As we inch closer and closer to February, Super Bowl parties with family and friends and Valentine's, or Galentine's, Day dates and events are beginning to be planned. However, there are risks on these occasions to pets that clients might not even be aware of. From Xylitol to THC, how can veterinary teams keep pet parents informed and clients safe from the toxins lurking on coffee tables and in suitcases?

On this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, senior toxicologist for the Pet Poison Helpline, sat down with Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, host of The Vet Blast Podcast, to go over top toxins and how veterinary teams can educate their clients on keeping pets safe and healthy. 

Xylitol truly is everywhere. We say it's everywhere and it really kind of is. We think about it a lot with our sugar-free gums and candies and that's enough to bring a lot of light to it and make people kind of perk their ears and really look at the back of those ingredient labels to see if xylitol is there, but that's just really only one component, one piece of the puzzle with xylitol. There are a lot of products that don't state that they're sugar-free that still contain xylitol. There's products that contain sugar and xylitol in them as well. And so they can be really kind of sneaky as to where they get in there. 

It's a great product for weight loss and weight loss products because of its sweetness and it has a low glycemic index. So you might see it in protein bars, different granola bars, [and] different weight loss products. It has a humectant effect, which means it helps to retain moisture so you might see it in skin lotions and gels, and just kind of all over the place.  

Podcasts

Drs Renee Schmid and Adam Christman dive into the potential dangers that Super Bowl festivities and Valentine's Day celebrations may pose to your patients

Safeguarding pets through Super Bowl and Valentine's celebrations

Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, right, receives the 2023 Speaker of the Year Award for practice management from Gene O'Neill, CEO of the North American Veterinary Community, during the organization's 2024 Veterinary Meeting & Expo in Orlando, Florida.

The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) honored its' 2023 Speakers of the Year during the Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) in Orlando, Florida earlier this month. The winners of this award are chosen based on feedback from veterinary professionals around the world who attended VMX last year.

: Eric Klaphake, DVM, DACZM, DABVP (Avian)

: Monique Feyrecilde, LVT, VTS (Behavior)

“Being honored as 'VMX Speaker of the Year in Practice Management' is a profound recognition that transcends accolades—it's a testament to the power of words to inspire practice managers and veterinary professionals as well as ignite change. In every heartbeat of my speeches, I find the pulse of compassion, knowledge, and a shared journey towards a better world for patients,” said Christman, dvm360's chief veterinary officer, in an exclusive interview.

“This award is not just an acknowledgment of my voice; it's a celebration of the collective symphony of care and advocacy we as veterinary professionals share. As a veterinarian and speaker, this honor fuels my commitment to continue advancing veterinary medicine and practice management," he continued. 

 VMX has more 350 speakers who present over 1200 sessions during the conference. NAVC asks attendees to provide feedback on the speakers and sessions they've attended, helping the organization pick the 6 veterinary professionals to be the next Speakers of the Year. 

Congratulations to our VMX 2023 Speakers of the Year. North American Veterinary Community. Accessed January 24, 2024. 

https://navc.com/vmx/speakers/speakers-of-the-year/

Articles

Six veterinary professionals were selected after being voted for by their peers, including Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, dvm360's chief veterinary officer 

NAVC honors 2023 Speakers of the Year 

Heat stress poses an escalating threat to the well-being, health, and productivity of dairy cows, particularly those in pasture-based systems. To address this, an exploratory study published by 

investigated 4 commercial dairy farms in Switzerland, focusing on behavioral indicators linked to environmental heat load.

Global warming, leading to higher average temperatures and more frequent hot spells, exacerbates heat stress risks. In Switzerland, projected temperature increases up to 7.2℃ (up to 12°F) by the end of the century pose challenges for livestock production, affecting fodder availability, reproduction, growth, and animal health. Heat stress occurs when an animal's heat load exceeds its dissipation capacity, leading to physiological and behavioral adaptations. Dairy cows, with their high metabolic heat production, are particularly vulnerable to heat stress, with factors like increased milk production heightening their susceptibility.

Current knowledge about heat stress in dairy cows is limited, often relying on anecdotal reports or studies in different climatic zones. The study’s goal was to bridge the knowledge gaps and provide practical insights for dairy farmers.

Throughout this study, observations including standing/lying, feeding/ruminating, inter-individual distances, proximity to drinker, shade usage, and insect infestation were recorded over a 30-day period. The investigators performed a principal component analysis (PCA) for variable reduction, revealing 3 principal components (PCs): feeding and standing, proximity to drinker, and standing in close proximity while seeking shade. These components served as outcome variables in mixed effects models.

