Research indicates that rehabilitation is useful for the treatment of various orthopedic and neurologic conditions,

 and so it is important to have proper equipment to aid in this necessary rehab therapy. Walkin’ Pets, a company dedicated to working with the veterinary community to improve patient mobility, has announced its new line of mobility products, set to launch first at the 2024 Veterinary Meeting & Expo in Orlando, Florida.

 Happening this weekend, January 13 to 17, Walkin’ Pets will have live demonstrations and exclusive offers at its booth in the exhibit hall.

The Walkin’ Pets “Vet Exclusive Line” includes:

 which provides full, lower leg support; the adjustable splint stabilizes the hock or carpal joints to help promote healing during physical therapy and recovery. The customizable fit accommodates even the most challenging cases, eliminating the need to own multiple splints or experience the delay of custom ordering braces for different-sized dogs and conditions. The adjustable width helps account for swelling or bandages in the limb while providing joint stabilization throughout the healing process.

 are available for both front and rear paws and are designed to enhance proprioception. The sensory stimulation acts as a reminder to pets to lift their limbs higher to enhance rehab sessions. The lightweight design also helps with gait correction and can be easily incorporated into training sessions.

 is designed to conform to the natural angle of the carpal and provides support above and below the carpal joint, preventing hyperextension. Giving pets freedom of movement without limiting the range of motion or straining the injured joint.

 is tailored to conform to the natural angle of the hock and supports above and below the tarsal joint, preventing hyperextension. This product is recommended for patients to wear while not splinted.

In a company release, Robin Downing, DVM, MS, DBe, DAAPM, DACVSMR, Fear Free Elite Professional, said “Having these innovative mobility solutions available only to veterinary and rehabilitation professionals, gives us the tools we need to guide patients throughout the treatment process, allowing us to better educate pet parents, and ensure that our patients receive the highest standards of veterinary care.”

All of these Walkin’ Pets products are intended for the use of veterinary professionals and their patients and should be used under the recommendation and supervision of one.

Millis DL, Ciuperca IA. Evidence for canine rehabilitation and physical therapy. 

. 2015;45(1):1-27. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2014.09.001

Elevating Veterinary Care: Walkin’ Pets launches Vet Exclusive Line at VMX 2024. News release. Walkin’ Pets. January 10, 2024. Accessed January 11, 2024. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elevating-veterinary-care-walkin-pets-launches-vet-exclusive-line-at-vmx-2024-experience-live-demonstrations-and-exclusive-offers-at-booth-2131-302030710.html#:~:text=ORLANDO%2C%20Fla.%2C%20Jan.,January%2013%2D17%2C%202024

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Walkin’ Pets will launch new product line at the 2024 Veterinary Meeting & Expo in Orlando, Florida

New mobility products for the veterinary market

Being a pet owner can be such a rewarding experience for people. However, with owning a pet comes with a lot of responsibility, especially when it comes to financial responsibility. Unexpected life events for clients, or patients, can create a financial burden that can fester to the point where clients can no longer afford to give their animals the care or food that they need. Seeing a need to help provide support to both the client and patient, Rand Wachsstock, DVM, created the Compassion Animal Project.

On this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, host Adam Christman and guest Wachsstock discuss all the work that the Compassion Animal Project, how it was created, and how veterinary professionals can get involved

: When I owned my own referral center, I initiated this program to increase the morale of my own staff. Because all too often we were euthanizing pets and the estimation is up to two-thirds of pets that are euthanized, are due to financial constraints. And there we were, euthanizing pets that we had the ability to treat. We had the skills, everything was right in front of us the people just didn't have the money. That was just heart wrenching and it really weighed heavily on us. 

And so now being able to actually do the work, we find that the morale in hospitals that we deal with is just skyrocketing, that people feel great that they're able to reunite these pets with their owners, they're able to use the skills that they were trained to have. They remember why they got into this profession to begin with. And hopefully, we put a dent into the mental health struggles, the compassion fatigue that we see in our profession and right now, there's quite an exodus from our profession, because of the stresses involved, and hopefully this will make a small progress in alleviating some of those stresses.

