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10/31/2026

An elevated body temperature is a clinical finding, not a diagnosis. Differentiating fever from hyperthermia is an important step in evaluating dogs presenting with an increased body temperature.

Understanding the underlying mechanisms helps guide clinical decision-making, particularly when assessing patients with suspected heat-related illness.

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Reference: Bradbury J, Hall EJ, O’Neill DG. Recognising, clinically grading and managing heat-related illness (heatstroke) in dogs. In Practice. 2026;48:190–197. doi:10.1002/inpr.70070.

fever vs hyperthermia

10/30/2026

A persistent misconception suggests that using cold or ice water to cool an overheated dog is dangerous because it may cause 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠. This has led to recommendations for tepid or ambient-temperature water. This belief is partly rooted in older veterinary texts that proposed cold-induced peripheral vasoconstriction could impede heat loss or contribute to hypotension and cardiovascular collapse.

However, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐢𝐝 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞. According to the guidelines, cool running water harnesses conductive, convective, and evaporative heat loss mechanisms simultaneously, facilitating heat dissipation.

The primary goal of heatstroke treatment is to 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 to limit further thermal injury.

Carter et al. (2024) observed no hypothermia or adverse effects in dogs receiving post-exercise cooling during UK canicross events. Cold-water immersion using water at 0.1–15°C produced mean temperature reductions of 0.8°C at 5 minutes and 1.9°C at 15 minutes.

Similarly, Davis et al. (2019) found that water immersion provided the most rapid cooling in conditioned working dogs after exercise, reducing gastrointestinal temperature to 39°C in a mean of 16 minutes. Water immersion also reduced time-weighted post-exercise heat stress.

Although active cooling may be associated with some reduction in blood pressure, 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐜 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐲𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧. Temperatures exceeding 44°C are associated with an extremely grave prognosis (Bradbury et al., 2026).

The RECOVER guidelines also discuss evidence from recent topical meta-analyses and human first-aid guidelines that does not report harm or hypothermia associated with cold-water immersion (CWI).

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES
• Avoid water immersion in dogs that are unconscious, actively seizing, or unable to protect their airway. These patients require immediate emergency veterinary care. Use a safer cooling method while arranging transport.
• Do not force water into the dog's mouth or allow water to enter the airway.
•Monitor re**al temperature during active cooling and stop active cooling at approximately 39.7–40°C, following RECOVER first-aid guidance, to reduce the risk of overcooling. Patients with stertor or stridor may require a different cooling endpoint under the guidelines.
• Arrange immediate veterinary assessment. Cooling is first aid, not a substitute for veterinary treatment, even if the dog appears to recover.

REFERENCES
• RECOVER Initiative. 2026 RECOVER First Aid Guidelines. doi:10.1111/vec.70138.
• Carter AJ, Hall EJ, Bradbury J, et al. Post-exercise management of exertional hyperthermia in dogs participating in dog sport (canicross) events in the UK. J Therm Biol. 2024;121:103827. doi:10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103827.
• Davis MS, Marcellin-Little DJ, O'Connor E. Comparison of Postexercise Cooling Methods in Working Dogs. J Spec Oper Med. 2019;19(1):56–60. doi:10.55460/2ATZ-TMQ7.
• Bradbury J, Hall E, O'Neill D. Recognising, clinically grading and managing heat-related illness (heatstroke) in dogs. In Practice. 2026;48:190–197. doi:10.1002/inpr.70070.

10/29/2026

📌 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.

This guide outlines the four phases of the canine estrous cycle, including their typical duration, hormonal changes, clinical characteristics, behavioral changes, and vaginal cytological findings.

1. PROESTRUS

Duration: Approximately 3 days to 3 weeks; average of 9 days.

Hormonal changes:
• Estrogen concentrations increase and peak toward the end of proestrus.
• Progesterone generally remains low during most of this phase and begins to rise around the preovulatory LH surge.

Clinical characteristics:
• Vulvar enlargement and swelling.
• Serosanguineous vaginal discharge.
• The female attracts male dogs but generally does not accept mating.
• The v***a becomes enlarged and firm.

