APRIL by vetreview

05 April 2021 ve t-review.com

VE T R E V I E W FROM VETERINARIANS TO VETERINARIANS

V E T REVIEW

Enjoy!

Fol l ow us o n s o c i a l m e d i a

SDMA in fat dogs

Phosphorus salts are not safe

Interview with Sarah Brisson

Hip dysplasia in Rottweilers

Hepatocelular carcinoma

Interview with Saskia Bogman

32 Toceranib, ketamine, IBD

Interview with Tierra D. Price

6 Pet owners seek partnership

7 Rye is more sustanable than corn

15 Flash glucose monitoring systems

16 Interview with Shelby Baden

26 Ranitidine/ Botanical mixes

Interview with Hilvy Cheung

39 Shorts

For advertising enquiries: info@vet-review.com Publishers accept no responsibility for the claims and opinions made by advertisers, manufacturers or contributors. All rights reserved. ISSN 2669-2376 Cover image courtesy: Dmitry vaneeva/stock.adobe.com

SDMA in fat dogs Study found that body fat percentage is negatively associated with SDMA* in dogs. It means that if the body weight increases, the SDMA concentration decreases1. Obesity do affect renal structure, therefore, renal function needs to be monitored in obese dogs. But SDMA concentration should be evaluated individually, keeping in mind body weight. Previous studies do show, however, that obese individuals might be in a pre-diabetic or diabetic state associated with glomerular hyperfiltration which might result in the increased renal elimination of SDMA2.

*SDMA - Symmetric dimethylarginine

1 – Hillaert A, Liu DJX, Daminet S, Broeckx BJG, Stock E, Paepe D, et al. (2021) Serum symmetric dimethylarginine shows a relatively consistent long-term concentration in healthy dogs with a significant effect of increased body fat percentage. PLoS ONE 16(2): e0247049. 2 - Pistrosch F, Herbrig K, Kindel B, Passauer J, Fischer S, Gross P. Rosiglitazone improves glomerular hyperfiltration, renal endothelial dysfunction, and micro- albuminuria of incipient diabetic nephropathy in patients. Diabetes. 2005;54:2206–2211

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Phosphorus salts are not safe Inorganic phosphorus salts are added in pet food as additive for water binding, preservation, texture, colour and palatability. That may lead to exceeded recommended daily allowance for phosphorus in pet food. In the last several decades, discussion on the adverse effects of dietary phosphorus additives has intensified, partly because of the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease in humans and cats. In this study monosodium phosphate and monopotassium phosphate additives were evaluated1. Feeding these salts caused disturbances of Ca and P metabolism in dogs, which could pose a risk for renal and skeletal health over an extended period. Thus, the use of phosphorus salts in pet food is not considered as safe.

1 - Dobenecker B, Reese S, Herbst S (2021) Effects of dietary phosphates from organic and inorganic sources on parameters of phosphorus homeostasis in healthy adult dogs. PLoS ONE 16(2): e0246950.

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P e t o w ne rs s e e k p a r tne rs hip Recent study suggests that a collaborative

eliciting the client’s perspective and con-

approach between veterinarians and

cerns.

clients may improve client satisfaction1. Initial feelings of partnership could be

Another very important aspect of communi-

established during the information gather-

cation is presentation of various options.

ing portion by listening to client concerns

Pet owners reflected on past experiences

and respecting their knowledge of their pet.

with veterinarians who did not present them with options and who appeared to

Pet owners described increased difficulty

make decisions on behalf of the client,

understanding information when it was new

without involving them in the decision.

to them. This highlights the importance for

Several participants described “being told

veterinarians to assess the clients’ current

what to do instead of being presented as

knowledge before providing information.

an option”, as being “uncomfortable” and

That can be accomplished by inquiring

“awkward”. A shared decision-making

about the client’s current understanding of

model might bring more client satisfaction

a topic.

than paternalistic approach.

Pet owners also seek acknowledgement of their body language and expressions. It is important to recognize and acknowledge clients’ non-verbal cues by checking-in or

1 - Janke N, Coe JB, Bernardo TM, Dewey CE, Stone EA (2021) Pet owners’ and veterinarians’ perceptions of information exchange and clinical decision-making in companion animal practice. PLoS ONE 16(2): e0245632 V E T REVIEW

C a rb o n fo otp rint in d o g fo o d Rye is more sustainable than corn As the need for more sustainable components in dog food grows, rye is receiving more interests. Rye is characterized by a low carbon footprint because it needs less water. However, it is still not commonly used in dogs’ diets, even though digestibility of rye is not different compared to all other cereals. Additionally, the crude protein content for corn meal and rye is almost identical (111–113 g/kg DM)1.

