The University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) conducted a study on canine vision habits through a dog owner survey published in the 

 The study looked at dogs’ visual stimulation via video presentation. One of the researchers on the study, Freya Mowat, BVSc, PhD, DECVO, DACVO, MRCVS, veterinary ophthalmologist and professor in the SVM’s department of surgical sciences, explained that the goal of the study was to determine factors that influence a dogs’ interest in interacting with video content and to see if age or vision were related to this behavior.

 And from the results, researchers are hoping to develop more sensitive ways for veterinarians to assess vision in dogs, something that the Wisconsin SVM believes needs more attention in veterinary medicine.

Researchers on the study are taking the knowledge that dogs are attentive to movement on screens

 to see if television or videos can be used to entertain and soothe dogs left home alone. They believe the use of video content as a calming aid for dogs is currently poorly understood at the clinical research level. They were also curious whether video with or without sound is more calming to dogs.

“The method we currently use to assess vision in dogs is a very low bar. In humans it would be equivalent to saying yes or no if a person was blind,” said Mowat in a university release. “We need more sensitive ways to assess vision in dogs, using a dog eye chart equivalent. We speculate that videos have the potential for sustaining a dog’s attention long enough to assess visual function, but we didn’t know what type of content is most engaging and appealing to dogs.”

The survey used was a web-based questionnaire with 41 total questions answered by dog owners. The initial 2 questions served to eliminate ineligible dog owners (respondent did not live with their dog, or dog was deemed completely blind per owner response). Subsequent questions (3–13) gathered demographic details about the dogs and their living environments. Questions 14–24 focused on home screens and the dogs' interactions with them. Questions 25–29 asked about which content dogs interacted with and question 30 was an open-ended comments question for owners to provide more details on these interactions. Owners were then given an optional question (question 31) to have their dogs participate in watching 4 videos containing objects moving on the screen (dog, traffic, panther, bird). If participants opted in, questions 32–33 asked which screen type was used to present the videos and which video was watched by the dog. The final 8 questions asked dog owners to rate their dog’s interest in the videos.

Out of the 1246 responses received, 75 respondents indicated that their dogs exhibited no interest in any of the specified content categories (animals, ball sports, non-ball sports, vehicles, others, classified as "non-watchers"). Additionally, 94 respondents either confirmed no interest or were uncertain about their dogs' interest in the mentioned content categories. Given that the primary objective of this study was to define the characteristics of dogs engaging with screen-based content, responses expressing unknown interest were omitted.

For the dogs that did show interest, results showed that they were most engaged when watching videos that feature other animals, and content about their own species was the most popular.

 Movement, overall, was a strong motivator for screen attention in dogs. Researchers also found that a majority of dogs typically interacted with the video content for short periods of time.

Television was the most common screen (98%) followed by “other” (not specified), laptop, and tablet. Dogs exhibited a variety of behaviors in response to watching videos and the most common behaviors were to turn the head to the side or move the ears, approach the screen, and vocalize.

Younger-aged dogs were reported as having higher interaction levels with the video screens than older dogs, however researchers are unsure as to whether this difference is because of perception (visual function), motivation, or behavior.

“We know that poor vision negatively impacts quality of life in older people, but the effect of aging and vision changes in dogs is largely unknown because we can’t accurately assess it,” Mowat said. “Like people, dogs are living longer and we want to make sure we support a healthier life for them as well.”

According to Mowat, the Wisconsin University researchers plan to build on the results of this study by focusing future research on the development and optimization of video-based methods that can not only assess changes in visual attention as dogs age but also answer questions that could help senior dogs age as gracefully as possible.

“Dogs have a much shorter lifespan than their owner, of course, and if there are emerging environmental or lifestyle factors that influence visual aging, it might well show up in our dogs decades before it shows up in us. Our dogs could be our sentinels—the canine in the proverbial coal mine,” Mowat added.

A more in-depth look at the results of this study can be found in the published 

Donohue LK, Buesing M, Peterson KD, et al. Screen interaction behavior in companion dogs: Results from a dog owner survey. 

