On this weeks episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by 

, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomes special guest Meghan Solc, DVM, DACVD, who is also one of 

, to discuss why it is important to consider multiple diagnosis for skin diseases, long term management of autoimmune diseases, the significance of systemic symptoms, and more within the world of dermatology. 

So let's just, everyone picture it. A dog enters the clinic for an evaluation of a skin condition. Other than allergies, so what could this patient have? So what are some things that we need to talk about with those things?

We want to have a bunch of differential diagnoses on our radar, because everything can really look the same. And so when we have a dog coming in that are crusty, that have infections, you know, depending on their patterns of lesions, you may have things from allergy to T cell lymphoma on your list. So there's a wide range of different diseases to consider. 

So generally, rule of thumb, you know, things that we learn in vet school and in my internship and residency, we're going to be rolling out things that can cause folliculitis, like dermatophytosis... But then we're looking at weirder things, like sebaceous adenitis [and] pemphigus foliaceus. So there's a lot of different things that look essentially the same until you start digging a little bit deeper

Digging a little bit deeper, [I] see what you did there, a little metaphor for derm, I like that.

Podcasts

Meghan Solc, DVM, DACVD, shares common dos and don'ts when it comes to the itchy client in your clinic, plus how to communicate better with clients

Dermatology red flags and allergy mimickers

With the rise in pet ownership, new veterinary clinics and research hospitals are opening across the United States. Often equipped with advanced technologies and highly specialized veterinarians, new facilities are helping improve access to pet care and veterinary treatments. Meanwhile, veterinary research hospitals are advancing veterinary science and medicine through things like clinical trials and new therapies.

Below are 3 recent openings of veterinary facilities in the country:

Texas A&M Clinical Veterinary Teaching & Research Complex (Texas)

Clinical Veterinary Teaching & Research Complex rendering. (Image courtesy of Texas A&M University)

Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) will have a new Clinical Veterinary Teaching & Research Complex (CVTRC). In a recent university announcement, Texas A&M reported that its Board of Regents has approved the construction of the $181 million small animal hospital.1

The facility, scheduled to open in August 2027, will span 135,000 sq ft and will have additional faculty, staff and student wellness spaces, client comfort rooms, a pharmacy, space for diagnostic imaging, and areas for training. The new building will serve as a training hub for the VMBS.

“A once-in-a-generation project, this new hospital will ensure that Texas A&M continues to lead the nation in veterinary education,” John R. August, Carl B. King dean of Veterinary Medicine, said in a university release.1 “The new facility will offer much-needed space for our world-class veterinary clinicians, residents, interns, support staff and students in which to work, learn and provide compassionate care to our patients as well as to conduct the groundbreaking clinical trials that advance the veterinary profession as a whole.” 

Center for Rural Veterinary Practice (Mississippi)

Mississippi State University is renovating its clinical facilities and building a Center for Rural Veterinary Practice at its College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). The move is aimed at addressing a shortage of veterinary care in the state and in rural US. The projected is expected to result in a new cattle handling facility and farm animal hospital, a renovated equine hospital, and an expanded small animal hospital wing.

The Center for Rural Veterinary Practice, meanwhile, will advance the college’s education programs and clinical services for cattle, sheep, goats, and swine, according to the university.

 The project will expand the hospital's capacity, including more client consulting rooms, specialty services, and a larger intensive care unit (ICU) for critically ill patients. Moreover, the expanded Community Veterinary Services unit will help prepare students for small animal general practice by providing exposure to common diseases and allowing them to provide wellness care.

“Mississippi State is working to increase access to veterinary care, recruiting and mentoring students from rural and underserved areas, helping veterinarians practicing in rural areas to have more successful and sustainable businesses, and mentoring and coaching early-career veterinarians who are interested in establishing rural practices so that they can have a viable pathway and contribute to their local economies,” Keith Coble, vice president for MSU’s Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, said in a news release.


CityVet recently announced it is opening a new clinic on December 9, 2024, in Red Mill, Virginia Beach, Virginia. The new facility will be led by Erica Feiste, DVM, MBA, MRCVS, and will provide various services including dental care, preventive care, diagnostic, and advanced surgical procedures.

