February

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04 Fe bruary 2021 ve t-review.com

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

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V E T REVIEW

Reading interviews in this issue is like having a coaching session for free.

Enjoy!

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

4

5

Cricothyrotomy is faster than tracheostomy

10 Interview with Magda Upton

6

Single intraarticular injections

How to evaluate endometrium health in queens?

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15

Os penis hyperplasia

Nebulization of epinephrine

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18

24

Cognitive dysfunction

Interview with Zaida Liana Gomez

Osteosarcoma

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30

31

Interview with Maria Luz Wang

Case report

Cats with herpes virus blink less

7 Rabbit for cats

16 Case report

25 Sustainability

32 Interview with Becky Krull

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All rights reserved.

ISSN 2669-2376 Cover image courtesy: Dmitry Lobanov/stock.adobe.com

C ric othy roto my is fa s te r tha n tra c he o s to my Two techniques for emergency front-of-neck airway access in dogs were compared1. The mean time taken to complete the novel cricothyrotomy technique was 49.6 s, it was less than half that of the abbreviated tracheostomy. Therefore, cricothyrotomy is considered the primary option for emergency front-of-neck airway access for dogs. Any additional procedure time adds to the likelihood of cerebral hypoxia and cardiac arrest.

(A) Superficial injury on the cricoid cartilage, indicated by the arrow (cricothyrotomy). (B) Sternohyoid muscle laceration (cricothyrotomy). (C) Ventral cricoid transection (cricothyrotomy). The arrow indicates one of the cut surfaces of the ventral cricoid cartilage. (D) Tracheal ring transections cranial and caudal to the tracheotomy incision (tracheostomy).

4 Is Faster VET REVIEW Than Tracheostomy for Emergency Front-of-Neck Airway Access in Dogs. Front. Vet.

1 - Hardjo S, Croton C, Woldeyohannes S, Purcell SL and Haworth MD (2021) Cricothyrotomy Sci. 7:593687.

S ing le intra -a r tic ula r inje c tio ns F u ture tre atm e nt o f o s te oa r thritis Recently few studies described favorable effects of various intra-articular treatments1,2. Triamcinolone hexacetonide, platelet concentrate and hyaluronan produced the best long-term results. Dogs had significant improvements in weight-bearing for up to 90 days (with triamcinolone hexacetonide) and even to 180 days (for hyaluronan and platelet rich plasma). Although, dogs that were older and had higher body weight responded worser to the treatment with triamcinolone hexacetonide.

When compared to other therapeutic options, intra-articular injection of triamcinolone hexacetonide may be a more cost-effective option due to its lower cost3.

1 - Alves JC, Santos A, Jorge P, Lavrador C, Carreira LM (2021) The intra-articular administration of triamcinolone hexacetonide in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Its effects in a naturally occurring canine osteoarthritis model. PLoS ONE 16(1): e0245553.

2 – Alves JC, Santos A, Jorge P, Lavrador C and Carreira LM (2021) Intra-articular Injections With Either Triamcinolone Hexacetonide, Stanozolol, Hylan G-F 20, or a Platelet Concentrate Improve Clinical Signs in Police Working Dogs With Bilateral Hip Osteoarthritis. Front. Vet. Sci. 7:609889.

3 - Tammachote N, Kanitnate S, Yakumpor T, Panichkul P. Intra-Articular, Single-Shot Hylan G-F 20 Hyaluronic Acid Injection Compared with Corticosteroid in Knee Osteoarthritis. J Bone Jt Surg. 2016;98: 885–892. pmid:27252432

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Ho w to e v a luate e nd o m e trium he a lth in q ue e ns ?

With cytology. But it matters how you acquire cytologic samples. Study found that cytologic samples were more representative from uterine

lavage than from uterine swabbing1. One of uterine lavage advantages is that samples are less affected by blood contamination and cells are

better preserved. Moreover, it is recommended to combine endometrial cytology and uterine cul-

denisval/stock.adobe.com

ture to evaluate endometrial health in cats.

