This study examines the influence of perceived organizational culture on the psychological strain of employees in veterinary practices and clinics in Germany. Against the background of staff shortages and increasing mental health challenges, the aim is to determine the extent to which psychological strain is associated with prevailing organizational culture. Further aims are to identify causes and provide impetus for preventive measures in order to improve working conditions.An online survey was conducted with 361 participants. Psychological strain was assessed using the COPSOQ III (short version), and organizational culture was measured using the German version of the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (D-OCAI). Quantitative statistical methods were applied to identify significant correlations between culture types and stress factors.The analysis revealed significant associations between specific culture types and psychological strain. Employees who perceived their organization as having a clan culture - characterized by team spirit, trust, and flat hierarchies - reported lower levels of psychological strain. A pronounced market culture, on the other hand, showed no relevant effect. Interestingly, a strong hierarchy culture was also associated with lower levels of strain, suggesting that clear structures and responsibilities may have a relieving effect. The adhocracy culture was linked to higher job satisfaction. However, deficiencies were identified in feedback culture and leadership quality.The results indicate that organizational culture has a significant influence on employees' psychological well-being. Supportive and consciously shaped leadership can help reduce psychological strain. Organizational culture should therefore be recognized as a central factor in the prevention of mental health issues.Since the role of organizational culture in curative veterinary medicine in Germany has been largely neglected, there is a clear need for further research. The intentional development of culture and leadership holds potential for improving job satisfaction and employee health. This study provides initial insights for preventive strategies and expands the field of research on mental health in veterinary medicine.

Idiopathic chylothorax is a rare condition in small animals with a largely unknown etiology. In dogs, several recent studies have reported high surgical success rates, whereas the prognosis in cats remains unfavorable. The aim of this article is to develop an integrative understanding of the disease by systematically integrating anatomical, pathophysiological, physical, and clinical perspectives. Available conservative and surgical treatment strategies are evaluated with regard to success rates, complications, and prognostic relevance. Particular emphasis is placed on identifying which therapeutic decisions can be reasonably supported in clinical practice despite limited evidence and which prevailing assumptions warrant critical reassessment. A delayed surgical approach, in particular, appears to represent a potential negative aspect in current treatment concepts. The commonly standardized practice of performing thoracic duct ligation at a caudal thoracic level is also reconsidered in light of anatomical and pathophysiological findings. Furthermore, the current literature provides no clear recommendation regarding the indication for cisterna chyli ablation, and there is increasing divergence of opinion on the role of pericardectomy. The insights presented here generate concrete impulses for further research and support a more differentiated basis for clinical decision-making.

Canine atopic dermatitis (caD) is a chronic, genetic inflammatory skin disease involving defects in the skin barrier, allergen sensitization, and microbial dysbiosis. It is primarily characterized by pruritus and typically begins at a young age. A diagnosis is reached by clinical examination, recording a thorough medical history, and ruling out differential diagnoses. Treatment options for caD depend on various factors and include systemic and topical drugs for immunomodulation.As this disease may place a considerable burden on owners, it is necessary for veterinarians to provide comprehensive, understandable and sustainable education in order to improve client involvement in its management as well as offering long-term support.Long-term therapy of caD requires pet owners to develop a high level of adherence to treatment and sufficient health literacy, as they must carry out and at times adapt complex, mostly topical treatments themselves. Targeted education for affected owners can significantly improve their understanding of the disease and self-management, thereby improving quality of life and treatment success.

Splenomegaly with diffuse heterogeneous parenchyma was detected in a 6-year-old female Lagotto Romagnolo from Germany during routine ultrasonographic examination. The cytologic examination of a fine needle aspirate of the spleen revealed reactive lymphoid hyperplasia and extramedullary hematopoiesis. During diagnostic workup, babesiosis with high antibody levels and evidence of was diagnosed as the cause of the splenic parenchymal findings. At no time, the dog showed any clinical signs or clinicopathologic findings associated with the infection, although active babesiosis was diagnosed. Due to the high antibody level, it can be postulated that the dog had already been exposed to the pathogen at an earlier stage or that she had a subacute course of the disease.To the authors' knowledge, this is one of the few descriptions of babesiosis with structural splenopathy with evidence of extramedullary hematopoiesis as the only indication of the presence of the infectious disease and without corresponding clinicopathologic findings.

