Happy Friday dvm360 readers! Can you believe that we are already in September? Now that we are moving toward fall, that means that Fetch Coastal is quickly approaching! Check into dvm360.com through the next couple of weeks leading up to Fetch Coastal to see sneak peek interviews with speakers to learn more about what you can expect at this year’s Fetch Coastal conference. You can learn more about the conference and register here today!

This week on dvm360.com, here is what was popular:

Along with the 2024 Hospital Design 360 Competition grand prize winners, dvm360 named 

. Check out this article to learn more about each of the merit award recipients in the larger than 8000 sq ft, 3500 to 8000 sq ft, and smaller than 3500 sq ft categories.

Mélanie Perrier, DrMedVet, DACVS, DECVAS, CERP, helps readers navigate the world of equine head wounds and skill factors and how navigating bones and vital structures within these patients requires a knowledge of a horse’s anatomy in her recent 

 of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, Anika VanNoy, PhD, senior director of talent and learning at Thrive Pet Healthcare, discusses mental health in the veterinary profession to bring awareness and provide helpful tips to those struggling or those who notice someone struggling.

Phil Tucak, BSc, BVMS, shared his recent 

 of Veterinary scene down under by discussing the IV fluid shortage impacting veterinary professionals in Australia, Australia’s first Fear Free Certified veterinary practice, and more news!

BluePearl veterinary hospital announced that its location in Malvern, Pennsylvania is the first veterinary clinic in the world to use CyberKnife, a noninvasive treatment for tumors that are cancerous or noncancerous as well as other conditions that utilize radiation therapy.

Articles

Wrap up: dvm360 introduces the 2024 Hospital Design 360 Competition Merit Winners, and other news 

The global COVID-19 pandemic brought forth a number of ideas and innovations for pharmaceuticals that could potentially help human patients manage the virus. Among the drugs that caught the public’s attention was ivermectin, a parasiticide commonly used in veterinary medicine that is not authorized or approved for use against COVID-19, in humans or animals.

One Health expert Catherine Bertrand-Ferrandis, DVM, founder of OLYLO in Paris, France; who has practiced in equine medicine, noted her surprise in 2021 that there was public demand for access to the drug. She said interest in ivermectin as a COVID-19 therapy grew when misinformation and misinterpretation of information was spread, oftentimes through social media and public speakers.

Although the FDA has acknowledged public interest in ivermectin for treating COVID-19, it has publicly stated safety concerns with unauthorized and unapproved uses for the drug. According to the agency, there is no clinical data that supports the use of ivermectin for protection against COVID-19 nor has the FDA determined the drug to be safe for this use in humans and animals.

“How do we go from having a dewormer that was mainly for veterinary use to a miracle cure for COVID-19,” Bertrand-Ferrandis asked, during a presentation at the 2024 World AMR (antimicrobial resistance) Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Bertrand-Ferrandis said the “ivermectin effect” is an example of a One Health 

. An infodemic, she explained, is an “overabundance of information” that accompanies a health event such as an outbreak or epidemic. This information may or may not be accurate and can be found and shared in digital and physical formats.

In the case of ivermectin, Bertrand-Ferrandis noted, the demand for the drug led to consequences for human and animal health as well as an economic impact on agriculture. “You had an out of stock situation for the veterinary use…And the fact that some people get sick because of it, and also an impact on animal health and welfare.,” she said. “It was a very unsuccessful One Health story.”

How is an infodemic avoided or mitigated? Bertrand-Ferrandis shared with World AMR Congress attendees how an infodemic is created and ways to negate false information from continuing to spread.

An infodemic is created with information voids, questions, concerns, misinformation, and disinformation, Bertrand-Ferrandis said, and everyone is susceptible. This phenomenon can lead to increased morbidity and mortality, misunderstanding of behaviors that patients need to adopt, stigma, undermining social cohesion, and mistrust in government, science, public health officials, and preventive therapies.

Communication is key to reducing the risk of an infodemic and the spread of misinformation. According to Bertrand-Ferrandis, all of the different industries and agencies associated with One Health, including those in human and animal health care, need to disseminate information more directly and efficiently to the others and foster a multidisciplinary communication network that leads to public knowledge.

Deepening the understanding of health information requires policy, commercial determinants, quality of information, equity of information, and health literacy, noted Bertrand-Ferrandis. Additionally, an understanding of how the different One Health sectors seek information, where they look for it, how these information environments are linked together, and how they can be leveraged in is a crisis. “It's something that is really an area of research and work that is, for the moment, quite nascent and needs to be developed,” she added.

Managing an infodemic also requires social listening and building trust by understanding the public’s questions, concerns, and information voids.

