Many cats enjoy sunbathing and find benefits from it. However, like so many things, too much can be detrimental. Lauren Demos, DVM, shares how sunshine is good for cats and what problems can come from too much exposure to sunlight inside or out. Source: Catster, April 24, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Cat owners will likely appreciate the guidance Demos shares about UV filters … [Read more...]
Cost versus value 1 of 4 nutrition challenges with pet owners
Chyrle Bonk, DVM, PhD, identified pet owner awareness, time constraints, information overload and, especially, pet obesity among the nutrition challenges facing the veterinary and pet food industry. These likely play out in everyday conversations in veterinary hospitals and retailers alike. Source: PETFOOD Industry, April 25, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Why vet bills are so high
Opinion article by Helaine Olen The circulation of The Atlantic is broad enough that Helaine Olens’ opinion piece will reach some clients of veterinary hospitals. She provides a well-informed opinion piece indicting Big Vet while recognizing pet owners’ inclinations to do whatever it takes to extend their pet’s lives. The emergence of Big Vet and the injection of cutthroat … [Read more...]
New program to open access to veterinary care to underserved animals nationwide
The Veterinary Innovation Council has announced the launch of new resources to address the nationwide problem of access to veterinary care and new comprehensive services to help veterinarians reach underserved patients. Through its Access to Care Resource Hub, veterinary professionals will find the tools, knowledge and resources they need to offer greater access to veterinary … [Read more...]
Alcohol ingestion stimulates mosquito attraction
Prompted by a past article in National Geographic <Link> we dug into the effect of beer and alcohol on mosquito attraction. And, yes, mosquitos choose alcohol drinkers over those drinking water but why is not known. Exhaled carbon dioxide is how mosquitoes lock onto you as a target, heat may be how they figure out where to bite you. Sources: Beer can make you a … [Read more...]
Utahns reunited with pet cat they accidentally shipped with Amazon return
A cat may have used a couple of its nine lives when it was accidentally shipped with an Amazon return from Utah to California. A Utah couple got the surprise of their life when they got a call that their missing cat was found in Los Angeles. Source: KSL TV, April 24, 2024. Link. The incident reinforces the importance of microchipping pets.” … [Read more...]
DVM changed his mind about supporting lasers
From skeptic to advocate of photobiomodulation therapy, Michael Perry, DVM, shares how his choice to upgrade to a class IV laser changed his approach and created many new treatment possibilities. Pain management is a huge part of my practice. A lot of my patients with chronic osteoarthritis cannot take NSAIDs . . . for various reasons . . . so I rely on physical modalities . … [Read more...]
CAPC warns parasitic pet diseases will spread further in 2024
Warning of continued expansion of heartworm, Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases throughout the United States in 2024, the Companion Animal Parasite Council says the risks of contracting Lyme, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and heartworm diseases are increasing. Among the factors cited are rehoming of pets, urbanization and changes in the wildlife host and vector … [Read more...]
Tui na helps prevent injuries in dogs
Tui na techniques, part of Chinese medicine, have been used on animals and humans for thousands of years. These techniques enhance the flexibility and stability of the surrounding muscles, tendon attachments and joints. The authors share two techniques considered to be rubbing techniques that warm, increase circulation and invigorate tissues. They prepare the tissues for … [Read more...]
How pet owners define a “good death”
Sponsored Content End-of-life decisions are difficult for pet owners and veterinary teams alike. While much has been written about end-of-life conversations, much less is known about owners’ preferences when it comes to the actual procedure, writes Lori Kogan, PhD. Kogan shares what was learned from research investigating what factors matter most to pet owners when … [Read more...]
Essential nutrients cats need in their diets
We often hear, “a cat is not a small dog.” That phrase is especially meaningful when delivering the main things cats need in their diets. Rachel Giordano shares six vet-verified, nutrient essentials cats need in their diets, what they do and where they are found: Animal protein Fat Carbohydrates Water Vitamins Minerals Source: Catster, April 12, 2024. … [Read more...]
American Heartworm Society updates heartworm guidelines
After thoroughly reviewing the latest research, the American Heartworm Society has updated its canine heartworm guidelines on heartworm prevention, diagnosis and treatment AND added a new section with "spectrum of care" information. Source: American Heartworm Society. Link. Download the summary here <Link>. AHS recommends annual antigen and microfilaria testing as well … [Read more...]
The AAFP and ISFM release new guidelines on the long-term use of NSAIDs in cats
The 2024 ISFM and AAFP Consensus Guidelines on the Long-term Use of NSAIDs in Cats from the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society of Feline Medicine supports practitioners with decision-making around prescribing NSAIDs in situations of chronic pain to minimize adverse effects and optimize pain management for their feline patients. The … [Read more...]
Addressing vaccine hesitancy with animal owners
Providing a commentary on vaccine hesitancy, Lori Kogan, PhD, shares research-backed cognitive biases that can affect pet owners’ vaccine decisions. Beyond the analytics, she reminds animal health pros vaccine-reluctant pet owners are not stupid; they simply make poor choices based on their fears and biases. She recommends veterinary teams learn to adapt their vaccine messages … [Read more...]
