...
OBJECTIVE: Coccidioidomycosis, or Valley fever, is a climate-driven fungal disease. Dogs are valuable sentinels for human disease. We sought to evaluate veterinarian-reported clinical encounters with coccidioidomycosis in dogs and the relative awareness of coccidioidomycosis by veterinarians in endemic versus nonendemic states. METHODS: Survey responses were solicited from 45,240 veterinarians subscribing to the Veterinary Information Network in June/July 2024. For US-based veterinarians, data were gathered on the number of coccidioidomycosis cases evaluated, recall of education on coccidioidomycosis, and respondent knowledge of diagnostic tests, epidemiology, causative agents, and human exposure. Knowledge responses were averaged to yield an awareness score. Reported case data and continuing education hours were normalized with publicly available population data. For a subset of cases reported from nonendemic states, medical records were reviewed for travel history. RESULTS: Responses were received from 640 veterinarians (365 endemic, 275 nonendemic [response rate, 1.4%]). Median case encounters reported per 100,000 households was 230-fold higher for veterinarians working in endemic states compared to those in nonendemic states. Median awareness scores were low (≤ 50%) in both groups. Most education occurred during veterinary school. There was no difference in practitioner-reported median continuing education hours for endemic versus nonendemic states. All cases for which medical records were reviewed had travel history to endemic regions. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of coccidioidomycosis amongst veterinarians using the Veterinary Information Network was low, especially among nonendemic states. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Educational and reporting initiatives are needed to improve disease awareness and recognition by veterinarians, with implications for early recognition of human disease in nonendemic regions.
Lorazepam reduces recurrence of urethral obstruction in male cats: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.
Splittstoesser A, Kerley J, Lulich J … +2 more , Randall A, Tart K
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 May · PMID 42091068 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of lorazepam in reducing the rate of recurrence in first-time feline urethral obstruction (UO) and frequency of lower urinary tract (LUT) signs following hospitalization, as well as a...
OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of lorazepam in reducing the rate of recurrence in first-time feline urethral obstruction (UO) and frequency of lower urinary tract (LUT) signs following hospitalization, as well as adverse effects of the medication. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of 80 client-owned male cats presenting to a university teaching hospital with UO between 2021 and 2025. Cats with urolithiasis or urinary tract infection were excluded. Cats received lorazepam or placebo for 1 month after hospitalization for UO. RESULTS: 41 cats received lorazepam and 39 cats received placebo. Seventy-two cats completed the study. Five of 72 cats experienced recurrence of UO, all receiving placebo. No cats receiving lorazepam had UO recurrence (0%; 95% CI, 0.0% to 10.9%) compared to the placebo group (15.7%; 95% CI, 5.2% to 33.7%); this was statistically significant. There was a statistically significant reduction in LUT signs for 2 of 33 cats during days 8 to 15 (95% CI, 0.7% to 20.2%) and 1 of 31 cats during days 16 to 30 (95% CI, 0.1% to 16.7%) for the lorazepam group. Ataxia was the only statistically significant side effect of lorazepam, occurring in 4 of 31 cats (13%); other reported effects included sedation, increased appetite, and vocalization. CONCLUSIONS: Lorazepam administration was associated with a reduction in the recurrence of UO in this study population, as well as reduced LUT signs compared to cats receiving placebo. Lorazepam administration was found to be safe. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lorazepam may be used safely in the reduction of both recurrent UO and LUT signs following alleviation of UO in male cats.
Gastrointestinal complications occur in dogs with intervertebral disk herniation undergoing ventral slot decompression but are mostly self-limiting.
Fenton HM, Love KR, Lewis MJ
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 May · PMID 42061462 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency and types of gastrointestinal (GI) signs in dogs undergoing ventral slot decompression (VSD) and explore potential risk factors contributing to their development and their clinical im...
OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency and types of gastrointestinal (GI) signs in dogs undergoing ventral slot decompression (VSD) and explore potential risk factors contributing to their development and their clinical impact during hospitalization. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of dogs diagnosed with cervical intervertebral disk herniation that underwent VSD between 2016 and 2022. Information collected included signalment, neurologic status, medications administered, anesthesia and surgery details, and documented GI signs during hospitalization. Logistic regression evaluated variables potentially predictive of GI complications. RESULTS: 126 dogs were included, with a median age of 8 years (range, 1 to 14 years) and median preoperative Modified Frankel score of 2 (range, 0 to 5). Gastrointestinal signs occurred in 29 of 126 dogs (23%), including diarrhea (14 of 29 [48%]), regurgitation (14 of 29 [48%]), hematochezia (5 of 29 [17%]), melena (4 of 29 [14%]), and vomiting (3 of 29 [10%]). Duration of GI signs was 1 to 2 days in 25 of 29 dogs (85%). Age was a predictor of any GI signs (OR, 0.793; 95% CI, 0.659 to 0.942), regurgitation (OR, 0.717; 95% CI, 0.528 to 0.935), and diarrhea (OR, 0.782; 95% CI, 0.605 to 0.987), with younger dogs more likely to develop signs. Perioperative steroid administration was associated with regurgitation (OR, 6.180; 95% CI, 1.159 to 41.879). No other variables were identified as significant predictors. Hospitalization length did not significantly differ between dogs with and without GI signs. CONCLUSIONS: While relatively common, GI complications were self-limiting in most dogs. Younger age and perioperative corticosteroid administration might have increased the odds of development. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings have implications for predicting and optimizing perioperative management of GI complications in dogs with cervical intervertebral disk herniation undergoing VSD.
Historical perspectives guide advances in equine minimally invasive soft tissue surgery.
Rockow M, Gongaware A, Hendrickson D … +3 more , Easley J, Luedke L, Pezzanite L
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 May · PMID 42061445 · Publisher ↗
Equine minimally invasive soft tissue surgical techniques have increased in demand and frequency with concurrent expansion of training programs under the oversight of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Benefits...
Equine minimally invasive soft tissue surgical techniques have increased in demand and frequency with concurrent expansion of training programs under the oversight of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Benefits of recent advances in laparoscopic techniques include reduced cost and risk associated with general anesthesia and anesthetic recovery, improved visualization of the surgical field relative to open procedures, and more rapid return to performance, further improving patient welfare and limiting economic loss to the industry following surgical interventions. The evolution of laparoscopic techniques and instrumentation in human and veterinary practice predates contemporary practice by more than a thousand years. Current strategies in equine minimally invasive surgery emphasize applications related to gastrointestinal and urogenital disease, with thoracoscopic approaches less frequently applied, representing an area for growth in the field. This review seeks to summarize the origins and development of laparoscopic procedures and instrumentation in large animal surgery, current applications, and opportunities for expansion to meet evolving surgical demands such as integration of NOTES (ie, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery), near-infrared technology for improved perfusion and lymphatic detection, and robotic control options. The overall aim is to provide background and incorporate perspectives from small animal and human practice toward a One Health approach to enhance acceptance and integration of minimally invasive procedures in large animal surgery.
Mastitis greatly increases the risk of teat fistula surgical repair failure: a retrospective study of 92 lactating dairy cattle (1994-2019).
Azizi S, Dalir-Naghadeh B
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 May · PMID 42061443 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk factors for the recurrence of teat fistulas following surgery and to assess the long-term outcomes of surgery for teat fistulas in lactating dairy cows. METHODS: A retrospective case series wa...
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk factors for the recurrence of teat fistulas following surgery and to assess the long-term outcomes of surgery for teat fistulas in lactating dairy cows. METHODS: A retrospective case series was conducted on 92 lactating dairy cows that underwent surgical repair for congenital or acquired teat fistulas from 1994 to 2019 at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Urmia University, Iran. Acquired fistulas were further subdivided etiologically into 2 distinct categories: (1) primary chronic fistulas, defined as full-thickness teat lacerations that were not recognized promptly and healed by second intention, and (2) surgery-related fistulas, defined as fistulas arising as a postoperative complication of primary laceration closure. Defects were closed using a 2- or 3-layer technique with polyglactin 910 or chromic gut sutures. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between fistula recurrence and the predictor variables in cows with acquired fistulas. RESULTS: Surgical repair was uniformly successful for congenital fistulas, whereas the overall recurrence rate following surgery for acquired fistulas was 40.5%. The presence of postsurgical mastitis was the most significant risk factor, increasing the odds of recurrence more than 16-fold. Holstein cows with surgery-related fistulas had 4.7 times the odds of recurrence compared with Holsteins with primary chronic fistulas. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis is favorable for congenital teat fistulas, while it is guarded for acquired fistulas. Postoperative mastitis is a profound risk factor for failure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Successful surgical outcomes depend more on infection control than the specific choice of closure technique or suture material.
