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Veterinary Vertex

Veterinary Vertex is a weekly podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the clinical and research discoveries published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) and the American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR). Tune in to learn about cutting-edge veterinary research and gain in-depth insights you won’t find anywhere else. Come away with knowledge you can put to use in your own practice – along with a healthy dose of inspiration to remind you what you love about veterinary medicine. 

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Episodes

Ice Packs and Skin Perfusion

Send us a text The simple ice pack - a staple in both human and veterinary medicine for reducing pain and swelling. But what if this common therapy has unexpected consequences for healing? Soft tissue surgeon Dr. Vanna Dickerson and veterinary student Gabriella Hansen join us to discuss their fascinating research on how ice packs affect blood flow in canine skin. For years, surgeons have cautioned against using ice after delicate skin procedures like flaps and grafts, believing it might compromi...

Jul 02, 202515 min

The Team Advantage: Relational Coordination in Veterinary Practice

Send us a text Veterinary teams are complex systems where communication, shared goals, and mutual respect directly impact workplace satisfaction and staff retention. In this enlightening conversation, researchers Natasha Janke and Jason Coe reveal groundbreaking findings on the power of relational coordination in veterinary practice. Originally developed in the airline industry to understand Southwest Airlines' exceptional performance, relational coordination has transformed healthcare delivery ...

Jun 27, 202524 min

Polygenic Risk Score Prediction of Complex Diseases in Companion Animals

Send us a text Genetic prediction technology is revolutionizing how we understand disease risk in our pets, yet companion animal medicine lags behind similar advances in humans and production animals. Why? And what does this mean for veterinary medicine? In this fascinating conversation with Dr. Peter Muir and Dr. Mehdi Momen, we explore the emerging science of polygenic risk scores – statistical tools that can predict an animal's likelihood of developing complex conditions based on their geneti...

Jun 18, 202523 min

Heart Rate Variability Derangements in Dogs with Chagas Disease

Send us a text Dr. Roy Madigan joins us to uncover the hidden danger of Chagas disease, a parasitic infection transmitted by "kissing bugs" that's far more prevalent than most veterinarians realize. Contrary to outdated beliefs that Chagas is a "third world disease," this silent killer affects up to 18% of dogs across the southern United States, with millions of cases going undiagnosed. Dr. Madigan shares how his journey began with one fateful case named Max, whose unexplained death led to a 25-...

Jun 13, 202521 min

Leveraging Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories for Better Patient Outcomes

Send us a text Curious about what happens to your samples after they leave your clinic? Wonder why some tests come back with "no growth" despite clear clinical signs? This eye-opening conversation with microbiologist Kelli Maddock reveals the world of veterinary diagnostic laboratories and how you can leverage them for better patient outcomes. Kelli, Guest Editor of JAVMA's supplemental issue "Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine: From Sampling to Test Interpretation," debunks common misconceptions ab...

Jun 04, 202516 min

AI in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging: Ethics and Challenges

Send us a text Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming veterinary diagnostic imaging, but are we ready? In this illuminating conversation with veterinary radiologist Dr. Ryan Appleby, we explore the joint position statement from the American College of Veterinary Radiology and European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging on AI technologies. The eye-opening discussion reveals that none of the currently available AI products for veterinary diagnostic imaging meet established standards...

May 30, 202522 min

A Wolf at the Door: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in the Americas

Send us a text "A wolf at the door" – that's how researchers describe the growing threat of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), a potentially deadly tick-borne disease that's increasingly prevalent across the Americas. In this eye-opening conversation, Drs. Janet Foley and Andres Lopez-Perez challenge common misconceptions about this dangerous pathogen. Did you know the brown dog tick – a primary vector for RMSF – thrives in urban environments rather than wilderness areas? This tick commonly in...