To identify the overall surgical site infection (SSI) rate after skin tumor resections and to explore the association between various factors on SSI development with a particular interest in perioperative prophylactic antibiotics (PPA) and infection rates of mast cell tumor (MCT) removal.Dogs that underwent skin tumor removal were prospectively enrolled in active SSI surveillance (30 days) between 2020 and 2022. Collected data included: tumor type, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) score, surgery and anesthesia time, PPA usage, hypothermia and hypotension status, and duration of hospitalization. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to explore the association between the above factors and SSI development.One hundred and four out of 174 eligible dogs were included. The SSI rate in the studied population was 9.6% (95% CI 5 to 17, 10/104). The rate of SSI after mast cell tumor (MCT) removal was 11.5% (95% CI 4 to 23, 6/52) and in other skin tumors it was 7.7% (95% CI 2 to 19, 4/52). PPA was administered in 23.1% of cases (95% CI 4 to 19, 24/104). SSI occurred in 10.0% (95% CI 4 to 19, 8/80) of dogs without PPA and in 8.3% (95% CI 1 to 27, 2/24) of dogs with PPA. Logistic regression showed no significant association between PPA use or tumor type and SSI occurrence. Neither PPA nor MCT had a significant impact on SSI.In the study population skin tumor resections had an increased SSI risk compared to the expected 4-5% reported in clean procedures in literature. Additionally, MCT resections seem to exhibit a higher SSI rate than resections of other skin tumors. PPA usage showed no protective effect which is in line with the current recommendations to not give PPA.

The present study's aims were to investigate fecal panleukopenia virus (FPV) DNA shedding in cats from breeding catteries and to identify factors associated with shedding, including the presence of diarrhea.239 cats out of 40 catteries were included. Information on catteries and cats were obtained by a breeders' questionnaire. Fecal samples of the cats were classified with the Purina fecal score and analyzed for FPV DNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Other gastrointestinal microorganisms were assessed by qPCR/RT-qPCR and fecal flotation. Information on the catteries, cats, and results of fecal sample analyses were statistically analyzed to determine factors that were associated with fecal FPV DNA shedding by Fisher's exact test; p-values <0.05 were considered significant.Six of 239 cats (2.5%) shed FPV DNA with feces. Cycle threshold values of qPCR ranged from 24-37. All FPV DNA-positive cats were coinfected (with either spp., spp., spp. and/or feline coronavirus). Fecal consistency of 3/6 FPV DNA-positive samples was diarrheic, and fecal FPV DNA shedding was significantly associated with diarrheic feces (= 0.015; OR: 9.9, CI: 1.2-78.7). No other factors significantly influenced FPV DNA shedding.Fecal FPV DNA shedding was rarely observed among healthy cats from breeding catteries but maintaining proper vaccination programs against panleukopenia is crucial. Since FPV DNA shedding was linked to a higher likelihood of diarrheic feces, mild diarrhea in otherwise healthy cats should not be neglected and raise awareness about a potential risk of FPV within the cattery or other multi-cat environments.

As part of a collaborative project funded by the BMEL ("HKP-Mon"), we had the opportunity to access a large data set of antimicrobial resistance tests from Laboklin. A total of 175,171 results from the years 2019 to 2021 were available to us for evaluation. These data sets were used to evaluate relevant bacterial pathogens in dogs and cats and their resistance situation. Results on methicillin-resistant (MRSA), (MRSP), third-generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GCR) , 3GCR and are presented here. About 15% (cats) to 20% (dogs) of isolates were characterized as MRSA. For , the MRSP prevalence was on average around 7% for dogs and with 16% higher in cats. Resistance to a third-generation cephalosporin was found in about 12% (both cats and dogs) of samples and 3GCR prevalence was 15% in dogs and 26% in cats. Due to the natural (intrinsic) resistances of to a large number of antibiotic classes, the only active substances available in veterinary medicine apart from colistin/polymyxin B are aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones.The multidrug-resistant bacteria described here therefore pose a considerable challenge in therapeutic terms. Depending on the site of infection, there are often only a few treatment options left. Careful diagnostics and correct interpretation of the microbiological results are therefore essential to maintain the effectiveness of antibiotics and minimize the development of further antibiotic resistance.

