The Past, Present, and Future of Equine Science.

A core group of 27 equine nutritionists and physiologists joined together in the late 1960s to formally address and enhance the direction of equine research, creating the Equine Nutrition and Physiology Society. In 2003, that growing society transformed into the Equine Science Society, which now serves as the preeminent, internationally recognized scientific equine organization. In recent years, it has been appreciated that equine science encompasses a wide range of focus areas, including exercise science, nutrition, genetics, reproductive physiology, teaching and extension, production and management, and mix of other specialties, qualified as biosciences. Additionally, trainees are highly valued in the society, with the clear understanding that young people are the future of equine science. Amongst tightening budgets, equine researchers must focus on timely dissemination of high-quality research studies and development of strong, interdisciplinary, cross-species, and multi-institutional collaborations to ensure sustainability of academic research programs. With a little creativity, equine science will continue to thrive for the betterment of the horse and all involved in the equine industry.

Physical Rehabilitation in Zoological Companion Animals.

Animal physical rehabilitation is one of the fast-growing fields in veterinary medicine in recent years. It has become increasingly common in small animal practice and will continue to emerge as an essential aspect of veterinary medicine that plays a vital role in the care of animals with physical impairments or disabilities from surgery, injuries, or diseases.1 This is true now more than ever because of the increasing advances in lifesaving treatments, the increased lifespan of companion animals, and the growth of chronic conditions, of which many are associated with movement disorders. The American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV) defines APR as "the diagnosis and management of patients with painful or functionally limiting conditions, particularly those with injury or illness related to the neurologic and musculoskeletal systems." Rehabilitation not only focuses on recovery after surgical procedures but also on improving the function and quality of life in animals suffering from debilitating diseases such as arthritis or neurologic disorders. The overall goal of APR is to decrease pain, reduce edema, promote tissue healing, restore gait and mobility to its prior activity level, regain strength, prevent further injury, and promote optimal quality of life. Typically, a multimodal approach with pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical interventions is used by APR therapists to manage patients during their recovery. The purpose of this article aims to provide knowledge and guidance on physical rehabilitation to help veterinarians in the proper return of their patients with ZCA safely after injury and/or surgery.

Application of the multi-theory model to explain veterinarians' intentions to use telehealth/telemedicine.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth adoption is being fueled by both technological breakthroughs and societal demands; however, veterinarians have yet to fully embrace the concept of telemedicine, limiting its use and potential benefits. The goal of this study was to evaluate how effective the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behaviour change explains the initiation and sustenance of telehealth use among veterinarians. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, a research company was contracted to disseminate the MTM-based online survey to veterinarians currently engaged in clinical practice within the United States. RESULTS: A total of 243 veterinarians participated in this study. The most frequently reported age group among participants was 31-40 years (33.7%, n = 82). It was also noted that the majority of participants were female (70.0%, n = 170) and white (76.5%, n = 186). Hierarchical multiple regression showed that participatory dialogue (p = 0.037), species (p = 0.013) and previous monthly telehealth use (p = 0.040) were significant explanatory variables of initiation of telehealth use. Moreover, emotional transformation (p < 0.001) and previous monthly telehealth use (p = 0.035) were significant explanatory variables of sustenance of telehealth use. LIMITATIONS: The data were collected in July 2020, during a global pandemic, in which telehealth use surged across a variety of professions. As a result, the findings of the study may not be relevant in periods when there is no pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this study, researchers, educators and veterinary professionals should consider using MTM as theoretical framework to develop interventions to enhance telehealth use.

Is there any change in the prevalence of intestinal or cardiopulmonary parasite infections in companion animals (dogs and cats) in Germany between 2004-2006 and 2015-2017? An assessment of the impact of the first ESCCAP guidelines.

