Enabot, a company specializing in at-home robots, has launched ROLA PetPal, new technology for pet owners to use remotely. The ROLA PetPal allows owners to play with their pet even when they are not home. The device has high-definition cameras, remote-controlled mobility, automatic recharging, and artificial intelligence-enabled pet recognition. ROLA PetPal can be equipped with a play stick, a laser game, and rolling balls to entertain pets. It features 2-way voice communication to allow owners to talk through the device’s speaker and for pets to make noise back once they are trained to hit the call button on their own.

The CanineAlert Device, developed by Canine Companions, is worn by the service dog and wirelessly connected to the human wearer. The device tracks vital signs such as heart rate and alerts the service dog via vibration of irregularities. Canine Companions service dogs are already trained to detect changes in their human; however, this new device will ensure no issues go undetected and earlier intervention can support a faster recovery.

Earth Animal offers a new plant-based dog food, Wisdom Air-Dried From the Seed Recipe. The commercial diet’s formula includes lentil protein, quinoa, sunflower seed protein, alfalfa juice concentrate protein, and potato protein and has a 28% protein content, which exceeds the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials for complete and balanced nutrition. This dry food is marketed for dogs of all breeds and sizes.

Hound provides solutions for veterinary professionals looking for full-time, part-time, and relief positions through its Scout and Relief Rover platforms, which offer transparency for veterinary professionals deciding how and where they want to work while setting their preferred rate/salary requirements. Hound aims to offer the veterinary industry more flexibility for work and a wider pool of open positions. Employees can work shift to shift in relief positions or find a longer-term role.

Petzey is an on-demand mobile pet telehealth and wellness app designed to make access to quality veterinary care more convenient for pet owners in the United States. The mobile app offers on-demand pet health and wellness guidance through affordable virtual vet consultations. Petzey has added Purina to its resources for expert veterinary content and tools. Through this partnership, members of the myPurina rewards program are now able to redeem their Purina Perks points for discounts on Petzey telehealth consults.

New Healthy Snackers treats from Small Pet Select are specifically designed for rabbits and guinea pigs and have no sugar, salt, or additives. The treats come in 5 flavors: apple, banana, pear blueberry, pumpkin, and carrot pineapple. These high-fiber treats incorporate timothy hay and fruit to improve healthy gut bacteria.

Articles

Here's our regular rundown of new and notable veterinary products

dvm360® product report: Remote pet play device, plus rabbit and guinea pig treats, and more

 readers! Today is the LAST day to nominate your veterinary hero! Each year, 

 honors veterinary professionals through a peer nominated awards program. The Veterinary Heroes award is presented to professionals in all walks of life within veterinary medicine from client service representative to emergency medicine. To learn more about the awards and submit your veterinary hero today, check out the official Veterinary Heroes Awards 

Here are the top headlines this week on dvm360.com:

Researchers at Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences 

 their recent research investigating the use of proton pump inhibitors as an effective way to help assist chemotherapy in fighting cancer and immune disorders in canines.

 the results of a survey it conducted with over 12,000 pet insured patients to get a better understand of veterinary care and pet wellness trends from a pet owner point of view.

, Amy Thomson, DVM, DAVDC, sat down with host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, to discuss how to successfully partner with a dental specialist, when to refer, and more.

 an artificial service to deliver personalized anticancer drug response predictions for dogs diagnosed with lymphoma or leukemia.

(OKV-119; Vivani Medical), a long-term drug delivery system typically used for chronic weight management in humans, is now being 

 for use in cats to support feline obesity and diabetes management.

Audley Travel, a tour operator based in the United Kingdom, 

 Google search data within the United Kingdom to unveil the 10 endemic wildlife species travels want to encounter in Australia, and top of the list is the quokka.

Wrap up: Proton pump inhibits could help fight cancer and immune disorders in canine patients, and other news

, host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomes guest DJ Haeussler, DVM, MS, DACVO to talk about common afflictions of the cornea alongside treatments and best practices for veterinarians.

: What do you think are the top two or three corneal diseases that you see in dogs and cats?

The most common condition that I see is a corneal ulcer in both dogs and cats. Then I would say that probably the secondary one would be dry eye in dogs. Then in cats, we deal with a lot of herpetic keratitis and conjunctivitis from feline herpes virus.

Do you think it's in that particular order? Does it vary on popularity and commonality? Which ones are most important?

