Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS shares an exercise that helps correct rounded posture, and more  

Wellness Tip of the Week: An exercise routine for shoulder health 

This week’s Wellness Tip with Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, focuses on improving posture, reducing injury risk during lifting and movement, and strengthening the rotator cuff—a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. In the video, Shaw demonstrates an exercise routine that can be done with an exercise band for more strength and durability in the shoulders.

Welcome to the Tip of the Week with Coach Aaron Shaw. Today, I want to focus on giving you strength, stability, and durability in your shoulders and improving your posture and decreasing your risk of getting injured when you're lifting and moving things around.

All we need is an exercise band, something sturdy to tie it off to. So, this band is a big oval band, and you could do a single, long band just tied around, again, something sturdy.

And what we're doing is we're correcting this kind of, what tends to be a forward, rounded posture. So, we're going to work on stabilizing our shoulders and strengthening our rotator cuff. Rotator cuff injuries are very common. Rotator cuffs kind of deteriorate over time, so we want to make them as durable as possible.

So, you tie this band off to something sturdy, grab one end in each hand. What you're going to do, kind of give a nice, split stance, so your posture is nice and stable. You feel secure. You're going to give this band a row. That's step 1.

Step 2 is, from this row position, you're going to rotate your palms up and pull the band out to the side. So, in this position, you may feel like your shoulder blades are kind of squeezing together, a little bit activated. Then you're going to close this book. So, I always think of this as like opening a book, closing a book, and then return to the starting position.

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Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS shares an exercise that helps correct rounded posture, and more.  

Photos provided by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association

When emergency cases began overwhelming Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital in Delaware, Lynsey Mohr, CVPM, responded with a bold solution: the creation of a 5-day-a-week urgent care service that made her hospital the only local provider. The move dramatically improved access to treatment in her community, eased strain on general practice operations, brought in more than 1200 new clients, increased annual patient visits by 2400, and boosted gross profit by more than 20%, according to the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).

In recognition of her leadership and impact, VHMA has named Mohr its 2025 Practice Manager of the Year (PMOY). The award recognizes a practice manager who has used their knowledge, experience, and expertise to transform their practice and improve business operations. These efforts have led to a better workplace for staff, improved care for pets, and a better return for ownership. Award candidates are nominated by practice owners and colleagues.

"Lynsey Mohr's innovative launch of urgent care services enhanced both patient care and hospital performance. Her visionary leadership truly represents the best of veterinary hospital management," Christine Shupe, CAE, VHMA executive director, said in a news release.

Mohr first came to Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital as a high school student, interning as a veterinary assistant. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences with a concentration in dairy science from Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and later managed operations at a large dairy farm. In 2020, she returned to Rehoboth as practice manager.

To address rising emergency caseloads that were straining the hospital's operations, Mohr began tapping into her professional network. At the 2023 VHMA Annual Conference in Glendale, Arizona, she connected with critical care managers for advice on balancing urgent needs with limited resources. One message stuck with her: "If there's a need in your area, the patients will follow."

Mohr partnered with Sarah Hirsch, DVM, chief of staff at Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital, to pilot a single urgent care day to test the concept. Within 90 minutes, every appointment was booked. Encouraged by the overwhelming demand, Mohr and Hirsch led the expansion to a 5-day-a-week, full-day urgent care model.

Initially, some staff felt uncertain about their roles in emergency care because of limited training. However, Mohr addressed these concerns with targeted training, clear protocols, and open communication to build confidence across the team. She also adapted a curbside care model, leveraging protocols developed during the pandemic, to deliver efficient, flexible treatment despite limited exam room space.

Mohr earned her practice manager certification while launching the hospital's urgent care service, balancing exam preparation with the complex demands of staffing and managing a major new initiative. "Pursuing my [certification] while launching urgent care pushed me to grow in every direction as a leader," Mohr said in a news release. "It gave me the tools and confidence to implement change effectively and support my team through each step."

