Watch the short video to hear Ellen Behrend’s, VMD, PhD, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), answer.

Does SGLT2 inhibitor use increase the risk of UTIs in cats with diabetes?

In this video clip, Ellen Behrend, VMD, PhD, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), consultant at Veterinary Information Network and Joezy Griffin Endowed Professor and Alumni Professor Emeritus at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, discusses the potential risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats with diabetes on sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Behrend explains that researchers do not yet have a definitive answer for whether this new class of medication increases the risk of UTIs in cats. Still, she compares cats on insulin to those on SGLT2 inhibitors, noting that both often have glucose in their urine and therefore the risk may be comparable.

Can cats on an SGLT2 inhibitor go into remission?

Should cats on an SGLT2 inhibitor go on a special diet?

Why does PU/PD improve in cats on SGLT2 inhibitors?

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

Ellen Behrend, VMD, PhD, MS, DACVIM (SAIM): 

I'm Ellen Behrend. I am a board-certified small animal internist with a special interest in small animal endocrinology. I spent the majority of my career as a faculty member at Auburn University, and I now am a consultant for Veterinary Information Network.

A really common question is: Does [SGLT2 inhibitor use] increase the risk of [UTI]? That's a question they've looked at with thousands of humans, and the best they can say right now is we don't really think so. Maybe there's a slight increase. My guess is it's not going to make much of a difference in the overall population of cats. The vast majority of [cats with diabetes] on insulin have glucose in their urine the majority of the day, so this is probably not much different. And I don't think we're going to see much of a difference in [UTI] incidence in cats on SGLT2 inhibitors.

Videos

Happy Friday dvm360 readers and happy August! Now that we are in August, that means it is Fetch Kansas City Month. Join the dvm360 team, our amazing faculty, and fellow attendees from August 22-24, 2025, for days of learning, networking, and fun! You can sign up and secure your spot 

 today, and if you cannot make the conference, check out the dvm360 editorial teams coverage of the event on our dedicated 

As we eagerly wait for Fetch Kansas City, here is what was popular this week on dvm360.com:

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently 

 and honored Michael Blackwell, DVM, MPH, as this year’s AVMA Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Each year this award is given to a veterinary member of the AVMA who had made significant contributors to the profession to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

 that its ilunocitinib tablets (Zenrelia; Elanco Animal Health) received approval from the European Union and the product will launch immediately into the market before the end of this year’s Q3.

 with dvm360, Ellen Behrend, VMD, PhD, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), explained to viewers how sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors impact polyuria and polydipsia in feline patients with diabetes.

 of the Vet Scene Down Under, Phil Tucak, BSc, BVMS, shares updates on a new consultancy working to turn inclusion into infrastructure, plus tips for pursuing aquatic medicine.

 a warning to pet owners this week to not feed their pets certain lots of Darwin’s Nautral Pet Products after 

Did you know that August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month? To kick it off, our episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, and sponsored by Zoetis, tackles 

. Our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, and guest Lissa Capitano DVM, CCFP, dive into each myth and debunk it by sharing personal anecdotes, research, and more!

Articles

Wrap up: Zenrelia receive EU approval, and other veterinary news

This podcast episode, and all Itchy Pet Awareness Month content, is sponsored by Apoquel.

Today is the official beginning of Itchy Pet Awareness Month. To kick it off, this special episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, welcomes Lissa Capitano DVM, CCFP, to the show to discuss 6 veterinary dermatology myths. Throughout the episode, Capitano and our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, bust each of the 6 myths and provide insights into why they are not true, and what the science and research says, plus a deep dive into the caregiver burden that comes with an itchy pet. 

Below is a partial transcript, edited lightly for clarity.

Myth number 1, all itch is the same. I mean, here, I don't know, what are your thoughts on that?

