explained how laser therapy can be used in post-operative, orthopedic, and neurologic cases

How laser therapy can be used for specific patient cases

While at the Fetch conference in Long Beach, California, Tom Walsh, DVM, CCRP, MBA, owner of PrimePet Rehabilitation Therapy in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, sat down with 

 in an interview to explain how lasers can benefit post-operative patients and reduce pain and inflammation. He also discussed the success he has seen with using lasers for orthopedic and neurologic cases in his practice.

The following is a partial transcript of the video.

 So for post-operative pain, lasers are fantastic, because they do reduce inflammation, but they also activate photochemically, the mitochondria, which breaks the pain cycle. And so we're able to go down that path to really reduce that pain and inflammation at the same time. And that's a powerful medium for the animal because even though they can't communicate it, they can feel it and they respond to it very quickly.

Both orthopedic and neurologic cases in my practice, have benefited greatly from laser, obviously, from inflammation reduction, pain reduction. But we've also seen the advancements of studies have come out recently that say, that laser over range of motion is actually even more effective.

Videos

Tom Walsh, DVM, CCRP, MBA, explained how laser therapy can be used in post-operative, orthopedic, and neurologic cases

explained how predisposing issues in certain breeds can impact relapses of ear infections

Predisposing issues that pose an increased risk of reoccurring otitis externa

While at the Fetch conference in Long Beach, California, Brittany A. Lancellotti, DVM, DACVD, sat down with 

 in an interview to explain how predisposing factors like excess ear hair or small ear canals can increase the risk for reoccurring cases of infections. She also shared her tips for owners looking to reduce the frequency of otitis externa in their pets.

 So when we're thinking about ear infections, there [are] primary diseases that trigger the infection, secondary infections with bacteria and yeast, perpetuating factors that develop from chronic inflammation, and then there's predisposing factors. These are the risk factors that put animals at higher risk for an increase in frequency and severity of infections, but by themselves aren't necessarily the trigger for infection. So those predisposing factors are going to be things like excess hair in the ear canal, [dermatologists] see a lot of doodles with lots and lots of ear hair. Or a small ear canal size, like our French Bulldogs or English Bulldogs will have.

Brittany A. Lancellotti, DVM, DACVD, explained how predisposing issues in certain breeds can impact relapses of ear infections

13. Understanding mRNA and DNA vaccines in veterinary medicine

By Kristen Coppock Crossley, MA, Associate Editorial Director

From the ACVIM forum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Deborah Fuller, PhD, provided an overview of mRNA and DNA vaccines and discussed their value to the future of veterinary medicine.

Articles

We have compiled a countdown of our top 15 content in 2023, here is number 13

Top dvm360 articles of 2023: #13

Assessing a cat in pain for orthopedic injury or chronic disease can be challenging for veterinarians. Although feline patients are not known for being cooperative, an organized approach to the medical exam will help in achieving successful completion, according to Michael H. Jaffe, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS, associate professor and service chief of small animal surgery at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. In his lecture at the 2023 Fetch 

 conference in Long Beach, California, Jaffe walked attendees through some steps for assessing orthopedic-associated pain in cats and identifying potential causations, including osteoarthritis (OA).

A patient’s health history is an important tool for veterinary professionals and can provide valuable clues leading to diagnosis. Jaffe said a health history can help the veterinarian ascertain whether the condition is acute or chronic and answer other important questions: How and when did the lameness begin? For example, an injury could signify a recent trauma.

Also, does the condition worsen or improve after rest? Can the patient bear weight on the limb? Does medication help improve the condition? Is the condition intermittent or persistent?

“If it’s something that’s persistent, then it’s oftentimes a little bit more severe, in some cases,” he said. Clicking or popping sounds, which can indicate a meniscal tear, and travel history, in the event the patient was at risk of infectious disease, should also be noted, according to Jaffe.

Jaffe noted that cats experiencing pain may not cooperate with veterinarians’ attempts to handle them. In some cases, sedating the patient may be necessary to allow them to be properly examined. Sedation can also help relieve the animal’s pain and reduce their anxiety.

Performing palpations on the patient’s bones and joints, veterinary professionals are looking for effusion, crepitus, pain, and asymmetric range of motion. Thickening around the joint and muscle atrophy should also be noted. The contralateral limb should be used as a reference for comparison in cases of unilateral injury, Jaffe said. Additionally, the examination should start distally on the patient and proceed proximally.

“When you do the exam, I really encourage you to isolate each bone and joint individually, rather than just grabbing the leg and doing the accordion thing, and saying, ‘Yup, that one’s fine.’ Look at each of these structures individually,” said Jaffe. “For one, it’s going to make the cat less freaked out. And, for two, I think you’re going to get a more accurate assessment of what’s going on because if you’re just, kind of, jerking the whole leg back and forth and you get pain, you don’t where that’s coming from” and the cat may not tolerate further examination.

Jaffe said a limb being examined should be as relaxed as possible to best assess its range of motion. He noted that Fear Free training and implementation can help a practitioner achieve this success. “We want these kitties as relaxed as possible,” he said. “Making a quiet room away from the barking dog kennel thing, there’s a lot of this exam that you can get done very efficiently.”

