Australian researchers discover way to halt T. gondii spreadSeptember 28, 2018According to research published in PLOS Biology, scientists in Australia have discovered a way to halt the invasion of the toxoplasmosis-causing parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) into cells, depriving the parasite of a key factor necessary for its growth. The study found that there are two steps that allow T. gondii to take hold within the body: the parasite needs to enter a host cell; from there it replicates and spreads. "After Toxoplasma infects humans it needs to switch off the infection machinery and switch on replication," said Chris Tonkin, PhD., associate professor at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne, who led the study. "Without the ability to do this, Toxoplasma will die and be unable to cause disease. We discovered that the gene protein kinase A (PKA) is required for this switch. Without PKA, Toxoplasma can't hold steady." The findings are an important step in getting closer to developing a vaccine to protect pregnant women from the parasite, which carries risk of miscarriage or birth defects, and may also have a link to neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, according to the study. T. gondii is transmitted by cat feces and can be acquired from …
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Tips for improving medication compliance among cat ownersSeptember 28, 2018When dispensing medication for in-home treatment of feline patients, owner compliance is a concern due to the unique challenges of administering medication to cats, according to Kindred Biosciences Inc. "Cats have natural behaviors that may make medication administration challenging, and this can be complicated in ill cats that are also anorexic, nauseated, or vomiting," said Christina Fernandez, DVM, MRCVS, DACVECC, professional services veterinarian with Kindred. "Palatability is also a huge factor, and most cats are finicky when it comes to food." To improve compliance, Dr. Fernandez shares five tips veterinarians can focus on: Communication Written information Frequency of veterinary visits Veterinarian continuity Selection of medications Communication is essential, said Fernandez. Veterinarians or veterinary nurses can demonstrate to cat owners how to administer a medication while still in the office. This helps avoid complications and promotes active discussion with the client. If possible, written instructions can be provided. "Follow-up calls from the veterinary clinic staff can help increase owner compliance," said Fernandez. "This can facilitate identification of issues to be addressed with the clinical state of the patient and concerns with the treatment plan while offering an opportunity to set up a follow-up appointment if one isn't already on the books." …
Elanco steps up fight against antimicrobial resistanceSeptember 28, 2018Elanco Animal Health has announced new commitments in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, focusing on three key areas of stewardship, including combating antimicrobial resistance through responsible antibiotic use, reducing the need for medically important antibiotics in livestock, and significantly investing in researching new alternatives. New commitments include: Investing at least half of Elanco's food animal research and development budget in projects dedicated to developing alternatives to shared-class antibiotics Increasing veterinary and professional oversight access in countries with limited resources through new partnerships Expanding data collection and analytics to inform animal health professionals on best practices Encouraging vaccination and nutrition programs that reduce the need for medically important antibiotics by preventing disease The Antimicrobial Resistance Challenge, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS), is a yearlong effort to accelerate the fight against antimicrobial resistance with action across governments and industries. "It is of utmost importance we address the complex challenge of antimicrobial resistance and preserve the effectiveness of medicines for people and animals," said Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco. "Supporting the CDC and HHS effort is an important step in reaffirming our commitment to responsible …
OVC veterinarian removes tumor, replaces dog's skull using 3D printingSeptember 27, 2018A veterinarian from Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) has replaced part of a dog’s skull with a 3D-printed titanium plate after removing a tumour that was weighing down her head.
Large dogs are king according to international surveySeptember 27, 2018 According to a new international survey, dog owners say they are more satisfied owning large dogs than small dogs. The study, conducted online by RightPet starting in 2010 to 2018, surveyed dog breed reviews from 12,167 pet owners from 106 countries. Seventy-five percent of the reviews were of purebred dogs; 25 percent were of mixed breeds. The study found that both women and men are happier owning large dogs than small dogs and that men and younger people are significantly more satisfied with medium, large, and giant breeds, and less satisfied with toy and small dogs. Older people (around age 70) were found to be equally satisfied with dogs of any size, though dog owners with experience owning multiple dogs of different sizes report the greatest satisfaction with large dogs. The RightPet study found a direct correlation between dog size satisfaction and the fact that dog owners rate bigger dogs as more emotionally stable, child-safe, trainable, and less barky than small dogs. "What our study has found is that large dogs score higher in traits that are really important to most dog owners," said Brett Hodges, owner/editor at RightPet. "People don't prefer large dogs per se—they like them …
