Integrative Veterinary Care Journal

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — and for those of us working in veterinary medicine, this conversation couldn’t be more important. Veterinary professionals face a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to the general population. This isn’t a reflection of weakness. It’s the result of a profession that demands so much. Why Veterinary Professionals Are at Greater Risk The veterinary workplace carries a unique set of pressures.

The gut microbiome — comprising trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms colonizing the canine gastrointestinal tract — represents one of the most rapidly evolving frontiers in veterinary medicine. As our understanding of the microbiome-host relationship deepens, microbiome engineering is emerging as a clinically relevant therapeutic strategy across a surprisingly broad range of conditions.

Dogs suffer from many of the same diseases that affect humans — cancer, autoimmune disorders, infectious disease, and metabolic conditions. In many cases, the genetic and molecular underpinnings of these diseases are remarkably similar across species. This makes dogs not only important patients in their own right, but also valuable models for understanding disease more broadly. Let’s look at a few real-world examples of how multiomics is already making an impact in canine medicine.

Capacitive and resistive electric transfer (TECAR) therapy has been gaining traction in equine rehabilitation, but until recently, objective data on its immediate effects in horses was scarce. A new pilot study sheds light on how TECAR influences the longissimus dorsi muscle in Thoroughbred racehorses, offering veterinarians practical insights into its potential applications. Subjects: 20 clinically healthy Thoroughbred racehorses, aged 2–3 years.

As veterinarians, we are always looking for safe, effective, and accessible tools to help our canine patients manage anxiety. While behavioral modification and pharmacological interventions remain the cornerstones of anxiety treatment, emerging research is shining a spotlight on an exciting new frontier: the gut-brain connection and the role of probiotics in calming anxious dogs.

A fascinating Chinese experimental surgery is gaining traction in Alzheimer’s treatment. The procedure connects lymphatic vessels in the neck to nearby veins, helping toxic proteins drain more efficiently from the brain. But could this kind of surgery ever help our canine patients? Let’s break it down. How the Surgery Works The idea behind this procedure comes from groundbreaking research into the brain’s waste removal system.

Technology is always moving forward, and veterinary medicine is no exception. One of the most exciting advances in recent years is the use of 3D printing — also called additive manufacturing — in the care of our animal companions. From custom prosthetics to surgical planning tools, 3D printing is opening doors that were once thought impossible. Here’s a look at how this technology is making a real difference for dogs and cats.

Gastritis in dogs is a common presenting complaint, characterized by inflammation of the gastric mucosa. While conventional treatment remains the gold standard, many pet owners are turning to natural and herbal remedies. Here is a practical overview of what practitioners should know. 1. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) Slippery elm contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that may coat and soothe the gastric lining. It has a long history of use in both human and veterinary folk medicine.

As veterinary medicine continues to evolve, more practitioners and dog caregivers are exploring integrative approaches to cancer care. Among the most frequently discussed herbal supplements in this space are Yunnan Baiyao, Wei Chi Booster, and Stasis Breaker. While conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation remain the gold standard, these traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) products have gained notable attention as potential supportive therapies.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains one of the most common and clinically significant conditions in older cats. While its clinical progression is well recognized, the molecular underpinnings—particularly in the renal cortex—are less clearly defined. A recent secondary analysis of public feline renal RNA-seq data (GSE303653) provides new perspectives on how hypoxia response, iron handling, and lipid oxygenation interact at the transcript level.