What does FDA's DCM alert mean?July 8, 2019Last week brought a revealing announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). After frequent and persistent petitioning from veterinarians, veterinary nutritionists, and caregivers, the FDA finally released a list of the brands that have been linked to cases of diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Since June 27, my inbox and social media sites have been blowing up with shares, retweets, and emails from concerned friends and family. The story was even picked up by major new outlets such as CNN and ABC, adding to the fervor. But I'm conflicted about this report. On one hand, certain pet food manufacturers have taken a very cavalier approach to their diet's role in this preventable and potentially deadly disease. Because only a relatively "small percentage" of dogs develop diet-associated DCM on their foods, they insist there is no problem, ignoring the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. On the other hand, the FDA's report paints a broad stroke over specific brands and is being interpreted (at least by the concerned friends and owners I've talked to) as an indictment of all "grain-free" diets or of certain manufacturers, which is a less than helpful oversimplification of a complex problem. As I advised in my …
SPONSORED CONTENTA new way to offer multi-organ supportNEW Hill's Prescription Diet Multi-Organ offers therapeutic nutrition for pets that may have conflicting nutritional needs. + Learn More
AVMA welcomes return of health planJuly 5, 2019Following a hiatus of approximately five years, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has announced the return of an employer-based health insurance program for its members.
RUSVM honored for dedication to One HealthJuly 5, 2019The Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) has received a $2,000 award from the One Health Commission in recognition of its commitment to the transdisciplinary approach to medicine.
FDA updates on potential connection between certain diets and canine DCMJuly 3, 2019The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is continuing its investigation into certain diets and a heightened risk of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and for the first time, has named the brands most frequently linked to the condition.
Cannabis poisoning calls up whopping 765 percentJuly 3, 2019In response to a recent spike in marijuana poisonings, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is reminding veterinarians to warn their clients of the potential dangers associated with animal consumption of cannabis.
IDEXX CEO on medical leave after cycling accidentJuly 3, 2019Jonathan Ayers, president, CEO, and chair of IDEXX Laboratories, has taken a leave of absence following a serious bicycling accident on June 27.
Veterinary Hospitals Association partners with Kindred BioscienceJune 28, 2019Veterinary Hospitals Association (VHA) and Kindred Biosciences have struck up a partnership that will bring the biopharmaceutical company’s products into more than 420 VHA-represented clinics.
AVMA welcomes passage of agriculture spending billJune 28, 2019AVMA is applauding the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of an agricultural spending bill, which increases annual funding for the veterinary medicine loan repayment program (VMLRP) to $9 million.
Veterinarian pushes for "four-eyes" system in clinicsJune 27, 2019More and more veterinarians are speaking up on how to tackle the high rate of suicide in the veterinary profession.
Covetrus announces new strategic partnership with Heart + PawJune 27, 2019Covetrus has announced it will serve as the supply chain partner for Heart + Paw, an integrated pet care company led by former Banfield CEO Vincent Bradley.
