Ellie West, RCVS and EBVS European specialist in veterinary anesthesia and analgesia and SageTech Waltham Team (Image courtesy of Mars Veterinary Health)

Mars Veterinary Health announced its United Kingdom veterinary group Linnaeus, in partnership with Waltham Petcare Science Institute, launched a first-of-its-kind partnership with SageTech Veterinary (SageTech), a manufacturer of virgin anesthetic agents. The partnership is to pilot an innovative anesthetic gas capture solution to stop harmful greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere.

 SageTech’s trusted gas-capture technology, currently being utilized in human medicine, captures the waste anesthetic agents breathed out in an operation by safely adsorbing it into a specially developed capture canister that is reusable. Once captured, the waste is then extracted from the filter which avoids current routes for disposal of volatile anesthetic agents of incineration or released into the atmosphere.

"As a leading provider of veterinary care, we have a responsibility to take climate action at scale and lead the way toward more sustainable practices," said Ellie West, RCVS and EBVS European specialist in veterinary anesthesia and analgesia, and Linnaeus environmental sustainability lead, in an organizational release.

 "Our innovative collaboration should help us take a significant step forward in our sustainability journey, aimed at contributing to a better future for the planet—and the people and pets who depend on it."

The partnership will have a 1-year pilot that will begin with 10 Linnaeus primary care and referral practices in the United Kingdom. The goal is to help reduce the carbon emissions that are anesthesia-related which result from the release or disposal of these agents with hopes to also determine the efficiency of capture in the 10 clinics.

 Mars Animal Health is aiming to then use the learnings from the pilot to explore the application of this technology across other parts of the business in years to come.

Graphic courtesy of Mars Veterinary Health

"At SageTech Veterinary, we are excited to share our developed technology and work alongside Mars Veterinary Health to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with the direct release of waste volatile anesthetic agents to the environment," expressed Iain Menneer, CEO of SageTech Medical. "It has been wonderful to work with the Linnaeus and Waltham teams, and we are confident this pilot project will demonstrate to the veterinary profession how such collaborations can be a collective force for good."

The program is consistent with Mars Incorporated Net Zero Roadmap, which is working to cut the company's greenhouse gasses emissions by 50% by 2023 to reach net zero by the year 2050.

Mars Veterinary Health pilots industry-leading anaesthetic gas capture technology to reduce carbon emissions. News release. Mars PetCare. April 2, 2024. Accessed April 3, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mars-veterinary-health-pilots-industry-leading-anaesthetic-gas-capture-technology-to-reduce-carbon-emissions-302106231.html

Mars Publishes "Accelerated, Affordable And Achievable" Net Zero Roadmap To Cut Emissions 50% By 2030 Across Full Value Chain. News release. Mars, Incorporated. September 14, 2024. Accessed April 3, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mars-publishes-accelerated-affordable-and-achievable-net-zero-roadmap-to-cut-emissions-50-by-2030-across-full-value-chain-301927317.html

Articles

Mars Veterinary Health will be the first to introduce this in-clinic solution to help support sustainability goals

Veterinary care provider announces partnership to reduce carbon emissions from anesthetic gas

In honor of National Heartworm Prevention Month, Banfield Pet Hospital has released the results from its pet owner survey, examining the publics’ attitudes towards parasite prevention. The veterinary network surveyed 1,000 dog and cat owners within the United States and analyzed pet medical records for insights into seasonal and local trends. The key findings include the following:

Nearly 40% of dog and cat owners don't believe their pet is at risk of getting heartworms.

Nearly 30% said their pet is not on heartworm prevention.

21% of pet owners don't believe the mosquitos in their state carry the parasite, despite heartworm cases being diagnosed in all 50 states.

41% of surveyed pet owners said they believe heartworm is only a risk during part of the year.

51% skip year-round prevention, with 18% only using heartworm prevention for their pets during spring and summer months.

These numbers can be disappointing for veterinary professionals because the rate of heartworm disease is high and trending up, even though this disease is preventable with year-round preventatives.

 "Research has shown rates of heartworm in pets have continued to trend upward nationwide, despite prevention being generally safer, easier and less expensive than treating an existing infection," said Alea Harrison, DVM, chief medical officer of Banfield Pet Hospital, in the company release.

