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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!

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

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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

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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

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Challenging conventional wisdom in equine reproduction, this episode explores revolutionary research about phenylbutazone's impact on embryo production in mares. When previous studies claimed mares on "bute" had zero successful embryos via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), Dr. Kristen Loncar and her team questioned these findings based on their own clinical success. Their subsequent investigation reveals surprising results with significant implications for veterinary practice and equine welfare.

Dr. Loncar walks us through the evolution of transvaginal follicle aspiration and ICSI technology, which has transformed from a last-resort procedure for problem mares to an efficient breeding method for both aging broodmares and performance horses. She explains how their research tested various phenylbutazone formulations—liquid (oral and IV) and paste—finding no significant decrease in blastocyst rates compared to control groups. This groundbreaking discovery resolves a critical ethical dilemma: veterinarians no longer need to choose between managing a mare's pain and pursuing reproductive success.

The conversation delves into fascinating aspects of equine reproductive medicine, future research directions, and the potential role of AI in analyzing embryo development. Whether you're a practicing veterinarian, breeder, or horse owner, this episode provides essential insights into managing aging or arthritic mares while preserving their reproductive potential. Listen now to discover how science is enhancing both quality of life and reproductive options for horses under veterinary care.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.04.0285

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Have you ever wondered exactly how much lavage solution is needed to effectively decontaminate a surgical wound? This question, so common in veterinary operating rooms, finally has an evidence-based answer.

Dr. Vanna Dickerson and veterinary student Cody Westmoreland from Texas A&M University join us to discuss their groundbreaking research on subcutaneous tissue lavage. Their study, published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research, reveals that using just 2.5 milliliters of sterile saline per centimeter of incision length can significantly reduce bacterial counts below infection-causing thresholds. This finding challenges previous assumptions and provides surgeons with a practical reference point for clinical decision-making.

The conversation explores the persistent challenge of surgical site infections, which affect 7-10% of patients following GI surgery despite our best preventive efforts. Dr. Dickerson shares her surprise at discovering that relatively modest lavage volumes produced significant bacterial reduction in their silicone model, though she suggests using approximately 10 mL per centimeter in clinical practice to account for the complexities of living tissue. Westmoreland, who brought his experience in surgical infection prevention to this veterinary student research project, discusses plans for future clinical validation studies and potential applications of artificial intelligence in wound management.

Beyond the science, we delve into the researchers' backgrounds, including Westmoreland's journey from operating room technician to veterinary student and Dr. Dickerson's collection of office dinosaurs that "make it impossible to have a bad day." Their work exemplifies how relatively simple interventions can significantly impact patient outcomes and client financial burden in veterinary practice.

Listen now to discover how this easy, inexpensive technique might improve your surgical outcomes, and don't forget to leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform!

Open access article: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.25.01.0030

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Hypothermia during anesthesia represents one of veterinary medicine's most common yet preventable complications. While warming methods abound, which ones actually work? Dr. Rachel Kreisler and veterinary students Mahtab Khanezarrian and John Boules join us to challenge conventional wisdom and share evidence-based solutions.

Their groundbreaking research reveals something surprising: those cotton toddler socks commonly used in clinics provide absolutely no benefit for maintaining feline body temperature during procedures. Instead, their carefully designed "kitten mittens" made from down blanket material demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, keeping cats up to 1.2°F warmer with passive insulation alone. When low-voltage heating elements were added, temperature preservation improved even further.

The science behind this breakthrough centers on redistribution hypothermia - the averaging of warmer core blood with cooler peripheral blood during the critical first 45 minutes after induction. By focusing protection efforts on the extremities rather than just the trunk, veterinarians can make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes. The research team shares practical insights about preparation timing, environmental temperature management, and pre-warming considerations that can be implemented immediately in practice.

Looking ahead, Dr. Kreisler discusses promising new materials that may offer superior insulation while addressing the practical challenges of sanitation and reusability in clinical settings. Whether you're working in a standard veterinary practice or a specialized setting like MRI where warming options are limited, this episode delivers immediately applicable knowledge to enhance patient care. Listen now to transform your approach to feline temperature management during anesthesia, and discover why evidence-based medicine matters for even the most routine procedures.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.02.0095

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How long should it take to publish your veterinary research? What happens when a journal promises publication in just 40 days? And how have publication times changed across veterinary medicine in recent years?

Dr. Mark Rishniw joins Veterinary Vertex to discuss his eye-opening research on publication speeds across veterinary journals. Drawing from his analysis of submission-to-publication timelines spanning six years, he reveals how most clinical veterinary publications have dramatically improved their efficiency—with JAVMA transforming from taking two years to publish articles to less than 100 days from submission to publication with robust peer review.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Mark identifies a cluster of journals with publishing speeds that "defy belief." These publications process thousands of articles annually in just 40 days or less, raising serious questions about peer review quality. "How do they find qualified reviewers who will do a critical review that quickly?" Mark asks, noting that specialized journals struggle to find reviewers for just 100 articles per year.

Beyond the data, Mark offers practical advice for researchers navigating the publication landscape. He recommends writing introductions and methods while conducting research, consulting biostatisticians before collecting data, and—most importantly—choosing journals based on audience fit and reputation rather than speed alone. "Don't pick a journal just because it's really quick," he cautions, emphasizing that publication in questionable journals might compromise the credibility of one's work.

Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just beginning your publishing journey, this episode provides crucial insights into the evolving world of veterinary publishing. How will you choose where to publish your next breakthrough? Subscribe to Veterinary Vertex for more conversations that shape the future of veterinary medicine.

JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.03.0151

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The battle against Rhodococcus equi, a devastating bacterial pneumonia in foals, continues to challenge equine veterinarians more than a century after its discovery. This fascinating conversation with Drs. Noah Cohen and Devynn Volding illuminates a previously unexplored aspect of a common preventive measure: the safety of hyperimmune plasma transfusions from an electrolyte perspective.

When veterinarians transfuse 1-2 liters of hyperimmune plasma into newborn foals, they're expanding the animal's blood volume by a staggering 20-40%. This significant intervention naturally raises questions about potential electrolyte imbalances, especially since foals are particularly susceptible to such disturbances. Through meticulous research involving sample collection from foals before and after transfusion, Drs. Cohen and Volding discovered reassuring news - the procedure causes minimal changes in electrolyte and protein concentrations, with even sodium (the electrolyte of greatest concern) showing only statistically but not clinically significant increases.

The researchers also tackle broader questions about Rhodococcus equi management, including the challenges of vaccine development, diagnostic limitations, and emerging antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Cohen provides valuable perspective on the realistic expectations for vaccine efficacy, noting that even partial protection (like that offered by human influenza vaccines) would represent significant progress. Their work exemplifies the critical distinction between statistical significance and clinical importance - a reminder that p-values don't always translate to meaningful differences in patient care.

Have you encountered Rhodococcus equi in your practice? This episode provides practical reassurance that hyperimmune plasma transfusions appear safe from an electrolyte perspective while offering insights into the future directions of research against this persistent equine pathogen. Subscribe to Veterinary Vertex for more clinically relevant conversations at the intersection of research and practice.

Open access JAVMA article: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.02.0115

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