Osteochondrosis in Cats: A Hidden Cause of Stifle Lameness
When it comes to feline orthopedic conditions, stifle lameness is often a sign of something more serious. While it might be easy to overlook, one potential culprit that veterinarians should be aware of is osteochondrosis (OC) or osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). These conditions, which are often associated with the knee joint in dogs, have been increasingly identified in cats as well. A new case series and literature review sheds light on this often-overlooked condition in cats, helping veterinary professionals recognize and treat stifle lameness in their feline patients.
The Ultimate Guide to Managing Canine Epilepsy: What Every Veterinarian Needs to Know!
Canine epilepsy, characterized by seizures or convulsions, presents a challenging neurological puzzle for both pet owners and veterinary professionals. This multifaceted disorder involves paroxysmal disturbances in the cerebral (forebrain) region, resulting in abnormal electrical activity and overt signs known as seizures. In this exploration of canine epilepsy, we will delve into the intricacies of this condition, encompassing causes, seizure types, diagnostics, and treatment.
Exploring the Link Between Epilepsy and Sleep Disturbances in Dogs: What Every Veterinarian Should Know
The relationship between epilepsy and sleep has been widely studied in humans, but what about our canine companions? A groundbreaking study by Alejandra Mondino, Julie Nettifee, and Karen R. Muñana delves into the sleep patterns of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) and compares them to healthy, non-epileptic dogs. Their findings highlight significant sleep disturbances in dogs with epilepsy, underscoring the importance of managing both seizure activity and sleep quality in veterinary care.
America's Growing Crisis: The Worsening Shortage of Large-Animal Veterinarians
A severe shortage of large-animal veterinarians is threatening the health of livestock and the future of agriculture in rural America. According to a 2023 Johns Hopkins study, the United States has lost 90 percent of its large-animal and livestock veterinarians since the end of World War II. As the crisis deepens, farmers and ranchers in rural areas are left struggling to find veterinary care, with some regions lacking access to a veterinarian for miles.
Veterinary Technician Foreign Equivalency Program Shutting Down Due to Low Participation
The Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) for Veterinary Technicians, which was designed to evaluate the educational equivalence of foreign veterinary technician graduates, is being discontinued due to low participation rates. The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) announced the decision on February 25, 2025, stating that the program will end immediately.
How a Compassionate Care Fund Saved a Puppy’s Life — and More
When Maybelline, a tiny 6-month-old mixed breed puppy, arrived at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital in February, her condition was dire. She was fighting for her life against the deadly parvovirus, commonly known as parvo, and her chances of survival were slim.