Kelly Cairns, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), discusses her Fetch On-Demand presentation about felines with icterus and other types of hepatic disease.

Demystifying the liver in cats

Kelly Cairns, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), vice president of medical excellence and education at Thrive Pet Healthcare, presented a continuing education (CE) session “The icteric cat: Demystifying feline liver disease” at the 2025 Fetch dvm360 Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. This CE session was also recorded for upcoming Fetch On-Demand programming via the dvm360 

interview in Charlotte, Cairns discussed her lecture on felines with icterus and other types of hepatic disease, what Fetch On-Demand learners can expect and what she hopes attendees will take away from the presentation.

The following is a transcript of the video:

: I love my session on the icteric cat, because cats are not small dogs in the most delightful ways. So what we're going to do is we unpack the minimum database and how we can demystify the liver with really important clues you're going to find on a [complete blood count], a chemistry profile, urinalysis and basic imaging. Then, we're going to talk about the types of liver disease that cats get, how they're different than dog liver diseases, and how we can use a clinically focused lens to move the needle for patient outcomes surrounding targeted treatments.

One of my biggest takeaways that I'm hoping that folks will bring into their clinical practice is the recognition that any cat who is not eating, especially if they're overweight, is at risk for developing hepatic lipidosis, and how you can identify that condition early through specific markers on a urinalysis and a chemistry profile.

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As pets grow older, they encounter mobility, comfort, and overall well-being challenges that can significantly affect their quality of life. Anticipating and addressing these issues early can profoundly impact their later years. As a house call veterinarian dedicated to hospice and palliative care, the first thing I take note of when entering a new home is all the challenges that the patient faces to simply navigate their daily routine. Often, families are aware of some of these difficulties, but others often go overlooked or unnoticed.

Educating pet owners on the common challenges older pets face and proactive measures they can take to enhance their pets' comfort and confidence as they age instills confidence and trust in the veterinary team. It also allows families to work with pets to train new behaviors or introduce new tools before a pet experiences pain, incoordination, or a lack of confidence in their surroundings. Every member of the team plays a crucial role in guiding families on practical steps to make their homes more accessible for geriatric pets and preparing families what to expect and look for.

Here are some valuable "home hacks" to share with clients, ensuring their aging dogs and cats enjoy improved day-to-day comfort.

: Pet families often get creative to assist their pets. A family made modifications to an old stair lift to accommodate their senior golden in a multi-level house. (Image courtesy of Mindy Brewster, DVM, CHPV) 

: Arthritis and joint issues often make it difficult for senior pets to move on slippery surfaces, leading to anxiety, falls, and even injuries.

: Appropriate grooming and maintenance can be increasingly difficult for older pets, but troubleshooting and guiding owners to keep up with these comfort measures can make mobility more manageable for pets. This may include medication and training advice to achieve a low anxiety experience.

: Suggest placing yoga mats, rugs, or carpet runners in high-traffic areas and hallways. This not only provides grip but adds cushion for older, sore joints.

These non-slip rubber grips fit on your dog’s toenails to enable instant traction and improved mobility.

 A paw pad coating system that increases traction, stops paw from slipping, improves stability, and enhances quality of life.

: For dogs that tolerate wearing booties or paw stickers, these are available to improve traction on slick floors.

: Bending or straining to eat and drink can be painful for pets with arthritis, spinal issues, or weakness.

: Raised food and water bowls reduce the need for bending and can relieve strain on the neck and spine. Recommend adjustable height stands for large dogs or stable, non-tip raised bowls for cats and small dogs.

: For cats and small dogs, pet water fountains encourage hydration, which is especially important as senior pets are prone to kidney issues.

: For pets that cannot stand for long periods without slipping or sinking, an inflatable peanut ball placed under their abdomen can help support their preferred stance during mealtimes.