Main objective of the present nationwide study was to assess the impact of the ESCCAP guideline for the control of worm infections in dogs and cats 8-10 years after its first publication in Germany. A secondary aim was to determine the prevalence of canine and feline cardiopulmonary nematodes and intestinal protozoa. Faecal samples of 53,693 dogs and 26,491 cats in 2004-2006 as well as of 129,578 dogs and 45,709 cats in 2015-2017 routinely submitted by veterinarians to a private veterinary laboratory were examined using appropriate parasitological methods. In dogs, the prevalence of Toxocara and taeniid egg shedding was significantly lower in 2015-2017 (3.8 % and 0.16 %, respectively) than in 2004-2006 (4.6 % and 0.27 %, respectively). The prevalence of hookworm and Capillaria eggs was higher in the second study period (2.3 % and 0.77 %, respectively) than in the first (1.3 % and 0.6 %, respectively). For Toxascaris leonina (0.55-0.6 %) and Trichuris (0.8-0.9 %), the difference was not significant between the study periods. Dogs shed more often Angiostrongylus vasorum larvae in the second study (3.1 %) than in the first (1.0 %), whereas the prevalence of Crenosoma vulpis did not change significantly (2.2-2.6 %). Cystoisospora canis and C. ohioensis-like infections were less detected in the second study period (1.0 % and 2.1 %, respectively) than in the first (1.8 % and 2.7 %, respectively). Neospora-like oocysts and Sarcocystis sporocysts were more prevalent in the second study period (0.19 % and 0.13 %, respectively) than in the first (0.13 % and 0.06 %, respectively). The percentage of Giardia or Cryptosporidium coproantigen-positive samples was lower in the second study period (18.9 % and 6.7 %, respectively) than in the first (22.8 % and 10.0 %, respectively). In cats, the prevalence of egg shedding of T. cati, Capillaria and taeniids was significantly lower in 2015-2017 (3.5 %, 0.25 % and 0.1 %, respectively) than in 2004-2006 (4.8 %, 0.54 % and 0.22 %, respectively). No difference was recorded for hookworms (0.12-0.13 %) and Ts. leonina (0.04-0.05 %). Aelurostrongylus-like larvae were detected more often in the second study period (6.5 %) than in the first (2.6 %). Infections with Cystoisospora felis, C. rivolta, Toxoplasma-like coccids and Sarcocystis were less prevalent in the second study period (1.9 %, 0.7 %, 0.24 % and 0.02 %, respectively) than in the first (2.7 %, 1.1 %, 0.36 % and 0.1 %, respectively). The percentage of Giardia or Cryptosporidium coproantigen-positive samples was significantly lower in the second study period (10.6 % and 4.8 %, respectively) than in the first (15.4 % and 8.3 %, respectively). Although these results indicate a decline of the occurrence of most canine and feline intestinal parasites in Germany over the years, a transmission risk of zoonotic parasites remains. Therefore, the control of helminth infections in domestic dogs and cats continues to be a challenge for veterinarians and pet owners.

Googling for a veterinary diagnosis: A replication study using Google as a diagnostic aid.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to replicate in the veterinary context a BMJ study using Google to assist in diagnosis of complex cases. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To assess percentage of diagnoses identified using Google as a diagnostic aid in veterinary medicine. ANIMALS: None; 13 cases in cats and 17 in dogs published in JAVMA. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of Google results from searches using keywords generated independently by a generalist and a specialist veterinarian who reviewed the published case history and diagnostic components while blind to the diagnosis. They offered diagnoses and generated up to 5 search strategies for each case. The top 30 Google results for each search were reviewed by the generalist to inform a final Google-aided diagnosis. Both veterinarians' initial diagnoses and the Google-aided diagnoses were compared with the published diagnoses. RESULTS: Google searching led to 52 diagnoses out of 60 possible. Twenty-two (42%, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 29%-55%) Google-aided diagnoses matched the JAVMA diagnosis. This accuracy rate does not differ significantly from 58% (n = 15/26, 95% CI 38%-77%) identified in the BMJ study. Google-aided results were not statistically different from those achieved unaided by each veterinarian (33%, 95% CI 16%-50%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Published information found searching Google using keywords related to complicated or unusual cases could assist veterinarians to reinforce their initial diagnosis or consider other differential diagnoses. Search strategies using words representing either signs or the preliminary diagnoses can yield results useful to confirming a correct diagnosis.

