Prescription help for dogs with noise aversion challenges is on the way. The FDA has announced approval of Pexion® (active ingredient: imepitoin) by Boehringer-Ingelheim to treat noise aversion in dogs. The drug was approved in 2013 in the EU for reducing the frequency of seizures associated with idiopathic epilepsy. Imepitoin is similar to Valium (diazepram) and other … [Read more...]
How will you vote? Subclinical heart murmur case.
We believe these short case situations are good education for animal health pros in all positions. Consider the situation and see how you would proceed! The owner would like her female golden to produce one litter of puppies prior to being spayed. Source: Clinician’s Brief, November 2018. Link. A 12-month-old intact female golden retriever is presented for a wellness … [Read more...]
Diuretics help cats and dogs
Diuretics are useful in a number of clinical conditions to manipulate renal function and extracellular fluid volume and composition. David F. Senior, BVSc, DACVIM (SAIM), DECVIM-CA reviews the classes of diuretics and their clinical use. The article provides a good review for veterinary hospital team members worthy of a lunch n’ learn discussion. Diuretics increase tubular … [Read more...]
Dog food: guidelines for how much and when
There is no universal dog feeding guide calculator, writes Melvin Peña. With more than half of U.S. dogs overweight or obese, it is important for dog owners to better understand some guidelines for how much to feed their four-legged friends. People have trouble making the distinction between need and desire for food . . . Source: Dogster, October 12, 2018. Link. Suggested … [Read more...]
An upside to a disturbing canine blood donor story
Beyond the negative press about a canine blood supply company is a significant community-based opportunity. The public exposure of housing conditions for donor dogs prompted Dr. Nicholas Dodman to ask dog lovers to consider the best practices for blood donation. Veterinarians can encourage their clients to volunteer large, healthy dogs occasionally to have their blood drawn … [Read more...]
Clearing up cancer treatments for cats
Dr. Kristine E. Burgess believes that some misconceptions about cats and cancer that need to be cleared up. While there are several treatment options available, it’s important to know that not all types of cancer respond well to treatment and some treatments are only available at specialty hospitals. Quality of life comes first. Source: Catnip, December 2018. Link. There … [Read more...]
Pet ownership continues to climb, AVMA findings
The 2017-2018 edition of the Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook found that nearly 57 percent of all U.S. households owned a pet at end of 2016. Of those, 38 percent owned one or more dogs, 25 percent owned one or more cats. More than 13 percent of U.S. households owned a specialty or exotic pet in 2016, a 25 percent increase from 2011. The incidence of poultry owned … [Read more...]
Petco to stop selling cat, dog food with artificial ingredients
Petco, the second-largest U.S. pet retailer is going all-natural. To a point. Representatives for the chain say that by next May, cat and dog treats and food sold at its retail locations and online will contain no artificial flavors, preservatives and colors. Company officials believe healthier foods and snacks that replace items with artificial ingredients will make up more … [Read more...]
6 tips for managing canine and feline diabetes
Even though diabetes is treatable, pet owners are asked to do a lot to manage their pet's disease, making communication with the veterinary team essential, writes David Bruyette, DVM, DACVIM. He shares six ways you can help your clients manage their insulin-challenged pets. Source: DVM 360, November 18, 2018. Link. Explain the goals of therapy for diabetic pets. Go … [Read more...]
Dog DNA tests, valuable or just more confusion
A growing number of veterinary clients bring DNA reports with them to appointments. These tests are not subject to standards or regulations to ensure they are accurate or reliable. Finding a veterinarian that can interpret the reports is yet another issue. Sarah Zhang has written a situation analysis that has value for animal health pros. Source: The Atlantic, November … [Read more...]
Keeping working dogs safe on hunts and outings
Hunting dogs encounter more risks than backyard pets, including toxins that we want everyone to avoid. Every year, hunting dogs in the U.S. die as a result of drinking from contaminated sources, ingesting harmful substances, trauma and getting lost, writes Toinette Strusinski-Broschay, DVM. Her tips for hunting dogs apply to dogs who go camping and hiking . Source: The … [Read more...]
Top 10 reasons why pets see veterinarians
The lists of top reasons pets see veterinarians don’t change much year to year, according to Healthy Paws Pet Insurance’s third annual Cost of Pet Health Care 2018 report. The report ranks the top 10 ailments for dogs and cats that triggered a vet clinic visit. With trends stable in ailment-related veterinary visits, clinics can more comprehensively plan staffing and inventory … [Read more...]
Beagle brigade sniffs out border risks (includes video)
Bringing agricultural products across the U.S. border without properly identifying them is illegal. It is one of the greatest threats to U.S. efforts to stop the spread of foreign animal diseases (FADs) from entering the U.S. Beagles are the breed of choice for the agriculture mission due to their non-threatening appearance and kind nature, as well as their high drive for … [Read more...]
People foods OK for cats and dogs
Elizabeth Scott, Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott collaborated to write two articles about which people foods are okay for cats and dogs. Share these on social media, websites and in e-newsletters. Source: Modern Cat and Modern Dog, October 2018. Links below: 11 people foods for cats. Link. Get snack-tastic! Creative, healthy treats for cats. 10 people foods for dogs. … [Read more...]
Opinion – Killer dog article misses a great story
The Dog, as he was known around West Valley, Utah, was a German shepherd mix that had no owner. He roamed the town’s streets for years. But he changed. At first, he killed chickens. He then killed goat at Roots Charter High school. Link. Then sheep. More chickens. Then pigs. 40 animals in all. All animals that belonged to Roots students. It appears none of the animals were … [Read more...]
