Megan Brashear, RVT, VTS (ECC), explains why having a mindset of good intent with team members can lead to increased happiness.

Assuming good intent

Megan Brashear, RVT, VTS (ECC), senior manager of veterinary nursing at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital in West Lafayette, Indiana, presented lectures on assuming good intent and other personal growth topics at the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) SkillShop in Orlando, Florida. In a 

 interview, Brashear explains why assuming good intent in the workplace and with team members can lead to increased happiness on the job and in life.

The following is a transcript of the video.

 Assuming good intent is one of my life mantras. I think, first of all, it's just a much happier place to be in your life if you are assuming good intent of those people around you, but I think especially in a team that you have to work with every day, if you show up to work and assume that everybody is angry or everybody is out to get you, you're going to be miserable and everything is just going to be a grind. And so thinking those happy, more positive thoughts is just going to increase your happiness and increase your work longevity.

Videos

Benjamin Bergstrom, DVM, MS, DACVO, helps general practitioners distinguish between these two commonly confused conditions 

Differentiating nuclear sclerosis from early cataracts during an ophthalmic exam

In this interview on his Fetch dvm360 Conference lectures in Nashville, Tennessee, Benjamin Bergstrom, DVM, MS, DACVO, owner of The Eye Vets in Nashville, guides viewers through how to distinguish between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts. He explains what each condition is and breaks down their key visual characteristics, describing how to use illumination techniques and the slit beam function of a direct ophthalmoscope to help general practitioners distinguish between these 2 commonly confused conditions.

Below is the transcript of the video, which has been lightly edited for clarity:

 So, the differentiation in its simplest form between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts is that nuclear sclerosis is a normal age-related hardening of the lens that causes just kind of a generalized haze to the surface of the eye or to the lens, to the inside of the eye. Cataracts form because of something has changed metabolically in the lens that has caused a true opacification. And it's always, it's always kind of an odd thing to say, ‘Well, nuclear sclerosis is a haziness to the lens, and a cataract is an opacification’. When you kind of think about it, they're one and the same.

However, in opacification, you no longer can see through that opacification. Now it's tricky because in cataracts, they can be small, so you can see around them.

The best way to differentiate between the two is when you shine a light—so you directly illuminate the light—cataracts will look bright white. Nuclear sclerosis may look hazy, but you can see straight through.

When you retro illuminate with a light source, which means you use the back of the eye, you shine a light, use the back of the eye to reflect back forward, again, nuclear sclerosis will just kind of look like a haze. Cataracts will look dark or black. And it's easier said than done, it takes practice differentiating the two with an exam.

The last thing that I would encourage general practitioners to do if they're trying to decide if this is a cataract or if it's nuclear sclerosis is using the slip beam function on their direct ophthalmoscope. They use a slip beam. There is a beam that will hit the surface of the eye, of the cornea. There's a continuation of the beam that will hit the anterior lens capsule and then there's a continuation of the beam that will hit the posterior lens capsule.

Cataracts will look like very obvious, very clear, opacifications between the second and third beams of light. Nuclear sclerosis just looks like an increased haze. I think that's probably the best way to describe the difference between the 2.

2 tips for otitis externa

Chronic, exudative otitis externa can be challenging to treat due to the presence of pus and debris that inactivate many ear medications. In this video, Julia Miller, DVM, DACVD, shares 2 key steps for managing these difficult cases: thorough ear cleaning to remove organic material and allow treatments to work effectively, and consistent inflammation control using both topical and oral therapies.

You know, there’s a lot of people, myself included, who deal with really frustrating, chronic otitis externa cases in their patients—particularly the really exudative, nasty, pus-filled ears. Those are hard. They’re the bane of a lot of people’s existence. 

So when it comes to those really exudative ears, one thing that I always say is, “The solution to pollution is dilution,” which means that you really need to clean those ears. We have to have an effective plan for how we’re going to clean those super exudative ears, because many of our ear medications are actually inactivated by that organic debris—that pus in the ear. So whatever that may be (and we’ll talk about options), you need to have a good, effective cleaning protocol in place.

And then the other big thing that I harp on time and time again is inflammation management is everything when it comes to these ears—whether that’s oral and topical, just topical. But really, in my hands, it’s both. It’s always both. Good, effective inflammation management is another key piece in actually getting these ears under control.

Julia Miller, DVM, DACVD shares 2 tips to help deal with chronic, exudative otitis externa

2 quick tips for otitis externa

Bringing muscle to the mobility conversation

Skeletal muscle plays a vital yet often overlooked role in canine mobility. More than just structural support, muscles power movement, influence metabolic health, and are key to maintaining quality of life, especially as dogs age. As veterinary care continues to extend life span, the focus must shift toward supporting health span, with muscular health at the center. Emerging innovations like ursolic acid, a naturally derived compound, are redefining the way we approach canine mobility. Shown to improve muscle performance and resilience, it offers a new path forward in mobility management. Although joint support remains an important part of the equation, it’s time to evolve and integrate muscle health as an essential part of a comprehensive mobility strategy.

