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Journal Of The American Veterinary Medical Association[JOURNAL]

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Beyond the "sink-or-swim" training mentality: can structured onboarding improve veterinary technician satisfaction and retention?

Ziegler CL

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41999735 · Publisher ↗

Workforce shortages and turnover among credentialed veterinary technicians impose substantial operational and financial costs on veterinary practices. Despite these consequences, onboarding often remains informal, reinfo... Workforce shortages and turnover among credentialed veterinary technicians impose substantial operational and financial costs on veterinary practices. Despite these consequences, onboarding often remains informal, reinforcing a "sink-or-swim" culture that may contribute to early-career distress and underutilization of skills. Although veterinary technician-specific transition-to-practice research remains limited, data from human nursing may offer relevant onboarding strategies. Human nursing literature describes predictable early-career challenges during the first year of practice and promotes structured onboarding anchored by mentorship, competency-based progression, and resilience-building support to improve satisfaction and retention.

Protecting veterinarians, on and off the job.

Bailey MQ

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 May · PMID 41999734 · Publisher ↗

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Honey bee larvae with abnormal darkened discoloration and slipper like-appearance.

Wood L, Mayer J, Mchale B

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41999733 · Publisher ↗

Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.

Clinical Year Mentors and distributive model success.

Burnett M

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 May · PMID 41999732 · Publisher ↗

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Anesthesia-free dentistry in veterinary medicine.

McCarthy TC

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 May · PMID 41999731 · Publisher ↗

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United States poultry flocks remain unvaccinated against H5 influenza-but why?

Kromm M, Alexander C, Bonney P … +10 more , Corzo C, Culhane M, Goldsmith T, Halvorson DA, Leonard M, Marusak R, Charles KS, Ssematimba A, Cortus E, Cardona CJ

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41999730 · Publisher ↗

Vaccination is commonly used to minimize disease impacts on birds and promote sustainable poultry production. Vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) differs because HPAI is classified as a foreign a... Vaccination is commonly used to minimize disease impacts on birds and promote sustainable poultry production. Vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) differs because HPAI is classified as a foreign animal disease in the US and disease control falls under federal jurisdiction. Vaccination for HPAI could negatively affect the nation's ability to export poultry and poultry products, representing the largest barrier to implementation. However, the continued burden of global HPAI cases requires a reevaluation of the cost of ongoing outbreaks and the need for new mitigation strategies, including HPAI vaccine use.

Cervical suppurative fasciitis and sudden death in a 4-month-old Angus steer.

Giannino DL, Guarino C, Frye EA … +2 more , Haluch A, Duhamel GE

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41999728 · Publisher ↗

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Canine and feline goniometry.

Marcellin-Little DJ, Levine D, Skouritakis CT

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Jun · PMID 41999726 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomic landmarks and demonstrate the method used to collect goniometric measurements of dog and cat joints. ANIMALS: Dogs and cats evaluated for joint and bone problems, as shown in the video... OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomic landmarks and demonstrate the method used to collect goniometric measurements of dog and cat joints. ANIMALS: Dogs and cats evaluated for joint and bone problems, as shown in the video. A goniometer is used to measure flexion and extension to detect joint disease and monitor response to therapy and disease progression. METHODS: The dog or cat is placed in lateral recumbency. A hinged plastic goniometer with 2 arms adapted to the pet size is used. The proximal arm is stationary. The distal arm moves with the limb segment. To place the goniometer consistently, the long axis of the stationary and moving arms of the goniometer are aligned with specific anatomic landmarks palpable from the skin surface. For the forelimb, the landmarks include the spine of the scapula, greater tubercle, caudal aspect of the humeral head, lateral epicondyle, craniocaudal midpoint of the distal aspect of the antebrachium, and dorsal aspect of the metacarpals. For the hind limb, the landmarks include the tuber sacrale and ischiadicum, greater trochanter, patella, lateral fabella, tibial tubercle, fibular head, lateral malleolus, and dorsal aspect of the metatarsals. Measurements are collected in full flexion and extension. RESULTS: Goniometry enables the collection of objective and repeatable measurements of joint motion in dog limbs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Goniometry is a safe and convenient method to measure flexion and extension of normal and abnormal joints that has been validated in healthy Labrador Retrievers and cats.

Abdominal palpation per rectum is highly sensitive for identifying small versus large intestinal lesions in horses presenting for colic.

