Evidence-based clinical decision support tools and calculators for veterinary professionals
Conservative, non-surgical management of urinary tract rupture is emerging as a viable alternative to surgery in select dogs and cats. This detailed review breaks down new data from several veterinary studies, offering a practical, step-by-step algorithm for emergency vets managing these challenging cases.
In this post, we’re breaking down the latest data on conservative—meaning non-surgical—management of urinary tract rupture in dogs and cats.
We’ll compare a few recent studies and walk through a practical decision-making algorithm that you can actually use in clinical practice.
This case study of a cat with traumatic brain injury explores the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of post-traumatic hypernatremia, hyperglycemia, and suspected central diabetes insipidus, offering practical strategies for fluid therapy, glycemic control, and neurocritical care.
In today’s case study, we delve into the journey of Boris, a six-month-old intact male kitten who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after being kicked by a goat. His case was further complicated by hypernatremia and hyperglycemia, presenting a unique challenge for his emergency care team.
Learn how to visually assess left ventricular function in dogs and cats using focused cardiac ultrasound—fast, practical, and no measurements required.
In emergency situations, particularly when treating pets in shock, quickly assessing left ventricular (LV) function is crucial for determining the best course of action and accurately diagnosing the type of shock (cardiogenic vs. hypovolemic vs. distributive vs. obstructive). A fast, reliable method that emergency veterinarians can use is Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS in dogs and cats with shock). This “eyeball” approach allows us to evaluate LV contractility efficiently.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the three primary components of LV function assessment using POCUS, which can be easily applied by non-cardiologists. By mastering these techniques, you’ll be able to identify whether your patient’s LV function is hyperdynamic, normal, or depressed in just a few moments.
This blood gas analysis training for emergency veterinarians, interns, residents, and ECC or anesthesia technicians delivers a focused, interactive, and retention-driven approach to mastering acid–base and electrolyte disorders. Unlike traditional CE courses, webinars, or lectures—often long, passive, and quickly forgotten—this program uses short, targeted lessons, real-life emergency case scenarios, active learning quizzes with feedback, and a collaborative community to keep you engaged and ensure lasting knowledge.
You’ll also gain access to our Emergency Electrolyte and Acid–Base Calculator, allowing you to perform rapid, accurate supplementation calculations and full acid–base interpretation in seconds, giving you the confidence to apply what you’ve learned immediately in critical situations.
Over the last 15 years, I have attended dozens of CE events and watched hundreds of hours of webinars, only to realize a week later that I can recall only 5-10% of this information. Have you ever felt that way?
This blog outlines a practical, evidence-based approach to deciding when treatment for Enterococcus in septic peritonitis is truly warranted in dogs and cats.
A 7-year-old spayed female Persian cat was presented to an emergency service for evaluation of fever, chronic vomiting, and severe lethargy. On initial examination, the cat was stuporous, with fair femoral pulses, pale pink mucous membranes, moderate dehydration, a body temperature of 104°F (40°C), and a heart rate of 150 beats per minute.
The initial work-up suggested septic peritonitis and partial jejunal mechanical obstruction, based on abdominal ultrasound and abdominal fluid cytology. Stabilization included fluid resuscitation and intravenous antibiotics (ampicillin/sulbactam at 30 mg/kg IV q8h and enrofloxacin at 5 mg/kg IV q24h), followed by norepinephrine (0.1 mcg/kg/min) due to persistent arterial hypotension.
Three hours after presentation, the cat underwent exploratory laparotomy, which revealed a foreign body in the jejunum causing obstruction and perforation. Post-lavage peritoneal swabs were submitted for culture and sensitivity. The cat received resection and anastomosis, along with JP drain placement. Norepinephrine was discontinued 36 hours post-surgery, and nasogastric tube feeding was initiated shortly thereafter.
Continue reading “3 Steps to Decide If You Should Treat Enterococcus in Septic Peritonitis”
