The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) announced registration for its 15th annual National Service Animal Eye Exam Event, sponsored by Epicur Pharma. The event provides screening-free eye exams to service and working animals.

"The ACVO/Epicur National Service Animal Eye Event is one that my colleagues and I look forward to all year. It not only gives us a chance to give back to some of the most deserving members of our human and animal community, but it also allows us a critical opportunity to protect the physical well-being and livelihood of the animals who are working to care for their humans. This event allows us to engage with a subset of the population that we might otherwise minimally have the opportunity to interact with, to offer thanks for their service, and to offer proactive care," said Elizabeth Lutz, DVM, DACVO, ACVO membership, promotion, & outreach committee chairperson, in an organizational release.

According to the release, the event will bring together over 250 board-certified ACVO Diplomats from 170 cities located in Canada, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

 The availability for theses appointments is limited and any interested handlers can register for the event for April and will receive an appointment sometime in May. AVCO also wants handlers to know that appointments will not be confirmed unless the handler/owner contacts the clinic directly.

To qualify for the exam, the dog must be active and currently working, formally trained in service and working abilities, or formally trained as a therapy animal. Therapy animals must be able to provide written proof of their registration and training. The paperwork qualifying the animal for the training and current working status of the service or therapy animal must also be provided to the clinic when they arrive for the exam as well as the registration number.

“Although most of the working animals that we screen have normal, healthy eye exams, we can identify and resolve minor issues quickly, and on rare occasions, identify and treat issues that could result in blindness and pain. These screenings offer a different and more specialized level of eye examination than is possible during a primary care or wellness exam, and we hope that every working animal will take advantage of this opportunity with a board-certified ophthalmologist each year," Lutz continued.

Participating cities change every year so anyone interested in receiving this care should check out the ACVO website to confirm the cities they wish to receive the care in are still on the list. According to the release, the owner/handler will receive a link to participating clinics once they register to schedule the appointment.

 They then must provide the registration number to the clinic when they make the appointment for their pet.

Along with these canines, the program will also take puppies of at least 3 months at the time of the exam, but they must already be a part of a recognized, national, or regional non-profit Service Training. If a handler/owner has a formally trained assistance animal that is not a canine, they may also register but must confirm the local ophthalmologist can treat the species.

Interested parties can learn more on the National Service Animal Eye Exam Event website. 

Service and working animals receive free eye exams across the US. News release. American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. April 2, 2024. Accessed April 2, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/service-and-working-animals-receive-free-eye-exams-across-the-us-302106072.html

Qualifications & Expectations. Service Animal Eye Exam. Accessed April 2, 2024. https://www.acvoeyeexam.org/qualifications-expectations

Articles

The 15th annual event provides free eye exams to service and working dogs in the United States 

National Service Animal Eye Exam Event registration is now open  

Joshua Broadwater, DVM, DACVO, veterinary ophthalmologist at the Charlotte Animal Referral & Emergency in North Carolina, recognized that ophthalmology cases can be difficult, however corneal ulcers are quite common in veterinary medicine, and therefore, important for veterinary professionals to brush up on their knowledge of the disease. He also explained how to tell the difference when infected corneal ulcers can be medically managed by a general practitioner or when a case is more severe and needs to be sent to an ophthalmologist for surgery, which will be discussed 

 Broadwater said to attendees, “I like to go into what's normal before we jump into what's abnormal.” So, what would look normal? First, the tear film of the eye has an oily layer which is the meibomian glands of the eyelids. Then, there is an aqueous layer, which is the third eyelid gland and lacrimal gland. And finally, there is the mucus or glycoprotein layer, which comprises of the goblet cells of the cornea and conjunctiva. “We've learned to understand the importance of the tear film is super for these [patients], because dry eye is probably the most common underlying condition that I see that leads to a lot of ulcers in a lot of dogs. So, understanding that we need to have all these layers intact is super important,” Broadwater continued.

Along with the tear film layers, there are also the corneal layers which includes the epithelial layer, basement membrane, stromal layer, Descemet’s membrane, and the endothelial cells. “The bulk of the cornea is going to be the stroma that makes up 95% of the corneal thickness,” Broadwater said.

A normal corneal anatomy consists of a 0.5-0.6 mm thickness and no blood vessels. Broadwater stated, “So you can imagine we don't have a large margin of error when we get an ulcer, and it starts to get deep into the cornea, it starts to be a little scary that the cornea is going to get thinner and thinner. We have no blood vessels. It’s one of the only things in our body that doesn't have blood vessels in it. Which is great because we have to be able to see out really well, but it's not so good when we get an infection because we want those blood vessels there to get white blood cells to the site to fight the infection…and they take a long time to get there.”