: Jumping onto beds, couches, or into cars becomes challenging and sometimes impossible for older pets. Many geriatric pets are resistant to a new ramp or accessibility tool. Training to use these tools when pets are healthy and pain-free can dramatically improve their quality of life and ease of caregiving as they age.

: Lightweight, foldable pet ramps or stairs are ideal for getting up onto furniture, to and from the yard, or into vehicles. Ramps can be particularly useful for large dogs and can be set up permanently or temporarily. Ramps should have a low grade of incline, be wide, and ideally have raised sides for added stability for the pet.

: There are many slings and harnesses on the market. Sharing some that you find helpful and easy to use can save clients from excessive physical strain when trying to assist their pets. In a pinch, life jackets with a handle can be helpful. Switching from using a towel as a sling to using a bedsheet can also allow caregivers to stand straighter and minimize back strain for themselves.

 Ramps and stairs can take on a variety or shapes and sizes, depending on the home and family (Images courtesy of Tyler Carmack, DVM, CVA, CHPV, CVFT, CTPEP, CPEV, CVPP)

Comfortable resting spaces for achy joints

: Senior pets often spend much of their day resting, so having comfortable, supportive bedding can greatly improve their quality of life.

: Memory foam or orthopedic beds are ideal for geriatric pets as they conform to the body and relieve pressure on sore joints. Heated beds can also help soothe achy muscles.

: These can be an inexpensive option for supportive bedding, especially if purchased used.

: Toddler or twin-sized mattress covers with waterproofing can be an affordable option to protect pet bedding and are usually easily washable.

: tPEMF therapy delivers a micro-current to damaged tissue that is precisely tuned to trigger an animal’s natural anti-inflammatory process.

: For pets who may be sensitive to cold or drafts, suggest layering blankets that they can nest into, adding comfort and warmth.

Adjusting temperature and lighting for comfort and safety

: Senior pets often struggle to regulate their body temperature and may have vision loss, making it difficult to see well in dim lighting.

: Recommend pet-safe heaters or heating pads in colder months and cooling mats during summer to help regulate body temperature without extreme settings.

: Motion sensor night lights near the pet’s food, bed, and potty areas can reduce anxiety and aid pets who may have trouble seeing in low light.

: Baby monitors that connect to cell phones can help reassure pet parents if they leave the home, knowing they can check in on their pets to see them resting comfortably.

: Geriatric pets, especially those with arthritis, may struggle with stairs or getting outside as quickly as they need to. Incontinence may lead to other hygiene complications and may place a strain on the human-animal bond.

: For small dogs, indoor potty pads or a patch of artificial turf on a waterproof tray can offer a safe and convenient alternative. Cats may benefit from easily accessible litter boxes with low-entry sides.

: For pets with incontinence issues, washable pee pads or mats can be a lifesaver. They’re eco-friendly and easy to maintain.

: One side of a plastic kiddie pool can be trimmed for zero-step entry. Dog beds or blankets can then be placed inside, protecting the underlying carpet or hardwood floors from any potential accidents.

: Senior pets may feel more anxious due to declining senses, cognitive changes, or physical limitations.

: Encourage pet owners to set up a quiet, safe corner in the home for their pet, away from loud noises or high-traffic areas. Adding familiar bedding and toys to this space can provide comfort.

: Calming diffusers, anti-anxiety wraps, and sound machines can help create a more soothing environment for pets with age-related anxiety.

: Pets can develop a routine that provides them with comfort, and keeping their essentials in easily accessible places can reduce unnecessary movement or stress.

 This can involve shrinking a pet’s daily routine, when unsupervised, into a couple of rooms in the home versus allowing them to roam the whole home and potentially encountering areas where they get lost or stuck.

: Placing a low basket of favorite toys or grooming supplies near the pet’s resting area allows for easy access.

: For pets on medication, a dedicated, pet-safe area for medicines makes it easy for owners to stay organized and ensure consistent care.