Elnur/stock.adobe.com

El-Wahab, A.A.; Wilke, V.; Grone, R.; Visscher, C. Nutrient Digestibility of a Vegetarian Diet with or without the Supplementation of Feather Meal and Either Corn Meal, Fermented Rye or Rye and Its Effect on Fecal Quality in Dogs. Animals 2021, 11, 496

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DVM Sarah Brisson from Canada

” Mentorship can really be valuable beyond just case discussions.”

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Mentorship was very important for you

that, then I wouldn’t consider the po-

as a newly graduated vet. Why?

sition further. I wanted to spend a full day immersed with the team, to see

When I graduated from vet school, I

what it would be like to work there.

was completely overwhelmed by imposter syndrome. I did not feel there

I made a definitive list of what I was

was a place for me in this profession,

looking for in terms of a job and a

and felt totally unprepared for the

mentor, and I discussed everything on

challenges of veterinary practice. I was

the list with the practices I was looking

terrified to start working, and to be

at, to make sure that we were on the

honest I didn’t expect to stay in clinical

same page. I wanted to make sure that

practice long at all.

my employer and I had similar expectations. I also wanted to ensure that my

I knew that in order to give clinical

mentor not only wanted to take on the

practice a chance, I needed to find a

role of mentor, but that we would be a

place where I would feel supported

good fit in terms of practicing style.

and encouraged as I found my way. Vet school gives you the knowledge

After each interview I, took notes on

you need, but your first job is where

my experience, so that I could compare

you learn to use it. That is where good

them all after. This approach led me to

mentorship in your new clinic becomes a mentor who not only was the type so essential.

of veterinarian I wanted to be, but was genuinely excited to fill the mentor

In order to ensure I found the mentor-

role. I found myself in a practice that

ship I wanted, I only applied to prac-

was happy to support my growth, and

tices that, in their job posting, clearly

working with a team who cheered me

outlined an interest in supporting new

on as I navigated the challenges of

graduate veterinarians. Then I insisted

being a new vet. That is how I learned

on working interviews at every clinic

that the entire team plays a huge role

I applied to. If they couldn’t offer me

in your mentorship!

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Being a new vet is not easy. You really

plan for your debt payment. What gener-

need someone to discuss cases with

al advices would you give for veterinary

you, be a second opinion on your physi-

students or new grads with a debt?

cal exam findings, help you through the client communication hurdles, jump in to

For me personally, I wanted to remove

help you through your surgical firsts, and

the stress of debt as quickly as possible

hug you after your first euthanasia. I can

because it was a huge source of stress for

honestly say the reason I’m a

me. I think the biggest thing is to make

happy veterinarian now is because I

sure you have a clear plan and stick to it

wasn’t thrown in the deep end to start. I

as much as possible.

found my way with support and

I chose a rural position that allowed me a

guidance, grew my confidence, and

lower cost of living, and the opportunity

ultimately it grew my love for this

for extra income by taking on extra work

profession.

if I wanted to.

Mentorship is essential in veterinary

I made decisions that would keep my

medicine. I see so many new graduates

costs to a minimum (I buy produce on the

leave their first jobs as soon as their

clearance rack, I thrift all my work clothes

contract is up. Often I think there is a

and furniture), etc.

disconnect between what the employer considers mentorship, and what the

I like to put the amount of money I know

mentee is looking for. A very honest

I can afford, towards my debt as soon as I

and clear discussion to define what that

get paid, instead of waiting until the end

mentorship relationship will look like is

of the month. This prevented me from

necessary to ensure the relationship is

spending it on things I didn’t need, like

mutually beneficial, to set clear boundar-

I would if I waited until the end of the

ies and expectations, and that you are on

month. I also found it really satisfying to

the same page.

keep a spreadsheet to track my repayment. Watching the numbers slowly go

You have very strategic and determined

down is very addicting!

I think knowing your worth is important. There

I am more unsure than ever about what I want

is absolutely no shame in asking to be appro-

to do next! I think what has changed is that

priately compensated for your work. So many

now, I see that as exciting and not stressful!

new veterinarians are hesitant to negotiate

I didn’t even think I would like clinical prac-

their contracts when they are offered a posi-

tice, and now I find that I love it. Of all things,

tion, and as a result just accept the offer that

I thought I would hate emergency medicine

is put in front of them. I think that is a huge

and it has become one of my favourite parts.

mistake. You have great value, even if you are a new graduate.

I’ve learned that the best approach for me is to keep an open mind and take things as they

In one of your posts you wrote: “Year 2 as

come. The beautiful thing about being a vet-

a vet is tough. I’m over the steepest part of

erinarian is that there are so many ways to be

the learning curve in some ways, but in other

one. I love that I am never stuck doing any one

ways it’s just begun.” At this moment do you

thing. I don't know what the future holds for

have more questions or answers regarding

me, but I am excited about it!

your professional life?