According to CityVet, the new clinic will act as a bridge for pet owners who need advanced care but are looking for more affordable alternatives to emergency surgery that provide wound care, C-sections, and foreign body surgeries.

“We are thrilled to open a second CityVet location in Virginia Beach, continuing expanding our presence in this vibrant community. Dr Erica Feiste’s exceptional leadership, advanced skills, and dedication to fostering strong relationships with both clients and colleagues make her an ideal partner. Her contributions have been invaluable, and her commitment to delivering high-quality care ensures that Red Mill will be a trusted resource for pets and their families,” David Boguslawski, CEO and president of CityVet said in an organizational release.

Texas A&M University System Regents Pave Way For New Veterinary Teaching, Research Hospital. News release. Texas A&M University. November 21, 2024. Accessed December 4, 2024. 

https://today.tamu.edu/2024/11/21/new-veterinary-teaching-research-hospital/

College of Veterinary Medicine at MSU expands clinical facilities, establishes Center for Rural Veterinary Practice. News release. Mississippi State University. November 26, 2024. Accessed December 4, 2024. [email]

CityVet, a leading network of veterinarian-owned practices, expands in Virginia Beach with a new clinic opening December 9th. News release. December 2, 2024. Accessed December 4, 2024. [email]

Articles

Take a look at these 3 veterinary centers newly opened or coming soon

Clinic center: New veterinary clinics and hospitals

Blue Ridge Beef has issued a voluntary recall of its puppy mix because of 

contamination. The recall pertains to 2 lb bags of Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix stamped with lot numbers 08/06/N25 and 08/16/N25. The UPC for these lots is 854298001696.

According to the FDA, these products were distributed by Blue Ridge Beef between August 6, 2024, and August 23, 2024. They were primarily sold in retail stores in the following US states: Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

The contamination was discovered after the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services received a report about a litter of puppies that had become ill. Samples of the recalled product later tested positive for 

. The FDA notified Blue Ridge Beef of the test result on November 27, 2024.

Pet owners with animals that have consumed the recalled products and have symptoms of 

 infection should contact a veterinarian. Infection from eating contaminated products can cause lethargy, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting in pets. According to the FDA, some pets will only show decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain, and others carrying the infection will present as healthy while infecting other animals as well as humans.

There is also risk to humans from handling products contaminated with 

, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy humans infected with 

 should monitor themselves for symptoms that may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. In rare cases, 

 can result in more serious ailments such as arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms, according to the FDA. Humans exhibiting these signs after having contact with the recalled product should contact their health care providers.

Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return to place of purchase or destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access. Recalled products should not be sold, donated or fed to any animals. Pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers that came into contact with the recalled product should be washed and sanitized.

Blue Ridge Beef issues voluntary recall Blue Beef Puppy Mix due to 

contamination. FDA. December 2, 2024. Accessed December 4, 2024. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blue-ridge-beef-issues-voluntary-recall-blue-ridge-beef-puppy-mix-due-salmonella-contamination?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

A Blue Ridge Beef product was reported to be contaminated with Salmonella

Voluntary recall is issued for puppy food

Even though 45% of households in the United States and 20% in Canada report owning a dog, adjusting to becoming a dog owner can be overwhelming for clients.

 Because this can be overwhelming for some owners, it can also be common for owners to develop uncertainty about where to start in regard to their pet’s nutrition, especially what pet food they should pick.

A survey conducted by Royal Canin consisted of 1023 puppy owners across  North America. It found that 62% of puppy owners are overwhelmed with all of the choices out there for puppy food, and struggle to figure out the most important ingredients.

 To help make this process easier for pet owners, Royal Canin offered key considerations clients can use to help them determine which diet is right for their puppy.

"In our recent survey, we found that more than half of pet owners experience the 'puppy blues' and one of the top contributors highlighted the number of options when it comes to choosing the right diet for their pet," said Racquel White, vice president of corporate affairs, Royal Canin North America, in an organizational release.

