The FDA has approved lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel chewable tablets (Credelio Quattro; Elanco Animal Health) for canine protection against 6 types of parasites, according to the company. The treatment provides a broad oral parasiticide for dogs with protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.

“Today is another milestone in Elanco's historic era of innovation, with the third of 3 approvals for blockbuster potential products in the US this year. More importantly, we're bringing veterinarians and pet owners the broadest parasite protection by covering 6 types of parasites in a monthly chewable tablet," Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco Animal Health, said in an organizational release.

 "As pets have become such an integral part of the family, we're pleased to offer veterinarians and pet owners a first-of-its-kind solution that protects against some of the most dangerous parasites that can spread disease to both pets and people.”

The combination chewable tablet is indicated for administration once a month and is suitable for canines 8 weeks of age or older. It is the latest member of the Credelio (lotilaner) line and is the first FDA-approved parasiticide featuring 4 active ingredients. According to Elanco, the newly approved preventive

Kills more than 99% of fleas within 8 hours of administration and 100% in the first day, and remains effective for an entire month

Provided 100% protection from heartworm disease from the first monthly dose in laboratory studies

; lone star tick) twice as fast as sarolaner and afoxolaner

Is gentle enough for puppies as small as 3.3 lbs and as young as 8 weeks

Provides coverage against internal parasites with zoonotic potential, meaning parasites that have the potential to infect people as well as pets, including 

"Zoonotic disease is more common than many might think. One of our own Elanco veterinarians recently found echinococcus tapeworm lurking in her back yard," David Gosche, DVM, US pet health medical director at Elanco, said in the release.

 "Zoonotic disease affects millions of people and animals worldwide each year. Our pets can easily serve as the 'bridge hosts,' bringing these parasites into our homes when they cuddle with us on couches or in our beds—making it very easy to go from 'ick' to 'sick.' That's why we recommend year-round treatment with the broad-spectrum parasite protection in Credelio Quattro."

According to the company, rising temperatures and shifting consumer behaviors have heightened parasite pressure and their spread across different regions, leading to greater public health risks.

Credelio Quattro is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2025. In addition to the regulatory process, Elanco also plans to complete a manufacturing scale-up to facilitate the launch of its product.

Elanco receives FDA approval for Credelio Quattro (lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel chewable tablets), the Broadest (i) canine oral parasitice protection in a single monthly dose. News release. Elanco Animal Health. October 7, 2024. Accessed October 7, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elanco-receives-fda-approval-for-credelio-quattro-lotilaner-moxidectin-praziquantel-and-pyrantel-chewable-tablets-the-broadesti-canine-oral-parasiticide-protection-in-a-single-monthly-dose-302269212.html

McCafferty C. Credelio Quattro advances to final FDA administrative review.

August 20, 2024. Accessed October 7, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/credelio-quattro-advances-to-final-fda-administrative-review

Articles

Elanco's lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel chewable tablets (Credelio Quattro) provide a single monthly dose for protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and 3 species of tapeworm.

FDA approves oral drug for broad canine protection against parasites

King Louie, the 1-year-old KuneKune pig with diamond skin disease.

All photos courtesy of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Veterinarians at the Texas A&M Large Animal Teaching Hospital (LATH) were able to save a pig diagnosed with erysipelas, commonly known as diamond skin disease for its diamond-shaped lesions, although, these are inconsistent indicators, only associated with acute cases.

 The LATH team were able to treat the lesions with aggressive antibiotic therapy, which stopped their development, and they began to disappear as the pig’s condition improved.

Had they not begun treatment as early, though, Kevin Washburn, DVM, a professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, warned that, “the progression most likely would have led to damage to major organs such as the kidney and liver, leading to failure.”

The pig, a 1-year-old KuneKune named King Louie, was adopted by Kristan 

Ballard and her 2 daughters alongside his brother, Lord Farquad.

 Normally, the brother pigs spent their time grazing, snacking on vegetables, and soaking in the pool. In May 2024, though, King Louie became noticeably disinterested in doing any of his normal activities.

Lord Farquad (Left) and King Louie (Right), grazing on the Ballard's property.

“He just wasn’t acting like his normal outgoing self at all,” Ballard said in a Texas A&M release.

