VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Podcasts

In this VetGirl podcast, Dr. Catherine Lenox, DACVN discusses what you need to know about implementing a food trial in your veterinary patients or pets. So why do food trials? To rule out gastrointestinal disease or cutaneous adverse food reaction. Check out what you need to know and how long you need to food trial your patients for!

In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss further treatment for canine leptospirosis, along with zoonotic risks and preventive measures (e.g., vaccines, etc.). Fluid therapy In the leptospirosis patient, aggressive intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is indicated as many patients are often massively polyuric, dehydrated, and azotemic. In general, a balanced, maintenance, isotonic crystalloid (e.g., LRS, Norm-R) can be used at 2.5-4.5X maintenance, and monitoring of ins and outs may be necessary to guide treatment (based on the severity of polyuria seen in patients with leptospirosis). The patient should be assessed carefully to ensure that volume overload does not occur, particularly in patients with cardiopulmonary disease. Fluid therapy should be continued until azotemia and clinical signs resolve (typically 2-4 days); IV fluids should then be slowly tapered to ensure that polyuria has resolved and the patient can maintain hydration. Goals of fluid therapy Serial physical examination is imperative to adequately evaluate a patient's hydration status-checking for return of skin turgor, appropriate weight gain, and moisture of mucous membranes. However, physical examination findings are subjective, and <5% dehydration is subjective and difficult to assess on physical examination. The concurrent use of evaluation of PCV/TS, blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN or AZO), weight, urine output (UOP), urine specific gravity (USG), and thirst can be used in conjunction with physical examination findings to better assess hydration status. Packed Cell Volume/Total Solids, Blood Glucose, and Blood, Urea, Nitrogen (BUN/AZO) Patients on IV fluids should have daily blood work (including PCV/TS, blood glucose, electrolytes, renal or biochemistry panel) assessed while hospitalized. Because patients often experience hemoconcentration when they are dehydrated (e.g., PCV/TS 55%/7.8 g/dl), the goal of fluid therapy is to ensure that these numbers improve with appropriate therapy (consistent with hemodilution). Ideally, the PCV/TS in a normal, systemically healthy patient on IV fluids at sea level should be 35%/5.0 g/dl. In fact, oxygen delivery is maximal at such a “hemodilute” PCV/TS, as there is less viscosity of red blood cells and “sludginess.” Note that some patients with leptospirosis may have a mild to moderate non-regenerative anemia; the goal should still be to hemodilute the patient, and total protein/solids should be used as a more appropriate guide in this situation. We can still evaluate the PCV/TS in abnormal, metabolically inappropriate patients. Classically, a 10% to 12% dehydrated, cachectic, geriatric cat with chronic renal failure may present to you with a PCV/TS of 28%/11 g/dl. Once that patient is adequately hydrated, the PCV/TS may decrease to 20%/7 g/dl, unmasking the anemia from lack of erythropoietin. Urine Specific Gravity (USG) In normal healthy patients, USG can be evaluated in patients on IV fluids to help assess hydration status. Ideally, USG should be measured before fluid administration to allow for evaluation of renal function. Dehydrated patients with concentrated urine demonstrate adequate renal function (cat > 1.040, dog > 1.025) - in other words, the kidneys are working and trying to absorb as much water from the urine as possible. Once started on IV fluids, normal, systemically healthy patients should have isosthenuric urine. Patients on IV fluids for > 6 to 12 hours should have adequate dilution of USG, and the ultimate goal of fluid therapy and adequate hydration should be USG of 1.015 to 1.018 on IV fluids. Patients on IV fluids with USG > 1.020 are still likely dehydrated and should be treated more aggressively with IV fluids if other parameters of dehydration persist (e.g., hemoconcentration). Hydration can be determined by assessing the color, volume, and USG of urine. A patient that is still dehydrated while hosp