Hallsten M, Fogle C, Shippy S … +3 more , Hobbs KJ, Blikslager AT, Elane GL

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41999724 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To describe the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and accuracy of abdominal palpation per rectum in horses treated surgically for colic. METHODS: Medical records were gathered over 5 years (2019 to... OBJECTIVE: To describe the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and accuracy of abdominal palpation per rectum in horses treated surgically for colic. METHODS: Medical records were gathered over 5 years (2019 to 2024). Findings of abdominal palpation per rectum were collected and compared to surgical diagnosis, and cases were categorized as true or false positive and negative. Signalment, physical examination parameters, hematologic values, and years of examiner experience were recorded. RESULTS: Records of 453 horses were included. Overall sensitivity and positive predictive value were 86% and 79%, respectively. Specificity and negative predictive value were low at 5% and 7%, respectively. Accuracy (71%) was not different between small (72%) and large (70%) intestinal lesions. Small intestinal lesions were significantly associated with nonsurvival. There was no association between a correct diagnosis on abdominal palpation per rectum and short-term survival. Elevated heart rate, PCV, serum and peritoneal lactate concentrations, and age were associated with nonsurvival. There was no association between examiner experience and accurate diagnosis on palpation per rectum or patient survival. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal palpation per rectum is highly sensitive for correctly identifying small intestinal versus large intestinal lesions in horses undergoing surgery for treatment of colic. Lack of association between examiner experience and accuracy or survival supports abdominal palpation per rectum at all levels of experience. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study demonstrates an increase in accuracy of abdominal palpation per rectum compared to previous reports and supports its inclusion in the colic diagnostic plan when safe for the patient and examiner.

Species-specific neurological examinations are necessary in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and do not differ between client-owned and laboratory animals.

Murthy V, Durant A, Beaufrère H … +2 more , Keller K, Guzman DS

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41985531 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate for differences in normal neurological examination findings between client-owned and laboratory guinea pigs and establish a species-specific neurological examination. METHODS: Healthy adult client-... OBJECTIVE: To evaluate for differences in normal neurological examination findings between client-owned and laboratory guinea pigs and establish a species-specific neurological examination. METHODS: Healthy adult client-owned and laboratory guinea pigs were prospectively enrolled in an observational study. Neurological examination tests commonly used in cats and dogs were performed and results documented. The study evaluated the ability to perform each test and whether it generated the result expected (extrapolated from cats and dogs). Differences between groups of > 20% were evaluated with Fisher exact tests. Tests with > 90% feasibility and expected response rate were used to generate a species-specific neurological examination. RESULTS: 34 guinea pigs were included, consisting of 17 in the client-owned group and 17 in the laboratory guinea pig group. Most tests (40 of 41 [98%]) could be successfully performed in over 90% of animals with minor modifications, while 27 of 40 tests (68%) resulted in expected results in over 90% of animals. Expected response rates for tactile placing of the pelvic limbs were different between groups but overall low. The rest of the neurological examination was not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Neurological examinations in guinea pigs should be performed and interpreted with caution, as tests used in other species may not yield reliable results. A species-specific neurological examination should be considered. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings allowed the creation of a guinea pig-specific neurological examination template that can be used in clinical patients and laboratory settings.

American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification predicts perianesthetic morbidity and mortality of companion pigs.

Bass L, Fecteau ME, Stefanovski D … +3 more , Hopster K, Midon M, Douglas H

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41985530 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To determine and describe the morbidity and mortality following the procedural sedation and general anesthesia of pigs at a tertiary university large animal referral hospital. METHODS: Medical records of all p... OBJECTIVE: To determine and describe the morbidity and mortality following the procedural sedation and general anesthesia of pigs at a tertiary university large animal referral hospital. METHODS: Medical records of all pigs undergoing procedural sedation or general anesthesia from January 2019 until December 2023 were reviewed in this single-center, cohort, observational analysis. Information regarding patient demographics, sedation/anesthetic protocol, recovery from sedation/anesthesia, and perianesthetic complications was analyzed for each anesthetic event. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the variables associated with morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: 447 procedural sedation or general anesthetic events for 304 pigs were analyzed. Intraprocedural anesthetic complications were observed in 117 of 214 procedural sedation events (54.7%) and 185 of 233 general anesthesia events (79.4%). The most frequent intraprocedural complication was low peripheral oxygen saturation (177 of 438 [40.4%]). There were increased intraprocedural anesthetic complications in pigs with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status of III-IV when compared to an ASA status of I or II (OR, 3.236; 95% CI, 1.52 to 6.81). Death due to a perianesthetic complication was observed following 7 of 447 events (1.6%). An ASA status of III-IV was associated with increased mortality within 48 hours (OR, 25.40; 95% CI, 7.25 to 89.93). CONCLUSIONS: Porcine perianesthetic morbidity and mortality were associated with ASA physical status classification. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Thorough preanesthetic assessment for porcine patients is imperative. Pulse oximetry and oxygen supplementation should be utilized during the perianesthetic period.

