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Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming veterinary diagnostic imaging, but are we ready? In this illuminating conversation with veterinary radiologist Dr. Ryan Appleby, we explore the joint position statement from the American College of Veterinary Radiology and European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging on AI technologies.

The eye-opening discussion reveals that none of the currently available AI products for veterinary diagnostic imaging meet established standards for transparency, validation, or safety. Ryan walks us through the extensive collaborative process behind developing the position statement and outlines what veterinarians should expect from AI companies regarding product information. He emphasizes the critical need to separate marketing claims from scientific evidence when evaluating these emerging technologies.

Beyond just technical considerations, we dive into the ethical dimensions of AI implementation, with Ryan powerfully arguing that improved diagnostic accuracy alone isn't sufficient justification for adoption. "We really need to point out and show that leads to a better health outcome," he explains. "Otherwise, we have no business charging our clients for deploying that piece of technology." This conversation offers practical guidance for veterinarians navigating AI tools, including what clients should know about their use and privacy implications.

Whether you're already incorporating AI into your practice or simply curious about its future applications, this episode provides essential context for understanding how these powerful tools should be evaluated, implemented, and regulated in veterinary medicine. Subscribe to Veterinary Vertex for more conversations at the cutting edge of veterinary medicine and practice.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.01.0027

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"A wolf at the door" – that's how researchers describe the growing threat of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), a potentially deadly tick-borne disease that's increasingly prevalent across the Americas. In this eye-opening conversation, Drs. Janet Foley and Andres Lopez-Perez challenge common misconceptions about this dangerous pathogen.

Did you know the brown dog tick – a primary vector for RMSF – thrives in urban environments rather than wilderness areas? This tick commonly infests homes, yards, and kennels, putting dogs and their human families at risk even in cities and towns. Drs. Foley and Lopez-Perez emphasize that veterinarians serve as crucial frontline defenders through early detection and treatment, potentially saving both canine and human lives.

Time is the enemy with RMSF. Each 2-3 day delay in starting doxycycline treatment doubles or triples the risk of death. While case fatality rates vary dramatically between regions, Drs. Foley and Lopez-Perez attribute these differences primarily to healthcare access and speed of diagnosis rather than bacterial strain differences. Their international collaborations reveal how the same disease manifests differently across various ecological settings from Brazil to Mexico to the United States yet shares common challenges requiring coordinated One Health solutions.

For veterinarians, the key takeaway is maintaining a high index of suspicion for RMSF in endemic areas, even when symptoms initially appear vague. Despite today's focus on antimicrobial stewardship, the hosts emphasize that appropriate doxycycline use for suspected RMSF represents good medicine given the disease's potential lethality. Through greater awareness, timely intervention, and collaborative approaches across medical disciplines, we can better protect both animal and human health from this serious emerging threat.

Listen now to understand the evolving ecology of this disease, learn practical approaches to diagnosis and prevention, and discover how your veterinary practice can play a vital role in addressing this significant One Health challenge.

AJVR article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.24.11.0368

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.11.0756

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Ever wondered if you really need to change that needle after drawing up a vaccine? In this eye-opening conversation, Julia Tawil and Dr. Rachael Kreisler challenge a decades-old practice that most of us have never questioned.

Their meticulously designed study measured exactly how much a needle dulls after puncturing a vaccine vial—and the results might surprise you. Using precise force measurements, they discovered that needle sharpness decreases by less than 20% after vial puncture—well below the threshold considered clinically significant. What matters more? The needle's gauge, brand, and how gently you pierce that vial in the first place.

The implications extend far beyond a single needle. With 76% of veterinary professionals routinely changing needles after vaccine aspiration, this small practice change could significantly reduce medical waste, lower needlestick injury risks, and save time across the profession. A follow-up clinical trial with 75 dogs found no difference in patient response between changed and unchanged needles.

This conversation highlights how scientific inquiry can transform everyday veterinary practices, creating safer, more sustainable clinics without compromising patient care. It's a powerful reminder to question even our most fundamental assumptions and seek evidence for everything we do. 

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.01.0025

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Curious about the scientific evidence behind treating joint infections in foals? This eye-opening conversation with Dr. David Wallace explores groundbreaking research validating common clinical practices while revealing surprising limitations.

Septic joints in foals present a clinical challenge requiring both local and systemic antimicrobial therapy. Until now, veterinarians have largely extrapolated treatment protocols from adult horses without solid evidence supporting these approaches in neonatal patients. Dr. Wallace's research addresses this critical knowledge gap, examining whether concurrent intravenous regional limb perfusion (IRLP) and systemic amikacin administration achieves therapeutic concentrations in both compartments.