In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss further treatment for canine leptospirosis, along with zoonotic risks and preventive measures (e.g., vaccines, etc.). Fluid therapy In the leptospirosis patient, aggressive intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is indicated as many patients are often massively polyuric, dehydrated, and azotemic. In general, a balanced, maintenance, isotonic crystalloid (e.g., LRS, Norm-R) can be used at 2.5-4.5X maintenance, and monitoring of ins and outs may be necessary to guide treatment (based on the severity of polyuria seen in patients with leptospirosis). The patient should be assessed carefully to ensure that volume overload does not occur, particularly in patients with cardiopulmonary disease. Fluid therapy should be continued until azotemia and clinical signs resolve (typically 2-4 days); IV fluids should then be slowly tapered to ensure that polyuria has resolved and the patient can maintain hydration. Goals of fluid therapy Serial physical examination is imperative to adequately evaluate a patient's hydration status-checking for return of skin turgor, appropriate weight gain, and moisture of mucous membranes. However, physical examination findings are subjective, and <5% dehydration is subjective and difficult to assess on physical examination. The concurrent use of evaluation of PCV/TS, blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN or AZO), weight, urine output (UOP), urine specific gravity (USG), and thirst can be used in conjunction with physical examination findings to better assess hydration status. Packed Cell Volume/Total Solids, Blood Glucose, and Blood, Urea, Nitrogen (BUN/AZO) Patients on IV fluids should have daily blood work (including PCV/TS, blood glucose, electrolytes, renal or biochemistry panel) assessed while hospitalized. Because patients often experience hemoconcentration when they are dehydrated (e.g., PCV/TS 55%/7.8 g/dl), the goal of fluid therapy is to ensure that these numbers improve with appropriate therapy (consistent with hemodilution). Ideally, the PCV/TS in a normal, systemically healthy patient on IV fluids at sea level should be 35%/5.0 g/dl. In fact, oxygen delivery is maximal at such a “hemodilute” PCV/TS, as there is less viscosity of red blood cells and “sludginess.” Note that some patients with leptospirosis may have a mild to moderate non-regenerative anemia; the goal should still be to hemodilute the patient, and total protein/solids should be used as a more appropriate guide in this situation. We can still evaluate the PCV/TS in abnormal, metabolically inappropriate patients. Classically, a 10% to 12% dehydrated, cachectic, geriatric cat with chronic renal failure may present to you with a PCV/TS of 28%/11 g/dl. Once that patient is adequately hydrated, the PCV/TS may decrease to 20%/7 g/dl, unmasking the anemia from lack of erythropoietin. Urine Specific Gravity (USG) In normal healthy patients, USG can be evaluated in patients on IV fluids to help assess hydration status. Ideally, USG should be measured before fluid administration to allow for evaluation of renal function. Dehydrated patients with concentrated urine demonstrate adequate renal function (cat > 1.040, dog > 1.025) - in other words, the kidneys are working and trying to absorb as much water from the urine as possible. Once started on IV fluids, normal, systemically healthy patients should have isosthenuric urine. Patients on IV fluids for > 6 to 12 hours should have adequate dilution of USG, and the ultimate goal of fluid therapy and adequate hydration should be USG of 1.015 to 1.018 on IV fluids. Patients on IV fluids with USG > 1.020 are still likely dehydrated and should be treated more aggressively with IV fluids if other parameters of dehydration persist (e.g., hemoconcentration). Hydration can be determined by assessing the color, volume, and USG of urine. A patient that is still dehydrated while hosp

In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARDS), a condition in dogs in which total blindness occurs acutely, usually over days to weeks. Diagnosis of SARDS is made in cases of acute vision loss with an otherwise normal eye exam, and a flat-line electroretinogram (or ERG) recording is confirmatory. Multiple investigations into the pathogenesis of SARDS have failed to identify an underlying cause.1-4 The average age at diagnosis is about 8 years, and approximately 60% of cases are female dogs.5 The Dachshund, Miniature Schnauzer, and mixed-breed dogs are most commonly affected. 4 The blindness from SARDS is considered permanent, with no reported successful therapy.

In addition to blindness, about 40% of dogs with SARDS demonstrate systemic clinical signs of polyuria/polydipsia, polyphagia, and weight gain. These signs may develop prior to the onset of blindness, or shortly thereafter.5,6 Serum biochemical abnormalities including elevated cholesterol, AST, ALT, and ALP are also commonly reported. Despite the clinical resemblance to hyperadrenocorticism, it is very rarely confirmed in SARDS patients.4,7

In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARDS), a condition in dogs in which total blindness occurs acutely, usually over days to weeks. Diagnosis of SARDS is made in cases of acute vision loss with an otherwise normal eye exam, and a flat-line electroretinogram (or ERG) recording is confirmatory. Multiple investigations into the pathogenesis of SARDS have failed to identify an underlying cause.1-4 The average age at diagnosis is about 8 years, and approximately 60% of cases are female dogs.5 The Dachshund, Miniature Schnauzer, and mixed-breed dogs are most commonly affected. 4 The blindness from SARDS is considered permanent, with no reported successful therapy.

In addition to blindness, about 40% of dogs with SARDS demonstrate systemic clinical signs of polyuria/polydipsia, polyphagia, and weight gain. These signs may develop prior to the onset of blindness, or shortly thereafter.5,6 Serum biochemical abnormalities including elevated cholesterol, AST, ALT, and ALP are also commonly reported. Despite the clinical resemblance to hyperadrenocorticism, it is very rarely confirmed in SARDS patients.4,7

In today's VetGirl podcast, we'll discuss the prevalence and risk factors for growing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus -; what we'll call MRS from now on - from dogs with pyoderma. Clinically, what do we see with dogs that have a superficial pyoderma? Classic lesions include pustules, papules, epidermal collarettes, and crusts.

