The TMJR prothesis by the veterinary team at UC Davis. (Image courtesy of UC Davis)

Veterinarians from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine have achieved patent pending status for an implant designed to replace the jaw joint in cats and dogs suffering from end-stage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

 The initial research on the TMJ replacement (TMJR) prosthesis have been published in the 

 and results found that the prothesis allows for normal jaw motion and joint stability. This has the potential to transform the treatment of pets with dysfunctional TMJs, caused by either injury or illness.

“About 5 years ago, I suggested the need for a TMJ replacement because we were seeing increased number of cats and dogs with fused jaws,” said Boaz Arzi, DVM, DAVDC, DEVDC, FF-AVDC-OMFS, chief of the Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service (DOSS) at the UC Davis veterinary hospital, in a news release.

 “The only recourse we have for these animals is to remove all the affected structures in the jaws to enable opening the mouth. While this allows the patient to eat and drink, there is no longer functionality to the joint, and their mouth can never close properly again.”

Arzi worked on this project with Denis Marcelin-Little, DEDV, DACVS, DECVS, DACVSMR, a UC Davis veterinary orthopedic surgeon well versed in hip replacement and implant design and production, and Tanya Garcia, BS, MS, a biomedical engineer in the school’s J. D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory. The 3 of them used the FDA approved TMJ prothesis for humans as a guideline, however Arzi stated that the one they were creating for pets only needed to move up and down and did not need to move side to side or back and forth like it does in humans.

Once the team had a TMJR prothesis, the invention was tested on 16 total cadaver skulls consisting of 8 domestic cats and 8 medium- to large-breed dogs.

 The implant was tested with different bite forces and other functions to assess its performance and capabilities. The testing concluded that the UC Davis team’s TMJR was similar to the native TMJ in motion and function and therefore could be a viable replacement for patients.

The team is also currently testing the prothesis further with “load to failure” and “fatigue testing” to determine the maximum force that the joint can withstand and its longevity, respectively. “It was a good test of the implant’s feasibility. Putting our work in front of the world’s best experts in this field, and getting good feedback, was very encouraging for the future viability of this product,” Arzi stated.

According to the UC Davis release, the TMJR implant is made up of a milled plate attached to the jawbone, with a neck and head that fit into a socket fixed to the skull. In beginning stages, it will come in 3 sizes (small, medium, large) to fit most dog and cat breeds, but custom-made implants might be an option later for pets with unique needs.

DOSS will soon start selecting patients for the first trial of the TMJR implant, treating them on compassionate grounds before full clinical trials begin.

Warren R. Patent pending on UC Davis-designed temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prosthesis for cats and dogs. News release. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. April 19, 2024. Accessed May 9, 2024. https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/patent-pending-uc-davis-designed-temporomandibular-joint-tmj-prosthesis-cats-and-dogs

Arzi B, Weed M, Garcia TC, Goldschmidt SL, Marcellin-Little DJ. Kinematic performance of a novel temporomandibular joint replacement prosthesis under bite-force conditions in dogs and cats. 

. Published online April 22, 2024. doi:10.2460/ajvr.24.01.0009

Articles

UC Davis has patent pending status for its TMJ prothesis

Temporomandibular joint prosthesis for cats and dogs

Now that veterinary students all over the country are graduating within the next 2 months, it is an exciting time for the world of veterinary education. As the next generation of veterinarians prepare to tackle the industry, Rowan University is moving closer and closer to opening the first veterinary school in New Jersey. This initiative will help bring some of those aspiring veterinarian to the state, or keep residents pursing this career within it. 

On this weeks episode, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, is joined by Matthew Edson

 DVM, CVPM, MRCVS, discuss the future of veterinary education now that New Jersey is preparing to open its first veterinary school. He explains what this means for the community in addition to why organized medicine matters to younger generations of veterinary professionals. 

Finally listeners, if I could shout it from the rooftops, I'm screaming with joy, that New Jersey is getting a veterinary school! So tell the listeners about it.