Amazon Pet Day is back to celebrate National Pet Month
Amazon Pet Day will return for its third year in celebration of National Pet Month with 48 hours of deals on pet products and supplies. The two-day sales event will take place on Tuesday, May 7th and Wednesday May 8th. Pet owners can start saving early, with deals beginning on April 23 including savings on pet-loved brands. Source: Pet Business, April 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 15, 2024
Shelter crowding causes moratorium on dog breeding licenses in L.A., Gen Z impact on pet business being felt, minimum wages not a growth factor for small businesses, ways to combat feeling overwhelmed in business and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 15, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
AAFP’s Spring into Feline Medicine eConference starts April 21st
The AAFP is bringing back its three-day virtual live CE event: Spring into Feline Medicine. Expert speakers will present a variety of feline topics in a live format with 13 RACE-approved CE credits over three days. The meeting days are on different days of the week to allow for flexibility in the schedule. Sessions will air live and will be available on-demand through … [Read more...]
whiskerDocs® announces second patent: Integrated animal health records
Processes outlined in a new patent can significantly improve providing health care for animals by leveraging advanced technologies in data analysis and machine learning. The systems and processes patent expands the assessment and management of pet health by utilizing new technology that supports personalized medicine, predictive modeling, early intervention and unique insights … [Read more...]
Banfield survey reveals heartworm prevention rates are declining
Despite mosquitoes that transmit disease being present in all 50 U.S. states and increases in heartworm incidence in cats and dogs, a Banfield survey reveals nearly 40 percent of pet owners don’t believe their pet is at risk for heartworm disease and almost 30 percent have not put their pet on a preventive medication. Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, April 8, 2024. … [Read more...]
Excess weight NOT a foregone conclusion with feline spays, neuters
Kitten season is routinely followed by decisions about spaying and neutering, including future concerns about weight gain. The loss of sex hormones when a cat’s ovaries or testicles are removed can make it less likely to engage in physical activity and therefore less likely to burn as many calories moving around. The author calls the spay or neuter a nutritional inflection … [Read more...]
Sneezing in cats
News of cats contracting avian flu may have clients more sensitized when their cat sneezes. Many prevalent viruses and bacteria generate symptoms that are consistent across multiple infectious agents. The warming of spring plants and trees also exposes cats to allergens. We’re sharing an article about sneezing in cats and an avian flu information sheet regarding cats from … [Read more...]
Cats with MDR1 mutation at risk of severe reactions to popular medication
Katrina L. Mealey, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM, DACVCP, and her team have identified cats with the MDR1 genetic mutation are at risk of severe adverse reactions to the active ingredient in some top-selling parasite preventatives for felines. The ingredient, eprinomectin, appears safe and effective for most cats except those with the MDR1 gene mutation. Genetic testing is the only … [Read more...]
Taking cats outside responsibly
Colleen Grablick shares her experiences with training her cat to go outside on a leash and discusses the reasoning behind managing the predatory instincts often associated with outdoor time. She shares the AVMA recommendation to use a catio or leash for outdoor time, asserts the need for a training harness and leash training, as well as supervision during outdoor … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 8, 2024
Pets getting too expensive, cats on leads, knowing the coming wave of Gen Z workers, influencer marketing and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 8, 2024. Link. According to the Newsweek article shared about rising pet costs dog owners spend more on their pet (about $1,400 a year) than cat owners ($1,200) considering all possible expenses: vaccinations, bed, food, … [Read more...]
The veterinary nurse’s role in heartworm testing and treatment
Veterinary nurses are the front line when it comes to discussing the frequency and necessity of heartworm testing, writes Jordan Porter RVT, VTS (SAIM). She reviews the heartworm life cycle, treating heartworm-positive patients and supporting veterinarians and practice communications. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Spring 2023. Link. Educating pet owners is a role a … [Read more...]
Buckle down on biosecurity: HPAI, BIAV
Mindy Ward’s title says it all, “Buckle down on biosecurity!” We’ve assembled a group of articles referencing emerging HPAI infections in non-bird species. Most notable is AABP’s renaming of the emerging cattle disease as Bovine Influenza A Virus versus HPAI followed by assertions to keep pets away from birds. There’s significant media coverage but, as we’ve learned before, … [Read more...]
Navigating the new pet care landscape
Asserting that the modern pet owner demands a more engaged, transparent and responsive veterinary experience, Aaron Massecar MA, PhD, and Kelly O’Brien share perspectives about practicing veterinary medicine in this digital and advancing technology age. They cite a study indicating online searches can strengthen the veterinary-client relationship and share the importance of a … [Read more...]
Questions remain about cats’ primordial pouches
Located on the lower belly, the primordial pouch sags and sways as cat trot about but this body part’s purpose remains largely obscure. Researchers have distilled theories to three potential purposes: A protective layer of skin Extra skin that gives them extra leeway to twist and turn midair to right themselves or let their torso extend fully allowing for more rapid … [Read more...]
Spring has sprung and with it pretty and poisonous plants
A colleague shared this image as a reminder that not all pretty plants are safe for pets. It is a reminder to share poison control center information and resources with pet owners on social media, in newsletters and in person. Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Link. … [Read more...]
Study shows talking about dental care increases brushing frequency
Research intending to compare the effects of motivational interviewing compared to traditional counseling approaches found slim variances between the two approach styles. What was evident is that regular veterinary communication appears to have a positive influence on dog owner adherence to veterinary recommendations concerning dental care in dogs. Communication with the … [Read more...]