Once you mentioned that it is important not to lose yourself in the profession: “Being a vet, or being a student, isn’t who you ARE.” What else helps you during difficult days? Being a veterinarian can be very all-encompassing. I actively try to say “I work as a veterinarian” and not “I am a veterinarian”. Personally, the distinction is important for me to remember that I am more than my job, and more than I feel about my job or my performance or my feedback from a client that day. Keeping my perception of my self-worth separate from my job title, helps keep me grounded. I have a really wonderful support system both personally and professionally, that I can lean on during those difficult days. I try to find something to laugh or smile about every day, which is easy since I work with an amazing and fun bunch of people. I will usually take a

just case discussions. It’s cliche but it’s true. You cannot pour from an empty cup. I try to do things that I love and that hold true to my identity, completely outside of work. I thoroughly enjoy the outdoors, so I have tried to spend as much free time outside as I can.

tour of the boarding kennels to say hello to the patients in clinic and sneak a snuggle or a

Follow Sarah on

pet. Generally, whatever is getting me down at

instagram

work is something my mentor has navigated before, so I’ll discuss those challenges with her. Mentorship can really be valuable beyond

Do n o t m i s s the n e x t is s u e by su b s c r i b i n g to o u r news l e t t e r a t vet-re v i e w . c o m

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Hip dysplasia in Rottweilers In Rottweilers hip dysplasia can be diag-

bency due to the false-negative results in

nosed from the ages of 35 ± 2 weeks by

lateral recumbency. However, the Ortola-

means of reduction angle and the Ortolani

ni test is more accurate than Barlow and

maneuver1.

Bardens tests.

In addition, the Ortolani maneuver in dorsal recumbency is preferable to lateral recum-

TrapezaStudio/stock.adobe.com

1 - Vidoni, B.; Bauer, V.; Bockstahler, B.; Gumpenberger, M.; Tichy, A.; Aghapour, M. Early Diagnosis of Canine Hip Laxity: Correlation between Clinical Orthopedic Examinations and the FCI Scoring Method in a Closed Cohort of Rottweilers. Animals 2021, 11, 416.

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Flash glucose monitoring systems Low

Flash glucose monitoring sys-

fluid in a thin skin. Dogs in

tem continuously measures

this study were divided into

the glucose in the interstitial

two groups according to their

fluid through a small filament

ultrasound-measured skin

(5 mm long) inserted under

thickness1. The device was

the skin. Device provides

accurate in dogs with thicker

comprehensive glucose data

skin (>5 mm); but in dogs with

without the need for calibra-

thin skin (<5 mm), the clini-

tion, and it can be worn for up

cal accuracy was low, and the

to 14 days.

results should be interpreted

Flash glucose monitoring

with caution.

system accuracy is affected by the proportion of interstitial

accuracy in dogs with thin skin

1 - Del Baldo, F.; Diana, A.; Canton, C.; Linta, N.; Chiocchetti, R.; Fracassi, F. The Influence of Skin Thickness on Flash Glucose Monitoring System Accuracy in Dogs with Diabetes Mellitus. Animals 2021, 11, 408.

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Shelby Baden fourth-year veterinary student at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

Or traveling_dogtor and yoga teacher

You have described your path to veterinary

the small hope that I would enjoy veterinary

medicine in your blog. You had “four-year

medicine. The greatest gift of my “four-year

gap year” before applying to vet school.

gap year” was time. Time to decide what

What have you gained during these years

I really wanted to do with my life. Time to

that helped you to be successful later on?

build the skills to cope with the anxiety and stress that professional school can bring.

I took four years off in between my under-

Most influential of all was the time to focus

graduate studies and veterinary school, a

on my mental and physical health. These

time period which I lovingly refer to as my

attributes that I acquired during this peri-

“four-year gap year”. During this period, I

od have carried me through both the highs

lived in France and California, traveled to

and lows of veterinary school. I started my

Brazil and Belize, worked as a nanny and a

entire social media platform based on what

product manager for a dental company, and

I learned during my “four-year gap year”. I

gained experience in veterinary medicine.

will be forever grateful for this period of my

I tried it all! In the beginning, it felt like I

life in which I formed the foundation of my

was constantly floundering. I did not have a

character that I continue to build upon.

clear career path that was guiding me. However, I continued to follow my intuition and

Once you beautifully wrote that: “I am most

that instinct eventually led me to veterinary

thankful that I found my “why” at the per-

school.