WSAVA releases first global guidelines for companion animal practitionersSeptember 26, 2018The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) is highlighting the key role of veterinarians as animal welfare advocates with the launch of its Animal Welfare Global Guidelines for Companion Animal Practitioners and the Veterinary Team. The guidelines, introduced during WSAVA World Congress 2018 in Singapore, aim to bridge differing perceptions of welfare around the world and help veterinarians to tackle the ethical questions and moral issues that impact welfare. They offer guidance to ensure that veterinarians can advocate for animals' psychological, social, and environmental well-being. WSAVA currently offers Global Guidelines in key areas of veterinary practice, including pain management, vaccination, nutrition, and dentistry. "As veterinarians, our responsibility extends far beyond the physical health of our patients," said Shane Ryan, BVSc, MVC, CVA, MRCVS, incoming president of WSAVA and former chair of the WSAVA Animal Wellness and Welfare Committee. "Animal welfare as a science is a new and rapidly developing discipline and veterinarians need current, evidence-based information to enable them to maintain the highest welfare standards and to provide knowledgeable, accurate advice for pet owners and communities. "Our new guidelines provide recommendations, checklists, and other tools to promote optimal levels of welfare throughout the veterinary visit. They also offer guidance …
Nationwide pet insurance opens 2018 Hambone Award voting September 26, 2018After reviewing nearly 1.5 million pet insurance claims received over the past year, Nationwide has nominated 12 candidates for the 2018 Hambone Award. Each year, the pet health insurer scours its database of 700,000-plus insured pets to honor the most unusual pet insurance claim of the year. The winner will be decided by a public vote, open now through Oct. 8, at HamboneAward.com. In addition, the veterinary practice that treated this year's Hambone Award winner will receive a $10,000 Nationwide-funded award through the Veterinary Care Foundation to treat pets whose owners could not otherwise afford treatment. From a pair of German shepherds who were found after 21 days trapped in an abandoned missile silo to a cat who went through a dryer's fluff cycle, all 12 nominees have uniquely harrowing tales. All nominated pets have made full recoveries and received Nationwide insurance reimbursements for eligible veterinary expenses. The 2018 Hambone Award nominees Howard the golden retriever (San Diego). This tech-hungry hound swallowed an electronics charger. Veterinary practice that treated Howard: Bodhi Animal Hospital (San Diego) Maddy the Labrador (Charlotte, N.C). Water-loving Maddy found herself playing on the shores of danger when she was suddenly …
BabelBark, Fear Free partner for pets, owners, veterinariansSeptember 26, 2018 Pet software developer BabelBark has announced a partnership with Fear Free, an educational initiative designed to train veterinarians, pet professionals, and pet owners to ease the fear, anxiety, and stress of the pets in their care. The new agreement enables BabelBark to educate pet owners with tailored content developed by Fear Free and become a tool for veterinarians to create unique pet profiles that can be accessible and shared online. "Both [organizations] share a common mission of connecting pet parents, veterinary professionals, and the pet professional community through every step of a pet's health and wellness needs to ensure pets have a Fear Free experience," said Roy Stein, BabelBark founder and CEO. According to Stein, the partnership will provide a new level of support to veterinarians through technology, allowing them to deliver individualized information and consultations to each pet parent. "Fear Free and BabelBark believe in creating a strong bond with the entire pet community, ensuring that each pet visit is a positive and enjoyable experience," said Marty Becker, DVM, Fear Free founder and Veterinary Practice News columnist. When the professional team and pet parent are on the same page regarding a …
World's first HDR brachytherapy center for pets targets tumorsSeptember 26, 2018A veterinarian and a medical doctor in Utah are delivering high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy to canine and feline cancer patients. Clayton Watkins, DVM, owner of VetMed Consultants and human radiation oncologist and brachytherapy specialist John K. Hayes, MD, recently received state approval for a radiation facility where animals can be treated on site at their Holladay location, the first dedicated radiation facility for pets in Utah and the first facility in the world dedicated to HDR brachytherapy for pets. HDR brachytherapy administers radiation via a robotically controlled radioactive seed that delivers a pinpointed burst of radiation directly into the tumor, applied via catheter. Originally designed to target certain forms of human cancer, human radiation oncologists have used it with success on cancers of the prostate, breast, cervix, uterus, and in the head and neck, and others. "Our clients love the results we can get for their family pet," said Dr. Watkins. "Brachytherapy is not painful and does not result in systemic side effects. Compared to other types of radiation, brachytherapy provides a higher dose of radiation and less exposure to normal tissues, it's less expensive, and is it better shaped to the tumor we are …
Morris Animal Foundation funds 13 wildlife studies with $850KSeptember 25, 2018Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) will extend $850,000 to fund 13 wildlife research studies. Through the new grants, the foundation is supporting scientists from Tufts University, Cornell University, and the Smithsonian Institution. The foundation's Wildlife Animal Scientific Advisory Board reviewed all submitted grant applications and selected, based on scientific merit and impact, the studies with the greatest potential to save lives, preserve health, and advance veterinary care. Wildlife studies funded for 2018 include: Understanding the Impact of Lead Poisoning in Bald Eagles Researchers will analyze multiple data sources to learn if lead continues to impact the long-term health and recovery of bald eagles. This new information will be used to help inform policy and public communication about lead exposure in bald eagles and other wildlife. Tackling Another Contagious Cancer in Tasmanian Devils Researchers will investigate a second, recently discovered, contagious cancer in Tasmanian devils, devil facial tumor 2 (DFT2). Understanding how the disease is evolving and spreading will provide important clues on how to manage this disease and other contagious cancers affecting both Tasmanian devils and dogs. Saving Endangered Frogs from Deadly Fungal Disease Researchers will look at ways to boost the immunity of …