Comparing vaginal douche, cervicovaginal mucus, and uterine lavage for diagnosis of Tritrichomonas foetus in naive heifers exposed to a naturally infected bull.

Schwartz DW, Koziol J, Thompson AC … +3 more , Klabnik JL, Rush J, Armstrong C

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41985527 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of quantitative PCR (qPCR) in detecting Tritrichomonas foetus from 3 sample types-vaginal douche, cervicovaginal mucus, and low-volume uterine lavage-in naïve heif... OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of quantitative PCR (qPCR) in detecting Tritrichomonas foetus from 3 sample types-vaginal douche, cervicovaginal mucus, and low-volume uterine lavage-in naïve heifers exposed to a naturally infected bull. METHODS: 11 naïve heifers were exposed for 30 days to a bull naturally infected with T foetus. Three sampling locations were used to collect diagnostic-material vaginal douche, cervical mucus aspirate, and low-volume uterine lavage and submitted for qPCR. Three sampling time periods were performed 21 days apart. RESULTS: 12 out of the 82 samples (14.6%) were positive on qPCR. Positive samples were acquired from 2 of 11 heifers. Time significantly impacted the sample positivity results, while location did not. CONCLUSIONS: The small design of the study could not detect a difference between sampling locations. Two animals that tested positive were negative by day 51, suggesting that testing should occur prior to this day. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Recommendations for diagnostic sampling in the female for T foetus are scarce. Sampling from the vagina using a vaginal douche is subjectively easier and results in positive samples. Sampling from the vagina avoids having to traverse the cervix for sample collection, which can be challenging.

Comparison of owner-reported recurrent clinical signs of thoracolumbar disk herniation following multiple chondroitinase ABC intradiskal injections or routine surgical management.

Poacher J, Tammaro WJ, Jeffery ND … +1 more , Freeman PM

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41985525 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To summarize owner-reported recurrence of clinical signs consistent with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation in dogs treated by intradiskal injection of chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) and to compare recur... OBJECTIVE: To summarize owner-reported recurrence of clinical signs consistent with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation in dogs treated by intradiskal injection of chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) and to compare recurrence rate versus routine surgical management. METHODS: This pragmatic retrospective, time-matched cohort comparison study included 2 groups of dogs that recovered independent locomotion (> 50 unsupported steps) following treatment between October 2022 and March 2025 for acute nonambulatory paraparesis or paraplegia, assumed or proven to be caused by intervertebral disk herniation, with (1) 1.25-U ChABC injections into 4 consecutive intervertebral disks targeted on the basis of neurologic examination or (2) routine decompressive surgery following cross-sectional imaging. Recurrent clinical signs were reported retrospectively to investigators. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 47 ChABC-treated dogs and 79 surgical cases with similar demographics. Fenestration number in the surgery group was variable (7 dogs had 0 fenestrations, 32 dogs had 1, 17 dogs had 2, 20 dogs had 3, and 3 dogs had an unknown number). Recurrence occurred in 24 of 79 surgical dogs (30%) compared to 6 of 47 ChABC-treated dogs (13%). Univariable Poisson regression demonstrated a significantly lower recurrence rate in the ChABC group (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.38; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.87) and in older dogs (IRR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.93). The optimized multivariable model included both these variables and suggested that ChABC injections were associated with an adjusted recurrence incidence rate reduction of approximately 70%. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisk injection of ChABC was associated with a reduced rate of owner-reported recurrence of clinical signs suggestive of intervertebral disk herniation compared to surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Intradiskal injection of ChABC may be an effective prophylactic against intervertebral disk herniation.

