 of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) in Colorado,

 infection cases in domestic cats have also been diagnosed in the state during 2024. This year, 6 feline cases of HPAI H5N1 have been reported, with 2 of the affected animals being indoor-only cats who had no direct exposure to the virus, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

Kay Russo, a veterinarian in Colorado, said in an interview with 

 that indoor cats may be interacting with mice that bring the virus into a house. She further postulated that perhaps owners were feeding their cats a raw diet—a risk factor for virus infection—or that the cats were actually spending time outdoors, according to the report.

Meanwhile, 1 of the 6 cases in Colorado was directly linked to a known infected commercial dairy facility and the other 3 cases involved indoor/outdoor cats that hunted mice and/or small birds, while also spending time indoors with their owners.

 Additional risk factors for H5N1 in cats include feeding them raw or discarded milk, having associations with dairy operations, and hunting or consuming rodents or birds.

Five of the 6 cases exhibited similar clinical signs and disease progression. These 5 felines initially presented with lethargy and loss of appetite, followed by worsening respiratory symptoms in some cases and consistent progressive neurological signs in most, according to state health officials. Several of the cats were also tested for rabies before being diagnosed with an H5N1 infection because the neurological signs the cats were exhibiting were akin to rabies, making both conditions indistinguishable.

Five of the reported feline cases were located in Northern Colorado, specifically in Larimer, Adams, and Morgan counties. All involved the H5N1 strain, increasing the level of concern, according to 

 which cited May Chu, an epidemiologist and clinical professor at the Colorado School of Public Health in Aurora. Chu recommended additional testing be conducted, specifically full genome sequencing of these strains to investigate the cases’ chain of transmission, according to the news report.

Still, this is not the first time H5N1 cases have been reported in cats. Recently, researchers published a study that showed evidence of H5N1 

, with cattle-to-cat, as well as cattle-to-raccoon virus transmission.

 Lately, H5N1 has been spreading in animals that were not traditionally known to be reservoirs for the HPAI virus.

 However, H5N1 has not been reported in migratory waterfowl at this time, according to the CDPHE.

Cats are prone to upper respiratory diseases, with the most common cause of respiratory illness in felines being herpesvirus.

 However, domestic cats are also known to be susceptible to HPAI viruses, including strains of H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b.

 According to state health officials, an H5NI infection should be considered in domestic cats even if not all risk factors or clinical signs are present, as there is currently a high prevalence of the virus in Colorado.

Chu said that individuals should report illness in cats, and if these felines are showing signs of potential rabies, influenza or other diseases. In the report, she also recommended sick cats get seen by a veterinarian.

Parkinson J. Five new US cases of avian influenza in humans are confirmed. 

. July 16, 2024. Accessed August 16, 2024. https://www.dvm360.com/view/five-new-us-cases-of-avian-influenza-in-humans-are-confirmed

Influenza A (highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1) in domestic cats. News release. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. August 9, 2024. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://www.colovma.org/cvma-news/influenza-a-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-h5n1-in-domestic-cats/

Daley J. Bird flu cases now detected in domestic cats in Colorado. 

. August 12, 2024. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://www.cpr.org/2024/08/12/bird-flu-cases-detected-in-domestic-cats-colorado/

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1): Guidance for veterinarians assessing HPAI H5N1 in domestic felines. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://d3cban8v3q1zt4.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/20240809113317/Guidance-for-Veterinarians-assessing-H5N1-HPAI-in-domestic-felines-2.pdf

Bautista-Alejandre A. New study finds cows can transmit avian flu to other animals. August 2, 2024. Accessed August 16, 2024. https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-study-finds-cows-can-transmit-avian-flu-to-other-mammals

Upper respiratory disease in cats: When should you worry? Jaax Veterinary Hospital. February 20, 2020. Accessed August 16, 2024. https://www.jaaxvet.com/post/upper-respiratory-disease-in-cats-when-should-you-worry#:~:text=Upper%20respiratory%20problems%20in%20cats,of%20an%20upper%20respiratory%20infection

Articles

Two of these felines were indoor-only pets

6 cats in Colorado are diagnosed with avian influenza

Companion Animal End-of-Life Doulas (CADs) are professionally trained individuals meant to provide nonmedicinal, nonjudgmental emotional support and comfort to a dying animal and their caregivers. Ken Gorczyca, DVM, CHPV, CPEV, an in-home euthanasia practitioner in San Francisco, California, and veterinary facilitator for the University of Vermont (UVM) Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula Training Program, recently spoke at the 2024 American Veterinary Medical Association Convention in Austin, Texas, about the emerging role of CADs. He shared core principles, methods, and strategies for CADs, and how to integrate them into existing veterinary practices, citing real-life examples from current CADs.

