A scientist in Pakistan recently shared study results that indicate using platelet-rich plasma can be a safe, effective approach to hastening wound healing in horses. Muhammad Talha Sajjad, DVM, MPhil, PhD, found PRP gel encourages re-epithelialization and accelerates skin wound healing by promoting wound contraction and stabilization of the collagen fiber arrangement. … [Read more...]
How cats took over the world
Research on feline DNA clarifies our ancient relationship with cats. Some experts consider cats only "semi-domesticated" since they look and behave so much like their wild relatives. Cat DNA from archaeological sites across Europe, the Middle East and Africa shows cats lived with humans between 300 and 15,000 years ago. Population dispersal occurred with advances in agriculture … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 26, 2023
Pets and older adults, pet wellness’s effect on holistic approaches, software to manage pet businesses, a video discussion of pet trends and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 26, 2023. Link. In the video (10:03) Hunter Williams, Imke Wouters and Melissa Tischler discuss: The importance of pet nutrition Pet care beyond the basics The latest pet fashion … [Read more...]
AAHA discusses new guidelines for endocrinology diagnosis, treatment for dogs and cats
The American Animal Hospital Association recently published the 2023 AAHA Selected Endocrinopathies of Dogs and Cats Guidelines. These guidelines help practitioners identify and treat common endocrine diseases while effectively communicating with clients and the health care team. Liza Rudolph, BAS, RVT, VTS (CP-CF, SAIM), discussed the guidelines and how a team-based approach … [Read more...]
Traumatized cat symptoms and how to deal with them
While cats can’t talk, they can still express their feelings through their body language and behavior, writes Judith McCain. She identifies 15 of the most common traumatized cat symptoms and writes about ways to address them, including contacting a veterinarian. Source: Happy Whisker, June 16, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article to provide context along with … [Read more...]
Brushing a cat: It’s for his health, not just his looks.
Self-grooming only goes so far, especially as a cat ages and can’t reach around to body parts as well. The author shares the benefits of brushing a cat, brush types and tricks for short- and long-haired cats. Source: Tufts Catnip, January 21, 2021. Link. Brushing will remove dirt, grease, and dead hair from his coat and cut down on hairballs. Plus it will help remove … [Read more...]
11 signs a cat needs to see a veterinarian immediately
Cat owners need to be aware of the signs and symptoms that indicate a medical emergency in your feline friend. Eleanor Flynn, BSc DVM MANZCVS MRCVS, shares 11 scenarios where cat owners should immediately take their cat to the vet. Source: Modern Cat. Link. INSIGHTS: Cats are good at masking anything abnormal. Consider this article for social media or newsletters to help … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen the Vet talks about artificial intelligence in pet care
AKC TV welcomed Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, to discuss artificial intelligence being used in veterinary practices, in homes and other settings. She shares how AI could help improve care in the future. AI can reduce perception bias when reviewing tests and diagnostic results.” Source: AKC TV, June 14, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 15, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 8th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 1st AHD Bulletin – How to deal with an angry client. Link. Gen Z’s nonchalance infiltrates the workplace. Link. 2022 National Beef Quality Audit shows increase in quality and efficiency. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
Integrative approach to treating Giardia lamblia infections
Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA, CVJ, and Brian Herrin, DVM, PhD, DACVM, share the challenges of treating Giardia lambia infections caused by the environmental protozoal parasite which is spread through fecal-contaminated water, soil and food. The infection from G. lambia is often referred to as beaver fever. To completely clear animals of G. lamblia, the best approach is coupling … [Read more...]
Aquamation as an alternative to cremation
The aggregate effects of cremating the remains of pets and humans have a significant environmental effect due to the carbon dioxide cremation chambers release. Aquamation, by contrast, is compact and efficient, and generates no direct emissions of its own making it one of the greenest means of final disposition, writes Eleanor Cummins. The aquamation process is simple. Over … [Read more...]
What we do to make our pets happy
Complimentary Sponsored Content Elanco’s Wag Stats infographic shares research on the ins and outs of our relationships with our pets and how we care for them. We noted: 36 percent share food with their pets 21 percent kiss their pets on the lips 69 percent have no idea if leptospirosis is prevalent in their area 36 percent don’t know if Lyme disease is … [Read more...]
Cats’ lifestyles. Indoors? Outdoors? Both?
This article is a good coaching resource to help cat owners choose a safe, balanced lifestyle for their cat(s). Catios that provide indoor/outdoor options are no longer a trend, but a must-have for cat lovers <Link>. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) believes an indoor/outdoor lifestyle for cats in a safe environment can keep away most dangers, and … [Read more...]
How the veterinary shortage affects groomers
Addressing the opportunities groomers may have due to the veterinary shortage and advancing treatment options, Cliff Faver, DVM, reminds groomers to know what is acceptable and what is not for a groomer to do in their state of residence. Owners and veterinarians may expect groomers to express anal glands, treat ears and even scale teeth routinely, but some procedures are not … [Read more...]