Where veterinarians spend their professional formative years may exert less influence on workplace location in recent veterinary cohorts than in earlier cohorts.

Raghavan M

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41985524 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To determine in-state retention of Indiana-based Purdue University veterinary graduates and contextualize their out-migration within population-based movements of Indiana veterinarians. METHODS: Indiana veteri... OBJECTIVE: To determine in-state retention of Indiana-based Purdue University veterinary graduates and contextualize their out-migration within population-based movements of Indiana veterinarians. METHODS: Indiana veterinary license (IVL) information was accessed from April 18 to July 7, 2025, to determine the number of recent graduates with an IVL, map the location of all veterinarians with an IVL, and compare the longevity of IVLs with in-state and out-of-state addresses. RESULTS: Among 483 graduates from DVM classes of 2019 to 2024, 191 (39.5%) registered for an IVL; 173 (35.8%) had an Indiana address, while 48.7% of students admitted to the DVM program 4 years earlier represented Indiana residents. In 2025, 177 of 483 graduates (36.7%) had an active IVL; 161 (33.3%) were active and had an Indiana address. Of 6,825 veterinarians with an IVL, 3,707 (54.3%) had an Indiana address, 2,928 (42.9%) were active, and 2,161 (31.7%) were active with an Indiana address. Other top states with active IVL holders were Kentucky (n = 129), Illinois (128), Ohio (115), and Michigan (102). In a subset analysis, Indiana counties with active IVL holders were fewer in number than counties with veterinarians who had ever held an IVL. More recent veterinarian cohorts than earlier cohorts were registered from locations with larger populations. The median (maximum) years of licensure was higher in IVLs with an Indiana address (17.0 [62.0]) than IVLs with an out-of-state address (9.0 [54.0]). CONCLUSIONS: In-state retention of Indiana veterinary graduates was low. Most veterinarians with an active IVL were in Indiana, neighboring states, and, more recently, locations with larger populations and in fewer Indiana counties. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding migrations within US census divisions and regions than across may aid veterinary workforce stability.

Presurgical acetone and chlorhexidine aseptic preparation of the equine hoof lowers bacterial counts below surgically acceptable threshold.

Gonzalez GA, O'Shea CM, Nabors B … +3 more , Eldridge J, Wills R, Stilwell N

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41985521 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: The objectives were to determine whether topical applications of acetone and 4% chlorhexidine following removal of the superficial hoof wall reduces tissue bacterial load below 5 log10 microorganisms per gram... OBJECTIVE: The objectives were to determine whether topical applications of acetone and 4% chlorhexidine following removal of the superficial hoof wall reduces tissue bacterial load below 5 log10 microorganisms per gram (CFUs/g) of tissue and whether Dey-Engley neutralizing broth (DENB) neutralizes residual chlorhexidine in vitro within equine hoof tissue samples. METHODS: In a clinical prospective study with a total of 24 hooves, the superficial hoof was mechanically removed followed by disinfection with acetone and 5-minute rough and aseptic preparations with 4% chlorhexidine. Dorsal wall, frog, and sole samples were collected aseptically before and after disinfection, minced, incubated in DENB or saline, serially diluted, and plated on blood agar for 48-hour aerobic bacterial colony counts. Linear and logistic regression mixed models assessed the effects of disinfection and neutralization on log10 CFUs/g of tissue for each site. RESULTS: Acetone and chlorhexidine reduced tissue bacterial load when adjusted for site and site-disinfection interaction. Adjusted log10 mean CFUs/g of tissue ranged from 3.24 to 4.76 for sites, and the proportion of samples below the log10 CFUs/g threshold of 5 was 66.7% (dorsal), 62.5% (frog), and 25% (sole). Hoof samples incubated in DENB or saline yielded similar CFUs/g of tissue values before disinfection, but DENB-incubated samples had higher CFUs/g of tissue values than non-neutralized samples following disinfection when adjusted for site and site-DENB interaction. CONCLUSIONS: This protocol significantly reduced hoof bacterial loads in many samples, and DENB was an effective chlorhexidine-neutralizing agent. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on aerobic colony counts, the chlorhexidine/acetone protocol reduces hoof bacterial loads.

Increased rectal temperature is associated with poor prognosis and infectious diagnoses in clinically ill pet rabbits.