1 - Martí, A.; Serrano, A.; Pastor, J.; Rigau, kevičiuté, U.; Calvo, M.À.; Arosemena, E.L A.; Prandi, D.; Aguilar, A.; Rivera del Alam Endometrial Status in Queens Evaluated topathology Findings and Two Cytologic niques: Low-Volume Uterine Lavage and Swabbing. Animals 2021, 11, 88.

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m

-

o

, T.; PetL.; Yuste, mo, M.M. d by Hiscal Techd Uterine

R a b b it fo r c ats W o rr y a b ou t taurine

Rabbit carcasses have insufficient amount of taurine for cats1. Only the heart and lungs (but not thigh muscle, brain, liver, or kidney) contained adequate concentrations of taurine. The primary components of rabbit feed are of plant origin and are not expected to contain taurine.

Taurine deficiency can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy, reproductive abnormalities, and central retinal degeneration in cats2. Taurine deficiency leading to dilated cardiomyopathy was previously reported in 70% of cats fed entire ground rabbit (unskinned, undressed) for 10 months3.

The low concentrations of taurine in rabbit would be physiologically significant if fed in large proportions or as the sole diet. Therefore, taurine supplementation is recommended when feeding rabbit to cats.

1 - Owens TJ, Fascetti AJ, Calvert CC and Larsen JA (2021) Rabbit Carcasses for Use in Feline Diets: Amino Acid Concentrations in Fresh and Frozen Carcasses With and Without Gastrointestinal Tracts. Front. Vet. Sci. 7:592753. doi: 10.3389/ fvets.2020.592753 2 - Morris JG. Idiosyncratic nutrient requirements of cats appear to be diet-induced evolutionary adaptations. Nut Res Rev. (2002) 15:153–68. doi: 10.1079/ NRR200238 3 - Glasgow AG, Cave NJ, Marks SL, Pedersen NC. Role of diet in the health of the feline intestinal tract and in inflammatory bowel disease. Cat Fanciers' Almanac.

(2002) 19:78–80.

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AUSTRALIA

DVM Dr. Magda Upton

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“You matter the most. If you're running on empty, you're of no use to anyone.”

V E T REVIEW

Recently you had your cello exams.

another 40 years so I potentially had

Congratulations! You mentioned that

the ability to become reasonably good.

learning to play cello was even harder

I also liked the idea of having a hobby

than difficulties in vet med life. Most-

that wasn't work or family related, that

ly because in music world there is no

would also give me a skill that I could

place for imperfection. Tell more about

share with the world.

your reasons for learning and not quitting.

I found the process of sitting a musical examination extremely challenging,

Thank you! I took up learning the cello

probably because going into it, I didn't

around 18 months ago. My daughter

really appreciate how hard it would be.

had started learning the year before,

There are so many components that

I would take her to her lessons and

have to come together beyond just

started to feel myself become quite

playing in tune, and even just playing

drawn to the instrument. I would even

in tune is very difficult! I spent many

pick up her 1/4 size instrument and

nights crying during my practice ses-

try to play the things that her teacher

sions, and the process was all the more

had taught her! My other big inspira-

exhausting as I was also preparing my

tion was my husband, who had learned

daughter for her exam, as well as work-

the violin to a high level and was now

ing and being a mother. I got through it

learning acoustic guitar with just as

with hard work and persistence, plus a

much drive.

lot of support from my family, and was thrilled to be awarded a B+.

I personally learned the piano as a child, but never progressed beyond

The process did not break me. I didn't

an intermediate level. It can be easy

quit simply because I still love the

to talk yourself out of the challenge

cello and I still want to learn and get

of learning a classical instrument

better. I've had a hard lesson of what

when you're middle aged like me, but

it's going to take to get there!

I figured that if I was lucky, I'd live for

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You also are volunteer surf lifesaver.

charge when it's needed and believe in

How these extra skills and experiences

myself.

shape you as a veterinarian?

Australia's coast is covered with surf lifesaving clubs, as our waters can be very treacherous, and many lives are lost every year.

We joined my club several years ago as a family, initially so our kids could do "Nippers" during the summer, which is a weekly lesson in surf awareness and surf sport skills for children. We wanted our children to be safe and confident in the ocean. Surf clubs are completely run by volunteers, so my husband and I have been slowly sucked into taking part!