Computerized gait analysis enables objective assessment and quantification of gait disorders in dogs, aiding lameness diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Kinetic analysis examines the forces exerted during movement, whereas kinematic analysis focuses on the movement of body segments without considering forces. Kinetic gait analysis provides insights into overall limb function, whereas kinematic gait analysis allows examination of individual joint movements, enhancing the understanding of normal and altered joint motion. Kinematic gait analysis can be marker-based or markerless, though marker-based systems dominate clinical use. In human medicine, artificial intelligence (AI) is already integrated with markerless systems for kinematic gait analysis, while veterinary research is still emerging. Kinematic gait analysis can be two- and three-dimensional. Three-dimensional (3D) systems offer the highest accuracy, analyzing joint motion in six degrees of freedom, however their high cost and technical complexity currently limit their use to research. Two-dimensional (2D) systems, benefiting from video technology advances, are more affordable and user-friendly. However, these systems capture motion in a single plane only. To date, no ideal computerized gait analysis system exists for dogs that can visualize and analyze kinematic data in real time - such systems are currently available only for kinetic analysis. With AI-driven advances in human motion analysis, canine kinematic gait analysis, regardless of technology (e. g., optical or sensor-based), is expected to become significantly more accessible for veterinary practice. This review outlines the fundamentals of kinematic data acquisition in dogs, summarizes current research, and compares optical gait analysis systems.

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) represents a rare autoimmune dermatosis. The therapeutic agents of choice are immunosuppressants, which are used in form of a monotherapy or as a combination treatment depending on the clinical picture. This report provides a current literature review and describes a case of pemphigus vulgaris in a 9-year-old, male, castrated, medium-sized mixed-breed dog. The dog presented with characteristic cutaneous and mucosal lesions showing oral mucosal vesicles and ulcerations as well as ulcerations in the periocular region as well as on the planum nasale, tail base, and the paws. Based on the clinical signs and the results of the further and histological examinations, the diagnosis was confirmed. Using long-term immunosuppressive therapy (Prednisolone, Azathioprine) the dog attained complete remission up to the present time.

Currently, no suitable parameter to predict the occurrence of azotaemic chronic kidney disease (CKD) after hyperthyroidism treatment in cats exists. The aim of this study was to evaluate various clinical and laboratory parameters as well as renal cortical thickness (assessed by ultrasound) as predictors of azotaemic CKD after radioiodine therapy (RAIT).Cats presented for RAIT (April 2021-April 2022) were prospectively enrolled. Cats with azotaemia (creatinine≥140 µmol/L) and cats with pathological renal morphology were excluded. After RAIT, cats were followed for 6-12 months (measurement of total thyroxine [TT4], thyroid-stimulating hormone and creatinine). Cats with persistent hyperthyroidism and cats with a follow-up<6 months were excluded from the statistical analysis, as their thyroid and kidney function could not be sufficiently evaluated. Following parameters obtained prior RAIT were compared between cats that developed azotaemic CKD following RAIT and those that did not: age, weight, duration since the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and RAIT, blood pressure, haematocrit, concentration of creatinine, urea, potassium, phosphate, TT4 and symmetrical dimethylarginine, urine-specific gravity, urine protein/creatinine ratio and sonographically assessed renal cortical thickness.51 cats were enrolled; 29/51 were included in the statistical analysis (11/29 became euthyroid and 18/29 became hypothyroid post RAIT). There was no difference in the frequency of azotaemia between euthyroid and hypothyroid cats (5/11 vs. 6/18, p=0.7). None of the clinical, laboratory and morphological markers proved to be predictive of the development of azotaemic CKD following RAIT.None of the investigated parameters was predictive of the development of azotaemic CKD in hyperthyroid cats after RAIT. Due to the small study population, future larger studies should be undertaken, especially to assess morphological markers.