The daily patterns of these PCs differed based on the daily maximum temperature-humidity index (THI), a method to describe the relative air temperature in relation to the humidity in the given area. Ultimately, a maximum THI correlates to high temperature-high humidity, whereas a minimum THI is relative to low temperature-low humidity. On days with a high maximum THI, researchers observed cows close to the drinker in the morning, standing in the shade in the afternoon, with reduced lying and increased locomotor activity towards noon. Additionally, GPS data confirmed these findings, showing that on high maximum THI days, cows reduced inter-individual distances throughout the day, a trend not observed on lower maximum THI days. Furthermore, insect infestation increased with higher maximum THI.

The investigative data contributes to establishing a correlation between environmental conditions and observed behavior. The study concludes that distinct changes in daily behavioral patterns, such as reduced lying, increased activity, and decreased inter-individual distances, can serve as effective indicators to monitor heat stress in dairy cows on pasture. These findings are instrumental in developing practical strategies for on-farm management in the face of escalating environmental challenges.

Ava Landry is a PharmD candidate studying veterinary pharmacology at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy in Storrs.

Holinger M, Bühl V, Helbing M, et al. Behavioural changes to moderate heat load in grazing dairy cows under on-farm conditions. 

. 2024;279:105376. doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2023.105376

The results of a study in Switzerland will help farmers manage heat stress in animals

Adapting to change: discovering dairy cow behavior in a shifting climate

Petco's Vetco clinic. (Photo courtesy of Petco)

Nationwide Pet Insurance and Petco Health and Wellness Company Inc introduced a new partnership to offer customizable pet health insurance available only on petco.com. According to a company release,

 this new insurance offer combines Nationwide’s customizable pet health insurance product with Petco’s unique and fully integrated pet care ecosystem. Online at Petco.com will enable visitors to build a policy that fits the individual needs of their pet and budget.

Petco | Nationwide pet insurance provides coverage for unexpected veterinary expenses resulting from accidental injuries including broken bones, lacerations, poisoning, and other incidents. There is also an option to choose coverage for veterinary expenses related to diagnosis and treatment of illness or disease. Wellness coverage is optional to help pet owners manage costs of routine and preventive care such as checkups, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and other procedures.

“We’re thrilled to pair our most flexible pet protection solution with Petco’s veterinary services to offer convenient, unified care within Petco’s complete ecosystem,” said Mariel Devesa, head of growth, expansion & development for Nationwide pet insurance. “This latest expansion of our partnership with Petco delivers integrated and affordable pet health and protection that will enable more pet parents to ‘say yes to the vet.”

To meet their budget, pet parents may customize their policy through:

Reimbursement ranging from 50% to 90% of all eligible veterinary expenses

Flexible annual deduction options from $100 to $500

Plans are available for dogs, cats, and many avian and exotic animals, including popular pets such as reptiles and rodents. Accident plans in some areas start at $16/month for dogs and $9/month for cats.

Once enrolled, members will receive exclusive discounts and savings on veterinary services available through Petco’s network of Vetco Total Care hospitals and weekly mobile Vetco clinics across the United States. The partnership also offers Nationwide’s broader pet insurance network a first-of-its-kind discount of 10% when visiting a Vetco Total Care hospital or Vetco mobile clinic. The discount applies to all services rendered during the visit, even those that may not be eligible for reimbursement based on a member’s chosen coverage.

“Increasing access to high-quality, affordable, and seamless veterinary care is a key component of Petco’s mission to improve lives,” said Petco chief veterinarian, Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM. “The customizable, data-driven pet insurance and care solutions we co- developed with Nationwide are designed to help families of all budgets and areas of the country prioritize their pets’ immediate and long-term needs through our 360-degree health and wellness ecosystem.”

Once pet owners fill out the application, coverage can begin 14 days after approval, and they can cancel anytime.

 Petco also listed a reimbursement example at https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/insurance.

Petco and Nationwide launch co-branded pet insurance product on petco.com. News release. Nationwide Pet Insurance and Petco Health and Wellness Company Inc. January 23, 2024. Accessed January 24, 2024. 

https://ir.petco.com/news-releases/news-release-details/petco-and-nationwider-launch-co-branded-pet-insurance-product

Pet insurance for peace of mind. Petco Health and Wellness Company Inc. Accessed January 24, 2024. 

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/insurance

Customizable pet health insurance now available only on petco.com

Petco and Nationwide partner for exclusive pet insurance offers

Royal Canin announced the release of results from a survey the company conducted in partnership with the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). The findings were published in the white paper 

Getting Cats Back to Your Practice with the AAFP Cat Friendly Certificate Program

 after data was collected from 822 individuals who completed the AAFP Cat Friendly Certificate through Royal Canin sponsored access.

 the Cat Friend Certificate Program was developed for veterinary teams to help improve their knowledge, skills, and best-in-clinic practices for feline medicine. The program is broken up into 3 categories, Cat Friendly Veterinarian, Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional, and Cat Friendly Veterinary Advocate and is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

 The program educates clients how to create a low stress environment for cats at their clinics to help get them in the door to receive care.