Vaginal cytology:
• Progressive transition from parabasal and intermediate cells to superficial epithelial cells.
• Increasing vaginal epithelial cornification as estrogen concentrations rise.
• Red blood cells are commonly present, although their numbers vary.

2. ESTRUS

Duration: Approximately 3 days to 3 weeks; average of 9 days.

Hormonal changes:
• Estrogen concentrations decline.
• Progesterone concentrations increase around the preovulatory LH surge.
• Ovulation typically occurs approximately 2 days after the LH surge.

Clinical characteristics:
• The female becomes receptive to mating.
• Standing behavior, tail deviation (flagging), and lordosis may be observed.
• The v***a becomes softer and less turgid.
• Vaginal discharge may decrease in quantity and become lighter in color.

Vaginal cytology:
• Predominance of superficial and cornified epithelial cells.
• Superficial cells commonly have pyknotic nuclei; anucleate cells may also be abundant.
• Red blood cells may decrease but can persist throughout estrus.

Reproductive significance:
• Ovulation typically occurs approximately 2 days after the LH surge.
• Primary oocytes require approximately another 2–3 days to mature into fertilizable secondary oocytes.
• Behavioral receptivity does not precisely determine the timing of ovulation or peak fertility.

3. DIESTRUS (METESTRUS)

Duration: Approximately 2–3 months in nonpregnant bi***es.

Hormonal changes:
• Progesterone concentrations increase during the early luteal phase and remain elevated before gradually declining.
• Progesterone remains elevated during pregnancy.
• Estrogen concentrations are generally relatively low.

Clinical characteristics:
• The female becomes unreceptive to mating.
• Vulvar swelling and vaginal discharge diminish.
• Mammary development may occur.
• Pseudopregnancy may develop in nonpregnant bi***es.

Vaginal cytology:
• Abrupt transition from predominantly cornified cells to noncornified epithelial cells.
• Increasing numbers of parabasal and intermediate cells.
• Neutrophils frequently reappear.

Reproductive significance:
• The corpora lutea are functionally active during this phase.
• The hormonal pattern of diestrus is broadly similar in pregnant and nonpregnant bi***es.
• Parturition typically occurs approximately 64–66 days after the LH surge.

4. ANESTRUS

Duration: Several months, with considerable individual variation.

Hormonal changes:
• Progesterone concentrations remain at basal levels following luteal regression.
• Estrogen concentrations are generally low.
• Reproductive activity is relatively quiescent.

Clinical characteristics:
• No sexual receptivity.
• No overt signs of estrus.
• The v***a is small, with no overt vaginal discharge.
• The uterus undergoes involution and endometrial repair before the next cycle.

Vaginal cytology:
• Predominantly small parabasal epithelial cells.
• Low overall cellularity.
• Occasional neutrophils may be present.

Reproductive significance:
• Anestrus is the nonbreeding phase between reproductive cycles.
• Its duration varies considerably among individual dogs.

IMPORTANT CLINICAL NOTES

1. Ovulation timing:
Ovulation typically occurs approximately 2 days after the preovulatory LH surge.

2. Oocyte maturation:
Canine oocytes require an additional 2–3 days after ovulation to mature and become fertilizable.

3. Vaginal cytology:
Cytology helps identify the stage of the estrous cycle, but it cannot independently establish the exact time of ovulation.

4. Breeding management:
Serial progesterone measurements, interpreted alongside clinical findings and vaginal cytology, can help estimate ovulation timing and guide breeding.

5. Gestational dating:
Parturition typically occurs 64–66 days after the LH surge. The interval from mating to parturition is more variable because mating may occur before or after ovulation.

REFERENCES

Evans, H. E., & de Lahunta, A. (2013). Miller’s Anatomy of the Dog (4th ed.). Elsevier Saunders.

Merck Veterinary Manual. Breeding Management of Bi***es.

Note: Durations and clinical findings are approximate and may vary among individual dogs.

10/25/2026

Neutropenia is the primary dose-limiting toxicity in veterinary chemotherapy.

Bone marrow suppression is a common concern during chemotherapy, making neutrophil monitoring essential for identifying patients who may need treatment adjustments.

Key clinical considerations:

• Neutrophils 1,000–2,000/µL without systemic signs: Monitor; antibiotics are not necessary.

• Neutrophils

10/24/2026

How many litter boxes should a household have?

The golden rule of litter box management is to provide one litter box per cat, plus one extra.

1 cat = 2 litter boxes
2 cats = 3 litter boxes
3 cats = 4 litter boxes

Beyond quantity, proper placement and maintenance are essential. Place litter boxes in quiet, accessible locations, distribute them throughout the home, and scoop daily to maintain cleanliness.

In multi-cat households, adequate litter box access may help reduce competition and stress associated with elimination.

10/23/2026

What can cause acute kidney injury (AKI) in dogs and cats?

Not every azotemic patient has the same problem. Identifying the underlying cause is essential because AKI can develop through different mechanisms, and management depends on what is affecting the kidneys.

Clinically, the causes can be grouped into three categories:

• Pre-renal: Reduced renal perfusion due to factors such as dehydration, hypotension, or reduced cardiac output.

• Renal: Injury involving the kidneys themselves. Potential causes include nephrotoxins (e.g., ethylene glycol and certain drugs), infections such as leptospirosis and pyelonephritis, hypercalcemia, and systemic conditions such as severe pancreatitis.

• Post-renal: Impaired urine outflow or urinary tract leakage, including ureteral or urethral obstruction and urinary tract rupture.

Remember that these categories are not always mutually exclusive. Prolonged hypoperfusion or urinary obstruction can also result in intrinsic renal injury.

For clinicians, a thorough history, physical examination, laboratory testing, and appropriate imaging help identify the underlying cause and guide treatment.

Reference: Segev G, et al. International Renal Interest Society best practice consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute kidney injury in cats and dogs. The Veterinary Journal. 2024;305:106068.

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10/14/2026

Choosing the right disinfectant is essential for maintaining a clean and safe environment in veterinary clinics, shelters, and cat households. But with so many products available, knowing which ones are effective—and which ones may pose risks to cats—is crucial.

This guide covers several chemical disinfectants, including sodium hypochlorite, alcohol, chlorhexidine, iodine-based products, and potassium peroxymonosulfate, along with their uses, recommended concentrations, and important limitations.

Remember: the right disinfectant depends on the intended application and the pathogen you need to control. Always follow product-label instructions and ensure appropriate use around cats.

⚠️ Which disinfectants should you avoid in feline environments? Check out our companion post on Instagram at for more information.

Source: European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD). Guideline for Disinfectant Choice in Feline Veterinary Hospitals, Shelters and Cat Households.

10/10/2026

Toxic neutrophils: what should you look for on a blood smear?

Toxic changes in neutrophils are microscopic abnormalities that can develop during rapid neutrophil production in response to systemic inflammation, particularly with bacterial infections.

The most common toxic changes in neutrophils include:

* Döhle bodies — light blue to slate-gray cytoplasmic inclusions
* Toxic granulation — increased cytoplasmic granularity
* Diffuse cytoplasmic basophilia — increased blue staining of the cytoplasm
* Cytoplasmic vacuolation — prominent cytoplasmic vacuoles

Less common changes include:

* Doughnut-shaped (ring-form) nuclei
* Giant neutrophils

A neutrophil may show only one or two changes, while severely toxic cells may exhibit multiple changes simultaneously.

Toxic neutrophils are an important blood smear clue for systemic inflammation and, like a left shift, reflect increased demand for neutrophil production.

These changes must be assessed on blood film review, as automated hematology analyzers do not recognize toxic neutrophil morphology.

Save this post as a quick reference for toxic changes in neutrophils.

10/05/2026

Chill Protocol for Dogs

The Chill Protocol is a pre-visit medication protocol designed to help reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in dogs during veterinary visits.

It combines gabapentin, melatonin, and acepromazine to help make veterinary handling calmer and safer for fearful or aggressive dogs.

Check out our Instagram post for the full guide and protocol details.

09/30/2026

Not every radiolucent line is a fracture!

A nutrient foramen / nutrient canal, is a normal anatomical structure that allows nutrient vessels to enter the bone. On radiographs, it can appear as a linear radiolucency and may mimic a fracture.

Knowing normal radiographic anatomy can help you avoid mistaking a nutrient canal for a fracture.

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