That experience also deepened her passion for mentorship, according to VHMA. "When I became a practice manager, I was in a sink-or-swim situation, with only 2 days of training. I remember wishing I had a mentor to lean on, which sparked my passion for supporting others. Once I was riding the bike with no training wheels, I wanted to help others take theirs off," Mohr added.

Through Vetcor, the parent company of Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital, Mohr coleads an 8-week onboarding program for new hospital managers each quarter. She provides real-time guidance, follow-up support, and one-on-one mentorship in collaboration with regional managers.

As PMOY, Mohr looks forward to expanding opportunities to share best practices and strengthen collaboration across the veterinary community. "This award is more than recognition. It's a powerful reminder that the hard work and knowledge I've invested as a CVPM truly make a difference. It fuels my commitment to grow as a leader and inspire practice managers everywhere to elevate their teams and transform veterinary care," she said.

The title of PMOY also comes with complimentary registration to the VHMA 2025 Annual Meeting and Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, September 4 to 6, 2025. Additionally, the award package includes $1250 for travel, lodging, and meals, and VHMA/ACT Client Service Certificate Program registration, which is sponsored by VHMA Platinum Sponsor CareCredit.

VHMA announces 2025 Practice Manager of the Year: Lynsey Mohr, CVPM. News release. Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. June 10, 2025.

Articles

Lynsey Mohr, CVPM, is credited with improving access to care at Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital in Delaware.

VHMA names 2025 Practice Manager of the Year

A product development plan for an investigational new animal drug for treating external squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in horses has been submitted to the FDA by Medicus Pharma, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The product is a dissolvable transdermal doxorubicin-containing microneedle array (D-MNA).

SCC is frequently diagnosed in horses and is the most common equine malignant skin neoplasm. The rate of incidence is estimated to be between 7% and 37% of all skin tumors in horses.

The disease primarily affects adult or aged horses with white or partially white coats. Appaloosa, Belgian, American Paint, and Pinto breeds are particularly susceptible.

“In veterinary medicine, where there are only a handful of approved oncology drugs, we believe developing a noninvasive treatment for equine SCC represents an untapped and unmet market opportunity potentially in the range of $250 million,” Raza Bokhari, MD, MBA, executive chairman and CEO, said in a news release.

 “The submission to the FDA of a novel product development program may provide us a first mover advantage and sets the stage to consider other companion animal species and types of cancer.”

Although SCC can develop anywhere on a horse, the disease typically is seen in nonpigmented or lightly pigmented areas of the head, neck, eyes and external genitalia.

 The disease may appear as open, scaly, or crusted skin, and can progress to large tumors and nonhealing wounds.

“With presumed squamous cell carcinoma, many times the clinical sign of what I'm seeing is diagnostic enough…. If you're not quite sure, then I think taking a biopsy sample is very much indicated. So you can take a little punch biopsy or a snip biopsy and submit that to the pathologist for evaluation to confirm that,” Rachel Allbaugh, DVM, MS, DACVO, said in a 

Current treatment for SCC often includes surgical removal of the affected tissue as well as cryotherapy of smaller masses, local injection of a chemotherapy drug, and photodynamic therapy. A topical chemotherapeutic drug in the form of drops, for tumors near the eye, or cream can be prescribed in some cases. In other cases, horses may be administered piroxicam, an oral drug that can slow the return of the cancerous cells.

The investigational D-MNA is a patent-protected patch with cellulose-based microneedle arrays tip-loaded with doxorubicin, according to Medicus. After the patch is applied, the microneedles penetrate the skin, create a temporary microchannel, and penetrate the tumor. Doxorubicin is then released into the target tumor, eradicating the cancer cells.

Medicus’ product development plan was created to support the minor use in major species (MUMS) designation for the drug that was received in December 2024. A MUMS designation, which must meet requirements to be maintained, entitles Medicus to an extended 7-year period of exclusive marketing following approval or conditional approval of the product, according to Medicus.

The development plan includes a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study to determine the efficacy of 2 D-MNA dose levels. Investigators plan to conduct the study at multiple locations with up to 50 horses presenting with SCC enrolled.

