VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Podcasts

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT reviews Fleet enema (or hypertonic phosphate) toxicity in cats (and small dogs). While this isn't a common toxicity, it can be if your cat owner gave the "wrong" type of enema! Tune in to learn what clinical signs, clinicopathologic changes, and treatment modalities are warranted with this life-threatening poisoning!

In this VETgirl veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Samantha Cantor and Dr. Andrew Heller from IndeVets on understanding your compensation as a veterinarian. So, if you're confused on how you're paid - via salary, production, pro-sal, or hourly - you'll want to tune in! Learn about sign-on bonuses and wage increases, and how to calculate your effective hourly rate!

In this VETgirl veterinary podcast, we interview Dr. Joerg Steiner, med.vet., Dr.med.vet., PhD, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, AGAF, Regents Professor at Texas A&M University. He will review the most recent updates in acute canine pancreatitis (ACP) and an exciting new therapeutic option, PANOQUELL®-CA1 (fuzapladib sodium for injection). Acute canine pancreatitis is far more common than previously believed but until now, the treatment has been purely symptomatic. Dr. Steiner will be talking about the disease, diagnosis, prognosis, and updates in treatment. Tune in to learn about pancreatitis and its new, innovative solution.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Andrea Myer, DACVD, veterinary dermatologist, on all things derm related! If you need a quick review of veterinary dermatology, tune in to learn the top mistakes that veterinarians make with derm cases!

In today's VETgirl podcast, we discuss esophageal and gastric bone foreign bodies in dogs. Most clinicians have encountered the post-holiday tidal wave of patients that swallowed a pork rib or ate a chicken bone from the trash can. These pups just can't help themselves! So, what do you do? Bone foreign bodies are common, but when do you need to intervene versus letting the dog try to pass them on their own? To help answer these questions, Barash et al performed a study describing the outcome and the management of dogs with both esophageal and gastric bone foreign bodies.

In this VETgirl veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Christie Long, Vice President of Medicine at Modern Animal, on how technology can help improve our lives in veterinary medicine. Now that COVID is "over," what is the role of telemedicine? And with the busy-ness of veterinary life post-COVID, how can we support exemplary medical quality in veterinary medicine? Tune in to learn more about technology and its role in veterinary medicine!

In this VETgirl veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Ryanne Heiny, CVT, VTS (Internal Medicine) on being a veterinary technician specialist (VTS) in internal medicine. Should I consider getting my VTS? Can I go straight from veterinary technician school and go straight towards a VTS program? How can we build better trust between veterinarians and veterinary technicians? How can I be a more efficient veterinary technician or take a better history from pet owners? Tune in to learn more!

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Colleen Wegenast, DABT from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on her recent publication entitled "Acute kidney injury in dogs following ingestion of cream of tartar and tamarinds and the connection to tartaric acid as the proposed toxic principle in grapes and raisins" which was published in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency Critical Care in 2022. As the toxic agent alluded toxicologists for decades, this paper discusses how the ASPCA APCC suspected tartaric acid was the toxic component in Vitus spp (e.g., grapes, raisins). Find out where else tartaric acid can be found, and how to manage tartaric acid or tamarind fruit toxicity in dogs.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Sheryl Gamble, MS, DVM, professional services veterinarian at Merck Animal Health, as she reviews the many infectious causes of canine cough and how they interact with the environment and the dog to cause disease. Can you tell what the culprit is from the clinical signs alone? Tune in to learn what CIRDC (canine infectious respiratory disease complex) pathogens we have vaccines for and which ones we don't. Learn about a new vaccine to help the fight against CIRDC that veterinarians, owners, and dogs will all definitely approve.

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we chat with Dr. Addie Reinhard, DVM, MS, as she reviews the mental health challenges in veterinary medicine. What are some things that leaders and companies can do to support their veterinary teams, and what can individuals do to support themselves in this field?

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Christopher Kennedy, DACVECC, DECVECC, a criticalist at the University of Liège - Belgium, on all things about focused cardiac ultrasound! In this Part 2 episode, learn more about using this point-of-care-ultrasound that focuses on the heart, how to diagnose pericardial effusion (because it's harder than it looks, folks!), how to determine if there is cardiac tamponade in your veterinary patient, and what the role of FCU in fluid resuscitation in shock is!