All states are at risk of heartworm. According to the American Heartworm Society (AHS), rates have continued to trend upward in both heartworm “hot spots” and in locales where heartworm cases were once rare. However, southern states should be more vigilant and cautious. The leading states for heartworm incidence continue to be those in and adjacent to the lower Mississippi Delta.

“The states with the highest density of diagnosed heartworm cases in the latest survey were Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and Arkansas,” says AHS president Jennifer Rizzo, DVM. “Meanwhile, Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and the Carolinas all saw expansions of high-density areas on our incidence map.”

Washington, Oregon, Kansas, North Dakota, Massachusetts, and Connecticut were all once rare for heartworm disease, however they have now had an increase in prevalence.

 This demonstrates that it is safer to maintain cautious when it comes to parasite prevention, rather than making a wrongful assumption about your state’s prevalence.

According to Banfield’s records database,

 Delaware had a 299% increase in rates of heartworm in the past five years, while Montana had a 140% increase, and Nevada had a 101% increase to make the top 3 list.

Overall, Banfield reported finding a 47% increase in felines diagnosed with heartworms in the past 5 years.

These data reports and owner surveys show the importance for continued client education on the necessity of parasite prevention and especially education surrounding the need for year-round upkeep.

New pet owner survey suggests common myths fueling significant gap in prevention of deadly parasite for US dogs and cats. News release. Banfield Pet Hospital. April 2, 2024. Accessed April 3, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-pet-owner-survey-suggests-common-myths-fueling-significant-gap-in-prevention-of-deadly-parasite-for-us-dogs-and-cats-302106113.html

New American Heartworm Society Heartworm Incidence Map reveals upward trend in heartworm cases. American Heartworm Society. April 11, 2023. Accessed April 3, 2024. 

https://d3ft8sckhnqim2.cloudfront.net/images/HW_survey_news_release.pdf?1681234747

The Banfield survey found nearly 40% of dog and cat owners don't believe their pet is at risk of getting heartworm

Owner survey finds alarming attitudes towards parasite prevention

Photo courtesy of Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science professor Nicholas Jeffery, BVSc, PhD, MSc, has recognized by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association for his contributions to veterinary medicine.


A Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) professor has been recognized by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA). Nicholas Jeffery, BVSc, PhD, MSc, has been named the 2024 recipient of the association’s Bourgelat Award, which annually honors a member of the veterinary medicine profession who has made significant international contributions to veterinary science, research, education and small animal welfare and clinical practice.

The award is named for 18th century veterinary surgeon Claude Bourgelat, who established the world’s first veterinary school, in Lyon, France. The eponymous award is considered the highest honor given by BSAVA and is given each year to one recipient.

Jeffrey is an internationally recognized veterinary neurologist, surgeon and scientist, making him an ideal recipient of the award, according to VMBS.

 His research has defined the pathological features of spinal cord injury in dogs, and was fundamental in defining MRI-based features of injury that are currently used to aid in diagnosis and administering therapies, according to BSAVA.

“Dr Jeffery has been an outstanding influence in the lives of companion animals worldwide with his work advancing the treatment of spinal cord and nervous system injuries in dogs,” John R. August, BVSc, MS, the Carl B. King dean of veterinary medicine at the VMBS, said in the release.

 “His foundational research, development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies, and leadership of groundbreaking clinical trials provide invaluable advancements in veterinary medicine and make him deserving of this prestigious honor from the BSAVA.”

, his work has also included publication of more than 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts.

 “Dr. Jeffery is an innovator who continues to explore novel ways to treat different diseases, and he’s relentless in challenging conventional thought,” Jonathan Levine, DVM, head of the department of small animal clinical sciences at VMBS, said in the release.

 “His perspective is vital to our educational, research and service missions.”

Jeffrey’s veterinary career began in England with the opening of the London’s first private small animal specialty practice. He is a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons and Neurology and a fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

“My work has always been guided by problems that come up in the clinic,” Jeffery said in the release.

 “I work to find out how to design treatments and address these problems in my research, which depends on input from many collaborators I’ve had the honor of working with over the decades. I also try to help other people design and analyze their research projects, because clinical research is central to improving the care we provide for our animal patients.”

Jeffery has been a member of the Texas A&M University faculty since 2016. He has mentored 18 doctoral students and numerous neurology residents, many of whom have gone on to establish veterinary careers in academia and industry, according to the release. Prior to his arrival at Texas A&M, Jeffery served in academia at the University of Cambridge in England and the University of Iowa in Ames.