2024;270(106151). doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2023.106151 

Knowing what dogs like to watch could help veterinarians assess their vision. New release. University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. January 17, 2024. Accessed February 7, 2024. https://www.vetmed.wisc.edu/knowing-what-dogs-like-to-watch-could-help-veterinarians-assess-their-vision/

Lõoke M, Kanizsàr O, Battaglini L, et al. Are dogs good at spotting movement? Velocity thresholds of motion detection in Canis familiaris, 

. 2020;66(6):699–701. doi.org/10.1093/cz/zoaa044

Articles

New research from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine looks at screen interaction behavior in dogs

How watching TV can help ophthalmologists assess canine visual stimulants

Pyoderma, in general, refers to a bacterial infection of the skin. In particular, superficial pyoderma encompasses infections that primarily involve the outermost layers of the skin. Similarly, mucocutaneous pyoderma is a subset of superficial pyoderma, where the infection affects both the skin and mucous membranes. Mucocutaneous pyoderma can include regions such as the mouth, nose, genital areas, and other moist areas with mucous membranes.

 Understanding the specific type of pyoderma, whether it is superficial, deep, or mucocutaneous, is important to tailor appropriate treatment strategies.

In dogs, mucocutaneous pyoderma can manifest as redness, inflammation, pustules, and ulceration at the sites where mucous membranes and skin intersect. Published research is a useful resource concerning pyoderma.

In one controlled study, investigators advocate for using antibacterial agents with proven antistaphylococcal efficacy. Results of this study also showed how daily topical chlorhexidine shampoo and solution can resolve canine superficial pyoderma just as effectively as systemic amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Thus, because of increasing antimicrobial resistance, topical antimicrobial therapy is a beneficial alternative to systemic therapy that can be implemented and monitored at the general practice level.

Authors of another published investigation discuss treatment challenges, highlighting the emergence of methicillin-resistant 

 This resistance complicates antibiotic selection, leading to the consideration of immunomodulators like bacterins as potential adjunctive treatments.

 Despite their potential, further research is needed on their mechanisms of action.

A third recent review emphasized the prevalence of superficial pyoderma in dogs and the need for effective treatment options. Topical formulations ranging from shampoos to sprays are the primary modality for treating this infection in dogs. Shampoos are one of the most commonly recommended therapies because of their ability to treat large areas of fully-haired skin. However, the outcome of shampoo therapy depends on factors such as the dog's temperament, breed, pet–owner relationship, climate and season, shampoo technique, and client adherence. Creams, gels, lotions, and ointments cater to localized lesions and specific skin conditions, with considerations for their viscosity, moisturizing effects, and suitability for different skin areas.

To optimize the effectiveness of topical formulations, precautions are necessary to prevent the patient from licking the product off. Veterinarians recommend clipping hair and cleaning affected areas to ensure the active ingredient's proper reach, though glabrous (non-hairy) areas may not require hair clipping. The frequency of shampoo therapy depends on the case, with general recommendations of 2 to 3 times per week until 7 days after clinical resolution, followed by weekly applications. Topical antibiotics such as fusidic acid, gentamicin, mupirocin, and silver sulfadiazine, for localized lesions and are available in various formulations.

The exploration of pyoderma in dogs reveals the significance of categorizing infections based on their depth and mucocutaneous involvement, to tailor effective treatment approaches. The collaborative efforts of veterinarians, researchers, and practitioners are essential to stay ahead in addressing the complexities of canine pyoderma and ensuring the well-being of our furry companions.

Ava Landry is a 2026 PharmD candidate studying veterinary pharmacy at the University of Connecticut in Storrs.

Borio S, Colombo S, La Rosa G, De Lucia M, Damborg P, Guardabassi L. Effectiveness of a combined (4% chlorhexidine digluconate shampoo and solution) protocol in mrs and non‐mrs canine superficial pyoderma: A randomized, blinded, antibiotic‐controlled study. 

Diaz S. Pyoderma in dogs and cats - Integumentary System. 

. December 5, 2023. Accessed January 21, 2024. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/pyoderma/pyoderma-in-dogs-and-cats.

Gomes P. Topical Treatment of Canine Superficial Pyoderma. 

. January 8, 2024. Accessed January 21, 2024. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/dermatology/topical-treatment-of-canine-superficial-pyoderma/.

Veterinary practitioners have access to published research for aiding their care of dogs with this dermatologic condition 

Optimizing canine health with pyoderma treatment   

Editor’s note: All names and businesses in this dilemma case are fictitious, but the scenario is based on real occurrences.

The year 2024 has brought many logistical changes to the clinical practice of veterinary medicine. With COVID-19, the changing economy, and inflation, the only constants in the veterinary practice landscape are the needs of the pet patients. One of the profession’s biggest challenges is staffing, and the need for veterinarians and veterinary technicians has increased while the availability of these professionals has decreased.