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Morgan Kelley, DACVECC on her paper "Retrospective analysis of the use of tranexamic acid in critically ill dogs and cats (2018-;2019): 266 dogs and 28 cats." If you're not sure what tranexamic acid (TXA) is and how it works to stop bleeding, you want to tune in! Learn how TXA has been used in veterinary versus human medicine, what the indications or contraindications for it are in veterinary medicine, how you can administer it, and how you can use TXA in your day to day practice! Today's VETgirl podcast is sponsored by Merck Animal Health, makers of Nobivac® Intra-Trac® Oral BbPi, the first oral Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus vaccine with patented Immuno-Mist-R™ technology.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we discuss the occurrence of chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disease following acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) in dogs. AHDS is a common cause of acute GI disease in dogs, and this disease has been linked to alterations in the gut microbiome of affected patients. Impaired epithelial barrier function and dysbiosis during acute intestinal injury have been thought to cause increased immune sensitivity of the GI tract, resulting in chronic enteropathy later in life. For instance, in humans, acute enteropathies are one risk factor for future chronic enteropathies, and this has also been demonstrated in puppies that survive canine parvovirus infections (Klem, Kilian). So, Skotnitzki et al wanted to evaluate this in a study entitled "Frequency of signs of chronic gastrointestinal disease in dogs after an episode of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea."

In today's VETgirl podcast, we interview Dr. Kathryn E. Reif, PhD on tick updates in veterinary medicine. Do dogs and cats really need 12-month parasite prevention, and why is this recommendation so vital? Are ticks a "regional problem", and what are microenvironments when it comes to tick lifecycles? And what do we really need to know about tick attachment as veterinary professionals? Tune in to learn more and learn it in this VETgirl podcast!

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we interview Dr. Elizabeth Colleran, DABVP on chronic pain in cats. Find out how common chronic osteoarthritis (OA) is in cats, and whether cat caregivers can learn to recognize pain in their older cats. Learn about how Solensia works for cats with chronic pain, and how it may be more effective than recent chronic pain options out there. Tune into this VETgirl podcast to learn more!

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Alice Jeromin, DACVD on atopy in cats, which has since been renamed Feline Atopic Skin Syndrome (FASS). Are you missing the diagnosis of atopy in cats? Find out what the clinical signs of atopy are in cats, what signalment, age and breed gets it, and most importantly, how to treat Feline Atopic Skin Syndrome in your feline patients!

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we interview Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw, DVM, MS, PhD, CCRT, DACVS, DACVSMR on diagnosing and treatment osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. What are some challenges in diagnosing OA in dogs, and how do we manage OA in dogs? What role does the entire veterinary team play when managing dogs with OA? Learn about Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and how it contributes to the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Also, learn how anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies work to control OA, so we can keep our canine patients comfortable.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Christopher Kennedy, DACVECC, DECVECC, a criticalist at the University of Liège - Belgium, on all things about focused cardiac ultrasound (FCU). Tune in to find out the use of this point-of-care-ultrasound that focuses on the heart, when we should be using FCU, and how we can go about implementing its use in our veterinary patients!

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we talk to Dr. Natalie Young, PharmD, about all things pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics when it comes to antibiotics! If you're prescribing antibiotics EVERY. SINGLE. DAY., you'll want to check out this podcast as we discuss how we can implement appropriate antimicrobial stewardship in our veterinary clinic, and why it's important. Find out how we can improve client compliance with antibiotics, and what common mistakes we want to avoid when it comes to interpretation of culture and susceptibility reports. Lastly, why is this important? Because of antibiotic resistance! Tune in to learn it from this veterinary pharmacist!

In today's VETgirl podcast, we interview Dr. Richard Meadows, DABVP (Canine and Feline) on what you need to know about vaccines in small animal practice. When it comes to Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD), what etiologies cause this? Which vaccines should you be reaching for in your canine and feline patients, and how do we determine what is "core" versus "non-core?" How do we best communicate vaccination strategy with our pet owners and improve preventative care? Tune in to learn more and learn it in this VETgirl podcast!