Acute-onset seizures in a 4-year-old Labrador Retriever.
Forlenza KS, Alleva NE, Coates JR … +2 more , Karnia W, Hong HP
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 May · PMID 42061422 · Publisher ↗
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Immediate surgical intervention for small animal pyometra shows no definitive advantage.
Durocher E, Windsor R, Smola C
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 42055052 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To describe preoperative parameters and outcomes in small animals undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OVH) for pyometra relative to duration of stabilization and surgical timing. METHODS: This retrospective observa...
OBJECTIVE: To describe preoperative parameters and outcomes in small animals undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OVH) for pyometra relative to duration of stabilization and surgical timing. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included canine patients undergoing emergency OVH for pyometra. We searched electronic medical records to identify patients undergoing OVH for pyometra between November 2018 and July 2024 at 3 referral hospitals. Presentation, anesthetic induction, and discharge or mortality were recorded for 137 patients. Regression analyses were used to determine predictive impact of cervix patency, stabilization time, and after-hours procedures on surgery and anesthetic time, postoperative hospitalization, and cost. RESULTS: We found no difference in surgical time, anesthetic time, or postoperative hospitalization across surgical timing groups. There was also no observed difference between open and closed pyometra for any of the evaluated variables. Total cost was modeled to be lower by 19% (β = -$1,058.9; adjusted R2 = 0.043; 95% CI, -$1,831.03 to -$286.77) when patients presented after hours and to increase with additional stabilization (β = $43.20/h; adjusted R2 = 0.042; 95% CI, $11.58 to $74.88). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that operating time does not meaningfully affect clinical outcomes for open and closed pyometra other than a predicted increase in total cost. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Immediate surgical intervention for patients with pyometra may not be superior to delayed surgical intervention.
Lameness 4 weeks after stabilization predicts long-term complications in small ruminants with long-bone fractures.
Cox DK, Bower M, Peroni J
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 42055050 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical features, management strategies, outcomes, and potential prognostic indicators for long-bone fractures in small ruminants. We hypothesized that complication rates would exceed those previo...
OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical features, management strategies, outcomes, and potential prognostic indicators for long-bone fractures in small ruminants. We hypothesized that complication rates would exceed those previously reported. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study evaluating sheep and goats with radiographically confirmed long-bone fractures treated at a single veterinary teaching hospital (December 2014 to July 2025). Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to characterize demographics, fracture features, treatments, and complications. Associations between variables and outcomes were explored with χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Primary outcomes were short- and long-term complications. RESULTS: 58 small ruminants with 69 fractures were included. Hind limb fractures predominated (38 of 58 [65.5%]); the most frequently affected bones were the metatarsus III/IV (21 of 69 [30.4%]) and tibia (15 of 69 [21.7%]). Most fractures were closed (56 of 69 [81.2%]) and complete (67 of 69 [97.1%]). Among stabilized animals, casting was the most common primary method (22 of 44 [50.0%]). Survival to discharge was 86.2% (50 of 58). Among animals with follow-up available, short- and long-term complications occurred in 24 of 31 (77.4%) and 17 of 23 (73.9%), respectively. Lameness at 4 weeks after stabilization was strongly associated with long-term complications. CONCLUSIONS: Long-bone fractures in small ruminants were associated with a high frequency of complications. Lameness 4 weeks after stabilization may be a clinically useful early indicator of poor long-term outcome. In this cohort, casting was most often associated with favorable outcomes in closed metatarsus III/IV fractures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results supported case selection and client counselling by identifying fracture characteristics for which casting may be most appropriate. Additionally, they highlighted poststabilization lameness as a potential prognostic indicator.
Thoracic radiographs in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus rarely affect the decision to proceed with surgery or survival to discharge: a 25-year retrospective study of 176 cases.
Lee J, DeGroot W
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 42055043 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To assess whether thoracic radiographs in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) are associated with the decision to proceed with surgery and survival to discharge. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study o...