You are a mother of three. What advice

For me personally I feel that being a

would you tell for other mums in our

vet and a lifeguard helps me with my

profession?

leadership and interpersonal skills. I'm

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naturally more of an introvert, I do

I try to avoid giving out too much

better in smaller rather than larger

advice about motherhood, as the ex-

groups, and I do often doubt my own

perience is completely different for

strengths. My patrol captain is

everyone! What has worked for me

mentoring me to slowly take over the

won't necessarily work for anyone else.

role of a patrol captain.

Everyone's goals, desires and personal

Going through this process really puts

situations are very different. It is defi-

me out of my comfort zone. I really

nitely possible to have children and a

to put myself out there, take Vhave E T REVIEW

career, and lots of people have done it!

Have a frank conversation with your

medicine for 19 years. How you have

partner, family and employer about

changed as a veterinarian during these

ways that you can be supported going

years?

forward. Value yourself and your paid work. Always remember to value the

I have learned that I am happy being a

work you do at home: parenting and

general practitioner, as I've never had

running a household is still work, just

a desire to specialise. I like knowing a

because it isn't paid work, does not

little bit about everything! I've learned

reduce its value. Make sure that house-

to love the process of continually

hold tasks are shared with your part-

updating my skills and knowledge. I've

ner, and don't be shy to pay for help.

also accepted that I'll never know

Train your children to help you around

everything, and to be kind to myself.

the house! Be prepared to be flexible, and to lower or change the high standards that you set yourself. Sometimes you will need to make sacrifices. Children need your presence and attention more than anything, so try to carve out regular quality family time where you just focus on each other.

When at work, maximise your scheduling and efficiency, so that you get out on time. Learn to listen to your warning signs when things are getting out of balance, and take time to rest and recharge. You matter the most. If you're running on empty, you're of no use to anyone. Learn to say NO.

You have been practicing veterinary

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board with work ups, and to bill appropriately. I've learned to be less anxious and I am much better at managing my time at work. I have learned to ask to be paid what I am worth. I have learned to spot toxicity and negativity in the work place, and I know it doesn't have to be like that and that I don't have to put up with it.

I've learned to spot the red flags when my mental and emotional health is deteriorating, and I know how to help myself out of those situations. In recent years, I have discovered the joy of I've learned that it's OK to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them.

I've learned that being a vet does not define me, nor is it my whole life. I've learned a ton of communication skills, and that people's love for their pets knows no boundaries.

I love supporting clients to find solutions to their pet's problems. I've

social media. I really enjoy connecting with other vets from around the world, and sharing educational content.

The biggest lesson of all, is that I have learned to be afraid, but to do it anyway! At the end of the day, I still love being a veterinarian, and I can see myself working in the profession for many years to come.

learned to set boundaries, and not to take some client's and colleague's views and behaviours personally.

I've learned to advocate for my patients, explain disease processes in

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non-medical language, get clients on V E T REVIEW

Follow Magda Upton on instagram

You are veterinarian or veterinary student and have a story to tell?

Let's get in touch info@vet-review.com

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Os Penis Hyperplasia Enhanced computed tomography revealed

needed in case of repeated penile urethral

proliferation of the osseous tissue of the

obstruction.

os penis in a Pug with repeated dysuria1.

Possible causes of os penis hyperplasia may

Proliferation was surgically removed and

be previous fracture with callus formation

dysuria improved.

and congenital malformation.

Careful evaluation of the os penis by CT is

Sagital and transverse CT images of the os penis.

Yellow arrowheads - the arch of the osteoid tissues surround the urethra. It displace the urethra dorsally, causing incomplete occlusion of the urethral lumen.

White arrowheads - proliferation of the osteoid tissue in the urethral groove.

1 - Maeta, N.; Shimokawa Miyama, T.; Kutara, K.; Kanda, T.; Mitsui, I.; Ohnishi, A.; Miyabe, M.; Shimizu, Y.; Saeki, K.; Okamura, Y.; Yamazoe, K. Dysuria Associated with Non-Neoplastic Bone Hyperplasia of the Os Penis in a Pug Dog. Vet. Sci. 2021, 8, 6.

