Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2026 May · PMID 41748338
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Gastrointestinal disorders are some of the most common diseases in dogs and cats, and treatment can be challenging. Practicing clinicians who understand the physiochemical properties of dietary fiber, the clinical scenar...Gastrointestinal disorders are some of the most common diseases in dogs and cats, and treatment can be challenging. Practicing clinicians who understand the physiochemical properties of dietary fiber, the clinical scenarios in which fiber may be effective, and how to appropriately utilize dietary fiber in dogs and cats can see significant improvement in patients' clinical signs. Specifically, core gastrointestinal concerns including acute diarrhea, chronic diarrhea, hairball vomiting, and constipation may be effectively managed via alterations in dietary fiber intake.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2026 May · PMID 41723084
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Aerodigestive disorders (AeroD) encompass a wide range of clinical syndromes, reflecting disruption of the interactions between the respiratory and alimentary tracts. The aerodigestive tract includes the pharynx (nasopha...Aerodigestive disorders (AeroD) encompass a wide range of clinical syndromes, reflecting disruption of the interactions between the respiratory and alimentary tracts. The aerodigestive tract includes the pharynx (nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx), larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles, esophagus, and esophageal gastric junction. Airway protection (AirPro) remains a key but underrecognized function of the alimentary tract. The esophagus plays an important role in AirPro such that most forms of esophageal disease are considered "AeroD."
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41714064
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Increasingly, many pets have become family. Sometimes, they are the family's favorite members, and they have no trouble admitting it. Technically, in many places, pets are legally considered property; however now many ar...Increasingly, many pets have become family. Sometimes, they are the family's favorite members, and they have no trouble admitting it. Technically, in many places, pets are legally considered property; however now many are considered family, sleeping in bed, eating better than their families, the reason a couple gets together, their first "child," as some have phrased it. While we take care of the patient, we must consider the quality of life of the pet and that of its family. At the end of the patient's life, it is our honor to help them pass peacefully.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2025 Sep · PMID 41484008
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Feline upper respiratory tract infections are a common cause of ophthalmic disease in kittens. This article focuses on the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, and prevention of fel...Feline upper respiratory tract infections are a common cause of ophthalmic disease in kittens. This article focuses on the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, and prevention of feline infectious upper respiratory disease in kittens, with an emphasis on ocular involvement. Evidence-based treatment strategies and supportive care protocols are highlighted. Common sequelae of disease are also discussed.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41444090
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Sensory decline, particularly vision and hearing loss, is nearly universal in aging dogs and cats yet remains underrecognized in general practice. These changes are often mistaken for cognitive dysfunction or normal agin...Sensory decline, particularly vision and hearing loss, is nearly universal in aging dogs and cats yet remains underrecognized in general practice. These changes are often mistaken for cognitive dysfunction or normal aging, but they significantly affect quality of life, behavior, and the human-animal bond. This review provides busy clinicians with practical, evidence-based strategies for identifying and managing sensory decline, including screening approaches, diagnostic tools, and real-world management tactics. Emphasis is placed on proactive care, client education, and the interplay between sensory loss and cognitive dysfunction to improve outcomes for senior patients.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41444089
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Veterinary hospice provides a compassionate, patient-centered approach to end-of-life care that emphasizes comfort, dignity, and quality of life over curative intent. This article outlines the principles of hospice care,...Veterinary hospice provides a compassionate, patient-centered approach to end-of-life care that emphasizes comfort, dignity, and quality of life over curative intent. This article outlines the principles of hospice care, including patient selection, multimodal pain and symptom management, environmental adaptations, and integration with geriatric care. It highlights the importance of proactive communication, quality-of-life assessment tools, and euthanasia planning to guide families through difficult decisions. By supporting both patients and caregivers, veterinary hospice strengthens the human-animal bond and ensures that a pet's final stage of life is managed with empathy, evidence-based strategies, and respect for individual values.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41444088
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Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a common, yet underdiagnosed, neurobehavioral disease of domestic animals. Much like its human counterpart, Alzheimer's disease, CDS is the result of neuronal loss and inflammatory...Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a common, yet underdiagnosed, neurobehavioral disease of domestic animals. Much like its human counterpart, Alzheimer's disease, CDS is the result of neuronal loss and inflammatory changes in the central nervous system; however, the specific pathophysiology of the disease continues to be researched in efforts to advance diagnostics, prognosis, and treatment. Diagnosis is typically conducted by ruling out possibilities and using assessment tools, including the Canine Dementia Scale and the Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale. Treatment is often most successful when a tailored, multimodal approach is initiated early in the disease progression.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41444087
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This article explores species-specific approaches to end-of-life care, emphasizing the importance of understanding each animal's unique biology, behavior, and environment. The Five Domains model guides holistic welfare a...This article explores species-specific approaches to end-of-life care, emphasizing the importance of understanding each animal's unique biology, behavior, and environment. The Five Domains model guides holistic welfare assessments, integrating physical, mental, and social health. Visual tools like Rainbow Mapping facilitate family involvement in quality of life evaluations and care planning. The article provides detailed protocols for sedation, euthanasia, and aftercare across various species, highlighting the importance of compassionate communication and tailored care strategies to ensure humane, dignified passings while supporting the emotional needs of families.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41444086
