Officials with the FDA have modified the label for buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension (Ethiqa XR; Fidelis Animal Health) 1.3mg/mL with an expansion to include indication for nonhuman primates (NHPs). Used for controlling post-procedural pain, the drug was previously approved for use in mice, rats and ferrets.

“We are excited to bring this new NHP indication to veterinarians. Now, these caregivers have a 3-day pain reliever that meets their high expectations for efficacy, safety, and quality,” Michael Wells, board chair and CEO, said in a news release.

Buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension relies on Fidelis Animal Health’s patented Fidelipid LAI technology, a lipid-based formulation that delivers up to 72 hours of clinical analgesia with a single subcutaneous injection. “Fidelipid LAI technology has been shown to provide safe, 72-hour analgesia in nonhuman primates,” Steven Leary, DVM, DACLAM, chief medical officer of Fidelis Animal Health, said in the release.

This drug may cause sedation, decreased blood pressure, decreased heart rate,decreased gastrointestinal mobility, and respiratory depression in mice, rats, ferrets and NHPs, according to Fidelis Animal Health. Buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension should be used with caution when administered with drugs that cause respiratory depression.Animals receiving buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension should also be monitored for signs of decreased cardiovascular and respiratory function.

A qualified panel of veterinarians comprehensively reviewed published literature on buprenorphine and data from unpublished studies on the drug, according to the FDA. To support their assessment of the effectiveness and target animal safety of the drug, the panelists extrapolated information across species, because of the diversity of NHPs. As a result, these experts advised that when dosing patients for analgesia, it is important for investigators and veterinarians to carefully assess pain in each individual animal or experimental group.

The panelists also used available information and personal experience to support dosing recommendations. They determined that a repeat dose of buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension can be administered every 72 hours after the initial dose, if needed.

As an FDA-reviewed and accepted product for commercialization, buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension is manufactured in compliancewith current good manufacturing practice standards established by the agency. According to Fidelis Animal Health, the drug meets strict specifications to ensure the quality and integrity of the finished, sterile product.

Buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension was launched in 2020. It is now used in more than 400 sites across the US including pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, hospital systems, and government research facilities. The drug is available from the major national veterinary distributors.

Fidelis Animal Health announces Ethiqa XR label expansion. News release. Fidelis Animal Health. April 11, 2024. [email]

Freedom of information summary: Ethiqa XR. FDA. March 29, 2024. Accessed May 7, 2024. 

https://www.fda.gov/media/177916/download

Articles

Buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension is now indicated for certain primates

Postprocedural pain medication receives label expansion from FDA

Kate Walsh plays Claire, a veterinarian in a 24-hour clinic, in 

An overworked veterinarian is having an especially difficult, emotional night in the new, live-action, short film 

. Played by actress Kate Walsh—best known for her role as a human medicine provider on the long-running series 

—the veterinarian, Claire, struggles with a power outage, personal demons, and an ethical dilemma while caring for a sick dog that arrives in the 24-hour clinic.

is written, directed and produced by Australian filmmaker Danielle Baynes, who said in a prepared statement that she set out to develop a story about loss, facing death, and how humans handle these emotional events.

 The 12-minute film aims to provide a look at the practice demands and mental health challenges, including the emotional toll of responsibilities, faced by many veterinary professionals.

“While developing the script, I asked a veterinarian friend about the experience of shepherding so many people through this deeply emotional moment. They introduced me to staggering statistics that shifted my whole perspective on the story that I wanted to tell inside that vet clinic,” Baynes said in the statement.

Results of an Australian study released in 2022 indicate that nearly 70% of veterinarians have lost a colleague or professional peer to suicide, and approximately 60% have sought professional health for mental health issues.

 Additionally, in a CDC study, investigators found that veterinarians are at higher risk of suicide than the general population. Suicide was found to be 2.4 times more likely for female veterinarians and 1.6 times more likely for male veterinarians than the general population, according to the study results.

“Through conversations with more vets and people within the industry, I learned about the numerous factors that plan into the mental health crisis in the profession. Although impossible to represent all facets in a short film set over 1 night, through the character of Claire, I wanted to explore the experience of being the anchor in other people’s storms while enduring a private struggle,” Baynes continued.