fect moment in my life. And that despite

All of the travel sounds glamorous, but I as-

obstacles and hardships, I have held onto

sure you that I struggled. I have been poor

it.” What helped you to hold onto it during

my entire 20’s. There is something hum-

difficult times?

bling about getting expired produce from the food bank in California because you

I believe that the trick to holding on to your

don’t have enough money to buy food. This

“why” is to return to the moment you dis-

time in my life taught me what was actually

covered your “why” in the first place. This

important. I paid attention to my health and

hits home for me, especially right now as I

built strong relationships. I not only listened sit at my desk at Zoo Atlanta and type these but followed my heart back to Georgia on

interview responses. As a child, I used to

frequent Zoo Atlanta with my dad. It was

definitely been tested over the past year

one of my favorite places in the world. Once of clinical rotations. I have had limited time I decided to apply to veterinary school, my

and had to prioritize my practices accord-

first animal-related experience was also

ingly. Some people prefer a routine time for

at the zoo. I was an intern in the Program

their personal development practice, but I

Animals Department. And now, here I sit,

prefer to split the habits and use them as

working behind the scenes with the zoo

rewards. For example, if I work on paper-

veterinarians as a veterinary student ex-

work for two hours, I read 10 minutes of a

tern. I am on my second to last rotation as a

personal development book or journal for

veterinary student and I can’t help but think

15 minutes. I also tend to do yoga after I go

how beautiful it is that life tends to bring

for a run or do a more strenuous workout.

you back to your original intention.

Meditation is the most difficult habit for me

The thing is… you don’t have to just have

to maintain. I find it is easier to incorporate

one “why”. You don’t even have to have

at the end of my workout/yoga practice. A

a name or a description for your “why”. It

very wise person once told me about “habit

could be as simple as the feeling you get

stacking,” which is where you combine hab-

when you are doing what you love. For me, I

its that are easier with those that are new-

actively hold onto my “why” by seeking op-

er or more difficult. Every time I do yoga,

portunities that excite me. Whether that be

I finish my practice with meditation. This

an externship or a volunteer opportunity, if

makes the act of meditation less daunting

I feel that spark of excitement, I pursue it to

and helps me stay consistent.

the best of my ability. And when I can’t do

For me, it took years of discipline to create

that, I write about it. Journaling has really

the practice I have today, and I still struggle.

helped me keep my “why” in focus. I have

However, I have directly seen the benefits

found that it is much hard to avoid things

of these habits in my life. Because of my

that you write down.

personal development practice, I feel better equipped to handle negative emotions and

Tell us more about your personal develop-

obstacles. I am an overwhelmingly happier

ment pracrices.

person and am more efficient in my work. If I start to stray from these practices, my

My personal development practice has

anxiety starts to appear in more day-to-day

situations. My anxiety negatively affects every part of my life, from my relationships to my career. In that way, I am very motivated to be as consistent as I can be in my practices. And when I fail, I give myself grace to try again.

What were the biggest lessons you learned last year about yourself? I learned SO many lessons last year. The one that comes to my mind is something my therapist said to me. “You can forgive people who have hurt you, but you don’t have to allow them back into your life.” At that time, I was struggling with allowing people to walk all over me. I forgave and forgot what they did too quickly and opened the door for them to repeat the behavior. Just because I don’t believe in holding grudges, doesn’t mean that I should allow someone else to hurt me over and over again. In taking her advice, I gained so much. My confidence increased and I began to attract more positive people into my life. It is amazing what starts to happen when you value your worth and hold people accountable. This lesson continues to improve my life daily and serves as another example of the benefits of regular therapy.

Heamorrhagic syndrome in Leptospirosis Dogs affected by leptospirosis are at risk raphy. In this study, radiographic pulmoof pulmonary haemorrhage, especially

nary abnormalities were diagnosed in

in cases of severe elevation of serum

59.6% of dogs.

bilirubin (≥11.5 mg/dL), and respiratory

Fatal pulmonary haemorrhage occurred

distress1.

in 21% of dogs with leptospirosis. The

In particular, the presence of respiratory

exact pathogenesis of pulmonary

distress is strongly associated with pul-

haemorrhagic syndrome associated to

monary haemorrhage, even though no

Leptospirosis is still debated.

abnormalities are found at chest radiog-

1 - Lippi, I.; Puccinelli, C.; Perondi, F.; Ceccherini, G.; Pierini, A.; Marchetti, V.; Citi, S. Predictors of Fatal Pulmonary Haemorrhage in Dogs Affected by Leptospirosis Approaching Haemodialysis. Vet. Sci. 2021, 8, 25.