Okay, well, this is kind of an easy one, because we sort of know that it's really not the same, right? And I like starting with the easy ones. I don't know about you, I would rather fry those little fish first. I think what's important to remember is that itchiness can show up very differently in our patients. We can see a couple of things though, that help give us an idea of what's actually causing the problem. So the first thing we're going to look at is what allergens are causing the disease. So what's actually the trigger for that particular patient? The other thing we can look at that can give us some clues is when that itchiness develops. So when we start looking at what allergens cause dogs to itch, you and I could be here all night, my friend, there are so many things out there that can induce allergic itch in dogs and fleas. Of course, parasites are on the list, food allergies. We know that's out there, and then there's countless environmental allergens.

So to make it even more complicated, most dogs are not just allergic to one thing. They're usually allergic to multiple things. So that can make it a little harder to find that definitive diagnosis of what their triggers are. Now, when the itchiness appears can also help us. So you're going to have patients that come in with acute disease, like a big old hot spot. You'll start seeing these in August, [and] Itchy Pet Awareness Month is [in August] for a reason, right? So we'll start seeing those, especially in the summer. And then you can have them be seasonal, so maybe they're the patients that come in in your spring and your fall, or you see them maybe just in the summer months.

And then we have our little ones that have chronic allergies, and those are the ones that are kind of regularly on your schedule, and you see fairly frequently. And here's the even harder thing about this is sometimes you can start out maybe as a seasonal patient, but then this patient develops chronic allergies over time, so there's a whole lot of moving parts and pieces aren't there?

Podcasts

Discover the truth behind common veterinary dermatology myths and learn how to manage itchy pets effectively this Itchy Pet Awareness Month.

Six Dastardly Derm Myths

Helping animals in crisis is at the heart of all that RedRover does. In 1987, United Animal Nations was formed (now RedRover) to help animals in need globally on issues such as pet overpopulation, elephant poaching, horse slaughter, whaling, and more. We have since narrowed our geographic focus to the United States and Canada, and our programs now center on helping companion animals in need. One of those programs, RedRover Responders, helps temporarily shelter and care for animals evacuated from natural disasters and large-scale cruelty and neglect.

RedRover Responders Pet Disaster Preparedness Zoom call: August 6, 2025, at 1 PM PST. Visit redrover.org/events.

Over the years, the organization has deployed staff and RedRover Responders volunteers nearly 300 times since 1987. Every deployment improves the lives of people and animals in the community. Although every deployment is memorable and impactful in its own right, one of the deployments that stands out among many in our community is our deployment to support those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

As the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, we are reminded about how far emergency pet preparedness has evolved in the past 2 decades. We deployed a team of 400 trained volunteers and 15 veterinarians to the sites of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, which also occurred in 2005, to give hands-on assistance on the ground. This team came from 40 states and Canada and cared for 2100 animals across 6 locations in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.

Hurricane Katrina was one of the deadliest hurricanes in United States history and forever changed emergency response—pets could no longer be ignored in disaster planning. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, RedRover and several other organizations founded the National Animal Rescue & Sheltering Coalition (NARSC). RedRover remains an active member of NARSC to this day.

RedRover Responders volunteers receive on-the-ground training to care for and shelter large numbers of animals who had been rescued or displaced. The volunteers provide the workforce that enables communities to address their animal needs swiftly and efficiently.

Envigo laboratory beagle surrender (2022)

Our specially trained RedRover Responders volunteers provide a range of hands-on care and support for animals in crisis. Beyond providing temporary shelter and care for displaced animals, they also assist in communities with an overpopulation of homeless animals and support pets of domestic violence survivors by building pet housing at domestic violence shelters and animal shelters. The duties that volunteers may perform while on deployment include:

Assisting with veterinary examinations and care

Trapping community cats to be spayed or neutered and vaccinated prior to release

Walking, grooming, and socializing animals

Assisting with pet wellness event registration, checkout, recovery, sterilization of instruments

Building safe enclosures for family dogs living outdoors

Installing pet-friendly flooring, fencing, and other construction and pet enrichment needs at shelters

The online volunteer training course is self-paced and can be completed in just a few hours. It offers the expert information and training that RedRover is known for in preparing volunteers for future deployments. Once a volunteer has successfully completed our training program, they are added to our volunteer roster and will be notified via email or text when there is an opportunity to deploy with the RedRover Responders in their state or region.