Molle R, Sladakovic I, Hall EJS … +1 more , Campbell-Ward ML

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41985519 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an elevated rectal temperature is a predictor of survival in ill pet rabbits. Secondary aims were to identify risk factors associated with pyrexia in rabbits and to categorize the associat... OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an elevated rectal temperature is a predictor of survival in ill pet rabbits. Secondary aims were to identify risk factors associated with pyrexia in rabbits and to categorize the associated differential diagnoses. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of 70 clinically ill pet rabbits treated at an exotics specialist hospital in Sydney, Australia, between 2018 and 2024. Thirty-five pyrexic rabbits (rectal temperature ≥ 40.0 °C) were temporally matched with 35 normothermic controls (38.0 to 39.9 °C). Data were collected with a systematic database search and included sex, neuter status, age, breed, rectal temperature, suspected diagnosis, and survival outcome. Rabbits lacking adequate follow-up were excluded. Logistic regression models analyzed associations between rectal temperature, survival, and risk factors. RESULTS: Pyrexic rabbits were 1.27 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.57) times more likely to die than normothermic rabbits and 4.52 (95% CI, 1.34 to 18.3) times more likely to have a poor outcome (euthanized or died). Each 1 °C increase in rectal temperature was associated with a 2.48-fold increase in chance of mortality (95% CI, 1.17 to 5.27). Neuter status was significantly associated with increased rectal temperature. Infectious disease accounted for 54.3% of pyrexia cases. CONCLUSIONS: Increased rectal temperature should be considered a significant finding when assessing the severity of illness and potential outcomes in clinically ill pet rabbits. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Rectal temperature measurement is a simple, accessible prognostic tool that can assist clinicians with triage, treatment planning, and client communication. Infectious disease should be prioritized as a differential diagnosis in rabbits with pyrexia.

Deep digital flexor tenotomy provides pain relief and clinical comfort in horses with chronic laminitis.

Orsini JA, Stefanovski D

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41985510 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the clinical application, outcomes, and prognostic indicators of deep digital flexor tenotomy (DDFT) in horses with chronic laminitis. METHODS: A computer-generated search identified all p... OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the clinical application, outcomes, and prognostic indicators of deep digital flexor tenotomy (DDFT) in horses with chronic laminitis. METHODS: A computer-generated search identified all possible cases of laminitis for horses referred to the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania between 2010 and 2022. Medical records were reviewed for a diagnosis of laminitis by clinical examination and radiographs. The population was characterized by breed, age, clinical features, and radiographic findings. Poisson regression was performed to identify variables associated with outcomes after DDFT. RESULTS: A total of 871 horses were included in the analyses, of which 8% of the population had undergone DDFT. Multivariable modeling showed that the risk of developing complications with the third phalanx increased by 16%/y of age (incidence rate ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.30). Horses that underwent tenotomy showed a 20-fold improvement postsurgery at 3 to 6 months (incidence rate ratio, 20:1; 95% CI, 1.1 to 380.9). CONCLUSIONS: Results emphasized the selectivity of surgical candidacy and the ongoing debate over DDFT's role as a salvage procedure, providing insight into animal selection and the need for evidence-based criteria to guide the timing and application of DDFT in chronic laminitis cases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Notwithstanding inconsistent outcomes reported in the literature, this study provided guidance for DDFT with corrective shoeing in a subset of chronic laminitis cases. It presents a viable option for those cases that fail to respond to medical and farriery management.

Surgical technique for the management of acquired phimosis in 3 kittens.

Rousseau M, Ferrand FX

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41962567 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To describe a surgical technique applicable to all types of acquired phimosis in kittens. ANIMALS: 3 kittens with phimosis. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Medical records from a single hospital were reviewed to identi... OBJECTIVE: To describe a surgical technique applicable to all types of acquired phimosis in kittens. ANIMALS: 3 kittens with phimosis. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Medical records from a single hospital were reviewed to identify cats younger than 6 months old that had undergone extensive surgical treatment for phimosis. For each kitten, data regarding signalment, clinical signs, blood tests, history, treatments, surgical procedure, postoperative complications, and outcome were collected. Three kittens met the inclusion criteria. They all had a history of dysuria (n = 3), stranguria (3), and hematuria (3). All of them also had a history of preputial licking by littermates. On clinical examination, abdominal palpation revealed a distended bladder and an inability to extrude the penis through the prepuce (n = 3). The prepuce was distended with urine (n = 3). One cat had presented with a previous episode of hematuria, which resolved with NSAIDs. Two cats exhibited moderate azotemia, while the urea and creatinine values of the third were within normal limits. RESULTS: The surgical technique involved a wedge incision of the prepuce, extended circumferentially around the preputial opening, combined with extensive dissection of the penile-preputial adhesions. The 3 kittens underwent the extensive surgical technique without perioperative complications, and no recurrence was observed 6 months after the surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This technique of extensive preputioplasty may represent an effective option for the management of kittens with phimosis and penile preputial adhesions.