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Michelle Clancy and Dr. Maritza Goller of IndeVets on how being a veterinarian makes you a better parent, and how being a parent makes you a better veterinary professional! Tune in for some parenting life hacks for veterinary professionals! Today's VETgirl podcast is sponsored by IndeVets. IndeVets is creating a whole new way to work that puts vets like us first. They combine what makes associate work reliable with what makes relief work super flexible. That means all their doctors get proper pay for the hours they work, full benefits, and total schedule control -; with a team dedicated to their happiness and growth every step of the way. IndeVets is vet-led and currently hiring highly competent and nice doctors. Check out them out at indevets.com.

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, VETgirl's Chief Happiness Officer, Jeannine Moga, MA, MSW, LCSW, clinical veterinary social worker, chats with Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT on self-care, after-care, and professional care for veterinary professionals. What can we do to take care of ourselves as veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students? It's more than just a bubble bath and glass of wine... after all, scheduling and prioritizing self care, having awareness and goal setting, and taking the leap of professional care are all an important part of general wellness.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we discuss the high prevalence of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs, particularly in smaller breeds, as well as the wide variation in outcomes that occur as a result of this disease have stimulated discussion as what factors may impact these variable outcomes. Some dogs with MMVD will never develop clinical signs referable to their disease during their lifetime, while others will progress to outcomes such as congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or cardiac arrhythmias. Whether significant differences in clinical progression occur among breeds has not been extensively investigated outside of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, and Miniature Poodles.

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Christopher Pachel, DACVB, CABC on how to decode signs of urinary issues for cat owners. What are some common stressors for our feline patients, and how can this stress impact their urinary healthy? Tune in to learn what undesirable behaviors can be caused by stress, and what obvious to more subtle signs of stress can be seen in cats. Find out what key questions to ask about patient history including the home environment and feeding that may play a role, and learn recommendations for cat owners when it comes to all things behavior!

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Justine Johnson, DACVECC, Chief of Staff at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists on whether or not you should apply for an internship in veterinary medicine. Is it worth the delay in paying off your loans? Is it worth it to defer one year of making money? While AVMA and academia also have different opinions on this, listen in to hear veterinary specialists discuss applying for an internship is worth it!

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Natalie Marks on pandemic pet parents. It's been over 2 years post-COVID pandemic, and we're still seeing a lot of "pandemic-pet" related problems! What are some of the biggest issues veterinary professionals are seeing right now in first-time pet parents, and what about those pandemic pets who never received veterinary care during or post-pandemic? Tune in for some tips on how to best advise new pet parents, and what you can tell pet parents to help them transition back to the office when it comes to their pets!

In today's VETgirl podcast, we interview Dr. Michael Lappin, DACVIM, Professor at Colorado State University, on all things probiotics in dogs and cats. What are the "pros" of using probiotics in our veterinary patients, and is it more than just supplementing yogurt? While probiotics are designed to boost healthy gut bacteria (and hence, why they are used with gastrointestinal [GI] conditions), what other non-GI conditions should probiotics be considered in? What's the latest in veterinary studies when it comes to probiotics, and are probiotics beneficial for cats with stress-related conditions (e.g., upper respiratory infections!)? More importantly, how do we veterinary professionals choose which type of probiotic to use? Learn it in this VETgirl podcast!

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Ilona Rodan, DVM DABVP (feline medicine) will review how we can make our veterinary clinic more cat friendly. As cats consistently get less healthcare than dogs, what can we do to help minimize barriers for cat care for cat caregivers? What can we do to make clinics more cat-friendly? Are we recognizing the stress factors impacting cats, and how can this affect their urinary health? How can we take a more proactive role in feline urinary health? Learn it in this VETgirl podcast!

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we interview Dr. Richard Goldstein, DACVIM, DECVIM on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the role of complete blood count (CBC) hematology in veterinary medicine. What's the role of AI in veterinary medicine, and how can this help when it comes to reviewing blood smears in dogs and cats? Learn about the importance of blood smears in veterinary medicine, and when a blood smear should be performed to supplement the automated CBC results. Tune in to learn how to improve your CBC interpretation, thanks to technology, and improve your clinic efficiency!

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Korinn Saker, DACVN about understanding and managing Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) versus Feline Urethral Obstruction (UO). What's the clinical presentation and how do we work up these diseases? What role does nutrition play in FLUTD and UO and how can we help treat these all-to-common feline cases?

