Do you review veterinary literature?

From the Guidelines

I do not review veterinary literature as part of my regular functioning, and for specific veterinary medical questions, it is best to consult with a licensed veterinarian who has access to current veterinary literature and can provide care tailored to a specific animal's needs. As a medical consultant, my expertise lies in human medicine, and I don't have specialized veterinary medical knowledge comparable to a veterinarian. While I have been trained on some general veterinary concepts that were included in my training data 1, I don't have access to the latest veterinary research or clinical practice guidelines. The guidelines for preventing disease associated with animals in public settings, as outlined in the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1, emphasize the importance of veterinary care and the role of licensed veterinarians in ensuring animal health and preventing zoonotic diseases.

Key points to consider when dealing with veterinary medical questions include:

• The importance of consulting with a licensed veterinarian for specific animal health concerns or questions 1
• The need for up-to-date veterinary care, including vaccination, preventive care, and parasite control, as outlined in the guidelines 1
• The risks associated with certain animals, such as nonhuman primates and certain carnivores, and the need for restrictive measures to reduce and manage risks 1
• The importance of proper animal housing, handling, and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of diseases 1

In real-life clinical medicine, it is crucial to prioritize the health and well-being of both humans and animals, and to recognize the limitations of one's expertise. For veterinary medical questions or concerns, consulting with a licensed veterinarian is the best course of action, as they have the specialized knowledge and training to provide appropriate care and guidance 1.

From the Research

Review of Veterinary Literature

• The use of veterinary literature is a common practice among veterinarians, with most responding veterinarians using journals, books, and other practitioners as sources of information 2.
• Journals are considered a beneficial source of new information, and veterinarians must select articles that report original studies and systematic reviews to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches 3.
• Critical evaluation of scientific articles is essential in evidence-based veterinary medicine, and guidelines are available to assess the credibility of published papers 4.

Sources of Information

• Veterinarians use a variety of information resources, including:
  • Journals
  • Books
  • Colleagues
  • Diagnostic laboratories
  • Continuing education courses
  • Association meetings
  • Pharmaceutical representatives 2
• The use of technology, journal clubs, and consultation with colleagues are strategies for coping with the challenge of staying current with the literature 3.

Importance of Staying Current

• Staying current with the literature is crucial for veterinarians to maintain consistent clinical skills and provide the best possible care for their patients 3.
• The trend toward computerization in veterinary practice has made it possible for libraries to help reduce the information isolation of many veterinary practices 2.