Seventy one percent of cat owners in the United Kingdom (UK) would like to change at least one of their cat’s behaviors, according to the 2019 Annual Paw Report <Link>. Based on surveys of UK residents, the report has useful insights for us all. Per the report, there is a decline in juvenile pets receiving vaccinations, and, perhaps less surprisingly, a large portion of … [Read more...]
Stem cell use growing, more work to do
With clinical use of stem cells in veterinary orthopedics growing, Nicole S. Amato, DVM, DACVS, offers answers to the question, “What does the current evidence show regarding efficacy?” She discusses terminology, stem cells sources and harvesting and clinical impact. Amato’s discussion of advantages and disadvantages leads to a conclusion. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSCT) … [Read more...]
Key points on leptospirosis to share with animal owners
At the intersection of animals and humans, zoonotic diseases are public health concerns. Among them are multiple Leptospira species that can infect dogs, cats or human. These bacteria have worldwide distribution. The organisms are commonly shed in urine. Lepto infections are often initiated after ingestion of contaminated water. In one study, it was estimated that … [Read more...]
Top 5 keys to successful management of otitis externa
Ear conditions are usually listed in the top 10 reasons pets visit veterinarians < link >. Otitis externa is a common inflammatory condition that affects 15 percent to 20 percent of dogs and 4 percent to 7 percent of cats. Erin E. Aufox, DVM, and Elizabeth R. May, DVM, DACVD, explain their five steps to it: Classification Treatment Monitoring Maintenance … [Read more...]
Tighten up your bandaging skills (photo slides)
Tisha A. Harper, DVM, DACVS, discusses common complications associated with external coaptation*, and how can their occurrence be minimized. Along with general guidelines, she reviews common bandaging problems and complications. She also includes resources for educating clients about at-home bandage care. *External coaptation refers to the use of casts, splints, bandages, … [Read more...]
Commercial content: Antech launching AI-powered veterinary diagnostic
Antech Diagnostics will soon offer its RenalTech test across the VCA North American network of veterinary clinics and hospitals. The product will be the veterinary industry's first artificial intelligence-driven predictive diagnostic tool for companion animals, according to David Eaton, director of product development. RenalTech allows users to predict CKD (chronic kidney … [Read more...]
Biosecurity in the spotlight
Without effective infection control, prevention and biosecurity (AAHA Infection Control, Prevention, and Biosecurity Guidelines) implemented in the veterinary primary care and referral settings, the clinician’s efforts at disease prevention and treatment are compromised and sometimes nullified. Practices struggle on several fronts, from identifying infectious animals before … [Read more...]
Adverse vaccine reactions in veterinary medicine: an update
Natalie Stilwell, DVM, MS, PhD, provides a review of the latest “need-to-know” adverse reactions information about vaccines for canine and feline patients. She reminds us that many cases are associated with either misuse of the vaccine or over-vaccination. Source: DVM 360, September 19, 2019. Link. Stilwell reviews a paper on the current understanding of adverse vaccine … [Read more...]
PHP reminder program successful in reactivating inactive clients
Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together? Focusing on the bond between the practice, the pets and their owners, instead of the services a practice provides, has proven successful. Two years ago, the Partners for Healthy Pets Inactive Client Program, a client-centric email reminder program was initiated. 1612 practices enrolled 126,576 previously inactive … [Read more...]
October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month
National Animal Safety and Protection Month reminds us of the responsibilities that come with ALL domesticated animals and pets. It us an opportunity to provide tips and tools to animal owners so they can be better prepared in the event of an emergency, illness or weather event. New smart home technologies can help keep dogs, cats and other domestic animals safe. Source: … [Read more...]
AKC expands safe grooming certification program
The American Kennel Club recognizes the health and safety of pets when outside of their owner’s care remains a genuine concern for pet owners. Supporting continuing education for groomers, the AKC has expanded its AKC S.A.F.E. Grooming Certification Program < link > with a Safety in the Salon Recertification Course. . . . recertification gives grooming professionals an … [Read more...]
COHAT is new acronym for dentals
In place of what have traditionally been called dentals is the new acronym, COHAT. It embraces the entire process to ensure that a pet’s mouth is healthy by diagnosing and fixing any issues that are present. “COHAT stands for Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment. The term helps convey the importance and value of having a pet’s entire mouth checked regularly,” … [Read more...]
Cats hurt too
Animal Pain Awareness Month wraps up this week < link >. The American Association of Feline Practitioners provides information for cat owners through its Cat Friendly Homes website < link >. We’re highlighting the article about ‘knowing when a cat is in pain‘ in support of this month’s theme. It is good information to share with cat owners on social media, in … [Read more...]
25 top feline-friendly cities
Real estate technology company, Redfin and pet insurance carrier, Trupanion recently announced the 25 most feline-friendly cities of 2019. The list includes cities in 18 states. Here are the top 5 cat-friendly cities: Corvallis, Oregon Spokane, Washington Orlando, Florida Bellingham, Washington Tulsa, Oklahoma Source: DVM 360, September 23, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Practicing narrative medicine; diagnostic listening
Narrative medicine is a young field in human medicine and even younger in veterinary medicine. Yet, some of the best veterinarians practice narrative medicine instinctively. Narrative medicine feels more like collaboration between the veterinarian and animal owner. <narrative medicine> is authentic engagement. . . diagnostic listening . . . rather than perfunctorily … [Read more...]