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Nebulization of epinephrine for brachycephalic dogs In recent study epinephrine nebulization

tion after surgery helped alleviate dyspnea

resulted in a decreased BOAS* index both

and avoid temporary tracheostomy tube

before and after surgery1.

placement2.

Nebulized epinephrine is hypothesized to

Some dogs do not tolerate nebulization and

cause vasoconstriction of mucosal vessels

became very stressful. Nebulization should

in the upper airways, leading to decreased

not be continued in such cases, because

edema and, therefore, decreased upper

stress exacerbates upper respiratory tract

airway obstruction2.

obstruction in BOAS-affected dogs.

According to one case report, the administration of nebulized epinephrine in a pug

* BOAS - brachycephalic obstructive airway

experiencing acute upper airway obstruc-

syndrome

1 - Franklin, PH, Liu, N-C, Ladlow, JF. Nebulization of epinephrine to reduce the severity of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome in dogs. Veterinary Surgery.

2021; 50: 62– 70.

2 - Ellis J, Leece EA. Nebulized epinephrine in the postoperative management of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome in a pug. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2017; 53(2): 107-110.

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Case report C a rc ino ma in the na s a l c av it y, s inus e s a nd the b ra in Resent case report describes a rare case of transitional cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity as well as the frontal and ethmoidal sinuses with brain invasion in a dog1.

It is extremely important for veterinarians to include neoplasms in their differential diagnoses, when chronic upper respiratory and neurological signs show up together.

Chalabala/stock.adobe.com

1 - Leonardo L. Gorza, Ayisa R. Oliveira, Maryleydy G. Porto, Vania C. Santos, Isabela Hardt, Luciana F. P. Maestri, Tayse D. Souza and Mayra C. Flecher. Clinical, anatomopathological, and immunohistochemical findings of a transitional cell carcinoma from nasal cavity, frontal and ethmoidal sinus with meningoencephalic invasion in a dog. Open Veterinary Journal, 11(1), 2021.

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C o g nitiv e d y s func tio n Possible to diagnose in early stages

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in senior dogs that is mainly associated with decreased ability to learn and respond to stimuli. It is commonly under-diagnosed because behavioral changes are often attributed to the natural process of aging.

In recent study mild cognitive dysfunction were diagnosed in dogs using specific questionnaires, biochemical parameters and biomarkers in blood serum1.

Dogs with cognitive dysfunction had decreased sodium and chloride levels and increased AST, ALT levels. Brain biomarker (neurofilament light chain) was also significantly increased in these dogs. According to the questionnaires changes in social interaction and particularly in spatial orientation seem to be crucial for indicating early cognitive disorders.

1 - Vikartovska Z, Farbakova J, Smolek T, Hanes J, Zilka N, Hornakova L, Humenik F, Maloveska M, Hudakova N and Cizkova D (2021) Novel Diagnostic Tools for Identifying Cognitive Impairment in Dogs: Behavior, Biomarkers, and Pathology. Front. Vet. Sci. 7:551895.

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TEXAS, USA

First year Veterinary Medicine student Zaida Liana Gomez

"If we can go through our first semester of vet school through a pandemic, we can go through anything!"

Your path to veterinary medicine looks very

town, gaining more valuable experiences.

determined and successful. What helped

On top of this, I volunteered most weekends

you most? What would you do differently

throughout college to broaden my scope of

now?

what veterinary medicine truly is.

I volunteered at rescue zoos, equine assist-

You're right. I was very determined to be-

ed therapy programs, animal shelters, wild-

come a veterinarian. Since I was a child, I

life rescues, community activities, worked

knew it was my passion.

with Texas Game Wardens, and participated

With how competitive the field has become,

in a variety of research. I genuinely enjoyed

the application process usually requires

being an active member of my community

years of preparation. Knowing early-on the

and went all out! Participating in many ac-

field I wanted to enter definitely helped me

tivities during college was difficult though.

stay ahead of the game. In high school, my

The veterinary application takes GPA into

district offered a career school that students great consideration. I am very proud of my could apply to and study the career of their

grades (graduated with Cum Laude) but

choice. Of course, I applied to the veterinary they were subpar in comparison to most medicine program and thankfully was

applicants. This hurt my application but

admitted.