Developing consensus for definitions of key veterinary-specific quality improvement (QI) terms using an eDelphi-study method.

BACKGROUND: Quality improvement (QI) methods are a continuous process of iterative tests to improve the quality of a service or product. Using common language has been linked to the successful implementation of QI in human healthcare. This study aimed to assimilate and achieve consensus on veterinary-specific definitions for terms associated with quality care and QI methods in UK veterinary practice. METHODS: A four-round modified eDelphi process with a panel of 50 UK veterinary practice stakeholders was used to generate consensus. The panel selected or suggested the definition they best felt 'fitted' each term. Consensus was reached if there was >70% agreement, and terms were eliminated if there was <15% selection. RESULTS: Thirty-one panellists completed all three rounds of eDelphi; eight participants completed an optional feedback round. From 14 terms, 10 reached consensus, leaving four unresolved definitions. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of terms reached consensus; 90% were new or amended definitions proposed by panel members. Utilising plain English refined by stakeholders will allow successful implementation of QI in veterinary healthcare. Not all terms achieved consensus, highlighting a need for further research to enable successful integration of QI principles as seen in human healthcare.

How can we create a sustainable future for farm animal veterinary practice?

Recruitment and retention is a big problem for the farm vet sector, but it could be overcome by implementing small improvements at all stages of the farm vet pipeline, argues John Remnant.

Antimicrobial prescribing patterns in equine ambulatory practice.

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most important public health risks facing our world today. Antimicrobials are commonly prescribed in equine veterinary medicine, but limited information exists documenting their use in practice. The goal of this study was to investigate antimicrobial prescription patterns in regards to prescription frequency, duration, drug class, clinician and affected body system in an equine ambulatory setting via retrospective analysis of billing and electronic medical records. Risk factors associated with antimicrobial prescription including the nature of the visit, submission of a culture, body system affected and clinician were assessed using multivariable regression. We found that antimicrobials were prescribed in 8.5 % of visits with a median number of 3.5 (IQR 0.8-12.2) animal-defined daily doses (ADD), defined as the number of daily doses of all antimicrobials prescribed to a patient at a single visit. Aminoglycosides were the most common class of antimicrobials prescribed and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole was the most common drug prescribed overall. Amikacin was primarily used for patients presenting with musculoskeletal signs, and the median number of ADDs for visits where amikacin was prescribed was 1 (IQR 0.9-1.9), while the median number of antimicrobial ADDs for all other visits was 4.4 (IQR 0-14.1). Statistically significant differences in antimicrobial use patterns existed across clinicians, months, years and affected body systems. Horses presenting with ocular (OR 1199; 95 % CI 204-7,037; p < 0.001) and integumentary (OR 365; 95 % CI 87.2-1532; p < 0.001) signs were most likely to be prescribed an antimicrobial. Emergency visits (OR 5.61; 95 % CI 3.19-9.89; p < 0.001) and submission of a bacterial culture (OR 3.58; 95 % CI 2.11-6.09; p < 0.001) were associated with an increased likelihood of an antimicrobial prescription. This observational study was the first to quantitatively characterize antimicrobial use patterns in equine ambulatory practice in the United States, which is an important step needed to determine appropriateness of use and develop and evaluate antimicrobial stewardship guidelines.

VetGDP 3: advising for the future.

Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP) advisers will be central to supporting new graduates as they set, and reach, their professional development goals and settle into life as a veterinary professional. In this article, the third in our series from the RCVS, we hear from three senior vets about their reasons for becoming VetGDP advisers and their experience of the online training they are undertaking.

[«The experienced cattle doctor¼ - a popular science veterinary book of the canton of Grisons from the 19th century]. / «Der erfahrne Rindvieharzt¼ ­ ein ­populärwissenschaftliches Bündner ­Tierarzneibuch aus dem 19. Jahrhundert.