Medicus Pharma Ltd. Announces submission of product development plan to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat external squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in horses. News release. Medicus Pharma. June 9, 2025. Accessed June 10, 2025. 

https://medicuspharma.com/medicus-pharma-ltd-announces-submission-of-product-development-plan-to-the-food-and-drug-administration-fda-to-treat-external-squamous-cell-carcinoma-scc-in-horses/

infection and squamous cell carcinoma in horses. 

. 2017;223:48-54. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.05.007

Young A. Squamous cell carcinoma. University of California-Davis Center for Equine Health 

https://cehhorsereport.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/squamous-cell-carcinoma

McCafferty C. Advancements in squamous cell carcinoma treatment and management. 

. September 20, 2024. Accessed June 10, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/advancements-in-squamous-cell-carcinoma-treatment-and-management

Medicus Pharma submitted a product development plan to the FDA for an investigational new animal drug designation.

Investigational drug aims to treat equine skin cancer

Practical Corneal Ulcer Management for General Practitioners

Experts will review corneal anatomy and how that pertains to our understanding of ulcer management. This program will delve into the specifics of recognizing and treating corneal ulcers from superficial to deep in your practice in a digestible manner.

Don’t Get Bitten! Veterinary Job Buzzwords, Benefits, and Watchouts!

Many veterinary professionals have experienced and seen the physical and mental toll that unrelenting stress, long hours, limiting contracts, crushing production models, and meager benefits can take on veterinarians and staff.

Veterinary students or new vets may wonder, “How can I enjoy my chosen profession and avoid burning out?” Or you’ve been told these negatives just come with the territory of being a vet and learning to live with them. Veterinarian stress, depression, compassion fatigue, and career burnout are things we take very seriously. We believe that doctors deserve greater choice, autonomy, and flexibility that enable them to lead happier and healthier lives.

Getting to the Heart of the Problem: Current Trends and Recommendations on Canine Heartworm Disease

: Guilherme G.Verocai, DVM, PhD, MS, DACVM (Parasitology)

Heartworm is the most important parasite of dogs in the United States. This presentation will review the parasite’s life cycle and the pathology associated with infection. Trends in heartworm distribution will be examined. Recommendations for accurate diagnostics will be discussed. The role of owner adherence to heartworm prevention will be examined, considering the emergence of resistance to macrocyclic lactones. In addition, advice on best practices for treatment of infection will be provided.

Canine Osteoarthritis: What’s New, What Works, and What Is the Science?

: Janice L. Huntingford, DVM, MS-TCVM, DACVSMR, CVPP, CVA

This lecture is a review of the current pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals used to treat degenerative joint disease pain, how and where they work, their interactions, contraindications, and which are the most effective. Current literature will be presented to allow the attendees to make informed choices regarding the selection of drugs and nutraceuticals, including prescription diets.

Implementation and Interpretation of Canine Genetic Screening in General Practice

: Jenna Dockweiler, DVM, MS, DACT, CCRT, CVAT

During this course, participants can expect to learn basic genetics terminology and concepts (such as penetrance, expression, and mode of inheritance). A brief overview of the various technologies utilized to determine genotype will be provided. Participants will then learn to apply these concepts through clinical case walkthroughs and how to communicate the benefits and results of canine genetic screening to their clients. Lastly, participants will learn how canine genetic screening can fit into various practices.

Mitigating Fear, Anxiety, and Stress for Patients in Isolation and Quarantine Housing

Whether you are managing animals in a shelter environment, veterinary clinic, or laboratory setting, the welfare of animals in isolation housing should be considered alongside the prevention and treatment of infectious disease. How we care for these animals is of particular importance for puppies in their sensitive period for socialization. This webinar reviews signs of animal stress, how to mitigate stress, and specific tips for promoting good welfare for dogs and puppies in quarantine or isolation.