 “Understanding what the questions of the people are, what they are looking for in terms of information and in terms of services will help you to better answer to their needs and their pain points very quickly and will help you to cut the roots of misinformation and disinformation,” Bertrand-Ferrandis said.

She concluded by emphasizing the need for health experts to invest in public trust. “If we do not address pain points… [the public] will look for solutions somewhere else,” she said.

Bertrand-Ferrandis C. How can we protect antimicrobials from infodemic impacts? A One Health perspective on the information environment. Presented at: World AMR Congress; September 5-6, 2024. Philadelphia, PA.

Ivermectin and COVID-19. FDA. April 5, 2024. Accessed September 5, 2024. 

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/ivermectin-and-covid-19

Infodemic management in the twenty-first century

A veterinarian discusses infodemics, how they can affect global health care, and what experts can do to help avoid the next one

Good information is needed for One Health success

Like most Jack Russell Terriers, Skippy loves to hunt and dig. One day Skippy decided to chase a skunk into a large stack of hay bales, but ended up getting stuck in the hay bales and the skunk sprayed him directly in the face.

“I have a farm, and I converted my old riding arena into a storage area for my hay," said Gigi Van Ostrand, DVM, PhD, Skippy’s owner, in an organizational release from Pet Poison Helpline.

 "That day Skippy was running around chasing a skunk. He's been in many skunk encounters, so I wasn't worried about it. This time, he chased the skunk deep into the stack of hay bales and disappeared. We were busy with our horses, so we didn't look for him for several hours.”

It turns out that Skippy was trapped inside the hay and Van Ostrand had to use the family’s tractor to remove several bays out of the way, each potentially weighing up to 1400 lbs. Van Ostrand was not hearing any noise from Skippy and thought that he had passed out. When they finally removed the hay, Skippy was cold and blue, according to Van Ostrand.

 Knowing the severity of the situation because of her veterinary background, she rushed Skippy to the Southern Alberta Veterinary Emergency Hospital (SAVE) where they instructed her to call Pet Poison Helpline.

Skippy, a Jack Russell Terrier, recuperating after nearly dying from chasing a skunk into a pile of hay bales. (Image courtesy of Pet Poison Helpline) 

"Being sprayed by a skunk is a relatively common occurrence for pets, especially those who live in a rural area. Most exposures result in a pet covered in a strong smell, as well as skin and eye irritation. In rare cases, however, the intense compounds in skunk spray can result in oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to changes in their ability to transport oxygen appropriately as well as death of the cell,” explained Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, a senior veterinary toxicologist and director of veterinary medicine at Pet Poison Helpline.

“This leads to anemia and a condition called methemoglobinemia, which doesn't allow oxygen to be delivered throughout the body as normal. In Skippy's case, he had a very severe reaction that quickly became life-threatening," she continued.

The SAVE team worked directly with Pet Poison Helpline to analyze Skippy’s current situation to create an aggressive treatment plan due to concerns he would develop hemolysis. Skippy was immediately put on intravenous fluids, given medication for vomiting, and was given n-acetylcysteine (NAC). NAC is a modified form of an amino acid and is used to combat blood damage caused by skunk spray.

Skippy stayed 3 days at SAVE and was transferred to the VCA Canada Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency (CARE) Center after he was not improved. He had become hyperthermic, hypoglycemic, neutropenic, and anemic so he was then placed on dextrose supplementation and continued with NAC. Skippy also received 2 blood transfusions as well as other supplemented care. His care teams believe that being trapped under the hay bales for hours most likely played a part in his additional complications which were already difficult. Skippy was eventually released from the hospital but had to continue treatment at home.

"Skippy was all but dead," concluded Van Ostrand, "but now he's bouncing around like normal. I don't think an animal can go through much more and survive. He's an exquisite dog."

Dog Nearly Dies From Skunk Encounter. News release. Pet Poison Helpline. September 4, 2024. Accessed September 5, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dog-nearly-dies-from-skunk-encounter-302221271.html

After being sprayed in the face by a skunk, one Jack Russell Terrier developed a life-threatening blood issue. 

Skunk encounter creates rare near-death experience 

Fermented dried seaweed powder for pets will soon come to North America. Scoular, an agribusiness company and global pet food ingredient supplier based in the United States, along with Seadling—a seaweed biotechnology company based in Borneo—have partnered to provide North American pet food manufacturers with this novel ingredient, according to a news release.

Seaweed is becoming a popular ingredient in pet food due to its health benefits, often being coined “nature’s superfood,” according to Scoular.

 A US Pet Food Market Report revealed that almost 70% of pet food purchasers are interested in treats or toppers that offer functional health advantages.

“Pet parents increasingly are seeking pet food that boosts pet health and vitality,” Evan Ibach, trade unit manager for Scoular’s High Nutritional Products and senior merchant for the company, said in a news release.

