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We sit down with Drs. Paul Freeman and Nick Jeffery to discuss a treatment for down dogs that’s changing outcomes and conversations: percutaneous intradiscal chondroitinase injections that act like chemical fenestration, reduce extruded disc material, and help non-ambulatory dogs recover without opening the spine.

We walk through the origin of the idea, the ethical hurdles, and the growing dataset behind safety and effectiveness. You’ll hear why deep pain–positive dogs with acute disc injuries often do as well with enzyme injections as with decompressive surgery, and how careful case selection can minimize risk. We get practical about inclusion criteria—currently focused on dogs under 15 kg, with French Bulldogs now included under close monitoring—and the technical realities of needle placement, imaging guidance, and when to add MRI. We also dig into the strategy of treating three to five disc levels to lower recurrence, and why this multi-level approach could outperform single-site surgery over the long term.

The conversation doesn’t dodge the hard calls. We compare large compressive lesions versus primarily contusive injuries, discuss when early surgery still makes sense, and share early experiences expanding to cervical cases with ultrasound and fluoroscopic checks. Looking ahead, we explore research priorities: defining time windows for chronic presentations, tracking recurrence across breeds, and building the evidence to place chondroitinase correctly in the treatment pathway. We even touch on how AI could one day use imaging data to predict which dogs need urgent decompression and which can safely recover with enzyme-first care.

If you’re an ER vet, GP, or neurologist looking to offer owners real choices, this is a grounded, data-informed guide to a less invasive option that can preserve mobility and reduce euthanasia driven by cost. Listen, share with your team, and help more “down dogs” stand again. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: where would you place chondroitinase in your spinal care protocol?

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.12.0790

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Ever notice how the smallest habits in surgery are the hardest to justify with data? We dig into one of those everyday choices—taper vs. reverse cutting needles for intradermal closure after TPLO—and unpack what the evidence actually says about early incisional healing, complication rates, and the subtle differences that might matter at the 18–24 hour mark. With surgeon-researcher Josh Becker, we trace the path from hunches and mentor preferences to a pragmatic study design that could live in private practice and still push the conversation forward.

We talk candidly about why “non-inferiority” can be a messy label without a clear gold standard, how blinding and standardized photos helped keep bias in check, and why the simplest takeaway is also the most practical: both needle types can perform well in healthy TPLO patients. Josh shares when he reaches for taper vs. cutting based on tissue characteristics and body region, and we explore the mindset shift from “what I’ve always used” to “what this patient and this tissue need today.” The conversation also opens a bigger door: if veterinary medicine had a validated, objective incision scoring system, we could compare techniques, icing and heat protocols, bandaging, and mobilization with far more confidence.

Looking ahead, we map out next steps—replicating signals, expanding to other anatomical sites, and experimenting with image-based analytics or AI to quantify erythema and bruising consistently. Along the way, we keep it human: debriefs after cases, the humility of soft tissue surgery, and advice for students who want to build a thoughtful, evidence-aware surgical career. If you’ve ever argued for a needle out of habit, this episode invites you to choose with intention and ask for proof.

If this conversation helped refine your setup or sparked a change in your closure routine, subscribe, share the episode with a colleague, and leave a review—your feedback helps more vets find data they can use tomorrow.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.07.0479

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A fractured canine tooth tests more than a dog’s bite—it tests our choices as clinicians. We sat down with researchers Ethan Elazegui and Dr. Elias Wolfs to reexamine vital pulp therapy with new data, honest surprises, and practical guidance you can use on your next dentistry day. The conversation starts with what holds true: an ~80% success rate keeps vital pulp therapy squarely in the toolkit as a tooth-sparing option when pulp exposure is recent and the tissue is viable. Then we challenge a common belief: younger dogs didn’t show a significant edge in outcomes, pushing us to prioritize indications and technique over age alone.