Updates on the Ever-Present and Evolving Risks of Heartworm Disease

Dirofilaria immitis is an extremely common and often life-threatening parasitic infection, with approximately 1 million dogs testing positive annually in the US. Macrocyclic lactone preventives have been available for heartworm disease prevention for more than 30 years; however, the disease persists, and in certain regions of the country, rates are increasing. When considering the increases, numerous factors are involved that will be discussed. Additionally, questions still arise concerning resistance to the heartworm disease preventives. This discussion will provide insights into our changing understanding of heartworm infections in dogs and the opportunities to provide better protection for our pet companions.

: Marie E. Kerl, DVM, MPH, MBA, DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine), ACVECC

This course will offer ways to deliver care without judgment, incorporate inclusive language in the practice, and communicate in a way that meets every client where they are, regardless of their background and knowledge.

How to Become a STELFONTA® (tigilanoltiglate injection) SUPERSTAR

Veterinary professionals, are you ready to level up your oncology expertise? Through this flexible, 4-part on-demand series, you’ll gain the confidence and clinical skills to use STELFONTA® (tigilanoltiglate injection) with precision—and earn 4.0 hours of RACE®-approved CE while doing it. Whether you’re new to intratumoral therapies or looking to refine your case selection and pain management strategies, this program delivers expert-led insights that matter.

Check out these continuing education opportunities now available

Flex Forecast: May/June 2025

This content is sponsored by Nutramax Laboratories.

Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that confer health benefits on the host when administered in adequate amounts.

Although most probiotics are bacteria, yeast species may also meet these criteria. Increasingly, probiotic quantity, intestinal epithelium adhesion capability, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant potential have been recognized as important for probiotic efficacy.

Prebiotics, nondigestible substrates that selectively promote growth of beneficial microbes, often are combined with probiotics in synbiotic formulations. Prebiotics selected for use in synbiotics might enhance activity of included probiotics, those of native microorganisms, or both. Pro- and synbiotics exert their effects by shifting the host’s microbiome and its metabolome to influence local gut function and systemic physiology.

They support intestinal colonization, crowd out pathogenic bacteria, and enhance host immune function and digestive health.

 Their use in veterinary medicine has expanded rapidly in recent years. Both are used increasingly to manage gastrointestinal (GI) and extra-GI issues.

 This could be due to increasing client demand for natural or alternative modalities, intolerance of conventional management’s side effects, and/or failure of said management options to optimize patient outcomes. There is an expanding body of evidence supporting their use in the management of acute diarrhea, chronic enteropathy, and antibiotic-associated GI signs.

Research does not show universal support for probiotics in managing stress-related GI signs. In adequately powered studies, pro/synbiotics decreased feline and canine diarrhea in shelter environments.

 In contrast, probiotics have not been shown to reduce diarrhea in weanling kittens,

 or racing Alaskan sled dogs, except during a weeklong contagious outbreak.

The impact on self-limiting gastroenteritis has been more consistently positive. Probiotics have been shown to decrease the duration of self-limiting diarrhea, whether accompanied by vomiting or not, in dogs by 32% to 41% compared with controls in multiple randomized trials.

 Probiotics also have been found to significantly decrease hyporexia and vomiting,

 and withdrawal from research studies for "rescue" therapy such as antiemetics and antibiotics.

 Finally, resolution of acute diarrhea significantly correlated with probiotic administration and dietary modification but not antibiotics in a large observational study.

 Synbiotic administration also can help maintain microbiome stability and normalize the dysbiosis index (DI), whereas metronidazole causes severe disruptions in the microbiome and metabolome.

Probiotics reduce the severity of clinical signs of some types of infectious gastroenteritis, although adequately powered study results are limited. In one study, dogs with naturally occurring parvovirus enteritis were administered conventional therapy alone or in combination with a high-dose, multistrain probiotic cocktail. Clinical illness scores, determined using objective criteria, were significantly lower on days 3 and 5 for dogs administered the probiotic than for dogs receiving standard supportive care alone.

Mortality was also lower, though this difference was not statistically significant. Positive results were also identified for dogs with distemper virus-related diarrhea in a lower-quality trial.

Although clinical illness scores differed significantly from baseline 1 day earlier in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) given probiotics vs placebo, scores were not statistically compared between groups; scores were clinically equivalent between groups at each time point, and all dogs responded well to management.