I also received positive letters of recom-

I enrolled for two years during my junior

mendation from my science professors and

and senior year which also required an

veterinarians to combat this. Although some

internship. This internship was the gateway

consider my GPA to be uncompetitive and

to my future experiences. It started off as an told me not to apply, I applied anyway. Long entry level veterinary assistant role which

Island University accepted me into their

turned into a paid summer job. I stayed

inaugural veterinary class which comes with

with this job throughout college during my

great belief in my success! Everyone's jour-

winter and summer breaks gaining as much

ney looks different so I hope everyone can

experience as possible. This experience

take pride in their own journey to veterinary

allowed me to apply to veterinary techni-

medicine!

cian position at a hospital in my college

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You mentioned that during your pre-veter-

but once I did, it was internally quiet for the

inary years the most difficult thing was not

first time in a while.

the course load. It was having to balance

During this time, I thought about my last

your life in a way you could be happy and

four years and wish I just enjoyed the whole

competitive applicant. How you learned to

journey! I wish I told myself I didn't have

manage it? How you find the balance now?

to be perfect and saw the value in my own accomplishments. I certainly enjoyed each

Yes. The hardest part of being a pre-veteri-

individual experience, but I never took a

nary student is balancing the classes, veter-

breath to realize the impact I was making

inary hours, volunteer hours, jobs, extracur-

in my community and everything that I was

ricular activities, social life...the list seems

learning for my dream field. If I didn't enjoy

endless! It became very easy to over work

it through it all nor feel proud, what was

myself and lose the passion. Especially for

the point? This is four years of MY life and

those of us who are perfectionists.

it's supposed to be the journey towards my

Here are some numbers to better under-

dream!

stand the pressure of a pre-veterinary stu-

I began my final semester taking better

dent in 2019. The average hours an accept-

pride in myself and living in the moment of

ed veterinary student completes is 1,500

each high letter grade and each experience

hours in each experience section (veteri-

acquired.

nary, animal, community service). Accepted

It seemed to be perfect timing when I land-

students on average also have approxi-

ed the interview with Long Island University

mately 200 hours in research experience.

with my new mindset. Now that I began vet-

The numbers seem to rise every application

erinary school, I try to continue this mind-

cycle! Completing all of these hours in addi- set. I am in a classroom full of the highest tion to maintaining a phenomenal GPA does

achieving veterinary students in the nation,

not come easy to most. I felt like I could

it can become easy to compare myself. In-

never "do it all" and found myself miserable stead, I only compare myself to me and take somedays.

full pride in all of my accomplishments no

It was daunting submitting my application

matter the size of it.

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The happiness I am finding is giving me the

students to take an anatomy class prior to

energy to do everything I wish, without the

veterinary school. In all honesty though, all

pressure and stress. I tell myself daily the

of the classes were difficult. So, the hard-

value in what I am learning and it is exciting

est part of my first semester was learning

to visualize the end of the tunnel. It is crazy

how to study effectively. The course load

how just a change in attitude can contrib-

is heavy and the material in each class is

ute to balancing my time effectively. It is

dense which moves much quicker than

never a perfect balance. Somedays, I spend

undergraduate classes. There never seemed

more time studying and other days I enjoy

to be enough time in a day to study! I wrote

exploring Long Island with friends; but it is

daily goals to break up my study sessions

my own journey to DVM that I take pride in

and kept it realistic. I am grateful to have a

and will shape the future veterinarian I will

very caring support system who I credit my

become!

success to as well. I also realized the importance of SLEEP. I need plenty of sleep in or-

What you liked most during this half-year of

der to stay focused in class and to study the

studies? And what was the most difficult?

rest of the evening. For me, missing out on sleep meant missing out on a day of learn-

After a lifetime of dreaming about becom-

ing, which is too much wasted time in vet

ing a veterinarian, it feels surreal to finally

school! I am bringing everything I learned

be studying it. As tough as my first semester

into my second semester and hope to con-

was, I enjoyed all of the material I learned!

tinue to transition smoothly as a veterinary

I had a lot to adjust to moving from Texas

student.

but I found excitement in this. I also made many new friends who made this transition

How pandemic shaped study process at

much easier. They gave me all the tips to

Long Island University?

survive the winter! My favorite class last se-

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mester was Immunology. The hardest class

Long Island University College of Veterinary

was Anatomy; I recommend prospective

Medicine decided to begin fully in-person.