OBJECTIVE: To assess whether thoracic radiographs in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) are associated with the decision to proceed with surgery and survival to discharge. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of dogs with GDV confirmed on right lateral abdominal radiographs at a single referral hospital (Veterinary Emergency Clinic and Referral Centre, Toronto, Ontario) from January 2000 to March 2025. Dogs with thoracic radiographs (or documented interpretation), complete signalment, and survival-to-discharge data were included. Thoracic findings were recorded and evaluated for associations with surgery and survival. RESULTS: Of 176 included dogs, 16 (9.1%) had findings suggestive of aspiration pneumonia and 15 (8.5%) had cardiomegaly. One dog had a solitary soft tissue opacity recorded as a structured interstitial pulmonary abnormality; none had evidence of disseminated pulmonary metastasis. Surgery was performed in 171 of 176 dogs (97.2%), and 162 of 171 (94.7%) survived to discharge. Radiographic findings suggestive of aspiration pneumonia and cardiomegaly were not associated with whether surgery was performed or survival to discharge. CONCLUSIONS: In dogs with GDV and documented thoracic radiographs, thoracic radiographic abnormalities were not associated with the decision to proceed with surgery or survival to discharge. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Thoracic radiography findings were not associated with surgical decision-making or short-term survival in this cohort, suggesting limitations in the prognostic utility of routine thoracic radiography in dogs with GDV, although thoracic imaging may still provide clinically relevant information in select cases.
Husbandry factors, feed characteristics, and pathogen prevalence on pooled oral fluids are associated with the prevalence of lameness in finishing pigs.
Pierdon M, Thakkar P, Zoltick A … +2 more , Clavijo M, Redding L
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 42055040 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To assess lameness prevalence and associations between lameness and animal- and husbandry-related factors at the pen and farm levels of finishing pigs at 2 ages in 3 states. METHODS: In 3 states, farms were vi...
OBJECTIVE: To assess lameness prevalence and associations between lameness and animal- and husbandry-related factors at the pen and farm levels of finishing pigs at 2 ages in 3 states. METHODS: In 3 states, farms were visited when pigs were at 15 ± 2 weeks and 21 ± 2 weeks of age from February 20, 2023, to July 31, 2024. Pigs were scored for lameness from 0 (not lame) to 2 (moderate to severe lameness), and farm- and pen-level factors were recorded. Associations between these factors and lameness prevalence at the pen and farm levels were assessed with binomial generalized linear mixed models. RESULTS: 53 farms were visited at least once. At the farm level, poor feeder adjustment and pelleted feed were associated with increased lameness. The presence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antibody and Mycoplasma hyosynoviae were associated with decreased lameness. At visit 1, feed levels of zearalenone and zinc were associated with increased and decreased risk of lameness, respectively. At the second visit, lameness prevalence on visit 1 was the strongest predictor, while increased space allowance was associated with decreased lameness. CONCLUSIONS: Lameness in finishing pigs is multifactorial. Feed, husbandry, and facilities play a role. The decrease in lameness associated with pathogens detected by oral fluids should be further studied. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A multifactorial approach to decreasing lameness in growing pigs is needed. Costs should be weighed against economic impacts of lameness and pig welfare. Veterinarians should submit lameness cases to laboratories to explore the role of pathogens in the etiology of lameness.
Cytology and histopathology have poor to fair agreement for determination of neoplastic or nonneoplastic lesions in dogs with splenic masses or nodules.
Aluisio MF, Garner BC, Howerth EW … +2 more , Laver T, Grimes JA
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 42055026 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between cytology and histopathology of splenic masses or nodular lesions in dogs. METHODS: Retrospective medical record review from January 2014 to July 2022 of dogs that had a sple...
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between cytology and histopathology of splenic masses or nodular lesions in dogs. METHODS: Retrospective medical record review from January 2014 to July 2022 of dogs that had a splenic mass or nodular lesion and cytologic and histopathologic evaluation within 90 days of each other. Slide review was conducted by a single pathologist from each subspecialty and recorded as neoplastic, possibly neoplastic, or nonneoplastic. RESULTS: 33 dogs were included and had a median of 4 days (range, 0 to 90 days) between cytologic and histopathologic evaluation. Cytologic and histopathologic results agreed in 18 of 33 dogs (55%; 12 nonneoplastic and 6 neoplastic), although the type of neoplasm differed in one of these (sarcoma vs lymphoma). There was disagreement in 8 of 33 dogs (24%; 7 neoplastic on histopathology and nonneoplastic on cytology, 1 nonneoplastic on histopathology and neoplastic on cytology). When including a possibly neoplastic cytologic diagnosis as neoplastic, there was agreement in 22 of 33 dogs (67%) and disagreement in 11 of 33 dogs (33%). In dogs with a neoplastic or possibly neoplastic cytologic diagnosis, 10 of 14 (71%) were neoplastic on histopathology. In dogs with a nonneoplastic cytologic diagnosis, 12 of 19 (63%) were nonneoplastic on histopathology. CONCLUSIONS: Cytologic diagnosis correlated with histopathologic diagnosis of splenic masses or nodular lesions in 55% to 67% of dogs. Cytology was accurate in 71% of neoplastic and 63% of nonneoplastic splenic masses or nodular lesions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There is poor to fair agreement between cytology and histopathology in dogs with splenic masses or nodular lesions. A neoplastic cytologic diagnosis more commonly agrees with histopathology than a nonneoplastic diagnosis.