 “Seadling and Scoular are excited to bring this on-trend ingredient to North American manufacturers.”

Birdie Scott Padam, MSc, head of product for Seadling, said the seaweed powder provides many benefits, like aiding skin, coat, gut, and dental health.

According to Padam, seaweed powder also supports brain function, bone development, and cardiovascular health. Moreover, it offers essential minerals and vitamins, including vitamin K2 and potassium, per the company

. In sick cats, mild or moderate hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is relatively common.

The powder is created with proprietary fermentation technology, which helps manufacturers gain a competitive advantage and ensure the powder remains palatable and maintains clean labeling, according to the company.

The ingredient is also manufactured through sustainable means, according to Seadling, who practices cultivation via farming instead of wild harvesting. “Sustainability is the heart of our business,” said Simon Davis, CEO and founder of Seadling, in a news release.

“Our mission to elevate seaweed as a sustainable source of next-generation ingredients is inspired by the vision of a vibrant and healthy ocean supporting life on land.”

The US Pet Food Market report found that consumers are not only looking for health benefits for their pets, but also for ingredients that benefit the environment. According to the Green Divide Report by NIQ—a global marketing research firm—70% of consumers believe that sustainability has become a more significant factor when choosing products compared to 2 years ago. However, a report by Mintel showed that for young pet owners, sustainability is likely not a priority due to money concerns.

Scoular and Seadling bring fermented dried seaweed for North American pet food. News release. The Scoular Company. August 13, 2024. Accessed September 5, 2024. https://www.scoular.com/news/scoular-and-seadling-bring-fermented-dried-seaweed-to-north-american-pet-food/

Weir M. Hypokalemia (Low potassium levels) in cats. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed September 5, 2024. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hypokalemia-or-low-potassium-levels-in-cats

The future of pet food 2024. Mintel. Accessed September 5, 2024. https://store.mintel.com/report/the-future-of-pet-food

A new partnership between 2 companies may soon make farmed seaweed powder a popular ingredient in US pet food

Fermented dried seaweed to be introduced into North American pet food

Beautiful Brumbelow (Photo courtesy LeAnne Brumbelow)

When Beautiful Brumbelow, a mixed breed dog, was 4 years old, she was living in a shelter when a high school volunteer came in to take her for a walk. After immediately falling in love with the dog, the volunteer and her mother, Leanne Brumbelow, adopted her and welcomed her into their family.

Eight years later, now 12-years-old, Beautiful was playing in the family backyard when she attempted to jump over a temporary fence, but did not make it. The family dismissed it as an innocent mishap, but did notice that she had a slight limp after the jump. The following morning, her family noticed that her toes turned under Beautiful’s feet, and she was unsteady, so the family brought her to an emergency veterinarian. Beautiful was examined and was sent home with instructions to keep quiet and limit activity to help her recovery, but the family knew this could present a challenge.

The family would be proven correct when 3 days later, Beautiful attempted to jump over the sofa to greet guests and aggravated her injury. Her condition then began to deteriorate and within days, she could not get up after going to the bathroom. This led the family to immediately call her veterinarian and when they arrived at the clinic, Beautiful was unable to walk. The family veterinarian recommended hospitalization to keep her immobile and under close observation, where she began to ‘perk up’ after 2 days.

 She was able to stand up to go to the bathroom but could not walk and she was eventually discharged with plans to visit the neurology team at the Colorado State University (CSU) the next week.

During her initial evaluation at CSU, Beautiful received a thorough pain management treatment to decrease the inflammation and was then brought to meet Brumbelow in the lobby in a blue stroller by Sasha Foster, MSPT, CCRT, and CSU veterinary rehabilitation coordinator. “Sasha unzipped the stroller, and I couldn’t believe it when Beautiful slowly stepped out and walked a short distance to me,” said Brumbelow. “She wagged her tail for the first time in over 2 weeks!”

According to the release, Foster recommended weekly physical therapy appointments, at home exercises to improve her strength, and pain management to work on bringing Beautiful back to normal function. After her second physical therapy appointment with the team at CSU, she was cleared to go on short walks outside.

“With neurology cases, recovery is never a straight line. The neurologists recommend seeing if there is progress about every 2 weeks. If there is progress every 2 weeks, the pet may continue to improvement,” explained Foster.

Beautiful is continuing to progress thanks to the dedication to at-home exercises by her family and a commitment to regular rehab appointments. She had weekly sessions for 2 months, including walks on an underwater treadmill, and then she graduated physical therapy.

“A huge component in her recovery was her owner’s dedication,” said Foster. “Leanne did an incredible job of initially limiting her activity and completing her home exercises, then slowly increasing her activity level within the prescribed home exercise plan. We only see pets 1 to 2 times per week. Continuity of care is provided by the owners at home. Leanne’s care of Beautiful at home was a key factor in her recovery.”