Podcasts

Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, and DJ Haeussler, DVM, MS, DACVO, sit down to discuss important medications and treatments for cornea conditions. 

A refresher on the cornea

Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) announced that it has launched its adjuvanted with aluminum hydroxide and saponine vaccination (BULTAVO 3; Boehringer Ingelheim), making it the first bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccination. The vaccination will prevent clinical signs and mortality in cattle and sheep.

BI, in partnership with Bioveta, a veterinary manufacturer with a focus on vaccinations, developed the vaccination and it will be available in BTV-3 affected countries beginning May 2024. According to an organizational release,

 the vaccination requires 2 intramuscular injections within 3 weeks apart for cattle and 1 subcutanous vaccination in sheep. 

The BTV is a seasonal disease that primarily impacts ruminants that is transmitted by tiny inspects named Culicoides. The disease also tends to spike in the summer and fall seasons and has low incidences within the winter and spring. Clinical signs of BTV include the following, however according to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection (APHIS), sheep are most likely to show symptoms while cattle are mostly asymptomatic:

Severe swelling of the tongue that could be cyanotic, even protruding from the mouth

“We are glad to support farmers and authorities in their fight against bluetongue with our BTV-3 vaccine BULTAVO 3. In cooperation with our long-term partner Bioveta, we made it possible to have a very effective vaccine against serotype 3 on the market within a very short period of time. With BULTAVO 3, future BTV-3 outbreaks can be prevented, and farmers can protect not only their herds, but also their livelihoods,” said Gerald Behrens, global head of ruminants at Boehringer Ingelheim, in the release.

Veterinarians who suspect their patients have BTV should collect whole blood from febrile animals as well as spleen and lymph nodes from any dead animals. Animals infected with BTV will develop a serologic response within 14 days after exposure and the antibodies that are circulating and remain lifelong. The whole blood is the best premortem sample as orbiviruses are associated with erythrocytes and for animals who are deceased, organs and tissues should be stored and transported for testing chilled, not frozen.

Boehringer Ingelheim launches vaccine against bluetongue virus serotype 3 in sheep and cattle. News release. May 13, 2024. Accessed May 30, 2024. https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health/livestock/ruminants/vaccine-bluetongue-virus-serotype-3-sheep-cattle

Disease Alert: Bluetongue. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Accesed May 30, 2024.https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/bluetongue#:~:text=Bluetongue%20is%20an%20insect%2Dborne

Bluetongue | AHDB. Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. Accessed May 30, 2024. https://ahdb.org.uk/bluetongue

The vaccine will protect cattle and sheep from BTV-3 against clinical signs and mortality 

First bluetongue virus serotype 3 vaccination to hit the market

Embrace Pet Insurance provides coverage to dogs and cats in the United States, offering one simple, comprehensive accident and illness insurance plan. Embrace recently aimed to analyze the veterinary care and pet wellness trends from a pet owner perspective and surveyed more than 12,000 of its insured members.

67.4% of respondents said they have faced a veterinary bill that they would not have been able to afford without pet insurance.

90.8% said they believe having pet insurance has allowed pet owners to give their pet better veterinary care and overall wellness.

65.6% have opted for more extensive treatment for their pet’s condition because they have insurance to help cover the cost.

Veterinary professionals can share these results in discussions with clients regarding pet insurance, aiding them in making informed decisions. Additionally, this may help alleviate the financial burden that many clients encounter when faced with the high costs of necessary treatments.

"These numbers really tell the story — pet insurance is a crucial lifeline for your family's financial and pet health needs," said Brian Macias, CEO of Embrace Pet Insurance, in a company release.

 "With vet costs on the rise, the importance of having coverage is clearer than ever. We're here to make sure pet parents can choose the best care options for their pets without financial stress."

Aside from insurance-focused and veterinary-related questions, Embrace also wanted to gauge the trends of pet owners in terms of lifestyle and wellness routines they may have. The following results were revealed from the survey

45.6% of respondents said they use pet technology (examples provided by Embrace included smart feeders, pet cameras, and activity trackers).

45.7% said they prepare food at home for their pet or purchase human-grade meals and treats.

55.4% said they have a workout routine with their pet.

66.5% said they prioritize their pet’s nutrition over their own.

85.3% identify as a “dog mom,” “cat dad,” or other term.