Normally functioning corneas should also have the ophthalmic branch of trigeminal nerve (CN V1), and this helps with sensory innervation and signals the brain for discomfort if something is bothering the eye.

 “It's also the most painful so when you get an ulcer, especially even a superficial ulcer, they're really sensitive,” Broadwater said.

The final thing that should be present in a normal cornea is a type of defense system. An intact epithelium can act as a barrier against bacteria, eyelashes help catch debris before they enter the eye, and the tear film coupled with functioning blinking can help wash away any debris.

Corneal ulcers may arise due to insufficient eye lubrication (inadequate tear production) or because of trauma, such as scratches or other injuries.

 Corneal injuries can also occur from a foreign object getting caught in the eye like dirt, sand, an eyelash, wood shavings, etc. The ulcers can escalate in severity if infections take hold. A superficial corneal ulcer would affect the top layer (epithelium) and a stromal ulcer goes below the epithelial layers. A majority of infected corneal ulcers are deeper, stromal ulcers and these cases need a more aggressive, immediate treatment.

To diagnosis, Broadwater recommended examining the patient for any underlying pathology that may have caused the ulcers such as dry eye, entropion, foreign body, distichia, allergies, or trauma (scratch). However, take everything into consideration. For example, Broadwater reminded attendees, “It's tough to diagnose in these cases right away. Why would dry eye be tough to diagnose? It hurts, right? So you're tearing a lot more…you can still do your tear test, as long as this thing is not too deep. Because that might not be a true indication of tear production, that might be a reflex tearing.” In general, Broadwater recommended being extra cautious with all diagnostics when an ulcer looks very deep. Instead, cytology and a bacterial culture can be a good option in these cases.

Most infected ulcers are going to be bacterial, however a small amount could be fungal. The most common bacteria will be 

Brachycephalic breeds and other dogs with larger exposed eye sockets are more susceptible to corneal ulcerative disease.

 Broadwater also stated that patients with underlying metabolic diseases such as diabetes and Cushing’s disease, can be predisposed to getting an infected ulcer because the body cannot fight off the infection as easily as those without these conditions.

 to learn more about when to use medical management for these cases and when surgery is necessary.

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

Broadwater J. Infected corneal ulcers: Medical and surgical management. Presented at: Fetch dvm360 conference; Charlotte, North Carolina; March 15-17, 2024.

Huff T, Weisbrod LJ, Daly DT. Neuroanatomy, Cranial Nerve 5 (Trigeminal). In: 

 Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; November 9, 2022.

Gelatt K. Eye emergencies. Merck Veterinary Manual. November 2022. Accessed February 27, 2024. 

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics/emergencies/eye-emergencies

Stromal corneal ulcer FAQs. University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Published December 6, 2021. Accessed April 2, 2024. 

https://vetmed.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/UTCVM_Ophthalmology-StromalCornealUlcer_FAQs.pdf

Verdenius CY, Broens EM, Slenter IJM, Djajadiningrat-Laanen SC. Corneal stromal ulcerations in a referral population of dogs and cats in the Netherlands (2012-2019): Bacterial isolates and antibiotic resistance. 

O’Neill DG, Lee MM, Brodbelt DC, Church DB, Sanchez RF. Corneal ulcerative disease in dogs under primary veterinary care in England: epidemiology and clinical management. 

. 2017;4(5). doi: 10.1186/s40575-017-0045-5

Identify and distinguish between normal corneal conditions and infected ulcers cases

Mastering corneal ulcers (part 1)

The 12th Annual Fit Pets for Rescues (FPR) Ideal Weight Contest is being held virtually through the Healthy Pet Connect (HPC) telemonitoring platform. The 7-week fundraiser kicked off on March 30th, 2024, with 7 contest divisions, prizes, and donations to animal rescue organizations.

Healthy Pet Connect is a pet care platform that allows chronic care of cats and dogs, including obesity, remotely. It is a subscription-based telemonitoring platform that uses a pet owner app to transmit pet health data—weights, amounts fed, medications, pictures, and observations—to a veterinary dashboard, allowing a veterinary team to view it.

The FPR contest has raised more than $25,000 for rescue organizations over the past 11 years in Madison, Wisconsin. Using HPC and myBalto, which is handling donations, any pet, clinic and rescue can now participate.

 and spots are still available for potential participants. The deadline to register is extended to April 15, according to an organizational email.