The results offer reassurance that splitting the amikacin dose—one-third for regional perfusion and two-thirds systemically—effectively treats both joint infections and underlying systemic disease. Most joints achieved therapeutic concentrations, though significant challenges emerged with hind limb perfusions. The metatarsophalangeal joint consistently failed to reach target levels, revealing important technical limitations around tourniquet placement and vascular integrity that clinicians should consider when treating these patients.

This conversation highlights numerous opportunities for future research, from evaluating alternative tourniquet designs to determining appropriate dose adjustments for multiple affected limbs. Dr. Wallace emphasizes that individual patient response remains paramount, reminding us that "foals are not small horses" and require specialized approaches. Whether you're a practicing veterinarian, student, or equine enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights into evidence-based care for our youngest equine patients. Subscribe now to stay updated on the latest advances in veterinary medicine!

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.10.0678

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A groundbreaking approach to equine intestinal motility takes center stage as Drs. Barbara Delvescovo and Marta Cercone join us to discuss their pioneering research on ultrasound-guided celiac plexus blocks in horses. Their remarkable findings reveal that this technique not only restores but actually enhances intestinal motility beyond baseline levels in normal horses—without causing discomfort.

Post-operative ileus remains one of the most challenging conditions in equine medicine, significantly increasing mortality rates after colic surgery. Traditional treatments often fall short, requiring a multimodal approach with limited options. This innovative nerve block technique offers a promising new tool that equine practitioners with basic ultrasound skills can implement in their practice.

The conversation takes fascinating turns as we explore the researchers' diverse backgrounds, from Marta's long-standing interest in neuromodulation to Barbara's clinical practice insights. Their journey reveals how mentorship and curiosity drive scientific discovery, perfectly captured in Marta's guiding principle: "True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing." They also share encouraging news for horse owners—contrary to common belief, many horses return to full athletic performance after colic surgery with modern management techniques. The team is now extending their research to clinical cases and inflammatory conditions, potentially transforming how we approach equine gastrointestinal disorders. For veterinarians seeking innovative solutions to challenging cases, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of regional anesthesia, ultrasonography, and equine medicine.

AJVR open access article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.24.11.0328

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When your pet needs ear surgery, their eyes might be the last thing on your mind. Yet Dr. Bianca Hartrum's pioneering research reveals a critical connection between ear procedures and vision health that veterinary professionals and pet owners can no longer afford to ignore.

Dr. Hartrum's study examines ocular examinations before and after total ear canal ablation and bulla osteotomy (TECALBO) procedures in cats and dogs. The findings are striking: a staggering 90.9% of cats developed Horner's syndrome following surgery—far higher than previously documented rates. Additionally, 20% of patients already had eye disease related to their ear condition before surgery, while another 30% had unrelated ocular issues discovered during comprehensive exams.

The research originated from a troubling case early in Dr. Hartrum's residency—a dog with a severe melting corneal ulcer and facial nerve paralysis following ear surgery. This prompted her deep dive into existing literature, where she found only passing mentions of neuro-ophthalmic complications without detailed analysis. Her study fills this critical knowledge gap with ophthalmologic expertise and data-driven recommendations that are already transforming clinical practice.

The take-home message is clear and actionable: thorough eye examinations should be standard before and after ear surgeries. Dr. Hartrum recommends Schirmer tear tests, fluorescein staining, and post-operative topical lubricants as minimum protective measures. These simple steps can prevent potentially devastating vision complications. These findings can lead to new collaborative care protocols incorporating pre- and post-operative eye exams into surgical costs.

Has your veterinarian discussed potential eye complications before your pet's ear surgery? Share your experience and help spread awareness about this important connection between ear and eye health in our beloved companions.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.08.0533

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Breathing new life into brachycephalic airway surgery practices, this eye-opening conversation with Drs. Vanna Dickerson and Mason Hill reveals how implementing standardized protocols can dramatically reduce post-operative complications in our flat-faced canine companions.

The surge in popularity of brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs has brought increased attention to the challenges these dogs face during surgical procedures. Through collaborative efforts between surgery, anesthesia, and critical care specialists at Texas A&M University, the team developed a comprehensive perioperative management strategy that's making a real difference in patient outcomes. Their research demonstrated significant improvements in respiratory distress events, though dogs with pre-existing regurgitation issues remain a high-risk population requiring special consideration.

What makes this episode particularly valuable for veterinary professionals is the practical approach to implementation. Rather than complex interventions, the team created an accessible one-page protocol guide that practices can adapt to their specific environments. As Dr. Dickerson emphasizes, "The surgery isn't the hard part—it's managing the perioperative period that can go wrong." For dog owners, this research offers both reassurance about improving surgical outcomes and practical guidance about what questions to ask their veterinarians before procedures.