We break down what most affects success, and one factor stands out—pulp dressing extrusion. Precision during placement isn’t a nicety; it’s the difference between healing and failure. We also talk timing, including a small-sample quirk that reminds us to interpret data with care. From there, we explore material science: MTA’s respected performance versus biodentine’s faster set, strong biocompatibility, and reduced discoloration risk. Human literature suggests comparable success and better cementum repair for biodentine, a promising path for veterinary endodontics as adoption grows.

Beyond procedures and products, we highlight the power of mentorship and student peer review to raise research quality—and why that matters for everyday clinical decisions. We even look ahead to AI-driven radiograph interpretation, where large, annotated datasets could help flag subtle endodontic and periodontal changes and support more consistent decision-making in general practice.

You’ll leave with clear steps for case selection, referral thresholds, and owner communication about follow-ups—because even good cases need rechecks to catch the 1-in-5 that fail months or years later. If you care about predictable outcomes, better materials, and sharper imaging insights, this conversation is for you. Enjoy the episode, share it with a colleague who does dentistry, and if it helped your practice, subscribe and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.04.0224

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Hyperkalemia in a blocked cat can feel like a five-alarm fire—until you remember what actually fixes the problem. We sit down with Drs. Stephanie Maciorowski and Elizabeth Rozanski to unpack fresh evidence showing that the simplest path is also the strongest: start IV fluids, give calcium gluconate to stabilize the myocardium, and prioritize rapid unobstruction. The headline finding is liberating for busy ERs and general practices alike—insulin with dextrose, terbutaline, or sodium bicarbonate did not outperform the foundational approach in lowering potassium or improving outcomes.

We walk through what this means at the cage-side level. Potassium often falls quickly once urine is flowing, so the early hours matter most. If a catheter won’t pass, decompressive cystocentesis can reduce pressure and buy time. We compare sedation choices, discuss monitoring strategies, and highlight which lab and ECG changes deserve your attention. The conversation also tackles a bigger theme: replacing ritual with proof. Many of us learned to stack drugs out of habit or anxiety; this study suggests we can streamline, reduce risk, and still deliver excellent survival—especially when teams move decisively to address the cause rather than chasing every downstream sign.

Along the way, we cover client education essentials—how to spot a block early, why immediate care matters, and what prevention looks like after discharge. For clinicians, we sketch out future research that could refine timing, trend analysis, and case stratification, including earlier potassium checkpoints and ionized calcium tracking. If you care about better outcomes, safer protocols, and fewer medication complications, this conversation offers practical, evidence-based steps you can use today.

If this episode helps you rethink your protocol, share it with a colleague, subscribe for more data-driven conversations, and leave a quick review so others can find the show.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.04.0258

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Ever wondered what we might be missing with traditional imaging techniques? Dr. Francesca Solari's groundbreaking research reveals a game-changing approach to diagnosing liver disease in dogs.

Laparoscopic ultrasonography is transforming how veterinarians evaluate canine liver disease, detecting lesions that traditional methods miss. Dr. Solari takes us through a fascinating AJVR study showing how this minimally invasive technique identifies more liver nodules than conventional transabdominal ultrasound. Perhaps most surprising? All lesions biopsied during her research turned out to be benign – a crucial reminder that finding nodules doesn't automatically indicate metastatic disease.

"Nothing is actually idiopathic," Dr. Solari notes provocatively. "It just means that we've missed the diagnosis." This philosophy drives the research into advanced diagnostic techniques that provide veterinarians with more complete information before determining treatment plans. Dr. Solari envisions a future where laparoscopic ultrasound becomes standard practice before curative-intent surgery, guiding decisions about surgical approaches, microwave ablation, or alternative therapies.

This episode highlights the beautiful translational relationship between human and veterinary medicine, with innovations flowing in both directions. Dr. Solari's work exemplifies how raising the standard of care in veterinary medicine ultimately benefits our beloved animal companions through more precise, personalized treatment plans. Whether you're a veterinary professional or simply passionate about advances in animal healthcare, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of veterinary diagnostics.

Listen, subscribe, and share your thoughts on this episode! Your ratings and reviews help us continue bringing you cutting-edge veterinary research that changes practice.