 There also were no significant differences in clinical recovery time, appetite, or stool consistency in dogs with AHDS administered probiotics vs fecal microbiota transplantation in a subsequent study,

 with rapid clinical improvement noted in both groups. Because there was no placebo group in the second study, it is unclear whether these findings indicate that the treatments had equivalent efficacy or no impact on outcomes. Further study with adequate controls is warranted to determine the value of probiotics for management of AHDS.

Non–food-responsive chronic enteropathy

Cats with idiopathic chronic enteropathy (CE) administered a multistrain synbiotic (Proviable®-DC) had significantly improved fecal scores in an open-label trial.

 Similarly, 9 of 10 cats with idiopathic constipation/megacolon administered a high-dose probiotic in an uncontrolled trial had clinical resolution of signs, with clinically and statistically significant histologic improvement.

Clinical activity scores similarly improved in dogs with large-bowel dysmotility administered probiotics and a hydrolyzed, high-fiber diet.

 Clinical activity scores, defecation frequency, and fecal consistency also were significantly improved in dogs with CE administered 

i vs placebo in addition to conventional management,

 as well as in dogs with CE or colonic polyps given a high-dose multistrain bacterial probiotic.

 In another randomized controlled trial, clinical and histologic response rates did not differ for dogs treated with prednisone/metronidazole vs the same probiotic cocktail, with enhanced T regulatory cell function and dysbiosis normalization only in the probiotic group.

A follow-up randomized controlled study found no difference between dogs administered diet and prednisone alone compared with the probiotic,

 suggesting probiotic effects may be blunted by prednisone coadministration. Finally, dogs with CE administered a synbiotic combined with immunoglobulin Y (IgY) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study had significantly improved clinical activity scores, inflammatory markers, and beneficial shifts in mucosal microbiota.

Chemotherapy-induced adverse gastrointestinal signs

One small, randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of probiotics on chemotherapy-induced GI signs in dogs receiving CHOP chemotherapy for multicentric lymphoma.

 Dogs administered probiotics had no episodes of diarrhea, whereas 4 of 5 dogs in the control group developed diarrhea. Similarly, vomiting was noted in 1 in 5 dogs administered probiotics vs 4 in 5 dogs in the placebo group. However, differences between groups were not statistically significant. No dog administered probiotics developed secondary sepsis, even though 4 of 5 dogs developed chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (grade 1, 2 dogs; grade 3 and 4, 1 dog each).

Antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal signs (AAGS)

Probiotic administration significantly decreased the duration of lincomycin-induced diarrhea in healthy dogs, and diarrhea did not develop when administered concurrently with antibiotics.

 Oral probiotic administration also prevented antibiotic-induced dysbiosis in dogs administered cefovecin following surgery, whereas bacterial diversity significantly decreased in dogs administered cefovecin alone.

 These results suggest positive effects of probiotics in animals receiving injectable antibiotics, although further study is warranted prior to making widespread recommendations.

Results for preventing of AAGS due to oral antibiotics are more mixed. Administration of a probiotic 2 hours prior to administration of amoxicillin/clavulanate did not significantly decrease AAGS in cats in one study.

 In another study, coadministration of a synbiotic with clindamycin also did not decrease diarrhea in cats

; however, vomiting occurred less frequently in the synbiotic group.

 In a follow-up crossover study, administration of a higher-dose synbiotic (Proviable®-Forte) 1 hour after clindamycin was associated with significantly increased food intake and decreased vomiting in cats, and cats receiving the synbiotic were more likely to complete the initial phase of the study.

 Significant differences also were identified for food intake between the initial treatment period and after a 6-week washout, a phenomenon known as period effects. Period effects indicate the washout time between treatments was inadequate to prevent carryover effects from the initial treatment received. In this case, food intake required to maintain weight was significantly higher at the start of period 2 for cats initially in the placebo group, consistent with the development of antibiotic-induced CE. Several other cats from the placebo group had persistent diarrhea at the end of the washout period, although period effects were not statistically confirmed. Differences in successful completion of the treatment period between the first and second phases of the study suggest that the beneficial effects of synbiotics persisted for at least 6 weeks after administration.