 “He was walking around the yard; he wasn’t grazing. He would stop for long periods of time and then start lying down and not getting up.” After a trip to the veterinarian where X-rays were taken, King Louie and the Ballards were referred to the Texas A&M LATH for specialized care.

Upon arrival at the LATH, King Louie was lethargic, anorexic, and ran an extremely high fever, all of which warranted his administration to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

 The ICU team drew blood, placed IVs, and tested for blockages in the intestines. In order to evaluate the pig’s major organ systems, the Food Animal Medicine surgery team ordered a complete white blood cell count and a blood chemistry panel. “Our results indicated that he had red blood cells in his abdomen and a severe bacterial infection in his bloodstream,” Washburn said. Ultimately, King Louie was diagnosed with erysipelas.

Diagnosis of erysipelas is based on clinical signs, gross lesions, response to antimicrobial therapy, and demonstration of the bacterium or DNA in tissues of affected animals, according to Merck Veterinary Manual.

 Erysipelas normally occurs in swine, lambs, and turkeys, though it occasionally occurs in other poultry, wild birds, livestock, wild mammals (including rodents), reptiles, and amphibians.

 Transmission to humans is occasionally seen in people who work in close proximity with infected animals or process infected meats or other animal by-products.

Acute cases can be characterized by exceptionally high temperatures, evidence of pain in multiple joints, and typical skin lesions.

 These diagnoses can be confirmed by bacterial cultures of the kidney, spleen, lymph nodes, blood, or other tissues, as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Achieving a firm diagnosis is more difficult when it comes to chronic cases. Taya L. Forde, DVM, PhD, explained that arthritis and lameness, together with vegetative valvular endocarditis postmortem could support a chronic erysipelas diagnosis, though it should be noted that these lesions could be the result of other infections.

 A definitive diagnosis would require a positive culture of valvular vegetations or a demonstration of 

Although preventative treatment through vaccination is heavily preferred, early treatment with penicillin can patients lead on the path to recovery.

 Forde recommends treatment at 12-hour intervals for a minimum of 3 days, though infections of higher severity may require longer durations of therapy.

 Ampicillin and ceftiofur can also be effective in acute cases.

 Penicillin could be administered along with antimicrobials through the drinking water until no sick pigs have been observed for at least 3 days.

 Fever may be managed with common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The LATH team provided 24-hour care, continuing with aggressive treatments until he was sent home.

 According to Ballard, although King Louie was responding well to treatments, he and his brother, Lord Farquad, missed each other the entire time. King Louie is now recovered, and the brothers, named after Lord Farquad, the fictional king from DreamWorks' "Shrek," and King Louis XIV, the patron of the arts, are now reunited.

“It was 24-hour care for this sweet pig; they sent us pictures and there were regular updates and phone calls,” Ballard said. “They really were committed to saving his life because he was going to die. King Louie was truly treated like a king.”

Texas A&M Large Animal Hospital Helps Pig Achieve Royal Recovery. News release. Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. October 3, 2024. Accessed October 7, 2024. 

https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/press-releases/king-louie-pig/

Erysipelas. Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine. Accessed October 7, 2024. 

https://vetmed.iastate.edu/vdpam/FSVD/swine/index-diseases/erysipelas

Forde T. Swine Erysipelas. Merck Veterinary Manual. May 2020. Accessed October 7, 2024. 

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/erysipelothrix-rhusiopathiae-infection/swine-erysipelas

The Texas A&M Large Animal Teaching Hospital successfully treated a 1-year-old pig for erysipelas

Pig overcomes diamond skin disease 

With a 29% increase in its number of Underrepresented in Medicine (UIM) (Hispanic/ Latino, African American, and American Indian/Alaska Native) students, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine received the 2024 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award.

magazine, the longest-running and largest publication dedicated to diversity in higher education.

 This year, UC Davis was selected as the recipient for its programs aimed at introducing students from low-income and rural areas to the veterinary profession. These programs are also designed to create a welcoming and supporting environment, which also played a factor in UC Davis’ recognition.

“The Health Professions HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of 

“We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a Health Professions HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for schools where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus,” Pearlstein continued.

