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Pancreatitis causes significant illness in dogs and is considered to be the most common disease of the exocrine pancreas. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis can be difficult because clinical signs and results of diagnostic testing are often nonspecific. This article addresses the diagnostic approach to patients with signs suggestive of pancreatitis.

Cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive agent that has treatment applications in both veterinary and human medicine. Oral cyclosporine is currently being used to treat a spectrum of inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases in dogs, including but not limited to atopic dermatitis, autoimmune skin disorders, perianal fistula, inflammatory bowel disease, granulomatous meningoencephalitis, and immune-mediated blood disorders.

Of the most common health problems of companion animals throughout their life, dental disease stands out as the number 1 concern. Sadly, many owners and veterinarians still misunderstand the significant effects of periodontal disease, believing them to be limited to bad breath and tooth loss. This lack of understanding, combined with improper or outdated diagnostic methods, can lead to delayed therapy at best and misdiagnosis at worst. Intervention by veterinarians and educated owners is the only solution to improving health and alleviating distress in these patients.

Veterinarians are in the unique and challenging position of balancing the medical needs of their patients with the financial needs of their clients. The strength of the human-animal bond can lead to emotionally charged conversations between pet owners and veterinarians, especially when finances are limited and decisions about care become life-or-death.

The gold standard for preventing periodontal disease is professionally cleaned teeth, but there are some foods, treats, and additives that can help reduce plaque and calculus buildup.

We know pets can help fight loneliness and social isolation, but what is the role of veterinarians? Read more about the veterinarians’ role in the human-animal bond with both companion animals and service animals.

We are proud to announce a virtual extension to the VMX Expo Hall, where you can access exclusive content and interact with exhibitors on a year-round basis—VMX Virtual.

CBD-based products have become quite popular in recent years, but with only a handful of veterinary-specific studies currently available, however, many veterinarians are at a loss regarding how to approach client questions. To address the needs of our clients and patients, we must use veterinary and human medical data in order to better understand how CBD and other cannabis products may be of benefit to animals.

Following the track of the Nov/Dec issue’s editor’s letter, this article looks at the legal status of owning a pet in the U.S. and beyond, as well as what constitutes animal cruelty beyond physical abuse.