Vetgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Podcasts

In this VetGirl podcast, we review initial treatment of chronic Lyme nephritis, focusing specifically on fluid therapy and gastrointestinal support. For chronic Lyme disease, appropriate monitoring for proteinuria or microalbuminuria should be performed q. 3-6 months. In patients that have continued proteinuria (after 4-6 weeks of antibiotic therapy), a renal biopsy should be considered (to rule out an immune-mediated glomerulonephritis), along with a low-protein diet, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) therapy, and an additional course of antibiotic therapy. If evidence of immune-mediated glomerulonephritis is seen, the use of immunosuppressive therapy is warranted (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate, etc.).

Phacoemulsification, or small incision cataract surgery, is the preferred technique for removal of cataracts in dogs. Previous studies evaluating visual outcomes following phacoemulsification in dogs report success rates varying from 71.4 -; 95.3%. However, there are some potential complications of phacoemulsification, including post-operative ocular hypertension (POH), uveitis, retinal detachment, and secondary glaucoma. In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss the success rate for restoring vision after cataract surgery with foldable intraocular lens implantation…and what you need to know about when it comes to the Boston terrier breed!

In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss clinical signs seen with Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). In canine patients suspected of having Lyme disease based on a positive 3DX or 4DX SNAP test, the decision to treat should be based on the presence of clinical signs, breeds at risk for developing life-threatening chronic effects (e.g., breeds predisposed to Lyme nephritis), and presence of proteinuria or microalbuminuria.

When it comes to skunks, we all know that they can cause an odiferous problem to dogs (and less commonly, cats). Most of us have the “skunk bathing formula” ready to recite to owners on the phone. However, when skunk exposures happen, do we warn pet owners about the other potential health risks that can occur? This VetGirl podcast reviews skunk musk toxicity, and how it can result in oxidative injury, Heinz body hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia.

In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss clinical signs seen with Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). In dogs, three states of Lyme disease can be seen. With acute Lyme disease, dogs typically develop transient fever, lethargy, depression, hesitance to move, anorexia, pain, lymphadenopathy, and acute arthritis (seen as a mono- or polyarthropathy). Joints may be inflamed and warm to the touch. Sub-acute signs may also be seen, where lameness can last several weeks. While clinical arthritis may be transient, inflammatory changes to the synovial fluid may be ongoing and potentially persistent. Typically, lameness in dogs occurs months after tick exposure. Chronic signs include cardiac changes (e.g., bradyarrhythmias such as heart block, etc.), neurologic signs, arthritis and changes related to Lyme nephritis (estimated to occur in 1-2% of dogs affected by Lyme disease).

What the heck is BNP? BNP stands for B-type natriuretic peptide, and is released from left atrial stretch (commonly seen with cardiac disease and congestive heart failure). How important is it, and can it help my patient? In this VetGirl veterinary CE podcast, Dr. Marc Kraus, a board-certified cardiologist on faculty at Cornell University, tells us all we need to know about this soon-to-be bedside test.

In this VetGirl podcast, we discuss transmission, pathophysiology and testing for Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). While Bb can be transmitted by urine, milk, and blood, the most common transmission is likely via tick infestation by hard-shell deer ticks (e.g., Ixodes scapularis or other related Ixodes species). Ixodes ticks have a 2-year life cycle and hatch in the spring (into larvae). A female tick lays approximately 2000 eggs. Larvae become infected with Bb when feeding on white-footed mice, which are persistently infected, but often remain unaffected or asymptomatic. The larvae molt into nymphs that feed on new hosts. While nymphs are less effective vectors than adult ticks, they can still infect their hosts within the four-day feeding period. Likewise, nymphs can become infected when feeding on an infected animal. In the fall, nymphs molt to adults, with 50% of adult ticks in the Northeast estimated to be carrying Bb. Once the tick attaches and feeds, the

Bromethalin is a mouse and rat poison that may sound like brodifacoum or bromadiolone, but it has nothing to do with Vitamin K1 or coagulopathy. Bromethalin results in cerebral edema and has a narrow margin of safety. Check out this VetGirl veterinary podcast to learn more about this rodenticide that is becoming more prevalent due to new EPA mandates!

Questions? You can always contact us via our Contact Us page.

Mast cell tumors (MCT) are the #1 cutaneous dermal mass of dogs. As MCT exfoliate well, aspirates are often diagnostic. However, before looking at it in-house, keep in mind that Diff-Quik does not stain the granules of MCT well. This VetGirl veterinary CE podcast reviews whether staining for a longer period of time in Diff-Quik helps, or whether or not you should just submit for Wright's stain analysis!

Questions? You can always contact us via our Contact Us page.

Just aspirated fluid from your patient? Not exactly sure what to look for or run on the fluid? In this VetGirl veterinary podcast, Dr. Ashleigh Newman (clinical pathology resident guru at Cornell) gives us some clin path tips on what to do what that effusion.

Questions? You can always contact us via our Contact Us page.

Have a patient that you suspect was poisoned by an anticoagulant rodenticide (ACR; also called long-acting anticoagulant or "LAAC")? When in doubt, consider the usefulness of anticoagulant rodenticide screening, as it is readily available at veterinary diagnostic laboratories. That said, it may take days to weeks before results are available. Find out in this VetGirl podcast what the best clinical tool for diagnosing ACR in the ER.

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, a board-certified veterinary emergency critical care specialist, discusses 5 misconceptions that many veterinary professionals have about trauma cases. Before you treat your next HBC (hit-by-car), make sure to check out this VetGirl veterinary podcast for some key simple trauma tips! Dr. Holowaychuk discusses key things like, giving shock boluses of fluids, treating with steroids, or euthanizing those trauma patients.

Questions? You can always contact us via our Contact Us page.

Did your in-house hematology analyzer just go down? Have to do a blood smear? In this VetGirl veterinary CE podcast, Dr. Ashleigh Newman (our clinical pathology guru, who is a resident at Cornell) gives us some tips on interpreting your blood smear accurately and appropriately. As in vitro, artifactual changes can occur in hematology samples, make sure to perform a fresh blood smear (at the time of blood collection) to submit with your hematology sample and to look at it in-house!

Questions? You can always contact us via our Contact Us page.

Questions? You can always contact us via our Contact Us page.

In this VetGirl podcast, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk reviews the use of intramuscular (IM) glargine insulin in cats for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). While we were always taught that you should only ever use regular insulin IM, this study may prove otherwise! So before you refer all your DKA cases away, pay heed to this VetGirl podcast!