Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2025 Mar · PMID 39732547
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Alterations in the lipid layer and intercellular corneocyte connections can lead to increased allergen penetration through the skin surface. A normal cutaneous microbiome keeps the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus p...Alterations in the lipid layer and intercellular corneocyte connections can lead to increased allergen penetration through the skin surface. A normal cutaneous microbiome keeps the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus pseudintermedius levels low, but allergic inflammation leads to decreased diversity and increase in S pseudintermedius. Keratinocytes sound the initial allergen alarm via cytokine signaling and promote T-helper 2 (Th-2) inflammation. Th-2 cytokine products IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31 are increased in the acute allergic inflammatory response. Altered response in T-helper 1, T-helper 17, and T-regulatory cells play a role in both acute and chronic allergic inflammation.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2025 Mar · PMID 39725578
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Antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health threat and a major challenge for treatment of companion animal skin infections. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is a critical tool which clinicians shoul...Antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health threat and a major challenge for treatment of companion animal skin infections. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is a critical tool which clinicians should employ when a patient may need antimicrobials beyond those deemed "first-tier." Clinicians may have noted that many more isolates of Staphylococcus sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa appear more resistant which likely reflects both the emergence of acquired antimicrobial resistance, but also changes to clinical definitions which are outlined in this article.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2025 Mar · PMID 39725577
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This review summarizes studies on diet, nutrition, and supplements in the management of canine atopic dermatitis with focus on the past 10 years (2020-2024). Diet plays a large role in the management of canine atopic der...This review summarizes studies on diet, nutrition, and supplements in the management of canine atopic dermatitis with focus on the past 10 years (2020-2024). Diet plays a large role in the management of canine atopic dermatitis, especially for patients with a food allergy. There is minimal evidence supporting the use of probiotics, fatty acid supplementation, vitamin E, vitamin D, Zinc, or cannabinoids, although they may be a useful adjunct.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2025 Mar · PMID 39725576
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Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is one of the most common autoimmune skin diseases of dogs and cats and is characterized by the development of pustules, crusts, erosions, scales, and alopecia. Albeit poorly understood, the path...Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is one of the most common autoimmune skin diseases of dogs and cats and is characterized by the development of pustules, crusts, erosions, scales, and alopecia. Albeit poorly understood, the pathophysiology of canine and feline PF appears to involve immune dysregulation and immunoglobulin G autoantibodies that are directed against the keratinocyte cell surface. At present, the management of canine and feline PF relies on the long-term to lifelong prescription of immunosuppressive medications. Current knowledge on the pathogenesis of canine and feline PF, as well as traditional and emerging therapies used to treat both diseases, will be reviewed herein.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2025 Mar · PMID 39725575
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Pythiosis is caused by the oomycete Pythium insidiosum. Within the United States, Pythiosis is most seen in the Southeast and Gulf Coast states, but it has an expanding distribution. Pythiosis is characterized by gastroi...Pythiosis is caused by the oomycete Pythium insidiosum. Within the United States, Pythiosis is most seen in the Southeast and Gulf Coast states, but it has an expanding distribution. Pythiosis is characterized by gastrointestinal or cutaneous lesions, and rarely these lesions are seen together. Special stains (eg, Gomori methamine silver) help to improve detection of fungal hyphae and should be used in conjunction with molecular techniques to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Surgery with wide margins is traditionally recommended but there is growing utilization of medical therapy. Prognosis is variable and the disease should no longer be considered uniformly fatal.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39415397
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This article examines how culturally responsive care can enhance veterinary medicine by focusing on the interpersonal relationships between veterinarians, their teams, and pet owners. It begins by exploring the historica...This article examines how culturally responsive care can enhance veterinary medicine by focusing on the interpersonal relationships between veterinarians, their teams, and pet owners. It begins by exploring the historical context of trust within veterinary practice and addresses stereotypes in pet ownership demographics, reinforcing the universal human-animal bond. The article outlines the components of culturally responsive care, noting the scarcity of research in veterinary settings and drawing extensively on the substantial research from human medicine, particularly nursing. It redefines veterinarians as trusted caregivers and details the benefits of culturally responsive care, advocating for more inclusive practices to inspire a more empathetic and culturally competent veterinary community.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39414524
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Brain tumors exert their clinical effects in a variety of ways. Mass effect, edema, seizures, and a vicious cycle of cause and effect are often the focus of therapeutic interventions employed to improve clinical signs an...Brain tumors exert their clinical effects in a variety of ways. Mass effect, edema, seizures, and a vicious cycle of cause and effect are often the focus of therapeutic interventions employed to improve clinical signs and increase survival time. Obstructive hydrocephalus is a common sequela of certain types of brain tumors and is often the major driver of clinical signs seen in tumors arising within the ventricular system. This study outlines the application of ventriculoperitoneal shunting for obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to brain tumors as part of an overall management program to help increase patients' lifespan and quality of life.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39393932
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The blood-brain barrier and knowledge gaps in tumor biology remain significant obstacles to the development of effective treatments for brain tumors. The identification of shared molecular and genetic pathways that contr...The blood-brain barrier and knowledge gaps in tumor biology remain significant obstacles to the development of effective treatments for brain tumors. The identification of shared molecular and genetic pathways that contribute to tumorigenesis in both dogs and people has been key to the discovery and translation of targeted pharmacologic and biologic therapies. Treatment approaches often utilize targeted or multifunctional antitumor agents, such as nanocarriers, molecularly targeted agents, immunotherapeutics, and oncolytic viruses in combination with alternative therapeutic delivery strategies. The article discusses about various treatments albeit none of the treatments discussed here are widely available or approved for clinical use.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39393931
