Veterinary Vertex

AVMA Journals
  • 4.7 (13)
  • SCIENCE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Veterinary Vertex is a weekly podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the clinical and research discoveries published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) and the American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR). Tune in to learn about cutting-edge veterinary research and gain in-depth insights you won’t find anywhere else. Come away with knowledge you can put to use in your own practice – along with a healthy dose of inspiration to remind you what you love about veterinary medicine. 

  1. 19H AGO

    A Blood Test Before the Scalpel: MicroRNAs and Canine Splenic Masses

    Send a text A splenic mass is one of those findings that can flip a normal day into a crisis. You may have an older Labrador or Golden Retriever, an ultrasound that shows a splenic tumor, and an owner asking the question you cannot fully answer yet: “Is it cancer?” We sit down with Dr. Janet Grimes to unpack why that gap between suspicion and certainty is so hard in canine medicine and why better preoperative diagnostics for splenic masses could change everything from emergency decisions to long-term screening. We walk through what veterinarians currently juggle when counseling clients, including the role of hemoabdomen, the wide spread in prognosis between benign lesions and canine hemangiosarcoma, and how rules of thumb like the double two-thirds rule fit (or do not fit) in different clinical scenarios. Then we zoom in on the science of microRNAs: tiny non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and can be detected in circulation, making them promising minimally invasive biomarkers for veterinary oncology. Dr. Grimes explains how a multi-marker microRNA panel is built from blood samples and measured with quantitative RT-PCR, why panels can be more specific than single markers, and what it could look like to use this as a send-out test today with the longer-term goal of a cage-side diagnostic. We also discuss the real-world barriers: differentiating hemangiosarcoma from other splenic malignancies, avoiding misleading results in sick dogs, and integrating any new test as an adjunct to physical exam, imaging, and standard lab work. If you care about earlier cancer detection in dogs, smarter decision-making around splenectomy, and the future of blood-based cancer diagnostics, listen through to the end and share this with a colleague. Subscribe, leave a rating and review, and tell us what question you most want a pre-op splenic mass test to answer. AJVR articles: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.25.07.0258 and https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.25.07.0250 INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING YOUR MANUSCRIPT TO JAVMA ®  OR AJVR ® ? JAVMA ® : https://avma.org/JAVMAAuthors AJVR ® : https://avma.org/AJVRAuthors FOLLOW US: JAVMA ® : Facebook: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association - JAVMA | Facebook Instagram: JAVMA (@avma_javma) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: JAVMA (@AVMAJAVMA) / Twitter   AJVR ® :  Facebook: American Journal of Veterinary Research - AJVR | Facebook Instagram: AJVR (@ajvroa) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: AJVR (@AJVROA) / Twitter JAVMA ®  and AJVR ®  LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/avma-journals

    20 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Uveitis in Kittens: FIP or Not?

    Send a text Cloudy eyes in a kitten can be a warning sign for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). What happens when the eyes look like FIP and then… the kitten gets better? That clinical tension sits at the heart of our conversation with Hikaru Shiraishi and Drs. Karen Vernau and David Maggs. Their JAVMA article describes “undifferentiated resolving uveitis” in young cats, a syndrome that can mimic FIP associated uveitis at first glance yet improves with symptomatic treatment and careful follow up. We walk through what uveitis actually is, why it matters so much in kittens, and how a set of real hospital cases pushed the team to look back systematically. You’ll hear how terminology changed the thinking: “idiopathic” implies an exhaustive workup, while “undifferentiated” reflects what clinicians often face in rescue, shelter, and budget limited situations. We also dig into the practical details that can help on the clinic floor, including which ophthalmic signs overlapped between groups and which findings leaned more toward FIP, such as fundic abnormalities and rubeosis iridis. We also address the realities that make this topic so high stakes: the limits of coronavirus serology, the role of clinical pathology like globulins and bilirubin, and the weight of decisions that can lead to expensive antivirals or even euthanasia. Our biggest takeaway is a clinical mindset shift: FIP diagnosis is a weighted balance of evidence, and a thorough fundic exam plus a willingness to reassess over time can keep you from making a knee jerk call when a kitten might simply need a chance. If you found this helpful, subscribe for more author behind the scenes conversations, share the episode with a colleague who sees urgent eye cases, and leave us a rating and review. What’s the hardest part of getting a good fundic exam in your practice? JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.07.0469 INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING YOUR MANUSCRIPT TO JAVMA ® OR AJVR ® ? JAVMA ® : https://avma.org/JAVMAAuthors AJVR ® : https://avma.org/AJVRAuthors FOLLOW US: JAVMA ® : Facebook: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association - JAVMA | Facebook Instagram: JAVMA (@avma_javma) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: JAVMA (@AVMAJAVMA) / Twitter AJVR ® : Facebook: American Journal of Veterinary Research - AJVR | Facebook Instagram: AJVR (@ajvroa) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: AJVR (@AJVROA) / Twitter JAVMA ® and AJVR ® LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/avma-journals

