VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Podcasts

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review a new technique of placing nasojejunal feeding tubes in dogs. In critical care, the pendulum has swung to the side of enteral feeding over parenteral nutrition in both human and veterinary patients. However, when so many of our critical patients are vomiting or regurgitating, and the risks associated with surgical jejunal feeding tube placement may not outweigh the benefits, do any non-invasive options for enteral feeding exist? Or is our only option total or partial parenteral nutrition? The critical care and interventional radiology group at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine (Beal at al.) developed a novel technique for placing nasojejunal feedings tubes in critically ill dogs using fluoroscopic visualization and wire guidance. Sounds interesting, right?

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review a new technique of placing nasojejunal feeding tubes in dogs. In critical care, the pendulum has swung to the side of enteral feeding over parenteral nutrition in both human and veterinary patients. However, when so many of our critical patients are vomiting or regurgitating, and the risks associated with surgical jejunal feeding tube placement may not outweigh the benefits, do any non-invasive options for enteral feeding exist? Or is our only option total or partial parenteral nutrition? The critical care and interventional radiology group at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine (Beal at al.) developed a novel technique for placing nasojejunal feedings tubes in critically ill dogs using fluoroscopic visualization and wire guidance. Sounds interesting, right?

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review organ dysfunction and mortality risk factors in dogs with severe bite wounds. How frequently do you see dogs with severe bite wounds requiring intensive care in your practice? While many of us see “routine” bite wounds that can be managed with wound care on an out-patient basis pretty frequently, there is another population of canine patients with bite wounds that are much more severely affected. These patients may have much more extensive wounds, and can develop complications such as SIRS, DIC, MODS and sepsis. Unfortunately, little evidence exists on which patients may develop these complications. So, Ateca et al from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine set out to retrospectively evaluate dogs with bite wounds requiring hospitalization in the ICU, to characterize their treatments, complications and outcomes, and to identify any risk factors for mortality.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review the accuracy of a newer test (using immunochromatography) for detecting feline blood types (AB) in a study titled “Evaluation of an immunochromatographic test for feline AB system blood typing.” AB blood typing is commonly performed in hospitalized cats to ensure blood compatibility and to prevent hemolytic transfusion reactions or potentially life-threatening reactions (e.g., B cats receiving A blood). Blood typing is a necessity for all feline transfusions because cats are born with antibodies against red blood cells of the opposite blood type. For this reason, there is no universal donor in cats, and cats must always be blood typed and/or cross-matched prior to administration! AB blood typing is also important in feline breeding programs in order to prevent neonatal isoerythrolysis. Several methods that allow AB blood typing have been previously validated and include gel column testing, which is no longer commercially available, as well as tube or plate testing, which are both cumbersome and difficult to standardize in practice. Agglutination cards are probably the most commonly used test kits in veterinary practice and can reliably identify type A and B cats, but traditionally have shown weak reactions with type AB blood, resulting in mistyping of AB cats.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Jennifer Song, who recently finished her surgical residency at the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center. Dr. Song, a board-eligible veterinary surgeon, discusses a retrospective study that she performed while at PennVet entitled "Retrospective evaluation of shortened prothrombin time or activated partial thromboplastin time for the diagnosis of hypercoagulability in dogs: 25 cases (2006-2011)" in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency Critical Care. Previously, we didn't pay much heed to a shortened PT/PTT; we generally only looked at prolongation as an indicator of hypocoagulability (the inability to clot). However, in recent human studies, there may be some evidence that a shortened PT/PTT is suggestive of hypercoagulability! While thromboelastography (TEG) is traditionally looked at - along with increased fibrin (or fibrinogen) and D-dimers - to evaluate hypercoagulability, Song et al's new evidence may prove otherwise. So, start paying attention to your shorter PT/PTT readings after all!

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Stijn Niessen, DVM, PhD, DECVIM, PGCVetEd, FHEA, MRCVS. Dr. Niessen is a Senior Lecturer at the Royal Veterinary College University of London, President of the European Society of Veterinary Endocrinology and the Head of Internal Medicine. He is also the Director of the Diabetic Remission Clinic.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Stijn Niessen, DVM, PhD, DECVIM, PGCVetEd, FHEA, MRCVS. Dr. Niessen is a Senior Lecturer at the Royal Veterinary College University of London, President of the European Society of Veterinary Endocrinology and the Head of Internal Medicine. He is also the Director of the Diabetic Remission Clinic.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we discuss the importance of wellness for veterinary professionals. Why is it that we care for our veterinary patients so well and constantly advocate for their quality of life, but have poor self care? Due to the growing prevalence of suicide in veterinary medicine, we wanted to review a recent study that was published in JAVMA in October 2015 on the importance of wellness for veterinarians. Make sure you've also checked out our other podcast on “Risk factors for suicide, attitudes toward mental illness, and practice-related stressors among US veterinarians,” along with our free VETgirl webinar on suicide (by Jeannine Moga).

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we discuss the importance of wellness for veterinary professionals. Why is it that we care for our veterinary patients so well and constantly advocate for their quality of life, but have poor self care? Due to the growing prevalence of suicide in veterinary medicine, we wanted to review a recent study that was published in JAVMA in October 2015 on the importance of wellness for veterinarians. Make sure you've also checked out our other podcast on “Risk factors for suicide, attitudes toward mental illness, and practice-related stressors among US veterinarians,” along with our free VETgirl webinar on suicide (by Jeannine Moga).

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Jane Quandt, DACVAA, DACVECC, on whether it's appropriate to "box" down cats with inhalant therapy alone. This is no longer considered standard of care and not recommended by anesthesiologists, with the exception of the rare exotic animal that cannot be easily intubated (e.g., gerbil, pocket pets, etc.). So, if you have a fractious cat, check out this veterinary podcast for some better, safer tips from Dr. "Q!"

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Jane Quandt, DACVAA, DACVECC, on whether it's appropriate to "box" down cats with inhalant therapy alone. This is no longer considered standard of care and not recommended by anesthesiologists, with the exception of the rare exotic animal that cannot be easily intubated (e.g., gerbil, pocket pets, etc.). So, if you have a fractious cat, check out this veterinary podcast for some better, safer tips from Dr. "Q!"

How do you treat patients with pyothorax in your practice? Do you have a different protocol for dogs versus cats? Do you know they are likely to have different causes of pyothorax?

How do you treat patients with pyothorax in your practice? Do you have a different protocol for dogs versus cats? Do you know they are likely to have different causes of pyothorax?

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, Dr. Lisa Radosta, DACVB of Florida Veterinary Behavior Service discusses the role that supplements like Zylkene and Anxitane have in veterinary behavior. Do they work? Since supplements aren't regulated by the FDA, are they safe? Should you be recommending them? Tune into this podcast to find out more!

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, Dr. Lisa Radosta, DACVB of Florida Veterinary Behavior Service discusses the role that supplements like Zylkene and Anxitane have in veterinary behavior. Do they work? Since supplements aren't regulated by the FDA, are they safe? Should you be recommending them? Tune into this podcast to find out more!