A recent study found that including heat-treated 

CECT-7347 (Priome Gut Health) combined with Fibersol-2 (Pet Fibersol) in adult cats’ diets improved their intestinal health. The study, led by ADM—a human, pet, and animal nutrition company—in collaboration with China Agricultural University, aimed to investigate the effect these supplements have on the digestive health of felines before and after undergoing an abrupt dietary change.

Suddenly changing a cat’s diet can disrupt their gastrointestinal balance, which can lead to inflammation. When transitioning to a high-protein diet, cats can be even more impacted. Although gradually transitioning to the new food over the course of 7 days has been shown to reduce gastrointestinal upset, diet change-related diarrhea is still common in cats, according to the authors of the study.

CECT 7347 helps improve the gut microbiota balance and strengthen the intestinal barrier, leading to improved gastrointestinal health during dietary changes, according to ADM.

Additionally, Fibersol-2 raises the levels of beneficial bacteria while containing a low glycemic index, reduced body fat, and improved adaptation to high-protein diets.

For the 28-day study, which was published in 

, researchers looked at 24 British shorthair adult cats. The felines were divided into 2 groups, with the control group receiving a lower protein concentration (33%) diet for days 1 to 14. The treatment group, meanwhile, received the same diet as the control group, but were supplemented with 0.16% functional additives of 

 CECT-7347 combined with Fibersol-2—a soluble dietary fiber. From days 15 to 28, both groups switched to a higher-protein diet (40%). The treatment group continued receiving the same supplement.

The cats that received the supplement showed significant improvements in serum lipopolysaccharide, an indicator of intestinal permeability, both before and after the diet change.

CECT-7347 combined with Fibersol-2 also lowered the felines’ fecal pH and increased their fecal levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA).

“…the functional additive regulates the fecal microbiota and its function, promoting intestinal homeostasis and colonization with beneficial bacteria such as 

 “Furthermore, on day 28, there was a significant difference in fecal microbiota beta diversity between the two groups.”

“We understand the vital role gut health plays in pets’ overall well-being, particularly during dietary changes,” Mark Lotsch, president of global health & wellness at ADM, said in a report.

 “Insights from this study will open new doors for creating innovative pet food solutions that enhance digestive health and nutritional balance.”

Wang F, Gao S, Peng Q, Tan L, Chen S, Xia Z. Effects of heat-treated Bifidobacterium Longum CECT-7347 combined with fibersol-2 on the intestinal health of cats submitted to an abrupt dietary change: A randomized controlled study. 

. 2024;14(15):2179. doi:10.3390/ani14152179

ADM-led study focuses on cat digestive health. 

Feed Additive International Magazine for Animal Feed & Additives Industry.

 January 31, 2025. Accessed February 19, 2025. 

https://www.feedandadditive.com/adm-led-study-focuses-on-cat-digestive-health/

Articles

For the study, participating cats underwent an abrupt dietary change

Research shows bifidobacterium Longum and Fibersol-2 may aid feline gastrointestinal health 

On this week's episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomes Brian Goleman, CVT, to discuss all things bandage art for veterinary medicine. Throughout the episode Goleman and Christman chat about what inspired Goleman to begin Brian's Bandages, a company educating veterinary professionals on proper bandaging techniques, how bandage art can be a great marketing strategy for veterinary clinics, and how he came to write a children's book on veterinary bandaging. 

So why bandaging? What was it to you that said, like, 'you know what, I really want to do something about this'?

So it started off as a challenge. I love challenging myself and the fact that I had to do something in hospital that's unnatural. I have to put a bandage on an animal that has no idea what's going on. I have to send it home with owners that at the time also have no idea what's going on really. So I have to challenge myself to educate them enough to feel comfortable going home. Because they have to change their routine of the day. They have to change how they feed, how they walk the dog, basically everything changes. So I have to make them comfortable enough. And then there's also the challenge of making sure that that bandage is coming back to me in the same status that I sent it out in. I want them to be compliant, I want the patient to be wearing an E collar, like all these things and so, and then come back without bandage sores. 

So the challenge of all of that was [what] initially what drew me in. ...There was no high like getting a bandage coming back with no bandage sores. And then on top of that, just the relationships that I developed with these owners, like I'd be seeing them for weeks while their fractures heal, while their wounds heal, and so really, like being a part of their recovery like, really, I guess revved my engines, and I just fell in love with it immediately.