Podcasts

Drs Rand Wachsstock and Adam Christman discuss the Compassion Animal Project and the work they do to keep pets with their families

Providing care for both ends of the leash

Retrievers are known to put almost anything in their mouth, and unfortunately have a high chance of swallowing something they shouldn’t. This was the case with 6-year-old Sawyer, a golden retriever from Fort Mill, South Carolina. Owner, Kim Manzo, discovered that Sawyer had gotten into her child’s diaper cream.

6-year-old golden retriever, Sawyer. (Photo courtesy of Pet Poison Helpline)

From the Pet Poison Helpline’s latest toxin tail story, Manzo explained, “Sawyer woke us up in the middle of the night on a Thursday vomiting white stuff, which we soon figured out was ointment from a tube of diaper cream containing zinc oxide. He hadn’t pierced the tube, but had squeezed out and consumed all the cream. He had never gotten into it before, but we figured he would throw it up and be fine. The next morning, Friday, he was still really sick, so we called the veterinarian. They suggested we call Pet Poison Helpline before bringing Sawyer to the clinic, so the toxicologists could develop a treatment plan.”

After evaluating Sawyer, both the local veterinary office and the team at Pet Poison Helpline believed that the ingestion should no longer be of concern and recommended monitoring Sawyer at home since most dogs feel better the following day. However, they advised to bring him back to the hospital if he did not improve throughout the day.

Unfortunately, on Sunday Sawyer was still not feeling well and was reported as lethargic, so Manzo took him to an emergency veterinary hospital which did an x-ray, but the veterinarian originally thought an image he saw was food in his stomach. The next day, the veterinarian called Manzo back and explained there might be an object lodged in Sawyer’s stomach. He recommended another visit to the hospital, so this time Manzo drove him about 30 minutes to the Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Charlotte, where they took more x-rays and did an ultrasound.

Sawyer's x-ray. (Photo courtesy of Pet Poison Helpline)

“When the medical team at VEG Charlotte reviewed the new x-rays, they saw some type of foreign body in his stomach which may have been contributing to Sawyer’s clinical signs,” said Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, a senior veterinary toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline. “When they performed surgery, they found a large number of hair ties that were holding a moderate amount of the zinc oxide cream in the stomach.”

“They pulled out what looked like several hundred of my black hair ties,” Manzo exclaimed. “If you hold your arms out, you could fill both hands with what they removed. You know how you lose things? Well, apparently Sawyer had been eating my ties over the past several years, and they all got caught in his stomach. Because they went missing one at a time, I had just simply replaced them without really thinking about where they had gone.”

Hair ties found in Sawyer's stomach. (Photo courtesy of Pet Poison Helpline)

After the surgery, Sawyer went home to his family expecting to make a full recovery, however, the following day he started having dark red urine. The dog’s red blood cell levels had decreased and was showing signs of zinc oxide poisoning, which normally wouldn’t be expected after his vomiting and surgery. The toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline speculated that the diaper cream must have adhered to the wad of hair ties, so the zinc oxide remained in his stomach at a dangerous level and continued to poison his system even after he vomited up a portion of the material. At that point, they decided to give Sawyer a blood transfusion due to the zinc oxide causing a destruction of Sawyer’s red blood cells leading to anemia (lower than normal red blood cell concentration).

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, zinc poisoning from diaper rash cream is very rare due to the typically low concentration of zinc oxide and ingesting the cream makes most pets vomit on their own, ridding their body of the potential toxin.

 In Sawyer’s case, since the diaper rash cream adhered to the ties in the stomach for several days, the zinc was able to be absorbed and cause poisoning, similar to what we would see after a penny ingestion. In other potential cases, pets will develop vomiting and possibly a decreased appetite, both which typically resolve on their own without the need for medical intervention. When the zinc source is left in the stomach for a prolonged period of time, more severe poisoning can occur including hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), anemia, severe gastrointestinal irritation, and organ damage.

