A member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP) in Ontario, Canada, has introduced a new bill aimed at safeguarding captive wildlife in the country. The new proposal seeks to fill a gap in provincial regulations of wildlife animals in zoo settings. The new bill—the Captive Wildlife Protection Act, 2024—was announced earlier this month by Lucille Collard, MPP for Ottawa-Vanier; Dolf DeJong, CEO of Toronto Zoo in Toronto, Ontario; and the World Animal Protection, a Canada-based animal welfare non-profit.

Currently, anyone in Canada can acquire wild animals and operate their own zoos as there is no licensing requirement for keeping non-native wild animals in a zoo. Additionally, there are no consistent standards in place, which leaves municipalities relying on inconsistent bylaws.1 Still, almost 50% of municipalities in Ontario have no bylaws overseeing the keeping of wild animals. This lack of regulation has led to the rise of “roadside zoos,” where animals are kept in substandard conditions, according to a news release.

“Keeping exotic wild animals in inadequate conditions is not only harmful to the animals but also dangerous for the public. Owning and caring for wild animals should be restricted to qualified individuals and organizations who are subject to proper government oversight,” said Collard in the release.

“It is long past time for Ontario to implement a regulatory framework for the keeping of wild animals in order to ensure the well-being of the animals and keep the public safe."

The Captive Wildlife Protection Act, 2024 would mandate licensing for all zoos in addition to yearly inspections to ensure high standards of care and safety. Facilities would be required to meet strict licensing criteria like having proof of financial resources and emergency preparedness plans. The bill would also ban the use of wild animals for entertainment activities like petting sessions, photo ops, and performances that are detrimental to their wellbeing.

"The safety and well-being of both animals and people depend on these regulations. This act sends a clear message: substandard conditions and neglect have no place in Ontario. As a leader in wildlife conservation and education, the Toronto Zoo strongly supports these first steps to protect animals and communities alike,” said DeJong in a news release.

According to the World Animal Protection, Ontario has approximately 30 roadside zoos running without provincial regulation, making Ontario the province with the highest number of these facilities in Canada.

 Moreover, the province lacks a central registry to track the locations and numbers of exotic animals in captivity.

"Ontario has a troubling history of unregulated facilities keeping wild animals in unsafe and inhumane conditions. The Captive Wildlife Protection Act is a critical step to protect animals and safeguard our communities,” Colin Saravanamuttoo, executive director of World Animal Protection, said in the release.

According to the organization, 88% of people in Ontario support provincial licensing and regulation of zoos. The bill is backed by animal welfare organizations, municipalities, and members of the Ontario legislature across different political parties.

Landmark bill introduced in Ontario to protect captive wildlife and regulate zoos. News release. World Animal Protection. December 4, 2024. Accessed December 11, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/landmark-bill-introduced-in-ontario-to-protect-captive-wildlife-and-regulate-zoos-895315585.html

Articles

The Captive Wildlife Protection Act, 2024 would require licensing for zoos, ban the use of wildlife animals for certain activities, and more

Ontario introduces new bill to protect wildlife amid lack of zoo regulation in Canada

Covetrus has expanded its’ pharmaceutical compounding facility in Phoenix, Arizona, nearly doubling its’ footprint to 50,000-sq ft. The expansion's goal is to increase the company’s pharmacy capabilities for producing compounded products for use in veterinary clinics and in the homes of pet owners across the country, from a centralized location.

A provider of animal health technology and services, Covetrus has made pharmaceutical compounding an important part of its’ portfolio. According to the company, it recognizes that customized medications can enhance pet well-being, while offering a variety of flavor and dose form options.

"Through our expanded facility, we are not only extending our product portfolio to meet the needs of veterinarians and pet parents, but also contributing to the local Arizona economy. We are committed to fostering growth and training among the local pharmacy programs, while delivering exceptional products to the pets we serve," Abby Kaplan, senior vice president, compounding at Covetrus, said in a news release.

The expansion news follows the October 2024 announcement by the US Attorney’s Office of 

 over allegations that the company violated the Controlled Substances Act and other related United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations. Covetrus and the DEA entered a 1-year Memorandum of Agreement as part of the settlement that requires the company to keep improving its suspicious order monitoring system, while allowing the federal agency to freely inspect and monitor it, as well as employee training, and overall compliance with federal, state, and local controlled substance statues and regulations.

