For the first time since 2012, the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) Initiative has released significant revisions to its global veterinary cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines. Major advancements in veterinary medicine and extensive community feedback were paramount in the decision of the RECOVER Initiative to update its CPR guidelines. As a part of this strategy, the RECOVER Initiative recruited experts worldwide and across disciplines to review the current guidelines and incorporate updated research and best practices in order to provide veterinary profes ..read more

What is dermatophytosis, and how did my pet get it? Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection of the skin, also known as ringworm. It is highly contagious to other animals as well as people. Pets often become infected through direct contact with an infected animal or exposure to a contaminated environment. Download PDF How can I protect my family and other pets? Thoroughly cleaning the environment to remove infected hairs and dander is extremely important. Infected hairs can stay infectious for up to 18 months. During this time, they can be a source of exposure for family members and other pe ..read more

Pet owners are more engaged than ever in managing their pet’s health. They want to decide what is best for their pet, including feeding what they determine to be the best nutrition. How do they make this determination? Through information obtained from their peers, pet store employees, marketing advertisements, search engine results, and their veterinary team. Pet owners’ values, ethics, and world views can also motivate their decision. This factor is leading many around the world to look for alternative protein sources, including ingredient sources for canine and feline diets. While we know t ..read more

Abstract Although a few zoonotic fungal skin infections exist, the one that most commonly affects cats and dogs is dermatophytosis, often called ringworm. Dermatophytes can live in the environment for many months, making this disease difficult to cure and requiring much effort to disinfect the environment. Client education is imperative to prevent the spread of zoonotic fungal diseases to humans and other pets in the household, and the veterinary nurse plays an important role in all aspects of managing these diseases. Take-Home Points The most common zoonotic fungal diseases are dermatophytos ..read more

Abstract As the popularity of brachycephalic breeds continues to increase, so does the diagnosis of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Historically, the concern has been focused on surgical correction to alleviate respiratory conditions. Respiratory conditions continue to affect brachycephalic dogs today, along with increased signs involving the gastrointestinal tract. Digestive signs in brachycephalic dogs are usually medically managed with dietary modifications and pharmaceutical agents. In cases of hiatal hernia that remain unresponsive to medical management, surgical management is ..read more

Abstract Recognized as a veterinary specialty in 1994, radiation oncology has become a crucial modality in the cancer treatment of companion animals. In addition to inducing DNA damage, radiotherapy also has immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a reasonable treatment option for some non-neoplastic conditions. With osteoarthritis being a common cause for chronic pain in companion animals, radiation therapy is now being considered as a promising option in the management of this progressive condition. Take-Home Points An estimated 20% of dogs > 1 year of age and roughly 8 ..read more

Abstract Any dog may experience chronic pain. While owners can play a key role in recognizing signs of chronic pain in dogs, identification and assessment of chronic pain are vital skills for the veterinary nurse. This article discusses the indications for and steps involved in performing a canine chronic pain assessment. Take-Home Points Chronic pain can occur in animals at any age. Veterinary nurses should be able to teach anyone in the practice, as well as the client, how to successfully use a clinical metrology instrument. Dogs should be evaluated for pain, even if only by observation, at ..read more

Abstract Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the most common endocrine emergencies in cats and dogs and can be fatal without medical intervention. Extreme hyperglycemia leading to hypovolemic shock and severe electrolyte imbalances in conjunction with ketone formation leading to acidemia characterize this complicated disease process. This article summarizes the pathophysiology of DKA and how to stabilize and initiate treatment in patients presenting with DKA. Take-Home Points Insulin and glucagon perform opposite functions to maintain a stable glucose level that fulfills cellular energy nee ..read more

Abstract This case report describes the process for diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia, surgical management, and postoperative recovery from a total hip arthroplasty in a 6-year-old dog. While a total hip arthroplasty is a large surgery that takes planning with a skilled surgeon trained in total hip arthroplasty, it has a high success rate and the ability to let patients return to a normal, functional, less painful life. Veterinary nursing care during the entire process is critical to achieve the patient’s best possible outcome. Take-Home Points Canine hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic cond ..read more

What is dermatophytosis, and how did my pet get it? Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection of the skin, also known as ringworm. It is highly contagious to other animals as well as people. Pets often become infected through direct contact with an infected animal or exposure to a contaminated environment. Download PDF How can I protect my family and other pets? Thoroughly cleaning the environment to remove infected hairs and dander is extremely important. Infected hairs can stay infectious for up to 18 months. During this time, they can be a source of exposure for family members and other pe ..read more