34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Veterinary science faces several unique challenges compared to human medicine. One of the most prominent is the relatively small number of cases for many diseases. This limits the ability to draw statistically robust conclusions and hinders the development of evidence-based treatment protocols. Furthermore, the wide variety of breeds and sizes presents additional complexity. Different breeds often show varying disease susceptibilities, clinical presentations, and responses to therapy, making it difficult to generalize findings or standardize treatments across the broader small animal population.

Universities typically have access to excellent diagnostic tools, advanced laboratories, and specialized staff. However, due to lower patient volumes, veterinary students and researchers at academic institutions may encounter only a limited number of clinical cases. In contrast, private veterinary clinics often see a high number of cases daily but may lack the same level of resources, such as advanced imaging, specialized testing, or time for in-depth research. This mismatch between case volume and available resources creates a disconnect in the veterinary field.

As a result, collaboration between different centers, academic institutions, and private clinics or practices becomes essential. One promising solution is the development of shared treatment standards or consensus statements to achieve high quality multicenter studies. By pooling data from various clinics and universities, researchers can overcome the limitations of small case numbers and breed diversity. This approach allows for more reliable conclusions, better-informed treatment protocols, and ultimately improved animal care. Encouraging collaboration across the veterinary community can help bridge the gap between clinical practice and academic research, creating a more robust and unified foundation for veterinary science.