Editor’s Note:
It’s been said that the most important conversation veterinarians will ever have with clients comes at the end of a pet’s life. This month, DVM Newsmagazine plans to explore this topic and share some best practices about humane euthanasia for terminally ill pets, especially as it relates to communication with pet owners. What works? How can veterinarians and technicians help grieving pet owners? What role does your staff play during this important period? Does economic euthanasia set the staff up for compassion fatigue? We hope you enjoy this continuing coverage.

DVM Newsmagazine’s August issue:

Companion Animal:

• Euthanasia: Examining best practices when it comes to end-of-life discussions with pet owners.
  
  
• Urology: Epidemiology of feline urethral plugs: Update 2010 by Carl A. Osborne and Jody Lulich of the University of Minnesota’s veterinary college.
  
  
• Dentistry: Brett Beckman explores a series of case studies to showcase the importance of dental radiography.
  
  
• Nutrition: A Q/A with leading nutritionist Dr. Tony Buffington to cover emerging trends in companion-animal nutrition.
  
  
• Surgery: DVM Newsmagazine and the American College of Veterinary Surgeons have teamed up to produce an educational column called SurgerySTAT which offers tips about common surgical procedures. This month, Dr. James M. Fingeroth continues a series on the management of canine laryngeal paralysis.
  
  
• Interventional radiology: Drs. Allyson Berent and Chick Weisse of the Animal Medical Center continue their medical case-study series. This month the series explores urethral stents for malignant obstruction.
  
  
• Behavior: Dr. Karen Overall outlines age-appropriate strategies for housetraining dogs and puppies.
  
  
• Law: Dr. Christopher J. Allen addresses examines renewed threats regarding “non-economic damages” and its impact to veterinary malpractice claims.
  
  
• Equine: Cholangiohepatitis: Inflammation of the bile passages and liver, by Ed Kane, PhD.

Wound management: Kenneth L. Marcella addresses some of the new research in regard to wound management and techniques outside of the realm of antimicrobial therapy.

Ad Close Date: June 30, 2011

Materials Deadline: July 6, 2011