The Li Animal Hospital is a large, successful, Southwestern companion animal clinic. Forty-eight staff members provide cutting-edge pet care, along with excellent customer service and client support. It is very important that the selection of new staff members is diligent and insightful. The need for an efficient employment process is the key to successfully hiring quality team members.

The clinic’s administration determined that an effective candidate’s interview was the single most important component of the hiring process. This conclusion was the result of the impact of misleading interviews in past years. An analysis of past interviews resulted in some new recommendations that were essentially do’s and don’ts when interviewing prospective staff. 

An applicant’s interview should be in person, if possible. For many reasons, FaceTime, Zoom, and other digital options have replaced the in-person interview experience. There is an invaluable nuanced difference between a true face-to-face interview and virtual encounters. Effective interviews require diligent résumé verification, an assessment of communication skills, and a discussion of philosophy and goals as they relate to the new workplace. The Li Animal Hospital administrators have learned from negative experiences what situations to avoid when interviewing a prospective staff member. The following are some of their recommendations:

Let the applicant do most of the talking.

 Responses to simple, to-the-point inquiries are very revealing. This allows the applicant’s communication skills and practice philosophy to be assessed.

Do not inquire about their family, marital status, and social interests

 (check state laws concerning inquiry restrictions) unless the applicant chooses to expound on the subjects. Additionally, an applicant may not say it, but may believe these are intrusive inquiries.

Do not ask leading questions that may prompt a response the candidate thinks you want to hear, as opposed to providing an honest reply.

 For example, an interviewer says, “We are very proud of our relationship with local shelters. What is your experience with humane organizations?” The applicant may feel their experience with humane organizations has been problematic but may hesitate to reveal that in view of the leading question.

A valuable part of the interview process should be a “working interview” component. The applicant should spend at least part of a workday in the clinic environment interacting with staff and clients. Without a working interview, the information necessary to hire a valued staff member is incomplete.

The veterinary workplace is unique as compared with all other medical workplace environments. In addition to requiring professional skills, staff is surrounded by animals. Compassion is as important as skill level. A cooperative workplace chemistry is mandatory when working with animals as patients. Once a hiring decision is made, indoctrination and training of a new staff member is time-consuming and costly. When the wrong hiring choice is made by either the practice or the applicant, the negative ripple effect reverberates through all areas of the workplace. The interview process is the first, and possibly the most important, step for acquiring staff members that share the culture and qualities of an excellent veterinary practice.

In today’s veterinary facilities, technicians and veterinarians must be more than just medically capable. They must have excellent communication skills, be embraced as coworkers, and have a compassionate commitment to their pet patients. These are the qualities necessary to have a gold standard practice. Hiring excellent staff requires diligent exploration on the part of the employer as well as the applicant. I strongly advise that the practice interviewer carefully prepare for the applicant’s interview well in advance. Walking into an interview after quickly looking at a résumé can often lead to a hiring mistake.

 is the founder of Voorhees Veterinary Center in Voorhees, New Jersey. Although many of the scenarios Rosenberg describes in his column are based on real-life events, the veterinary practices, doctors, and employees described are fictional.

With appropriate communication, a lot can be learned about an applicant

The interview

Vets Pets – a North Carolina network of veterinary hospitals – announced it has hired Natalie Young, PharmD, VCSCP, as the new director of clinical pharmacy services. Vets Pets internal pharmacy goal is to provide resources to its over 100 veterinarians as a way to improve pharmacy-related patients and client services.

"I am thrilled to join Vets Pets," said Young, in an organizational release.

"I already have a great relationship with so many of the Vets Pets team and psyched to now work side-by-side with them."

According to the release, Vet Pets internal pharmacy service is going to improve medication operations such as efficiency, procurement, sourcing, and technology. The pharmacy will also provide client service opportunities, including some projects already in development.

"We have been strategizing on this concept for a long time. I am pumped to finally go for it with an amazing colleague we've respected for years. This one hits a lot of the Vets Pets culture count with People First in Dr Young, a massive opportunity to improve medicine and service for our clients and our teams and a sustainable business case." said Steve Thomas, CEO of Vets Pets. "Everyone is always looking for win and the Pharmacy initiative is a great example of just that."

Vets Pets plans for everything to roll out over the next 12-18 months.