 "Royal Canin is proud to provide more than 50 years of science-backed research focused on the precise nutritional needs of dogs throughout their life stages, so that pet owners can feel confident in the diet and the nutrients included in it as they grow into healthy adults."

Results of the survey found that 96% of respondents understand the importance of their puppy’s health, 42% do not feel knowledgeable about puppy nutrition. Royal Canin offered these 3 things veterinary teams can help new clients consider when purchasing food for their puppy

Consulting an expert on the needs of your puppy at their first visit. Within the results of the survey, 82% of respondents disclosed they would change their dogs food based on an expert recommendation.

Addressing the unique needs of the puppy. It can be tough to know the needs of a puppy, but a proper diet can address the specific nutritional needs of each puppy. This can then lay the foundation to help the puppy grow into a strong and healthy dog.

Pick a diet based on sciences, not trends. It can be easy to fall into social media trends regarding diets for pets. Within the survey, 94% of responding puppy owners prioritize ingredient quality and scientific evidence in nutrition choices.

"As a veterinarian, I recognize there is a wide variety of pet food products available, and it may be confusing or overwhelming at times but it's important to remember, you're not alone in making this nutritional decision for your pet," said Courtney Deer, DVM.

 "Leaning on experts like my colleagues in the industry to inform your decisions on potential diets is a great way to help ensure your pet is getting the nutrition they need from puppyhood to adulthood."

American Veterinary Medical Association. U.S. pet ownership statistics. American Veterinary Medical Association. Published 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics

Blair N. Pet Ownership Statistics in Canada for 2023 - Made in CA. Made In CA. Published October 26, 2023. 

https://madeinca.ca/pet-ownership-statistics-canada/

New Survey Finds 62% of Puppy Owners Feel Overwhelmed by Endless Number of Pet Food Choices. News release. Royal Canin. December 4, 2024. Accessed December 4, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-survey-finds-62-of-puppy-owners-feel-overwhelmed-by-endless-number-of-pet-food-choices-858534198.html

Royal Canin’s survey spoke to 1023 puppy owners in North America with 62% of respondents stating they are struggling to determine important ingredients

Survey finds puppy owners are overwhelmed by all the available pet food options

Renée Alsarraf, DVM, DACVIM (Onc), talks about how there is no one fixed approach to animal care

The problem with the “gold standard”

during the 2024 Fetch dvm360 conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Renée Alsarraf, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), author of the memoir “Sit, Stay, Heal: What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living Well,” talked about her lecture “Spectrum of Care: How to Make it Work.” During the interview, Alsarraf posited veterinary medicine’s way of treatment as being on a spectrum, or continuum, rather than being one fixed 'gold standard' way. As Alsarraf explained, the treatment or care for animals involves many components, and only following the 'gold standard' can be detrimental to both the veterinarian and the pet owner.

The following is the interview transcript: 

I'm talking on “Spectrum of Care: How to Make it Work.” And I think that spectrum of care, in and of itself, is not a new topic, but I think it just has a different name, and it's being brought to the forefront as to why this approach—this incremental approach to care—is very important.

Spectrum of care really focuses on veterinary medicine or care along a continuum, and not just as one 'gold standard' way of treatment. I think that only in offering that 'gold standard' way, makes everything else seem subpar, and that if that veterinarian offers something that isn't the gold standard, maybe it evokes feelings of inadequacy, or if that pet parent chooses something that isn't that 'gold standard,' they also feel subpar. I think even just the term 'gold standard' seems judgy, right? Because there are so many factors that go into this decision of care for animals.

Videos

The problem with the 'gold standard'

Tuna Sandwich. (Images courtesy of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine)

When Tuna Sandwich was found, she was in respiratory distress and had a visible inguinal hernia and a diaphragmatic hernia, which radiographs later confirmed. This female kitten was approximately 6 weeks old and was found abandoned not far from a Subway restaurant, from which she got her name. The person who found Tuna Sandwich brought her to the FieldHaven Feline Center, a non-profit animal welfare organization in Lincoln, California, where she was examined by Jennifer Yee, DVM, CPEV, medical director of Fieldhaven.