    23 min

  3. MAR 7

    Can Pet Owners Get a Veterinary Appointment? What a Secret Shopper Study Revealed

    Send a text Worried pet parent meets phone tree is a stress spiral no one needs—so we put it to the test. We sat down with health services researcher Dr. Simon Haeder to unpack a large secret shopper study that mimicked real owners calling nearby clinics to book first-visit puppy care. Across six diverse states, the results upend common assumptions: two-thirds of callers landed an appointment, average waits hovered around six days, and typical drives were about 13 minutes. Even better, directory inaccuracies were rare. But averages aren’t the whole story. A meaningful slice of callers never reached a human or bailed after long holds, and rural clients paid a bigger time tax with longer waits and drives. We zero in on the most fixable barriers—phones and scheduling—and outline practical steps clinics can take right now: enable online booking for routine visits, add an answering service or AI-assisted intake to capture messages reliably, and set clear callback expectations. These low-friction changes reduce abandonment, calm anxious owners, and free front-desk teams to focus on in-clinic care. We also zoom out to the big questions shaping veterinary access. How different are wait times for dentistry, oncology, and other specialties, especially outside metro hubs and away from teaching hospitals? What happens as pet insurance grows? And how do cats, horses, and rural communities fit into an access map still being drawn? You’ll come away with data you can use, a checklist to improve client communication, and smart planning tips if you’re welcoming a new pet. If this conversation helps you see veterinary access more clearly, subscribe, share with a fellow pet lover, and leave a quick review so others can find the show. JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.05.0311 INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING YOUR MANUSCRIPT TO JAVMA ® OR AJVR ® ? JAVMA ® : https://avma.org/JAVMAAuthors AJVR ® : https://avma.org/AJVRAuthors FOLLOW US: JAVMA ® : Facebook: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association - JAVMA | Facebook Instagram: JAVMA (@avma_javma) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: JAVMA (@AVMAJAVMA) / Twitter AJVR ® : Facebook: American Journal of Veterinary Research - AJVR | Facebook Instagram: AJVR (@ajvroa) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: AJVR (@AJVROA) / Twitter JAVMA ® and AJVR ® LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/avma-journals

    20 min

  4. FEB 24

    One Health, One Data: Reimagining Pet Health Surveillance

    Send a text What if the case notes from your clinic could forecast tomorrow’s outbreak? We sit down with epidemiologist Dr. Lauren Grant to unpack a One Health vision that connects veterinary, human, and environmental data so we can spot risks sooner, act faster, and guide smarter decisions in practice. We start by clarifying what “integrated companion animal health surveillance” really means and why Canada needs it. Today’s networks rely on selective reporting and expert panels, which are invaluable but miss the power of routine primary care records at scale. Lauren explains how systems like the UK’s VETCOMPASS and SAVSNET turn everyday consultations into population-level insight, building baselines and detecting anomalies that trigger timely investigation. The payoff is concrete: regional trend context to refine differentials, better testing choices, targeted client advice, and earlier alerts for zoonotic and reverse zoonotic threats. The conversation gets real about barriers to data sharing: policy constraints, privacy, commercial concerns, and a cultural gap where clinicians don’t always see their notes as public health assets. We explore practical solutions—clear governance, de-identified pipelines, minimal viable data fields, and feedback loops that return value to contributing practices through dashboards and timely briefs. Lauren walks through a compelling example from the UK where an unusual spike in canine vomiting was picked up, investigated, and traced to a canine enteric coronavirus, illustrating how strong baselines and near real-time data can change outcomes. If you’re a veterinarian, public health professional, or data-minded pet owner, this is a roadmap for making companion animals true sentinels of community health. Learn how a Canadian system could start with dogs and cats, build interoperability and trust, and ultimately help both pets and people. Enjoy the episode, share it with a colleague, and if it resonates, subscribe and leave a review so more listeners can find conversations like this. JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.09.0575 INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING YOUR MANUSCRIPT TO JAVMA ® OR AJVR ® ? JAVMA ® : https://avma.org/JAVMAAuthors AJVR ® : https://avma.org/AJVRAuthors FOLLOW US: JAVMA ® : Facebook: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association - JAVMA | Facebook Instagram: JAVMA (@avma_javma) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: JAVMA (@AVMAJAVMA) / Twitter AJVR ® : Facebook: American Journal of Veterinary Research - AJVR | Facebook Instagram: AJVR (@ajvroa) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: AJVR (@AJVROA) / Twitter JAVMA ® and AJVR ® LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/avma-journals