“I really believe that many of us in the veterinary profession, especially end-of-life practitioners, already are playing the role of death doula,” Gorczyca said during his presentation.

 “I don’t think we knew that term.”

The practice can be traced back to Ancient Greece, where the word “doula” was used to describe women who assisted throughout pregnancy and childbirth.2 Doulas, not to be confused with obstetricians or midwives whom they often work alongside, are not medical professionals, but are meant to provide guidance and emotional support.

 Today, the term has extended to apply to those professionally trained to provide similar emotional support at the end of life. In recent years, they’ve become increasingly more common in the veterinary field, according to Gorczyca.

CADs accept that birth, death, and grief are natural and expected in life. Their goal is to serve the family, and the animal, as companions, focused on calming, soothing, comforting, and supporting, rather than trying to cure or treat the animal. Among other things, CADs can educate and empower clients in their decision making, support animal comfort and home safety, provide advice regarding care plans, make referrals to additional support services, aid in grieving, and even serve as a stand-in during euthanasia if the owner cannot, or does not want to, be present. In a nonmedicinal support role, CADs should respect the boundaries of veterinary medical professionals, refrain from engaging in clinical tasks, and avoid medical advice or influence.

“The veterinary community and the pet doula work actually do merge at the end of life,” Gorczyca said, regarding why veterinary practices should consider implementing CADs.

 "I think, a lot of time, it’s the veterinary technician [or] the veterinary front staff that are dealing with clients at this level. Maybe it would be helpful to our practices to have someone take on that role… some people really are empowered to help in this moment.”

Gorczyca encouraged practices to designate 1 or more staff members as end-of-life navigators or pet death doulas. Practices should create a dedicated, sacred space for euthanasia, explain their euthanasia process on their website, and consider working with private death doulas for clients requiring more advocacy and assistance, he noted. These steps help to acknowledge the significance and sacredness of end-of-life care.

“I think that, just like in society where we don’t really deal with death very well, the profession doesn’t necessarily deal with it well either,” Gorczyca said. “We’re starting to get there, and I really want to empower each of you to be better to help the clients at the end of life.”

In 2024, Gorczyca worked with UVM to develop the 6-week online CAD training program, which covers essential skills, compassionate, hospice, and palliative care, as well as post-death options. More than 500 individuals have already received their certificates from the UVM course. The University of New England recently launched a similar online course.

For further resources, Gorczyca recommended the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA) and the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC), both of which offer supplementary course material on CADs. Organizations like The Death Wives, International Doula Life Movement, DoulaGivers, and the Center for Sacred Deathcare also provide death doula training programs.

To conclude his presentation, Gorczyca announced the Vet Death Doula Café, a private Facebook group for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other veterinary staff with interest in becoming CADs. He invited others to join the group and share experiences, gain insights into the emerging world of CADs, and connect with other like-minded veterinary professionals. Please contact Gorczyca at vetdoula@gmail.com to receive an invitation to the Vet Death Doula Cafe. 

Gorczyca K. The Emerging Role of the Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula (CAD). Presented at: American Veterinary Medical Association Convention; Austin, TX; June 22, 2024.

Dukehart C. Doulas: Exploring a tradition of support. National Public Radio. July 14, 2011. Accessed August 12, 2024. 

https://www.npr.org/sections/babyproject/2011/07/14/137827923/doulas-exploring-a-tradition-of-support

Ken Gorczyca, DVM, CHPV, CPEV, shared insight into the increase of death doulas in the veterinary field, at the 2024 AVMA Convention.

The companion animal end-of-life doula

Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, is here to tell you all about the exciting events planned for Fetch Kansas City.

What not to miss at Fetch Kansas City

Fetch Kansas City is happening next week (August 23-25)! With over 17 Continuing Education credits from more than 50 tracks, including 3 different hands-on labs, a hospital design tour, and more, there’s something for everyone. Did we mention food and beverage is included? That’s right, hot breakfast, lunch, daily receptions, and a block party are all part of the Fetch fun! 

We look forward to welcoming you at any of the upcoming Fetch conferences: 

 | December 6-8

In this video, Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chief veterinary officer of dvm360, shares 5 things our team wants you to know, before you go. For more details, visit 

The following is a transcript of the video:

So I hear you're coming to fetch Kansas City… Here are 5 things you need to know before you go:

 [in the] Kansas City, Power & Light district from 7 PM to 10 PM. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the convention center. Complimentary light fare, beer, and wine is provided, with lots of great music, and bar games with peers and new friends. Admission is included with the Fetch conference registration, but you have to RSVP by adding this [event] to your registration.