The film’s key supporters include the Veterinary Angel Network, VetCart and IndeVets. “Improving the mental health of veterinarians has always been our No. 1 goal,” Michael Raphael, founder and CEO of IndeVets, said in a news release.

 “We are proud to put our name behind a film like 

 as it helps to bring the issue of burnout in the profession to the forefront.”

The new film is scheduled to premiere at the Bentonville Film Festival in June 2024 and will subsequently screen at film festivals around the world. It will also be made available in June to organizations in the veterinary community for private screenings, for which a guide will be provided to help facilitate conversations. These screenings are intended to generate awareness and conversation about mental health in the veterinary profession.

Additionally, a private screening of the film is scheduled to be shown September 26, 2024, at the Southern Veterinary Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Open to all conference attendees, the event will be hosted by IndeVets and offers free admission with a post-screening panel discussion. Panel speakers will include Baynes, Brian Bourquin, DVM, president of the Not One More Vet organization; Marisa Brunetti, VMD, chief veterinary officer for IndeVets; and Dave Shuey, LMSW, DMA, a veterinary social worker with IndeVets.

 was launched as a social impact campaign that addressed the impact of cyberbullying. The award-winning 

is now used in schools around the world as an educational tool, according to IndeVets. 

can similarly be used as a resource in the veterinary industry to facilitate discussions about mental wellbeing as well as encourage the general public to have more empathy and support for individuals who need help, the company noted in its’ release.

“While the film explores the specific struggles of a veterinarian at work, I hope is offers a message of hope to anyone grappling with their own ‘dog,’ Baynes said.

 “We are not alone in our fights. Through empathy, understanding and shared resilience, we can extend support to one another through life’s darkest moments.”

 starring Kate Walsh. New release. IndeVets. May 6, 2024. Accessed May 6, 2024.

Nearly 70% of veterinarians have lost a colleague or peer to suicide, study finds. 

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jun/11/nearly-70-of-veterinarians-have-lost-a-colleague-or-peer-to-suicide-study-finds

Nett RJ, Witte T, Spitzer EG, Edwards N, Fowler KA. Suicide risk for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. CDC. September 4, 2019. Accessed May 6, 2024. 

https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2019/09/04/veterinary-suicide/

The Dog is a fictional story featuring actress Kate Walsh as an overworked veterinarian over a 24-hour period with challenges that include a power outage and an ethical dilemma.

Short film highlights mental health struggles in veterinary medicine

Year-round parasite prevention is important for pet parents to stay on top of, however some clients do not understand a lot about the common parasites that pose a risk to pets. To combat this and provide digestible client education, Thrive Pet Healthcare is debunking some of the myths surrounding fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and more.

"Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes don't care if you walk on two legs or four, they'll happily bite anyone in the household," said Kelly Cairns, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), vice president of Medical Excellence and Education at Thrive Pet Healthcare, in a news release.

 "These pests can easily hitch a ride on people, other pets, or even enter through open doors and windows, putting your family at risk of bites and potentially serious illness."

Thrive suggested reminding clients that fleas and ticks can often jump from pets to humans and vice versa so it’s important to check your pet’s body and your own when outside, especially in high grass or wooded areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 467,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year and is present in all 50 states, with regions in the Northeast at higher risk.

 This number could potentially be higher with the amount of unreported or undiagnosed cases.

"If you have a dog or cat, chances are higher that you will encounter fleas and ticks than households without pets, making it incredibly important to have your pet on a year-round flea and tick treatment," said Cairns. "Veterinarian-prescribed preventatives are the best way to reduce the likelihood of your pet bringing fleas and ticks into the home and protect pets from harmful parasite-related illnesses."

Having an effective preventative against mosquitos carrying heartworm is also important as it is present in all 50 states, like fleas and ticks, with a higher volume of cases in the south and northeast. According to Thrive, there are 22 mosquito species in the United States that carry heartworm, active at different times of the year and over 200,000 pets in the US were diagnosed with heartworm disease in 2022.