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Hepatocelular carcinoma Hepatocelular carcinoma has three

An increased risk of death before

gross morphological subtypes: massive,

discharge was found in dogs with hepa-

nodular, and diffuse. It was found that

tocelular carcinoma in the right middle

there was no difference in survival time

liver lobe. Excision of the right medial

between patients with massive sub-

lobe is technically more difficult and

type versus nodular/diffuse subtype1.

have a greater risk of perioperative

Hepatocelular carcinoma can still be

hemorrhage.

considered to have a good prognosis as

Large percentage of hepatocelular

median survival time for all patients was

carcinoma cannot be diagnosed on

707 days.

cytology alone. Although cytology

There was no significant difference in

diagnosed hepatocelular carcinoma in

survival time between those dogs that

46.9% of the cases, portentously, it was

had a tumor removal surgery, and those

inconclusive or suggestive of a

that only had a biopsy. Complete versus

non-malignant process in 40.6% of the

incomplete surgical margins brought no

cases.

difference also; it was likely due to the low metastatic rate of hepatocellular carcinoma.

1 - James Moyer, Daniel J. Lopez, Cheryl E. Balkman and Julia P. Sumner. Factors associated with survival in dogs with a histopathological diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: 94 cases (2007–2018). Open Veterinary Journal. 11(1): 144-153; 2021.

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3rd Year Veterinary Student

Saskia Bogman

from Western University, USA

“Embrace the uneasiness of being wrong sometimes!”

What was your path to veterinary medicine? Nelson Mandela - “I never lose. I either win or learn.” What is your relationship with Like many others, I have known that I want-

mistakes (especially in vet school)?

ed to be a veterinarian since a very young age. I've lived in Southern California for

This quote is truly a mantra to live by. At

most of my life, but moved up to Northern

first when you start vet school, you might be

California in 2014 to receive my Bachelor's

nervous to answer any questions because

Degree in Animal Science at UC Davis.

you feel that you don't know anything.

Right before applying to vet school, I

However, the best way to learn AND retain

actually was starting to reconsider

the information is by answering questions!

whether this career path was the right

If you're right, then that's great because

choice. Perhaps I was just getting cold feet

you knew the answer. If you're wrong, then

since this was the final step to achieving

that's also great because it uncovers a

that career choice. I followed my gut and

weakness to focus on.

continued forward though! I only applied to

You're also more likely to remember the

2 vet schools, both in California. I was not

correct answer for next time. I've become

accepted into UC Davis, but I was accepted

more comfortable with the slight

at Western University of Health Sciences

uneasiness of being wrong, because that is

where I am now completing my DVM.

what helps you learn and grow.

Those unsure feelings of whether I really

Additionally, preceptors and professors

wanted to be a veterinarian quickly faded

would much rather have you attempt to an-

away during my 1st year of vet school

swer a question and be wrong than to just

because I truly fell in love learning about

sit there and say "I don't know". This also

all the diseases and the medicine behind it.

goes hand-in-hand with making mistakes.

Now I'm in my 3rd year of vet school,

We are human, so making mistakes is inevi-

eagerly anticipating the start of clinics in a

table. Minimizing those mistakes and learn-

few months!

ing from them is key to succeeding. I once microchipped a dog who already had

Once you said that you like this quote from

a microchip simply because I wasn't using

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the microchip reader correctly. Luckily the

loneliness, anger, and sadness as well.

owners were quite understanding that their

I sometimes forget why I'm even in vet

dog now had 2 microchips, but now I

school. This is when I have to answer that

double check that I'm using the microchip

question and think about my "why". I'm in

reader correctly whenever scanning a pet!

vet school because I love the profession. I

We are in a profession that is constantly

love the idea of being able to treat animals

evolving and learning. By viewing wrong

and build relationships with clients.

answers or mistakes as learning opportu-

Even though things seem hard at the

nities, it changes our mindset from being a

moment, I know it's just another obstacle

failure to becoming successful. Embrace the

to overcome which will make me stronger

uneasiness of being wrong sometimes!

in the end. And the ultimate "why" for me, is that I really couldn't see myself in any

You have mentioned that: “Whenever I start

other profession. Thinking about that gives

to lose motivation I just think about my

me the motivation to continue forward, and

Why.” Tell us more about it.

I encourage everyone to think about their "why" whenever obstacles seem

This has been extremely useful during the

insurmountable.

COVID-19 pandemic. This whole year I was supposed to have already been in clinics.

How do you recharge? What routines do

My rotations were scheduled in various

you have?

states and hospitals to get as much diverse

experience as possible and allow some

Vet school is very draining emotionally,

travel time to explore. Sadly, the pandemic

physically, and mentally. It's important to

shut down all those plans.

have ways to recharge and take a step away.

Most of this year has been remote learning

Especially with online learning, it's become

with very few opportunities to be in a

crucial for me to get out of the house and

clinic. I was heartbroken at the news, as

walk my dog between zoom sessions.

were many of my other classmates.