Well, I think you know, the importance of this as another Jersey guy, Rutgers grad, we both had to apply out of state and pay out of state tuition to go to vet school and that's not an easy thing to overcome. There's a lot of uprooting yourself. There's a lot of cost involved in that. So this is something we've really wanted to fix for New Jersey residents for a very long time. And with a national shortage of veterinarians—certainly New Jersey is no exception to that r. Bringing this to fruition has been a absolutely wonderfully rewarding process. 

We've been doing this now since 2018 or 2019. Now we're into 2024. So it's a very long project. But we are just in the final stages here of our next accreditation visit, that will allow us to get approval from our creditors to go and look for applicants for this program. And as part of that, we're building our brand new complex here at Rowan University, a state public institution down in South Jersey in the beautiful town of Glassboro. So it's a very exciting project for us.

Drs Adam Christman and Matthew Edson discuss what Rowan University's Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine opening will mean for the industry 

The future of veterinary education

Attendees at the 2023 Fetch dvm360 Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, enter Lunch & Learn sessions. 

In the bustling landscape of veterinary medicine, staying up to date on the latest advances in the field and sharpening your skills are crucial to progression in the profession. Amid the myriad events, our Fetch dvm360 conferences emerge as a beacon of excellence, drawing veterinary professionals from far and wide. Year after year, our 

, Missouri, delivers a comprehensive platform for continuing education (CE), offering a plethora of opportunities for growth, particularly in large animal medicine and hospital design.

The conference—to be held August 23 to 25, 2024—will feature 3 keynote presentations. Speakers Michael Bailey, DVM, DACVR, AAAS; Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB; and Monica Dixon Perry, CVPM, will each deliver a morning keynote during the 3-day conference.

Fetch Kansas City stands out for its commitment to delivering top-tier CE content. With a carefully curated selection of lectures, lunch-and-learns, and keynote presentations, attendees are immersed in a wealth of knowledge spanning various facets of veterinary medicine. What sets Fetch Kansas City apart is its dedication to providing specialized tracks from small animal medicine to exotic species, catering to the diverse interests and needs of attendees.

Fetch Kansas City offers more updates in large animal medicine, particularly in the realms of bovine and equine care, than the other regional 

 events. Other offerings include the hospital design track. Recognizing the pivotal role of infrastructure in delivering quality veterinary care, the conference features an extensive array of courses focusing on building, aesthetics, and management for new and renovated facilities.

 awards ceremony will be held onsite during the conference to honor the winning veterinary clinics and present staff with their plaques. This annual contest celebrates the most visually appealing, practical, and effective animal health care facilities across the United States, with a focus on creating environments that prioritize the safety and well-being of patients, clients, and staff.

Entries in the competition are judged based on their adherence to best practices in veterinary medicine, efficient use of space while ensuring the comfort and safety of both humans and animals, and innovative design elements. A panel of experts evaluates each submission and assess the hospitals’ strengths and unique features to determine the winners.

In addition to educational offerings, Fetch Kansas City fosters a vibrant atmosphere of networking and collaboration. Within the bustling exhibition halls and at social reception events, attendees can forge meaningful connections with peers, experts, and industry leaders.

Explore all that our dvm360 conferences have to offer with our summer event in Missouri

Veterinary learning meets discovery at Fetch Kansas City

In a world of uncertainty, one thing we can be sure of is that veterinary medicine has inherent stressors. These include long hours, a deep sense of responsibility to patients, rising demands for services, a shortage of veterinarians, difficult conversations with clients about costs and billing, intensive procedures, life-and-death decisions, and humane euthanasia.

However, it is not as though this stress magically abates when you leave your practice at the end of your shift. Working in a profession that demands absolute excellence day after day often leaves little time and energy to be present when you finally get home. Engagement with partners, children, companion animals, and personal responsibilities such as medical appointments or grocery shopping unintentionally get pushed to the back burner.

I have been a clinical psychologist and facilitator with Not One More Vet’s (NOMV) Veterinary Mental Health Support for 4 years, and the professionals I counsel and work with share their worries with me.