Beautiful and her family need to continue to complete regular exercises at home to strengthen her core and manage any sore muscles and because she is predisposed to injuring her back. Beautiful's new motto will be 'all 4 on the floor,' according to Foster.

Mingus L. CSU veterinary rehab experts and a dedicated family help pup walk again. Colorado State University. Published July 12, 2024. Accessed September 4, 2024. https://cvmbs.source.colostate.edu/csu-veterinary-rehab-experts-and-a-dedicated-family-help-pup-walk-again/

Beautiful, a 12-year-old mixed breed, jumping over a temporary fence led her to a severe injury and rehabilitation 

Canine jumps into rehabilitation 

What does it mean when a canine patient has a constant wobble in their gait? In dogs, wobbler syndrome is a painful and debilitating neurological condition that impacts the cervical or neck region of the spine.

 Joseph Mankin, DVM, clinical professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences discussed signs, diagnosis, and treatment for wobbler syndrome, in a Texas A&M news release.

Canines with wobbler syndrome will exhibit a “wobble” in their gait, hence the disease’s name. These dogs will experience pain due to pressure on their spinal cord. Moreover, this pressure will affect the nervous system, which in turn affects the signals that are sent to the brain.

There are 2 forms of this syndrome: disc-associated wobbler syndrome (DAWS), and bony-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (BACS).

 The latter is characterized by the occurrence of an intervertebral disc herniation. Meanwhile, in canines with BACS, a bony malformation will lead to compression of the spinal cord and, in certain instances, on the nerves as well. This pressure can create problems with the dog’s walking ability. If nerve roots are involved, it can cause the dog pain.

Mankin explained which dogs are most vulnerable to each form of wobbler syndrome. “In young, giant breed dogs such as Great Danes, there is bone proliferation, or rapid growth, in the part of the spine that makes up the neck, leading to compression of the spinal cord,” he said, in a news release.

 “In older dogs, we see degeneration of the intervertebral disc, which also leads to compression of the spinal cord.”

According to Texas A&M, great danes, Dobermans, German shepherds, rottweilers, and weimaraners are most often impacted by the disease, although it can affect all breeds,

Around 5% of dogs with wobbler syndrome experience sudden paralysis in all 4 limbs, according to a report.

 Symptoms become more severe as the syndrome progresses, per a release.

 Signs that indicate wobbler syndrome include

Difficulty getting up, leading to an appearance of stiffness

In the initial stages of the disease, canines may only have a wobbly gait in their back legs. These dogs may also walk with their head down due to neck pain and have muscle loss near the shoulders. When walking, canines with the syndrome may take short strides, exhibit an increased extension of all 4 limbs, and/or be spastic or very weak in the front limbs.

According to Mankin, the biggest sign of the disease is in the source of the dog’s immediate pain. “Since this is a condition of the neck, the clinical signs will progress to affect both the back and front legs,” Mankin said in the news release.

 “Pain may be part of their condition, which may be displayed as reluctance to move their head or lower it for eating and drinking.”

Symptoms of wobbler syndrome may be consistent with those of arthritis, according to Mankin.

 However, with arthritis, joint pain is usually generalized and may be worse after sitting or lying for an extended period of time, whereas with wobbler syndrome, symptoms will persist throughout the day.

Furthermore, diagnosis consists of a neurologic and physical exam, baseline lab testing, x-rays and myelogram. Moreover, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a computed tomography (CT) scan, or other advanced imaging techniques should also be conducted to detect the spinal cord compression resulting from disc herniation or bony changes.

“Other conditions may mimic these signs, so a complete neurologic exam is the first step in diagnosis. Following that, imaging with MRI is often recommended, as evaluation of the cervical spinal cord is essential in diagnosis,” explained Mankin in the release.

Treatment recommendations for this disease vary depending on the severity of each wobblers case, according to Texas A&M.

 However, treatment goals usually consist of controlling pain, reducing inflammation, and alleviating spinal cord and nerve compression. According to Mankin, surgical intervention may be necessary in certain cases.

“Surgical selection depends on the type of compression seen on advanced imaging obtained with an MRI or CT scan,” said Mankin in the news release.

 “Surgery may not be necessary, as medical management may be successful in some cases.”

Mankin explained that a dog’s stage of spinal compression will often determine that canine’s recovery timeline.

How to help pets with wobbler syndrome. News release. Texas A&M University Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. August 29, 2024. Accessed September 4, 2024. https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/helping-pets-with-wobbler-syndrome/

Morrison BJ. Wobbler syndrome in dogs. PetMD. April 12, 2022. Accessed September 4, 2024. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/c_dg_wobbler_syndrome

Learn about wobbler syndrome, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment