Davet

When Dogs Slow Down: Understanding Canine Hypothyroidism

Canine hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder, most often caused by primary thyroid dysfunction due to lymphocytic thyroiditis or thyroid atrophy. Secondary causes (pituitary disease) and congenital forms are rare. Thyroid hormones, mainly thyroxine (T4, converted to T3), are vital for metabolism, thermoregulation, cardiovascular and neuromuscular activity, skin and coat health, and reproduction.

The disease typically affects middle-aged to older dogs. Clinical signs develop gradually. Dermatological changes include alopecia, poor coat quality, seborrhea, hyperpigmentation, and recurrent skin infections. Systemic effects are lethargy, inactivity, weight gain without increased appetite, cold intolerance, and mental dullness. Neurological issues (polyneuropathy, facial paralysis, seizures) occur less often, while bradycardia, infertility, and ocular lipid deposits are occasionally observed.

Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion supported by laboratory testing. Typical findings include mild non-regenerative anemia and, in most cases, hypercholesterolemia. The combined measurement of total T4 (TT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is considered the first-line diagnostic approach. Breed-specific variations (e.g., Greyhounds with naturally low TT4) and drug effects (such as phenobarbital or glucocorticoids) must be taken into account. In ambiguous cases, thyroid scintigraphy can provide confirmation.

Treatment consists of lifelong levothyroxine sodium (L-T4). Monitoring after 6–8 weeks ensures appropriate dosing, with serum hormone checks taken 4–6 hours post-pill. Clinical recovery is progressive: activity improves within days, metabolic changes in weeks, dermatologic recovery in months, and neurological or reproductive function over several months. With correct therapy and follow-up, the prognosis is excellent.

The Diagnostic Journey in Canine Hypercortisolism

Canine hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), also known as hypercortisolism or Cushing’s syndrome, is caused by chronic excess of glucocorticoids. Most cases (80–90%) are pituitary-dependent (PDH), due to corticotroph adenomas stimulating ACTH secretion, while 15–20% are adrenal tumors (AT).

Clinical presentation typically involves middle-aged to geriatric dogs. Common signs include polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, abdominal distention, panting, hepatomegaly, endocrine alopecia, muscle weakness, and systemic hypertension. Dermatological changes such as bilateral alopecia, thin skin, calcinosis cutis, recurrent pyoderma, and hyperpigmentation are also seen.

Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, bloodwork, urinalysis, imaging, and adrenal function testing. Laboratory abnormalities often include a stress leukogram, thrombocytosis, increased liver enzymes (ALP, ALT), hypercholesterolemia, proteinuria, and hyposthenuria. Screening tests include the UCCR, LDDST, and the ACTH stimulation test. Differentiation between PDH and AT may be achieved by endogenous ACTH measurement, HDDSTand/or imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI).

To Insulin or Not to Insulin: Revolutionizing Care in the changing landscapes of Feline Diabetes

Feline diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, typically caused by insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Traditional management has relied on insulin therapy combined with dietary modification, but limitations in owner compliance, cost, and treatment complexity highlight the need for alternative strategies.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, widely used in human medicine, reduce blood glucose levels by promoting renal glucose excretion independent of insulin. This mechanism offers advantages for feline patients, including weight reduction, improved glycemic control, and potentially lower insulin requirements. Recent studies in cats have demonstrated that SGLT2 inhibitors effectively decrease blood glucose and fructosamine concentrations, improve clinical signs such as polyuria and polydipsia, and may facilitate diabetic remission in some cases.

While generally well tolerated, adverse effects must be considered. Reported risks include urinary tract infections, dehydration, weight loss, and rarely euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis. Careful case selection, appropriate dosing, and close monitoring are essential for safe use. Combination therapy with insulin may be appropriate in poorly controlled patients, while monotherapy may suffice in stable, non-ketotic cats.

SGLT2 inhibitors represent a promising addition to the therapeutic options for feline diabetes mellitus. Although further long-term studies are required to establish safety, efficacy, and optimal treatment protocols, their insulin-independent mechanism provides clinicians with a valuable tool to improve management, quality of life, and outcomes in diabetic cats.

Presentation Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing veterinary clinical practice by providing new opportunities for diagnostic support, clinical decision-making, and patient management. This presentation will explore practical applications of AI in veterinary ophthalmology, including image interpretation, disease recognition, and workflow optimization. Current evidence comparing the diagnostic performance of AI systems and veterinarians in ocular disease diagnosis will be reviewed, highlighting both the strengths and limitations of AI-assisted decision support. In addition, real-world clinical cases will be presented to demonstrate how AI can be integrated into preanesthetic evaluation, intraoperative monitoring, and postoperative patient management. The session aims to provide clinicians with an evidence-based overview of current AI capabilities and future directions for its implementation in veterinary medicine.

Avoiding Cat-astrophy: How To Engage Cat Owners in Lifelong Care

Cats often receive significantly less veterinary care than dogs, despite facing many of the same health risks and age-related conditions. From stressful visits and transportation challenges to misconceptions around feline health needs, veterinary teams face unique obstacles when trying to engage cat owners consistently throughout a pet’s life.

This session explores practical, real-world strategies to improve feline compliance, strengthen client relationships, and create a more cat-friendly experience that encourages ongoing preventive care. Attendees will learn how communication, workflow adjustments, digital tools, education, and team training can help reduce barriers to care while improving the perception of value among cat owners.

From kitten visits to senior care, this lecture focuses on helping veterinary teams better connect with feline clients and their owners to support healthier cats and stronger long-term retention.

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Veterinary Medicine: Unleashing Innovative Possibilities

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries across the world, and veterinary medicine is no exception. From AI-generated medical notes and client communication tools to predictive analytics, marketing automation, and workflow optimization, AI has the potential to dramatically improve efficiency while enhancing the client and team experience.

This session provides a practical and approachable look at how veterinary professionals can begin leveraging AI in their practices today. Attendees will explore real-world examples of AI applications in communication, operations, marketing, education, and patient care while also discussing the limitations, ethical considerations, and importance of maintaining the human connection within veterinary medicine.

Whether you are AI-curious or already experimenting with emerging technologies, this lecture will provide actionable ideas and strategies to help veterinary teams work smarter, communicate more effectively, and prepare for the future of the profession.

How to Stand Out in an Increasingly Competitive Market

Veterinary practices today face more competition than ever before. Corporate consolidation, online pharmacies, urgent care expansion, changing client expectations, and increasing digital noise have made it harder for practices to differentiate themselves and build long-term loyalty.

This session explores what truly drives client perception, trust, and retention in today’s veterinary landscape. Attendees will learn how branding, communication, customer experience, technology, team culture, and consistency all influence how practices are perceived by pet owners.

The lecture will also examine how practices can better communicate their value, strengthen emotional connections with clients, and avoid blending into an increasingly crowded marketplace.

Through practical examples and actionable strategies, veterinary teams will leave with ideas they can immediately apply to help their practice stand out, strengthen relationships, and support sustainable growth.

Using Technology to Meet Client Expectations in Today’s World

Pet owners today expect convenience, clarity, and communication that matches the rest of their daily lives. From online booking and digital forms to texting, mobile apps, reminders, payments, and telemedicine, technology now plays a major role in how clients experience veterinary care.

This session explores how veterinary practices can use technology to improve efficiency, reduce friction, and create a more seamless client journey without losing the personal connection that makes veterinary medicine special. Attendees will learn how to evaluate their current systems, identify gaps in the client experience, and implement tools that support both the team and the pet owner.

By aligning technology with real client expectations, practices can strengthen compliance, improve communication, and create a more modern experience that supports better care.