A severe mental and emotional toll can occur when you are doing your best to continuously manage all of these stressors. Many individuals turn to substances to help them cope, and there is a strong link between high-stress jobs and substance use. Furthermore, chronic stress can lead to increased motivation for using addictive substances.

 Please know that when I use the term substance use in this article, it encompasses alcohol, cannabis, illicit drugs, and the overuse/misuse of over-the-counter and prescription medicines.

It’s understandable why we may attempt to ameliorate our stress with substances. First, they are convenient and often socially acceptable ways to substantially alter a mental state, and they work almost instantaneously. They provide a rush of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and satisfaction, which can produce a sense of euphoria while simultaneously delivering a numbing effect. Substances can help silence the incessant and ruminative thoughts or placate emotional and physical pain.

Coping with stress through substance use can rapidly turn problematic, however. This discussion becomes even more complex when considering the causes, processes, and variables of addiction, and determining what usage is ultimately harmful to the user.

There is significant research linking various genes to a predisposition to substance addiction.

 Relatedly, we know that having family members who with an addiction is a risk factor cross-generationally, meaning if we have related loved ones who have had problems with substances, we may have a susceptibility we need to be aware of. Furthermore, there is a documented comorbidity between a substance use disorder and other mental health diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

There are distinct theories on the development of a substance use disorder, including Anna Lembke, MD, and her dopamine theory,

 Lembke suggests that addiction, including substances and behaviors (such as technology use), is regulated by the brain’s dopamine system. Dopamine can be excessively stimulated by alcohol and drug use, leading the user to crave these feelings.

 As a result, they will seek out the means to reproduce them quickly and effectively. Lembke’s perspective also emphasizes the role of being in a stressful environment, such as the constant stimulation and urgency of a veterinary hospital or practice, and the urge to immediately soothe.

 This requires a dependence on outside sources to maintain dopamine levels because the brain eventually loses the capacity to produce an effective amount on its own.

The self-medication theory posits that individuals turn to addictive substances and/or behaviors to cope with underlying psychological concerns and mental health disorders.

 According to this theory, substances are used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma (diagnosed or not). The more an individual relies on substances to deal with their pain, the more anesthetic one needs over time. The individual’s tolerance increases, potentially leading to dependency on those substances for relief.

The contrast between these theories revolves around determining the primary mechanisms that drive addiction: Is it the result of overstimulation of the brain’s reward system by outside influences and a desire to achieve and maintain this state? Or is it a physiological process where individuals who use substances to treat their ailments may ultimately become dependent on them?

Examining substance use from a behavioral perspective

When I first meet an individual seeking treatment for substance use, I begin by evaluating its impact on their daily life. My hope is to create a safe space to have an honest assessment while hearing your thoughts and feelings about your related behaviors. Although a thorough clinical intervention would also examine the frequency of use in the context of the 

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

 (Fifth Edition) criteria, the reason for asking these questions should never be to shame the patient; rather, and most importantly, it’s to communicate that there is effective help—and hope.

There are a variety of professional treatment options available, depending on the acuity of the need and want to change behaviors. These range from enrolling in peer support programs such as those offered by NOMV, attending anonymous support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, working with licensed clinicians in an outpatient therapy setting, participating in partial hospitalization day programs, or committing to a full-time residential program. Once you are in treatment, together you and your team can decide on the appropriate medications and strategies.

In conclusion, substance use should be evaluated on an individual case basis, especially for veterinary medicine professionals. Finding the correct balance for you should feel authentic to the life you want to lead, both personally and professionally.

 is a licensed clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor at the University of California, San Francisco. Kieschnick specializes in trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, workplace stress management, couples and family therapy, and the development of effective digital mental health platforms. He also supports Not One More Vet as a contracted team member of the Veterinary Mental Health Support program.

Heshmat S. Stress and addiction. Psychology Today. May 10, 2017. Accessed March 12, 2024. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-choice/201705/stress-and-addiction 

Sinha R, Jastreboff AM. Stress as a common risk factor for obesity and addiction. 

. 2013;73(9):827-835. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.01.032

Johari FS. Work-related stress and coping strategies: a systematic literature review. 