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Marc Seitz, DVM, DACVR, DABVP (Canine and Feline Practice), Assistant Clinical Professor of Diagnostic Imaging at Mississippi State University on a recent abstract entitled "Assessment of the validity of a standing abdominal point-of-care ultrasound exam for the evaluation of peritoneal effusion in dogs." If you have an ultrasound in your veterinary clinic, tune in to learn all things FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma) or POCUS ultrasound-related! Looking for the presence of ascites, pleural effusion, and pericardial effusion in your veterinary patients can be easily done with this readily available tool!

In today's VETgirl podcast, we interview Dr. Denis J. Marcellin-Little, DEDV, DACVS, DECVS, ACVSMR on what you need to know as a veterinary professional when it comes to canine osteoarthritis (OA). How can we detect earlier in our canine patients, and what can we do to prevent it and treat it? What type of multimodal treatment should we be using to treat our patients with OA? Tune in to learn more and learn it in this VETgirl podcast!

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we discuss urosepsis in dogs. Urosepsis simply refers to sepsis that occurs due to an infectious process originating within the urogenital tract. While urosepsis may not be your first differential in the typical septic patient, one study actually found that 35% of septic dogs had an infectious focus identified within either the urinary or genital tract (deLaforcade). There are various origins for urogenital infections that can lead to sepsis, including pyelonephritis, urogenital abscesses, pyometra, infectious prostatitis, septic uroabdomen, tumor necrosis within the urogenital tract, or infections associated with indwelling devices (King, Aronson). Unfortunately, there are few studies characterizing urosepsis in our canine patients. So, Perry et al wanted to evaluate this in a retrospective study entitled Clinical features, outcome, and illness severity scoring in 32 dogs with urosepsis (2017-2018). In this study, the authors evaluated 32 dogs diagnosed with urosepsis. Their objective was to describe the clinical features, outcome, and the utility of an illness severity scoring system in these dogs.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we will be evaluating two methods of pericardiocentesis based off a study by Cook et al entitled Prospective evaluation of pericardial catheter placement versus needle pericardiocentesis in the management of canine pericardial effusion. Pericardial effusion in dogs is a condition we see with some degree of frequency in the ER. The urgency of this condition arises from the buildup of trapped fluid in the small sac surrounding the heart, located between the pericardial lining and the myocardium. Normally this space is so small that you can't really see it on an emergency ultrasound scan without a cardiologist and a diagnostic ultrasound. When enough fluid builds up in the pericardial sac, this space becomes easier to see on emergency ultrasounds. But more importantly, as the fluid accumulates, the pressure in this trapped space compresses the heart chambers, preventing adequate filling of the heart, and results in less blood exiting the heart, and so less blood and oxygen is supplied to our vital organs. This condition is called cardiac tamponade and represents one of the causes of “obstructive shock.” Clinical signs that may clue us in to the presence of cardiac tamponade include Beck's triad of: 1) low blood pressure 2) muffled heart sounds 3) and jugular venous distention, and often the patient is also tachycardic which is the body's compensatory response to the lower cardiac filling volumes.

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Marisa Brunetti (IndeVets Chief Veterinary Officer) and Dr. Maria Botinas (IndeVets Area Medical Director) on how to work more efficiently in veterinary medicine. Tune in for some veterinary tips to gain some work-life balance back in veterinary medicine!

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Hazel Carney, DVM, DABVP (Canine and Feline Practice) on what you need to know about urinary health in aging cats. First, how do we get cat caregivers to be more proactive about feline healthcare, and how do we get cat owners to notice lower urinary tract signs such as PU/PD more? What are major signs and causes of lower urinary tract disease in the aging cat, and what steps can we help cat owners implement both nutrition-wise and environmental-wise to improve feline health? How can we take a more proactive role in feline urinary health? Learn it in this VETgirl podcast!