Understanding canine sarcopenia: More than just aging

Muscle atrophy, particularly age-related sarcopenia, is a common but underdiagnosed condition in aging and recovering dogs. Affected dogs exhibit weakness, reduced stamina, and diminished participation in daily activities. Sarcopenia also has compounding effects: Reduced activity leads to further disuse and worsening muscle degradation.

Muscle atrophy is a prevalent, multifactorial condition in dogs starting as early as 7 to 8 years.

Dogs aged 7 to 12 years may lose 15% to 20% of muscle function.

Sarcopenia contributes to decreased mobility, reduced independence, and poorer outcomes post injury or surgery.

Despite its prevalence, sarcopenia is not addressed with any approved pharmacologic treatment in veterinary medicine. Physical therapy helps, but adherence and accessibility vary. A nutritional or supplement-based approach could revolutionize how we manage and support canine mobility.

Ursolic acid: A muscle-specific bioactive with translational potential

Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpene compound found in fruits and herbs such as apples, basil, rosemary, and sage. Originally studied for its anti-inflammatory and anticatabolic properties, it was identified through gene expression screening as a potent inhibitor of muscle atrophy across species. In dogs, ursolic acid modulates muscle atrophy at the genetic level, influencing mRNA expression to:

Decrease transcripts associated with muscle degradation

Increase transcripts linked to muscle integrity and repair

Improve mitochondrial function and protein synthesis

These molecular effects translate to measurable functional benefits. In a placebo-controlled study with 20 aging dogs, those receiving ursolic acid showed significant increases in exercise participation and improvements in T-maze performance correlated with increased muscular endurance.

Clinical data: What the 60-day study tells us

 in 2024 evaluated a novel dietary supplement featuring 24 mg/day of ursolic acid in senior dogs weighing less than 30 lb with mild to moderate age-related muscle loss. After 60 days, the following was observed.

Ursolic acid significantly reduced mRNA expression of key muscle atrophy markers.

There was increased expression of mRNAs related to exercise tolerance and muscle health.

One hundred percent of dogs with low baseline activity improved their exercise participation. 

T-maze latency significantly decreased, indicating enhanced endurance and coordination.

Even at 5 times the effective dose, no adverse effects were observed in clinical examinations, blood chemistry, complete blood count, or urinalysis panels.

The product in practice: Introducing URSOLYX™ Soft Chews

Virbac’s URSOLYX™ Soft Chews were developed in collaboration with Emmyon, a biotechnology firm specializing in muscle research. Formulated with a proprietary coating to improve bioavailability 4-fold in dogs, these soft chews are: 

With a high safety profile, URSOLYX Soft Chews present an easy, evidence-based tool for veterinary teams to integrate into geriatric, postoperative, and orthopedic protocols.

Veterinary mobility protocols traditionally emphasize joints, but proper functional mobility requires joint 

 muscle health. Emerging data call for a multimodal approach that includes:

Supplements for joint support (eg, MOVOFLEX® Advanced Soft Chews with eggshell membrane) and muscle support (eg, URSOLYX™ Soft Chews with ursolic acid) 

Clinical integration: Protocol suggestions 

Veterinarians can consider URSOLYX™ Soft Chews in cases of:

: Start URSOLYX™ Soft Chews at least 4 weeks before a major orthopedic surgery to support muscle reserves.

Science with muscle: The future is functional 

As veterinary professionals, we strive to provide the best quality of life for our patients. With innovations like URSOLYX™ Soft Chews, we can move beyond simply maintaining joint health. We can restore muscle strength and promote functional independence, possibly extending the health span of our patients.

Ebert SM, Nicolas CS, Schreiber P, et al. Ursolic acid induces beneficial changes in skeletal muscle mRNA expression and increases exercise participation and performance in dogs with age-related muscle atrophy. 

(Basel). 2024;14(2):186. doi:10.3390/ani14020186 

Additional references available upon request.

Articles

Targeting muscle at the molecular level: How ursolic acid is redefining canine mobility support 

In its “Case of the Month,” the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) highlighted the case of a newborn foal, named Quincy, who presented with a broken jaw. Later X-rays showed that the foal had completely displaced fractures of both of her mandibles, which had left her unable to nurse, according to UC Davis.

Quincy was taken to UC Davis after her breeder, Amanda Johnson, owner of Johnson Livestock—a boutique American Quarter Horse breeding facility in Gilroy, California—found Quincy, then 5 days old, in the barn with a bloody jaw hanging out of place. Quincy’s veterinarian, who was out of town, recommended Johnson take Quincy to UC Davis.

“She was out of town but took the time to discuss the situation with me,” said Johnson in a UC Davis report.

“She suggested I take Quincy to UC Davis. They would have the latest techniques to fix the jaw and give Quincy the best outlook for her future as a performance horse.”