Whether you're a surgeon, general practitioner, or a devoted brachycephalic breed owner, this episode provides crucial insights that could potentially save lives. 

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.09.0598

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Could your horse be vitamin E deficient without you knowing it? New research suggests this vital nutrient deficiency might be far more common than we realize, even in horses with access to fresh pasture.

Drs. Amy Johnson and Megan Palmisano join Veterinary Vertex to discuss their groundbreaking study examining vitamin E concentrations in hospitalized horses. They share a stunning revelation: approximately 17% of adult horses and 5% of foals arrived at their hospital already deficient in vitamin E, despite coming from the nutrient-rich mid-Atlantic region. Most surprising, these deficiencies occurred across different management styles, suggesting this problem transcends typical risk factors.

As Dr. Johnson explains, vitamin E deficiency has serious implications, particularly for neurological health. Her work as a neurologist revealed connections between vitamin E deficiency and devastating conditions like equine motor neuron disease, equine neuroaxonal dystrophy, and equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy. The researchers initially hypothesized that hospitalization might worsen vitamin E status by restricting access to green forage, though their findings suggest short hospital stays don't significantly impact levels.

The conversation delves into practical aspects every horse owner should know: the importance of testing individual horses rather than assuming herd status, proper handling techniques for blood samples to prevent false readings, and recommendations for seasonal testing schedules. Perhaps most critically, they emphasize that horses at the same farm eating identical diets can have dramatically different vitamin E statuses.

For veterinarians and owners alike, this episode offers vital perspective on an often-overlooked aspect of equine nutrition that could prevent serious neurological disease. Understanding your horse's vitamin E status through regular testing and appropriate supplementation when needed provides a simple but potentially life-changing intervention for their long-term health.

Listen, share, and leave us a review to help more horse owners discover this essential information about equine vitamin E requirements!

Open access JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.09.0590

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Dr. Jennifer Granick takes us deep into her groundbreaking research on antibiotic prescribing patterns in companion animal practice, revealing both challenges and opportunities for improvement.

This conversation unveils the complex reality of veterinary prescribing. Perhaps most surprising is the finding that preventive antibiotic treatments typically last the same duration (10 days) as those targeting confirmed infections—a practice without scientific justification.

What makes this discussion particularly valuable is Dr. Granick's practical approach to creating change. Rather than overwhelming practitioners with an insurmountable challenge, she advocates starting small: "Pick one common condition, check prescribing guidelines, and make one small change." This accessible strategy empowers veterinarians to contribute meaningfully to antimicrobial stewardship without complete practice overhauls. Meanwhile, pet owners gain crucial perspective on when antibiotics truly help versus when they might cause harm.

As Dr. Granick's team explores innovative methods using electronic health records and AI to gather prescribing data while maintaining privacy, the future of veterinary antimicrobial stewardship looks promising. Her parting wisdom serves as both warning and hope: antibiotics are indeed life-saving, but only if they continue to work. Join us for this essential conversation at the intersection of companion animal medicine, public health, and our shared responsibility to preserve these precious medications for generations to come.

Open access JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.11.0716

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Artificial intelligence is no longer the future of veterinary medicine—it's very much the present. In this captivating discussion with guest editors Casey Cazer, Parminder Basran, and Renata Ivanek, we explore the groundbreaking AJVR supplemental issue "From Bark to Bytes: Artificial Intelligence Transforming Veterinary Medicine." 

The conversation reveals how AI applications already extend far beyond the clinical notes scribes that many practitioners might be familiar with. Veterinarians are now using AI-assisted stethoscopes to detect bovine respiratory disease, employing machine learning algorithms to predict Lyme disease risk patterns, and leveraging artificial intelligence to fill gaps in antimicrobial resistance surveillance data. Each application demonstrates how this technology can enhance clinical decision-making while accelerating vital research.

Our guests emphasize that successful AI implementation requires multidisciplinary collaboration, quality data, and thoughtful integration. "Garbage in, garbage out" remains a fundamental principle—without standardized, high-quality data, even the most sophisticated AI tools will produce unreliable results. The ethical dimensions of AI in veterinary medicine also take center stage in our discussion, from ensuring data privacy and informed consent to recognizing inherent biases and maintaining the veterinarian's ultimate responsibility for patient care.

For practitioners curious about incorporating AI tools into their workflow, our experts recommend starting with well-researched technologies, implementing them gradually, and evaluating how they affect the veterinarian-client relationship. As this field continues its rapid evolution, staying informed through resources like this supplemental issue becomes increasingly crucial for veterinarians who want to harness AI's potential while navigating its challenges. Join the conversation at the second Symposium for Artificial Intelligence in Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University (May 16-18, 2025) to explore how these technologies can help shape the future of animal healthcare.

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