Empowering pet owners with practical solutions

Offering these easy, practical tips well in advance of a pet’s potential struggle can help your clients enhance their aging pet’s comfort and mobility. These adjustments aren’t just functional; they’re also a way for pet owners to bond with their senior pets by creating an environment that caters to their pet’s unique and changing needs. Proactive education also helps pet families realize and prepare for increasing caregiver requirements as they help their pets live their golden years with dignity and joy.

Being able to anticipate a family’s questions about their pet’s needs also encourages engagement with the veterinary team to address aging changes directly versus assuming they are normal changes that all pets experience. Proactive educational materials facilitate pet owners to identify changes early, reach out with their concerns, and work with the veterinary team regularly on adjusting care as their pet’s needs evolve. Your guidance can make a world of difference in helping families enjoy meaningful time with their beloved pets throughout the aging process.

Articles

Practical tips for veterinary teams to share with pet owners

Home hacks for geriatric dogs and cats 

Sandra Koch, DVM, MS, DACVD, discusses alternative treatment options for feline atopic skin syndrome, commonly referred to as feline atopic dermatitis

Creative solutions for feline atopic dermatitis

Additional resources on feline atopic skin syndrome:

Clinical presentations of feline atopic skin syndrome

The challenges of diagnosing feline atopic skin syndrome

Treatment options for cats with feline atopic skin syndrome

Treatment options for feline atopic syndrome (FASS)—also known as environmental allergies or atopic dermatitis—lag behind those for dogs, making management of the condition particularly difficult. As Sandra Koch, DVM, MS, DACVD, professor at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and director of the school’s Veterinary Medical Center Dermatology Service explained in an 

this year, management of FASS often requires a combination of strategy and creativity. In this latest installment from the interview, Koch explores alternative treatment options for the condition.

Below is a partial transcript, lightly edited for clarity:

And then thinking outside of the box, right? Because everything else is either not labeled or we don't have good studies and good evidence of efficacy.

We have to use things like Apoquel, which is labeled for dogs with allergies, but we use [it] in cats. It's not my first choice. Of course, I'm going to have lab work, baseline monitoring like I would for cyclosporine and prednisone, steroids—I should say 

 and so for Apoquel, the dose needs to be higher than for dogs, so like 1 mg/kg twice a day starting and then trying to taper from there.

The drug doesn't seem to stay effective for too long, so it [has] a short-lived efficacy because of the short life compared to the dogs.

It's a tablet, right, [a] formulation, so not all cats are going to take it, but sometimes I like to tell clients [to] crush [it] and give it in with a treat or something that the [cats] like. And again, we need to monitor closely.

For cyclosporine and Apoquel, the thing we worry about is toxoplasmosis, so we need to make sure that these cats are being screened for [Feline immunodeficiency virus], [Feline leukemia virus], but also toxoplasma with toxoplasma antibody titers. However, even if they're negative—even if they don't have antibodies—it can be concerning, because if they become exposed, it could lead to fatal disease. So, I like to talk to my clients about that. The cats on cyclosporine and Apoquel should not be eating raw meat. They should not be hunting. They should be not outdoors. They should be kept in [the] house. If they're unable to do that, perhaps those medications are not good options for them.

A new generic therapy for managing pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and for postoperative pain associated with soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries in dogs has been launched by Irish veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturer Felixvet. The new Carprofen Soft Chewable Tablets are therapeutically equivalent to Rimadyl (Zoetis) with the same safety and efficacy, according to Felixvet, which has its’ North American headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.

A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, Carprofen Soft Chewable Tablets are available in 3 strengths: 25 mg, 75 mg and 100 mg. Each tablet is scored for easy and accurate dosing, according to Felixvet. Additionally, these tablets are beef flavored to allow a palatable oral administration.

Carprofen Soft Chewable Tablets is the latest addition to Felixvet’s portfolio of carprofen products. The company currently offers veterinarians 5 different forms of carprofen, of which each are specifically designed to meet diverse customer needs.