An email address that one checks regularly and access to the Internet

Completion of Federal Emergency Management Agency course IS-100.C (an introduction to the Incident Command System)

Completion of the volunteer training online

Ability to withstand the physical demands of deployments, including the capability to lift at least 40 lb and stand, kneel, or bend for long hours in varying temperatures and conditions

Agreement to the RedRover Responders Volunteer Code of Conduct

Joining our RedRover Responders team is a chance to connect to communities in need, foster collaboration with fellow animal lovers, refine skills, boost overall well-being and purpose, and more. Register for the free online RedRover Responders volunteer training at redrover.org/responders/join-responders.

As we enter hurricane season, RedRover Director of Field Services Beth Gammie will share how the organization supports pets, people, and communities during natural disasters and answer all your disaster preparedness questions.

is director of public relations and partnership for RedRover. If you’d like to learn more about our program and what a deployment may look like, please contact Madsen at smadsen@redrover.org.

Experts in pet disaster preparedness and response assist communities in crisis

RedRover Responders

Whilst there might be plenty of fish in the sea, according to Jo Bannister, BSc, BVMS, MANZCVS (Medicine and Management of Aquaculture Species), a veterinary aquatic pathologist from Perth, there’s a need for more veterinarians to work in the field of aquatic animal health after the retirement of several practitioners over recent years has seen a drop in the number of aquatic animal health experts working across Australia.

“This is a good time to consider a career in aquatic animal health. We desperately need more experts in this field. The only issue now is that there are very few jobs and positions out there. We have lost seven extremely experienced pathologists due to retirement over the last ten years. Currently there are only maybe four aquatic pathologists working in state laboratories around Australia,” Bannister explained to 

Jo Bannister, BSc, BVMS, MANZCVS (Medicine and Management of Aquaculture Species) (Image provided by Bannister)

“In Western Australia, there are only 2 government veterinary aquatic pathologists. We have a very busy case load and succession planning to share the knowledge and expertise is a necessity. My job in a government laboratory provides a great work life balance – and there are no after-hours requirements unless there is a serious exotic disease incursion to work on.”

In her role, Bannister works with aquatic clients - featuring producers from around the state involved with finfish, mollusks, and crustaceans, who are experiencing morbidity and mortality events.

“It is the state government laboratory responsibility to conduct passive surveillance to detect notifiable and exotic diseases. It is vital that this surveillance is done to protect our native aquatic species and industries. I also conduct a lot of health testing so that clients can move animals around the state for various purposes such as grow out and restocking,” said Bannister.

“I also see all sorts of aquatic animals including octopus, sea cucumbers, coral, and even seaweed! I speak to clients to find out the history, clinical signs and signalment as you would do in any veterinary practice. I then determine a sampling plan and when samples arrive at the lab, I conduct a postmortem examination and take samples to work out a diagnosis.”

A large part of the work of a veterinary aquatic pathologist is interpreting histology slides and identifying causes of disease.

“This can be very challenging in the field of aquatics as we work with many unknown parasites and diseases, some of which may never have been seen before. I absolutely love histopathology now and genuinely get excited when I start reading a case,” said Bannister.

“I have also developed a special interest in Fish Telemetry, which involves the insertion of acoustic tags into fish so that their movement patterns can be monitored to help with environmental planning. After being approached by some researchers involved in water management, I developed a surgical protocol to insert acoustic tags into native freshwater catfish to inform environmental water planning. I conducted the surgical protocol three times over three years and successfully inserted tags into over fifty catfish with 100% survival. This was a great example of translating vet skills into other species and adapting them to a different species!”

For veterinarians curious to learn more about a career in aquatic animal health, Bannister recommends joining aquatic animal health groups, like the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association (WAVMA).

“Networking is the only way to find out who is doing what in this area. WAVMA has many fabulous webinars that demonstrate the various areas in which you can work in aquatics. You need to pick a side, aquatic pathology or aquatic production - and I would recommend doing pracs with people working in both areas,” explained Bannister.