Podcasts

Brian Goleman, CVT, shares his journey to finding a passion for bandage art, to the inspiration behind the children's book he authored, on this week's episode

Bandaging with Brian

One defining moment many pre-veterinary students encounter early in their college careers comes during orientation, their first 'weed out class,' or first pre-veterinary or animal science club meeting. It’s common for professionals to ask pre-professional students to look around at fellow students. Then they’re told bluntly that very few of them will ever make it in the industry they are trying to enter, and will be weeded out or will choose 'easier' careers or majors. Along with this, the future of these industries are told that the professions they’re striving for are so competitive and so difficult that only the 'truly exceptional' succeed. These are their parting words as pre-veterinary students across the country start their collegiate journeys.

Even if pre-vets escape this messaging from their college or university, it’s a common experience to hear from high school teachers, parents, friends, and even random people on the street that the path to veterinary school is daunting, academically challenging, competitive, and harder than medical school.

With this mindset in place, pre-vets now entering the arena of college where the tension is palpable and feels as though the competition for the most, best, most unique, prestigious experiences has begun. Although I can’t speak for all universities or pre-veterinary experiences, I can say with confidence that the pre-vets I know feel this pressure greatly. Veterinary school admissions set the standards sky high for applicants, including a stellar GPA, a wide range of experience, research, volunteering, and leadership. All of this is expected from students who may be working to support family, paying their tuition, or even just attempting to maintain a social life.

In this pressure pot of expectations, competition thrives. It is incredibly easy to get caught up in the mindset of comparison amongst fellow pre-vet students. Who has the most experience? Who has the best grade in this class? Who studies the most? Who rests the least? This toxic spiral leads students to taking on experiences at the cost of their own mental health and wellbeing.

The need to compare and compete can become so ingrained that students are pushing their limits to constantly be working, studying, and be working for a perfect application. When it comes time to submit the Veterinary Medical College Application Service application, it can be nearly impossible not to compare your stats to other students or go down the spiral of social networking like Student Doctor Network or the American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association (APVMA) Facebook group.

As someone who ran APVMA’s Facebook group during my time on its National Board, I can tell you there is a nearly constant influx of students wondering how they stack up against others, if they’ve gathered enough experience, if all they’ve done will be enough.

Then comes the acceptance, and suddenly, the hamster wheel of working, studying, leadership, research, comparison, is over.

Now veterinary schools have gathered a group of smart, well rounded, intelligent, and caring individuals and the only thing left to focus on is learning as much as possible to become the best possible doctors. No more competition to get in. You made it, but breaking out of the cycle of comparison and competition can seem impossible.

The academic pressure remains, now somewhat heightened due to new information, and success on paper is still expected of those aiming for internships and residencies, but for the most part, that competition is behind us.

Now we must fight against our every instinct to compare and compete that was ingrained in us over the past however many years on the journey to veterinary school. Gone are the days where you would jump at every single experience offered, even if it doesn’t align with your interests, just to bolster your resume. Gone are the days where someone else failing might mean you succeed. In comes an era of working with colleagues to become the best doctors possible. Not for your resume, but for your patients.

How do we change the narrative that students are surrounded with as they enter veterinary medicine? How do we reframe the path to veterinary school? It’s challenging and good (enough) grades are needed. But how do we acknowledge the upcoming challenges they will face without encouraging an environment where their resume takes precedence over their wellbeing?

While I don’t have all the answers, here's what I suggest. To students – support each other. Take the creation of a supportive, kind, inclusive community into your own hands. This next generation of veterinarians has the power to rewrite the narrative pre-veterinary students hear as they begin their careers. Reach out to your fellow classmates, make friends, share experiences and insight. Most importantly, remember that there is room for everyone in veterinary medicine and that someone else’s success doesn’t limit yours, it only lifts all of us higher.

To practicing veterinarians – be mindful of your words towards upcoming students. Too many of us have heard the narrative of regret, telling us to choose human medicine or all the debt wasn’t worth it in the end. Please teach us about the reality of the field without crushing our spirits. Please remember your excitement as you entered this incredible field and support the next generation of veterinarians as much as you can!

Together we can shift the culture of comparison and competition and ensure that students can be more than just a resume.

 is a first-year dual degree student at Colorado State University pursuing her Masters in Public Health and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She hopes to combine clinical practice and research in her future career. She is a dvm360 Ambassador and involved in public health research surrounding diabetes prevention.

dvm360 student ambassador Sophia Jodka challenges all students, at every stage, to rethink the competitive environment they have created or fostered.

Comparison and competition in veterinary medicine

Some pet microchip registry services are offering incentives to owners affected by the reported closure of Save This Life. Among them are BuddyID and PetLink.

Creative Science, an animal health solutions provider, is offering free lifetime registration to its’ BuddyID service for all pets with microchips affected by the reported closure of Save This Life. The offer extends to veterinary clinics and shelters in possession of any remaining Save This Life microchips. Additionally, the company will provide 25 complimentary BuddyID ISO Microchip + Temp chips to veterinary clinics and shelters that move their remaining Save This Life microchips to the BuddyID registry by March 31, 2025.