AJVR article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.25.01.0031

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Surgical options for our feline patients often lack the robust documentation available for canine procedures. Dr. Kristen Gabriel tackles this gap with her groundbreaking research on parasternal thoracotomy via sternocostal disarticulation in cats—a technique that offers promising results for thoracic exploration when traditional approaches fall short.

The conversation delves into the origins of this technique, which began with documentation in canine patients before Dr. Gabriel recognized its particular value for cats. As she explains, cats present unique challenges during median sternotomies due to their tiny sternums, where surgeons can accidentally slip off midline or even completely off the sternum. This alternative approach provides a solution to these anatomical challenges while delivering good short-term outcomes.

Perhaps most fascinating is Dr. Gabriel's candid discussion of the radiographic abnormalities discovered in nearly half of the post-operative cases. Despite this seemingly high complication rate, she emphasizes that most were minor or incidental findings without significant impact on patient recovery—a crucial distinction for both veterinarians and pet owners to understand. Looking forward, she outlines important research directions including longer-term follow-up studies and comparative analyses examining factors like patient comfort, surgical time, and visualization between different approaches. For practitioners, this technique offers not just a primary option but a valuable backup plan when median sternotomies don't go as expected.

Whether you're a cat surgeon facing the frustrations of traditional thoracic approaches, a general practitioner wanting to expand your surgical options, or simply passionate about advancing feline-specific medicine, this episode provides valuable insights into an underreported technique with promising clinical applications. Subscribe to Veterinary Vertex for more cutting-edge discussions at the intersection of research and clinical practice.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.03.0153

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Ever wondered how to master complex veterinary procedures without someone physically guiding you? Technical Tutorial Videos (TTVs) are revolutionizing veterinary education by providing visual demonstrations that text alone simply cannot convey.

In this illuminating conversation, three-time TTV author Dr. Rebecca Bishop shares her journey creating peer-reviewed video manuscripts for the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. She reveals how these innovative publications serve as powerful teaching tools for techniques ranging from equine tracheobronchial washing to surgical instrument handling for left-handed practitioners. This latter topic holds special significance for Dr. Bishop, who was once told to "give up hope of being a surgeon" because she was left-handed – a limitation she has thoroughly disproven and now helps others overcome through her video teaching.

Dr. Bishop demystifies the production process, explaining how she plans content strategically, captures video footage, and records audio separately to create polished, educational resources. She shares practical advice for potential video creators: "Don't let fear of performance or technology hold you back." Unlike standard online videos, these manuscripts undergo rigorous peer review while remaining open access, allowing authors to retain copyright and share widely for teaching purposes. The format provides unique opportunities for collaboration, with Dr. Bishop involving veterinary trainees in scriptwriting and production.

Whether you're a practicing veterinarian seeking to expand your technical repertoire, an educator looking for innovative teaching methods, or a veterinary professional considering sharing your expertise through this medium, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of veterinary education. Watch Dr. Bishop's published technical tutorial videos on the AVMA Journals website or YouTube channel and consider how you might contribute to this growing educational resource.

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Thermal glass bead disinfection could revolutionize how veterinary clinics manage instrument hygiene between patients. On this episode of Veterinary Vertex, we dive deep with researchers Steven Frederick and Dr. KP Spivey into their groundbreaking study showing how this technology effectively eliminates bacteria from suture scissors in just 60 seconds.

The conversation reveals surprising findings about bacterial contamination in veterinary settings. Roughly a third of pre-disinfection samples showed clinically relevant bacterial growth, including multi-drug resistant organisms—a stark reminder of cross-contamination risks in busy practices. After 60 seconds of glass bead disinfection, researchers found zero detectable bacterial growth on any scissors tested, demonstrating remarkable effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens.

Beyond the clinical implications, this research highlights significant operational benefits. As Steven explains, traditional sterilization protocols demand substantial technician time, require extensive instrument inventories, and generate considerable environmental waste through disposable packaging. Glass bead disinfection offers a practical middle ground that maintains patient safety while addressing real-world constraints of busy clinical environments. The researchers also discuss the potential for expanding this approach to other instruments and explore emerging technologies like ultraviolet wave disinfection that could further transform infection control practices.