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This study describes the essential components and the technique of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS), including probe selection and techniques used to produce quality images. Case examples are given to illustrate the valu...This study describes the essential components and the technique of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS), including probe selection and techniques used to produce quality images. Case examples are given to illustrate the value and the accuracy of IOUS in intracranial surgery of companion animals. IOUS has proven an invaluable addition to intracranial surgery, especially in real-time localization of the mass, identifying borders between mass and normal cerebral tissue, and identifying vascular supply to the mass.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39393930
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External beam radiation therapy (RT) has become the standard of care for non-resectable or post-operative incompletely excised brain tumors in dogs and cats due to its relatively low side effect profile and increasing av...External beam radiation therapy (RT) has become the standard of care for non-resectable or post-operative incompletely excised brain tumors in dogs and cats due to its relatively low side effect profile and increasing availability. This article reviews the indications for, expected outcomes of and possible toxicities associated with RT, follow-up care recommendations after RT, and publications about specific tumor types in dogs and cats with brain tumors.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39266442
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The concept of equity recognizes historical and current barriers and promotes thriving for veterinary teams and people and animals in the community. It is possible to design equitable workplace systems to prevent and res...The concept of equity recognizes historical and current barriers and promotes thriving for veterinary teams and people and animals in the community. It is possible to design equitable workplace systems to prevent and respond to harm using learnings from human medicine and the social sciences. These systems are grounded in the principles of health equity and must incorporate both formal policies and intentional cultivation of supportive culture and relationships. This article is part 2 of 2 articles reviewing how the concept of equity applies and could transform well-being in companion animal veterinary practice in North America.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39261114
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It is a well-known fact in veterinary medicine that the field has struggled to diversify the profession and is one of the most homogenous careers in the United States. Discrimination is still quite common in the United S...It is a well-known fact in veterinary medicine that the field has struggled to diversify the profession and is one of the most homogenous careers in the United States. Discrimination is still quite common in the United States, despite decades of policy changes and implementation of DEI practices. This study discusses how veterinary medicine can benefit from an intersectional approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It discusses the need of intersectional data to better understand the disparities that exist within veterinary medicine to make a more significant impact.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39261113
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Veterinary medicine has embarked on a journey of understanding the factors impacting the psychological, emotional, physical, and social health of its people. Discussions of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging mus...Veterinary medicine has embarked on a journey of understanding the factors impacting the psychological, emotional, physical, and social health of its people. Discussions of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging must address wellbeing; discussions of wellbeing must address diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The profession and the world at large have failed to draw a direct correlation between the two. This article sheds light onto the inextricable link between the two so that no one is left behind as the health of the profession and its people advances.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39261112
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Pause for a moment to visualize a scenario tinged with somber reflection rather than celebration. Consider the life of an elderly woman, a retired public servant whose career as a librarian enriched countless individuals...Pause for a moment to visualize a scenario tinged with somber reflection rather than celebration. Consider the life of an elderly woman, a retired public servant whose career as a librarian enriched countless individuals in her community. Now, in the tranquil latter years of her life, she faces a formidable challenge. Her cherished cat, a steadfast companion throughout her serene retirement, has fallen severely ill. The exorbitant cost of necessary medical treatment cast a long, dark shadow over their future together, ultimately leading to the heart-wrenching decision to euthanize, as the financial burden posed an insurmountable barrier to recovery.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39256089
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Teams composed of racially diverse individuals from varied backgrounds offer broader experiences, insights, and methods in clinical approaches, communication, and may offer cultural familiarity to clients. Prioritizing d...Teams composed of racially diverse individuals from varied backgrounds offer broader experiences, insights, and methods in clinical approaches, communication, and may offer cultural familiarity to clients. Prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging on ethical grounds is essential, but the advantages of engaging Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) individuals in clinical specialist roles surpass ethical considerations alone. Research and industry data show a clear link between team diversity and better patient outcomes and business performance, notably in profitability and market expansion. How to engage BIPOC individuals in pursuing veterinary technician specialization, along with its challenges are multifaceted but achievable.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39244445
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Brain biopsy is essential for accurate diagnosis but is frequently avoided in veterinary medicine because of doubts about its safety, reliability, and clinical value. Data available from human and veterinary investigatio...Brain biopsy is essential for accurate diagnosis but is frequently avoided in veterinary medicine because of doubts about its safety, reliability, and clinical value. Data available from human and veterinary investigations suggest that such doubts are largely unwarranted. Many devices are available to guide minimally invasive biopsy but some can be costly to purchase and use, which can be problematic in veterinary medicine. Nowadays, costs can be substantially reduced by using 3-dimensional-printed guides.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39244444
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The most common complications of intracranial surgery in companion animals chiefly consist of brain swelling, hemorrhage, seizures, and worsening of neurologic status, aspiration pneumonia, and anesthetic death. Further...The most common complications of intracranial surgery in companion animals chiefly consist of brain swelling, hemorrhage, seizures, and worsening of neurologic status, aspiration pneumonia, and anesthetic death. Further dividing these into intraoperative and postoperative complications, postoperative are more common. Preventative measures can include careful surgical planning, cerebro-protective anesthetic regimes, seizure prophylaxis, and postoperative sedation/pain management that allows for an early return to function and ambulation and an adequate and accelerated nutrition.