The Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP)
The Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP) is the BSAVA's monthly scientific journal, featuring original, peer-reviewed articles, case reports and other scientific and educational information from around the world. The aim of JSAP is to facilitate the dissemination and implementation of new ideas and techniques relating to clinical veterinary practice, and ultimately to promote best practice.
JSAP is provided to BSAVA members as part of their membership benefits. Members - to access JSAP, log in then click on the 'read latest issues' button at the bottom of the page.
You can search for JSAP articles from within the BSAVA Library by clicking on the JSAP tab from the search results page. If you are a BSAVA member and already logged in, you can click through from the search results to access the full article.
You can view a selection of infographics which give a summary of JSAP papers on a variety of topics here.
March issue - in JSAP this month
Yeast populations may opportunistically increase in dogs’ ears following broad spectrum antibacterial treatment for chronic otitis externa, according to a study in this month’s JSAP. The study, conducted by researchers at the Royal Veterinary College and funded by BSAVA PetSavers, assessed 29 dogs with bacterial otitis externa, which were treated topically with either fluoroquinolone or piperacillin-tazobactam. While both antibacterial treatments significantly reduced bacterial counts, they also led to an increase in otic yeast populations, primarily with Malassezia pachydermatis, and less often Candida spp., particularly in cases treated with piperacillin-tazobactam. These findings suggest that veterinary surgeons should carefully monitor for yeast overgrowth in dogs following antibacterial treatment for bacterial otitis.
February issue - in JSAP this month
A study published in this month’s JSAP, carried out at the University of Liverpool and funded by BSAVA PetSavers, has found that dogs are typically considered by vets to be in “old age” at 12.5 years, providing insights that can help owners prepare for their pets’ senior years. By analysing veterinary electronic health records from the Small Animal Surveillance Network (SAVSNET), the study found that smaller breeds, like Jack Russell Terriers, tend to age more slowly, with old age beginning closer to 14 years, while larger breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, are considered old much earlier, around 12 years. The top five common health concerns affecting old age dogs were also identified as weight-related issues, musculoskeletal problems, dental conditions, skin-related problems, and digestive issues. The research emphasises that the rate at which dogs age is not ‘one-size-fits-all’ and that regular check-ups and proactive care are essential, as health concerns associated with old age often overlap and worsen with time.
January issue - in JSAP this month
Although peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are used daily in veterinary practice, over a quarter of PIVCs placed in dogs and cats result in complications, with the most common being limb swelling/suspected phlebitis (in 12% of PIVCs) and PIVC dislodgement/patient interference (in 8%), in this study. Increased complication risk was associated with more than one attempt to place the PIVC, being a second or subsequent PIVC, irregular flushing intervals, and flushing with compound sodium lactate. This highlights the importance of hand hygiene before PIVC placement, adequate skin preparation with a minimum 2% chlorhexidine, and the need to be vigilant when monitoring a patient with a PIVC, especially those with risk factors that may heighten the complication risk.
You must be logged in and a BSAVA member (excluding veterinary nurse student member) to use the links.
A collection of JSAP reviews for primary care practice is freely available to all.
If you are not a member of BSAVA and wish to receive JSAP, you can either become a member or subscribe to the journal via our publisher, Wiley.