The expanded pharmacy compounding space features modern, automated equipment and enhanced facilities that meet the industry's regulatory compliance standards, according to Covetrus. The facility now allows capability for more products and customization, and allows for improved supply reliability.

In addition to the Phoenix facility expansion, Covetrus opened a new, 80,000 sq-ft distribution center in Grimes, Iowa, earlier this year that employs more than 40 individuals. Aimed at serving veterinarians and practices throughout the Midwest region, the facility provides access to more than 5000 products used by veterinary teams that care for large and small animals.

“When it comes to providing veterinarians with the supplies and solutions they need to thrive, Covetrus is there for them,” Todd Worthington, senior director of operations and logistics at Covetrus, said in a news release.

 “Whether the veterinarian is treating large animals, such as horses, or small ones like dogs and cats, the products they need can be found at Covetrus.”

Like the Grimes distribution center, the expansion of the new facility in Phoenix has created new jobs and is projected to contribute positive economic benefit to the local community. Additionally, Covetrus is investing in pharmacy schools and students in the Phoenix area.

First, 2 of Covetrus’ compounding supervisors are working with students at local pharmacy schools. Matthew Cheung, PharmD, is as an adjunct associate professor for the Midwestern University College of Pharmacy in Glendale, Arizona, and co-advises the school's Compounding Club. Courtney Morales is introducing students to the practice of pharmacy compounding through externships at the Covetrus facility, while serving as a preceptor in the pharmacy technician training program at GateWay Community College in Phoenix.

The company is also providing opportunities to pharmacy students for hands-on experience with technology and practices used in its’ expanded compounding facility. Several pharmacy programs in the Phoenix area offer a strong pipeline of graduating students, according to the company.

Covetrus unveils newly expanded state-of-the-art pharmaceutical compounding facility in the Phoenix area. News release. Covetrus. December 10, 2024. Accessed December 10, 2024. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/covetrus-unveils-newly-expanded-state-of-the-art-pharmaceutical-compounding-facility-in-phoenix-area-302326365.html?tc=eml_cleartime

McCafferty C. Animal health company agrees to $1.1M settlement for lapses in opioid oversight and recordkeeping. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/animal-health-company-agrees-to-1-1m-settlement-for-lapses-in-opioid-oversight-and-recordkeeping

Covetrus opens new state-of-the-art distribution center to meet growing demand for products and services. News release. Covetrus. May 2, 2024. Accessed December 10, 2024. 

https://covetrus.com/covetrus-opens-new-state-of-the-art-distribution-center-to-meet-growing-demand-for-products-and-services/

Covetrus announced the expansion of its' site in Arizona, increasing the company’s pharmacy capabilities for producing compounded products for use in veterinary clinics and pet owners' homes throughout the US

Size of Phoenix pharmacy compounding facility has nearly doubled

In any thriving organization, employee performance plays a pivotal role in achieving overall success. However, there may be instances when certain team members face challenges meeting performance expectations. To address these situations constructively, practice managers often turn to performance improvement plans (PIPs).

A PIP is a structured process designed to help employees enhance their performance and align with business goals. It is not intended to be punitive but rather serves as a road map for improvement, fostering a culture of continuous development and growth. Key components of a PIP include the following:

Outline specific, measurable, and achievable performance expectations. Clearly communicate what success looks like in terms of job responsibilities, goals, and objectives. 

The fictional ABC Animal Hospital does not tolerate absenteeism without excuse. Employees who will be late to or absent from work should notify a supervisor in advance or as soon as practicable in the event of an emergency. Chronic absenteeism may result in disciplinary action. 

Pinpoint the areas where the employee is falling short. Whether it’s related to skills, behaviors, or specific tasks, a precise understanding of the performance gaps is crucial for creating a targeted improvement plan. 

During the past 4 months, you were scheduled to work 88 shifts and you were late 18 times (20% of scheduled shifts). Additionally, you never notified a supervisor that you would be late.

Initiate a transparent and open dialogue with the employee. Allow them to share their perspective on the challenges they are facing. This collaborative approach ensures that the plan is tailored to address both organizational expectations and individual needs. 

I wanted to discuss these late arrivals with you. Can you share any reasons or challenges you may be facing? (Pause to let the employee discuss their tardiness. The manager must be listening for any hints that it may involve the Family and Medical Leave Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act.) 

Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. These goals should be realistic and attainable and provide a clear road map for improvement within a defined time frame. The goals may depend on the root cause. 

To successfully complete this 90-day PIP, you will be expected to reduce the number of days you arrive to work late by 50%.

If you are late more than 2 times during this 90-day PIP, you must have perfect attendance for the remaining time of your 90-day PIP. 

Identify the resources, training, or support required for the employee to meet the goals. This could include additional training sessions, mentorship, or access to specific tools and resources. 

 Depending on the goals and the resources available, options may include additional in-house or online training to acquire the necessary skills, providing coaching and regular feedback on how to improve performance, adjusting workload or responsibilities, assessing equipment or technology needs, promoting an employee assistance program, or considering flexible work arrangements or accommodations. 

Schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress and provide constructive feedback. These meetings offer an opportunity for ongoing communication and adjustments to the plan if needed. Recognize and acknowledge improvements along the way. 

 “To help you complete your PIP, we have arranged for you to meet with ___ every Thursday at 3:30 PM to discuss your progress and resolve any issues that may impede it.” Note that recognition and positive reinforcement play a large role in this step. Recognize and celebrate small victories and improvements during the PIP period. 

Clearly outline the consequences of not meeting the goals. Although the intention is improvement, it is essential to have a plan in place for further actions if the performance does not meet the standards. Consequences may include additional disciplinary action, loss of opportunities for advancement, impact on compensation and benefits, reassignment of duties or responsibilities, and loss of employment. 

 It is imperative to take proactive steps to address performance issues outlined in this improvement plan and actively collaborate with your manager to achieve the desired level of performance. Failure to do so will result in termination of employment. 

Record the PIP in writing, ensuring that the employee has a clear understanding of the expectations, goals, and support mechanisms in place. Create a template for your practice so that management remains consistent for any PIP. 

When the employee has made genuine progress, the PIP is closed and kept in the employee’s file. Depending on the situation and the employee’s efforts to improve, the PIP may be extended a few weeks. Finally, it may be necessary to terminate the employee who is not improving. 

PIPs are a crucial tool for the success of the business. Having a clear method of documenting an employee’s performance deficiency, the specific areas needing improvement, and the expectations for improvement can provide evidence that the employee was given opportunities to address the performance issues before termination. Having a structured PIP demonstrates that the business followed fair and consistent procedures, which can mitigate the risk of potential legal challenges, such as claims of unfair dismissal or discrimination. A well-designed PIP that includes SMART goals provides a basis for evaluating whether the performance has improved to an acceptable level. The PIP process facilitates open communication and establishes regular feedback and progress reviews during the PIP period. In addition, PIPs allow the business to take corrective action before the performance issue escalates and impacts productivity, client satisfaction, or team dynamics. 

Creating a PIP is a proactive and positive approach to addressing performance challenges. By focusing on clear communication, collaboration, and providing the necessary support, employees can be empowered to overcome obstacles and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. When approached with empathy and a commitment to growth, PIPs become powerful tools for fostering a motivated, high-performing workforce.

A PIP can be a constructive way to help address challenges for employees having trouble meeting expectations

Creating a successful performance improvement plan

Brittany Lancellotti, DVM, DACVD, talks about available treatment options for flea allergies, environmental allergies, and more 

Choosing the right treatment for allergic dermatitis

 at the 2024 Fetch Long Beach conference in Long Beach, California, Brittany Lancellotti, DVM, DACVD, talked about various current treatment options for allergic dermatitis in animal patients, talking about options for flea allergies, environmental allergies, food allergies, and more. She emphasized, however, the importance of weighing in patients’ individual clinical signs, as their response to different treatments will vary depending on what symptoms they are experiencing. Considering this, the veterinary professional should come up with specific plans tailored for individual patients.

The treatment options that are available for allergic dermatitis are much more now than we had just a few years ago. In terms of different treatments, we need to think about how the disease presents, so I always like to start by talking to owners about what are the primary triggers, and how am I going to treat those primary triggers? So parasiticides are really important treatment in flea allergies.

Elimination diet trials are the most effective way for diagnosing and managing food allergies, so understanding the different prescription diets that are available is really important as a treatment option for food allergic animals.

