Lessons Learned from a Pilot Study Implementing a Team-Based Messaging Application (Slack) to Improve Communication and Teamwork in Veterinary Medical Education.

Communication skills are paramount for a successful veterinary curriculum. Technological advances have improved communication processes, and the way instruction is delivered. Yet, with these advances come challenges such as email overload, increased interruptions, and miscommunications.

Bacterial recovery using sonication versus swabbing of titanium and stainless steel implants inoculated with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Objective: To evaluate the use of sonication to improve recovery of bacteria from metal discs infected with bacteria commonly associated with implant infections in veterinary medicine.

Methods: In vitro study in which sterile titanium (Ti6Al4V) and stainless steel (AIS1316-L) discs were incubated with either Staphylococcus pseudintermedius or Pseudomonas aeruginosa for 24 hours. The following three groups were compared: 1) the sonication group involved immersing the discs in sterile saline and sonicating for five minutes; 2) the sham group was considered a negative control in which the discs were immersed in saline for five minutes without sonication; and 3) the swab group involved systematically swabbing the implant with a sterile culturette.

Can ultraviolet light C decrease the environmental burden of antimicrobial-resistant and -sensitive bacteria on textiles?

Background: The environment is important in transmission of bacteria. Textiles are difficult and time consuming to clean; ultraviolet light C (UVC) is germicidal and may be an effective disinfection method for textile surfaces.

Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy of UVC, a commercial quaternary ammonium compound antimicrobial spray (FAS) and UVC+FAS combined for reducing bacterial colonization on experimentally contaminated textiles.

Evaluation of Low-Dose Ultraviolet Light C for Reduction of Select ESKAPE Pathogens in a Canine Skin and Muscle Model.

Objective: This study aimed at comparing the ability of low-dose UVC, 0.05% chlorhexidine, and combined UVC with 0.05% chlorhexidine to reduce colony-forming units (CFUs) on select ESKAPE pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecium) in a canine skin and muscle model.

Injection of the diaphragmatic crus with methylene blue for coloration of the canine thoracic duct.

Objective: To describe and compare onset and intensity of thoracic duct (TD) coloration after injection of methylene blue into the diaphragmatic crus and mesenteric lymph node.

Study Design: Experimental study.

Animals: Adult dogs (n = 18).

Diaphragmatic support of a thoracic wall defect in a dog.

A large, caudal thoracic mass was removed along with ribs 11 and 12, resulting in an approximate 16 x 14-cm, caudal thoracic wall defect in a dog. The diaphragmatic musculature was mobilized and used to support the thoracic wall defect. To our knowledge, this method of thoracic wall repair has not been previously reported.

Evaluation of short- and long-term complications after endoscopically assisted gastropexy in dogs.

Objective: To determine short- and long-term complications in clinically normal dogs after endoscopically assisted gastropexy.

Design: Prospective case series.

Animals: 24 dogs.

Evaluation of an endoscopically assisted gastropexy technique in dogs.

Objective: To evaluate the use of endoscopy in conjunction with a gastropexy technique in dogs as a potential means to aid prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus.

Animals: 12 healthy adult medium- and large-breed dogs.

Procedures: 12 adult research dogs that had no abnormal physical examination findings each underwent an endoscopically assisted gastropexy procedure.

Hematologic and biochemical reference ranges for captive California condors (Gymnogyps californianus).

To provide proper medical evaluation and care for the endangered California condor (Gymnogyps californianus), veterinarians need accurate hematologic and biochemical reference ranges. A retrospective study of blood samples from captive California condors housed at the San Diego Wild Animal Park assessed the samples by sex and age of condor to determine serum biochemical and hematologic reference ranges, including lead and zinc levels. Condors were grouped by age as follows: group 1 included birds less than 30 days of age; group 2 included birds between 30 days and 6 mo of age; group 3 included birds between 6 mo and 5 yr of age; group 4 included all birds greater than 5 yr of age.

Molecular characterization of Clostridium difficile isolates from horses in an intensive care unit and association of disease severity with strain type.

Objective: To determine molecular characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility, and toxigenicity of Clostridium difficile isolates from horses in an intensive care unit and evaluate associations among severity of clinical disease with specific strains of C difficile.

Design: Prospective study.

Animals: 130 horses.