Patients with body cavity effusions are often seen in veterinary practice.However, the underlying causes of effusion formation are numerous and to draw conclusions about the underlying pathogenesis, further laboratory diagnostic work-up is essential.An initial classification of the pathomechanism (transudate versus exudate) may already be achieved using simple tools that are generally available in every practice (e. g. refractometer, hematology device/counting chamber, microscope). The effusion analysis includes macroscopic assessment, evaluation of the protein content, determination of the nucleated cell count and, if necessary, red blood cell count or the hematocrit and the cytological evaluation of direct and enrichment preparations (in the case of cell-poor fluids).In some instances, the cultivation of microorganisms (if an underlying infection is suspected) and/or the analysis of certain biochemical parameters may also be indicated; e. g. measurement of triglycerides when chylous effusion is suspected, measurement of creatinine and/or potassium if a uroperitoneum is suspected or the measurement of bilirubin if biliary peritonitis represents a concern.In addition, some studies focus on markers that may be used to differentiate between transudate and exudate as well as between infectious and sterile inflammatory processes (e. g. glucose, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase).This review article provides systematic instructions for the work-up and examination of body cavity effusions in dogs and cats, in order to narrow down potential differential diagnoses wherever possible.Even when sent to a reference laboratory, the correct preparation of the effusion fluid and the information on the patient (signalment, history, pre-medications, clinical examination, imaging and laboratory diagnostic findings) as well as the results of the in-house effusion analysis are important so that the examiners are able to provide the most accurate diagnosis or underlying pathomechanism.

Body cavity effusion is a common finding in small animal medicine. Fluid analysis is needed in order to determine the underlying pathology. Classification into the categories of protein-poor transudate, protein-rich transudate and exudate is based on the measurement of cell count and protein content. The cytological examination is an important tool for certain effusion variants (e. g. chyle, hemorrhagic effusions, uroperitoneum, biliary effusions, neoplastic effusions) and can complement the biochemical analysis enabling a more precise classification and, in some instances, providing a specific diagnosis. This review article highlights what to look for during the microscopic evaluation, which specific findings can be identified in the different types of effusion, when further diagnostics test are indicated as well as which limitations are to be taken into account.

Eosinophilic meningoencephalitis is a rare neurological disorder, affecting mainly young, male and medium-sized to large breed dogs. This case report describes the clinical signs of a grave and peracute clinical course and pathomorphological findings of a young, female Belgian Tervueren shepherd dog with eosinophilic meningoencephalomyelitis. The dog was presented to emergency service with acute onset of progressive apathy, developing into stupor and lateral recumbency. Despite immediate symptomatic treatment deteriorating consciousness with tetraparesis was noted and finally the dog went into coma associated with decerebrate rigidity. The dog was humanly euthanized on request of the owner 7 hours after presentation in the clinic. Gross pathological examination revealed circumscribed lesions particularly in the white matter of the cerebral cortex. Histologically, a multifocal severe, eosinophilic and granulomatous to necrotizing and lymphohistiocytic meningoencephalomyelitis was observed. In both adrenal glands, a severe eosinophilic and granulomatous inflammation was detected in the medulla. The etiopathogenesis remained undefined and the encephalitis was categorized as "meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin" (MUO).

