A FREE online resource to keep you updated with veterinary clinical publications
VetLit.org was set up by UK-based emergency veterinarian Simon Cook (BSc BVSc MVetMed DipACVECC DipECVECC FHEA MRCVS). Simon is a lecturer in emergency and critical care at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, and originally set up VetLit.org as a resource for himself and his residents. However, more and more people seemed to like it, and the coverage grew over time.
What is VetLit.org?
VetLit.org is a free resource to help you stay current with veterinary literature.
It automatically updates when articles are published, so checking in whenever you can means you’re unlikely to miss anything. You can also sign up to receive monthly updates of important articles in ECC, Internal Medicine, Neurology and Surgery.
The site is divided into specialties, with journals included according to specialist board requirements. Some specialties (cardiology, neurology, dentistry, diagnostic imaging and ophthalmology) have articles filtered to make it easier still. The good news is that many veterinary journals are now open access rather than being behind a paywall, which means everyone can access more content.
Articles are also filtered by disease to make it easier for you to see trends in specific areas that interest you. For example:
An example of what you’ll find on VetLit.org
RECOVER
The new RECOVER (https://recoverinitiative.org/) guidelines for CPR in dogs and cats were recently released. Every article is open access.
Some key points from the updated treatment recommendations (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/vec.13391), including highlighted knowledge gaps:
Target an ETCO2 of >18mmHg
Perform chest compressions to 25% depth (rather than 33%–50%) when patient is in dorsal recumbency.
When to discontinue CPR because of suspected return of spontaneous circulation: if confirmed by both ETCO2 increase and consistent pulse that is distinct from compressions – yes. If capnography data is not available – continue the 2 min cycle.
Standard dose (0.01mg/kg) not high dose (0.1mg/kg) epinephrine is recommended in all settings.
If atropine is to be used – deliver it early and do not repeat.
Knowledge gaps:
How best to use invasive blood pressures in dogs and cats undergoing CPR.
The optimal timing of open chest CPR attempts.
Actual evidence on respiratory rates during CPR
Hip Luxation
Caudoventral hip luxation in 160 dogs (2003–2023): A multicenter retrospective case series
Vet Surgery
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/vsu.14093
Hip luxation, particularly craniodorsal hip luxation, is common in dogs, with motor vehicle accidents being a common cause. Caudoventral hip luxation (CvHL), though rare, often occurs due to low-trauma incidents like falls or collisions. This study demonstrated that nonsurgical treatment of CvHL, primarily through closed reduction and hobbles, had a success rate of around 61.8%, which is lower than previously reported. Factors such as increasing age, the use of hobbles, and treatment by specialist surgeons were associated with higher success rates. These findings underscore the importance of hobbles in nonsurgical management and highlight the need for repeated attempts before opting for surgical interventions. Of note: Ehmer slings are not indicated in the management of caudoventral luxations, only craniodorsal (if you choose to use at all).
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