And then for environmental allergies, the only treatment that we have that actually addresses the primary disease is allergy-specific immunotherapy, which is best implemented by a board-certified veterinary dermatology specialist who has an understanding of the regional allergens and how to interpret those allergy tests and implement immunotherapy.

But then we have a lot of other symptomatic allergy treatment tools, things like antibiotics, antifungals, as well as antipyretic and ant inflammatory medications like glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, Janus kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies.

So, we've got a lot of different options available to give an animal relief, but it's important to understand what that individual animal’s clinical signs are and how they would best respond to the different treatments that are available, so that you can come up with a specific plan for that patient.

Videos

Seeking Truth & Unleashing Unpopular Perspectives in Shelter Medicine and Animal Cruelty, 

Kris Otteman, DVM, ABVP, CAWA, shared with attendees multiple perspectives in shelter medicine as well as animal cruelty that can be considered unpopular, and why they are important for veterinary professionals to know the truth about. Throughout the lecture, Otteman helped attendees tackle uncomfortable truths and the status quo to help them be better prepared for the tough cases that walk through the clinic doors.

The human animal bond is not dependent on socio economic status

Cost of care is affecting every part of veterinary medicine in some capacity, and shelter medicine is no exception. In shelter medicine, there are pets that are surrounded to the shelter for euthanasia because of financial hardship. Otteman shared that because of this, those who do not work in shelter medicine, but sometimes within, believe that if a client cannot financially care for their pet, then they should not have one. Some veterinary professionals Otteman explained to attendees will even link the strength of the client and patients human-animal bond and how much they love their animal by their willingness to pay.

“We all know because we're those experts with those insights and that voice, remember the benefits of the relationships with animals cross every demographic we can all think of. We know the benefits to mental health, physical well-being. We know how important animals are and what they're seen as family members today, right?” explained Otteman.

“We also know how animals now are helping out in long term care. They come into the courtroom and comfort victims. We also know, and we've all heard stories of that person that's homeless, like if you heard [

] say yesterday, and they are willing to put their own safety and security on the line, or give it up for their dog or their cat,” she continued.

Although it would be easier for clients if they had more money to provide the care pet needs, that is not a definition of their love and connection to the pet. Otteman also shared that in recent research, there have been cases that pets are even more important to those within lower socioeconomic status because some may not have close family, friends, or anyone at all besides that pet. That pet becomes their world and their support system. Otteman urged the attendees to not be judgement when these clients come into the clinics or shelters to get help for their pet or give them up, because the situation may be something others will never be able to understand or experience. Shelters are the safety net for those in need, and Otteman believes veterinary medicine is as well because clients come to them in their time of need to save the animal they love so dearly, and it is important to put aside personal thoughts and feelings to give their pet the standard of care they deserve.

Animal abuse is occurring in your community, and it will present in your practice

It may seem weird to veterinary teams to think that a person who has abused their pet will bring them into the clinic for care, but they do and will. Normally, Otteman shared, the pet will be brought into the clinic by the person who inflicted the abuse, or someone close to the abuser, who could also be a victim of violence themselves.

“One study found that animal abusers are 5 times more likely to commit a violent act toward a human,

and so there's this association in all my years in practice, though it never occurred to me that I needed to consider things like differential diagnosis, including non accidental injury, work force trauma, like repetitive non accidental injury, or something like intentional starvation, I was like nowhere on my radar, but working in the shelter environment, as I mentioned, that's where I saw that law enforcement engaged with the veterinary community and brought cases in, and I learned how important it was.” Otteman said to attendees.

A sign of an animal abuse case you be that the history does not match the findings. She shared the story of a feline domestic short hair that she treated who presented to her with broken teeth, zygomatic arch fracture, and other injuries. Her owners, a male and female companions, told Otteman that the patient injured herself this way from bathing. However, she said, anyone who has bathed a cat knows that most injuries during this process are scratches and clawing toward the one giving the bath, not receiving it. 

If you suspect animal abuse in your clinic, you are required to report it to the authorities. Otteman shared during her Q&A portion of the Fetch Finale that there are cases across the United States where law enforcement may be too short staffed or not willing to really go investigate due to other obligations deemed more important. If this is an issue in your area, she encouraged you to take extremely indepth notes and photos, more than you would do in a normal examination, and to write everything out in an easy non medical way to understand. This way, if things progress or someone is arrested for the abuse, there is a clear documentation for law enforcement.