. Register now for 5 opportunities for hands on labs. Topics include suture techniques, tibial tuberosity advancement and patella luxation.

, sponsored by Live Oak Bank and TerWisscha Construction. Join us for a tour of Taylor Animal Hospital’s recent renovation, near Fetch Kansas City's convention center on Saturday, August 24, from 2:45 PM to 5:45 PM. Experts on site for a Q&A from the architecture and contracting firms. [There is] no separate registration fee [for the tour] but you must be registered for the Fetch conference. There's a dedicated shuttle that's provided from the Kansas City Convention Center, at the main entrance, to take it where you need to go.

. Automatic CE certificate tracking with badge scanning. dvm360 will automatically email your CE session certificate at the end of each day. If you have any questions on site, just please visit the registration desk.

. Social media wall is new and happening at Fetch Kansas City, so follow dvm360 throughout the entire event for real-time updates or on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X [formerly Twitter], and TikTok. Use #FetchKansasCity to be featured on our new social walls. Stay connected and share your experience and insights with the dvm360 community.

We're so excited to see you at Fetch Come on, everybody. It's a party. We'll see you there.

Videos

Here are 5 things to know about about the event, happening August 23-25, 2024

Join Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, in Kansas City for Fetch!

It is official folks, we are 1 week away from our upcoming Fetch Kansas City Conference! Are you joining us in the Jazz City August 23-25, 2024? You still can if you have not registered yet. Join the dvm360 team, over 100 faculty members, and fellow attendees for a weekend pack of education opportunities, face time with experts, and overall just a fun time networking and learning with fellow veterinary professionals. This is a conference for the books so 

Along with all the excitement surrounding Fetch Kansas City, dvm360 is excited to announce that it is now accepting applications for our 2024-2025 student ambassador program. Any interested veterinary students can 

While we patiently wait for Fetch Kansas City, here is what was popular this week on dvm360.com:

 Purina pet foods after a plethora of social media videos and comments surfaced stating the company’s products were making their pets sick. The company investigated the adverse event reports and cleared Purina.

 that it has entered a strategic partnership with Purdue University to jointly create an anti-cPD-L1 monoclonal antibody immunotherapy to treat canines with cancer.

 of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, was joined by veterinary architect Heather E. Lewis, AIA, AAA, NCARB, to chat all things hospital design in preparation for Fetch Kansas City.

 of Clinic centers is now available! Check out hospitals and veterinary facilities that are opening in your area, including a new manatee rehabilitation center in Clearwater, Florida, and Animal Care Center’s expansion in Anderson, Cincinnati.

 with dvm360 to preview her upcoming lectures, Jill Clark, DVM, founder and chief visionary officer of IGNITE, shares why she believes the most important influencer in any veterinary clinic is the client service representatives.

Wrap up: FDA confirms Purina pet food safety, and other news

Akston Biosciences Corporation, based in Beverly, Massachusetts, has announced a strategic partnership with Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, to codevelop an anti-cPD-L1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) immunotherapy to treat cancer in dogs.

 The university’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research (PICR) developed the original underlying technology for the drug.1 Through the partnership, Akston receives an exclusive option to license the anti-cPD-L1 mAb.

 The corporation will also serve as a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), working to further develop and produce the antibody at their own facility.

“Purdue Veterinary Medicine is an excellent partner for Akston as we seek to develop an array of new products to treat cancer in pets,” Todd Zion, PhD, president and CEO of Akston Biosciences said in a news release.

 “Through in-licensing, this opportunity demonstrates Akston’s commitment to add innovative products invented outside of Akston to our strong pipeline of homegrown therapeutics developed via Akston’s Ambifect Fc-fusion [protein] platform.”

The partners plan to begin a clinical trial evaluating the anti-cPD-L1 mAb’s effectiveness in dogs with bladder cancer later in 2024. Akston will provide the anti-cPD-L1 mAb for the trial, as they look to confirm the safety, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor effects of the drug.

 The trial, supported in part by a grant from the National Cancer Institute in the PRE-medical Cancer Immunotherapy Network Canine Trials Consortium (PRECINCT) U01 program, and by the Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, will be conducted at the university.

Parallel studies will be performed to determine the effects of the mAb on the anti-tumor responses in the dogs.