Determination of optimal tracheal stent size using measurements derived from computed tomography.

Atiee GF, Cook AK, Applebaum J

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41962566 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To devise a reliable method of predicting postplacement tracheal stent length using measurements from CT and to compare predicted versus actual stent length in a cohort of dogs undergoing stent placement for t... OBJECTIVE: To devise a reliable method of predicting postplacement tracheal stent length using measurements from CT and to compare predicted versus actual stent length in a cohort of dogs undergoing stent placement for tracheal collapse grades I to III. ANIMALS: Retrospective analysis of 11 dogs undergoing tracheal stenting for tracheal collapse grades I to III. METHODS: Measurements of tracheal diameter were determined from stored CT images. Tracheal diameter was calculated from the square root of the product of the major and minor axes at 4 locations: 1 cm caudal to the larynx, the thoracic inlet, the midthoracic trachea, and 1 cm cranial to the carina. Values were averaged to determine predicted stent diameter in situ. The predicted length of the stent placed in each dog was calculated with regression formulas derived from the manufacturer's information regarding stent diameter and length. Actual stent length following deployment was determined from stored fluoroscopic images. Predicted stent lengths were compared to actual stent lengths, and the percent error was determined for each patient. RESULTS: Appropriate images were available for 11 dogs. Differences in predicted length ranged from 0% to 5.5%, with a median of 2.32%. In 10 of 11 dogs, the error was < 5%. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tracheal diameter can be reliably determined from CT imaging with the use of 4 specific locations in dogs with tracheal collapse grades I to III, allowing for accurate prediction of stent length after placement. This study will assist with appropriate stent size selection for dogs with tracheal collapse and is expected to improve procedural efficiency and efficacy.

Introducing QUIT-the Quality and Uncertainty Indicator Triage tool: 10 questions to help veterinary professionals more confidently triage treatment study reports.

Keay S, Rey L, Larson R … +14 more , Doker T, Savick KM, Arroyo L, Block G, Lindenmayer J, White CN, Whitehead M, Arlt S, Brennan ML, O'Connor AM, Tramuta-Drobnis E, Crews M, Ramey D, Fausak ED

J Am Vet Med Assoc · 2026 Apr · PMID 41962565 · Publisher ↗

Veterinarians are expected to make treatment and intervention recommendations that are specific to client needs, based on clinical expertise, and made in consideration of the best available research evidence. Considerati... Veterinarians are expected to make treatment and intervention recommendations that are specific to client needs, based on clinical expertise, and made in consideration of the best available research evidence. Consideration of research evidence requires not just keeping up with new studies but also critically appraising and assessing their relevance within the larger context of the body of evidence. Ideally, a veterinarian could access robust and transparent reviews such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses, but few are available in veterinary medicine. Therefore, veterinarians seek other sources of information including individual research papers. This process is time-intensive, and veterinarians face barriers of access, skill and time as obstacles to keeping up. Recognizing time as the greatest barrier, the Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine Association (EBVMA) Board, in collaboration with invited colleagues, developed QUIT-the Quality and Uncertainty Indicator Triage tool. The QUIT tool is comprised of 10 binary questions designed to help the reader flag concerns potentially affecting the reliability of treatment studies. As flags accumulate, the reader can more confidently quit reading and set the study aside. The QUIT tool is intended as a guide for ruling out studies and is not to be used for ruling in studies for inclusion in decision making; questions are inadequate to fully assess study validity. This is a subtle but important distinction. The QUIT tool and all supporting materials are freely available on the EBVMA website. Lastly, QUIT is a prototype and we invite your feedback by submitting a completed feedback form to info@ebvma.org.
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