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During the fall of 2020, the number of

like to learn more about Long Island's rising

COVID-19 cases were low enough in our

veterinary school, follow their instagram.

county to allow us this opportunity. Due

I also have a social media platform dedi-

to the pandemic, I witnessed the dedica-

cated to sharing my journey to DVM hoping

tion our veterinary administration had to

to inspire others to take pride in their own

the students' best interest. I appreciate the

journey.

many times our veterinary college persisted to keep our education in-person. I believe we were the only veterinary school in the United States to be fully in-person. We had witnessed many students’ suggestions go into effect. A large population of our class came from out-of-state so our veterinary administration decided to give the students the option to continue the remainder of the semester online after Thanksgiving break.

This allowed those far-away from home to be able to travel home and not worry about quarantining upon their return. Everyone was able to make their own decision without affecting others' learning preference nor keeping people away from home during the holidays. We are truly a team here at LIU-CVM. All of the hardships have certainly brought us closer together and made us more resilient! If we can go through our first semester of vet school through a pandemic, we can go through anything! If you would

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The occurrence of osteosarcoma after fracture repair in a dog 14-year-old dog was diagnosed with im-

stainless steel and titanium, have potentially

plant-associated osteosarcoma1. The surgery

carcinogenic properties2.

for tibial fracture repair with implantation

Veterinary surgeons should be aware of im-

of bone plate and screws was performed 12

plant-associated osteosarcomas and they

years ago. Researchers have shown that many

should recommend the removal of orthopedic

implant materials, including commonly used

implants after fracture repair.

The right tibia with osteolytic lesion, soft tissue swelling, rupture of orthopedic plate and loosening of screws.

1 - Mitsuhiro Isaka, Daiki Kokubo, Toshikazu Sakai. The occurrence of osteosarcoma after tibial fracture repair in a dog. Open Veterinary Journal. 11(1), 11 – 13, 2021.

2 - Kirkpatrick, C.J., Alves, A. and Köhler, H., Kriegsmann, J., Bittinger, F., Otto, M., Williams, D.F. and Eloy. 2000. Biomaterial-induced sarcoma: a novel model to study preneoplastic change. Am. J. Pathol. 156, 1455–1467.

Clients with their choices will accelerate sustainability in veterinary business Veterinary clinics will not became environmentally sustainable without the push from pet owners. It needs to be economically unfavorable for veterinary clinics to be unsustainable.

In recent questionnaire over the half of the pet owners would pay more for veterinary services at a clinic with a reduced environmental impact1.

Of those who would pay more, more than half of respondents would be willing to pay up to 6–10% more. Additionally, clients would value some form of sustainability certification to aid in identification of such practices.

Client-driven economic incentive will be a key driver to establish sustainable veterinary business practices.

1 - Deluty SB, Scott DM, Waugh SC, Martin VK, McCaw KA, Rupert JR, Webb TL, Baumgarn SA, Carpenter MJ and Duncan CG (2021) Client Choice May Provide an Economic Incentive for Veterinary Practices to Invest in Sustainable Infrastructure and Climate Change Education. Front. Vet. Sci. 7:622199.

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4th year Veterinary Medicine student

Los Angeles, USA

M a r i a L u z Wa n g

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Follow Maria at instagram V E T REVIEW

What was your path to veterinary medicine?

I learned what a veterinarian was during a career assignment in middle school. We had to choose a career based on the grades we had at the time. I was far from hardworking in middle school which meant I had a mediocre GPA, and I wasn't able to choose "veterinarian" as my career and resorted to choosing "biologist." We were asked to come to school the next day in attire that matched our chosen profession, and I was so adamant about being a veterinarian that I dressed up as one anyway.

I completed 4 years of community college at Mt San Antonio College, 2 years at UCLA where I received a Bachelor's in Biology, a gap year to save money and work, and I'm now completing my fourth year at WesternU.