“After 2 blood transfusions, Sawyer’s red blood cell concentration finally returned to normal,” Schmid added. “As if he hadn’t already been through enough, Sawyer’s incision from surgery then became infected and he needed to be treated with antibiotics. Fortunately, his incision healed, his body was able to regenerate red blood cells on its own so he did not require more transfusions, and he made a 

Pet Poison Helpline created Toxin Tails to educate the veterinary community and pet lovers on the many types of poisoning dangers facing pets, both in and out of the home. All the pets highlighted in Toxin Tails have been successfully treated for the poisoning and fully recovered.

Diaper cream and hair ties – A poisonous combination. News release. Pet Poison Helpline. January 10, 2024. Accessed January 10, 2024. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/toxintails/diaper-cream-and-hair-ties-a-poisonous-combination/

X-rays and ultrasounds later found hundreds of hair ties inside the dog’s stomach

Golden retriever ingesting diaper cream leads to another deadly discovery

The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) announced that Paula Cohen, PhD, will be the next associate dean for research and graduate education effective on February 1, 2024. Cohen took over for Robert Weiss, PhD, the associate dean since 2017, and will now serve as the Graduate School’s new senior associate dean.

“Dr Cohen brings a wealth of experience to this position, both in her academic leadership roles and her success in scientific research and mentoring graduate students and others trained in her laboratory,” expressed Lorin Warnick, DVM, PhD, the Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine, in an organizational release.

 “We are very fortunate to have her join the college leadership team and look forward to the programs and initiatives she will lead.”

Paula Cohen, PhD, the next associate dean for research and graduate education at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (Image courtesy of Carol Jennings / Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine)

 Cohen attended the University of London, England where she received her PhD in reproductive physiology. She then accepted a postdoctoral position at the Albert Einstein College where she studied the maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the regulation of gonadal function in males and females. During her studies, Cohen developed an interest in germ cell biology and genome integrity and eventually transitioned into this area so she could study the roles of DNA repair proteins in mammalian meiosis.

In 2000, Cohen joined the faculty at Albert Einstein College within the Department of Genetics before being recruited by CVM’s Department of Biomedical Sciences. She was then promoted to associate professor in 2007 before becoming a full professor in 2013 and 5 years later she became the associate vice provost for life sciences. Cohen was the first to establish a Cornell-wide center that encompasses scientists and clinicians from the Weill Cornell Medicine and CVM, establishing the Cornell Reproductive Sciences Center.

During her time as associate vice provost, Cohen worked on initiatives to improve and upgrade core facilities within the life sciences and give resources for the college’s research centers on its Ithaca and New York City campuses. According to the release, Cohen has also created the first Postdoctoral fellow parental leave program which gives financial resources to help offset the loss of productivity postdoctoral students when students decide to focus on their families.

Cohen has served as a lead consultant for the design of lab space in Atkinson Hall to pave the way for a new Center for Cancer Immunology and a state-of-the-art Integrated Disease Genomics Technology (IDG-Tech) Core in 2018. Cohen will help the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation’s activities to smooth the transition as a new associate vice provost is recruited. She will also help with projects moving forward as needed.

‘“While we will all miss her positive energy and problem-solving spirit in the OVPRI leadership team, we look forward to seeing Paula thrive in her new role in her home college’s leadership team,” said Krystyn Van Vliet, PhD, vice president for research and innovation at Cornell University.

Cohen will use her understanding of the collaborative culture across the Cornell campuses in Ithaca and New York City by encouraging and facilitating interdisciplinary research projects involving faculty within CVM with interests in the fundamental biology of animal systems, animal disease, and developing diagnostic and therapeutic tools to progress animal and human health. She also hopes to enhance graduate, veterinary, and postdoctoral education to expose trainees to the latest technical innovations in biomedical research.