According to UC Davis, 150 students of the Class of 2028 were welcomed in its yearly White Coat Ceremony this summer. In the school’s incoming class, 58% of students are first-generation college students—a record high, according to UC Davis. Paired with a 29% increase in IUM students from last year, the record-high number of first-generation students makes this class the most diverse in the school's history.

 According to the school, approximately 89% of the class comprises students from California.

UC Davis helps reduce barriers to entry into the veterinary profession by being one of schools in the nation with the lowest student debt at graduation, according to the school.

 It maintains its affordability with a combination of return-to-aid for tuition and fees and a $120 million donor-funded endowment. 

“We are so proud to receive this award. UC Davis is known as one of the top veterinary programs in the world. To obtain and maintain that recognition, we lead with progressive, innovative, and impactful initiatives that bring the best students from all backgrounds to the school,” Mark Stetter, DVM, dean of UC Davis, said in a news release.

A study published by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), on 2019 admissions decisions in US veterinary colleges and schools found that first-generation students and Black students tended to apply to fewer veterinary colleges compared to their peers.

 In contrast, Hispanic/Latino students were notably more likely to apply to multiple schools.

Moreover, researchers also observed limited socioeconomic diversity among the 2018 applicants. Approximately 30% of applicants were Pell Grant recipients, and more than half indicated that they had no education debt; 70% had at least 1 parent with a college degree. Additionally, most candidates came from suburban backgrounds and planned to practice in suburban areas.

 have been taking steps to diversify the veterinary profession and make the pipeline more accessible to underrepresented young people and students.

 One such example is blendVET—the first certification program in the country aimed at training and educating veterinary professionals on topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). The organization presented its first DEIB lectures in 2021 at the Fetch 

 and has since also hosted events for K-12 students from underserved communities interested in joining the veterinary profession.

Still, the veterinary profession continues to be the least diverse medical profession, with approximately only 10% of veterinarians being racially diverse.

 when attempting to open their own practice due to discrimination in the profession.

For UIM veterinary students, they may encounter barriers to education owing to lack of mentorship and support, financial constraints, and more.

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine receives Insight into Diversity 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award. News release. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. October 3, 2024. Accessed October 7, 2024. 

https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/uc-davis-school-veterinary-medicine-receives-insight-diversity-2024-higher-education

Research sheds light on diversity and bias in veterinary school admissions. 

. April 16, 2021. Accessed October 7, 2024. 

https://www.insightintodiversity.com/research-sheds-light-on-diversity-and-bias-in-veterinary-school-admissions/

Bautista-Alejandre A. Pet hospital takes steps to diversify veterinary profession. 

. July 11, 2024. Accessed October 7, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/pet-hospital-takes-steps-to-diversify-veterinary-profession

The blendVET story. blendVET. Accessed October 7, 2024. 

Bautista-Alejandre A. Pawsibilities for students with aspirations of becoming veterinary professionals. 

. June 12, 2024. Accessed October 7, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/pawsibilities-for-students-with-aspirations-of-becoming-veterinary-professionals

Bautista-Alejandre A. Barriers and change: Practice ownership for diverse veterinarians. 

. August 21, 2024. Accessed October 7, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/barriers-and-change-practice-ownership-for-diverse-veterinarians

The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine was given the 2024 HEED Award for its student programs aimed at diversifying the veterinary profession

UC Davis receives award following record-high number of first-generation veterinary students

Bash Halow Video

When clients hand their pets over to the veterinarian, they're entrusting them with the life of a family member. With this in mind, their emotions can be expected to be heightened, and it's not uncommon for conversations to become emotional. Ahead of his upcoming session, "Navigating Emotionally Charged Conversations," at the 

, in Atlantic City, New Jersey—October 14-16, 2024—Bash Halow, LVT, CVPM, explains why it's so important to know how to handle these conversations, and how to use them for growth.

[I don't think that people] realize how emotionally loaded this job is for everybody, on all sides. And we live in a time actually, when... we have these expectations and demands of our clients to act like little lords and little ladies when they're walking in the door. But, the fact is, that they're coming in with this pet that they think is their child, or [that they] probably even... like better than their child. The dog or cat turned out better than the kid they ever hoped the kids turned out to be, and they're handing it over to a bunch of strangers in the midst of this chaos that's going on all around them. And they've also got a million things on their mind, the guilt trip that they're feeling, [about] passing this pet off, how much money this is going to cost... what's going to happen to the pet in the care of these people that don't understand all of the idiosyncrasies.