It allows for a change of scenery, no elec-

Online learning for me has led to a lot of

tronics to stare at, and gets the blood

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pumping! If possible, I'll try and throw in a workout as well because I always feel refreshed and ready to study afterwards. Another part of my weekly routine is to go on a hike every Sunday with my boyfriend, dog, and cat. This gives me something to look forward to during the week and allows me to continue my hobby of hiking. Having hobbies outside of veterinary medicine is crucial for mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing! Whether that means horseback riding, playing video games, or watching some Netflix, doing something to have your mind preoccupied is a great way to recharge.

Follow Saskia on Instagram

VE T REVIEW

Does ranitidine work in dogs? It is uncertain Ranitidine has shown effective prokinetic activity in vitro and in vivo when healthy experimental dogs have been evaluated, although often at dosages higher than the ones commonly recommended in clinical practice1. Therefore, the efficacy of ranitidine administration as a prokinetic agent in dogs with GI hypomotility remains uncertain.

1 - BrunoriL. (2021). Does ranitidine administration improve gastrointestinal hypomotility in dogs?. Veterinary Evidence, 6(1).

Beneficial botanical mix Arachidonic acid and a mix of green tea, fenugreek and tulsi reduce inflammatory cytokines in cats1. While the botanical mix alone reduce circulating glucose, food intake, cholesterol and triglycerides. Therefore, it may be beneficial in weight control in cats.

1 - Jewell DE and Panickar KS (2021) Botanicals Reduce Circulating Concentrations of Cholesterol and Triglycerides and Work Synergistically With Arachidonic Acid to Reduce Inflammatory Cytokines in Cats. Front. Vet. Sci. 8:620447.

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DVM Hilvy Cheung 4th year student From Hong Kong, studying at UC Davis

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What was your path to veterinary medicine?

health is being open and talking to everyone about my struggles. By doing so, it made me realize that

I was the crazy girl that wanted to be a vet since

there wasn't anything "wrong" with me and that so

I was 7 years old after wanting to be a zookeeper

many others go through the same thing. I've talked

for a year. I didn't get to work with animals until

to so many people about my struggles with anxiety

I was a junior in high school and volunteered at

and depression, yet no one has ever judged me

a wildlife rehabilitation center and FELL IN LOVE!

or put me down for it. I felt less ashamed about it,

I found out that I didn't just love taking care of

which ironically helped with my mental health!

animals, I loved the medicine aspect as well and

Additionally, because I place such a big focus

seeing animals improve and get better from your

on my mental health, I've tried many different

care. That was my lightbulb moment where I real-

things to see what would help for me personally.

ized that being a veterinarian was truly all that I

I've tried different things such as working out on

wanted to do. I went to UC Davis and pursued An-

a schedule, painting, meditating, yoga, reading,

imal Science while swimming for the UC Davis DI

journaling, and so much more. This way, I was able

Women's Swim Team. There, I volunteered at many

to discover a care routine that was personalized for

different vet clinics including an Integrative vet

me. I am still not perfect even with all of this, and

clinic and learned so much from different perspec-

ended up starting on anti-depression and anti-anx-

tives. During my third year of vet school, I applied

iety medications three separate times (I'm current-

to a few vet schools and got into Davis where I

ly on Prozac and Ativan).

discovered my love for ER medicine. Coming July, I

There is absolutely no shame in needing some

will be starting my first job at an ER clinic down in

extra help! These medications help me get to a

Southern California.

better place so that I have a little bit more energy to focus on selfcare.

You have shared your story about the mental

My tip for other students is to really make it a habit

issues you overcome before and during veterinary

to put yourself as a priority. It is definitely easier

studies. What helped you the most? How you take

said than done! This means starting a routine early

care of your mental health? What would you rec-

on, rather than starting when you feel extremely

ommend for other students?

stressed or anxious. As we have learned in veterinary practice, preventive care is so much more

What has helped me the most with my mental

important and helpful than treating illnesses!

You have spoken very openly about your not

class. it was great because it gave me the opportu-

perfect grades, your reluctance of going into res-

nity to spend more time with my friends, do things

idency and overall tiredness of school. Thank you

I love, and work relief shifts at a vet clinic! Ironical-

for that! In our profession many veterinarians and

ly enough, the less time I spent studying, the less

vet students lose themselves in their search for

anxious I was, the more I remembered material and

perfection. Why it is important for you to normalize I did just as well. averageness? How you accepted it yourself?