May 20, 202524 min

Rethinking Routine: How Needles Stay Sharp After Vaccine Vial Puncture

Send us a text Ever wondered if you really need to change that needle after drawing up a vaccine? In this eye-opening conversation, Julia Tawil and Dr. Rachael Kreisler challenge a decades-old practice that most of us have never questioned. Their meticulously designed study measured exactly how much a needle dulls after puncturing a vaccine vial—and the results might surprise you. Using precise force measurements, they discovered that needle sharpness decreases by less than 20% after vial punctu...

May 14, 202518 min

Amikacin Concentrations in Healthy Neonatal Foals

Send us a text Curious about the scientific evidence behind treating joint infections in foals? This eye-opening conversation with Dr. David Wallace explores groundbreaking research validating common clinical practices while revealing surprising limitations. Septic joints in foals present a clinical challenge requiring both local and systemic antimicrobial therapy. Until now, veterinarians have largely extrapolated treatment protocols from adult horses without solid evidence supporting these app...

May 06, 202518 min

Ultrasound-Guided Celiac Plexus Block: A Breakthrough for Equine Intestinal Motility

Send us a text A groundbreaking approach to equine intestinal motility takes center stage as Drs. Barbara Delvescovo and Marta Cercone join us to discuss their pioneering research on ultrasound-guided celiac plexus blocks in horses. Their remarkable findings reveal that this technique not only restores but actually enhances intestinal motility beyond baseline levels in normal horses—without causing discomfort. Post-operative ileus remains one of the most challenging conditions in equine medicine...

Apr 29, 202519 min

Ocular Examinations are Important in Animals Undergoing Aural Surgeries

Send us a text When your pet needs ear surgery, their eyes might be the last thing on your mind. Yet Dr. Bianca Hartrum's pioneering research reveals a critical connection between ear procedures and vision health that veterinary professionals and pet owners can no longer afford to ignore. Dr. Hartrum's study examines ocular examinations before and after total ear canal ablation and bulla osteotomy (TECALBO) procedures in cats and dogs. The findings are striking: a staggering 90.9% of cats develo...

Apr 23, 202513 min

Breathing Easier: How Standard Perioperative Protocols are Changing Brachycephalic Surgery

Send us a text Breathing new life into brachycephalic airway surgery practices, this eye-opening conversation with Drs. Vanna Dickerson and Mason Hill reveals how implementing standardized protocols can dramatically reduce post-operative complications in our flat-faced canine companions. The surge in popularity of brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs has brought increased attention to the challenges these dogs face during surgical procedures. Through collaborative efforts between surgery, ...

Apr 15, 202517 min

Vitamin E Deficiency in Horses

Send us a text Could your horse be vitamin E deficient without you knowing it? New research suggests this vital nutrient deficiency might be far more common than we realize, even in horses with access to fresh pasture. Drs. Amy Johnson and Megan Palmisano join Veterinary Vertex to discuss their groundbreaking study examining vitamin E concentrations in hospitalized horses. They share a stunning revelation: approximately 17% of adult horses and 5% of foals arrived at their hospital already defici...

Apr 08, 202523 min

Insights for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Small Animal Medicine

Send us a text Dr. Jennifer Granick takes us deep into her groundbreaking research on antibiotic prescribing patterns in companion animal practice, revealing both challenges and opportunities for improvement. This conversation unveils the complex reality of veterinary prescribing. Perhaps most surprising is the finding that preventive antibiotic treatments typically last the same duration (10 days) as those targeting confirmed infections—a practice without scientific justification. What makes th...

Apr 01, 202517 min

AI in Vet Med: From Bark to Bytes

Send us a text Artificial intelligence is no longer the future of veterinary medicine—it's very much the present. In this captivating discussion with guest editors Casey Cazer, Parminder Basran, and Renata Ivanek, we explore the groundbreaking AJVR supplemental issue "From Bark to Bytes: Artificial Intelligence Transforming Veterinary Medicine." The conversation reveals how AI applications already extend far beyond the clinical notes scribes that many practitioners might be familiar with. Veteri...