65.3% saw no noticeable reaction to music from their pet and 74.5% said their pet does not watch television.

"Embrace's impact was crystal clear when my cat was diagnosed with liver disease this summer," shared Allie, an Embrace member. "The diagnosis was quick and unexpected, and I had to make a life-or-death decision on the spot. I called Embrace from the animal hospital, and they approved the claim as emergent care right then and there. Thanks to their prompt support and guidance over the phone during the emergency approval process, I could afford the necessary treatment, allowing my cat to fully recover.”

Cost vs. care: Embrace Pet Insurance survey highlights essential role in modern pet care. News release. Embrace Pet Insurance. May 29, 2024. Accessed May 30, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cost-vs-care-embrace-pet-insurance-survey-highlights-essential-role-in-modern-pet-care-302158178.html

Embrace Pet Insurance surveyed of more than 12,000 of its insured pet parents

Insurance company surveys pet parents on veterinary wellness trends

A quokka is seen on Rottnest Island near Perth, Australia.

Given Australia’s vast and unique biodiversity, Audley Travel—a tour operator based in the United Kingdom—set out to discover which Australian animals are most popular among travelers. To do this, Audley analyzed United Kingdom Google search data and unveiled the 10 endemic wildlife species most sought after for encounters in Australia.

 These results ranged from the iconic koala to the enigmatic Tasmanian devil. However, quokkas emerged as the winners.

Explaining the allure of quokkas in a news release, Tom Pegram, an Australia senior specialist at Audley, noted their charm. “Quokkas are always popular with visitors to Australia as their facial expression often resembles a grin and their inquisitive nature makes them engaging to watch—and easy to photograph. They're no bigger than a housecat, and their petite size adds to their adorableness."

Quokkas can be found in the southwestern region of Australia, with Rottnest Island set off the coast of Perth. Pegram has recommended the area as one of the best locations to find them. “You'll see them in their natural habitat here, scurrying about or snoozing in the shade—while quokkas are nocturnal by nature, the lack of predators on Rottnest Island means they're out and about more in the daytime,” he said in the release.

Koalas, who are commonly associated with Australian wildlife, came in 2nd place for popularity in the investigation. However, Pegram advised against encounter activities such as koala cuddling, emphasizing the importance of taking their welfare into account. "With their doe-like eyes and fluffy ears, koalas never fail to make me smile when I see them," Pegram said. "We advise against any experiences that involve hugging koalas, which can be detrimental to their welfare. Instead, head to Kangaroo Island in South Australia to see them behave naturally in the wild."

Claiming 5th place on the list, kangaroos can also be observed at the titular island.

Meanwhile, wombats ranked 3rd in UK Google searches. These marsupials are celebrated for their swiftness, almost rivaling the speed of Usain Bolt, an 8-time Olympic gold medalist sprinter who is regarded by many as the greatest sprinter in history.

“As wombats are primarily nocturnal, one of the best ways to see them is first thing in the morning, when they're sleepy and moving at a slower pace," explained Pegram. "Stay at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge on Tasmania and you might get a chance to see one wandering the trails at the crack of dawn while you head down for breakfast."

The complete list of the top 10 Australian wildlife relative to United Kingdom Google searches is as follows

According to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), Australia is a pivotal player in global biodiversity, recognized as one of the planet's most significant nations in this regard, making conservation efforts important. It is part of a small subset comprising only 17 'megadiverse' nations and hosts a greater diversity of species than any other developed country. As mentioned by the AWC, 87% of its mammal species, 93% of reptiles, 94% of frogs, and 45% of its bird species are home exclusively to Australia, emphasizing the unique and irreplaceable nature of its biodiversity.

New research from Audley Travel experts reveals quokka are the most popular Australian animal. News release. Audley Travel. May 30, 2024. Accessed May 30, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-research-from-audley-travel-experts-reveals-quokka-are-the-most-popular-australian-animal-302159258.html

Usain Bolt. International Olympic Commmittee. Accessed May 30, 2024. 

https://olympics.com/en/athletes/usain-bolt

Wildlife. Australian Wildlife Conservancy. Accessed May 30, 2024. 

https://www.australianwildlife.org/wildlife/#:~:text=Most%20of%20Australia's%20wildlife%20is,are%20found%20only%20in%20Australia

United Kingdom Google search data revealed Top 10 most popular animals Down Under.