Similarly, in a crossover study with an 8-week washout, derangements in food intake were significantly lower for dogs administered a bacterial/yeast synbiotic combination (Proviable®-Forte with Mycequin®) 1 hour after receiving enrofloxacin/metronidazole compared with placebo.

 Although vomiting and diarrhea did not statistically differ between groups, both were less severe during the second phase of the study. Because AAGS worsen with repeated exposure, the presence of less severe signs during or after synbiotic administration suggests a protective effect of the synbiotic combination against future AAGS. Significant differences in the microbiome and metabolome between groups also were found in several studies.

 Based on these results, administration of a synbiotic 1 to 2 hours after oral antibiotic administration has the highest likelihood of minimizing AAGS in cats and dogs.

Choosing a probiotic: Selection considerations

Neither prebiotics nor probiotics are regulated as drugs in the United States. In one study, less than one-third of evaluated probiotics labeled for animal use met or exceeded the type and quantity of viable organisms listed on their labels.

For this reason, only probiotics that undergo regular evaluations for content and viability by their manufacturers should be used.

The most important criterion in product selection is demonstrated efficacy in relevant peer-reviewed literature. Standardized evaluation criteria relating to microbiota composition, SCFA production capability, and clinical indices also are being developed to improve assessment consistency across studies in dogs and cats.

Product species, microbial strains, and total microorganisms (colony-forming units) should be considered when scientific data are lacking. Commercial probiotics contain between 1 and 20 or more microorganism species or strains. More potent products (those containing more colony-forming units and microbial strains) are recommended for the management of metabolic and GI disorders based on correlations between dose and efficacy in humans.

 Yeast probiotics might be preferable for immunocompetent patients receiving antibiotics, because they will not be inactivated if administered concurrently. Products containing prebiotics and probiotics (i.e., synbiotics) often are preferred for GI disorders because they act synergistically to support colonocyte health, prevent binding of pathogenic bacteria, and enhance probiotic growth.

 Other considerations when selecting a product include administration details (such as ability to mix in food), storage requirements, and the inclusion of animal proteins as flavorants, which could adversely impact patients with food sensitivity.

Probiotics rarely have adverse effects when appropriately administered, but an evidence-based approach to product selection and dosing is essential for maximal efficacy. Only products that undergo regular testing for content and viability should be used. Limited but moderate- to high-quality evidence supports probiotic or synbiotic administration for management of shelter-induced diarrhea, self-limiting gastroenteritis, parvovirus, intestinal dysmotility, chemotherapy-associated GI signs, and CE in cats and dogs. Randomized, blinded placebo-controlled studies support the use of Proviable®-Forte administered alone or in combination with Mycequin® to mitigate AAGS in patients receiving antibiotics. Evidence also supports the use of probiotics for some extra-gastrointestinal disorders such as chronic kidney disease.

 Benefits of probiotics in the management of canine anxiety have been reported in abstract form,

 but the abstract lacked the detail required to determine the clinical effect. Until study results are published in a peer-reviewed format, an evidence-based recommendation cannot be made regarding the use of probiotics for anxiety. Results for other disorders such as canine atopy are mixed,

 with positive results found primarily in studies using probiotics with higher colony-forming units.

 This emphasizes the importance of careful product selection, dosing, and attention to details of published research.