Veterinarians suspect that Tuna Sandwich’s inguinal and diaphragmatic hernias were caused by a traumatic injury, such as a fall or being struck by a car, a news report stated.

An inguinal hernia is characterized by a protrusion of the intestines through an opening in the groin. Additionally, a diaphragmatic hernia happens when there is a hole in the diaphragm that allows the abdominal organs like the stomach, intestines, or liver, to move into the chest cavity. The latter is caused by a birth defect or trauma, according to a UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine report.

“A diaphragmatic hernia is a severe condition where organs shift into the chest, putting dangerous pressure on the lungs and heart,” said Michael Mison, DVM, DACVS, chief veterinary medical officer of UC Davis veterinary hospital in the report.

 “Timely surgical repair is essential to restore normal breathing, protect vital organs, and give Tuna Sandwich the best chance at a healthy, happy life.”

X-ray of Tuna Sandwich's several displaced organs. 

Given Tuna Sandwich’s critical condition, she was granted an emergency referral to UC Davis’ veterinary hospital’s Soft Tissue Surgery Service. There, Karen Vernau, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), faculty advisor for the school’s Orphan Kitten Project, and member of the feline pediatric services team led the primary care of the case. Vernau also worked with Mison and Alex Aubrecht, DVM, a surgical resident.

The normal order of a feline's internal organs.

The positioning of Tuna Sandwich's organs in their herniated state.

After additional imaging, the team discovered that Tuna Sandwich’s stomach, liver/gall bladder, omentum, small intestines, and spleen were all shifted into her chest instead of being positioned behind her diaphragm in her abdomen. These displaced organs were putting pressure on her lungs, causing the respiratory distress.

One challenge that the team encountered was Tuna Sandwich’s size. Weighing at less than 1 lb, her small size put her at an increased risk for anesthesia and surgery complications. However, “waiting until she was larger wasn’t an option,” explained Aubrecht.

 Due to the severity of her condition, Tuna Sandwich underwent immediate surgery, with Mison and Aubrecht repairing the two hernias.

After the surgery, Tuna Sandwich successfully recovered. However, because of her petite frame, she was kept in an incubator overnight to prevent hypothermia.

Aubrecht attributes the success of Tuna Sandwich’s surgery to the entire team’s effort, according to UC Davis.

“Every individual involved played a vital role in Tuna Sandwich’s successful outcome, and it is a true testament to the dedication and skill of the entire team,” he said.

“Our exceptional surgery and operating room technicians worked swiftly and efficiently to prepare her and the necessary equipment. The anesthesia team managed her most significant perioperative challenges, ensuring stability, warmth, and prompt responses to anesthetic concerns,” he continued.

After one night of hospitalization at the UC Davis Veterinary Hospital, Tuna Sandwich was discharged and landed back in the care of Fieldhaven. “As this was a medical rescue, I decided to take on the fostering responsibilities once Tuna Sandwich returned to Fieldhaven,” said Yee.

Tuna Sandwich in the hospital's incubator.

The kitten needed to remain inactive for several days following surgery. Once she was given green light to resume activity, Tuna Sandwich embraced her newfound freedom, UC Davis wrote.

We are all so delighted with her remarkable recovery after such a challenging beginning,” said Aubrecht in the report.

“She’s one of those cats that has the spirit of loving life in her,” said Yee.

 “She wants to explore everything, and nothing—not even her condition and surgery—was going to stop her.”

With time, Tuna Sandwich’s stamina improved. Her gait also improved compared to before the surgery. According to Yee, the inguinal hernia had likely limited the range of motion in her hips.

A month later, Tuna sandwich is leading a healthy kitten life as Yee continues fostering her. In early to mid-December, Tuna Sandwich may be ready for adoption, shared Yee in the report.

Warren R. Emergency surgery saves abandoned kitten. University of California. November 26, 2024. Accessed December 3, 2024. 

https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/emergency-surgery-saves-abandoned-kitten

FieldHaven Feline Center offers innovative solutions for cats in need. FieldHaven Feline Center. Accessed December 3, 2024. 

A 6-week-old abandoned kitten had both an inguinal and diaphragmatic hernia