UC Davis Investigates Silicate Associated Osteoporosis in EquinesMarch 19, 2015Equine researchers at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine are investigating silicate associated osteoporosis (SAO), a disease that involves both the lung and bone organ systems. The goal of the research is to find optimal management of the affected horses and prevention strategies. The disease, according to the veterinary school, occurs in horses in specific geographic regions of California where soils contain high concentrations of certain toxic forms of the mineral crystal, silica dioxide. When inhaled, the crystals cause chronic lung disease, much like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or silicosis in humans. Drought conditions in the state exacerbate the problem as vegetation dries out and more dust is exposed, the school further noted. Affected horses are described as having profound osteoporosis which gradually weakens the skeleton. This causes progressive unspecific and shifting lameness, with subsequent bone deformities and sudden fractures. The lung issues cause flared nostrils and shortness of breath in some horses, and a reduced tolerance for exercise, according to the vet school. Currently, there is no known cure. Most afflicted horses are euthanized for humane reasons, the school noted. Veterinarians can help with the research by contacting UC Davis about horses whose disease warrants …
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Online Pet Product Sales EscalateMarch 18, 2015Internet sales of pet products hit $1.8 billion in 2014 and will continue growing by 10 to 15 percent a year at the expense of veterinarians and brick-and-mortar retailers that lack an online presence, according to a Packaged Facts report. Online sales comprise only 4 percent of what the Rockville, Md., market research firm estimates is a $44 billion U.S. market for pet food, medications, toys and other goods. But the Internet’s share of annual pet product sales is certain to rise as more owners tap in, Packaged Facts stated. In fact, 30 percent of pet owners surveyed last year agreed with the statement, “I am buying pet products online more than I used to,” an increase from 18 percent in 2012. Offering private-label products is one way veterinarians and other retailers could improve sales, Packaged Facts stated in the report “Pet Product Retailing in the U.S.” Forty-two percent of pet product buyers think store brands are often as good as national brand-name products, the firm noted. Stocking natural or organic pet food is another possible way to capture revenue at veterinary practices. Packaged Facts called the issue of pet food recalls and safety “high in the public consciousness.” “Pet owners …
Canine Trio Snatched From Jaws of DeathMarch 18, 2015Three dogs that suffered horrific jaw injuries are recovering after UC Davis veterinary surgeons and the rescue group Marley’s Mutts teamed up to provide the animals with potentially lifesaving care. Jaws, Bear and Zena were admitted to the teaching hospital at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine over the past six months. Each was in danger of being euthanized because of the severity of their injuries, but veterinary intervention helped save them, the university reported. The first patient, Jaws, had been featured on the Marley’s Mutts Facebook page, where a UC Davis faculty member noticed his condition, thought the hospital could help and contacted the group. Diagnosed with a bilateral mandibular fracture and faced with amputation of his lower jaw, Jaws’ jaw was surgically repaired using interdental wiring and an intraoral composite splint. Called Jaws because of his injury, the dog was renamed Davis in honor of the university. “We were so impressed by the oral surgeons and everyone at UC Davis that we thought it was a fitting name,” group founder Zach Skow said. “Normally, a dog with that severe of an injury will probably be put down.” Marley’s Mutts unexpectedly took possession of …
Texas A&M Selects Next MascotMarch 17, 2015Texas A&M University has selected its next mascot, a female collie. The selection upholds a decades-old tradition, according to Texas A&M. The 16-month-old collie is scheduled to assume her role May 9 as Reveille IX. Selection of the next mascot involved a seven-month national search in which more than 15 applications were considered. The pool was eventually narrowed to four finalists, but in the end, a dog named Twix from Overland Collies in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, won. The owners donated Twix to the university. “I could not be more pleased that owners Mike and Marcy Fine provided Texas A&M University with their beloved dog Twix to serve as Reveille IX,” said Tom Reber, interim vice president for student affairs, who chaired the search committee. “They were very helpful in providing us information throughout the search and were confident that Twix would be an excellent Aggie.” Fine describes the future mascot as very outgoing. “When my husband Mike and I first became aware of the national search for a new Texas A&M mascot, we both agreed that our beloved ‘Twix’ was the perfect collie for such a highly public role,” Fine said. “She is beautiful, lovable and has the natural …
Business Better at Most Vet HospitalsMarch 16, 2015Revenue surged an average of 5.1 percent at U.S. veterinary practices in 2014 as the economy continued a post-recession rebound, the American Animal Hospital Association revealed Friday. AAHA’s 2015 State of the Industry report also showed that a sizable number of veterinary hospitals are doing very well. One-fourth of practices in 2014 grew revenue by more than 10 percent, and half of those so-called “Outgrowers” did so two years in a row. Furthermore, AAHA labeled 7 in every 100 hospitals as “Power Outgrowers” because revenue climbed by more than 10 percent three straight years. Financially successful clinics have more in common than just rising numbers. They also do well at strengthening the bond with clients, AAHA stated during the organization’s conference in Tampa, Fla. Flourishing hospitals: Explain things to pet owners in an understandable way. Share test results with clients and take the time to review a pet’s diagnostic history. Treat the pet owner as a partner and recommend online resources for additional health information. Promote preventive care by scheduling the next visit before the client leaves the office and offering preventive care payment plans. Minimize stress to pets during routine checkups. Ninety-three percent of the 1,001 pet owners surveyed …
Free Dairy Webinar on March 18March 16, 2015Advanced Animal Diagnostics (AAD) announces a free, educational webinar for those interested in improving milk quality, production and udder health through earlier detection and treatment of subclinical mastitis. Mitch Hockett, Ph.D., AAD director of external research and technical marketing, will share the company’s latest research and discuss the benefits of diagnosing and treating subclinical mastitis in early lactation. “Subclinical mastitis often goes undetected, yet it diminishes milk production, milk quality and reproductive performance in dairy herds,” Hockett says. “Our research reveals the true cost of subclinical mastitis and, more importantly, the significant gains producers can achieve as a result of early detection and intervention.” Dairy producers, herd managers, veterinarians and others interested in learning more about subclinical mastitis are invited to join the free webinar titled “How producers can benefit from early diagnosis of subclinical mastitis” on March 18, 2015 at 1 p.m. CST. To pre-register, go to http://bit.ly/early-detection-webinar.