Incorporating feline-specific behaviors by increasing exploration and play, providing feeding strategies, and minimizing conflict can help reduce a cat’s perception of a threat, according to the American Animal Hospital Association. Practitioners can also appeal to cat senses by offering scents of catnip, silvervine, or pheromone; providing surfaces for scratching and optimal materials for bedding; and playing feline-friendly music to help reduce blood pressure.

A gait exam requires patience, Jaffe said, and should be done prior to any sedation. Start by closing doors and windows for patient safety and use a feline-friendly space. Although cats often crouch and may refuse to move if they are afraid, other feline patients will move to a place where they will try to hide.

By placing a cat in a location that requires them to move to reach a hiding spot, the practitioner will get at least a short look at their gait. Another incentive to get the patient to move is using a motivational toy such as a laser or feather. Veterinary professionals can also try to have a cat jump up or down from an object to assess their ability to jump.

If needed, practitioners can have a client bring a video from home that shows their pet’s gait. “Allowing the cat to move around the room on their own may afford you your best opportunity to see how they walk, jump up on a chair, or jump down,” said Jaffe.

Although clinical signs aren’t always obvious, OA is quite common in cats, as well as a common type of degenerative joint disease (DJD). In a retrospective study of 100 cats older than 12 years, radiographic evidence found DJD in 90% of these felines. However, only 4% of the studied cats exhibited clinical signs of arthritis.

 In another study cited by Jaffe, investigators found 22% of cats older than 1 year had radiographic changes that suggested OA despite most of these felines showing no clinical signs.

Signs of OA and pain associated with the disease in cats include reluctance to jump, decreased activity, and lameness. Jaffe shared with his audience an example from a client conversation in which the pet owner told him that their cat “finally learned” not to jump up on the counter. However, Jaffe recognized the change in behavior as a sign of possible arthritic pain. “If [the cat] could get up on that counter, she would. Cats kind of adapt a little bit with their arthritis. Instead of jumping down things, they kind of slink down a little bit more,” he said.

Upon medical examination, there may also be pain on flexion and extension of the patient’s joints, along with crepitus and decreased range of motion. Jaffe noted that the hip, stifle, tarsus, and elbow joints are most commonly affected in felines, and older cats have higher incidence.

There are a variety of treatments for managing OA and associated pain in cats, according to Jaffe. Medicinal therapies include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, adjunctive drug therapy, and supplements for joint health. Nonpharmacologic treatment options include weight management, environmental modifications, physical rehabilitation, and surgical techniques, he said.

In his talk, Jaffe addressed other causes of orthopedic pain in cats that may be considered during examination. These include hip dysplasia, patellar dislocation, feline knees and teeth syndrome, and various injuries such as bite wounds.

Jaffe MH. How to do a purrfect feline orthopedic exam. Presented at: Fetch 

 Conference; December 1-3, 2023; Long Beach, CA. Accessed December 15, 2023. 

https://www.isvma.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/How_to_do_a_purrfect_Feline_Orthopedic_Exam.pdf

Hardie EM, Roe SC, Fonda RM. Radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease in geriatric cats: 100 cases (1994-1997). 

. 2002;220(5):628-632. doi:10.2460/javma.2002.220.628

Feline specific factors in pain management. American Animal Hospital Association. Accessed December 15, 2023. 

https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/2022-aaha-pain-management-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/how-to-pain-assessment-toolbox/feline-specific-factors-in-pain-management/

A successful orthopedic exam can uncover common maladies such as osteoarthritis 

Revealing pain points in cats

Dominic J. Marino, DVM, DACVS, was awarded the ACVS Foundation Lynn Wheaton Philanthropy Award from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). According to a release from the ACVS, this inaugural award recognizes ACVS Diplomates who demonstrate intentional and altruistic social responsibility through their work with their community, an association, or other nonprofit organizations.

 Recipients contribute their time and skills to enhance the well-being of both people and animals, demonstrating a generous spirit and a commitment to civic responsibility.

Dr Marino is currently the chief of staff at Long Island Veterinary Specialists in Plainview, New York. According to the release, Marino has served his community with a multitude of volunteerisms, accomplishments, affiliations, and accolades. He is a New York State emergency medical technician and in 2009, he was awarded Certificates of Meritorious Service for “risking life in service to fellow man” from the Police Surgeons Benevolent Foundation and for “placing himself in harm’s way” from the Fraternal Order of Police in NY for his actions following a vehicular accident.

Dr Marino's father: Leonard J. Marino, MD, FAAP, LVT, (left) and Dominic J. Marino, DVM, DACVS (right) at the award ceremony.

Marino shared his reaction to receiving the award with 

stating: "I did not know Dr Lynn Wheaton but I honored to receive this award in her name. From what I read about her is that she was not only a trailblazer, being the first female ACVS Diplomate, but she had a tremendous impact on those around her: her classmates, her friends and colleagues, and most importantly I read how she impacted those that didn’t know her, not only because of what she had accomplished but how she carried herself as a role model. It is quite an honor to receive this award in her name and am very grateful the mentors I have had over the years. Each has not only taught me surgery but has shared with me their own life experiences that not only helped make me a better surgeon but a better person too."