"It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito for your dog or cat to get heartworm disease," said Cairns. "Once infected, treatment can be costly, with possible side effects and no guarantee of success. Ultimately, the risk of infection and high cost of treatment outweigh the cost of prevention."

Myth 1: Pets who stay indoors are not at risk.

 Parasites can easily enter homes through doors and windows or be carried in by latching onto people or pets.

Myth 2: There’s no need to worry about parasites during winter.

 Warm indoor temperatures can create breeding grounds for parasites. Ticks can also hide in leaf litter during the winter to stay warm. Traveling and unknowingly bringing back parasites with could potentially cause exposure to parasites during winter months.

Myth 3: Certain areas of the US are not at risk of parasites. 

While there are some areas of the US that are at a higher risk, owners from all states should maintain their pet’s prevention routine. Heartworm can be carried by mosquitoes in all 50 states. Any region that has soil, grass, vegetation, and some moisture can create livable environments for parasites.

Veterinarians dispel common myths about pets and pests. News release. Thrive Pet Healthcare. May 1, 2024. Accessed May 6, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veterinarians-dispel-common-myths-about-pets-and-pests-302132660.html

How many people get Lyme disease? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 9, 2024. Accessed May 6, 2024. 

https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/stats/humancases.html#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20way%20of,and%20treated%20for%20Lyme%20disease

Thrive Pet Healthcare provides parasite prevention reminders to share with clients

Debunking common myths about parasites

Jaguar Health announced the establishment of a new Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) file with the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine for its product Canalevia-CA1 to treat general, non-infectious diarrhea in dogs.

 Canalevia-CA1 are a crofelemer delayed-release tablets that received conditional approval from the FDA in December 2021, the first treatment of its kind for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) in dogs.

"We're very pleased to have established this new INAD file," said Michael Guy, DVM, MS, PhD, Jaguar's vice president of preclinical and nonclinical studies, in an organizational release.

 "We've been pleased with the marketplace reception of crofelemer for treatment of CID in dogs and believe there is clearly an unmet need for a product to treat general, non-infectious diarrhea in dogs as well.

 Jaguar Health had issued the results from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled proof-of-concept study assessing the efficacy of crofelmer administered orally in alleviating clinical signs connected to secretory diarrhea in dogs. The findings concluded that crofelemer was superior compared to the placebo.

“We estimate that United States veterinarians see approximately 6 million annual cases of acute and chronic diarrhea in dogs, and we look forward to evaluating the possibility of expanding the indication of crofelemer to include treatment of all types of non-infectious diarrhea in dogs. The next step in our development process is to request a pre-submission conference with the CVM to discuss our proposed protocol for the clinical field study for this new indication," Guy continued.

For dogs, diarrhea is one of the most common causes for veterinary visits. However, there is currently no FDA-approved anti-secretory agents to treat canine diarrhea.

 Canalevia-CA1 is the first and currently only oral-plant based prescription to treat canine CID to receive conditional approval from the FDA.

 Crofelember, is an active pharmaceutical ingredient that is isolated and purified from the 

 tree that can be found in the Amazon Rainforest.

Currently, the most common adverse effects for Canalevia-CA1 include abdominal pain, decreased appetite and activity, dehydration, and vomiting. Check out this 

 Live!™ with Sue Ettinger, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology) to learn more about Canalevia-CA1.

Crofelemer, Jaguar Health’s prescription drug conditionally approved by the FDA for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in dogs, is the subject of the company’s Investigational New Animal Drug Application for the indication of general diarrhea in dogs. News release. Jaguar Health. May 6, 2024. Accessed May 6, 2024. 

https://jaguarhealth.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/crofelemer-jaguar-healths-prescription-drug-conditionally

McCafferty C. FDA renews conditional approval of medication for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. 

. December 6, 2023. Accessed May 6, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/fda-renews-conditional-approval-of-medication-for-chemotherapy-induced-diarrhea

Yankowicz S. Pet insurance company reports most common veterinary visits. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/pet-insurance-company-reports-most-common-veterinary-visits

Jaguar Health established an Investigation New Animal Drug file for its product Canalevia-CA1

Conditionally approved treatment for chemo-induced diarrhea in dogs under investigation for general use

Parlay walking on a water treadmill at the Texas A&M University Small Animal Teaching Hospital while being treated for symptoms related to tetanus. (Image courtesy of Jason Nitsch ‘14/Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences)

Parlay, a black Labrador retriever named after the gambling term referring to a series of bets, was diagnosed with tetanus, a disease of the nervous system that is caused by a toxin-producing bacteria, put his gambling name to the test as his veterinary team at the Texas A&M Small Animal Teaching Hospital (SATH) as they worked to save his life.