Penn Vet Study Seeks Dogs with Chronic Gastrointestinal ProblemsMarch 14, 2015The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) is recruiting dogs for a clinical trial evaluating the role of the intestinal microbiome in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal problems (eg. diarrhea and/or vomiting). The aim of the study is to determine the composition of the microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract before, during and after treatment. Understanding how these bacteria change in dogs being treated for canine chronic enteropathy (CCE) may lead to better diagnostics and treatments for chronic gastrointestinal diseases in pets, according to Mark Rondeau, DVM, staff veterinarian in internal medicine, and Daniel Beiting, Ph.D., research assistant professor. CCE is a common syndrome in dogs, resulting in diarrhea, vomiting and/or weight loss. The duration and severity of these symptoms vary, as does response to treatment, suggesting that there are multiple factors that contribute to this disease, according to Penn Vet. Common causes include food sensitivity and inflammatory bowel disease. The microbiome has been shown to play an important role in inflammatory bowel disease in humans, Penn Vet further noted. The researchers plan to enroll 50 dogs for the study. At press time, three dogs had been enrolled. The study is expected to conclude in February 2016 with …
AAHA, AAFP Revise Pain Management AdviceMarch 12, 2015Relieving pain in cats and dogs should not automatically start with drugs, two veterinary organizations are reminding practitioners in an update to an eight-year-old document. The American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners teamed up to produce the 2015 AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. The 18-page strategy was published in the March/April edition of the AAHA journal and is available online at http://bit.ly/1EDFcoa. The 2015 guidelines stress the need for an integrated approach to managing pain. In a section titled “It’s Not Just About Drugs,” the authors pointed out that pharmaceuticals may not be the best choice. “Examples of nonpharmacologic treatments supported by strong evidence include, but are not limited to, cold compression, weight optimization and therapeutic exercise,” the guidelines state. “Other treatment options gaining increasing acceptance include acupuncture, physical rehabilitation, myofascial trigger point therapy, therapeutic laser and other modalities.” Mark Epstein, DVM, Dipl. ABVP, CVPP, who practices at TotalBond Veterinary Hospital in Gastonia, N.C., served as co-chairman of the 2015 guidelines committee. “The management of pain is a crucial component in every veterinary practice,” Dr. Epstein said. “Practices should be committed to educating the entire health care …
AAHA Honors Practices of the YearMarch 12, 2015Ohio and Florida veterinary clinics were named AAHA-Accredited Practices of the Year today at the opening of the American Animal Hospital Association’s annual conference. North Royalton Animal Hospital in North Royalton, Ohio, won in the general practice category. Coral Springs Animal Hospital-Referral in Coral Springs, Fla., was chosen in the referral practice category. Three finalists for the general practice award also were honored: San Juan Veterinary Hospital in Farmington, N.M.; True Veterinary Care in Verona, Wis.; and Cleveland Park East Animal Hospital in Simpsonville, S.C. AAHA accreditation is voluntary and is held by about 12 percent of North American veterinary practices, according to the Lakewood, Colo., organization’s website. The AAHA Standards of Accreditation list more than 900 standards in areas ranging from pain management and surgery to recordkeeping and continuing education. The award winners were chosen based on their accreditation score, mission, practice design, practice team and other criteria. “AAHA believes that the success of a veterinary practice depends on the entire team working together to provide excellent care for pets and their people,” said AAHA’s CEO, Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, Dipl. ABVP. “All of these accredited practices are staffed by high-performing veterinary teams who demonstrate a passionate commitment to veterinary excellence.” …
Trupanion Donates Nearly $210,000 to Nonprofits in 2014March 12, 2015Trupanion today reported that through its TruGiving platform the company raised $209,885 for nonprofit animal welfare organizations across North America in 2014. The company is now calling on its supporters to help them decide the nonprofits to donate to next. Over the next two months voting will be open to the public to select the next animal welfare nonprofits Trupanion will support. The three nonprofits that receive the most votes will be added to its TruGiving program to receive donations from the company. The TruGiving platform—comprised of Trupanion’s Shelter Support Program, Volunteer Program, and Member Donation Program— facilitates charitable contributions from the corporate level and from their pet-passionate community of employees, members and veterinarians to promote the well-being of cats and dogs and foster responsible pet ownership. “Trupanion continues to blaze a trail in the pet medical insurance industry by setting high standards for animal welfare ethics and strong values,” said Darryl Rawlings, CEO of Trupanion. “Our passion for pets is the foundation of our company – our mission is to help the pets we all love receive the best care, even those who aren’t insured.”
