“What I'm going to try to show you today is that each and every one of you in this room, is already a 

 doctor, is already an exotic doctor…I prefer to call ourselves 

 professionals: technicians, assistants, doctors. You know why we are all zoo med doctors? Because we know the same medicine, it is the same medicine, it's all the same. And I'm going to prove it to you today,” Laila "Lyla" M. Proença MV, DVM, MS, PhD, DACZM, founder and CEO of VetAhead told attendees during her keynote session at the Fetch dvm360 conference in Long Beach, California.

 Her goal of the talk was to decrease the anxiety and apprehension surrounding exotic pets and encourage every veterinary professional to feel comfortable treating an animal that is not a dog or cat. This can start with using the term 

 gives a different, separate, and intimidating connotation. 

 makes these pets seem even more different than dogs and cats, and her objective is to make everyone see them as the same. “You don't need a separate room. You don't need a separate technician. You don't need a separate department,” she added. Proença recommended keeping ZooMed pets in the same area of the hospital as dogs and cats, while still maintaining normal safety protocols.

Laila "Lyla" M. Proença MV, DVM, MS, PhD, DACZM, founder and CEO of VetAhead delivering her keynote session at the Fetch conference in Long Beach, CA.

Some might say 'why bother learning how to treat pets like fish, ferrets, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, turtles, snakes, lizards, birds, etc? Most households in the United States own dogs.' However, Proença argued that there is still a good amount of ZooMed pet owners, and they also need veterinary care and if no one is willing to help them, then these animals cannot get the medical attention they need. “I think sometimes we forget how capable humans are to form bonds with any animal, not just dogs and cats,” Proença stated.

As an example, Proença shared a story of a hamster that came to her open-mouth breathing. To help assess and treat the patient try this: “Instead of saying 

, you have a dog patient. Okay, a dog that comes to you with an open mouth breathing, what are the differentials, what is the medical approach?” The standard of care for a dog in this condition is NOT administering subcutaneous fluids, oxygen, enrofloxacin. “You know the differentials for open mouth breathing include heart disease, and this is exactly what this hamster had, congestive heart failure. Fluids would make it worse and enrofloxacin would do nothing. Remember, it could be primary respiratory, but can be secondary [too],” Proença said.

With the hamster patient, she heard a heart murmur. Bloodwork, X-rays, and echocardiograms can also be used on hamsters, and that is what she did. Proença’s point was that all of these diagnostic tools can be used for a hamster and any other species. Veterinary professionals are already equipped with handling ZooMed cases because they already know how to handle other small animal cases.

Another case for Proença involved an Aldabra tortoise that came in with a missing arm and the owner did not know what happened. Working with Mariana Pardo, MV, BVSc, DACVECC, the veterinary pair took a blood sample and found the packed cell volume was 2%. “We looked at each other, [and said], ‘What are we going to do?’ And [Pardo] looked at me and said, ‘You know, if he was a dog, I would do a blood transfusion.’ And I was like, you're probably right. I was like, okay but where are we going to get the blood? And she [said], ‘Well, if it was a dog, I would ask the owner if they have another dog.’ Smart. And the owner did have another one, so they brought it in, and we collected blood, diluted the same way you guys dilute the dog and cat blood. And then we place a central line—in this case it could have been an IV catheter, but we were fancy.”

Proença has convinced attendees of these pets’ existence and their importance, but how do these professionals get compensated? Proença shared a survey from 2017 that researched spending habits in US pet households.

66.9% spend up to $500 per household per year on veterinary care.

on average, they spend $537/year on veterinary care.

“When it comes to a tortoise or turtle, we [often think], ‘oh no, I am not going to offer this diagnostics/treatments it's so expensive.’ Some tortoises can live to 100 years. You think the owner is not going to pay for it? It has been with the pet for so long,” Proença said.

Proença left attendees with one more reminder: “I want you to join the movement, which is no species left behind. I want you to start spreading the news that ZooMed is nothing but the medicine you already practice…We’re going to make ZooMed accessible.”

Proença L. Pushing the Boundaries on the Standard of Care in ZooMed (Exotic Animal Medicine). Presented at: Fetch dvm360 conference; Long Beach, California; December 1-3, 2023.

Mayer J, Brown S, Mitchell MA. Survey to investigate owners׳ perceptions and experiences of pet rabbit husbandry and health. 