Dr. Paula Cohen named new associate dean for research and graduate education. News release. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. January 9, 2024. Accessed January 10, 2024. 

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/news/20240109/dr-paula-cohen-named-new-associate-dean-research-and-graduate-education

Paula Cohen, PhD, will take over as the college’s associate dean for research and graduate education beginning on February 1, 2024

Cornell Veterinary college taps new associate dean 

A healthy koala climbs on a eucalyptus tree. 

A recent study of koalas affected by bushfires in Australia revealed severe burns to footpads that hindered their ability to climb trees and to escape the dangerous conditions. Lung damage and generalized burns to the skin and furred regions were also found in these marsupials.

, the study was supported by a $54757 grant from the Morris Animal Foundation based in Denver, Colorado. The investigation relied on clinical data from koalas affected by catastrophic bushfires that occurred in the Australian summer of 2019-2020. Data collected included comprehensive health assessments of koalas, sample analysis, statistical analysis and extensive collaboration with wildlife rescue groups and veterinarians.

The histopathological features and the depth of burns in koala skin, and smoke-induced respiratory tract damage were studied. In 4 koalas affected by bushfires that were euthanized, burns to skin in various body regions were scored based on clinical appearance as superficial, partial thickness, or full thickness. Furred regions on the ear margins and dorsum were histologically more severe than other body regions. However, the study’s results found the most commonly burned body region was the plantar footpads in the hind legs, which investigators theorized was likely because of the koalas’ descent from trees to scorched ground. Investigators also found that pulmonary oedema and congestion were evident in the respiratory tracts of all studied koalas.

University of Adelaide student Evie Dunstan helped research koala injuries from the bushfire on Kangaroo Island. (Photo courtesy of Morris Animal Foundation)

Investigators concluded that understanding of the injuries incurred by the studied koalas can be used to better assess the likelihood of survival, rehabilitation and release for these marsupials. “Compounding the effect of burns on the health of the koalas, a high likelihood of lung damage due to smoke inhalation has also been found by this study, and this is an important additional consideration for veterinarians triaging rescued koalas,” said Natasha Speight, a senior lecturer at the University of Adelaide, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, who led the study, in a news release.

Investigator noted that, overall, the study results demonstrate that cutaneous burn lesions on furred and footpad surfaces can have higher severity based on the burn depth than is clinically apparent. Therefore, they noted in the publication, there is a need to consider burn depth when developing treatment plans and establishing prognosis at triage for koalas that have been burned, as well as the high likelihood of pulmonary oedema exists, they wrote.

The study’s findings provide critical information that will improve koala care during future fire seasons. The study results also significantly advance understanding of the impacts of bushfires on wildlife, which is crucial for future planning and care coordination, according to investigators. “These resources can then be used by the government, wildlife carers and veterinarians to assess the prognosis for koalas that have injuries due to bushfires, as well as aid coordination of bushfire response efforts,” Speight said, in the release.

Publication identifies risk factors in koalas. News release. Morris Animal Foundation. January 9, 2023. Accessed January 9, 2023. 

https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/publication-identifies-risk-factors-koalas

Baek C, Woolford L, Funnell, et al. Cutaneous and respiratory lesions in bushfire-affected koalas. 

. 2023;10(11):658. doi:10.3390/vetsci10110658

The investigators’ findings may prove critical to improving care for wildlife affected by future fires

Study analyzes severity of injuries in koalas affected by Australian bushfire

Leaders and experts in the poultry industry are working with Alveo Technologies Inc to create an accurate, rapid, in-the-field multiplex panel that can test for all relevant strains of avian influenza. According to the organizational release,

 the panel will initially focus on Group A, H5, H7, and H9. 