Mar 25, 202527 min

Beyond the Surface: Rethinking Fish Wound Care with Naltrexone

Send us a text We take a fascinating dive into aquatic medicine as Drs. Anthony Cerreta and Karisa Tang share groundbreaking findings on fish wound healing. Their study reveals that topical naltrexone in iLEX ointment significantly accelerates cutaneous wound healing in black belt cichlids—a discovery with profound implications for aquatic veterinary care. Anthony and Karisa explain how fish wounds present unique challenges due to the constant exposure to water-borne pathogens, making effective ...

Mar 18, 202510 min

Cold Feet: The Science of Cooling Equine Hooves

Send us a text Cooling treatments for equine laminitis have long been standard practice, but groundbreaking research now reveals that not all cooling methods deliver equal results. Drs. Andrew Van Eps and Sarah Ciamillo join us to discuss their study which found that distal limb immersion in ice and water dramatically outperforms other cooling techniques for equine hoof lamellae under real-world conditions. Their research addresses a critical clinical challenge: while ice water immersion has bee...

Mar 11, 202523 min

Journal Award Winner Minisode: Misoprostol and The Equine Microbiome

Send us a text The gastrointestinal microbiome represents the new frontier in veterinary medicine, with implications reaching far beyond digestive health. Dr. Rachel Pfeifle joins us to discuss her 2024 AJVR Resident Award-winning research examining how misoprostol affects the equine fecal microbiome—a study that elegantly bridges pharmacology with microbial ecology. Rachel's research journey reflects the perfect blend of personal interest and mentor guidance, as she explains how her desire for ...

Mar 08, 202512 min

Canine Forelimb Splint Placement: Don't Disregard the Digits!

Send us a text Discover how exposed digits increase weight bearing and alter sub-bandage pressures in dogs with forelimb splints with Sarah Stark, a fourth-year veterinary student from the University of Minnesota. Guided by her mentor, Dr. Wanda Gordon-Evans, Sarah shares her groundbreaking research on forelimb splints and their influence on weight bearing and pressure distribution in dogs. Her study unveils how the design of splints, particularly whether the digits are exposed or enclosed, can ...

Feb 25, 202521 min

The Importance of Recognizing Concurrent CKD in Hyperthyroid Cats

Send us a text Are you overlooking azotemia in hyperthyroid cats? Explore the intriguing world of feline hyperthyroidism with veterinary endocrinologist Mark Peterson, who sheds light on why some hyperthyroid cats developing azotemia post-radioiodine treatment face shorter survival times. We'll challenge previous assumptions and dive into new research involving over 1,000 cats, revealing insights that are crucial for making informed treatment decisions for these beloved pets. Uncover the complex...

Feb 18, 202526 min

Reevaluating Liposomal Bupivacaine: Insights and Implications for Canine Pain Management

Send us a text Join us as Drs. Vanna Dickerson and Danielle Hollenbeck discuss the impact of peri-incisional liposomal bupivacaine on postoperative pain scores, opioid use after soft tissue surgeries, and incidence of incision site complications in dogs. Despite its widespread use, liposomal bupivacaine may not be providing the pain relief many expect. With 83 dogs enrolled in their study, these findings challenge the status quo in veterinary medicine, emphasizing the importance of evidence-base...

Feb 11, 202517 min

Understanding Perineal Hernia Recurrence in Dogs: Risks, Challenges, and Solutions

Send us a text Discover the hidden complexities behind perineal hernia recurrence in dogs as we chat with Dr. Mandy Wallace and Abigail Hatch. Mandy and Abigail provide fascinating insights into the risks associated with hernia development and the challenges of fecal incontinence. Mandy and Abigail emphasize the crucial need for pet owner education. Their discussion offers a deep dive into the nuances of soft tissue surgery, contrasting it with the generally healthier cases found in orthopedic s...