So, everybody's emotional levels are high, and all of us, we have to be prepared to manage those client emotions, and we also have to be prepared to manage the emotions of those that are working around us who can't handle that kind of environment. So, this kind of discussion is critical for people in our line of work, and I think it's, you know, it's too bad that we don't talk about it more often.

Videos

Bash Halow, LVT, CVPM, previews his upcoming session at the Fetch Coastal dvm360 Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Emotional conversations in the clinic

Christopher G. Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM), CVJ, explains key differences between obstructive and restrictive breathing patterns in cats

Dr Byers obstructive vs restrictive breathing patterns

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, Christopher G. Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM), CVJ, lays out the key differences between obstructive breathing patterns and restrictive breathing patterns in cats. Indicators include the speed and depth of the breaths. 

Christopher G. Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM), CVJ: 

So, a patient with an obstructive breathing pattern classically breathes with a slower rate and a lot of inspiratory effort. In contrast, a patient with a restrictive breathing pattern usually is breathing at a faster rate, so they have tachypnea, but they can't adequately or normally expand their thoracic cage, and so the breaths are shallow in nature. They're not your normal title, volume, type of breath. And so, those are the major differences between an obstructive and restrictive breathing pattern.

Christopher G. Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM), CVJ, explains the difference between obstructive and restrictive breathing patterns

Obstructive vs restrictive breathing patterns

Sonia Lopez-Lopez, PhD, a Spanish professor at Washington State University, understands the challenges a trip to the veterinarian poses for clients who only speak Spanish. With Spanish being her first language, she had first-hand exposure to these struggles, inspiring her to launch a course for veterinary students to teach them how to speak to these clients.

“I have seen the struggle of veterinarians, workers, and clients because of the language barrier and it’s important to train students in all the areas of the language so they are prepared for those conversations when they are professionals. That’s what this course is all about,” Lopez-Lopez said, according to an article from Washington State University.

According to the US Census Bureau, it was estimated that in 2019 Spanish was spoken by 42 million people living in the United States.

 The language barrier between veterinary professionals and Spanish-speaking clients can create an uncomfortable and confusing experience for everyone, especially in a setting where a miscommunication could have fatal consequences.

For 12 years, Lopez-Lopez created a 2-part course, formally known as Beginners and Intermediate Veterinary Spanish, and has provided hundreds of veterinary professionals with the tools they need to create a comfortable environment for Spanish speaking clients. The course is funded by the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. 

“For the beginner group, I teach them how to use a few simple sentences to get the information they need. We don’t worry about past tense because even if you’re not proficient, we’re focused on giving them the confidence and the skills to manage interactions with clients,” Lopez-Lopez said.

For those in the intermediate group, they also review the cultural aspects of the Spanish language as well as exercises to prepare students if they were to own their own clinic. The students also read up to date veterinary articles in Spanish to practice their reading skills, but also learn about research that happens in in the Hispanic world as an added component to the program.

Enrolled students are asked whether they have subject matter that should be included in the course and the course is a bi-weekly elective to make it more accommodating for veterinary students’ busy schedule. The course is also available to any veterinary student at the school, in addition to students at universities within the school’s regional program in veterinary medicine via zoom.

“I really love the students,” Lopez-Lopez said. “They’re very responsible and I’m always so proud of them. We only meet with each group twice a week, but I can see how much they learn from the beginning to the end of the semester.”

Babcock J. Spanish for veterinarians, their clients, and pets. WSU Insider. Published October 4, 2024. Accessed October 7, 2024. 

https://news.wsu.edu/news/2024/10/04/spanish-for-veterinarians-their-clients-and-pets/

Dietrich S, Hernandez E. What Languages Do We Speak in the United States? Census.gov. Published December 6, 2022. Accessed October 7, 2024. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/12/languages-we-speak-in-united-states.html

The course educates veterinary students on how to speak to Spanish-speaking clients 