Stokes JE, Price JM, Whittemore JC. Randomized, Controlled, Crossover trial of Prevention of Clindamycin-Induced Gastrointestinal Signs Using a Synbiotic in Healthy Research Cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2017;31(5):1406-1413. doi:10.1111/jvim.14795

Xia J, Cui Y, Guo Y, Liu Y, Deng B, Han S. The Function of Probiotics and Prebiotics on Canine Intestinal Health and Their Evaluation Criteria. Microorganisms. 2024;12(6):1248. Published 2024 Jun 20. doi:10.3390/microorganisms12061248

Whittemore JC, Stokes JE, Price JM, Suchodolski JS. Effects of a synbiotic on the fecal microbiome and metabolomic profiles of healthy research cats administered clindamycin: a randomized, controlled trial. Gut Microbes. 2019;10(4):521-539. doi:10.1080/194 90976.2018.1560754

Kim H, Rather IA, Kim H, et al. A Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled-Trial of a Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus sakei Probio-65 for the Prevention of Canine Atopic Dermatitis. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2015;25(11):1966-1969. doi:10.4014/jmb.1506.06065

Lippi I, Perondi F, Ceccherini G, Marchetti V, Guidi G. Effects of probiotic VSL#3 on glomerular filtration rate in dogs affected by chronic kidney disease: A pilot study. Can Vet J. 2017;58(12):1301-1305.

Marsella R. Evaluation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG for the prevention of atopic dermatitis in dogs. Am J Vet Res. 2009;70(6):735-740. doi:10.2460/ajvr.70.6.735

Marsella R, Santoro D, Ahrens K. Early exposure to probiotics in a canine model of atopic dermatitis has long-term clinical and immunological effects. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2012;146(2):185-189. doi:10.1016/j.vetimm.2012.02.013

Singleton DA, Noble PJM, Sánchez-Vizcaíno F, et al. Pharmaceutical Prescription in Canine Acute Diarrhoea: A Longitudinal Electronic Health Record Analysis of First Opinion Veterinary Practices. Front Vet Sci. 2019;6:218. Published 2019 Jul 2. doi:10.3389/fvets.2019.00218

Bybee SN, Scorza AV, Lappin MR. Effect of the probiotic Enterococcus faecium SF68 on presence of diarrhea in cats and dogs housed in an animal shelter. J Vet Intern Med. 2011;25(4):856-860. doi:10.1111/j.1939-1676.2011.0738.x

Rose L, Rose J, Gosling S, Holmes M. Efficacy of a Probiotic-Prebiotic Supplement on Incidence of Diarrhea in a Dog Shelter: A Randomized, DoubleBlind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Vet Intern Med. 2017;31(2):377-382. doi:10.1111/jvim.14666

Marks S, McDonnel S, Smith C, et al. Effect of the probiotic Enterococcus faecium SF 68 on presence of diarrhea in weanling kittens (abstr.). J Vet Intern Med 2015;29:1186.

Cooper S, Parnell N, Isaiah A, et al. Effect of Bifidobacterium animalis AHC7 and tylosin on the microbiome during the quarantine period of military working dogs (abstr.). J Vet Intern Med 2015;29:1188 (GI-1129).

Gagné JW, Wakshlag JJ, Simpson KW, et al. Effects of a synbiotic on fecal quality, short-chain fatty acid concentrations, and the microbiome of healthy sled dogs. BMC Vet Res. 2013;9:246. Published 2013 Dec 5. doi:10.1186/1746-6148-9-246

Herstad HK, Nesheim BB, L’Abée-Lund T, Larsen S, Skancke E. Effects of a probiotic intervention in acute canine gastroenteritis–a controlled clinical trial. J Small Anim Pract. 2010;51(1):34-38. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.2009.00853.x

Kelley RL, Minikhiem D, Kiely B, et al. Clinical benefits of probiotic canine-derived Bifidobacterium animalis strain AHC7 in dogs with acute idiopathic diarrhea. Vet Ther. 2009;10:121-130.

Nixon SL, Rose L, Muller AT. Efficacy of an orally administered anti-diarrheal probiotic paste (Pro-Kolin Advanced) in dogs with acute diarrhea: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical study. J Vet Intern Med. 2019;33:1286-1294

Shmalberg J, Montalbano C, Morelli G, Buckley GJ. A Randomized Double Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of a Probiotic or Metronidazole for Acute Canine Diarrhea. Front Vet Sci. 2019;6:163. Published 2019 Jun 4. doi:10.3389/fvets.2019.00163