Vets Pets Hires Veterinary Pharmacist to Launch First-of-its-Kind Internal Pharmacy Service. News release. Vets Pets. February 7, 2024. Accessed February 7, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vets-pets-hires-veterinary-pharmacist-to-launch-first-of-its-kind-internal-pharmacy-service-302055542.html

Vets Pets hired a director of clinical pharmacy services to enhance client service and pharmacy related care

Veterinary hospital network launches pharmacy initiative 

Time to stock up on extra polish, rinses, and drill bits. National Pet Dental Health Month is in full effect. 

Veterinary medicine continually evolves, and one critical area of focus remains the management of periodontal disease in dogs and cats.

 Understanding recent advancements in this field is essential for veterinary professionals to provide optimal care for their patients.

Periodontal disease in our patients encompasses various conditions, including gingivitis and periodontitis, that affect the supporting structures of the teeth.

 The disease's prevalence remains high, with estimates suggesting that a majority of dogs and cats over the age of 3 years suffer from some form of dental pathology.

Recent research has emphasized the multifactorial nature of periodontal disease, underscoring the roles of genetics, diet, oral microbiome, and immune response in its development. These factors contribute to the initiation and progression of periodontal pathology, influencing the severity and rate of disease advancement. You probably are hearing about the role the gut and oral microbiome play in managing healthy teeth and gums in our patients. One study from the 

 showed how certain dental chews positively shift the dental microbiota in adult dogs.

Advancements in diagnostic techniques have played a pivotal role in early detection and effective management of periodontal disease. Veterinarians now have access to improved imaging modalities, such as digital dental radiography and cone-beam computed tomography, enabling a precise evaluation of dental structures and facilitating early intervention. Dental radiography should be an integral part of all dental procedures to properly identify pathology below the gum surface. 

Furthermore, a deeper understanding of the oral microbiome has led to novel approaches in periodontal disease management. Research suggests that dysbiosis, an imbalance in the oral microbiota, is associated with periodontal disease progression. Emerging studies explore probiotics, prebiotics, and targeted antimicrobial therapies aimed at modulating the oral microbiome to restore balance and mitigate periodontal disease.

Treatment protocols have also evolved, emphasizing a multimodal approach that combines dental prophylaxes with home-care strategies, keeping the spectrum of care top of mind. Understanding not all pet owners can brush their pet’s teeth is crucial in identifying effective strategies that may work best for their pets. Veterinary Oral Health Council–approved dental chews, water additives, probiotics, and therapeutic diets can assist in maintaining a healthy oral cavity after a dental cleaning.

Client education remains a cornerstone in the prevention and management of periodontal disease. Veterinarians play a pivotal role in educating pet owners about proper dental care, emphasizing the importance of regular dental examinations, home dental care routines, and the impact of diet on oral health. Capturing the dental cleaning process for the patient via video capture has been instrumental in educating clients about the importance of a safe dental cleaning procedure. Utilizing social media to showcase educational content related to dental disease is very popular with followers and pet owners. Taking before-and-after pictures of dental cleanings speaks volumes about the power of veterinary dentistry.

Despite these advancements, challenges persist in combating periodontal disease comprehensively. Client hesitation in having their pets placed under general anesthesia is a concern. Combatting nonanesthetic dental cleanings that are seen on social media is another obstacle many veterinarians face when clients ask about them. Again, client education and empowerment are crucial for compliance and adherence.

Ongoing advancements in veterinary dentistry have reshaped the understanding and management of periodontal disease in dogs and cats. By embracing a multifaceted approach encompassing diagnostics, treatment modalities, dietary interventions, and client education, veterinarians can significantly enhance the oral health and overall well-being of patients. Healthy pets equal happy vets!

Veterinary Dentistry for the General Practitioner

. 2nd edition. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2013.

Small Animal Dental, Oral, and Maxillofacial Disease:

Harvey C, Serfilippi L, Barnvos D. Effect of frequency of brushing teeth on plaque and calculus accumulation, and gingivitis in dogs. 

. 2015;32(1):16-21. doi:10.1177/089875641503200102

Oba PM, Carroll MQ, Alexander C, et al. Dental chews positively shift the oral microbiota of adult dogs. 

. 2021;99(7):skab100. doi:10.1093/jas/skab100

Celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month with our chief veterinary officer, Adam Christman, DVM, MBA

It’s “tooth-thirty.” Do you know where your instruments are?

