Clinical Insights

Photobiomodulation (PBMT), or laser therapy, is a rapidly growing treatment modality used for a variety of medical conditions in companion animals. PBMT is painless, noninvasive, and easily administered in a primary care setting.

For years, glucocorticoids and cyclosporine have been used for the symptomatic management of atopic dermatitis, including the associated pruritus. In the past 5 years, however, oclacitinib (Apoquel; zoetisus.com), a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, has become another important drug in the management of allergic pruritus.

Professional development is an essential part of the successful veterinary practice. While credentialed technicians and veterinarians are required to maintain a certain number of training hours annually to keep their license, all team members can benefit from professional development. In a 2016 survey on practice culture, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) found that supporting …

Pancreatitis is common among cats, although its exact incidence is unknown. The disease can take several forms—acute, chronic, and acute on chronic (an episode of acute pancreatitis in a patient with chronic pancreatitis)—and differentiating among the forms clinically and making an antemortem diagnosis in cats remain challenging.

Pain management is often at the heart of the vitally important veterinarian-client-patient relationship. This article focuses on select rehabilitation modalities that, when Incorporated into a multimodal pain management program, can help reduce pain, enhance tissue healing, increase patient function, and improve quality of life.

For centuries, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used for pain control. However, their use has been associated with potentially life-threatening adverse drug events. Grapiprant is a novel drug for treatment of osteoarthritic pain in dogs. Approved in 2016, it is a non-cyclooxygenase (COX)-inhibiting NSAID.

Veterinary support staff are essential for a successful client experience and exceptional patient care. These valued team members hold many roles including client service representatives, kennel staff, veterinary assistants, and certified veterinary technicians or veterinary nurses. Despite their critical role in practice success, many team members feel undercompensated, underappreciated, and overworked. These feelings can contribute to high employee turnover rates, which impact overall morale of the team and the clinic’s bottom line. There are many factors that play a role in employee turnover. Some of the top challenges faced by technicians include low pay, lack of recognition, underutilization, and burnout. While all team
members should be appropriately compensated for their work, there are many ways beyond a higher paycheck that veterinary clinics can improve employee retention.

Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonotic disease found throughout most of the United States. Leptospirosis affects many organ systems and varies in severity; clinical signs range from none or mild and self-limiting to severe with acute kidney injury, hepatopathy, and/or vasculitis. Fortunately, the prognosis for most patients is favorable with appropriate medical care.

Inappetence is a common clinical sign that has an important influence on perceived quality of life and case management in dogs and cats. Capromorelin has the potential to positively affect the clinical management of inappetence and weight loss/cachexia in dogs.