Knight R. Texas A&M professor honored with prestigious veterinary award. Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biological Sciences. March 28, 2024. Accessed March 29, 2024. 

https://today.tamu.edu/2024/03/28/texas-am-professor-recognized-with-prestigious-veterinary-award/

The Bourgelat Award. British Small Animal Veterinary Association. 2024. Accessed March 29, 2024. 

Nicholas Jeffery, BVSc, PhD, MSc, is an internationally recognized veterinary neurologist, surgeon and scientist, and a professor at Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences 

British association names 2024 Bourgelat Award honoree

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (eDKA) is a life-threatening feline condition that requires immediate medical attention. The condition is caused by decreased hepatic glucose production in a fasting patient or enhanced urinary excretion of glucose from an excess of counter-regulatory hormones, according to Christopher G. Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM), CVJ, a teleconsultant with VetCT, and a veterinary educator and founder of CriticalCareDVM.com.

Patients with euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis are dependent on insulin. “Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis is a rare potential complication of treatment with what we call a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor,” Byers said, while presenting the session “Endocrine Emergencies” at the 

2024 Fetch dvm360 conference in Charlotte

Veterinary professionals should obtain a complete drug history to identify whether a patient has been treated with SGLT2 inhibitors, according to Byers. This information is important for practitioners, who may not consider eDKA if a history of SGLT2 inhibitor use remains unknown.

Patients with eDKA may present a history of polyuria and polydipsia (PUPD), hypoglycemia caused by anorexia, vomiting, lethargy, perceived discomfort, neurological abnormalities, and/or weight loss. A physical examination may show evidence of hypovolemia, dehydration, and/or weakness. Other clinical signs of an eDKA case may include cervical ventroflexion with marked hypokalemia, a bilateral plantigrade stance, enlarged liver, jaundice, variable heart rate, acetone halitosis, and muscle weakness.

The liver produces less glucose when a patient with diabetes has hypoglycemia or anorexia with a stressor condition such as pancreatitis, neoplasia, or infection.Furthermore, a lack of insulin-induced inhibition of hormone sensitive lipase may cause enhanced lipolysis and subsequent fatty acid production to lead to excessive ketone body production such as beta-hydroxybutyrate [BHB], acetoacetate or acetone, according to Byers. eDKA can occur with decreased glucose availability or production, reduced insulin secretion, and increased counter-regulatory hormone production caused by an underlying condition.

Byers noted that data should be collected, at minimum, from serum glucose, plasma or urine ketones, venous blood gas, anion gap, and electrolytes for diagnosing patients with suspected eDKA. Additional diagnostic data collection is also recommended through pancreatic serology, urinalysis, urine culture or sensitivity, imaging, and testing for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus.

Relative euglycemia: GLU less than 250 mg/dL or less than 13.9 mmol/L

Acidosis: pH less than 7.3, HCO3 less than 18 mmol/L

Currently accepted diagnostic criteria for eDKA in cats are extrapolated from human medicine, Byers noted. "As we learn more about eDKA in cats, veterinary diagnostic criteria may evolve," he said.

Common laboratory abnormalities in cats with eDKA include a leukocytosis, which can occur with inflammation or infection and anemia caused by Heinz bodies; as well as elevations in hepatocellular and cholestatic enzymes because of concurrent primary hepatopathy, pancreatitis, sepsis, or hepatic hypoperfusion. Additionally, a biochemical profile may show hypertriglyceridemia caused by hypoinsulinemia.

A diagnosis of eDKA is managed like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which requires a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.

 According to Byers, the key therapies are as follows

Providing regular insulin intravenous (IV) constant-rate infusion (CRI)

Providing dextrose supplementation to prevent iatrogenic hypoglycemia

Providing appropriate fluid therapy to correct dehydration and electrolyte derangements

Insulin therapy is essential and should ideally be started after the first hour of fluid therapy if hypovolemia has been successfully treated and serum potassium is equal or less than 3.3 mmol/L. Currently, an IV CRI of a short-acting insulin is considered the most appropriate initial treatment for eDKA, according to Byers. Dextrose therapy is a requirement, used concurrently with insulin, to prevent iatrogenic hypoglycemia.

Identifying and treating precipitating factors, and providing nutritional support to patients with eDKA are also important for improving outcomes. Treatment should include use of IV fluids to correct hypovolemia and dehydration, while administration of insulin and dextrose help normalize levels of acidosis, anion gap and bicarbonate.