Progressive bilateral dorsal swelling of the neck from the level of the occiput to the level of C3 in a 17-year-old warmblood gelding.
Johnson A, Huber M, Newsom L … +1 more , Harris O
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 42019548 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Diagnostic limitations of oropharyngeal swab cultures and inconsistent presence of secondary bacterial infection in canine aspiration pneumonia.
Vientós-Plotts A, Reinero A, Gull T … +1 more , Reinero C
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 42019547 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: In dogs with aspiration pneumonia (AP), our objectives were to determine whether oropharyngeal (OP) swab isolates would match bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) isolates and determine the frequency of seconda...
OBJECTIVE: In dogs with aspiration pneumonia (AP), our objectives were to determine whether oropharyngeal (OP) swab isolates would match bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) isolates and determine the frequency of secondary bacterial infection (SBI) in AP by use of 4 definitions. METHODS: 30 client-owned dogs with clinical diagnosis of AP (cough or fever, and radiographic alveolar pattern with historical vomiting or regurgitation) with OP and BALF cultures were prospectively enrolled from 2019 to 2023. Exclusion criteria included antimicrobial administration within 14 days of presentation or inability to undergo BALF collection. Definitions of SBI included (1) positive BALF culture (noncontaminant), (2) veterinary criteria (septic inflammation in BALF or nonseptic inflammation with positive culture having ≥ 1.7 × 103 CFU/mL), (3) human criteria (> 7% of cells with intracellular bacteria or positive culture with ≥ 104 CFU/mL), and (4) clinical recovery without antimicrobials. RESULTS: All OP and 16 of 30 BALF cultures were positive, yielding a median of 4 organisms (range, 1 to 6 organisms) and 1 organism (range, 0 to 3 organisms), respectively, with significantly more positive OP isolates. Most OP isolates (91%) were not recovered from BALF. Absence of SBI was documented in 30% to 77% of dogs with AP, depending on definition. CONCLUSIONS: OP swabs were polymicrobial, with most organisms (91%) not present in BALF. Many dogs with AP did not meet 1 or more definitions of SBI. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Using OP cultures as surrogates for BALF cultures was inappropriate for dogs with AP. Not all dogs with AP had SBI, necessitating further study of when antimicrobial therapy could be avoided versus when it is warranted.
Clinical presentation and outcome of bromethalin toxicosis in preweaned kittens: a case series.
Sykes C, Poppenga R, Ochoa J … +5 more , Shephard R, Choi EA, Puff KM, Dickinson PJ, Vernau KM
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 42019545 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To document the clinical signs, diagnosis, and outcomes in preweaned kittens with bromethalin toxicosis, and to determine the duration that desmethylbromethalin (DMB) can be measured in serum after bromethalin...
OBJECTIVE: To document the clinical signs, diagnosis, and outcomes in preweaned kittens with bromethalin toxicosis, and to determine the duration that desmethylbromethalin (DMB) can be measured in serum after bromethalin exposure in kittens. ANIMALS: 5 litters of neonatal kittens with neurologic disease were evaluated. Two litters presented to a veterinary hospital for evaluation, and 3 litters presented for diagnostic investigation following euthanasia. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: In this retrospective study, physical and neurologic examinations were completed for 5 kittens, with serial follow-up examinations completed for 3 kittens. Autopsies were done in 10 kittens. Tissue (10 kittens) or serial serum samples (3 kittens) were analyzed with LC-MS-MS for DMB. RESULTS: 12 preweaned kittens were diagnosed with bromethalin toxicosis on the basis of clinical signs, autopsy, and measurement of DMB in tissue (n = 10) or serum (2). Ten kittens were tested for and diagnosed with bromethalin exposure on the basis of marked white matter vacuolization on histopathology. Three kittens in 1 litter were diagnosed with bromethalin exposure antemortem directed by autopsy results of 3 littermates. Two of the 3 kittens developed neurologic signs of bromethalin toxicosis that resolved within 6 weeks; the third kitten remained clinically normal. Serum monitoring detected DMB in the surviving kittens for > 30 days after presentation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bromethalin toxicosis occurs in preweaned kittens, and neurologic signs are not uniformly predictive of a grave prognosis. The laboratory detection of DMB in serum can be a useful method for confirming exposure up to 46 days after exposure.
