Precision medicine: an opportunity for a paradigm shift in veterinary medicine

Research in the field of precision medicine will undoubtedly reveal more evidence of the extent to which humans and animals share common molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis that are clinically relevant and therapeutically actionable. Adopting this new paradigm for enhancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease has the potential to dramatically transform the practice of veterinary and human medicine.

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Mydriatic effects of topical rocuronium bromide in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots

The avian iris is composed predominantly of striated muscle fibers, making parasympatholytic mydriatic agents clinically ineffective. Topical administration of rocuronium bromide has been shown to result in mydriasis in several species of birds of prey, but its efficacy in psittacines has not been evaluated. In a study of 8 healthy adult Hispaniolan Amazon parrots given rocuronium bromide (20 μL/eye of a 10 mg/mL solution) or saline solution, a significant difference in pupillary diameter following the active versus the control treatment was noted from 20 to 360 minutes after drug administration. Minimal adverse effects were noted, although 3 birds had transient inferior eyelid paresis after receiving rocuronium.

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Palliative radiation therapy for solid tumors in dogs

Palliative radiation therapy has been a mainstay for the treatment of human patients with advanced malignancies for many years. The primary goal of PRT is improving quality of life, although PRT may also be associated with improved survival times. In a review of medical records of 103 dogs with solid tumors that underwent PRT, 79 (77%) had a clinical response (defined as improvements in clinical signs such as appetite, energy, lameness, nasal discharge, hemorrhage, signs of pain, inflammation, and obstruction). Median survival time was 134 days, but varied substantially among tumor types. Most dogs tolerated PRT well. Acute and chronic adverse effects were observed in 57 and 8 dogs, respectively, but were generally self-limiting.

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Short-term clinical outcome of laparoscopic liver biopsy in dogs

Although laparoscopy has been used for diagnostic purposes in veterinary medicine for several decades, few reports exist detailing complication and conversion (from laparoscopy to open laparotomy) rates for specific diagnostic laparoscopic procedures in dogs. In a review of medical records for 106 dogs that underwent laparoscopic liver biopsy with a single-port or multiport technique, biopsy samples of sufficient size and quality for histologic evaluation were obtained from all dogs. Two dogs required conversion to an open laparotomy because of splenic laceration during initial port placement. One hundred one dogs survived to discharge; 5 were euthanized owing to progression of liver disease and poor prognosis.

A split-thickness soft palate hinged flap and bilateral buccal mucosal rotation flaps for one-stage repair of a bilateral hypoplastic soft palate in a dog

A 14-week-old 8.5-kg (18.7-lb) dog evaluated because of chronic rhinitis with bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge was found on oral examination to have a short, incompletely formed soft palate with bilateral clefts but without a prominent pseudouvula. The dog underwent 1-stage reconstruction of the soft palate by means of a split-thickness soft palate hinged flap and bilateral buccal mucosal rotation flaps. Examination 3 years after surgery revealed the dog to be in good general health, with resolution of oronasal reflux; however, occasional episodes of mild sneezing and nasal discharge persisted. Oral examination revealed attenuation of the bilateral clefts; however, a normal soft palate length was not achieved.

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Validation of a portable pneumatic captive bolt device as a one-step method of euthanasia for depopulation of feedlot cattle

In an animal health emergency such as a foreign animal disease outbreak, disease eradication could potentially require mass depopulation of commercial livestock operations. Given the size of these operations, traditional approaches to depopulation may not be adequate. Thus, a rapid, consistently effective euthanasia method for mass depopulation is needed. In a study involving 66 feedlot cattle, a penetrating captive bolt device with a built-in low-pressure air channel pithing mechanism was found to be an acceptable 1-step method of euthanasia. Death was successfully achieved without application of an ancillary technique in all 66 cattle; however, 4 (6%) cattle required a second or third shot because of technical errors in device placement.

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Characteristics of the labor market for veterinary technician specialists in 2013

Although specific qualifications required for veterinary technicians to obtain the veterinary technician specialist designation are well defined, little information exists on employment characteristics of VTSs or on additional benefits individuals receive as a result of obtaining the VTS designation. A survey of 351 VTSs revealed that weighted mean pay rate was $23.50/h, with 51.3% (180/351) of respondents having received a raise after obtaining VTS certification. Being male, having attended graduate school, having > 4 years of VTS experience, holding a supervisory or management position, being employed by an academic employer or referral practice, and working in the Northeast increased the overall odds of receiving a higher pay rate as a VTS.

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