Focus on fungi
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designated this week as Fungal Disease Awareness Week < link > to boost the public’s understanding of how these microscopic organism can make humans sick. In animals, fungal infections are a patchwork of different situations. Fungal infections can be devastating, and they continue to emerge more rapidly than ever . . . they … [Read more...]
U.S. antibiotic council member shares perspectives
Mike Appley, DVM, has served four years on the Presidential Advisory Council for Combating Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria, < link >. He believes one of the biggest behavioral problems is that the problem always seems to be what someone else is doing, and what we are doing without fault. Antibiotic resistance is a real and pressing problem, and everyone needs to pitch … [Read more...]
Tick study: One single tick, multiple pathogens of tick-borne diseases
Ticks can carry several different pathogens capable of several different tick-borne diseases, sometimes in a single tick, according to a study in mBio < link >. Notably, the lone star tick is a very aggressive tick that can transmit a bacterium that causes a disease known as Ehrlichiosis. The lone star tick has also been implicated in cases of a novel form of meat … [Read more...]
Pheasants, horses, turkey in 3 Pennsylvania. counties infected with EEE
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)was found in pheasants, horses and a wild turkey in Pennsylvania's Erie, Carbon and Monroe counties, according to state health and agriculture officials. The mosquito-borne disease is carried by birds, can also infect people and equids, and can be fatal. Source: Associated Press, September 22, 2019. Link. So far this year, nine deaths in the … [Read more...]
Opinion – Star Wars tech featured at NAVC E-Commerce Summit
Imagine a pet owner talking to a virtual assistant via Alexa about a problem with their dog at 3:00 a.m. which sets up a live phone call from a veterinarian only minutes later. Or, having your cellphone notify you that your dog is barking excessively because the house is on fire or a stranger has entered. These and other technologies had attendees riveted as presenting … [Read more...]
House plants cats love
Many cat owners claim their cat “never goes outside.” This author offers a fun idea for cat owners with green thumbs whose cats are stuck indoors: Cultivate safe house plants that cats enjoy. This article is good for social media, newsletters and for office visit discussions about lifestyle. Source: Tuft’s Catnip, September 2019. Link. Consider these plants for indoor cats … [Read more...]
Cloning dogs in the present tense
John Woestendiek provides a chronology of dog cloning progress and realities. It is following an arc much like in vitro fertilization did in the 1970s. Today, cloned dogs are being churned out at a rapid clip and at less expense than ever before in South Korea, Texas and China, he says. Costing as much as $50,000 . . . you’re not getting the same dog; you’re not getting a pet … [Read more...]
PIJAC issues statement on use of pet vaccinations
According to its statement last fall, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) supports the judicious use of vaccines in pets in order to protect both animals and humans from disease and death. This position complements the views of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the … [Read more...]
In-house diagnostics making gains
Clients expect test results faster than ever before. Learn the benefits for the patient, client, practice and clinician of keeping testing in-house. Source: Vet Practice, September 12, 2019. Link. The animal diagnostic market is a major and flourishing sector; it accounts for 22 percent of the entire veterinary market and is worth US$4.2 billion globally. INSIGHTS: Newer … [Read more...]
Burdock plants and cows don’t mix
Eye problems in livestock can be caused by foreign material. One of the more challenging problems is burdock slivers, according to Heather Smith Thomas. A tenacious and invasive weed, burdock is readily spread to new areas by burrs stuck to animals or clothing. When ripe, the burrs release hundreds of microscopic barbed slivers that contain tiny seeds. If a sliver gets into an … [Read more...]
A good bed can improve dogs’ health and well-being
Providing pets with a high-quality bed or blanket can be a crucial building block for health and well-being. The most important benefits of beds and blankets are: They improve sleep quality They speak to dogs’ nesting instincts They offer security on-the-go Source: Animal Wellness, September 6, 2019. Link. When choosing a bed for a pet, how the pet sleeps helps … [Read more...]
Smartphones help teach clinical ophthalmology
Lucien V. Vallone, DVM, DACVO, shares various applications using of smartphones for teaching ophthalmoscopy skills in veterinary medical training programs. He outlines techniques for fundus and anterior segment imaging that generally do not require the purchase of accessory equipment. Source: Clinician’s Brief, August 2019. Link. Advancing smartphone technology is allowing … [Read more...]
CAPC Top Ten Cities Report for the month of August
The Top Ten Cities report for August 2019 shows the cities with the highest percentage increase in positive heartworm tests: Orange, CA Paul, MN Fontana, CA Cleveland, OH Omaha, NE Syracuse, NY Milwaukee, WI Tacoma, WA San Jose, CA Cary, NC Source: CAPC, September 10, 2019. Link. Although these cities are broadly disseminated across the United … [Read more...]
AAHA releases Implementing Preventive Care Protocols publication
AAHA’s newest publication will help more practices learn how they can increase benefits for clients, patients and themselves by implementing preventive care protocols, according to Janice Trumpeter, DVM and AAHA Deputy CEO. Developed with an educational grant from Idexx, the expanded set of preventive care protocols includes using routine diagnostic screenings. Expanding the … [Read more...]
Boosting immunity in cattle may mean more productivity
Barry Bradford with Kansas State University presented new information from his study of immunometabolism at the American Society of Animal Scientists in July. He researched inflammatory responses during times of stress, especially those that impact on liver health. The interactions between normal organ function and the immune system are becoming much tighter than we used to … [Read more...]