Multiple factors, including client financial constraints, play a role in clinician decisions for canine atopic dermatitis: spectrum of care in a chronic and relapsing disease.
Gentry CM, Rey L, Rishniw M … +2 more , Tater K, Teller L
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 42019542 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To understand the current opinions, diagnostic process, and prescribing behavior of North American veterinarians for canine atopic dermatitis. A secondary objective was evaluating how treatment recommendations...
OBJECTIVE: To understand the current opinions, diagnostic process, and prescribing behavior of North American veterinarians for canine atopic dermatitis. A secondary objective was evaluating how treatment recommendations were guided by client financial limitations and veterinarian knowledge of canine atopic dermatitis. METHODS: A Veterinary Information Network online survey was available from July 15 to August 15, 2025, to veterinarians who practiced in North America, saw canine patients, and consented to participation. Questions about frequency of owners with financial constraints, diagnostics and therapeutic recommendations, and referral to specialists were asked by either direct questioning or case scenarios. RESULTS: 718 respondents provided sufficient data for inclusion; 57% of respondents stated ≥ 25% of their clients had substantial financial constraints, while 28% of respondents stated ≥ 50% of clients had financial constraints. Most respondents always or often used financial status to guide recommendations. Respondents considered skin cytology followed by skin scraping the most important diagnostic tests regardless of financial constraint. Respondents preferred cephalexin for methicillin-sensitive pyoderma when there was financial constraint. Most respondents knew of the recommendation to use sole antiseptic topical therapy for methicillin-resistant superficial pyoderma, and most recommended aerobic bacterial culture before antibiotics with suspected methicillin-resistant pyoderma. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial financial constraints of clients do not always alter diagnostic and treatment recommendations for canine atopic dermatitis; however, clinicians' recommendations do not always align with consensus guidelines. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A better understanding of veterinarians' diagnostic and prescribing behavior can improve veterinary education on spectrum-of-care decision-making for canine atopic dermatitis.
The malignant potential of a canine incidental adrenal mass cannot be predicted by lesion size, but outcomes following laparoscopic adrenalectomy are excellent.
Cook AK, Mayhew PD, Massari F … +4 more , Araya FL, van Nimwegen SA, Van Goethem B, Singh A
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 42019540 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To describe demographics, imaging characteristics, diagnosis, and outcome for dogs undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy for an incidental adrenal mass (In-AM), compare findings in dogs with In-AMs against tho...
OBJECTIVE: To describe demographics, imaging characteristics, diagnosis, and outcome for dogs undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy for an incidental adrenal mass (In-AM), compare findings in dogs with In-AMs against those with clinical adrenal masses (Cl-AMs), and identify preoperative indicators of histologic diagnosis for dogs with In-AMs. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 214 dogs undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Demographics, imaging characteristics, and histologic findings were compared for dogs with In-AMs versus Cl-AMs. Survival to discharge was determined for dogs with In-AMs. RESULTS: In-AMs were identified in 61 of 214 dogs (28.5%). Age and body weight were similar to dogs with Cl-AMs. In-AMs were more likely to be pheochromocytomas than Cl-AMs (32.8% vs 8.5%; OR, 5.25 [95% CI, 2.43 to 11.35]). Vascular invasion was highly suggestive of a medullary rather than a cortical lesion (OR, 11.31 [95% CI, 3.03 to 36.42]). Maximal mass dimension (MMD) for In-AMs was similar for pheochromocytomas, cortical carcinomas, and cortical adenomas, but smaller dogs were more likely to have a carcinoma or pheochromocytoma. A total of 20 In-AMs had MMD ≤ 2 cm, 8 of which had vascular invasion. However, 6 of 11 small, noninvasive In-AMs were malignant (3 carcinoma) or had malignant/invasive potential (3 pheochromocytoma). Two dogs with In-AMs (3.3%) died from complications related to adrenalectomy. CONCLUSIONS: In-AMs were routinely malignant or had malignant/invasive potential, irrespective of size. Vascular invasion was highly suggestive of pheochromocytoma. Short-term outcomes following elective laparoscopic adrenalectomy were excellent. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Previous recommendations to monitor noninvasive In-AMs with MMD ≤ 2 cm should be reconsidered; perioperative planning should address the likelihood of pheochromocytoma.