    17 min

  5. FEB 20

    Continuous Load, Compromised Flow: PET Imaging of the Equine Digit

    Send a text A hoof can look fine while its tissue quietly runs out of blood. We sat down with Drs. Georgia Skelton and Andrew van Eps to unpack new 18F-FDG PET research showing how static weight bearing creates sharp, regional perfusion deficits in the equine foot—the very conditions that can spark support limb laminitis in otherwise healthy horses. The findings challenge old assumptions and make a powerful case for movement, dynamic load cycling, and smarter monitoring before the cascade begins. We walk through why 18F-FDG PET changes the game by capturing function, not just structure, revealing “no-uptake” zones in the lamellae, sole, and coronary band within minutes of standing still. You’ll hear how medial palmar regions are hit hardest in front feet, why lifting the opposite limb shifts deficits laterally, and how the hoof’s intricate anastomotic network lets blood choose the path of least resistance—bypassing vulnerable capillary beds under pressure. These insights tie directly to what clinicians see first in the field: sole pain, growth issues at the coronary band, and rapid decompensation when motion is restricted. From here we get practical. Andrew and Georgia outline emerging strategies to keep perfusion alive: enforced micro-movement, intermittent offloading with robotic slings, and dynamic orthotic devices that rotate pressure points across the sole. We dig into how mobile PET systems can guide personalized shoeing and support plans, and how tools like pressure mats and targeted near-infrared sensors could bring stall-side monitoring to the danger zones identified by imaging. The goal is simple: reintroduce safe variability and prevent any one region from being starved for too long. If you care for at-risk horses after fractures, abscesses, or surgery, this conversation offers a clearer map of the problem and a toolkit for early intervention. Subscribe, share this with your care team, and leave a review to help more equine professionals find evidence-based strategies that keep blood flowing and horses sound. AJVR article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.25.07.0268 INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING YOUR MANUSCRIPT TO JAVMA ® OR AJVR ® ? JAVMA ® : https://avma.org/JAVMAAuthors AJVR ® : https://avma.org/AJVRAuthors FOLLOW US: JAVMA ® : Facebook: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association - JAVMA | Facebook Instagram: JAVMA (@avma_javma) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: JAVMA (@AVMAJAVMA) / Twitter AJVR ® : Facebook: American Journal of Veterinary Research - AJVR | Facebook Instagram: AJVR (@ajvroa) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: AJVR (@AJVROA) / Twitter JAVMA ® and AJVR ® LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/avma-journals

    23 min

  6. FEB 12

    How Common Are Supplements in Dogs? Evidence from the Dog Aging Project

    Send a text Half of the dogs in a massive nationwide study are getting supplements—yet few products face drug-level scrutiny before they hit pet store shelves. We sit down with researchers Drs. Janice O'Brien and Audrey Ruple from the Dog Aging Project to unpack what owners actually give, why they reach for these products, and how the evidence stacks up against bold marketing claims. We dig into the big three—omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin, and probiotics—and map how usage shifts across life stages from puppyhood to senior years. You’ll hear why joint supplements surge with age, why probiotics peak early, and why omega-3s stay steady across all groups. We also explore reactive versus preventive habits, revealing that dogs perceived as less healthy are more likely to receive supplements, hinting at care that often starts after problems emerge. From agility dogs to couch companions, we surface patterns you can act on, plus the surprising products owners report using, like bee pollen and dental powders. Our guests break down the current science: a 2022 meta-analysis showing no clear benefit for glucosamine and chondroitin, the context-dependent promise of omega-3s, and the strain-specific realities of probiotics. Along the way, we share practical scripts for better clinic conversations, from asking the right history questions to explaining evidence quality without jargon, and we set realistic expectations so supplements support—not replace—proven treatments. If you’re a veterinarian, you’ll walk away with a clearer framework for counseling clients and documenting use. If you’re a pet owner, you’ll get simple steps to choose products wisely, track real outcomes, and talk with your veterinarian before you buy. Subscribe, share this episode with a fellow dog lover, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find evidence-based guidance on canine health. AJVR article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.25.06.0217 INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING YOUR MANUSCRIPT TO JAVMA ® OR AJVR ® ? JAVMA ® : https://avma.org/JAVMAAuthors AJVR ® : https://avma.org/AJVRAuthors FOLLOW US: JAVMA ® : Facebook: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association - JAVMA | Facebook Instagram: JAVMA (@avma_javma) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: JAVMA (@AVMAJAVMA) / Twitter AJVR ® : Facebook: American Journal of Veterinary Research - AJVR | Facebook Instagram: AJVR (@ajvroa) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: AJVR (@AJVROA) / Twitter JAVMA ® and AJVR ® LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/avma-journals