Perhaps most valuable is the researchers' perspective on innovation in veterinary medicine. They emphasize that sometimes the most transformative ideas come from unexpected sources—students, new technicians, or even clients who bring fresh perspectives. Their work exemplifies how questioning established protocols can lead to practical solutions that enhance patient care while improving efficiency and sustainability. Tune in to discover how this simple technology could change your practice's approach to infection control!

Don't forget to subscribe to Veterinary Vertex and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Open access AJVR article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.25.04.0123

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What if your pet's habit of eating socks, furniture stuffing, or other non-food items isn't simply bad behavior, but actually a cry for help? Dr. Julianna Perez's groundbreaking research reveals that pica – the consumption of non-food items – may be a clinical sign of chronic enteropathy in dogs and cats.

The discovery began in emergency rooms, where veterinarians noticed dogs returning repeatedly for foreign body obstructions. When they removed these objects surgically, they observed abnormal intestinal tissue with blunted villi, erosions, and ulcerations. This led Dr. Perez to systematically collect biopsies during these surgeries, with astonishing results: 99% of animals with pica showed evidence of chronic enteropathy, primarily lymphoplasmacytic enteritis.

Most surprising was the severity of inflammation found in these pets, despite many showing only subtle clinical signs that owners often dismissed as normal – occasional vomiting, picky eating, or mild digestive issues. The research challenges the common assumption that pica is primarily behavioral, suggesting that in adult animals over two years old, it should be considered a medical condition until proven otherwise.

"Pica is not because animals are misbehaved," emphasizes Dr. Perez, whose work was inspired by a heartbreaking case of a service dog that died after multiple foreign body obstructions. The study found mixed breeds (particularly doodles), pit bulls, and retrievers commonly affected, though all breeds can develop this condition.

For veterinarians, this research highlights the importance of taking biopsies during foreign body surgeries and looking beyond the immediate obstruction to investigate underlying causes. For pet owners, recognizing repeated pica as a potential medical issue could prevent dangerous obstructions and potentially save lives.

Listen as Dr. Perez shares her findings, discusses future research directions exploring nutritional and molecular aspects of pica, and offers practical advice for both veterinarians and pet owners dealing with this challenging condition.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.02.0079

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Salmonellosis is far more than just a risk from undercooked burgers. In this eye-opening conversation, wildlife health experts Dr. Sonia Hernandez and Dr. Kim Perez reveal how everyday environmental exposures may pose significant yet underrecognized transmission hazards for this dangerous bacteria.

The researchers unpack their fascinating studies of white ibises adapting to urban environments in Florida and the persistence of Salmonella on shared surfaces like picnic tables and bird feeders. Their findings challenge conventional wisdom about disease transmission, showing how dried bird droppings can harbor infectious bacteria long after they appear harmless. "A lot of times we see these fecal stains and we think, well, they're not wet, they're not fresh, but they don't necessarily have to be in order to still have infectious Salmonella in them," Dr. Hernandez explains.

The conversation explores surprising discoveries about immunity patterns in young birds and the concerning ineffectiveness of antimicrobial coatings on bird feeders. The researchers discuss how their work sits at the intersection of wildlife conservation, public health, and veterinary medicine—exemplifying the One Health approach. They raise important questions about wildlife feeding practices, noting that while bird feeders bring joy to many, they may create disease hotspots affecting not just birds but also squirrels, raccoons, household pets, and ultimately humans.

For veterinarians and the public alike, this episode offers practical insights into reducing Salmonella risks without sacrificing our connections to wildlife and pets. The key takeaway? Simple habits like handwashing after outdoor activities or pet handling remain our best defense against this widespread pathogen. As Dr. Hernandez notes, "I think when I was little, I was always taught wash your hands before you eat. I think we should bring that back."

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.03.0144

AJVR article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.24.12.0397

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