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Veterinary geriatrics is evolving from an age-based label to a dynamic, functional assessment of how pets experience aging. This article explores key concepts including frailty, caregiver perception, functional versus me...Veterinary geriatrics is evolving from an age-based label to a dynamic, functional assessment of how pets experience aging. This article explores key concepts including frailty, caregiver perception, functional versus medical aging, quality of life, and prediction of decline. Drawing from emerging veterinary literature and adapted human geriatric models, it offers practical tools and frameworks to support proactive, compassionate care for aging pets.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41444085
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Dogs live longer lives than ever and the impact of aging affects their daily functions and quality of life. Understanding physiologic changes of aging and how this impacts mobility can help care givers provide effective...Dogs live longer lives than ever and the impact of aging affects their daily functions and quality of life. Understanding physiologic changes of aging and how this impacts mobility can help care givers provide effective interventions to improve functional movement. Implementation of customized exercise programs aimed at improving coordination/balance, strength, endurance, and functional tasks can improve daily quality of life and longevity. Exercise has wide ranging benefits from improving cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health to mental health and improving the human-animal bond. Diligent adherence to routine moderate level of exercise and rehabilitation revitalizes the lives of aging pets and their owners.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41444084
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Accumulating evidence suggests psychological distress occurs for many owners of aging and ill companion animals. Increased caregiving responsibilities may result in the experience of burden, which can come with an emotio...Accumulating evidence suggests psychological distress occurs for many owners of aging and ill companion animals. Increased caregiving responsibilities may result in the experience of burden, which can come with an emotional price tag including stress and burnout. Key to providing support for the overwhelmed caregiver is understanding, identifying, and facilitating alleviation of this burden. The following work offers a brief review of this topic and provides guidance for recognition of burden in the companion animal owner and recommendations for facilitation of its alleviation.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2026 May · PMID 41391959
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Adverse food reactions (AFRs) are a frequent cause of chronic pruritus and gastrointestinal disease in dogs and cats. They include immunologic (allergic) and nonimmunologic reactions, with diagnosis remaining challenging...Adverse food reactions (AFRs) are a frequent cause of chronic pruritus and gastrointestinal disease in dogs and cats. They include immunologic (allergic) and nonimmunologic reactions, with diagnosis remaining challenging due to nonspecific clinical signs. Current diagnostic tests (serum immunoglobulin E/immunoglobulin G, saliva, and hair) lack reliability, and elimination diet trials with dietary provocation remain the gold standard. Hydrolyzed diets are practical first-line options, while elemental diets may further improve diagnostic accuracy in the future. Advances in understanding T-cell-mediated mechanisms highlight the potential of lymphocyte proliferation assays, although further validation is required before clinical implementation.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41219089
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End of life care can seem chaotic with some owners wanting one thing and others focused on completely different things. When bad news happens or old age is starting to wear on a pet owner, it is important to have a conve...End of life care can seem chaotic with some owners wanting one thing and others focused on completely different things. When bad news happens or old age is starting to wear on a pet owner, it is important to have a conversation to establish goals of care for a pet at the end of its life. This helps everyone on the care team focus on the pet, maintaining quality of life while satisfying how the owner wishes to say goodbye to their pet. These goals also help reduce anxiety of the unknown surrounding death and help with the grieving process.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41219088
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This article emphasizes understanding pet owners' diverse grief responses and applying contemporary grief theories to support them effectively. It highlights the veterinarian's role in ensuring smooth euthanasia processe...This article emphasizes understanding pet owners' diverse grief responses and applying contemporary grief theories to support them effectively. It highlights the veterinarian's role in ensuring smooth euthanasia processes, offering reassurance, and facilitating memorialization. Follow-up interactions, such as cards and resource sharing, foster trust and aid grief processing. While veterinarians are not counselors, providing clients with access to external support resources and training staff in empathetic communication can significantly support their grief journey, strengthening the bond between clients and veterinary professionals during this sensitive time.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41203436
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Humane euthanasia is one of the most sacred responsibilities of the veterinary profession. Veterinary professionals should always strive to demonstrate a balance of medical knowledge and emotional sensitivity during euth...Humane euthanasia is one of the most sacred responsibilities of the veterinary profession. Veterinary professionals should always strive to demonstrate a balance of medical knowledge and emotional sensitivity during euthanasia conversations and appointments; the biggest challenge of this balancing act stems from the fact that veterinarians are not only advocating for the physical welfare of their patient but also for the emotional welfare of the pet's family. Above all, showing affection for the pet, acknowledging the accomplishments of the family in the pet's care, and achieving a peaceful transition should be seen as a final victory of the human-animal bond.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41198419
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The treatment of chronic pain in geriatric dogs and cats needs special consideration about what might be employed for a younger and more robust population of animals. Careful consideration of possible comorbidities will...The treatment of chronic pain in geriatric dogs and cats needs special consideration about what might be employed for a younger and more robust population of animals. Careful consideration of possible comorbidities will determine what treatments might cause a higher degree of adverse events. Chronic pain, left untreated, often leads to a decision to euthanize by the caregiver, so it is important to perform careful orthopedic and neurologic examinations on this patient population so that reasonable therapeutic options can be discussed.