There are plenety of other unpopular truths out there about shelter medicine. Otteman shared with attenees that she tends to have a rose colored glasses aspect on life, but she has plenty of setbacks and tears throughout he career. By sharing these truths and understanding how they can present in your clinic or how to help those in need, pets who are suffering in some capacity can find a safe space and support for treatment in your clinic, and their owners might need it as well.

“I really want to thank you for all your kind attention. Most importantly, I want to thank you for being such an important part of what I believe is the best profession on Earth,” she concluded. “We have such a unique opportunity. We're the only ones that can do this work. We make such a difference. So thank you for all you knew to make this profession so bright and beautiful for being so wise and wonderful.”

Otteman K. Seeking Truth & Unleashing Unpopular Perspectives in Shelter Medicine and Animal Cruelty. Presented at: Fetch dvm360 Conference; Long Beach, CA. December 6-8, 2024.

Luke C, Arluke A, Levin J. Physical Cruelty Toward Animals in Massachusetts, 1975-1996. 

. 1997;5(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1163/156853097x00123

To close out day 3 of Fetch Long Beach, Kris Otteman, DVM, ABVP, CAWA, shared with attendee’s common unpopular opinions within shelter medicine 

Unveiling unpopular truths in shelter medicine

Photo: Андрей Журавлев/Adobe Stock

Body condition scoring for cats and dogs should be done separately from muscle condition scoring, as the two are two completely different things. So, how is a body condition score obtained for both feline and canine patients; and how should muscle condition be scored? In a lecture at the Fetch Long Beach conference December 6 to 8, 2024 in Long Beach, California, Valerie J. Parker, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM, Nutrition), offered some insight, as well as obesity and low weight prevention tips.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Nutrition Committee body condition score 

 should be followed when determining what body condition score a feline patient has. A score of 5 out of 9 is ideal. Cats with a body condition score of 5 will be well-proportioned and have a visible waist behind their ribs from a top view. Additionally, their ribs will be palpable with slight fat covering. These patients will have minimal abdominal fat pad.

When it comes to palpating body condition in cats, Parker stressed the importance of standing the cat up and stretching them out. “Cats [are] very challenging to do a good body condition score [on] if you don't get them up and stretch them out, right?” Parker said. “You can't do a good body condition on a cat that's hunched up in its carrier on the table—they always are going to look heavier than when you stand them up and stretch them out, so sometimes body condition scoring a cat is a 2-person job.”

To correctly body condition score a feline patient, the veterinarian should begin right behind the shoulders, approximately halfway between the dorsum and the ventrum, and go back and forth over the cranial two-thirds of the rib cage using the flats of their fingers.

“With that said, when I am using the flats of my hands very gently, going back and forth over those ribs, if I make a fist and feel over [my] top knuckles, if that's what the ribs feel like, that's a 3 out of 9,” explained Parker. “If you open your hand palm down and feel over [your] same knuckles there, if that's what [the patient’s] ribs feel like, that's a 5 out of 9.”

A patient with a score of 7 out of 9 will not have a visible waist. “So, a 7 out of 9 for me is an animal that's kind of straight across from shoulders to hips,” said Parker. “Now, you can be straight across on a 7 out of 9, and you can be straight across on a 9 out of 9, and that has to do with how much back coverage there is over those ribs,” she continued.

Parker disclosed that she believes a body score of 4 out of 9 is acceptable if the patient is young and metabolically healthy. However, in patients that have a chronic inflammatory condition, such as chronic kidney disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or hyperthyroidism, it is best to guide the patient back to a body condition score of 5.

In dogs, a body condition score of 4 out of 9 or 5 out of 9 is ideal. In a score of 4, the ribs should be easily felt and will have minimal fat covering. Additionally, the waist will be easily visible and will be able to be seen from above. There will also be a noticeable abdominal tuck. Patients with a body condition score of 5 will also have easily palpable ribs without excess fat covering. The waist will be visible behind the ribs when viewed from the top and the abdomen will appear tucked up from a side view.

 According to the WSAVA Body Condition Score 

, scores of 1 to 3 are under ideal, and scores of 7 to 9 are over ideal.

When it comes to muscle condition, Parker emphasized the importance of scoring muscle condition independently of body condition. “Far too often, I see people underscore [body condition score] because the patient is muscle wasted,” she said.