“After 11 years of holding our fundraiser in Madison and a 4-year break due to COVID, we are super excited to take our fundraiser nationwide partnering with HPC and myBalto,” said Ken Lambrecht, medical director of FPR, said in a news release.

 “Pets lost 4 times faster in our study3 and led directly to the creation of HPC.The treatment and prevention of overweight pets is vital to allow them to live longer and healthier lives. Our contest/fundraiser has a strong track record getting 100’s of pets fitter safely following established guidelines and raising much needed funds for rescues.”

The goal of the contest is to ‘move the needle’ on the pet obesity epidemic. It is a proven concept, based on peer reviewed studies, according to HPC. The contest divisions are as follows

Biggest 4-Pawed Losers (pets 20% over ideal weight)

Spudgie’s Big Cat Club (2 cats over 40 lbs and Harley, a 28 lb cat) “coached” by Spudgie who went from 37 lbs to 12 lbs in Bug’s Cat Gym using the HPC system.

This fundraiser is not only for overweight pets. It is for any pet owner who believes in fit pets and wants to help rescues, according to HPC.

 “The first 50 pet parents signups are free so there are no costs to clinic or pet parent,” Lambrecht added, in the email.

Participants receive a discounted HPC subscription ($14.95), which is required to safe monitoring and for FPR prize point eligibility to win $5000 in prizes. Points are accumulated for donations, recruitment, HPC online marketplace purchases, and placement in the contest.

Vet clinics first assess pets to determine an ideal weight. Official starting weights are logged on the HPC app by pet owners, and clinics monitor these pets remotely using their free HPC dashboard. Clinics are encouraged to do their own weigh-in events, donation matches, etc. The contest is free for clinics, but participation is limited to the first 10 that have 3 HPC subscribers. Prizes are awarded to clinics for the most participants, rescue donations, etc.

Clinics are encouraged to do their own weigh-in events, donation matches, etc. All is free for clinics, but contest is limited to the first 10 that have 3 HPC subscribers. Prizes awarded to clinics for most participants, rescue donations, etc.

Contest sponsors include Purina, myBalto, Basepaws, EpiPaws, Waldo, Sylvester.ai, and DeziRoo.

12th Annual "Fit Pets for Rescues" Fundraiser/Contest: now powered by Healthy Pet Connect and myBalto. News release. Healthy Pet Connect.

Fit Pets for Rescue. Healthy Pet Connect. Accessed April 2, 2024. 

https://www.healthypetconnect.com/fit-pets-for-rescues.html

Hadar BN, Lambrecht KJ, Poljak Z, et al. Technology-enhanced weight-loss program in multiple-cat households: a randomized controlled study. 

. 2022;24(8):726-738. doi:10.1177/1098612X211044412

The 12th annual Fit Pets for Rescue Ideal Weight Contest and fundraiser aims to curb animal obesity and provide monetary support to rescue organizations

Weight management event is now available nationwide

French bulldog, the top dog breed of 2023. (Photocourtesy of AKC)

Last year, the French bulldog was named the most popular dog breed in the United States 

 dethroning the Labrador retriever after spending the last 31 years as the top dog breed. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has announced that French bulldogs are the top breed for the second year in a row. Since receiving the top spot in 2022, the French bulldog popularity has only grown this past year. According to the AKC news release,

 Frenchies are known for being playful with a steady temperament and their small size makes them easily portable, contributing to their overwhelming popularity in major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. They are also evaluated high on affection and friendliness to family and strangers, according to the AKC.

"The French Bulldog's surge in popularity shows no signs of slowing down," said AKC executive secretary Gina DiNardo in the release.

 "Their long list of fabulous traits makes them wonderful companions for a variety of people, but that doesn't mean they're for everyone. It's extremely important to do your research to not only find the right breed for your lifestyle, but to ensure that you're getting a well-bred dog from a responsible breeder."

French bulldogs are typically under 30 pounds and have short legs, causing the breed to only make it to a total height of 11-13 inches. Frenchies usually live 10-12 years and can have a variety of fur color.

 French bulldogs also have a short, flat nose making them susceptible to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome which can cause moderate to severe breathing issues for the animal. Boaz Man, DVM, recommends veterinary professionals to have early conversations with clients who own French bulldogs (or other brachycephalic breeds).