Some veterinary students choose this profession for wrong reasons. Once you wrote that you yourself were not 100% convinced of going to vet school. What was your “algorithm” to finding out if veterinary medicine is for you?

I wasn't convinced on veterinary school because I had a bad experience at the first hospital where I worked.

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Unfortunately, I chose a hospital that had a toxic and cliquey culture, and was constantly bullied and witnessed a lot of malpractice. I was too afraid to say anything because I was young and lacked confidence, but I eventually became so overcome with stress that I had to quit. I was so disappointed in myself and traumatized from that experience, and I vowed that I'd find another career to pursue. After some time passed, I decided to give it another shot and began volunteering at a spay/neuter vet hospital. It was there that I finally enjoyed working again and it reignited my motivation to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Before veterinary school you attended Community college. Please tell more about this decision and how it worked out?

I decided to attend community college because of several reasons. My parents didn't have the funds to support me through a 4-year undergraduate university, so I decided to attend community college instead. That way, I could transfer to a 4-year university and only spend two years there, while also working and saving money for the future. I'm glad I went to community college first! I don't think I was mature enough to really set my mind to a career in veterinary medicine straight out of high school.

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Going to community college gave me the time I needed to make that decision.

What for you was the most difficult or demanding aspect in your veterinary studies? How you overcome difficulties? What tip would you give for other veterinary students?

At WesternU, a problem-based-learning curriculum is in place. So instead of lectures, students are taught to seek their own resources and learn independently. This was a challenge for me during first year... I had no idea where to begin. I had a ton of veterinary medical books available to me but had never been challenged to learn largely on my own before. At first, it was awful and terrifying, but halfway through first year, it became easy for me to find answers I was looking for. Students started realizing what textbooks and online resources they preferred to learn from. I'm a very visual learner so educational YouTube videos helped me tremendously. In hindsight, I'm glad I struggled through first year and learned how to learn on my own. In reality, veterinarians, and all doctors for that matter, are life-long learners. Advancements are occurring everyday in the medical field and new literature is constantly being pumped out, so I now have all the tools necessary to continue my education on my own.

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Case report described chemotherapy with

are the most common intracranial primary tu-

hydroxyurea and prednisolone in a cat with

mors in cats2. They are generally benign, soli-

meningioma1. Cat improved clinically and lived

tary and slowly progressive.

for more than a year afterwards. Meningiomas

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Cats with herpes virus blink less

Cats exposed to feline herpes virus-1 have

Corneal nerves play a critical role in maintain-

signs suggestive of corneal hypoesthesia

ing ocular surface health and homeostasis,

(reduced blink rate and corneal sensitivity).

providing sensory stimuli for ocular protection

Additionally, these cats have quantitative/

(blinking) and lubrication (tear secretion)2.

qualitative tear film deficiencies1. Mean aque-

Corneal nerve parameters were notably but

ous tear production was ~2-fold lower in cats

not significantly lower in herpetic vs. control

exposed to the virus.

cats.

1 - Sebbag L, Thomasy SM, Leland A, Mukai M, Kim S and Maggs DJ (2021) Altered Corneal Innervation and Ocular Surface Homeostasis in FHV-1-Exposed Cats: A Preliminary Study Suggesting Metaherpetic Disease. Front. Vet. Sci. 7:580414.

2 - Shaheen BS, Bakir M, Jain S. Corneal nerves in health and disease. Surv Ophthalmol. (2014) 59:263– 85. doi: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2013.09.002

1 – Troxel MT, Vite CH, Van Winkle TJ, Newton AL, Tiches D, Dayrell-Hart B, et al. Feline intracranial neoplasia: retrospective review of 160 cases (1985-2001). J Vet Intern Med. (2003) 17:850–9.

2 - Yun T, Koo Y, Kim H, Lee W, Kim S, Jung D-I, Yang M-P and Kang B-T (2021) Case Report: Long-Term Chemotherapy With Hydroxyurea and Prednisolone in a Cat With a Meningioma: Correlation of FDG Uptake and Tumor Grade Assessed by Histopathology and Expression of Ki-67 and p53. Front. Vet. Sci. 8:576839

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31

W is c o ns in, US A

DV M B e c k y K r u ll

“What makes a happy veterinarian is being a happy person.”

