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We have compiled a countdown of our top 15 content in 2023, here is number 9

OncoK9 with Andi Flory

The conversation around canine cancer detection and treatment has evolved significantly over recent years. Shedding light on innovative methods that could redefine how we approach canine healthcare, Andi Flory, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology) and the Chief Medical Officer of PetDx recently discussed the transformative potential of liquid biopsy tests for dogs during a comprehensive session. These tests, centered on cell free DNA biomarkers extracted from blood, offer a revolutionary approach to detecting cancer through both quantity and quality-based analysis. By employing next-generation sequencing techniques, akin to those used in human liquid biopsy tests, these methods prove reliable and offer substantial promise in early cancer identification. This technological evolution mirrors human healthcare's emphasis on preventive screenings with advancing age. The availability of diverse blood tests tailored to different canine health scenarios signifies a crucial stride toward comprehensive cancer care in veterinary medicine.

Flory emphasized the pivotal role of early cancer detection, highlighting its profound impact on patient outcomes. With cancer being a leading cause of canine mortality beyond a year of age, the importance of proactive detection cannot be overstated. The introduction of OncoK9, an affordable test utilizing quantity-based analysis through next-generation sequencing, presents an important addition to wellness panels for senior dogs or those predisposed to certain breeds. This test boasts a rapid turnaround time, clear interpretive guidelines, and a strong clinical validation demonstrating its efficacy across various clinically relevant cancers.

Flory A. An Affordable New DNA-Based Blood Test to Detect Cancer in Dogs. Presented at: Fetch dvm360 conference; Long Beach, California; December 1-3, 2023.

Learn how liquid biopsy is changing the way one veterinarian approaches oncology patients

Early canine cancer detection with a simple DNA-based blood test

#10: What’s going on with xylazine becoming a street drug

On this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, Kelley Detweiler, a US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and regulatory compliance expert, and Peter Weinstein, DVM, MBA, join host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, to discuss the emergence of xylazine as a street drug, the implications that has for veterinarians, and what could happen if xylazine were to be declared a controlled substance by the DEA.

Podcasts

We have compiled a countdown of our top Vet Blast Podcast Episodes in 2023, here is number 10

Top Vet Blast Podcast episodes of 2023: #10

 readers! Can you believe that we are closing the door for 2023 and opening it for 2024 in just a little less than 2 weeks? This year has been full of highs and lows within the veterinary industry and 

 was here every step of the way. As we continue to move toward 2024, check back in here at dvm360.com to see our top articles and podcast episodes of the year.

Here is what was popular this week on dvm360.com:

 this week that it has launched Chewy Vet Care, a new pet health initiative that will offer routine appointments, urgent care, and surgeries to pets in need. Chewy plans to open its first practice in southern Florida early in 2024 with more to follow throughout the year.

, Brittany A. Lancellotti, DVM, DACVD, broke down how predisposing factors, such as small ear canals, can increase a pet's risk for reoccurring cases of infections, plus tips teams can share with owners looking to reduce the frequency of otitis externa.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Vernard L. Hodges, DVM, and Terrence Ferguson, DVM, stars of Nat Geo Wild’s 

 the news that they joined forces to teach pet parents how to build a stronger relationship with their veterinarian as well as understand how important nutrition is for the health of their pets.

On this week’s episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomed Leslie Bauer, DVM, DABVP, director of house officer training programs for Thrive Pet Healthcare and ER Academy national director, to learn more about house officers and their role in veterinary medicine.

While attending the American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention in San Diego, California, veterinary students from schools around the world 

 a behind-the-scenes look at what it is like to be a veterinarian providing care to racehorses at the Del Mar Racetrack

The American College of Veterinary Surgeons 

 that Dominic J. Marino, DVM, DACVS, is the recipient of the ACVS Foundation Lynn Wheaton Philanthropy Award for all of his work serving his community.

Wrap up: Hill’s Pet Nutrition and The Critter Fixers announce new partnership, and other veterinary news

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced it has issued a transit permit to S. Nicholas Claus of the North Pole, a distributor with Gifts and Good Cheer, Inc. The permit will allow reindeer to enter and exit the United States between the hours of 6 PM on December 24, 2023, and 6 AM on December 25, 2023, local time, through or over any US border port.



APHIS regulates the movement of cervids, including reindeer, to protect the health of America’s livestock population. The permitting process provides assurance that only healthy animals enter the United States.



"USDA is delighted to grant Mr. Claus and his reindeer a special permit to enter the United States, ensuring a seamless journey for the joy they bring each holiday season," said Jenny Lester Moffitt, under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs, in an agency news release.

 "We extend a warm welcome to Mr. Claus and recognize the vital role of US milk and cookies in fueling his festive flight."

Veterinary officials with the USDA ensured the reindeer met all entry requirements before issuing the permit. “At a recent inspection, the reindeer were found to be healthy and able to prance and paw with each hoof,” said Rosemary Sifford, DVM, chief veterinary officer, USDA.



It was noted on the health certificate that one reindeer, Rudolph, has a minor physical anomaly. However, APHIS indicated that Rudolph’s red nose, while bright, was normal for him and not a concern.

The team of 9 reindeer has also received a bill of good health from animal care experts with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which 

cleared them for the Christmas Eve flight

. "While this may be an out-of-the-ordinary visit, ensuring that these magical and magnificent animals are fit for their important journey reflects the vital work veterinarians and their teams perform every day around the world to ensure the health and safety of animals and people," said Rena Carlson, DVM, AVMA president, in an organizational release.

The AVMA conducts an annual exam at the North Pole to give a health check to each reindeer about a month before Christmas Eve. Carlson and Ashli Selke, RVT, CVT, immediate-past president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America, examined them to ensure they were healthy and not presenting with any signs of disease that can affect their ability to fly or animals and people they could encounter such as brucellosis, chronic wasting disease, and tuberculosis. Carlson and Selke closely also inspected each reindeer’s fur for signs of lesions or parasites as well as their eyes, noses, legs, and hooves before the AVMA issued a North Pole Certificate of Animal Export.



The reindeer will arrive in the US pulling a wooden sleigh with jingling bells attached, filled with brightly wrapped gifts, according to the USDA. Port personnel will clean and disinfect the runners and underside of the sleigh at the time of entry and conduct a short visual inspection of the reindeer. Claus has been asked to disinfect his boots and thoroughly wash his hands. These measures are intended to prevent the entry of any livestock diseases the team may encounter during deliveries to farms and houses around the world prior to entering the United States.



Claus also provided an advance list of what port personnel should expect upon their arrival. This includes a variety of food items, all of which come from approved locations and none of which pose a threat to US animal or plant health.



“It’s important that Gifts and Good Cheer, Inc. take all the right steps and precautions to protect against the potential introduction of pests and diseases,” explained Claus, in the release.

 “I appreciate USDA’s assistance every year as we gear up for our big night.”



USDA issues permit for Santa’s reindeer to enter the U.S. News release. US Department of Agriculture. December 21, 2023. Accessed December 22, 2023. 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/news/sa_by_date/sa-2023/santa-permit-issued#:~:text=The%20permit%20will%20allow%20reindeer,over%20any%20U.S.%20border%20port

Following veterinary exam, Santa's reindeer cleared for Christmas flight. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. December 12, 2023. Accessed December 12, 2023. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/following-veterinary-exam-santas-reindeer-cleared-for-christmas-flight-302012792.html

Overseen by the agency's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the clearance ensures only healthy animals will be coming into the country to help deliver Christmas gifts. 