It's okay to set high goals for yourself, but remember that your worth isn't defined by whether or not

It is so important to normalize averageness be-

you have high grades or are board certified. you're

cause once you think about it, even though you are

going to be a veterinarian no matter what you

average in vet school or even in the bottom half,

finish with. You are going to forget over 50% of

you are still in the top 0.00000000001% of the

what you have learned in vet school anyways (you

world. Not everyone can make it into vet school,

learn the most in your first few years of practice),

but YOU have. This applies for undergrads as well

so what's the point in killing yourself over all of

who are applying into vet school!

the material?

It did take a few years of that school for me to

I'm proud to be average!

finally accept being average. Even then, I still have to occasionally fight that tiny voice in the

What keeps you going in the vet school? And, on

back of my mind that I have to be the best. What

the contrary, what would you like to change?

helped me was realizing that I personally enjoy learning about many different things in a general

What keeps me going is helping others and shar-

way. Knowing the very specifics of one topic was

ing my experiences with my IG fam on Instagram!

not exciting for me. this was how I realized that

I love volunteering at different clinics such as our

residencies weren't for me. Additionally, the path

Mercer Clinic for the Homeless or our Covelo Clinic

to residencies are very difficult, tiring, and time

which I ran a few times a year. When I give back to

consuming. While in clinics my fourth year, I saw

the community and see the smiles on the owner's

firsthand how much time and effort residents had

faces, especially those who are less privileged, it

to put in every single day, 365 days a year, for very

reminds me WHY I want to be a vet. When you are

little pay, and honestly, that isn't for me.

spending hours every day studying at home, some-

With this realization, it made it so much easier

times you forget your WHY.

to accept that I don't have to be in the top of my

One thing I would like to change is having an extra

5 hours every day! I would get so much stuff done! Jokes aside, one thing I would like to change is an increased focus on mental health, hands on experience, and collaboration between different health professions while in vet school. Especially in the first three years of vet school, it is mostly didactic based, which makes it extremely hard to learn and is boring (to be honest with you). Hopefully, in the next several years with lots of student feedback, things will change and the system becomes much more efficient!

Toceranib for chemodectomas Worth trying

Toceranib phosphate is effective treatment for

A median survival time was 478 days.

canine aortic chemodectomas. Acording to the

Toceranib was well-tolerated and confered a

recent study, toceranib phosphate provided

clinical benefit, even with advanced disease.

clinical benefit (complete remission, partial remission, or stable disease >10 weeks) to 89% of patients1.

1 - Coto GM, Musser ML, Tropf MA, Ward JL, Seo Y-J, Mochel JP and Johannes CM (2021) A Multi-Institutional Retrospective Analysis of Toceranib Phosphate for Presumed or Confirmed Canine Aortic Body Chemodectomas. Front. Vet. Sci. 8:635057.

Ketamine IV terminates seizures effectively With prolonged seizure activity, gamma ami-

Ketamine bolus is suitable and safe option for

no-butyric acid receptors become inactive,

such cases. Study indicates that ketamine 5

leading to a state of pharmacoresistance to

mg/kg IV bolus is successful for the treatment

benzodiazepines and other GABAergic medica-

of refractory status epilepticus in dogs1.

tions, which is called refractory status epilepticus.

Roynard P, Bilderback A and Dewey CW (2021) Intravenous Ketamine Bolus(es) for the Treatment of Status Epilepticus, Refractory Status Epilepticus, and Cluster Seizures: A Retrospective Study of 15 Dogs. Front. Vet. Sci. 8:547279.

How early life exposure is associated with IBD in dogs

Study found that non-processed meat-based diet during early and late postnatal periods were significantly associated with lower IBD risk later in life1. Conversely, the ultra-processed carbohydrate-based diet during the same periods was associated with a higher risk of IBD incidence. Additionally, the normal body weight of puppies during the first 6 months of age was associated with a lower risk of IBD in adulthood while, slim puppies associated significantly with IBD in adulthood. Furthermore, the maternal vaccination during or just before pregnancy was significantly associated with more IBD in the offspring in adulthood, while not vaccinating the dam was associated with less IBD in the offspring at adult age.

1 - Hemida M, Vuori KA, Moore R, Anturaniemi J and Hielm-Björkman A (2021) Early Life Modifiable Exposures and Their Association With Owner Reported Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms in Adult Dogs. Front. Vet. Sci. 8:552350.

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DV M T ie rra D. P ric e

L o s A ng e le s

F ound e r o f B la c k DV M Ne t w o rk

““Anyone can join our community!””