 2020;10(6):1016-1032. doi:10.6007/IJARBSS/v10-i6/7469

Agrawal A, Verweij KJH, Gillespie NA, et al. The genetics of addiction-a translational perspective. 

Jané-Llopis E, Matytsina I. Mental health and alcohol, drugs and tobacco: a review of the comorbidity between mental disorders and the use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs. 

 2006;25(6):515-536. doi:10.1080/09595230600944461

Lembke A. Time to abandon the self-medication hypothesis in patients with psychiatric disorders. 

. 2012;38(6):524-529.
doi:10.3109/00952990.2012.694532

Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence.

Suh JJ, Ruffins S, Robins CE, Albanese MJ, Khantzian EJ. Self-medication hypothesis: connecting affective experience and drug choice. 

. 2008;25(3):518-532.
doi:10.1037/0736-9735.25.3.518

Veterinary medicine and substance use

Cooper, a wire fox terrier, was rushed to the emergency room after ingesting some his owners caffeine pill (Image courtesy of Pet Poison Helpline)

Whether it's a student studying for finals or even just a veterinary professional who needs a steady supply of caffeine, there will most likely be an increased supply of caffeine nearby. However, in its latest installment of Pet Poison Helpline's "Toxin Tails," the team is warning caffeine consumers that the energy boost it gives humans is not the same for cats and dogs, as they are more sensitive to the effects of the stimulant.

“So many products contain caffeine at various strengths, that it’s difficult to know when something is dangerous,” said Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, a senior veterinary toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline, in an organizational release.

 “The reactions that humans feel from consuming caffeine, such as an increased heart rate, are intensified in pets. In addition to an increased heart rate, if the dose is too high, caffeine can lead to an elevated blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and in extreme cases, death.”

According to dog owner, Becky Maxwell from the Atlanta area, her husband Keith is the last person on the planet that still takes caffeine pills every morning. She shared that Keith had recently purchased a new package his caffeine pills and left them in the box, within a plastic bag, and on top of their kitchen counter. Despite being what they thought was out of reach for Cooper, the couple’s wire fox terrier, he managed to get the box out of the bag, tear it open, and chew the pill pack open. The couple found the ripped packaging as well as several pieces of pills, but they were unclear how much Cooper had ingested.

Worried, Becky and Keith rushed Cooper to Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Alpharetta, Georgia and its emergency medical team called Pet Poison Helpline.

“We are quite often the next call the veterinarian asks the pet owner to make after a pet eats something potentially toxic,” explained Schmid. “Most veterinary hospitals in the US don’t have toxicologists on staff to treat patients, so many rely on our expertise to help them diagnose and treat poisoning cases.”

The amount of caffeine that is in less than one of those tablets was enough to cause a poisoning concern for Cooper, especially the fact he likely ingested multiple pills, and made him at high risk to develop severe signs. By the time Becky and Keith got him to VEG, he had an elevated heart rate and was hyperactive. According to the release,

 the emergency team gave him a sedative to calm him down as well as an anti-emetic to help avoid any vomiting with aspiration because of his neurologic status.

Cooper was placed on IV fluids and was given diligent nursing care, plus his treating veterinarian advised to give anticonvulsants if seizures developed and methocarbamol for tremors. He was able to return home the following day after spending a night being monitored and cared for by the team at VEG.

“The folks at VEG were very compassionate, and allowed us in the treatment area rather than making us wait in the lobby. It really helped calm us down,” Becky added.

 “We also really appreciate how quickly Pet Poison Helpline communicated with the hospital. It allowed them to work on Cooper almost immediately.”

Cooper was successfully treated for what he ingested and his owners know have a better understanding of the dangers of caffeine ingestion for pets, and that some breeds are more likely to get into trouble than others.

“We’ve had dogs our entire adult lives, but never a terrier,” Becky concluded. “They get into everything. It’s like having a toddler.”