INTRODUCTION: The publication of J. J. Wirth's layman's handbook to healthier cattle farming practices in 1842 met with such unexpected demand even beyond the Canton of Grisons, that a second revised and updated edition was published by one of his successors in the charge of -cantonal veterinary officer, J. L. Wallraff, twenty years later. Through the analysis of these two mid-nineteenth century editions, one can observe how farming and herding practices changed in the Grisons, as concerns the developments in veterinary practices by both -professionals and laypersons in the treatment and prevention of injury, illness and disease in livestock. A comparison of the two editions demonstrates what -remarkable advancements in veterinary medicine were made in the mountainous Canton of Grisons in the second half of the 19th century, especially concerning epidemic controls within a short twenty-year span.

INTRODUCTION: On présente, sur la base d'un manuel consacré à la santé du bétail paru en deux éditions dans les Grisons au milieu du 19ème siècle, les changements intervenus dans l'agriculture et l'élevage grisonnais ainsi que les pratiques vétérinaires qui y sont liées, qu'elles soient le fait de profanes ou de vétérinaires. La demande étonnamment élevée quant à l'ouvrage, paru en 1842, du vétérinaire cantonal de Grison J.J. Wirth, et ceci également à l'extérieur du canton, a poussé son successeur, J.L. Wallraff a en faire réaliser une seconde édition revue. Une comparaison entre ces deux éditions montre de façon éclatante les progrès réalisés dans la seconde moitié du 19ème siècle en matière de médecine-vétérinaire dans le canton alpin des Grisons, en particulier en ce qui concerne la lutte contre les épizooties, et ce en l'espace de 20 ans seulement.

Fate of Biodegradable Engineered Nanoparticles Used in Veterinary Medicine as Delivery Systems from a One Health Perspective.

The field of veterinary medicine needs new solutions to address the current challenges of antibiotic resistance and the need for increased animal production. In response, a multitude of delivery systems have been developed in the last 20 years in the form of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs), a subclass of which are polymeric, biodegradable ENPs, that are biocompatible and biodegradable (pbENPs). These platforms have been developed to deliver cargo, such as antibiotics, vaccines, and hormones, and in general, have been shown to be beneficial in many regards, particularly when comparing the efficacy of the delivered drugs to that of the conventional drug applications. However, the fate of pbENPs developed for veterinary applications is poorly understood. pbENPs undergo biotransformation as they are transferred from one ecosystem to another, and these transformations greatly affect their impact on health and the environment. This review addresses nanoparticle fate and impact on animals, the environment, and humans from a One Health perspective.

Platelet-Derived Products in Veterinary Medicine: A New Trend or an Effective Therapy?

Platelet-derived products (PDPs) have gained popularity, mainly due to their high concentrations of bioactive molecules such as growth factors and cytokines, which play important roles in tissue healing and regeneration. PDPs are obtained through minimally invasive procedures and their therapeutic effect has been widely recognized. In veterinary medicine, however, the lack of standard protocols to generate PDPs is a major hurdle for assessing the clinical relevance of PDP-based therapies and for their widespread usage. The aim of this review is to analyze the technical and scientific specificities of PDPs in terms of preparation methodologies, classification categorization, nomenclature, and biological proprieties to advance their future biotechnological potential in veterinary contexts.

Moving from vision to reality.

The future holds the promise of adding exciting new tools to the veterinary toolbox but,as Claire Read explains, there are still challenges to overcome.

Expanding the genetic toolbox.

Knowledge of canine genetics has advanced rapidly in recent years. Researchers say even deeper understanding is ahead, and that it could support a shift to more preventative veterinary care. But the involvement of a wide group of people will be vital in progressing towards that future.

On the threshold of a revolution .

A deeper understanding of the microbiome could help inform individualised treatment for animals and, in the use of faecal microbiota transplantation, a practical application of such knowledge already exists.