Michael E. Bergman, Esquire, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Foundation Board Member said, “Bringing honor and distinction to the veterinary profession is without question the common thread of his personal life and professional career.”

On September 11, 2001, Marino was one of the first veterinary responders to the World Trade Center. From that tragic day, he was then motivated to improve the health care and treatment of police dogs. He donates his time to train first responders on how to save the lives of their canine partners and his training programs are mandatory in many law enforcement agencies. In 2021, Marino accepted a commission as a major in the United States Army to expand his training to military personnel.

Overall, Marino has played a pivotal role in formulating medical guidelines for multiple jurisdictions, extending his expertise to police, fire departments, and airports. He has worked with K9 training for both the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

"I work with many young veterinarians and even high school and college students wanting to join our profession and we talk quite a bit about the challenges and stresses of our profession. Those challenges are quite real and not to be ignored, but so are the truly amazing things we get to do and see in this profession.

"I try to teach them to use the great aspects of our profession, the fact that we make paralyzed dogs walk, we make blind dogs see, we help dogs with cancer live longer, to immunize ourselves from some of the stresses we face. So at the end of each day, each of us leaves with just enough satisfaction and happiness that we can share some of that joy with our families and friends and have just enough left over for us to want to get up and do it all again the next day.

"I love being a veterinarian and I thank my parents for being the first and most important role models to me," Marino said.

Long Island Veterinary Specialists’ Chief of Staff & Board-Certified Surgeon Receives Inaugural Philanthropy Award. News release. Ethos Veterinary Health. December 11, 2023. Accessed December 13, 2023.

Chief of staff at Long Island Veterinary Specialists was honored for this inaugural award from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Board-certified veterinary surgeon receives philanthropy award

Students who participated in the event at the  Del Mar Racetrack (Image courtesy of US Davis College of Veterinary Medicine)

More than 110 veterinary students were granted access to a behind-the-scenes look at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club at the Del Mar Racetrack, during the 2023 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention in San Diego, California.

 Del Mar Thoroughbred Club first opened its doors in 1937—where first fans were greeted by founder Bing Crosby—and is home to multiple historic races and riders, including the famous Seabiscuit-Ligaroti match held in 1938.

“Many veterinary students, including myself, did not grow up with exposure to the racetrack,” said Alina Vale, DVM, MS, official veterinarian for the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB), in an organizational release.

 “After I was introduced to the track, I knew I wanted to devote my career to these amazing athletes. Practicing veterinarians and regulatory veterinarians at the track can have a profound impact on racehorse welfare and safety.”

Twenty to 30 students were expected to attend but the program brought together over 100 students from veterinary schools across the world, according to the organizational release.

 The students were able to witness events such as afternoon races and morning workouts to get a better picture of what racetrack veterinarians do to ensure the health and safety of these patients. Thrilled with the overwhelming interest in attending the track, Josh Rubinstein, president and chief operating officer, and Tom Robbins, executive vice president of racing and industry relations told the AAEP Convention to “bring them all.”

Throughout their stay at the racetrack, the students were given a tour of the barn where they were able to witness veterinarians perform pre-race exams as well as learn more about the role veterinary teams play in safety programs. Multiple trainers brought horses in for a race day examination, giving students the chance to see what veterinarians taking care of these horses can identify as potential issues, such as stride length, hip symmetry, and head carriage.

“The thing that most stood out to me was the sheer volume of people tasked with safeguarding the health of the horse,” said Fred Holcomb, a third-year veterinary student at Texas A&M University, in the release.

 “From the head steward monitoring for crop violations during training to the veterinarians doing the pre-race evaluations, it was clear that the equine athletes’ safety was a priority.”

Students were also able to watch the racehorses work out, network with other students and veterinary professionals to learn about their career paths, and hear from riders about the role of outriders and their horses. At the end of the tour, students were given lunch and attended the races that afternoon. 

Because of the success of the event, the racetrack hopes to continue giving students this opportunity to learn through the AAEP Convention or other regional opportunities for AAEP student chapters to travel to local tracks. “The opportunity to tour the Del Mar racetrack was the perfect occasion to learn about a portion of the equine industry that I was not familiar with,” said Kenzie Jones, a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University, in the release.

“They walked us through the rigorous protocols of how horses are evaluated before and after their races. I was very impressed when the veterinarians shared that all recorded evaluations of the horses are logged into a nationwide system so that the information will follow them when they travel to different locations,” she concluded.

Veterinary Students Receive Warm Welcome at Del Mar Racetrack. News release. UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine. December 13, 2023. Accessed December 18, 2023. https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/veterinary-students-receive-warm-welcome-del-mar-racetrack

Del Mar horse racing history. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Accessed December 18, 2023. https://www.dmtc.com/media/history

More than 100 students at the AAEP Convention got an inside look at Del Mar Racetrack 