Send us a text

Thermal glass bead disinfection could revolutionize how veterinary clinics manage instrument hygiene between patients. On this episode of Veterinary Vertex, we dive deep with researchers Steven Frederick and Dr. KP Spivey into their groundbreaking study showing how this technology effectively eliminates bacteria from suture scissors in just 60 seconds.

The conversation reveals surprising findings about bacterial contamination in veterinary settings. Roughly a third of pre-disinfection samples showed clinically relevant bacterial growth, including multi-drug resistant organisms—a stark reminder of cross-contamination risks in busy practices. After 60 seconds of glass bead disinfection, researchers found zero detectable bacterial growth on any scissors tested, demonstrating remarkable effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens.

Beyond the clinical implications, this research highlights significant operational benefits. As Steven explains, traditional sterilization protocols demand substantial technician time, require extensive instrument inventories, and generate considerable environmental waste through disposable packaging. Glass bead disinfection offers a practical middle ground that maintains patient safety while addressing real-world constraints of busy clinical environments. The researchers also discuss the potential for expanding this approach to other instruments and explore emerging technologies like ultraviolet wave disinfection that could further transform infection control practices.

Perhaps most valuable is the researchers' perspective on innovation in veterinary medicine. They emphasize that sometimes the most transformative ideas come from unexpected sources—students, new technicians, or even clients who bring fresh perspectives. Their work exemplifies how questioning established protocols can lead to practical solutions that enhance patient care while improving efficiency and sustainability. Tune in to discover how this simple technology could change your practice's approach to infection control!

Don't forget to subscribe to Veterinary Vertex and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Open access AJVR article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.25.04.0123

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

Send us a text

What if your pet's habit of eating socks, furniture stuffing, or other non-food items isn't simply bad behavior, but actually a cry for help? Dr. Julianna Perez's groundbreaking research reveals that pica – the consumption of non-food items – may be a clinical sign of chronic enteropathy in dogs and cats.

The discovery began in emergency rooms, where veterinarians noticed dogs returning repeatedly for foreign body obstructions. When they removed these objects surgically, they observed abnormal intestinal tissue with blunted villi, erosions, and ulcerations. This led Dr. Perez to systematically collect biopsies during these surgeries, with astonishing results: 99% of animals with pica showed evidence of chronic enteropathy, primarily lymphoplasmacytic enteritis.

Most surprising was the severity of inflammation found in these pets, despite many showing only subtle clinical signs that owners often dismissed as normal – occasional vomiting, picky eating, or mild digestive issues. The research challenges the common assumption that pica is primarily behavioral, suggesting that in adult animals over two years old, it should be considered a medical condition until proven otherwise.

"Pica is not because animals are misbehaved," emphasizes Dr. Perez, whose work was inspired by a heartbreaking case of a service dog that died after multiple foreign body obstructions. The study found mixed breeds (particularly doodles), pit bulls, and retrievers commonly affected, though all breeds can develop this condition.

For veterinarians, this research highlights the importance of taking biopsies during foreign body surgeries and looking beyond the immediate obstruction to investigate underlying causes. For pet owners, recognizing repeated pica as a potential medical issue could prevent dangerous obstructions and potentially save lives.

Listen as Dr. Perez shares her findings, discusses future research directions exploring nutritional and molecular aspects of pica, and offers practical advice for both veterinarians and pet owners dealing with this challenging condition.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.02.0079

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

Send us a text

Salmonellosis is far more than just a risk from undercooked burgers. In this eye-opening conversation, wildlife health experts Dr. Sonia Hernandez and Dr. Kim Perez reveal how everyday environmental exposures may pose significant yet underrecognized transmission hazards for this dangerous bacteria.

The researchers unpack their fascinating studies of white ibises adapting to urban environments in Florida and the persistence of Salmonella on shared surfaces like picnic tables and bird feeders. Their findings challenge conventional wisdom about disease transmission, showing how dried bird droppings can harbor infectious bacteria long after they appear harmless. "A lot of times we see these fecal stains and we think, well, they're not wet, they're not fresh, but they don't necessarily have to be in order to still have infectious Salmonella in them," Dr. Hernandez explains.

The conversation explores surprising discoveries about immunity patterns in young birds and the concerning ineffectiveness of antimicrobial coatings on bird feeders. The researchers discuss how their work sits at the intersection of wildlife conservation, public health, and veterinary medicine—exemplifying the One Health approach. They raise important questions about wildlife feeding practices, noting that while bird feeders bring joy to many, they may create disease hotspots affecting not just birds but also squirrels, raccoons, household pets, and ultimately humans.

For veterinarians and the public alike, this episode offers practical insights into reducing Salmonella risks without sacrificing our connections to wildlife and pets. The key takeaway? Simple habits like handwashing after outdoor activities or pet handling remain our best defense against this widespread pathogen. As Dr. Hernandez notes, "I think when I was little, I was always taught wash your hands before you eat. I think we should bring that back."

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.03.0144

AJVR article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.24.12.0397

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