When I entered the veterinary profession, I had stars in my eyes. You might also say I had blinders on. Early in my career, I was driven by passion, fueled by scientific and medical knowledge from vet school, and prepared to blissfully live my dream of caring for animals. Today, with blinders off and 20/20 hindsight, I can honestly say working in this profession is indeed one of the greatest honors of my life. But I confess that my vision didn’t always align with reality, and many times throughout my career, especially during my early years in practice, I did not feel this way. Despite rigorou ..read more

For the veterinary team, end-of-life discussions with pet owners can be daunting. The weight of responsibility and the emotional connection to the pet make these conversations incredibly stressful. In this issue, Dr. Susan Nelson et al detail the strategies we can employ to navigate this difficult journey with compassion and understanding. Such strategies can help to relieve the emotional strain from our job, but there are now ancillary services we could lean on at these times. Pet hospice care is one such example. It has the goal of making a pet’s final days more pleasant with the proper use ..read more

In 2023, the NAVC introduced a new lineup of events to further serve the needs of the veterinary community, NAVC HiVE. There can be no doubt that the NAVC knows how to host not just the biggest but the best events to serve the community of veterinary healthcare professionals. The nonprofit’s annual lineup includes VMX, its flagship event and the largest veterinary continuing education conference in the world; the NAVC Institute, an immersive, in-depth learning experience; and the Veterinary Innovation Summit, an open forum for progressive thinking and collaboration in the veterinary space. HiV ..read more

Cancer is a serious problem in the adult pet population. The National Cancer Institute reports approximately 6 million dogs each year are diagnosed with cancer, and this number is suspected to be similar in cats.1 The AVMA has reported that roughly 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer.2 A dog aging study has found the leading cause of death in adult dogs to be neoplasia.3 Another study evaluating over 3000 dogs found the median age of cancer diagnosis was 8.8 years, with males diagnosed at a younger age than females.4 Neutered dogs were diagnosed at a significantly older age ..read more

Abstract Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common allergic skin disease characterized by chronic inflammation, pruritus, and recurrent skin infections. The treatment of canine AD involves a multifaceted approach, including management of acute flares, chronic suppression of inflammation, restoration of the skin barrier, and allergen desensitization. In 2016, lokivetmab was the first monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of canine AD. Lokivetmab offers a targeted approach for AD-associated pruritus in dogs and can serve as a useful therapy in both acute and chronic management. With its ..read more

Abstract As tick-borne diseases continue to spread and vector-borne disease diagnostics continue to improve, veterinarians are diagnosing more Anaplasma infections in dogs. Clinical reference guides created by diagnostic companies can provide assistance in diagnosing, treating, and managing acute and chronic cases of anaplasmosis. Utilizing these guides can aid veterinarians in identifying opportunities for better tick control, encouraging regular testing, and managing pet owner expectations. Take-Home Points Improved diagnostics combined with poor tick control compliance  means dogs are ..read more

Abstract New model pet food regulations intended to make labels more consumer friendly have been approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. These changes affect how the intended use of the product is conveyed, nutrient content information is presented, ingredients are declared, and handling and storage directions appear on the label. One key change requires the word “complete” to be prominently displayed to help pet owners more easily select complete and balanced foods. A new “pet nutrition facts” box, mimicking the nutrition facts box on human food labels, includes new in ..read more

Abstract Understanding the underlying causes of owner-directed aggression in cats based on presentation of different types of aggression plays a crucial role in guiding effective treatment. The treatment plan involves identifying and avoiding triggers, establishing a positive relationship between the owner and the cat, implementing environmental enrichment and behavior modification, and incorporating medication if necessary. Take-Home Points Owner-directed feline aggression is a significant behavior concern because it negatively affects the bond between cats and owners and the welfare of both ..read more

Abstract Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are common cutaneous neoplasms in dogs. This article discusses recent updates in the management of mast cell disease, specifically the use of the MCT prognostic panel; evaluation of regional and sentinel lymph nodes for the presence of metastasis; and local and systemic treatments, including novel therapeutics such as tigilanol tiglate injection and gilvetmab. Ideal scenarios for prognostic panel use and an overview of the implications of lymph node metastasis for survival and systemic therapy are also provided. Take-Home Points The mast cell tumor (MCT) progn ..read more

Abstract The ventral approach to the hip for femoral head and neck ostectomy is gaining popularity among surgeons due to perceived improved patient recovery compared with the craniolateral approach. Key aspects of patient selection, technical execution, and postoperative management are highlighted in this article. Take-Home Points Ventral femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) spares the gluteal muscles and dorsal joint capsule compared with the traditional craniolateral approach for FHO. Reduced postoperative pain and faster return to optimal limb function are subjective clinical benefits of ..read more