The evaluation of the prevalence of hypoaldosteronism and (autoimmune) hypothyroidism in dogs with hypoadrenocorticismLeft over serum samples from 29 dogs with confirmed hypoadrenocorticism were analyzed. Aldosterone concentrations were determined in 0 h- and 1 h samples of the ACTH-stimulation test. Total T4 concentration (TT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroglobuline antibodies (TgAA) were determined at 0 h and 1 h following the administration of ACTH. Patient data base was searched retrospectively for data on neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as well as sodium (Na), potassium (K), the Na:K ratio and creatinine concentrations.Hypoaldosteronism was detected in 59% (17/29) of dogs with electrolyte imbalances. The aldosterone concentration correlated with the Na:K ratio. Physiologic aldosterone concentrations were identified in 10% (3/29) of patients with electrolyte imbalances. Thyroid parameters suggesting hypothyroidism (low TT4, high TSH) were identified in 10% (3/29) of the study population. Additionally, 2 of these dogs had increased TgAA levels. Three dogs showed increased TSH levels while TT4 was within the reference range.Aldosterone is decreased in most patients with hypoadrenocorticism. Thyroid parameters should be interpreted with care in dogs diagnosed with hypoadrenocorticism.

Critically ill dogs and cats commonly present with a dysfunction of multiple organ systems, systemic inflammatory response, and infection. The "Rule of 20" scheme provides a structured framework to systematically assess these changes, including numerous laboratory diagnostics. This two-part review article summarizes key laboratory tests and their most frequent alterations in critically ill dogs and cats.Part one focuses on hematologic tests, especially the parameters hematocrit, leukocyte count, and platelet count, with common alterations in critically ill patients including anemia, polycythemia, leukocytosis. In addition, changes in the coagulation system, such as hypo- or hypercoagulability, can frequently occur in critically ill patients, therefore these are also discussed. To support the diagnosis of systemic inflammation and infections, the utility of acute-phase-protein analysis and bacteriological examinations is discussed. In addition, myocardial markers are considered as indicators of myocardial injury, as they may occur in systemic inflammatory response and sepsis.

The study aims to assess the quality of conventional radiographs taken in the years 2015 and 2020. Additionally, it seeks to identify relevant errors and their impact on the clinical utility of the images. Poor image quality can lead to misdiagnoses and necessitates additional radiation exposure in case the radiographs need to be repeated (Anm.dRed: Streichung des letzten Satzteils wurde von der Übersetzerin vorgeschlagen).Digitized analog radiographs of dogs and cats from the years 2015 and 2020, which were submitted by referring veterinarians, were analyzed retrospectively. The evaluation was performed subjectively based on selected quality parameters. Based on these criteria, the X-ray images were categorized into 4 quality categories regarding their clinical utility. Additionally, the results were compared with those of a previous study that included images from the years 2003/2004.The study included 764 radiographs from 2015 and 140 from 2020. In 2015, 42.7% (326) of the images were rated as compromised-diagnostic and 6.0% (46) as non-diagnostic, while in 2020, 35.0% (49) were rated as compromised-diagnostic and 6.4% (9) as non-diagnostic. In 2015, radiation protection was inadequate in 1.0% (8) of the images due to visible human fingers. Collimation was inadequate in 64.1% (490) of the images in 2015 and in 59.3% (83) in 2020. Artifacts were the most common error, occurring in 85.2% (651) of the images in 2015 and in 81.4% (114) in 2020. X-ray images with contrast deviations were most frequently rated as compromised-diagnostic or non-diagnostic. In 2015, contrast deviations resulted in 30.5% of the images being compromised-diagnostic or non-diagnostic, while in 2020, this was the case for 25.0% of the images. Overall, there was no significant improvement in image quality between 2015 and 2020 and compared to the previous study, image quality has deteriorated.Radiographs from 2015 and 2020 show deficiencies in both technical image quality and radiation protection. Adjustments to legal frameworks and staff training appear necessary in order to reduce these deficiencies.