“We are excited to announce the launch of our fifth carprofen product offering in the US market," Vince Palasota, president of North America at Felixvet, said in a news release.

 “This development marks a significant step forward in providing quality, affordable health care solutions for pets without sacrificing efficacy, safety or reliability.”

OA is the No. 1 cause of chronic pain in dogs and can have a large impact on both patient and owner quality of life. In 

a lecture at the 2025 Fetch dvm360 Conference

 in Charlotte, North Carolina, presenter David Dycus, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS-SA, founder and orthopedic surgeon at Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics in Lanham, Maryland, told veterinarians that, because it is an inflammatory disease that occurs secondary to other disease processes, it can occur in dogs of any age.

Dycus noted that multimodal management is essential for patients with OA. He included weight management, daily activity, environmental changes, omega-3 supplementation and polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (Adequan Canine; American Regent Animal Health) therapy for joint support as disease management options.“Our primary focus in patients with OA should be on modulating, mitigating, and/or eliminating inflammation,” he said.

Felixvet launches carprofen soft chewable tablets. News release. Felixvet. April 3, 2025.

Carprofen Soft Chewable Tablets. Felixvet. Accessed April 4, 2025. 

https://www.felixvet.com/product/carprofen-soft-chewable-tablets/#

Boatright K. Make a patient specific plan for canine osteoarthritis. 

. March 24, 2025. Accessed April 4, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/make-a-patient-specific-plan-for-canine-osteoarthritis

Felixvet has introduced a carprofen therapy with the same therapeutic benefits as Rimadyl

New generic chewable tablets are available for osteoarthritis in dogs

Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, talks about why veterinary professionals should practice wellness

Wellness in the veterinary profession

Earlier this spring, Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, met with 

 to discuss wellness in the veterinary profession. Shaw is an occupational therapist, certified hand therapist, strength and conditioning specialist, speaker, mentor, and host of the podcast 

, in which he talks about the concept of “healthspan” and ways to improve health.

In this video clip, Shaw explains what “healthspan” is, defining it as the “length of time within our lifespan when we are healthy, active, vibrant,” and introduces the concept of “vetspan.” He also highlights the importance of investing in wellness, especially in the veterinary profession, which has a high-stress and demanding nature. As Shaw points out, personal wellness is essential for providing optimal patient care.

Below is a partial interview transcript, lightly edited for clarity:

Healthspan” is the length of time within our lifespan that we are healthy, active, vibrant. And I do this through focusing on, really the 5 main pillars, which are exercise, nutrition, sleep, emotional wellbeing, and preventative care—basically preventative medicine. And this aligns perfectly well with this new concept, which is “vetspan”—which is the same idea as “healthspan,” [but] is specifically for vets and those in the vet industry—that these 5 pillars are essential to [helping] vets and people in the vet team have a long, vibrant career where they're not just getting through, but actually thriving throughout a career in what is otherwise...a career that [has] unfortunately a high burnout rate and very high injury rate. And the more I can preach about people focusing on these 5 pillars, it will help extend the career of people in the vet team.

Wellness is really important for veterinary professionals because it is such a high-stress, high-demand career, and it's easy to get focused on [when] every vet comes into work, and [when] everybody in the vet team comes into work every day; [veterinarians] focus on the wellness and well being of their patients. And it is sometimes second thought to actually think about taking care of themselves as an individual. And the reality is that in order to provide the best care possible, we have to come in with our ‘A game’ and come in feeling healthy and vibrant and resilient for the work that the vets have to do. The only way to do that is to invest in self-care, to invest in wellness, and only then, you know, can a provider really give their all, give their you know, everything to their capacity, but it really depends entirely on the foundation of their personal well-being

Avian influenza was found in 16 bobcats last year, according to a newly published study. Widespread exposure to the infectious disease was found in live bobcats with these animals surviving and succumbing to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain.