PetLink announced on its’ Facebook and Instagram platforms a one-time, lifetime registration for Save This Life customers at a cost of $4.99. The promo code for this offer, STL499, expires March 31, 2025.

The Save This Life microchip registry was recently reported by a number of sources as shut down without notice to the customers it served, and its data seemingly disappeared. According to 

Post, Save This Life forfeited its certificate of authority or business registration in Texas last year.

also found Save This Life’s customer service number disconnected.

Transfer of a microchip registration to another service, including BuddyID and petlink.net, can help ensure a lost pet is identified when found. Veterinary teams and shelters have reportedly been encouraging pet owners to transfer their microchip registrations as soon as possible.

“Ensuring lost pets can always find their way home is at the heart of what we do,” Charlie Passantino, president of Creative Science, said in a news release.

 “The shutdown of Save This Life’s registry left many pet owners and clinics in a difficult situation, and we want to provide a seamless solution by welcoming these microchips into our network at no cost.”

BuddyID has provided microchip identification and lost pet recovery service for more than 30 years. The brand’s comprehensive system includes a global pet registry, temperature-sensing microchips, and the BuddyBadge QR Collar Tag that offers instant access to pet recovery information, according to Creative Science. Pet owners, veterinary clinics, and shelters with Save This Life microchips are encouraged to call 800-434-2843 or email help@buddyied.com for assistance with obtaining free registration.

Creative Science’s BuddyID offers free lifetime registration for pets affected by Save This Live microchip registry shutdown. News release. February 19, 2025.

Animal chip company’s silence has worried pet owners seeking answers. February 13, 2025. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/02/13/savethislife-pet-chips/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzM5NDIyODAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzQwODA1MTk5LCJpYXQiOjE3Mzk0MjI4MDAsImp0aSI6IjdlODk0YmMzLTllN2YtNDQyNC1iOTljLWRjOGVjMGRmMTZkNSIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9idXNpbmVzcy8yMDI1LzAyLzEzL3NhdmV0aGlzbGlmZS1wZXQtY2hpcHMvIn0.d5ewY_MhFrilc0iZv0PPL9j5Gy7bW9558d4T5B0FRKg

The Save This Life company abruptly stopped serving customers, according to reports

Pet owners are encouraged to transfer microchip registrations from closed service

A new test for assessing bovines’ genetic predisposition to bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF) has been released. The launch of the genomic test—Igenity BCHF—is aimed at improving the overall heart health standards among bovines, according Neogen Corporation, a food safety company behind the test’s development.

"When we look at the impact of Igenity BCHF on the industry, it is helping to genetically quantify the risk for [BCHF] and progress herds away from this growing cattle health and welfare concern," Kirk Ramsey, DVM, professional services veterinarian with Neogen, said in a company release.

 "Igenity BCHF is the first genomic test of its kind and is the first step in capturing the reason why congestive heart failure is occurring in these young calves and late-fed cattle."

In the western Great Plains of the United States and Canada, BCHF has been increasingly recognized as an emerging condition of cattle, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), with reports on BCHF occurrence showing a doubling of the condition every 10 years.

 The condition, marked by pulmonary hypertension that ultimately leads to right ventricular failure, is both untreatable and fatal.

In recent years, BCHF has grown in prevalence at the cow/calf and feedlot levels.

 Research has shown that a genetic factor makes cattle more prone to developing heart failure at some point during the feeding period.

 Currently, little is known about how to decrease the likelihood of heart failure in cattle genetically at risk for BCHF.

 outbreaks of BCHF are happening in operations that are feeding “well-managed, high genetic merit cattle.” The disease is the most expensive health-related issue for some producers, according to the federal agency. In individual operations, losses related to the condition surpass $250,000 annually and outpace losses from bovine respiratory diseases.

“Reducing the impact of BCHF is a high priority for the cattle industry,” wrote the USDA in the agency’s Agriculture Research Service web page.

The Igenity BCHF test scores an animal’s genetic proneness for the disease on a 1 to 10 scale, with 1 being lowest risk of disease development and 10 representing highest risk. There is an approximate 3.5% difference in the expected incidence rate for the disease between each score.

"Igenity BCHF is a revolutionary genomic test designed to assess an animal's genetic predisposition to heart failure," Victor Pedrosa, PhD, director of technical genomics and innovation at Neogen, said in a release.

 "The test results directly correlate with the percentage of BCHF risk an animal carries and could pass on to their progeny, serving as a genetic indicator of the likelihood of disease development."