Parker also advised against using numerical scoring systems for muscle condition, as numbers can be confusing and subjective. “We’ve got different scores that have been reported or suggested over the years, and they’re completely opposite,” she explained.

WSAVA and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommend using words for muscle condition scoring, such as ‘normal muscle mass,’ or ‘mild,’ ‘moderate,’ or ‘severe’ atrophy or loss.

To assess muscle mass, the veterinarian should visually examine and palpate the epaxials, hips, shoulders, temporal muscles, scapulae, vertebrae, and pelvic bones. In early muscle loss, the epaxials are often the first affected because, again, muscle mass does not correlate with body condition. “You can have a very lean dog with good muscle mass. You can have an obese animal with moderate or severe muscle loss. So just separate them out in your mind and just score them independently,” said Parker.

Having an ideal body condition score is important for several reasons. Adipose tissue, or body fat, can act as a negative source of inflammatory cytokines. In cats, being low weight or obese can prompt skin disorders, particularly when these felines are not able to groom themselves. Moreover, having low weight or obesity can also lead to impaired respiratory function in cats and dogs.

Additionally, obesity greatly increases the risk of a cat developing diabetes mellitus, with obese cats being 4 times more likely to develop diabetes than lean optimal weight cats, according to Parker. Although being obese does not cause orthopedic disease, it can contribute to the clinical signs of the disease.

“There are some studies that say that being obese could even increase the risk if developing certain neoplasms,” added Parker.

A cat’s and dog’s body condition score also can an effect on their lifespan. In her lecture, Parker shared 2 studies that investigated the effect of body condition on the lifespan of canines and felines.

The first study followed 48 Labrador Retrievers from 7 litters from birth to death. Participants were assigned to one of two groups. The first group was fed ad libitum (free fed); this was later changed to a controlled feeding amount. The second group was fed 25% less.

The study found that dogs kept leaner, with a body condition score of about 5 out of 9, lived a median of 2 years longer than those kept at a body condition score of 7 out of 9. This was attributed to the leaner dogs being more comfortable, especially in terms of mobility, and experiencing less severe osteoarthritis. Although dogs in both groups developed the condition, the second group required medical management for osteoarthritis for a shorter period of time.

The second study that Parker shared looked at cats and found that being underweight was linked to a shorter lifespan, while cats with a body condition score of 9 out of 9 also had shorter survival compared to those with a body condition score of 5.

“You're going to find this in a lot of studies where cats have this, what's called a “U-shaped survival curve.” So being really light or really heavy is associated with a worse survival than somewhere in the middle, and this study would support that,” explained Parker.

For Parker, prevention is key. She emphasized that prevention is more effective than managing low weight or obesity once it has developed. As Parker explained, prevention begins at the first healthy puppy or kitten exams and in talking to owners about healthy body weights and healthy body condition scores. Body weight, body condition score, muscle condition score, and diet history should be addressed in every visit, every time. “And it doesn't have to be a very in-depth diet history if the dog or cat is healthy and doing well. But anytime you get a red flag, it's under conditioned, it’s over conditioned. Red flag, they're on an unbalanced diet, that then requires more detail and more diving in and finding out what's going on,” said Parker.

She also suggested teaching clients how to do a body condition score on their pets. For professionals seeking a free resource, Parker recommended the 

AAHA Nutritional Assessment Guidelines for Dogs and Cats

Parker VJ. Obesity Prevention and Management. Presented at: Fetch dvm360 Conference; Long Beach, CA. December 6-8, 2024.

Body Condition Score. World Small Animal Veterinary Association. August 13, 2020. Accessed December 10, 2024. 

https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Body-Condition-Score-cat-updated-August-2020.pdf

Body Condition Score. World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Accessed December 10, 2024. 

https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Body-Condition-Score-Dog.pdf

Kealy RD, Lawler DF, Ballam JM, et al. Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. 

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

AAHA Nutritional Assessment Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. American Animal Hospital Association. Accessed December 10, 2024. 

https://www.aaha.org/wp-content/uploads/globalassets/02-guidelines/weight-management/nutritionalassessmentguidelines.pdf

Valerie J. Parker, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM, Nutrition), talked all about body condition score, muscle condition score, and obesity prevention during a lecture at the Fetch Long Beach conference