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we discuss atrial fibrillation (AF) in dogs. AF is a common arrhythmia in our canine patients, characterized by that classic “tennis shoes in a dryer” sound on auscultation. This arrhythmia is caused by disorganized, rapid electrical activity of the atria (Pedro). After identification of this abnormality on physical examination, it is important to confirm the arrhythmia with an electrocardiogram (ECG) and consider a full cardiac assessment to better understand the cause and severity of this finding. AF can itself lead to structural remodeling, and in humans with AF, an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is observed (Waldmann). However, it is unclear whether this risk for SCD is also true in dogs. So, Borgeat et al wanted to evaluate this in a study entitled "Prevalence of sudden cardiac death in dogs with atrial fibrillation." In this study, the authors hypothesize that a higher proportion of dogs with AF suffer from SCD than those with sinus rhythm and that SCD would be associated with complex ventricular arrhythmias as identified on a Holter monitor.

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Andrew Heller (IndeVets co-founder and IndeVet #1) and Dr. Samantha Cantor (Veterinary Success Manager) at IndeVets. Find out how to hire veterinarians and what some red flags are that you should look for when interviewing a veterinarian. What are some green flags when hiring? Often veterinarian owners aren't specifically trained in hiring so this podcast will provide some key tips!

In today's VETgirl podcast, we interview Dr. Deb Greco, PhD, DACVIM about diabetes mellitus in cats. Is there anything we as veterinary professionals can do better at identifying and monitoring cats that are either at risk or have preclinical diabetes? What can we do to work with our pet owners to keep cats from progressing to diabetes mellitus? Is there anything we can implement early - or even preemptively - to minimize the predisposition for insulin resistance? What are the odds of diabetic remission in cats? Learn long-term management - including dietary management, monitoring and tapering of insulin - in this VETgirl podcast!

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Marc Seitz, DVM, DACVR, DABVP (Canine and Feline Practice), Assistant Clinical Professor of Diagnostic Imaging at Mississippi State University on a recent study he published entitled "Sedation with dexmedetomidine is associated with transient gallbladder wall thickening and peritoneal effusion in some dogs undergoing abdominal ultrasonography." If you're doing point-of-care ultrasounds (AKA FAST ultrasounds) on your patients sedated with dexmedetomidine, you'll need to be on the look out for gallbladder edema or the "HALO" sign. Tune in to learn all the important differentials you should be keeping in mind when you see the HALO sign on veterinary ultrasound!

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (feline practice) will review feline urinary disease. What's the classic signalment for cats with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), and what are the clinical signs? What we can do to help cat owners identify it sooner, and how do we diagnose and manage cats with urinary disease? How can we take a more proactive role in feline urinary health? Learn it in this VETgirl podcast! Today's VETgirl podcast is sponsored by Royal Canin. Recommend multifunction Royal Canin Urinary SO (plus) CALM complete and balanced adult cat food to help support a healthy urinary tract while providing calming nutrients for cats facing stress. Learn more at my.royalcanin.com.

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Kathryn Slaughter-Mehfoud, DVM, MPH, on a few equine problems seen by a large animal/equine surgeon. Tune in to learn everything from angular limb deformities in foals, esophageal obstructions ("choke"), septic joints to OCD lesions to when you should refer a horse to a veterinary specialist or not! Plus, this is great info for veterinary students for board review!

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we discuss the treatment of refractory coccidioidomycosis in dogs. Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, is a common fungal infection in the southwestern United States that is caused by the organisms Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. We review the study by Shubitz et al entitled "Posaconazole treatment of refractory coccidioidomycosis in dogs."

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Meghan Vaught, DACVECC, Criticalist and ECC Service Director at the Maine Veterinary Medical Center on cyberbullying in veterinary medicine. What do we do when our veterinary staff and clinic undergo the vitriol of pet owners or veterinary professionals in general?

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review echocardiographic predictors of first onset of atrial fibrillation in dogs with chronic valvular heart disease (CVHD) AKA myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) using speckle tracking. The onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a negative prognostic indicator in dogs with underlying structural heart disease, and the likelihood of onset of atrial fibrillation is higher with increases in left atrial size and body weight. Furthermore, the greater the patient's ventricular response rate, or ultimately heart rate, in atrial fibrillation, the worse the prognosis is known to be. As a result, pharmacologic heart rate control is a major goal of treatment in dogs with atrial fibrillation secondary to structural heart disease. Early detection of onset of atrial fibrillation, if possible, would reduce the amount of time during which a dog may be experiencing as-yet undetected rapid atrial fibrillation. Data in humans have determined that certain markers on surface electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram (ECHO) can be useful in predicting the onset of atrial fibrillation. So, Toaldo et al wanted to evaluate this in a study entitled "Echocardiographic predictors of first onset of atrial fibrillation in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease." The goal of this study was to evaluate the utility of several echocardiographically-derived indicators of left atrial and ventricular size and function in predicting onset of atrial fibrillation in dogs with MMVD.