“After successfully addressing hypovolemia and reaching desired endpoints of resuscitation, a balanced electrolyte solution should be administered based on the patient’s hydration and electrolyte status. Administration of 0.9% sodium chloride is discouraged given the potential of inducing a hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. A patient’s dehydration deficit should be calculated and replaced over 12-24 hours. Daily requirements (50 mL/kg/day) and ongoing losses should be administered concurrently,” Byers wrote in the presentation.

Potassium supplementation is required for patients with hypokalemia and used in cases of refractory hypokalemia, certain ventricular dysrhythmias or persistent lethargy, anorexia, or weakness. Furthermore, replacement of phosphorous should occur if levels are less than 1.5 mg/dL (less than 0.48 mmol/L), and sodium bicarbonate supplementation should be considered in patients with bicarbonate levels less than 11 mmol/L. The suggested dose of sodium or potassium phosphate is 0.01-0.03 mmol/kg/hr IV CRI.

Patient monitoring following critical care should include frequent physical examinations, perfusion parameters, serial serum glucose measurements, electrolytes and mineral status as well as acid-base status, and packed cell volume and total solids. A patient that is no longer acidemic or ketotic and is eating and drinking without complications, may be transitioned to a long-acting insulin therapy prior to hospital discharge.

For more coverage from Fetch Charlotte, visit our dedicated conference news page at

Byers C. Proceedings: endocrine emergencies. Flex dvm360. Accessed March 13, 2024.

Byers C. Endocrine emergencies. Presented at: Fetch dvm360 Conference; Charlotte, NC. March 15-17, 2024.

Rudloff E. Diabetic ketoacidosis in the cat: recognition and essential treatment. 

An overview of this life-threatening condition will help guide veterinary practitioners 

Caring for the patient with euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis

This article was originally published by 

Yesterday, the first human case of avian influenza A (H5N1 this year) in the United States was reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

 The person became infected following contact with dairy cows presumed to be infected with avian influenza. The individual’s primary symptom has been conjunctivitis and is being treated with an antiviral. The individual was told to isolate while in recovery.

DSHS issued this health alert to provide awareness to health care providers and ask them to be vigilant for people with signs and symptoms of avian influenza A(H5N1).

Humans exposed to birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza should be monitored for any signs and symptoms of illness for 10 days after the last known exposure, including people wearing recommended personal protective equipment.

Prior to this case, the CDC and other federal regulatory bodies and state health departments have been monitoring 

. CDC also reports it is continuing to work with state health departments to continue to monitor workers who may have been in contact with infected or potentially infected animals and test those people who develop symptoms.

 of this avian influenza strain identified in a person in the United States. That other person contracted this form of the flu in 2022 in Colorado. That person reportedly had direct exposure to poultry and was involved in the depopulating of poultry with suspected H5N1 bird flu.

Health Alert: First Case of Novel Influenza A (H5N1) in Texas, March 2024. News release. Texas Department of State Health Services. April 1, 2024. Accessed April 2, 2024. 

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/health-alert-first-case-novel-influenza-h5n1-texas-march-2024

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus Infection Reported in a Person in the US. News release. CDC. April 1, 2024. Accessed April 2, 2024. 

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0401-avian-flu.html

Cosdon N. Case of Human Avian Influenza Reported in US. 

. April 29, 2022. Accessed April 2, 2024. 

https://www.contagionlive.com/view/case-of-human-avian-influenza-reported-in-us

The case was confirmed in Texas and the person was in contact with cows. CDC says the risk for infection remains low.

First human case of avian flu reported this year in the US

 of 2023 by the American Kennel Club. This is the breed's second year in a row at the top spot and their popularity is only growing. In honor of their popularity, we have put together 3 pieces of content related to French bulldogs including how spinal disease is different in this breed and aerodigestive disorders.

During a session at the 2024 Veterinary Meeting and Expo in Orlando, Florida, Aida I. Vientós-Plotts, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), of the University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbia 

discussed respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases

 in French bulldogs and what general practitioners need to know about their diagnosis and management.

While at the Fetch conference in Long Beach, California, Fred Wininger, VMD, MS, DACVIM (Neurology), sat down with 

how spinal disease can be a bit different

 after much of his lower left mandible was removed because of a tumor. This phenomenon is the first reported case of its kind for dogs of any age or breed.