Owners report satisfaction and perceived improvement following Sn-117m radiosynoviorthesis in dogs with osteoarthritis.
Vézina-Audette R, Barnhard JA, Brunke MW … +2 more , Levine D, Agrodnia MD
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 42019538 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate owner-reported satisfaction and perceived effects of Sn-117m radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) for canine osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: An anonymous multicenter online survey was distributed between Decemb...
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate owner-reported satisfaction and perceived effects of Sn-117m radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) for canine osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: An anonymous multicenter online survey was distributed between December 2024 and February 2025 to owners whose dogs received Sn-117m RSO for OA. Owners rated changes in pain and OA interference with daily activity before and after treatment and overall satisfaction. They also rated the influence of cost, clinical outcome, sedation/anesthesia, and other factors on satisfaction. RESULTS: Complete responses were obtained from 168 of 397 owners (42.3%). Overall, 63.1% (106 of 168) reported being very satisfied or satisfied. Osteoarthritis interference with daily activity improved in 71.5% (118 of 165) of dogs, remained unchanged in 27.3% (45 of 165), and worsened in 1.2% (2 of 165). Three dogs had no OA interference at baseline. The median improvement was +1 category (IQR, 0 to 2; range, -1 to +5). Among those that improved, the median change was +2 categories (range, +1 to +5). Perceived pain improved in 78.6% (132 of 168) after the first treatment, 82.9% (29 of 35) after the second, and 83% (5 of 6) after the third. Among 35 dogs receiving multiple treatments, 81% of owners reported comparable or greater improvement after subsequent treatments. Treatment-related concerns were reported by 6.5% of owners. Clinical outcome was rated the most influential factor in owner satisfaction (68% very influential). CONCLUSIONS: Owners reported satisfaction with Sn-117m RSO and perceived meaningful, repeatable improvements in pain and function. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Sn-117m RSO produced perceived clinically important improvements in canine OA, with satisfaction driven primarily by clinical outcome rather than cost, sedation/anesthesia, or other concerns.
Preparing practice-ready veterinarians through shelter medicine at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Shivley JM
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 May · PMID 41999739 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Toll-like receptor 3-activated allogeneic umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cells as an adjunct for the treatment of synovial sepsis in 3 horses.
Barton CK, Koch TG, Russell KA … +6 more , Moorhead R, Mehrpouyan S, Alizadeh AH, Dow S, Pezzanite LM, Goodrich LR
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41999738 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To describe the case presentation, treatment, and outcome of horses treated with Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR-3)-activated allogeneic umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (CB-MSCs). ANIMALS: 3 h...
OBJECTIVE: To describe the case presentation, treatment, and outcome of horses treated with Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR-3)-activated allogeneic umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (CB-MSCs). ANIMALS: 3 horses presenting with chronic or antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) septic synovitis. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: All horses presented with clinical signs associated with septic synovitis including marked grade 4/5 lameness, joint effusion, heat/swelling of the limb, and synovial fluid parameters consistent with sepsis. Case 1 presented 3 weeks following the onset of clinical signs. Cases 2 and 3 developed infections 4 and 5 weeks after elective arthroscopy and third phalanx fracture fixation, respectively. In cases 2 and 3, culture and sensitivity identified AMR bacteria. All cases had ultrasonographic and radiographic evidence of septic synovitis in addition to osteitis (n = 2) and presumptive septic tendinitis (1). RESULTS: All cases were treated with systemic and regional antimicrobials and synovial lavage. In 2 cases, TLR-3-activated CB-MSCs were used following a lack of response to conventional treatments and in the third case because of infection chronicity and the presence of septic tendinitis. Twenty million TLR-3-activated CB-MSCs were administered by regional limb perfusion or direct IA injection as dictated by the horse's clinical presentation. In all cases, the septic synovitis was resolved following combination treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because of the increasing emergence of AMR infections in both veterinary species and humans, the advancement of alternative and synergistic therapeutics is imperative. This case series highlights the use of TLR-3-activated CB-MSCs as an adjunctive treatment in cases of synovial sepsis involving chronic or AMR infections.
Dental education valued as elemental in a Purdue veterinary education.
Doerr KR
J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 May · PMID 41999737 · Publisher ↗
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