Carl A. Osborne, DVM, PhD, DACVIM

Trust is one of the highest forms of human motivation. It fosters a climate in which veterinarians and clients can work cooperatively to establish shared objectives of patient care.

Not all diagnoses are equal in terms of their prognostic and therapeutic implications.

The psychological pressure imposed on veterinarians to do something ... occasionally is overwhelming.

In 1981, calcium oxalate was detected in only 2 percent of feline uroliths submitted to the Minnesota Urolith Center, whereas struvite was detected in 78 percent. However, beginning in the mid-1980s, a dramatic increase in the frequency of calcium oxalate uroliths occurred in association with a decrease in the frequency of struvite uroliths (Figure 1) .

Maintaining friendly eye contact often promotes trust, and can add emphasis to what we say.

This month's Diagnote contains two true-life tales, one of them written in response to the October 2007 Diagnote entitled, "When others need help, will you make a difference?"

What would you think if you walked into a gun club and observed someone taking target practice with a pistol? Would you look for some sort of target? What if you did not see a target, but instead the individual seemed to be shooting at random?

Would you accept the hand-washing protocol at your hospital if you were the patient?

Have you read or heard about the crisis associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that is sweeping across the United States? Hospitals, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities, correctional facilities and child day-care centers are reporting outbreaks of human nosocomial infections with methicillin-resistant staphylococci.

The clinical investigation team comprising our Nephrology/Urology Center meets daily to discuss progress, address problems and make plans.

Urinalysis is one of our most important clinical diagnostic tools. Unfortunately, most diagnostic reagent strips used to perform routine urinalyses in veterinary laboratories have been designed for human use.

Here is a true story about the value of life. Its profound message rises out of the ashes of a potentially deadly fire, and the heroic efforts of man and animal. As you read it, ask yourself about the value you place on life.

It's an important day in the life of every veterinarian. Do you remember your day? Put yourself back in time: It's graduation day.

Confusion and misunderstanding often occur when two people attempt to communicate using two different languages.

Can you rearrange the letters in "NEW DOOR" to form one word?.

How would you define learning? Webster's dictionary defines "learning" as acquiring knowledge or skill by study or experience, while "study" is the act or process of applying our mind in order to acquire knowledge by reading or investigating. Unfortunately, Webster's definition of the term study emphasizes acquisition of knowledge without properly emphasizing the importance of acquiring wisdom. What's the difference?

How can we best use our freedom to make choices in context of responding to blame?

How can we best use our freedom to make choices in context of responding to blame?

In response to a myriad of problems confronting people today, there is a widespread and insidious tendency to blame others. The tendency to fan the flames of blame is so pervasive that it directly and indirectly affects everyone who is a member of the veterinary profession.

A 3-year-old male non-castrated English Bulldog was admitted to the Veterinary Medical Center because of intermittent episodes of gross hematuria of two months' duration.

In addition to evaluating our year-end fiscal balance, we should include the number of patients benefiting from our efforts.

A significant number of bacteria associated with pyuria indicates the inflammatory lesion is active.

Dietary therapy can reduce the size and number of many metabolic nephroliths.

The clinical investigation team comprising our Nephrology/ Urology Center meets daily to discuss progress that has been made, problems that need solutions and plans for the day. Before we end our discussion, we take turns sharing words of wisdom. One of my favorite topics falls under the theme called "What lesson's have you learned?"

If only I had more time." How often have you experienced this thought at the start, during or at the end of a busy day?

When making prognoses, we must remember that almost right is still wrong.

Any time bacteria are identified, a "breakthrough" infection should be suspected.

Acute onsets of uncomplicated bacterial UTIs often "respond" to empirical antimicrobials.

The objective of part one of this two-part series is to summarize diagnostic caveats derived from our experience with medical management of urinary tract infections (UTI) during the past 35 years.

Renowned for his important contributions to our understanding of renal and urinary tract disorders in veterinary medicine, Dr. Osborne is also revered as an inspiring teacher-whether through the classes he teaches at the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine or through his lectures and journal articles worldwide.