Caffeine can be poisonous to pets. News release. Pet Poison Helpline. May 8, 2024. Accessed May 8, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/caffeine-can-be-poisonous-to-pets-302138954.html

As we enter finals season, caffeine may be a necessity for students but a danger to pets 

Canine munches down caffeine pills

New veterinary clinics expanding nationwide allows for a significant boost in pet care and service accessibility. Similar to clinics, veterinary laboratories play a crucial role in safeguarding animal health and evolving research and development. Distribution centers are also vital in maintaining efficient movement of veterinary products to ensure they reach veterinary professionals.

Here are 3 recent clinic, laboratories, and distribution centers openings across the United States:

The Vets in Fort Worth and San Antonio, Texas

The Vets is a mobile veterinary service that takes its veterinary care directly to the patient. The company has expanded its reach to the Fort Worth and San Antonio metro areas of Texas.

 The Vets is also currently offering services in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.

"We are thrilled to bring our in-home pet care services to Fort Worth and San Antonio," Esben Mou, chief operating officer of The Vets, said in a news release.

"Our mission is to provide care that is as accessible as it is convenient and compassionate. This expansion allows us to touch the lives of even more families, offering them the convenience and peace of mind that they and their beloved pets deserve.”

The Vets provides services such as wellness check-ups, vaccinations, consultations for sick pets, and more. With the expansion into Fort Worth and San Antonio, The Vets now offers its services to 20 markets across the country.

Boehringer Ingelheim R&D Laboratory in St. Joseph, Missouri

A look at Boehringer Ingelheim's new R&D Laboratory. (Photo courtesy of Boehringer Ingelheim)

Boehringer Ingelheim has opened a new research and development (R&D) laboratory in St. Joseph, Missouri. The animal health company aims to transform the development of future products, particularly biotherapeutics, with this new facility.

"As we venture into exciting new areas of innovation, this facility will play a pivotal role and will be instrumental in driving R&D for future products," Caroline Belmont, vice president of US Global Innovation, Boehringer Ingelheim, said in a company release.

The R&D laboratory features a flexible layout and proprietary equipment enabling scientists to replicate operations, overcome transfer obstacles and optimize operational efficiency. The space is open, allowing for easy movement and less overcrowding.

"Boehringer has a strong presence in the Midwest, with key facilities and operations contributing significantly to its global operations. This region is a crucial hub for the global animal health industry due to its rich agricultural heritage and extensive livestock farming,” Belmont added.

Covetrus distribution center in Grimes, Iowa

The outside of the new Covetrus distribution center. (Photo courtesy of Covetrus)

Covetrus has opened a new state-of-the-art distribution center in Grimes, Iowa, that will provide veterinarians with access to more than 5000 product offerings used to manage practices and treat large and small animals. The distribution center will serve the greater Midwest region through veterinary practices in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, North Dakota, Texas, Wyoming and Wisconsin.

Todd Worthington, senior director of operations and logistics at Covetrus noted that the the new distribution center is one of the company's 13 facilities, serving practices across the US. "Whether the veterinarian is treating large animals, such as horses, or small ones like dogs and cats, the products they need can be found at Covetrus. Located in central Iowa, the new distribution center is able to fulfil customer orders quickly and efficiently so they can treat the animals in their care," Worthington said in a news release.

The facility is more than 80,000 square feet and offers walk in support for veterinarians to visit in person to pick up products or get any other assistance they may need.

The Vets expands: Bringing in-home pet care to Fort Worth and San Antonio. News release. The Vets. May 6, 2024. Accessed May 8, 2024.

Boehringer Ingelheim unveils new R&D Laboratory in St. Joseph, Mo. News release. Boehringer Ingelheim. May 6, 2024. Accessed May 8, 2024. 

https://www.bovinevetonline.com/news/industry/boehringer-ingelheim-unveils-new-rd-laboratory-st-joseph-mo

Covetrus opens new state-of-the-art distribution center to meet growing demand for products and services. News release. Covetrus. May 2, 2024. Accessed May 8, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/covetrus-opens-new-state-of-the-art-distribution-center-to-meet-growing-demand-for-products-and-services-302134424.html

Take a look at these 3 veterinary centers newly opened