In veterinary medicine, diagnosing patients plays a crucial role in effective treatment. Putting a name to an animal’s symptoms can be the first step in coming up with a solution. This same principle can be applied to addressing your own mental health. Acknowledging and understanding your thoughts and feelings is the first step in the process of dealing with mental struggles. Validation of what you’re feeling can help with self-awareness and spark the need for an intervention in fostering a healthier mental state.

Genie Bishop, DVM, VHSC, senior scientific services veterinarian at Royal Canin Inc, spoke on the importance of focusing on healthy mental states in her session, “F is for Fatigue,” sponsored by Royal Canin at the 2024 Veterinary Meeting & Expo in Orlando, Florida.

 She explained that we often think of physical attributes when it comes to fatigue, however we can also experience mental fatigue in a similar way. Physical fatigue in veterinary medicine can come from being on your feet all day, carrying animals or other heavy loads, or getting on the floor with animals. But mental fatigue can happen when you have difficulty staying focused and/or you are feeling sleepy or exhausted throughout the day.

If this mental fatigue persists without any intervention, it can lead to larger issues like compassion fatigue and burnout. Bishop defined compassion fatigue as the exhaustion felt when learning about the suffering of others. This can come about after a single occurrence but can worsen after repeated exposure. Moral stress can come from compassion fatigue with the feeling of needing to save every suffering patient even if it comes to a point where there is nothing you can do. Bishop also explained that compassion fatigue can lead to burnout, which is chronic work-related stress leading to feelings of energy depletion, negative thoughts, and decreased job performance.

Perfectionism is a common trait for someone in the veterinary profession, according to Bishop. It is characterized by holding unrealistic expectations of yourself and others and can be correlated with increased levels of anxiety and depression. “It’s common in our profession because we had to be perfectionistic to make top grades, to compete, to get into veterinary school. Then we had to make good grades to get out of vet school. Then we had to sharpen our clinical skills so that we could achieve the best job offers. We are kind of prone to being perfectionistic,” Bishop said.

Some other cognitive distortions include:

 Only seeing things as black or white or thinking something is a success or failure with no grey area or middle ground.

 Assuming the worst possible outcome will happen.

 Dismissing positive thoughts or successes and only focusing on the negative ones. Bishop stated, “Who do you focus on at the end of the day? All the happy people or the negative people? We tend, in mental filtering, to focus on the negative one, again, because we are perfectionists and we’re not happy unless we make everyone happy. But, that is another cognitive distortion.”

 Assuming you know how the other person feels or they know how you feel without virtualizing it. This can cause avoidable miscommunications.

 Assuming you know the results of a situation before it’s even happened but acting on that perceived result. This can cause unnecessary work or prevent someone from taking action if the perceived result is a failure.

Failure can make goals seem less attainable, it can distort your belief in your own abilities, and cause future self-sabotaging. “Nobody wants to be a failure. We all want to be good at what we do. But one mistake does not mean that you’re a failure. Or if a surgery isn’t perfect, it doesn’t mean that you’re a failure. Consider it a learning opportunity because no one is perfect, and everyone is going to make a mistake,” Bishop said. “One of my jobs was teaching the IV catherization lab and I saw so many students psych themselves out because they would miss the vein the first time. So, the first time they failed, they would say, ‘I’m never going to master this,' or 'I’m not able to do this, I’m just no good at IV catheters.'” 

Bishop’s advice for combatting a fear of failure includes practicing, using your support systems for help and guidance, and being easy on yourself and allowing yourself grace in the face of failure. She also shared an acronym for FEAR: False Expectations Appearing Real— in case that helps remind you to counteract these feelings.

Combatting distorted thinking and burnout

To combat burnout, Bishop suggested to make a list of things that are bothering you and write down some potential solutions. Just like diagnosing our feelings, sometimes writing down how we feel can help alleviate the stress and be the first step in working towards a resolution and more healthy mindsets.

Keeping healthy boundaries at work can help prevent stress from affecting your personal life. Remember to celebrate successes and good days. If needed, consider talking to someone outside of work, whether it’s a friend, family member, support group, professional counselor, or therapist. And most importantly, make time for self care. Bishop left attendees with a quote from educator and author, Joyce Sunada, “If you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.”

Bishop G. F is for fatigue. Presented at Veterinary Meeting & Expo; Orlando, Florida; January 13-17, 2024.

Chronic negative thinking at work can lead to several mental health struggles including burnout, compassion fatigue, and more, if left untreated