Articles

Dr Proença encourages veterinary professionals to be confident when caring for zoo exotic pets in her keynote presentation at the Fetch conference in Long Beach, California

Bringing zoo medicine to the forefront

shared his suggestions for effective teamwork and the support neurology specialists can offer 

How general practitioners and neurologists can work together

While at the Fetch conference in Long Beach, California, Fred Wininger, VMD, MS, DACVIM (Neurology), sat down with 

 in an interview and explained his strategies for creating an effective support network between veterinary neurologists and primary care or emergency veterinarians. Through this teamwork,  general practitioners can lean on neurologists for support and guidance.

The following is a partial transcript of the video.

Fred Wininger, VMD, MS, DACVIM (Neurology):

 I think what's happened in the modern era is that a lot of primary care veterinarians went into to be general practitioners and they've turned into an urgent and ER veterinarians, and so being presented with a lot of things that historically have gone to a neurologist. A big buzzword in veterinary medicine right now a spectrum of care: How do we give our clients an opportunity to treat their patients without telling them there's only one option?

Videos

Fred Wininger, VMD, MS, DACVIM (Neurology), shared his suggestions for effective teamwork and the support neurology specialists can offer 

Image courtesy of WellVu Veterinary Thermal Imaging 

WellVu Veterinary Thermal Imaging – a thermal imaging technology company formerly Digatherm – announced it has received recognition as a Fear Free Preferred Product. This makes WellVu Veterinary Thermal Imaging the first and currently only company within this category to achieve this recognition.

“WellVu is committed to providing an easier imaging experience, for veterinarians, pets, and their owners. Our thermal imaging technology makes it easy to instantly and non-invasively perform full-body imaging of patients, providing unique clinical insights without the hassle. Fear Free was a natural fit and we are thrilled to be recognized as a Preferred Product,” said Josh Robertson, vice president of WellVu Veterinary Thermal  Imaging, in an organizational release.

WellVu Veterinary Thermal Imaging technology is used in veterinary clinics to proactive screen patients for any underlying conditions, detect abnormalities, and objectively monitor the progress of treatment. Abnormalities and asymmetry are clearer to veterinary professionals when using thermal imaging to help teams determine diagnostic steps and provide a visual for pet owners to better understand any findings.

WellVu Veterinary Thermal Imaging's images also provide objective monitoring of treatment progress before as well as throughout the patient’s treatment. The imaging can also show owners positive progress and help them understand when additional treatment may be needed.

"We are excited to welcome WellVu Thermal Imaging as the newest Fear Free Preferred Product," said Randy Valpy, CEO of Fear Free.

"Their innovative thermal imaging technology aligns seamlessly with our mission to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets, providing veterinarians with crucial tools for a Fear Free experience. This collaboration is a significant step towards enhancing the wellbeing of pets and their owners."

The Fear Free Preferred Product Program was created for veterinary professionals to have access to services and products that follow Fear Free protocols, procedures, and recommendations. Fear Free Preferred Products are evaluated and reviewed on an ongoing basis as a way to ensure that those selected continuously meet the needs of Fear Free professionals.

 A list of Fear Free Preferred Products is available on the Fear Free website.

WellVu Thermal Imaging Becomes Newest Fear Free® Preferred Product. News release. WellVu Thermal Imaging. November 22. 2023. Accessed December 6, 2023.

Fear Free Preferred Product Program. Fear Free Pets. Published February 1, 2017. Accessed December 6, 2023. https://fearfreepets.com/resources/preferred-product-program/

WellVu Veterinary Thermal Imaging becomes the first thermal imaging company to achieve this recognition 

Thermal imaging company becomes Fear Free Preferred Product 

Dr. Emily M. Tincher, DVM, Senior Director of Veterinary Relations at Nationwide, is a second-generation veterinarian focused on providing more care for more pets by combining evidence-based medicine and pet family-centered communication to practice across a spectrum of care. She is a member of the AVMA Early Career Development Committee, the President of the Veterinary Leadership Institute Board, and has experience in education, partnerships, and emergency medicine.

Podcasts

Dr. Emily M. Tincher, DVM, talks spectrum of care

What do you know about spectrum of care?

Visbiome Vet Constipation Care (image courtesy of ExeGi Pharma LLC)

ExeGi Pharma – a therapeutic probiotic solutions company – officially unveiled its new probiotic formula, Visbiome Vet Constipation Care, designed to combat occasional constipation in cats.

"The launch of Visbiome Vet Constipation Care is an important advancement in feline health solutions. Constipation in domestic cats is a common issue which seriously impacts the quality of life for many cats and their pet parents,” expressed Donna Raditic, DVM, CVA, DACVIM (Nutrition), in an organizational release.

