Today’s Veterinary Practice

I spent the first 16 years of my career in a mixed animal practice split between West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. Most days were in the clinic, with farm calls the rest of the time, treating dogs, cats, horses, cattle, small ruminants, and the occasional camelid.

Many veterinary schools promote the saying “real doctors treat more than 1 species.” The truth, as many of you already know, is that many veterinarians upon graduation do find their niche in 1 to 2 species. But you, my friends, have truly embraced this saying as a career motto as you move between a variety of species—from dogs to pigs to horses—all within a singular day or sometimes even hour.

Abstract Although potbellied pigs are called “food animals” for regulatory purposes, they are increasingly being acquired as companion animals. A common medical concern for potbellied pigs is vomiting, which can be secondary to surgically treated conditions (e.g., obstruction) or medically treated conditions (e.g., gastrointestinal stasis, ulceration). This article will discuss the diagnostic approach to a pig that is vomiting, including physical examination, hematology, and imaging.

Abstract Obstructive urolithiasis is a common emergent condition affecting small ruminants. A complete urinary obstruction can lead to life-threatening electrolyte imbalances as well as potentially permanent renal damage and urinary bladder or urethral rupture. Obstructive urolithiasis can be diagnosed by the collection of a thorough history, physical examination, and abdominal imaging. The type of urolith and location of obstruction determine the treatment options and prognosis.

“Set boundaries and manage expectations. This profession will ask a lot. Learn when to say yes and when to step back. Be clear and honest. When expectations are realistic, trust follows. Manage your own expectations, too. You won’t know everything, and you will make mistakes. That doesn’t make you a bad veterinarian. It makes you human.” – Clare M.

Pixel-Shot/shutterstock Abstract Neurologic diseases in goats account for approximately 5% of all cases submitted to diagnostic laboratories in the United States for necropsy. Despite this low percentage, clinicians are seeing more cases in practice, and adequate neurolocalization and diagnosis can be daunting.

To take the CE quiz, click here. This quiz is open until October 2028. Vagengeim/shutterstock Abstract Pain is one of the most common yet complex problems that veterinarians face when caring for horses, and it significantly affects patient welfare. Pain management can be challenging because pain can be caused through multiple pain pathways from numerous sources. A key component in pain management is understanding the differences between acute and chronic pain as well as accurately assessing pain.

It is a well-documented fact that people with identities that vary from the majority have faced discrimination throughout history. Historically, the identities of these individuals have been consolidated into neat, oversimplified boxes with fanciful names that all boiled down to “other” in some fashion. This article is brought to you in collaboration with Pawsibilities Vet Med as part of a 6-part series, Prosperity Perspectives: Building a Thriving Veterinary Community.

PeopleImages/shutterstock A recent white paper published in JAVMA highlights the challenge veterinarians face to stay informed about current research and practice evidence-based veterinary medicine. Best practice in decision-making includes finding, critically appraising, and synthesizing available research evidence.

I grew up somewhere in between the James Herriot era and the development of 48 AVMA-recognized veterinary specialties. A member of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians, my stints in companion medicine and my fascination with access to care often baffle people. My upbringing exposed me to a profession with endless opportunities.