Peer Reviewed

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.

Oclacitinib has been proven to be a forerunner antipruritic medication for dogs and even off-label for cats.

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.

One concern with weight-loss programs is that use of inappropriate diets and/or levels of caloric restriction can lead to inadequate nutrient intake, resulting in nutritional deficiencies. Severe caloric restriction can also have adverse metabolic effects that work against achieving successful, safe weight loss. This article provides guidance for calculating caloric requirements for an obesity management plan to avoid the adverse effects of severe caloric restriction, as well as for choosing an appropriate diet for weight-loss programs to avoid nutritional deficiencies.

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.

Intertrigo, or skin fold dermatitis, is caused by frictional trauma resulting in inflammation and/or microbial overgrowth of closely apposed skin surfaces. Resolution is commonly achieved with topical treatment.

Understanding the life cycle of the parasite Toxocara canis is key to treating and preventing roundworms in dogs.

Roundworms in dogs can be treated and prevented if veterinarians understand the life cycle of the parasite Toxocara canis.

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.

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a general term used to describe conditions affecting the bladder or urethra of cats; it is not a syndrome or specific diagnosis. It has been reported that between 4.5% and 8% of cats presenting to veterinary practices or teaching hospitals have FLUTD.