In 2018 you have created BlackDVM

cial literacy, entrepreneurship, wellness and

Network. Thank you for that! Tell us more

professional development.

about it and what do you guys do as an

We have two types of memberships: com-

organization?

munity membership and success membership. With the first one you can come and

We are a community that is shaping the

hang out with us, be a part of the commu-

future. We are bold authentic leaders who

nity events. The second one is where you

want to see excellence and success

find a coach or a mentor that guide you in

available to all veterinary professionals.

the right direction and walk you through

At BlackDVM Network we help people to

the different steps that you need to take to

build meaningful connections in the safe

become successful in veterinary medicine.

space and we help to discover their poten-

So, tons of reasons to come to our

tial. This network is the first of its type of

community!

community that allows black veterinarians to invest in their veterinary carrier and then

What was the best or most unexpected that

find the opportunities that they need to be

BlackDVM Network brought to you?

successful. We do offer membership to black veterinary When I created it, I was really looking for my professionals, non-black veterinary profes-

community of people, my group of friends

sional and non-veterinary professionals.

in veterinary medicine because I felt so

So, anyone can join our community! A lot

isolated in veterinary school. And, honestly,

of members have come to us because they

the most unexpected thing that happened

are looking for something different, they

was that it grew into a real organization. I

are looking for an inclusive community that

tell people all the time that I had no idea

totally supports them.

and I still have no idea what I am doing;

We give our members the opportunity to

because I wasn’t expecting any of this. So,

connect, learn and achieve. We have

the most unexpected things are that people

community sessions and webinars once a

felt the same way as I did, that people cared

month where we talk about medicine, finan-

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as much as I did, and that people were also

sentation and exposing black veterinarians

craving the same type of community as I

so that other people can see them. Our

was craving. And I just happened to be the

Network helps black veterinarians enjoy

lucky person that was able to carry that

they carriers so that they can go out and

vision out.

talk about it and recruit more black veterinarians, technicians or assistants and stand

What needs to be done on all levels to in-

as an inspiration for other people of color.

crease the number of Black veterinarians? How can teams and employers increase There are so many things that can be done.

inclusiveness at veterinary clinics?

We know that diversity is important; we know that representation matters; taking

Being a good person and learning about

the time to recruit talent at the young age

how be a good person, how to expand your

is important; having the representation for

horizons to know where your flaws are,

younger generation is important. Showing

where you are being exclusive is really

other people that the veterinary profession and the animal health industry is a great carrier and, it is fun, and we love it. Actually meaning that is really important. A lot of people choose their carrier early on and they are inspired by the people that they see. So I think that from increasing the pipeline, to providing more scholarships, to identifying and removing barriers to admission for veterinary school, to removing barriers of becoming a successful veterinarian are all important. BlackDVM Network operates in the realm of increasing repre-

V E T REVIEW

important. Talking about inclusivity and

a really easy way for clinics to start being

finding ways to be better is the best

inclusive, by trying to learn more about the

approach.

things that you do not celebrate.

One of the things that I love to do is to celebrate holidays that culturally I didn’t

How to make veterinary clinic more inviting

grow up celebrating or my family didn’t

for Black veterinarians? What every one of

grow up celebrating. I ask people who are of us could do? different religious beliefs or from different cultures what holidays they celebrate, what

Eliminating black racism and practicing

does that mean to them, why do they cele-

anti-racism is important for all different

brate it and how, and if they do not mind if I

ethnicities. Because it is not just black

celebrate with them. So, I have learned a lot

veterinarians that experience racism, all

from my friends of the jewish faith; I love

people of color experience it, and it is really

celebrating with them, trying their foods

important that we know how to be not just

and hearing their stories. And I think that is

not racist but how to be antiracist.

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Everyone of us could be better by learning

I love shelters I think that the best part

more, reading more books, discovering how

about working in the shelter is that you get

in our own way we have bias and how can

to know personalities of animals and match

we work to decrease it.

them with adopters and find really good fit for both the family and the animal. I get to

You have volunteered in shelters from your

spend so much time with so many different

childhood; now you are working there as a

animals, so I feel like I have many more pets

vet. What do you like most about it?

than I actually do.

Find out more about BlackDVM Network

nly 56% of owners give their dog antiepileptic drugs

according to recommendations1. Poor compliance makes it difficult to

distinguish between true drug-resistant epilepsy and pseudo-refractory epilepsy without honest discussion with the owner.

Veterinary magazine for small animal 1 - Booth S, Meller S, Packer RMA, Farquhar R, Maddison JE, Volk HA. Owner veterinary specialists compliance in canine epilepsy. Vet Rec. 2021;e16.

eline facial pheromone does not reduce blood pressure in cats

at clinical environment1. Although, cats had less vocalization in the

waiting rooms where feline facial pheromone were used.

1 - Van Vertloo LR, Carnevale JM, Parsons RL, Rosburg M and Millman ST (2021) Effects of Waiting Room and Feline Facial Pheromone Experience on Blood Pressure in Cats. Front. Vet. Sci. 8:640751.

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