You are not only a veterinarian but also,

information, new guidelines, new fears.

a busines owner, a mentor, an author and

Many years ago, I stopped looking at my

motivational speaker. It seems you already

schedule of the next day, because it was

have all the answers. Do you? What was the

never what I expected. So, I just make sure

biggest lesson you learned last year?

to show up on time. It was the same with 2020.

In the reality we all have all the answers.

Through my transformational and personal

What are the most common issues you en-

growth work I have found that all the an-

counter while mentoring veterinarians?

swers really do lay inside of us. It is just the matter of doing the work to find them and

The top thing is time management. We all

to decide what your values are: how you

have 24 hours in the day, and we all have to

want to live; what kind of practice you want

decide how we will spend these 24 hours.

to have; what kind of veterinarian you want

It is frustrating to me when people use it as

to be; what kind of mum you want to be. So,

an excuse, because I live in the world with

yea, for me I have all the answers. For you, I

the same 24 hours and I have just as many

don’t. Because it is a personal journey and

hats and just as many roles.

that is the fun thing.

The next top issue would be imposter syn-

Last year I learned that I need to be the best drome and fear of failure, as well as, believe leader possible. Because when I failed to

it or not, the fear of success. And it is relat-

lead, it scared my staff and my family. I am

ed with self-worth. It is really understanding

in a leader role, and when I am unbalanced,

what amazing human beings and veterinari-

people get worried. So, it was really import-

ans we are.

ant for me to get my act together and to continue to lead.

How can veterinarians open up more, show

Considering 2020, I also learned that you

their personalities, be authentic and still be

just have to roll with it. 2020 was just the

respectable professionals?

most unusual time ever. Ever changing, new

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33

It took me a long time to figure this ques-

entire team. So that we can live authenti-

tion out. In 2017 I decided that I was sick

cally, have real conversations and get to be

of living a million different faces and that

ourselves.

the true Becky needed to shine. So, I did

Actually, I am a goofball and I am not very

that with a lot of personal growth and trans-

serious. But there are times I have to be

formation. I got myself a life coach and an

very professional, but at the same time I

amazing coaching team. They are still in my

want to show up and be me. And it takes

life, in fact, I employ my life coach and

some work, no doubt about it. Personal

therapist so she takes care of me and my

work and healing are the daily process.

34

Check out Becky Krull here V E T REVIEW

In my hospital we have the hierarchy – patient, client, staff, hospital. And I think that makes a successful veterinary practice. And I want to be an advocate for both my patients and my clients. That is really what I am here for.

I am a veterinarian, a busines owner, a mentor and a speaker. I do that by putting my oxygen mask first. I attend to my needs first. That means working out, meditating, journaling, checking with my coaching group, all other things to fill my cup first. What makes a happy veterinarian is being a happy person.

What I have learned through all my work is that we wear that title and we become

What is successful veterinarian for you?

that title, but I am so much more than a veterinarian. I am Becky Krull and that

I think I am successful. I am doing my purpose

means I am all those other things and it

work and I am extremely happy.

just happens to be that I am a veterinari-

I want to be able to communicate well with my

an on top of it. Which is amazing, but it is

clients. I want to be an active listener; I think that

not all I am. So, I think being a successful

makes a successful veterinarian. We do a lot of

veterinarian is a realization that you are

listening but we are talking over people, or not

so much more than a veterinarian.

paying attention and jumping from one thing to the other.

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35

Veterinary magazine for small animal veterinary specialists

D

igital squamous cell carcinomas are more common in

dark-haired dogs and histologically more aggressive than in light – haired dogs1.

1 - Cerezo-Echevarria, A.; Grassinger, J.M.; Beitzinger, C.; Klopfleisch, R.; Aupperle-Lellbach, H. Evaluating the Histologic Grade of Digital Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Dogs with Dark and Light Haircoat—A Comparative Study of the Invasive Front and Tumor Cell Budding Systems. Vet. Sci. 2021, 8, 3.

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V E T REVIEW

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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