“Also consider taking membership examinations with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. There are also many great international conferences and courses to consider too. AQUAVET in the US is phenomenal, and there is also the European Society of Fish Pathologists and many aquatic groups in the US also. The field of aquatic pathology is such an interesting, up and coming area – and you get to work with some fabulous aquatic creatures and people as well!”

Vetquity turning inclusion into infrastructure

With a mission to help build more inclusive veterinary workplaces, Alex Harrison, BSc, BVMS, MANZCVS, from Adelaide, founded Vetquity Consultancy to turn inclusion into infrastructure through the provision of practical tools and strategies tailored to the realities of veterinary medicine.

Harrison is a small animal clinician who still works full time with veterinary teams; however, he has recently started Vetquity after realizing that veterinary leaders wanted to build more inclusive workplaces, but many simply didn’t know how to make it happen.

“As Australia’s first profoundly deaf veterinarian, and a former practice owner, I’ve spent 25 years navigating a profession not designed with people like me in mind. That lived experience put me in a unique position to build something beyond generic diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) resources,” explained Harrison to 

“After years of advocating for DEI in the veterinary space in Australia and helping raise awareness of its link to mental health, I saw a missing piece: while advocacy sparks awareness, it doesn’t always offer the tools for real, structural change. Consultancy can.”

Earlier this year, Harrison was honored with the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) President’s Award for his vision and practical leadership in reshaping veterinary workplaces to be more inclusive, equitable, and supportive.

“The 2023-2024 AVA Workforce Survey found that 38% of veterinarians in Australia identify as having disability, chronic illness, or neurodivergence. Through my work and that of The Veterinary Kaleidoscope - there’s growing recognition that ableism and other forms of discrimination are not peripheral issues - they shape workforce wellbeing and retention,” said Harrison.

“Vetquity supports clinics and organisations in a several ways: from helping set up DEI subcommittees with intention, to improving accessibility - for both staff and clients. But I also know many clinics are under budget pressure, or hesitant after engaging with performative inclusion initiatives that didn’t deliver. That’s why I developed a set of downloadable, trauma-informed, veterinary-specific tools: the Vetquity Inclusion Lab Signature Series.”

The modular and practical tools that Harrison has designed, work as an ecosystem to embed inclusion into workplace culture and are available as individual resources or a bundle set.

“The tools include the world’s first Accessibility Self-Audit for Veterinary Clinics—to help identify barriers before they become burnout, injury, or attrition. Then there’s a disclosure safety framework to shift from passive ‘speak up’ models to proactive systems that foster psychological safety and trust,” shared Harrison.

“I also developed an Inclusive Hiring and Recruitment Toolkit to build equity into every stage - from job ad to onboarding. There’s an Inclusive Survey and Demographics Guide to help you ask better questions, count everyone, and stop erasing lived experience. Plus, there’s a Policy Review and Reform tool to make sure your documents reflect your values - and don’t unintentionally exclude.”

The final tool in the Vetquity series, is the ‘Everyday Inclusion Playbook’, which has been designed to reflect that sometimes it’s not policy that makes someone leave a workplace, it’s a ‘moment’ or experience.

“Mental health remains a major concern in our profession, but we’re still catching up to the fact that for many marginalised professionals, those mental health challenges are compounded, unique, and often worse. Our current models are often too generic to respond effectively. There can be no meaningful mental health reform without DEI at the table,” said Harrison.

“Looking ahead, I hope our leadership styles evolve - from hierarchical to trauma-informed, from performative to practical. I hope we stop losing great people to cultures that were never designed for them to thrive. And I hope Vetquity can be one small part of that shift.”

Updates on the veterinary aquatic pathologist working to diagnose disease in fish and other aquatic species; and a new consultancy with a mission to turn inclusion into infrastructure.

