The guidelines panel determined there was a need to improve compliance with testing and vaccination recommendations in cats. The 2020 guidelines < link > are first official update to the document in 12 years. One objective was to ensure the new guidelines enabled practical use for all veterinarians. The 32-page illustrated document offers new information about feline … [Read more...]
My cat has a cold sore (vivid photos)
Clients rarely notice their dog's or cat's oral ulcerations, says Dr. Jan Bellows. Oral ulcers arise from inside or outside causes and they are wounds that require treatment. Ulcer persistence depends on their etiology and the animal's ability to self- repair. Treating these painful lesions in dogs and cats requires figuring out what's causing them. – Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, … [Read more...]
MeYeow! Trim those nails.
Now that declawing is not a standard recommendation, routine education about trimming cat nails is warranted. Trimming feline nails at home is less stressful for cats, cheaper and more convenient for cat owners. But, it doesn’t come without challenges. The least=stress nail trimming occurs when cat owners routinely handle their cats’ paws as a part of interacting with … [Read more...]
Itchy cat? Think location, location, location.
Amelia White, DVM, MS, DACVD, offered VMX attendees insight about managing several types of allergies in cats. Her presentation begins with a discussion of behaviors that indicate causes or imposters. Joan Capuzzi, VMD, summarizes the content in the following categories. Cats and their eosinophils Creepy crawlies When food’s the culprit Atopy: allergies “on … [Read more...]
American Heartworm Society seeks individual clinic data
Veterinarians are urged to take time to submit clinic data to support the 2019 AHS Heartworm Incidence Survey. Each veterinary practice that submits data on the number of animals tested and diagnosed over the 2019 calendar year enables the AHS to create a more comprehensive and useful map” - Chris Duke, DVM, president AHS Source: DVM 360, January 28, 2020. Link. Survey … [Read more...]
Fire ants getting busy, especially after heavy rains
Sponsored by Neudorff USA Already fired up by warmer weather, red imported fire ants will become even more active and dangerous after recent heavy rains in southern states. Livestock, poultry and pet owners are advised to watch for the telltale mounds the pests build. Newborn calves and foals are especially at risk in … [Read more...]
Things to avoid doing to a cat
Adding to information we shared in a December 10, 2019 post <link>, Sophia Mitrokostas consulted with veterinarians and veterinary technicians to highlight things that cat owners get wrong. Cat owners should not force attention on cats. Though cats enjoy human attention, they like it in smaller doses than dogs, and on their own terms.” – Wendy Houser, DVM Source: … [Read more...]
Do cats get lonely? It depends
Multi-pet households can have challenges between pets. When it comes to cats, Kellie Gormly says among the factors to consider are personality and age. Domestic cats are solitary when it comes to hunting and eating. Outside of mealtime, though, most cats have social needs. Source: Catster, December 8, 2020. Link. Feline territorial nature doesn’t typically kick in until … [Read more...]
JAVMA, February 1 edition
It is always interesting to see what is being studied in our animal health industry. We noted the following: Tick paralysis in a free-ranging bobcat (Lynx rufus). Link. Tick paralysis has not previously been reported in felids outside Australia, according to the author. The cat recovered likely much to the chagrin of wild birds, small mammals and some small pets in his … [Read more...]
Ticks responsible for 7 of 17 U.S. vector-borne diseases
Thomas Mather, PhD, believes everyone should be better educated about ticks and able to identify the small number of tick species in the United States that threaten human health. “Different ticks carry different diseases in different parts of the country,” he explained. . . . if <people> saw how many ticks are waiting on twigs and leaves and in the brush . . . they would … [Read more...]
Opinion – Caretaker training improves animal welfare
Samantha Marais presents the value of employee training and how it improves pig welfare. From this, we can assume that training people to care for animals of any species likely increases animal welfare. Our industry routinely separates food animals, companion animals, equine and poultry. Universally however, people receiving proper and continuing education about animals in … [Read more...]
Opinion – Lawsuit over popular dog food brand exposes label confusion
You can decide if the litigation described in this article is necessary or accurate. The context is important, as is what animal health pros can learn from it and the inherent call to action, which is pet owners need nutritional counseling and guidance. There is no question that pet diet labels have become more confusing over time pitting marketing perceptions against … [Read more...]
Benefits of Fear Free featured in New York Times
“Fear free” veterinary care ideally addresses the physical and emotional wellbeing of animals. It is not a new concept. Idaho veterinarian Marty Becker took the approached and started the company Fear Free. It certifies veterinarians, technicians and sometimes entire practices after online training. More than 39,000 professionals and 113 practices been certified “fear free.” … [Read more...]
More support needed for diabetic cat owners
Alex Gallagher, DVM, MS, DACVIM, shares startling takeaways from research titled Priorities on treatment and monitoring of diabetic cats from the owners’ points of view <link>. While veterinarian recommendations were considered the second most influential in their treatment decision, Gallagher provides alarming details: Fewer than 50% of owners reported their … [Read more...]
Tales of the cat tail
Ellyce Rothrock helps interpret the meaning of cat tail movements. A cat’s ears, eyes, body posture and especially her tail, express exactly what she’s thinking and how she’s feeling, she says. You just have to “listen” to cat tail language. Source: Catster, October 21, 2019. Link Learning cat tail language is like learning any foreign language: It takes time.” Also see: … [Read more...]
Pet-friendly houseplants can purify air
“These days, many houses are built for energy efficiency. This can mean fewer fresh air opportunities for people or their pets,” says Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM. “Stale air can adversely affect health. Stale air has higher levels of carbon dioxide, possibly carbon monoxide and other waste gases. Higher wastes mean less oxygen availability.” The article includes information about … [Read more...]
A crucial blind spot in vet medicine
A reader sent us this article. The placebo effect is a well-established phenomenon in human patients. In veterinary medicine however, it’s an underappreciated one. The particular way it plays out in veterinary care highlights how unconscious cognitive biases can mislead humans when we care for other species. The most likely explanation is what’s known as the caregiver … [Read more...]
Pet food labels have more sizzle than substance
Nebulous terms create confusion on pet food labels, especially when ridiculous terms are used to describe a product. Most of these terms have no legal definition or if they have been defined, they are a mismatch to popular definitions. The author discusses a list of terms to ignore or rethink when choosing food for your pets: Human-grade Premium Organic Holistic … [Read more...]
Opinion – 2020 Veterinary Emerging Topics (VET)® Report from Banfield®
Banfield® Pet Hospital has again shared information from their internal data this year on the importance of weight management in pets as it relates to osteoarthritis. The entire veterinary industry continues to benefit from a better understanding of clients, pets and prevalence of conditions. Thank you Banfield! Excess weight in pets is a growing problem (no pun … [Read more...]
Pet insurance remains polarizing for many
Addressing the fear and reluctance found in many veterinarians and staff members, Wendy Hauser, DVM, summarizes key elements of pet insurance. Pet insurance is property insurance, not an accident and health product. Veterinary teams are allowed to endorse the idea that pet health insurance is a helpful tool in helping the client provide care for their pets. Source: … [Read more...]
Yes. Your cat will eat you. Well, your corpse, that is.
Fluffy may nip at you during playtime but, drop dead and she’s likely to take a bite out of your corpse. They’ll start with the arm tissue, according to a recent paper by researchers from Colorado Mesa University’s Forensic Investigation Research Station. Remote cameras caught two cats returning to their preferred corpses (which were there for research) routinely for 35 nights … [Read more...]
Orange tabby cats: fun facts
All orange cats are tabbies, but not all tabbies are orange. Denise LeBeau shares why tabbies are 80 percent male, what the “M” marking is for and their loud personality among other facts. Source: Catster, January 15, 2020. Link. Morris and Garfield are just a few of the iconic orange tabby cats that are part of our culture’s collective cat consciousness. Beyond the bright … [Read more...]
Yeast infections, causes and treatments
Groomers are often the first to discover yeast infections in pets. Columnist Jonathan David shares information about it with his groomer audience. He talks about skin issues, pododermatitis (toes and nails) and issues with the ears and ear canals. Yeast infections can creep up at just about anytime it seems.” – Jonathan David Source: Groomer to Groomer, December 2019, page … [Read more...]
Cholecalciferol poisoning in dogs and cats
Cholecalciferol is the chemical name for Vitamin D3. It is commonly found in everyday household products, shares Justin Lee, DVM. Products with this compound include rodent poisons, multi-vitamins, even psoriasis cream. Cholecalciferol can be highly toxic when accidentally ingested by dogs and cats. Lee shares how they are affected, as well as clinical signs, diagnostics, … [Read more...]
New AVMA guidelines for animal euthanasia
The 2020 guidelines feature the latest research, information and member input to provide veterinarians with science-based and sound guidance for relieving the suffering and pain of animals to be euthanized. This new version is the 9th edition since 1963 and updates the 2013 version. Source: AVMA, January 15, 2020. Link. The guidelines are intended to support veterinarians, … [Read more...]
Brrrrr! How cold is too cold for pets?
Some people think that because pets have fur coats they can stand freezing temperatures better than humans. But, pets are just as susceptible to hypothermia and other cold injuries as humans. Here are resources that can be used on social media and in newsletters. Pet owner reminder example: Do not let your pet stay outside for an extended period of time and make sure to … [Read more...]
Make in-home oral health a priority for every pet
Sponsored by Addison Biological Laboratory, Inc. Like vaccines and flea, tick and heartworm prevention, pet oral care has been identified for decades as a critical component of healthy pet management. Animal health pros know the effort it takes to support elements of preventative medicine. A product from AHD Sponsor Addison Biological Laboratory provides veterinary … [Read more...]
Cats and laser pointers: adjusting the use
The problem with laser pointers is that they lack an endpoint. Nothing is ever physically caught. Even if the cat is “successful,” there's no reward. Such pointless play, says John Ciribassi, DVM, DACVB, can cause some cats to develop a compulsive disorder. Cat owners will find this video valuable. Post it on social media or link to it in newsletters. Source: DVM 360, … [Read more...]
On dog parks and urban landscapes
Alissa Greenberg provides a historical and developmental view of dog parks, cities and dog owners. Nowhere does she represent the real health issues that dog parks can perpetuate. Animal health pros understand the intra-species and zoonotic risks. We are well-suited to add value and perspective to issues of animal disease and safety issues for both pets and people. Source: … [Read more...]
Fear-free poop sampling
Gathering a poop sample doesn’t have to be stressful for the pet owner, writes Marty Becker, DVM. He reminds us that fecal sampling is good medicine and shares a simple, mess-free method of collecting them. Source: Fear Free Happy Homes, December 10, 2019. Link. Some pet owners question the need for frequent fecal testing, but it’s important to understand that dogs and cats … [Read more...]