    18 min

  7. FEB 5

    Same Lifespan, More Challenges: PPID in Horses

    Send a text A shaggy coat and a creaky stride don’t have to signal the end of the road. We unpack new primary-care evidence on pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) showing that diagnosed horses can live as long as matched controls, even as they experience more medical events along the way. That insight changes how we talk with owners: from doom to diligence, and from a single prescription to a complete, daily management plan. We sit down with researchers Drs. Emma Stapley and François René-Bertin to break down what PPID really is—and why it’s not the same as “Cushing’s” in people or dogs. You’ll hear how they built a robust control group by matching age, breed type, and even owner to cut through referral bias. We dig into the laminitis connection, the role of insulin dysregulation, and why the oral sugar test is your best entry point. From there, we move into practical monitoring: post-meal insulin checks, seasonally aware testing, and how owners who give pergolide daily often catch subtle changes earlier. Treatment is more than pergolide. We map the full-care toolkit: low-NSC diets tailored to the individual horse, ration balancers that avoid unnecessary starch, exercise that builds muscle without overloading feet, and farriery that supports comfort and function. Body condition is a quiet lever with outsized effects; holding a steady, moderate score can rival medication in shaping outcomes. We also surface often-missed comorbidities—slow wound healing, hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis, and dental issues like EOTRH—and explore emerging questions around calcium and vitamin D that may link neuroendocrine change to oral health. If you work with senior horses, manage a barn, or simply love a hairy retiree who still wants a job, this conversation gives you a clear, evidence-based playbook. Subscribe, share the episode with your barn friends, and leave a review to help more horse owners find science-backed guidance. What PPID myth have you struggled to debunk? Tell us after you listen. JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.08.0533 INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING YOUR MANUSCRIPT TO JAVMA ® OR AJVR ® ? JAVMA ® : https://avma.org/JAVMAAuthors AJVR ® : https://avma.org/AJVRAuthors FOLLOW US: JAVMA ® : Facebook: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association - JAVMA | Facebook Instagram: JAVMA (@avma_javma) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: JAVMA (@AVMAJAVMA) / Twitter AJVR ® : Facebook: American Journal of Veterinary Research - AJVR | Facebook Instagram: AJVR (@ajvroa) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: AJVR (@AJVROA) / Twitter JAVMA ® and AJVR ® LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/avma-journals

    26 min

  8. JAN 31

    Elevating Credentialed Veterinary Technician Voices in Scientific Research

    Send a text What happens when the people closest to the patient lead the science that shapes their care? We sit down with guest editors Erik Fausak and Dr. Adesola Odunayo to unpack the first-ever JAVMA supplemental issue authored by credentialed veterinary technicians—and why it matters for outcomes, team culture, and the future of evidence-based practice. Across anesthesia, radiology, ECC, and surgery, credentialed veterinary technicians make thousands of critical decisions every day. That frontline view generates smart research questions: how to secure IV catheters, how long to hang fluid bags, which scrub protocols lower infection risk, and how to standardize monitoring that prevents complications. We explore how credentialed veterinary technician-led studies, from narrative and scoping reviews to original research, turn bedside insight into better protocols that any clinic can adopt. We also address barriers that hold technicians back: limited mentorship, scarce funding, minimal institutional credit, and no protected time to write. Erik and Adesola share workable fixes—establishing research mentors, pooling multi-site data to power studies, rewarding publications for techs, and using social media to both crowdsource questions and fight misinformation. The payoff is real: higher job satisfaction, stronger retention, and a team-wide shift from “evidence-based medicine” to “evidence-based practice,” where everyone participates in decisions that improve care. If you want a stronger hospital culture, safer anesthesia, cleaner lines, and a clearer career path for your credentialed technicians, this conversation offers a roadmap. Read the credentialed veterinary technician-led supplement, share it with your team, and start a study that answers a question from your treatment floor. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us which credentialed veterinary technician-led research your clinic should tackle next. JAVMA supplemental issue: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.263.s2.s4 INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING YOUR MANUSCRIPT TO JAVMA ® OR AJVR ® ? JAVMA ® : https://avma.org/JAVMAAuthors AJVR ® : https://avma.org/AJVRAuthors FOLLOW US: JAVMA ® : Facebook: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association - JAVMA | Facebook Instagram: JAVMA (@avma_javma) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: JAVMA (@AVMAJAVMA) / Twitter AJVR ® : Facebook: American Journal of Veterinary Research - AJVR | Facebook Instagram: AJVR (@ajvroa) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter: AJVR (@AJVROA) / Twitter JAVMA ® and AJVR ® LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/avma-journals

    26 min
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4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Veterinary Vertex is a weekly podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the clinical and research discoveries published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) and the American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR). Tune in to learn about cutting-edge veterinary research and gain in-depth insights you won’t find anywhere else. Come away with knowledge you can put to use in your own practice – along with a healthy dose of inspiration to remind you what you love about veterinary medicine. 

Information

  • Creator
    AVMA Journals
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    190
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Veterinary Vertex
  • Show Website
    Veterinary Vertex

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