Gómez-Gallego C, Junnila J, Männikkö S, et al. A canine-specific probiotic product in treating acute or intermittent diarrhea in dogs: A double-blind placebocontrolled efficacy study. Vet Microbiol. 2016;197:122- 128. doi:10.1016/j.vetmic.2016.11.015

Stübing H, Suchodolski JS, Reisinger A, et al. The Effect of Metronidazole versus a Synbiotic on Clinical Course and Core Intestinal Microbiota in Dogs with Acute Diarrhea. Vet Sci. 2024;11(5):197. Published 2024 Apr 29. doi:10.3390/vetsci11050197

Chaitman J, Ziese A-L, Pilla R, et al. Fecal microbial and metabolic profiles in dogs with acute diarrhea receiving either fecal microbiota transplantation or oral metronidazole. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2020;7:192.

Arslan HH, Aksu DS, Terzi G, et al. Therapeutic effects of probiotic bacteria in parvoviral enteritis in dogs. Revue Méd Vét. 2012;163:55-59.

Delucchi L, Fraga M, Zunino P. Effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus murinus LbP2 on clinical parameters of dogs with distemper-associated diarrhea. Can J Vet Res. 2017;81(2):118-121.

Ziese A-L, Suchodolski JS, Hartmann K, et al. Effect of probiotic treatment on the clinical course, intestinal microbiome, and toxigenic Clostridium perfringens in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea. PLoS One. 2018;13:e0204691

Jugan MC, KuKanich K, Freilich L. Clinical response in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome following randomized probiotic treatment or fecal microbiota transplant. Front Vet Sci. 2023;10:1050538. Published 2023 Feb 2. doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1050538

Hart ML, Suchodolski JS, Steiner JM, Webb CB. Open-label trial of a multi-strain synbiotic in cats with chronic diarrhea. J Feline Med Surg. 2012;14(4):240- 245. doi:10.1177/1098612X11434386

Rossi G, Jergens A, Cerquetella M, et al. Effects of a probiotic (SLAB51™) on clinical and histologic variables and microbiota of cats with chronic constipation/ megacolon: a pilot study. Benef Microbes. 2018;9(1):101- 110. doi:10.3920/BM2017.0023

Rossi G, Cerquetella M, Gavazza A, et al. Rapid Resolution of Large Bowel Diarrhea after the Administration of a Combination of a High-Fiber Diet and a Probiotic Mixture in 30 Dogs. Vet Sci. 2020;7(1):21. Published 2020 Feb 10. doi:10.3390/vetsci7010021

Rossi G, Gioacchini G, Pengo G, et al. Enterocolic increase of cannabinoid receptor type 1 and type 2 and clinical improvement after probiotic administration in dogs with chronic signs of colonic dysmotility without mucosal inflammatory changes. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2020;32(1):e13717. doi:10.1111/nmo.13717

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Gut check

Kyle Bartholomew, DVM, DACVAA, provides a piece of advice for all practitioners when prescribing analgesics

Considering how each patient feels pain

Kyle Bartholomew, DVM, DACVAA, clinical assistant professor of veterinary anesthesia, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, was an instructor for the “Small Animal Anesthesia for the Practice Team” continuing education course at the first NAVC SkillShop hosted by the North American Veterinary Community in Orlando, Florida. He presented lectures and provided lab instruction with colleagues over 4 days, including a session on balanced anesthesia and analgesia. In a 

interview, Bartholomew offers one piece of advice for all practitioners when prescribing analgesics to patients.

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The following is a transcript of the video:

: One thing I'd like practitioners to remember is that while it's easy to create standardized protocols for every patient that you have, make sure to treat your patients individually. Make individual protocols for each patient and assess their pain individually and uniquely.

Different patients will experience different levels of pain from the same procedure, so they may require different amounts of analgesics for treating that pain postoperatively. Make sure to use pain scores for evaluating how much pain that patient is in. Using appropriate analgesia for each individual patient post operatively, can help treat that pain—acute pain—and help prevent it from becoming any sort of chronic painful state.

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Kyle Bartholomew, DVM, DACVAA, provides a piece of advice for all practitioners when prescribing analgesics.