According to an organizational release, in his litter, Parlay was an energetic puppy with a loving and curious personality.

 Born into a show dog family, he was also the pick of the litter once he was born. Wendy Knox, Parlay’s owner, was introduced into the world of show dogs through her parents after they picked it up as a hobby once all their children went to college.

“He’s such a great puppy, and he’s always been like that,” said Wendy Knox, Parlay’s owner, in the release.

 “I stayed with him and the rest of his litter 24/7 for the first four weeks of their lives. That’s something I do with every litter. Because of that, I know all the puppies in a litter pretty well, but Parlay is special.”

However, her mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2012, leading Wendy to take over showing her parent’s dogs. After her mother passed away 19 months after her diagnosis, Knox, her father, and her husband continued to show the dog to maintain this connection with her mother.

In December 2023, Knox noticed Parlay had a small and swollen bump on the left side of his face after he spent the day outside playing with his cousin Kinselee. Knox explained that she had originally examined the bump and thought it was a bee sting. Since he was still acting healthy and happy, she decided to give him some Benadryl and keep an eye on him in the house for the rest of the day. The next day he started showing signs of stiffness, so Knox made an appointment with the local veterinarian the following Monday morning.

“Sunday evening, we decided he was probably experiencing a scorpion sting instead of a bee sting, but overall, he still seemed pretty healthy,” Knox said. “That was not the case on Monday morning. He was having trouble getting off his doggy bed and when he did, he was much stiffer. Worst of all, it seemed like he was having trouble breathing.”

Once at the clinic and the team heard he was having trouble breathing, the team took him in for an examination right away. Fifteen minutes after they got to the clinic, they diagnosed him with tetanus. According to the release, tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is caused by 

 which is found in soil, dust, manure, and everywhere else in the natural environment.

 Tetanus affects nerves, the spinal, cord, and the brain which can lead to hyperexcitability and muscle spasms and can present with stiffness in the limb or muscle closest to the wound, a stiff gait with tail held up or extended out.

 The virus can progress to the point where pets are unable to stand because the stiffness is preventing them from bending their legs.

For Parlay, the team explained to Knox that the severity of the effects of the toxin on Parlay’s nervous system makes the administration of antitoxin a massive part of the patient's survival. The team recognized that he would need advanced emergency care so the team instructed Knox to take Parlay to the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. To help get her and Parlay there safely, the veterinary team treating him called other clinics in the area to find antitoxin they could administer to Parlay. The team was able to provide Know with an antitoxin they had on hand for equine patients, packaged up two bottles, and sent them on their way to Texas A&M, encouraging her to drive safely, but quickly.

Once they arrived at SATH, Cody Riffe, DVM, greeted them and assured them that they were going to do everything they could to save Parlay. While at SATH, Parlay began to experience severe symptoms leading to additional ailments, which is a challenge common to patients with tetanus.

“Parlay had difficulty eating and drinking due to the lockjaw; limb weakness as a result of the severe tightening of the muscles that made it so that he was unable to walk or support his weight; and aspiration pneumonia, likely a result of the toxin attacking the nerves in his throat and esophagus, which allowed saliva or food to enter his airway,” Riffe said.

 “Our team worked around the clock to make sure Parlay had the care he needed to combat all his ailments.

“He was here for almost 2 weeks and during that time, his muscles became locked in an extended position,” Riffe said. “Muscle strength will quickly decline without the constant activity of bearing weight and moving through space, so we referred him to the SATH’s Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Service to help him strengthen his muscles and live a more comfortable, activity-filled life.”

Parlay still needed assistance walking and standing when he was discharged from SATH, but he had improved nonetheless. Knox and Parlay were discharged with a full body harness to help support his wait.