Feb 04, 202521 min

Strategies for Affordable and Effective Canine Bacteriuria Screening

Send us a text Discover innovative strategies for revolutionizing veterinary care as we tackle the complex issue of urinary tract infections with Drs. Kayla Sample, Jennifer Grady, Gregory Wolfus, and Claire Fellman. Learn how affordable, in-house bacteriuria screening tests, such as the SediVue, RapidBac, and in-houes cultures, can redefine practices in veterinary clinics, especially those catering to financially constrained clients. Kayla, Jennifer, Gregory, and Claire share their cutting-edge...

Jan 28, 202528 min

Revolutionizing Feline Fluid Therapy

Send us a text Join us as we explore fluid therapy in anesthetized cats with our guests, Drs. Stefania Gelendi and Ben Liao. Discover how mild hypothermia reshapes the way fluids are processed in feline bodies, challenging traditional treatment methods and offering a fresh perspective on veterinary medicine. With insights into feline shock management and the complex interplay of temperature and anesthesia, this episode promises to elevate your understanding of fluid dynamics and the unique physi...

Jan 21, 202521 min

A New Age of Veterinary Ophthalmology

Send us a text What are the hidden potentials and challenges in veterinary ophthalmology? Join us as we sit down with Michala Henriksen to discuss inflammatory ocular diseases. Michala's research, featured in the December JAVMA ophthalmology supplemental issue, brings to light the promising safety profile of CBD, while also raising important questions about its efficacy and unexpected ties to elevated liver enzymes. We also navigate through the harrowing 2020 Colorado wildfires with Michala, und...

Jan 14, 202533 min

Journal Award Winner Minisode: Elasmobranch Medicine and Research

Send us a text Ever wondered how veterinary medicine extends beyond land animals to the fascinating world of aquatic species? Join us as we spotlight David Minich, an AJVR Intern Award winner, who shares his groundbreaking research on Robenicoxib pharmacokinetics in smooth dogfish. Transitioning from studying terrestrial creatures to diving into the aquatic realm, David encounters unique challenges and abundant opportunities in treating infectious and inflammatory conditions in elasmobranchs, su...

Jan 07, 20258 min

The Art of Journal Editing

Send us a text Curious about the magic behind the pages of the AVMA Journals? Get ready to learn how to prepare your manuscript for submission to JAVMA or AJVR with Michelle Krieger and Vic Schultz, two of our dynamic editors who are shaping the journal's prestigious content. Michelle brings her expertise from Elsevier, channeling her passion for grammar into crafting impeccable journal quality, while Vic shares his journey through various editing roles to finding his niche in supporting authors...

Dec 31, 202419 min

Navigating Pet Owner Vaccine Hesitancy: Insights and Strategies for Veterinarians

Send us a text Discover the intriguing world of pet owner vaccine hesitancy with Dr. Simon Haeder, who brings his expertise and personal experiences to our conversation on Veterinary Vertex. Drawing from his recent AJVR article, Simon offers a detailed exploration of how the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey tool was adapted to understand the hesitancy among pet owners. With over 20% of dog and cat owners showing reluctance to vaccinate, Simon underscores the vital role vet...

Dec 24, 202418 min

A One Health Approach to Detecting and Reporting Non-Native Zoonotic Pathogens

Send us a text How can a stray kitten spark an investigation that spans hundreds of miles and delves into the heart of zoonotic disease control? Join us as Dr. Ann Carpenter and Dr. Ryan Wallace unravel the surprising discovery of a raccoon rabies virus variant found far from its expected territory. Their expertise sheds light on the critical yet often unseen role veterinarians play in identifying and reporting zoonotic diseases, underscoring the need for vigilance and the diverse career opportu...

Dec 17, 202418 min

Boosting Veterinary Client Engagement with Benefit-Focused Communication

Send us a text Have you ever wondered why your clients might not be engaging with your veterinary clinic's preventative services? Join us as we uncover insights with our guests, Drs. Kat Sutherland and Jason Coe, who explore the transformative power of benefit-focused communication in veterinary practices. Drawing from their enlightening research in a recent JAVMA article, Kat and Jason reveal how emphasizing the benefits, rather than just the features, of preventative care can significantly boo...

Dec 10, 202420 min
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