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Margie Scherk, DVM, DABVP on all things lower urinary tract in our feline patients! What do we do with our FLUTD / FIC cases? What do we do when we see cats presenting with these clinical signs, and is antimicrobial therapy warranted? Should I do a urinalysis on these feline patients, and what's the diagnostic approach to hematuria in cats?

In today's VETgirl podcast, we interview Dr. Lisa Radosta, DACVB about anxiety management in dogs and cats, including what potential causes or triggers contribute towards pet anxiety. How is anxiety manifested in dogs versus cats, and what screening questions should we veterinary professionals ask our pet owners to best screen for these common behavior problems? Tune in to know what medications and supplements are available and how to best treat anxiety in our feline and canine patients. Learn it in this VETgirl podcast!

In today's VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we interview Dr. Tamara Grubb, DVM, PhD, DACVAA about what's new with peri-operative pain management in veterinary medicine. Tune in to learn how and why we should address pain at multiple different levels in the pain pathway, and what veterinary professionals need to know about effective perioperative pain management.

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review Heterobilharzia americana (HA) infections in dogs. HA is a trematode parasite that can infect our canine patients, causing a condition known as schistosomiasis and potentially severe granulomatous disease. We know that specific snails are the intermediate host, and that dogs swimming in freshwater lakes or streams are often exposed to the free cercariae that have been released by an infected snail. The organisms infect the dog by dermal penetration, and can then migrate via the bloodstream to cause damage elsewhere and eventually to mate. Specifically, the organisms move to the liver and to the lungs, where they sexually mature into adult parasites. These adults can move via the portal system, and they mate and release fertilized eggs in the mesenteric veins. Enzymes facilitate transport of the eggs into the intestines, and they are ultimately excreted in the feces. To round out this process, a new stage of the organism, the flagellated miracidia, is released from the eggs to infect snails if the feces comes in contact with fresh water. And so the cycle continues!

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Sarah Ozawa, DACZM, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Exotics and Zoo department at NSCU, on the incidence of congestive heart failure (CHF) in rabbits. Based off her recent study Clinical and pathological findings in rabbits with cardiovascular disease: 59 cases (2001-2018), we discuss if rabbits develop cardiovascular disease, and if so, what are the clinical signs that we need to recognize? How do we identify and work up rabbits with CHF and what is the treatment? Tune in to learn it with our first VETgirl rabbit podcast ever!

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we discuss a point-of-care (POC) antibody assay for Coccidioides in dogs. Coccidioides is a systemic fungal infection also known as Valley Fever, common in the southwest United States and parts of northern Mexico (Brown). The fungal organisms live in the soil, but unfortunately can become aerosolized and inhaled, leading to disease. Affected dogs often suffer from respiratory disease, but a quarter of cases can result in more serious, disseminated infections (Davidson). In a study entitled "Clinical performance of a point-of-care Coccidioides antibody test in dogs" by Reagan et al, the authors dive into the diagnostic options available for detecting Coccidioides, and they offer a quick and helpful review of the available options. Briefly, several diagnostic options are available, though cytology, histopathology, or fungal culture represent the gold standards. An agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) assay is used commonly in dogs to detect IgM or IgG against fungal antigens, but this test is expensive, has certain technical challenges, and varies in performance. Additionally, an enzyme immunoassay can also be performed for rapid antibody detection, but this assay still requires sending samples to a reference laboratory. Lastly, an immunochromatographic lateral flow assay (LFA) is another type of rapid detection assay that detects antibodies against two Coccidiodies antigens. This is a POC test that can be performed in approximately 30 minutes! Therefore in the current study, the authors sought to determine the agreement between this LFA and the standard AGID assay in dogs with suspected coccidioidomycosis.