 Knox shared that the day after they got home, he was trying to walk again on his own with the harness and achieved that goal later on in the day.

Four months after his diagnosis, Parlay is easing back into his routine as a show dog in preparation for his first show season. Knox and her family have integrated some of his physical therapy into walks around the property, such as walking backward to rebuild muscle. Now that the weather is warmer, the family is planning to have him swim in the pool for hydrotherapy. With his health on the mend, Knox and the family are grateful for the care SATH provided to Parlay.

“Every single person I’ve encountered at the Small Animal Teaching Hospital — it doesn’t matter whether they’re in the pharmacy or billing or serving as a technician or clinician — everybody was so nice, professional, and considerate. I have nothing but good things to say, and that’s why I’d recommend anyone in a similar situation bring their animals to Texas A&M,” Knox concluded.

Knight R. Betting On Parlay: Puppy Overcomes Tetanus With Help From Texas A&M Veterinarians. Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Published May 1, 2024. Accessed May 6, 2024. 

https://today.tamu.edu/2024/05/01/puppy-overcomes-tetanus-with-help-from-texas-am-veterinarians/

Williams K, Barnette C. Tetanus in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. Published 2009. Accessed May 6, 2024. 

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/tetanus-in-dogs

The black Labrador retriever survived tetanus despite the odds being against him 

Odds in Parlay the puppy’s favor

The Nandi Theriogenology Scholarship is one of the most competitive scholarships for veterinary reproductive medicine. It is rewarded to final year veterinary students who have demonstrated exceptional potential for future clinical and scholarly excellence and leadership in theriogenology. The Theriogenology Foundation awards $10,000 to 4 recipients.

 This year, 2 of the winners come from Washington State University (WSU) College of Veterinary Medicine. Randa Boler and Tanya Weber being awarded this prestigious honor became the second year in a row that the Nandi Theriogenology Scholarship was awarded to WSU veterinary students.

Weber was nominated by M. Salman Waqas, DVM, MS, PhD, DACT, and received recommendation letters from Ramanathan Kasimanickam, DVM, DACT, and John Wenz, DVM, MS.

“It is such an honor to be awarded the Nandi Scholarship. Not only does this ease the financial burden of veterinary school, but it also represents all the mentors I have been fortunate to work with who have believed in me and supported my development as a future bovine veterinarian,” Weber said in a WSU news article.

 “They all supported my success with this scholarship, and they have also provided crucial mentorship in bovine theriogenology and herd production medicine, which I will benefit from for my entire career.”

According to WSU Kasimanickam nominated Boler, and the veterinary student credits Kasimanickam for having a major impact on her education.

“Dr Ram has been instrumental in developing my interest and skills related to bovine theriogenology. From his theriogenology elective to his 4-week advanced beef cattle theriogenology course, the opportunity to visit many operations and work large numbers of cattle is irreplaceable. He is the reason I was awarded the Nandi scholarship,” Boler said.

Boler and Weber were selected from a pool of 18 applicants representing veterinary schools across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. They will be recognized in July at the annual Therio Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The 2 students officially graduated with their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine on May 4, 2024.

With their new degrees, Boler and Weber are setting off to start their incredible dedication to the veterinary medicine field. Boler is returning to her home state in northwest Montana to join a mixed animal practice. He hopes to incorporate her true passion in ambulatory medicine, especially reproductive medicine in cattle, within her practice. Weber is embarking on a new journey with TELUS Agriculture as a professional services veterinarian. In this capacity, she will leverage her expertise in herd production medicine and theriogenology to drive ongoing progress and advancement within the beef industry.

Nandi Theriogenology Scholarship 2023. The Theriogenology Foundation. 2023. Accessed May 6, 2024. 

https://theriofoundation.org/general/custom.asp?page=NandiScholarsProgram

Babcock, J. WSU veterinary students recognized with international reproductive medicine scholarships. News release. Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. May 3, 2024. Accessed May 6, 2024. 

https://news.wsu.edu/news/2024/05/03/wsu-veterinary-students-recognized-with-international-reproductive-medicine-scholarships/

Randa Boler and Tanya Weber are recipients of the Nandi Theriogenology Scholarship