X-rays showing Quincy's broken jaw. (Images courtesy of UC Davis)

Quincy was admitted to the Equine Internal Medicine Service after arriving at UC Davis’ William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Despite the fractures in her mandibles, Quincy appeared alert, responsive, and in good health, according to UC Davis.

 Due to Quincy’s inability to nurse because of her fractured jaw, the team at UC Davis placed a nasogastric tube for feeding. At the hospital, Sandra Valdez, DVM, DACVS, DABVP (Equine), faculty of UC Davis, manually reduced the fractures and applied a bandage to the wound to provide short-term stabilization until Quincy was admitted to surgery.

Once cleared for surgery, the team with the Diagnostic Imaging and Anesthesia Services performed a CT scan to classify the fracture and help guide surgical planning. 

After the team talked to Johnson, it was decided that they would stabilize Quincy's fractures with external fixators. Her fractures were then reduced by Scott Katzman, DVM, DACVS-LA, associate professor and chief of service alongside Bridget Ratliff, DVM, with David Orozco-Lopez, DVM—both UC Davis surgery residents. Moreover, locking compression plates were placed on the exterior of Quincy’s face. Accurate fracture reduction and proper placement of the external implants were consequently confirmed with intraoperative fluoroscopy.

The external fixators placed to stabilize Quincy's jaw. 

According to UC Davis, Quincy recovered smoothly from anesthesia and was able to resume nursing just one day following surgery.

 She remained hospitalized for one week, after which she was discharged and continued recovery at home.

X-rays taken at 2 recheck visits confirmed that she was healing properly. Five weeks post-surgery, the fixators were removed. The injury occurred in late February, and Johnson has since reported that Quincy’s recovery is complete.

According to UC Davis, Johnson started Johnson Livestock by acquiring mares from a Wyoming ranch that had earned the American Quarter Horse Association’s prestigious Best Remuda Award. The award recognizes ranches that raise outstanding American Quarter Horses and is the oldest and most distinguished ranching award.

Quincy’s mother, Buckin Bay Rose, is a 12-year-old mare by Playboys Buck Fever—a 1999 buckskin stallion that earned the title of National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Supreme Reined Cow Horse. Her father, or sire, is Call Me Mitch, is the second highest earning horse in the NRCHA’s history.

Warren R. Surgeons repair newborn foal’s broken jaw. University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. May 28, 2025. Accessed June 3, 2025. 

https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/surgeons-repair-newborn-foals-broken-jaw#:~:text=UC%20Davis%20equine%20surgeons%20placed,Katzman%20and%20surgery%20residents%20Drs

The filly was 5 days old when she was found with a bloody jaw hanging out of place

Newborn foal undergoes surgery to repair fractured mandibles

Join Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, as he demonstrates a quick exercise to help prevent back injuries

Wellness Tip of the Week: Protecting your spine

Last week, Shaw shared advice on setting boundaries at work to support a healthy and long career. The full video can be accessed 

This week, healthspan coach Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, discusses the importance of finding and engaging one’s core muscles to help support the spine during movement in veterinary settings. In the video, Shaw demonstrates a quick exercise that can help decrease the risk of back injury when bending over or lifting something up.

Below is the video transcript, which has been lightly edited for improved clarity:

Welcome to the Tip of the Week with Coach Aaron Shaw—and Eddie. Today, we are going to find our core. Now, what is the core? I hear that all the time, and it's important with ergonomics and body mechanics, we need to find the muscles that surround our spine to give our spine some support when we're doing all this lifting, pushing, pulling, moving around, taking care of our patients.

It's a simple way to find our core. First, what I want you to do, take a deep breath, relax a little bit.

Second thing I want you to do—you do this from standing—I want you to think about standing up as nice and tall, like there's a string that’s coming from the top of your head. It's pulling you up, elongating your spine.

From here, what I want you to think about doing is taking your belly button and just gently pulling it in towards your spine a little bit. You're not trying to really crunch down on your abs or anything like that, it's just a little bit of tension.

So you're up nice and tall, pulling in your abdominals, your belly button just a little bit. You should still be able to breathe just fine. If you can't breathe, you're going too hard. So, it's just pulling it in, just a little tiny bit, keep that there.

So, what you're doing with just this light core engagement is you are activating the muscles that surround your spine. Now, if you can do this intermittently, practice doing this, holding that contraction, that light contraction, even just for 5 seconds, then relax. Do that several times throughout the day. Maybe practice holding it a little bit longer—not more intense, just a little bit longer duration—you're going to start to really program your brain to know where your core is and then when you go into doing an activity where you need to bend over, lift something up, pick something up, push or pull something, think about that; think about pulling that belly button in just a little bit, keeping your spine elongated.

And what you are doing is decreasing your risk for back injury. So, it's safety first, protect your spine, find your core and give it some practice.

Join Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, in this video as he demonstrates a quick exercise to help prevent back injuries