“We have significantly less research for our feline patients, so I am excited to use a scientifically backed nutritional solution like Visbiome Vet Constipation Care. It gives us a new tool for managing a complicated condition with limited therapeutic options."

According to the release, the new product was created based on extensive research and development to combine unique probiotic strains strategically picked to support gastrointestinal health.

 The formulated created will focus on promoting regular bowel movements and nurturing a balanced microbiome, which will in time promote the overall health of the cat.

Visbiome Vet Constipation Care contains a SLAB51, which is a high potency and eight strained probiotic blend. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of SLAB51 on constipated cats. Ten pet cats who were diagnosed with chronic constipation and were unresponsive to medical management received 2x10 bacteria for 90 days At the end of the study, researchers concluded that cats with chronic constipation and idiopathic megacolon demonstrated significant clinical improvement after SLAB51 treatment.

Feline constipation can be caused by multiple problems ranging from an indigestible item like fur, electrolyte disturbances, and a side effect from certain medications and treatments ranging based on severity but hydration, medical management, and enemas are also some ways to treat a constipated cat.

ExeGi Pharma Announces Launch of Visbiome Vet Constipation Care: A Breakthrough Probiotic Product for Occasional Constipation in Cats. News release. ExeGi Pharma LLC. December 6, 2023. Accessed December 6, 2023. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/exegi-pharma-announces-launch-of-visbiome-vet-constipation-care-a-breakthrough-probiotic-product-for-occasional-constipation-in-cats-302006597.html

Rossi G, Jergens A, Cerquetella M, et al. Effects of a probiotic (SLAB51™) on clinical and histologic variables and microbiota of cats with chronic constipation/megacolon: a pilot study. Benef Microbes. 2018;9(1):101-110. doi:10.3920/BM2017.0023

Constipation. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Published October 11, 2017. Accessed December 6, 2023. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/constipation

Visbiome Vet Constipation Care will promote regular bowel movements and foster a healthy microbiome

New probiotic product helps occasionally constipated cats 

Jaguar Health announced that the FDA has renewed the conditional approval of its Crofelemer delayed-release tablets (Canalevia-CA1). The prescription drug product is indicated to treat chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) in canines. The renewal for conditional approval will be in effect until December 21, 2023, and is available from multiple retailers.

"Diarrhea is a highly neglected and unmet medical need in dogs and people undergoing cancer treatment," said Lisa Conte, Jaguar's president and CEO, in an organizational release.

 "Jaguar is deeply committed to supporting the quality of life of people and animals undergoing cancer treatment."

According to the release, Canalevia-CA1 received its initial conditional approval in December 2021,

 allowing them to legally sell the medication before proving it meets the “substantial evidence” standard needed for full approval. Through this conditional approval, Jaguar Health can also promote and advertise the conditionally approved drug for the labeled uses legally. 

The conditional approval is only valid for 1 year, but the company can ask for renewal from the FDA for up to 4 more years. The company is also able to market the drug for its labeled use and collect the data still needed for full approval. Once the data is collected, Jaguar will be able to apply for full FDA approval. 

"We're very pleased about receiving the conditional approval renewal from the FDA. This extension was granted because we were able to demonstrate that the company is making active progress toward proving ‘substantial evidence of effectiveness' of Canalevia-CA1 for treatment of CID in dogs for full approval, as required,” said Michael Guy, DVM, MS, PhD, Jaguar's vice president of preclinical and nonclinical studies.

“As announced, the company is planning a clinical field study of Canalevia-CA1 to support full approval of the product for the treatment of CID in dogs. Jaguar plans to initiate this study once the company receives the required concurrence from the FDA on the study protocol," Guy added.

Canalevia-CA1 is the first and currently only oral plant-based prescription product that received conditional approval from the FDA to treat canine CID. The product is made of crofelember, an active pharmaceutical ingredient isolated and then purified from the 

To learn more about CAnalevia-CA1, check out this recent 

 of dvm360 Live! with Sue Ettinger, DVM, DACVIM (oncology).

FDA Approves Renewal of Canalevia-CA1, Jaguar Health’s Drug for Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea in Dogs. News release. December 4, 2023. Accessed December 6, 2023. 

https://jaguarhealth.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/fda-approves-renewal-canalevia-ca1-jaguar-healths-drug

Novel plant-based drug now available for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in dogs. dvm360.May 2, 2022. Accessed December 6, 2023. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/novel-plant-based-drug-now-available-for-the-treatment-of-chemotherapy-induced-diarrhea-in-dogs

Canalevia-CA1 is the first treatment for this indication to receive the agency's support at this level 