Oclacitinib (Apoquel, Zoetis) is currently the only Janus kinase inhibitor approved for veterinary medicine in the EU. The drug is approved for treatment of atopic dermatitis and associated pruritus in dogs. For this purpose, it has been used safely and successfully for over 10 years. Furthermore, a number of case reports have already been published which report successful off-label use of oclacitinib, particularly in T-cell mediated diseases, after approved drugs were ineffective. Oclacitinib is only approved for dogs. Its use in cats is not recommended as there is insufficient data from clinical trials. However, it is known that cats require a higher dosage and that the drug has less therapeutic safety than in dogs. This review article summarizes studies on the use of oclacitinib in dogs with atopic dermatitis and provides an outlook on its administration in cats. An overview of the successful use of oclacitinib in other immune-mediated diseases is presented.

Animals with corneal injuries are frequently presented in the veterinary practice. Vitamin A has long been used in the treatment of corneal ulceration to promote corneal wound healing. However, what is the evidence basis for this approach? Is it supported by the existing literature? In order to shed light on this topic, we searched the literature for relevant articles. Only weak evidence for a clinically relevant, beneficial effect of vitamin A and its derivatives on the healing of corneal defects in dogs and cats was found in 12 articles. Studies to date have focused almost exclusively on the effect in small mammals, where the evidence is mixed. For a better assessment of the potentially positive effect of vitamin A and its derivatives in dogs and cats, prospective, multicenter studies in individuals with corneal ulcerations are warranted. A clinically relevant effect could only be determined in 2 studies in small mammals, the only study carried out to date in dogs could not show a positive effect on wound healing in otherwise undamaged eyes. Therefore, the administration of vitamin A as an additional medication for corneal ulceration should be considered carefully, as the resources and compliance of owners can be negatively affected by additional medication. The administration of essential medication should possess the highest priority.

An 8-year-old mixed-breed female dog was presented as an emergency case due to acutely occurring questionable vomiting, a tense abdomen and restlessness. Initial abdominal radiographs suggested a gastric dilatation. On the abdominal radiographs, no typical compartmentalization of the stomach was visible, and the pylorus appeared to be in a physiological position in the ventrodorsal view, making it difficult to differentiate the condition from a simple gastric dilatation. As the patient did not respond to stabilization measures and the stomach re-distended after gastrocentesis, a 360° gastric volvulus was suspected and subsequently confirmed intraoperatively. Due to complete necrosis of the gastric wall, the dog was euthanized.This case report aims to demonstrate that additional, less obvious radiographic features - such as marked gastric distension, esophageal distension, absence of small intestinal dilation, and a more central pyloric position - may provide important diagnostic clues when evaluating a 360° gastric torsion.

A 10-month-old male Australian Shepherd and a 3.5-year-old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier were presented due to chronic gross hematuria. Further diagnostics, including ultrasonography and cystoscopy of the urinary tract, revealed no cause for the bleeding. Accordingly, a diagnosis of unilateral idiopathic renal hematuria (IRH) was made.Treatment with Yunnan Baiyao was unsuccessful. Both patients underwent retrograde ureteropyelography and unilateral sclerotherapy. A 5% povidone iodine mixture and a 0.5% silver nitrate solution were administered sequentially into the renal pelvis multiple times and left there for 20 minutes. The second dog showed a tortuous course of the ureter caused by bilateral ectopic ureters, already treated with a laser ablation. This made treatment considerably more challenging. Giving the persistence of hematuria, the procedure was repeated 3 weeks later. Neither dog exhibited any complications associated with the treatment and they remain free of microscopic hematuria 15 and 11 months later, respectively.The reported cases demonstrate that sclerotherapy should be considered as a renal-sparing therapy, even in dogs with more complicated conditions.

A one-year-old, intact female Sphinx cat was presented with severe lameness in the right front limb following a fall. Orthopedic examination revealed grade four lameness with hematoma and severe pain around the elbow. Radiologic examination revealed a type I Monteggia fracture. The ulnar fracture was treated with plate osteosynthesis, while the radius head dislocation was fixed with a positional screw inserted between the ulna and radius. The cat was kept on cage rest for eight weeks. Recheck radiographs were taken four and eight weeks after the operation. At the time of the second follow-up examination, the cat was free of lameness and the positional screw was removed. A few days after this second surgery, the cat was able to return to normal activities.