Some of the key findings from the survey include

Almost 98% of team members reported this program helped them reduce the stress of a feline visit.

92% of respondents indicated the belief that cat caregivers are more satisfied with their experience at the clinic due to the program.

Over 88% of respondents reported they have implemented strategies and techniques to promote positive experiences for the cat.

When it came to providing nutritional recommendations, 76% of all respondents said the program better prepared them to give these recommendations to clients.

98% of all survey respondents reported they are now able to create a better experience for feline patients who are stressed during visits.

Any veterinary team member, including but not limited to practice managers, customer-service representatives, and technicians who completed the Cat Friendly Certificate were invited to participate in the survey. Any team members interested in learning more about getting access to the program through Royal Canin can speak with a Royal Canin representative for a code and then check out the AAFP website.

Royal Canin publishes results from American Association of Feline Practitioners' Cat Friendly Certificate Program. News release. January 17, 2024. Accessed January 24, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/royal-canin-epublishes-results-from-american-association-of-feline-practitioners-cat-friendly-certificate-program-302036918.html https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/royal-canin-epublishes-results-from-american-association-of-feline-practitioners-cat-friendly-certificate-program-302036918.html

Cat friendly Certificate Program. American Association of Feline Practitioners. Accessed January 24, 2024. https://catvets.com/cfp/cat-friendly-certificate-program/

The findings show the success of veterinary individuals who completed the program 

Survey shows positive results of AAFP Cat Friendly Certificate Program 

Treating an itchy pet means considering several different factors and medications. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to targeting the source of an itch. Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, of 

, spoke with Julia Miller, DVM, DACVD, about multimodal treatment plans for a pet and what options are out there for pet owners.

 Topical treatments for canine pruritus vary widely. What are the key considerations when selecting a topical therapy for an itchy dog?

 There are a few things to consider. Is it just an itch? Is it an itch accompanied by a bacterial or yeast infection? Does the dog have greasy or dry skin? Unfortunately, treatment must be patient tailored, but the good news is there are a lot of products on the market to fit the needs of every pet.

Could you elaborate on the role of topical corticosteroids in managing pruritus in dogs? How do you balance their efficacy with potential adverse effects?

 I’m careful with topical corticosteroids. Most of the steroids available in the US are potent, which means if you use them too much, they can cause the skin to thin. The skin can then get blackheads, tear easily, and be more prone to infections. I believe topical steroids are useful, with the caveat of using the right dose for the right patient.

 How do you address adherence issues with topical therapies in dog owners? Are there specific strategies or tips to improve adherence to treatment plans?

 The market has changed in the last few years, mostly because of the realization that leaving on certain products, like shampoo, can be difficult for pet owners. There are sprays, mousses, spot-ons, and other products that make it much easier for clients to be [adherent]. With
every client, I ask, “What can you do?” so I don’t send them out the door with a product they won't use.

Distractions make application easier for pets. Giving a pet a special treat or a lick mat alongside their treatment mixes the good with the bad. It could make them less likely to run away.

 Could you discuss the importance of proper skin barrier maintenance in dogs experiencing pruritus and how topical therapies contribute to this aspect of care?

The epidermal barrier is something we have done more research on in recent years. We think of allergic animals both from the inside out and the outside in. It is important to keep the skin hydrated, so the epidermal barrier remains intact. If it breaks apart, allergens, microbes, and yeast can penetrate the skin, leading to secondary bacterial infections and a greater itch. Certain medications like Apoquel or Cytopoint are more effective with a healthier skin barrier.

 In cases where systemic therapies are also prescribed, how do you determine the synergistic role of topical treatments in managing itchiness alongside oral medications?

 Allergy management is multimodal. It is unlikely I will send a client home with only 1 treatment and call it a day. If you approach an itch from a whole-animal perspective, it helps you use less medications. It also lessens the number of allergic flares. I’m able to reduce the necessity of medications by supporting the epidermal barrier. On top of pills, I’m usually checking in with clients about whether they could use a spot-on treatment or spray to better enhance the efficacy of the treatment.

 What emerging topical therapies or innovations do you find promising in alleviating itching in dogs? 

 PYOspot is a spot-on treatment that goes along the top of the animal like a flea preventive treatment and has been proven to reduce bacterial pyoderma. Bio-Bomb is also an incredible product that, without being too greasy, hydrates noses and paw pads. The next product I recommend is Essential 6, which is an essential oil that moisturizes the skin. What I love about this line of products is they are wholistic and seek to benefit the pet as much as possible.

Examining an itch from the outside in and the inside out