In today's VetGirl podcast, we'll discuss the prevalence and risk factors for growing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus -; what we'll call MRS from now on - from dogs with pyoderma. Clinically, what do we see with dogs that have a superficial pyoderma? Classic lesions include pustules, papules, epidermal collarettes, and crusts.

In this VetGirl podcast, we interview Dr. Frederic Gaschen, Professor at Lousiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine (Geaux, Tigers!). As Dr Gaschen is well-known for all things gastrointestinal-related, he tells our VetGirl podcasters about the approach to the chronic diarrhea canine patient. Did you know that 50% of dogs with chronic diarrhea respond to dietary changes alone? Click to learn more! Questions? You can always contact us via our Contact Us page.

In this VetGirl podcast, we interview Dr. Frederic Gaschen, Professor at Lousiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine (Geaux, Tigers!). As Dr Gaschen is well-known for all things gastrointestinal-related, he tells our VetGirl podcasters about the approach to the chronic diarrhea canine patient. Did you know that 50% of dogs with chronic diarrhea respond to dietary changes alone? Click to learn more! Questions? You can always contact us via our Contact Us page.

In this VetGirl podcast, we review treatment for canine leptospirosis, including aggressive intravenous (IV) fluid therapy, appropriate antibiotic therapy, gastrointestinal support, supportive care, and monitoring.

In this VetGirl podcast, we review treatment for canine leptospirosis, including aggressive intravenous (IV) fluid therapy, appropriate antibiotic therapy, gastrointestinal support, supportive care, and monitoring.

In today's VetGirl podcast, we interview Dr. Bill Bush, DACVIM (Neurology) of Bush Veterinary Neurology Services on his favorite anti-convulsant to use in veterinary medicine. So, why keppra, a newer anti-epileptic drug, instead of phenobarbital or potassium bromide? Is it effective? How expensive is it? Should it be my first choice drug for my epileptic patients? Dr. Bush discusses some of the pros: the generic version of the extended release product (making it cost-effective) and its minimal side effects (e.g., aside from sedation, ataxia, etc.). Tune in to learn if you should be using it! Questions? You can always contact us via our Contact Us page.

In today's VetGirl podcast, we interview Dr. Bill Bush, DACVIM (Neurology) of Bush Veterinary Neurology Services on his favorite anti-convulsant to use in veterinary medicine. So, why keppra, a newer anti-epileptic drug, instead of phenobarbital or potassium bromide? Is it effective? How expensive is it? Should it be my first choice drug for my epileptic patients? Dr. Bush discusses some of the pros: the generic version of the extended release product (making it cost-effective) and its minimal side effects (e.g., aside from sedation, ataxia, etc.). Tune in to learn if you should be using it! Questions? You can always contact us via our Contact Us page.

In this VetGirl podcast, we review the clinicopathologic testing for leptospirosis. The diagnosis of canine leptospirosis is based on clinical suspicion, clinical signs, and clinicopathologic results consistent with leptospirosis. Clinicopathologic findings consistent with leptospirosis include the presence of: neutrophilia, a left shift, lymphopenia, a mild to moderate non-regenerative anemia, hemoconcentration (seen with dehydration), hemolysis (seen with cattle), thrombocytopenia (seen in up to 58% of dogs), azotemia (seen in > 80-90% of dogs), increased liver enzymes (including increases in ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin; these changes are almost always seen with concurrent azotemia with leptospirosis), electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypochloridemia, hyperphosphatemia), and increased creatinine kinase. Additional findings consistent with leptospirosis include isosthenuria, bilirubinuria, hematuria, glucosuria, proteinuria, and evidence of coagulopathy (e.g., increased fibrinogen, FDP, FSPs). Prolonged PT or PTT may be seen in 6-50% of dogs with leptospirosis.

In this VetGirl podcast, we review the clinicopathologic testing for leptospirosis. The diagnosis of canine leptospirosis is based on clinical suspicion, clinical signs, and clinicopathologic results consistent with leptospirosis. Clinicopathologic findings consistent with leptospirosis include the presence of: neutrophilia, a left shift, lymphopenia, a mild to moderate non-regenerative anemia, hemoconcentration (seen with dehydration), hemolysis (seen with cattle), thrombocytopenia (seen in up to 58% of dogs), azotemia (seen in > 80-90% of dogs), increased liver enzymes (including increases in ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin; these changes are almost always seen with concurrent azotemia with leptospirosis), electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypochloridemia, hyperphosphatemia), and increased creatinine kinase. Additional findings consistent with leptospirosis include isosthenuria, bilirubinuria, hematuria, glucosuria, proteinuria, and evidence of coagulopathy (e.g., increased fibrinogen, FDP, FSPs). Prolonged PT or PTT may be seen in 6-50% of dogs with leptospirosis.