Avian influenza is broken up into subtypes based on the protein combination found on the virus’s surface. Hemagglutinin (H) has 16 recognized types and neuraminidase (N), which has 9. This new test will target 2 of the most common highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI): H5 and H7.

Alveo is currently partnering up with x-Ovo, Royal GD, and Pharamsure International Ltd. and expects the product to be available in the poultry diagnostic space within the first half of 2024. This avian flu test will be the first product from Alvelo to launch into the agricultural sector since its open platform and partnering strategy was publicly revealed in 2023.

Wim Kieftenbeld, director of business development at Royal GD, noted that the development of the assays for avian influenza was the result of a deep collaboration. "It's a significant challenge, where 2 parties bring in their expertise. Alveo has a lot of knowledge in the field of [loop-mediated isothermal amplification] (LAMP) technology and human diagnostics and Royal GD brings in its expertise in the field of veterinary diseases and diagnostics. Together we've been able to achieve incredible results, with an assay that accurately and rapidly delivers highly specific results at the point of need," said Kieftenbeld, in the release.

Current testing for avian influenza typical is either a lab-based PCR or lateral flow test (LFT), also known as antigen tests. Lateral tests can produce rapid results but they are not as accurate as the PCR test option, according to Alveo. The PCR tests are accurate, but it requires sending samples to either a central or nationally approved laboratory for testing which can take days or even weeks to get results.

This can then create delays in decision-making on the farm level, increase infection risks from one flock to another, and extend the exposure time for humans.

When it comes to awareness, the earlier farmers and governing bodies can test and detect avian influenza, the better prepared to mitigate damages they'll be. Tracking avian influenza and collecting data is dangerous and tied to a limited number of central labs and it can be hazardous.

"Highly pathogenic avian flu is a major threat to the poultry industry," said Shaun Holt, CEO of Alveo Technologies, in the release.

 "Both WOAH (World Organization for Animal Health) and WHO recognize that accurate and rapid surveillance of disease is an integral part of One Health strategies. Developing innovative tools like Alveo's ruggedized testing platform can help fill the testing gap, empowering farmers and governments with the ability to take swift action to stop disease spread, contain the damage, and reduce economic loss. This is key to the future of One Health strategies."

Poultry or pet birds with HPAI may present with a lack of coordination, purple discoloration or swelling of body parts, low energy, or appetite, decreased egg production or soft-shelled/misshaped eggs, nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing, diarrhea, or sudden death with no prior signs. Clinical signs that present in companion animals with HPAI have not been described extensively, but they could present with conjunctivitis, dyspnea, inappetence, lethargy, fever, neurologic signs, or death.

Alveo’s platform will include its mobile app Alveo Sense that pairs advanced molecular assay with cloud-enabled data analytics to provide accurate and sensitive real-time analysis, detection, and diagnosis of contaminants, diseases, and pathogens. The platform then invokes Alveo’s direct-electrical sensing approach to identifying pathogens and leveraging  LAMP technology. Rapid results can be delivered by the portable molecular lab at the point of need or out in the field. This platform can also provide geo-targeted results that can be added to the cloud to give a real-time view of any national outbreaks and inform the response.

"There's a desperate need in the market for this kind of solution, which is accurate, precise, and can be utilized at the point of need. When Alveo approached us about development and distribution, we were excited to be partners in delivering this innovative solution to farmers," said Howard Wilder Managing Director at Pharmsure International Ltd.

Alveo Technologies Is Developing Groundbreaking Avian Influenza Molecular Test for Poultry in Partnership with x-OvO, Royal GD, and Pharmsure. News release. Alveo Technologies. January 9, 2024. Accessed January 9, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alveo-technologies-is-developing-groundbreaking-avian-influenza-molecular-test-for-poultry-in-partnership-with-x-ovo-royal-gd-and-pharmsure-302027998.html

Avian influenza. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed January 9, 2024. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza

Alveo partnered with poultry industry leaders to launch a test to accurately diagnose and track avian flu outbreaks 