Future is bright for veterinary technicians
There are plenty of doors waiting for you to open and explore, writes Ann K. Johnson, LVT. about opportunities for veterinary technicians. We agree! Veterinary medicine changes every day. Some days by leaps and bounds … others by micro-steps. There’s a place for veterinary technicians within all of these changes. Source: FIRSTLINE, June 2017. Link. Many technicians start out … [Read more...]
Coaching for people who want to work with animals
Before you brush someone off about the challenges of becoming a veterinarian, share this article with them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, certain positions in the veterinary field are growing quickly. There are a variety of employment opportunities within the veterinary profession that do not require you to become an actual veterinarian. Source: Tuft’s Catnip, … [Read more...]
Be choosy about dog chews
Dog owners are constantly searching for safe chew items that satisfy their dogs’ instincts, keep their homes and possessions safe, and last longer than five minutes. That can be a tough order, especially with big dogs. The number of chew choices today are mind boggling—and not all of them are safe Source: Dogster, June 6, 2018. Link. There are no 100 percent totally safe dog … [Read more...]
Sponsored content from AAHA Red, AAHA NEWStat
We’re sharing sponsored content from recent AAHA Red and AAHA NEWStat issues, two media offerings available from AAHA Press, the publishing arm of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Stress less with the needle-less Bordetella protection, AAHA Red, October 22, 2018. Link. Forty percent of cat owners find veterinary visits personally stressful, AAHA Red, … [Read more...]
Muzzle is not a dirty word
Muzzles are one of the more effective safety tools veterinary teams use. Dr. Michael Miller shares his ideas about muzzling and dealing with clients whose dogs can benefit from muzzling. Source: DRANDYROARK, October 31, 2018. Link. . . . some people think when we muzzle a dog, it’s cruel. It’s not. It’s a matter of safety. We all love animals and love the patients we work … [Read more...]
Assertively address the issue of fat cats
Felines are faring worse than their canine counterparts, with more than a 169 percent increase in overweight cats over the past 10 years, writes Rachel Beck, referencing 2016 Banfield data. She provides a body score card, tips and tricks for talking with cat owners about their cat’s weight. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Spring 2018. Link. Prevention, demonstration, … [Read more...]
Know what to expect when a cat is expecting
Whether it’s a deliberate mating or an accidental encounter, a cat guardian needs to know what to expect when their cat’s expecting. Mother Nature dictates the kittens will put in an appearance once they’re ready and not before, usually in 63 to 68 days. Cat-owning clients will appreciate this week-by-week view of feline pregnancy. Consider it for social media posts, … [Read more...]
Winterize for pet safety
Falling leaves remind us that winter is coming. Krista Carothers shares tips from veterinarians to help keep pets safe as the temperature drops: Limit their time outside Know when winter gear is necessary Monitor working and older dogs Don’t assume your outdoor cat can cope in the cold Make sure indoor cats stay indoors Prepare your pooch for long hikes … [Read more...]
47,000 ticks on a moose and that’s an average
According to Dr. Peter J. Pekins’ research, warmer winter months increase the ability of ticks to acquire a moose host and survive winter months. While large numbers of ticks aren’t great for adult moose, they’re especially bad for moose calves, which can die from the onslaught. Source: New York Times, October 18, 2018. Link. The abundance of moose enables the ticks to … [Read more...]
Philosophy professor questions ethics of some pet spending
Sandra Woien, philosophy lecturer at Arizona State University, speaks out on elements of the millions of dollars spent on pets. Citing the philosophy of effective altruism, she suggests if the money spent of pets was instead donated to a good cause, more good or utility could be produced. According to one estimate, about $440 million of pet spending in the U.S. was on … [Read more...]
Read what fall vegetables are good for dogs
Melvin Peña reviews common fall vegetables and discusses their value and potential side effects when dogs eat them. Consider using this article in social media posts and seasonal e-newsletters. Source: Dogster, October 3, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
November JAVMA
The research continues. This issue of JAVMA includes a commentary on engaging a veterinary behaviorist to help pets with behavior problems early instead of as a last resort: Veterinary behaviorists should be the first, not the last, resort for optimal patient care, Link. Asking clients about behavior problems during appointments can be difficult for veterinarians. . . … [Read more...]
Progress made toward Valley fever vaccine
Mazen Animal Health has developed he first Valley fever sub-unit vaccine for companion animals. It reduces the burden of Coccidioides, the fungus that can cause valley fever. The fungal infection leads to disease in humans, cats, dogs, llamas and alpacas and is costly to treat. In fact, it is estimated that Valley fever costs Arizona dog owners $60 million per year. Source: … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe during the holidays with these tips
Just in time for Halloween, candy and ghosts, here’s a nice resource from the American Veterinarian editorial staff. Use the Fast Facts Sheet in social media posts, e-newsletters and as handouts during pet visits. . . .this holiday season being a responsible pet owner means taking precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy well into the new year. Source: American … [Read more...]
Do pets have parents, guardians, owners?
Does it matter what we call ourselves and our pets? What are the implications? Debra F. Horwitz, DVM, DACVB, analyzes the nomenclature, legal implications and nuances of our role with pets. No matter the label, every pet deserves to be as free as possible from: Discomfort and exposure Fear and distress Hunger and thirst Illness, disease, and pain Inability … [Read more...]