Vive La Frenchie! French bulldog is America’s most popular pup for the second year in a row. News release. American Kennel Club. March 20, 2024. Accessed April 1, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vive-la-frenchie-french-bulldog-is-americas-most-popular-pup-for-the-second-year-in-a-row-302092740.html

French bulldog. American Kennel Club. Accessed April 1, 2024. 

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/french-bulldog/

The American Kennel Club shared the top dog breeds of 2023

French bulldogs, most popular dog breed for the second year in a row

Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ (VMBS) Veterinary Emergency Team (VET), the nation's largest emergency response team to specialize in veterinary care, announced the development of new decontaminating (decon) dog protocols after disaster events. For those treating pets in disasters, the key to avoiding lasting repercussions from chemical hazards is decontamination.

“Every kind of disaster, whether it’s a tornado or an explosion at an industrial facility, has its challenges,” said Debra Zoran, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, a professor in VMBS’ Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and the VET’s interim director, in an organizational release.

 “But one thing that most have in common is exposing people and animals to harmful substances that can cause health problems.

“They might just be skin irritants, or they could end up being cancer-causing agents. Even a natural disaster like a flood can end up spreading sewage water and all of the toxic things it contains throughout the environment for people and animals to encounter,” she continued.

VET is currently the only state-level veterinary medical care provider in the State of Texas Emergency Response Plan and they help pets all over the country. The team consists of faculty and staff at VMBA with a range of specialties and utilizes tents and trailer-based medical platforms when deployed.

According to the organizational release, the guidelines will help disaster management teams in the United States better understand the kinds and qualities of resources needed to clean external contaminants off companion animals. Zoran and the VET team's new guidelines take an average of 10 to 15 minutes to decontaminate dogs through a streamlined system. They also created a washing station by using large plastic tubs and then drilling holes in the bottom of them. This allows the pets to be washed and the water to be drained out of the tub and into a larger

Example of a decontamination bathing tub (Image courtesy of The Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Veterinary Emergency Team)

“We tested our system on medium-size dogs with medium-length coats and found that a line of volunteers can decon about 4 or 5 dogs an hour,” explained Zoran.

 “You’ll need about 12 to 15 gallons of water per dog and other equipment, like towels, hoses, and protective gear for the volunteers.”

Researchers also compared liquid dish soap that has oil-removing properties with antibacterial soap to see which lathers better. The results showed that while there are scenarios in which antibacterial soap is important, it doesn’t lather as well as the one with oil-based properties.

 To perform this comparison, the team applied Glo-Germ to the dog’s coat before bathing to simulate oil-based contaminates.

While the guidelines are based on data from well-behaved dogs that were used to bathing, the real-time decon time can vary in a real emergency. Zoran and the team hope that they can get more information about decon for a greater variety of dogs and potentially other pets such as cats.

“The more information that people have, the better prepared they can be in case of a disaster,” Zoran concluded.

 “You don’t want to wait until one happens to figure out what to do.”

The guidelines will soon be available in the journal 

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness

Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team develops new decontamination guidelines for dogs. News release. The Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’.February 26, 2024. Accessed April 1, 2024. 

https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/press-releases/decontamination-guidelines-for-dogs/

Response. Veterinary Emergency Team (VET). Accessed April 1, 2024. https://vetmed.tamu.edu/vet/response/

Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency developed the new protocols to help decontaminate dogs after disasters

Emergency teams creates new canine decontamination guidelines 

 readers! We hope that you all had a fantastic weekend and are ready and prepared to tackle another week. Now that we have said goodbye to March, we are a little over a month from our next Fetch Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. This is the first time Fetch is heading to the Volunteer State, so this is not a conference you want to miss. Learn more and secure your spot 

Here is what you can find on dvm360.com this week:

The Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Veterinary Emergency Team announced it developed a protocol to help emergency response team decontaminate dogs after disaster events that will be published in the 

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness 

The British Veterinary Association launched a ‘Return to work’ toolkit to help support its members as they return to the veterinary workplace as well as employers and managers who are welcoming returning professionals to their teams.

, Douglas Aspros, DVM, and host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, discuss how to bridge the gap in veterinary professional development, plus advice for aspiring veterinarians.

Joshua Broadwater, DVM, DACVO, explained during his lecture at the recent Fetch conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, how to tell when a patient is presenting with a infected corneal ulcer can be medically managed by a general practitioner or when it becomes a case for a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Digitail, an all-in-one-cloud-based operating system for veterinary hospitals, announced recently that it has partnered with Stripe, a payment processor, and the launched of Digitail Secure Payments.

Here is a sneak peek of this week’s headlines 