Mobility problems affect the quality of life for 10 percent of dogs, says Marie Barling, DVM. She also notes that figure may be understated since 20 percent of dogs have arthritis. In this article, Barling share the opportunity to extend care beyond prescriptive medicine to include elements of physical medicine including laser, acupuncture and manual therapy, including … [Read more...]
A one-health review on brucellosis in the United States
Commentary For this post, we focused on the risks associated with B. canis. The review presents Brucellosis sp., a potential storm cloud on the horizon. Our culture of saving non-endangered animals, transferring animals across the country, increasing backyard interactions with wildlife and the public’s ignorance of zoonotic risks make this review important reading for animal … [Read more...]
Legislative updates, progress and the status of VCPR
The Bridge Club hosted a panel* to provide an update following legislative decisions in Arizona and California that have eased restrictions on virtual VCPR. The discussion included experiences from panel practitioners and members of the VVCA. Mark Cushing shared legislative experiences and offered perspective on which states are likely to move forward with a virtual … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 8, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 1st, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 1st AHD Bulletin – The June deadline is here! Link Building trust. Link. Puppy break! 30 dog breeds that have the cutest puppies. Link Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Exploring fluorescent light energy as a management option for canine superficial bacterial folliculitis
The study results from work at the University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy, provide evidence that FLE may represent an effective therapeutical modality for superficial bacterial folliculitis in dogs, accelerating the time to clinical resolution and consequently reducing the duration of, or need for, systemic antibiotic treatment. Source: Frontiers Veterinary Science, June 2, … [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...]
Why chocolate is so harmful to dogs
Elanine Blythe, PharmD, reviews why chocolate is toxic to dogs. She begins with the pharmacology of methylxanthines including theobromine, the toxin in chocolate. Blythe’s videos target pharmacy students and pharmacists. Consider sharing them proactively in veterinarian-to-pharmacist communications. Source: Veterinary Pharmacy Education, Facebook, June 4, 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...]
Worth a Glance – June 1, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 25th, 2023. Link. Most read post from May 25th AHD Bulletin – Don’t be afraid to ask the sensitive questions. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. ========================================== Biosecurity doesn’t have to be a big-ticket item Source: … [Read more...]
Puppy break! 30 dog breeds that have the cutest puppies.
Agree or not about the cutest, the Daily Paws list of puppies is sure to bring a smile and a desire to give a puppy a hug! Source: Daily Paws, June 10, 2022. Link. … [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...]
Sociability is key to a healthier dog’s life
Data from the Dog Aging project has identified the effect of sociability on the quality of life for dogs. Researchers say dogs benefit from having social support around, in the form of people and dogs. One surprise finding showed more time with children was linked to poorer dog health. The pack is the thing: Dogs with positive social interactions live healthier … [Read more...]
Zoetis commemorates Apoquel® (oclacitinib tablet) milestone with donation to 10 pet shelters across the country
Complimentary Commercial Content To commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Apoquel, Zoetis announced an Apoquel grant program for pet shelters across the country. The program will enable 10 shelters enrolled in Zoetis For Shelters to provide allergic itch relief to as many as 100 dogs in each of their communities awaiting their forever homes. . . . veterinarians have … [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...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 29, 2023
Walmart, Pawp offer free telehealth, recognizing email scams, how AI is transforming pet care industry, hotels ready for traveling dogs, AI tips for small business, measuring ROI of onboarding, responsible use guide for cannabis and CBD and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 29, 2023. 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...]
National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility holds ribbon-cutting ceremony (video)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate dedicated the long-anticipated National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility on May 24th. This new 48-acre facility at the northern edge of the Kansas State University campus will be one of the top laboratories in the world to study and diagnose animal diseases. The … [Read more...]
The June deadline is here!
More than 100 products will no longer be labeled OTC after June 11. They will then require a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. The majority are labeled for use in food animals. Sixteen are labeled for food and companion animals, and two are specific to companion animals, according to the FDA. The FDA states that "veterinarians are generally not required to examine … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 25, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 18th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from May 18th AHD Bulletin – Make it clear! Link. The most dog-loving states in America. Link. The Bridge Club to discuss affect of new VCPR legislative efforts. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [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...]
Stress has a smell and dogs can detect it
A study has shown dogs can detect stress hormones in sweat and breath samples and differentiate those from baseline samples. The research highlights that dogs do not need visual or audio cues to pick up on human stress. The findings show that we, as humans, produce different smells through our sweat and breath when we are stressed and dogs can tell this apart from our smell … [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...]
Stop wasting money on biodegradable dog poop bags
Includes Commercial References Picture this, writes Kristin Hostetter: one thousand football fields lined up in a row, each one filled with dog feces a foot deep. It’s not a pleasant thought, but that’s how much waste our canine pets create each year in the U.S. Painting a disturbing picture of dog excrement as a waste dilemma, she shares various choices and shares her … [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...]