“Partnering with Akston to further develop and manufacture our cPD-L1 mAb is instrumental in developing this cancer therapy for dogs,” Deborah Knapp, DVM, director of Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center and professor of comparative oncology at Purdue University, said in a news release.

 “Immune checkpoint blockade therapy, currently one of the most promising cancer immunotherapies, has shown remarkable clinical impact in multiple human cancer types. As a result, we expect that this mAb will have a strong impact in canine oncology as well.”

Akston Biosciences Corporation, a health care tech startup, 

turned their attention towards companion animal health in August 2023

 The corporation develops biologics and therapeutic vaccines through their Ambifect Fc-fusion protein platform. The platform was 

recognized with the “Most Innovative” award at the 2023 Animal Health Summit in Kansas City, Missouri

Akston’s long-acting veterinary insulin programs were purchased 

. At the time of the sale, Zion expressed excitement for Dechra to take their insulin programs over the finish line, while Akston focused their attention on the development of animal health products in areas including obesity, chronic pain, atopic dermatitis, and cancer.

Purdue and Akston Biosciences Sign Partnership Agreement for Dog Cancer Drug Development. News release. Birnbach Communications for Akston Biosciences. August 13, 2024. Accessed August 14, 2024. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240813235302/en/Purdue-and-Akston-Biosciences-Sign-Partnership-Agreement-for-Dog-Cancer-Drug-Development

dvm360 staff. Therapeutics developer turns its focus to companion animal health. 

. August 18, 2023. Accessed August 14, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/therapeutics-developer-turns-its-focus-to-companion-animal-health

Burke J. Akston Biosciences wins Innovation Award at Animal Health Summit. 

. August 31, 2023. Accessed August 14, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/akston-biosciences-wins-innovation-award-at-animal-health-summit

Coppock K. Global veterinary pharmaceutical specialist acquires innovative insulin programs. 

. July 30, 2024. Accessed August 14, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/global-veterinary-pharmaceutical-specialist-acquires-innovative-insulin-programs

Akston Biosciences is collaborating with Purdue University to develop a new cancer therapy for dogs

Animal therapeutics company names partner for oncology drug development

Papaya Veterinary Emergency Hospital in Encinitas, California. (Photo courtesy of Papaya)

1 in 3 pets require emergency veterinary treatment each year

In the US, a pet receives emergency care every 2.5 seconds

The second most common medical condition in both dogs and cats is gastroenteritis/gastrointestinal

 is the most common condition canines see veterinarians for

In cats, urinary tract infections are the most common medical condition

Diarrhea and vomiting are the top 10 medical conditions in both cats and dogs

The #1 pet toxin reported in 2022 was over-the-counter medications

More than 10,000 cats and dogs die annually from exposure to antifreeze with ethylene glycol

Papaya Veterinary Emergency Hospital in Encinitas, California, recently extended its hours of operation. The hospital was initially operating on a long weekend-only schedule but is now open to patients 24/7. According to Papaya, the extension of its hours was a response to the increasing demand for accessible, high-quality emergency veterinary care in the Encinitas community and its surrounding areas.

Papaya Veterinary Emergency Hospital first 

 to its Encinitas location in mid-February 2024. Since then, Papaya had been focusing on offering emergency care on weekends. However, the emergency hospital recently decided to extend its services to ensure pets receive urgent medical attention when they need it, at any hour of the day or night, given the critical need for continuous availability, according to a news release.

 The emergency hospital offers both emergency and urgent care services, including visits and drop-offs.

According to Papaya, the hospital required extensive planning and the recruiting of more skilled veterinary professionals with its decision to transition to 24/7 operations. These steps were taken to ensure the hospital could keep its high standards of care.

 Papaya’s operating hours extensions were driven by the hospital’s wish to reduce the stress and anxiety pet owners face when their pets require urgent care outside of regular business hours.

Papaya Veterinary Emergency Hospital expands to 24/7 operations. News release. August 9, 2024. Accessed August 15, 2024. [email]

Yankowicz S. Papaya Veterinary Care opens a new location in Encinitas, CA. 

. January 31, 2024. Accessed August 15, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/papaya-veterinary-care-opens-a-new-location-in-encinitas-ca

. January 3, 2024. Accessed August 15, 2024. 

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-insurance-statistics/

Pet emergency statistics and veterinary costs. Preventive Vet. Accessed August 15, 2024. 

https://www.preventivevet.com/pet-emergency-statistics

Papaya Veterinary Emergency Hospital is now operating 24/7 as the demand for accessible emergency veterinary care in the community grows