Plan now for pets bothered by July 4th fireworks
Includes Commercial Content Steve Dale discusses behavior modification for pets who have issues with fireworks and the importance of getting ahead of the problem. Calming pets when they are fearful can help them feel more comfortable in the moment but kindness alone rarely solves this problem.” You can’t reinforce panic. It is likely pets terrorized by fireworks are likely … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 13, 2023
Vet telemedicine, Dechra takeover, APOP evaluation of therapeutic obesity diets plus small business automation, financing and website tips and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 13, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Freeze-drying doesn’t kill bacteria in raw meat treats
Instead of killing harmful bacteria, freeze-drying preserves bacteria in raw meats and organs. Contrary to many recommendations, freeze-dried raw treats should not be given to dogs alone or mixed with kibble, according to Lee Pickett, VMD. Source: Arkansas Democrat Gazette via AVMA Animal Health SmartBrief, June 5, 2023. Link. Freeze-drying is one of the best ways to … [Read more...]
Gene therapy may offer birth control for cats
Researchers recently published the results of a small study in Nature Communications describing how a single shot of a gene therapy prevented pregnancy in cats for at least two years. Researchers analyzed 15,220 freeze-dried fecal samples for estrogen and progesterone levels and examined 1,200 hours of video of mating behavior. Source: The New York Times, June 6, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
How to keep pets safe from wildfire smoke
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is blanketing the east coast and parts of the southern United States. Jerry Klein, DVM, and Lori M. Teller, DVM, DABVP, CVJ, provide guidance for pet owners in this article. The guidance that goes for humans also applies to pets: When the air is intensely polluted, limit the time your pet is outside.” Source: New York Times, June 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 5, 2023
Rising demand for dog daycare, pet luxury market growing, biggest challenges for small business in 2023, new pet care startups, PetCo’s Union Square pet center in NYC, more on CBD safety, Collar seeking to reshape the future of petcare. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 5, 2023. Link. Collar provides a suite of features to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement. … [Read more...]
Walmart offering free telehealth to Walmart+ subscribers
Walmart has partnered with Pawp to offer Walmart+ subscribers one year of free pet telehealth services. Through the program, pet owners receive unlimited access to veterinary professionals via video or text. NOTE: Although the limited-time offer began on May 23, with Walmart+ subscribers having until November 19th to opt in, our AHD team was unable to get opt-in access … [Read more...]
Study confirms a way to communicate with cats
Research from 2020 has shown people can communicate better with cats by smiling at them more. But not in the human tooth-baring way but the cat way, by narrowing your eyes and blinking slowly. The study results showed that cats are more likely to slow-blink at their humans after their humans have slow–blinked at them, compared to the no–interaction condition. It even worked … [Read more...]
Pet food labeling. Who has the consumer’s ear?
Communication of pet food ingredients on labels is becoming more complex and marketing and regulatory pros must work together. It is much easier to communicate ingredient stories than nutrition and health when marketing pet food. Words matter and extra words add to the confusion, explains George Collings, PhD. If the goal in labeling is to help the consumer, all of us are … [Read more...]
Tips for cleaning cat messes and accidents
Cat Expert Franny Syufy shares some ways to deal with pee, poop, stains, vomit and more. Consider using this on social media or in newsletters. When cats suddenly start making mistakes, it's up to us humans to investigate and correct the cause.” Source: The Spruce Pets, June 2011, Link. … [Read more...]
Rabies vaccination programs contribute to human and animal welfare
Kim Campbell Thornton shares the experiences of Arnold Plotnick, DVM, whose Mission Rabies work is a reminder to us how important rabies vaccination and prevention efforts are domestically and abroad. In addition to protecting animals from disease, vaccination programs can open up opportunities for domestic dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered.” Source: Veterinary Practice … [Read more...]
Gut microbiome disruption evident in cats with chronic rhinitis
Researchers studying cats suffering from chronic upper respiratory infections were surprised to find significant differences in the nasal and gut microbiomes between ill cats and their healthy housemates. Feline upper respiratory tract disease affects thousands of cats each year and is a leading cause of euthanasia in vulnerable populations found in group housing situations, … [Read more...]
Veterinarians advise pet owners about rare fungal infection that can affect pets (video)
“Blastomycosis is a fungal organism that animals can pick up from humus-type soil. So, riverbeds, lakes, streams, and swamp areas are very common areas that they can get exposed to it,” shared Edward Brauer II, DVM. He advises pet owners to avoid wet, swampy areas when walking their pets as the weather gets warmer. Source: WMTV Madison, May 6, 2023. Link. The organism is … [Read more...]
Correcting misconceptions about allergy testing in cats
There’s no simple test for figuring out what substance(s) a cat is allergic to and then treating from there. Ramón Almela, DVM, says diagnosing an allergy is often an indirect process that requires time and patience. Blood test or skin prick test? Neither.” Source: Tuft’s Catnip, March 22, 2023. Link. Almela outlines the three treatment options currently available for cats … [Read more...]
Exploring the benefits of mucosal vaccine technology
Complimentary Sponsored Content Amy Stone, DVM, PhD, joins Chats with the Chatfields to explore mucosal vaccines and their impact on veterinary and human medicine. Discussing applications in protecting pets and humans alike, Stone and the Chatfields review the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for mucosal vaccines, the future of vaccine research and potential in … [Read more...]
Instacart delivery data reveals pet-related purchase data
We found this to be a unique look at pet food and pet treats brands sold via Instacart’s home delivery service. They also share other pet items they deliver, including hay for small animals and bird food. Source: Instacart, May 23, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]