Veterinary scene down under: Pursuing aquatic medicine, plus making inclusion structural 

If you really want to understand the pulse of emergency veterinary medicine today, talk to a traveling emergency room doctor. These veterinary heroes don’t just work in one hospital; they move from city to city, stepping into some of the busiest emergency rooms across the country. Traveling emergency veterinarians at Thrive Pet Healthcare support hospitals during periods of high demand and low staff. Their experience working with a variety of teams, hospitals, and caseloads gives them a uniquely wide-angle view of the profession.

As the leader of Thrive’s national “TravelER” program, I have the privilege of working closely with these veterinarians. I recently asked several of them to reflect on what it’s like to practice emergency medicine today, what challenges they face, how they manage the emotional intensity of the work, and where they think the field is heading. Their insights are honest, inspiring, and full of perspective that every ER team, whether you're in a standalone specialty center or a general practice with urgent care hours, can learn from.

A little about each contributor

What would you say are the most pressing challenges you face on a day-to-day basis in emergency veterinary medicine?

Emergency veterinarians face a growing number of complex challenges that strain both their professional and personal capacities. Chief among these is a persistent staffing shortage, particularly a lack of qualified emergency veterinarians, which leads to long shifts, burnout, and limited access to emergency care for patients. Financial constraints compound the problem, as many clients are unable to afford emergency services, placing veterinarians in the difficult position of balancing patient care with financial reality. This is further complicated by the ever-increasing costs of veterinary medicine, driven by advancements in technology, rising pharmaceutical prices, and general inflation. Perhaps most emotionally taxing is the responsibility of caring for terminally ill emotional support animals, where the bond between patients and clients adds a layer of ethical and emotional complexity to end-of-life decisions. Together, these factors create a high-stress environment that demands resilience, empathy, and strong moral judgment from emergency veterinarians

: No surprise here—staffing shortages, emotional strain, financial barriers, and the need to collaborate effectively in fast-paced environments are clearly front and center for these ER vets. To move the needle, we need more trained hands on deck, stronger support systems, and thoughtful ways to help clients and teams navigate the emotional and financial weight of emergency care.

Emergency cases often come with high emotional stakes. How do you manage stress and urgency while making critical medical decisions?

: Listen, listen, and listen. Make sure the patient is cared for and not suffering, and that the clients are being heard. Everything else will fall into place.

: Calm is my superpower—that, coupled with an ability to multitask. People are never happy to enter the ER. They often come with fear, financial concerns, and, sometimes, the aftermath of previous bad experiences. It is important to meet them where they are, listen with an open heart, and work with them to create the best possible outcome for their pet and themselves. It can be helpful to take a step back, take a big breath and look at the whole picture.

: The biggest part is accepting that you can only do so much and not feeling like a failure if you’re not able to see every stable patient that comes through the door. Fortunately, I work at a hospital with very experienced, well-trained staff that I can trust to provide the best possible care without having to babysit them. This allows me to focus on the medical aspect of the job. Again, it’s not the medicine that makes emergency practice difficult; it’s all the extraneous problems that arise or having to work with very limited staffing.

What I appreciate most about these answers is how they remind us that staying grounded through calm communication, empathy, and trust in your team makes all the difference. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Even in the toughest moments, taking a deep breath, listening closely and letting go of perfection are strategies to help us keep patients and clients at the center.

Many emergency veterinarians mention burnout and compassion fatigue. How have you experienced these issues personally, and what strategies do you use to cope?

: I would be shocked to find an emergency veterinarian without some degree of burnout and compassion fatigue. These issues plague our profession and are the primary reason many of our colleagues leave veterinary medicine. Having interests outside of work can be extremely beneficial. For instance, I’m an avid traveler. I’m also a knitter, a voracious reader, a writer and a lifelong learner. Currently, I’m trying to learn French (with dreams of one day retiring in the South of France). I’m also a dedicated coffee enthusiast. Part of my identity is being an ER veterinarian, but my life is much more than that. Other strategies include getting outside and moving your body, eating well and taking time to rest, which is easier said than done.