Neogen introduces Igenity BCHF to help industry mitigate bovine congestive heart failure risk. News release. Neogen Corporation. January 21, 2025. Accessed February 19, 2025. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/neogen-introduces-igenity-bchf-to-help-industry-mitigate-bovine-congestive-heart-failure-risk-302355664.html

Bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF) in feedlot cattle. US Department of Agriculture. April 3, 2024. Accessed February 19, 2025. 

https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/clay-center-ne/marc/bchf/bchf-main/

Herman J. Congestive heart failure in cattle—a learning curve. Beef Quality Assurance. January 17, 2024. Accessed February 19, 2025. 

https://www.bqa.org/about-us/newsroom/congestive-heart-failure-in-cattle-a-learning-curve

Congestive heart failure in cattle has become more prevalent in recent years

New genomic test for assessing bovine congestive heart failure risk is launched

According to results from a serosurvey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on 150 US bovine veterinary practitioners, 3 tested positive for antibodies to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5), indicating recent H5N1 infection in these individuals. None of the practitioners who tested positive for antibodies reported any respiratory or flu-like symptoms, including conjunctivitis.

The study, “Seroprevalence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5) Virus Infections Among Bovine Veterinary Practitioners,” aimed to investigate the prevalence of recent H5N1 infection among bovine veterinary practitioners in the US. To do this, public health officials with the CDC conducted an H5N1 serosurvey—which involves testing the blood serum of a group of individuals—on 150 bovine veterinarians that had had cattle exposure in the last 3 months.

All participants surveyed were attendees of the 2024 American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) conference.

 Participation was anonymous, with participants receiving a $50 USD gift card after the blood draw.

Of the 150 participants, 143 reported practicing primarily in 46 US states. Seven reported their primary practice was in Canada. Additionally, 82 (55%) practiced in states with dairy herds testing positive for H5N1, and 25 (17%) had worked with dairy cattle with known or suspected H5N1 infection.

Of the 3 veterinarians found to have H5N1 antibodies, the CDC reported

All provided care to multiple animals, including dairy cattle

All reported wearing gloves or clothing covers during veterinary care activities for cattle, such as pregnancy checking or surgery

Two also worked with nondairy cattle, one provided care to poultry, and one worked at livestock markets

None worked with dairy cattle known or suspected to be infected with H5N1, but one veterinarian worked with poultry that was H5N1 positive

Two of the veterinarians reported practicing in multiple US states and 2 practiced in states with known H5N1 infection among cattle

One veterinarian provided care to dairy cattle only in Georgia and nondairy cattle in South Carolina—both of which are states that had not previously reported H5N1 infection in dairy cattle; this same practitioner reported no exposure to animals with known or suspected H5N1 infections

“…safety goggles and a respirator are recommended when working with uninfected animals in regions where there are confirmed or potentially infected animals.... HPAI A(H5) virus is known to be present in high concentrations in milk produced by infected cattle, introducing infection risk through respiratory, ocular, and gastrointestinal exposure…. Continued systematic surveillance of livestock and milk could aid in appropriate occupational hazard assessment,” advised the authors of the study.

The study’s findings suggest that asymptomatic individuals could be going unnoticed, resulting in an underreporting of the actual number of infections. “These findings suggest that there might be HPAI A(H5) virus–infected dairy cattle in states where infection in dairy cattle has not yet been identified, highlighting the importance of rapid identification of infected dairy cattle through herd and bulk milk testing as recently announced by the US  Department of Agriculture,” wrote the study's authors.

“Detection of HPAI A(H5) antibodies in persons without reported symptoms suggests that surveillance of symptomatic exposed workers might underestimate human infection,” they continued

The study was conducted in collaboration with the AABP and the Ohio Department of Health in September 2024.

 Results were published February 13, 2025, in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

When the serosurvey was conducted, H5N1 had been detected in dairy cattle across 14 US states, and 4 human cases relating to dairy cattle exposure had been reported in 3 states, according to the CDC.

 Since then, the avian influenza outbreak has expanded to include 68 confirmed H5N1 human cases in the country. Of those, 23 were related to infected poultry exposure; 41 to infected dairy cattle exposure; 1 has an unknown source of infection with potential exposure to other animals; and 3 exposure cases remain unknown.

Leonard J, Harker EJ, Szablewski CM, et al. 

: Seroprevalence of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5) virus infections among bovine veterinary practitioners — United States, September 2024. 

MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

. 2025;74(4):50-52. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7404a2

Study: Three bovine veterinarians unknowingly infected with H5N1. American Veterinary Medical Association. February 14, 2025. Accessed February 18, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/study-three-bovine-veterinarians-unknowingly-infected-h5n1?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-news

Findings suggest that the number of human H5N1 cases may be higher than reported