The infected bobcats in New York state were part of a 2024 investigation of mammal wildlife with results published in the 

 in March 2025. The research—funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases—underscores the importance of monitoring disease in wildlife and documents an increase of HPAI in mammals, according to the authors.

“While it’s notable and promising that some bobcats have survived exposure, a key takeaway is that these animals can and do die from infection,” Jennifer Bloodgood, DVM, PhD, MS, senior author, assistant professor of practice in the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health and wildlife veterinarian in the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab, both in the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) in Ithaca, New York, said in a news release.

 “Our research highlights the presence of avian influenza virus in wild bobcats, raising concerns about the potential impact on population health.”

HPAI is currently circulating throughout the US and around the world. The disease has spread from wild birds to poultry, dairy cattle, domestic cats, and other species, including humans. According to the CVM, it is important to understand how individuals can reduce risk of exposure, and the institute offers resources on its website for veterinarians.

The HPAI strain H5N1 has been found in a variety of mammal species such as bears, raccoons, red foxes, skunks, opossums and rodents.

 In fact, the order Carnivora, which includes bobcats, contains the highest number of mammal species affected by H5N1, according to investigators. They surmised that this is likely a result of consuming infected carcasses and avian prey.

“Carnivores are one of the most affected species right now, and it’s very understudied and challenging to tease apart risk factors,” Haley Turner, the study’s first author and a master’s student with the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), said in a news release.

 “Detecting antibodies only tells us about individuals that survived long enough to be sampled. What it doesn’t capture are those animals that died quickly from the infection or were too ill to be trapped. Therefore, it’s not possible to infer survival rates for the population as a whole.”

To track the bobcats, Turner tracked the bobcats by connecting with licensed trappers, who called the investigator when they captured a bobcat. The research team then administered anesthesia, drew blood samples and fitted the bobcats with GPS collars as part of a larger study to estimate bobcat abundance. The animals reportedly slept for 40 to 45 minutes before being released where they were captured, according to the study authors,

Influenza antibodies were found in 9 of 16 live-captured bobcats between January 9 and March 3, 2024. Four of the 9 felines with influenza antibodies showed evidence of exposure to H5N1 and 5 more bobcats showed exposure to other strains of the virus. Of the 4 bobcats exposed to H5N1, 2 were confirmed alive in November 2024. Although the other 2 bobcats were alive in June 2024, when their GPS collars stopped communicating, their current status remains unknown, according to investigators.

One bobcat died from H5N1 within 5 weeks after testing negative for HPAI. “Our pathologist identified viral-associated inflammation in the brain. After we tested for avian influenza and detected the virus, we then used advanced staining techniques to visualize avian influenza antigen in the brain,” Bloodgood said.

 “Now we’re able to say that these areas of encephalitis or inflammation were associated with the virus and can conclude that this animal died from avian influenza.”

Avian influenza has spread to more than a dozen US mammals, including humans. Although other states have documented cases of influenza in bobcats, the newly published study is unique in detecting the first flu-related death of a bobcat in New York and documenting the presence of antibodies to avian influenza in bobcats.

According to Turner, the study is not only about individual cases. “The real value lies in what proactive disease monitoring can reveal about emerging threats to wildlife populations, before a disease causes widespread population declines,” Turner said.

 “Without this work, we might never have known that a bobcat died from avian influenza in the wild. This study is a step toward understanding how diseases like avian influenza affect wildlife health in real-time.”

Avian influenza discovered in NYS bobcats. News release. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. March 27, 2025.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) resource center. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. March 12, 2025. Accessed April 3, 2025. 

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-bird-flu-resource-center

Wildlife. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. March 20, 2025. Accessed April 3, 2025. 

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-bird-flu-resource-center/wildlife

Turner HM, Fuller AK, Twining JP, et al. Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus exposure and infection in free-ranging bobcats (

. March 19, 2025. Accessed April 3, 2025. 

The study is unique in detecting the first flu-related death of a bobcat in the state and documenting the presence of antibodies to avian flu in this feline population.