There’s no magic fix, but these stories show how important it is to nurture our identities beyond veterinary medicine. Whether it’s travel, hobbies, learning something new, or simply resting, having a life outside of work helps us bring our best selves back to the ER. For me, investing in emotional intelligence training has been transformational. The better I understand my own emotions, the more I can show up for others. Ultimately, tackling burnout and compassion fatigue requires a mix of setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, seeking support, and building healthy habits to maintain empathy and resilience in the field.

How do the financial limitations of owners impact your ability to provide care, and how do you navigate those difficult conversations?

: Financial limitations of pet owners can significantly impact the level and scope of care we’re able to provide. Still, our responsibility is to approach these situations with empathy, transparency, and flexibility. I always begin by presenting a clear standard plan of care and a detailed estimate, so families understand the ideal path for their pet’s health. From there, I’m prepared to offer alternative plans B through G, if necessary, without any prejudice or judgment. It’s essential to remember that pet families can sense when they’re being judged, and that can erode trust and discourage them from seeking help in the future. By focusing on open communication, realistic options, and respect for each client’s circumstances, we can still support the human-animal bond and deliver compassionate care, even when finances are tight.

We all face the reality that finances shape care decisions. What matters is how we show up in those moments, with honesty, empathy and willingness to meet clients where they are. Our job is to guide, not judge. When we do that well, we preserve trust and help families feel supported, no matter the path they choose for their pet.

The veterinary field is evolving quickly- what changes have you seen in emergency care over the past few years, and where do you see the field heading?

: Emergency medicine is a strong field that will always do well, at least in certain areas. One of the evolutions is the abundance of ERs and now urgent care in certain areas, so I think clinics will have to work harder to be more competitive. Being quick, accurate, and most importantly, being kind will go a long way. An area of concern is the lack of ER clinicians being surgically confident. Fewer surgeons are willing to be on call, and fewer ER clinicians are excited about cutting patients. As the market gets more competitive, this gap will be more evident. Another change I see impacting the ER is insurance. I’m seeing more clients with insurance for their pets.

: The veterinary emergency field has evolved rapidly in recent years, and I’ve seen significant shifts both in how we deliver care and how we support the people providing it. One major change has been the growing emphasis on work-life balance, something my travel ER position has uniquely supported compared to more traditional roles. I’ve also seen the early adoption of AI tools in record-keeping, which helps streamline documentation and free up more time for patient care. Another exciting development is the rise of ER-specific training programs and academies, which are helping to elevate ER medicine by increasing skill levels and confidence among newer vets. Looking ahead, I’d love to see the establishment of a formal ABVP specialty in Emergency Medicine, especially one that can be pursued while working clinically, as it would provide structure and recognition for the advanced skills ER vets use every day.

Emergency medicine is clearly on the move, from better tools and training to broader insurance access and a growing focus on work-life balance. At the same time, we’re seeing new gaps emerge, like the need for stronger surgical skills in ER settings. As the field continues to evolve, I’m encouraged by how much energy and innovation are being directed toward creating sustainable, compassionate care for patients, pet families, and veterinary teams alike.

What stood out most from this conversation is just how complex and emotionally charged emergency medicine has become, and how deeply committed these doctors are to meeting those challenges with skill and heart. From managing burnout and navigating tough financial conversations to coping with a fast-paced field, their insights offer valuable reminders about the power of empathy, teamwork, and adaptability.

To every veterinarian reading this: Keep speaking up, supporting each other and sharing what works. Your voice and your well-being matter more than ever.

, is a seasoned veterinarian with a passion for helping animals during critical moments. A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, he began his career in general practice before transitioning to emergency medicine after 5 years. Driven by the desire to “always find a way to make it work,” Coronado has dedicated the last 25 years to building and managing specialty and emergency facilities. He currently serves as the Vice President of Emergency Medicine for Thrive Pet Healthcare. Coronado resides in the Austin, Texas area with his wife and 2 canine companions, Jesse and Maya.

Discover the challenges and insights of traveling emergency veterinarians, as they navigate the evolving landscape of emergency veterinary medicine.