Vetsource — a pet pharmacy and technology service — shared the news that it is launching an accredited continuing education (CE) course for veterinary pharmacy. The courses will be free of charge to any pharmacist, technician, or student interested in learning more about veterinary pharmacy.

"Such courses have become increasingly scarce," said Mark Balyshev, Vetsource's pharmacist manager and pharmacist in charge, in an organizational release.

 "Historically, there have been limited resources available to pharmacists, pharmacy students, and pharmacy technicians, which led us to develop our own."

According to the release, the courses were created by the pharmacists and veterinarians on the Vetsource Clinical Committee after they noticed the lack of veterinary-specific continuing education and wanted to fill the need.

 The free courses will each be an hour each and will give attendees 1 hour of CE credit. 

Pain Management in Dogs, which will cover the 4 types of pain categories, common risk factors, signs of pain, and the available pharmaceutical options to treat the pain. 

Treatment of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome where attendees will learn more about the basic horse physiology, different types of gastric ulcers, causes, treatments available, and dosing. At the end of the course, there will be a questionnaire to test the learner on their knowledge.

The Vetsource Clinical Committee and the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science partnered to host and accredit the hours. Within the next few years, additional courses will be created. The committee also partnered with Oregon State University to host pharmacy students within the area on their rotations and share their knowledge of veterinary pharmacy. Recently, the committee partnered with the Pacific University School of Pharmacy to provide a similar opportunity.

"We take pride in being pioneers in the industry," Balyshev shared.

 "As we continue to expand our presence in the industry, we remain dedicated to maintaining our local outreach effort, as we have from the inception of Vetsource."

Vetsource releases continuing education courses in veterinary pharmacy. News release. Vetsource. November 30, 2023. Accessed November 30, 2023. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vetsource-releases-continuing-education-courses-in-veterinary-pharmacy-302001138.html

Articles

The courses will be free of charge to pharmacists, technicians, and students


Veterinary pharmacy continuing education courses now available 

Well, this has been fantastic, my friends. So I'm curious to get your final thoughts moving forward, where do we see, you know, the treatment of parvo virus coming into play six months a year down the road, Dr Pachel.

So I'm thrilled to be included in the front line on this, to be able to bring a behavioral perspective to the conversation to include that education and to be a part of the conversation. And so I'm looking to my colleagues here to say, "Cool, what are you going to do," because I'm going to see the results of it. And I'm really hopeful that it really does impact the clinics, the staff, the shelters in the way that we're looking for. I have confidence that it will, and I'm really excited to see that coming down the pipeline.

I think that it is exciting, especially, as a monoclonal antibody therapy. You see in human medicine how much those have exploded across the scene, and hopefully with the success of this, we get to see even more success for other diseases in the future. But I think that just being able to empower our team to have new tools against this fight—that is not a fun fight in any way, shape, or form— anything new in the arsenal is just so exciting.

I think it will decrease the fear in a lot of shelter staff and owners, because you get in a shelter, and especially one with limited resources, and they have Parvo and everybody just freaks out. But now with this, it's going to be less scary, I think. And that's huge, especially for the owners, to see that their puppy is most likely going to make it.

Yeah, and as I've mentioned already in this roundtable, I think it's destined to succeed if it's a Parvo puppy, and it's administered in the best window. So what I'm excited about for this next time period, as it goes through conditional licensure to full licensure is learning more about when is that optimum time. We know from an experimental study how it performed, but we don't know when the Parvo puppy was actually infected with Parvo or the dose. And so I think as we learn more over this next year, and I'm looking forward to next year's roundtable to talk about those kinds of things, I look forward to the company gathering more information over this time to learn where's the best window. And are there simple ways that we might actually be able to test to predict the best window and look forward to discussing all those great successes at the next roundtable.

Yeah, absolutely. Well, this has been a great discussion. I want to wrap up with a huge thanks to our panelists, Dr Mike Lappin, Dr. Erik Zager, Dr Chris Pachel, and Fathom woods. We covered a lot of ground today and I truly appreciate the insight from all of you. So thank you so much for being here. This has been wonderful and of course, thank you to Elanco Animal Health for making today's panel discussion possible. On behalf of dvm360, thank you so much for watching and take care everybody.

Videos

How monoclonal antibodies like CPMA can help change the future of veterinary medicine

Looking into the future of Parvo treatment

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Synchrony announced a strategic partnership to help advance each company's goal of strengthening the human-animal bond through research, education, participating in public policy initiatives, and more.

"At Synchrony, we're continually looking for ways to equip pet parents and veterinarians with the knowledge, resources, and financial solutions to provide all pets with the care they need, over the course of their lifetime," said Boo Larsen, senior vice president and general manager, veterinary and pet care, Synchrony, in an organizational release.

"By joining forces with HABRI, we hope to help everyone in the relationship with the animal truly understand the mutually beneficial power of the bond, which will in turn lead to better veterinary care."

The partnership with Synchrony will help HABRI continue to fulfill its mission by providing the funds for research that documents the benefits of companion animals for personal and public health as well as taking a closer look at industry issues. The partnership will also provide science-based education from HABRI to over 25,000 veterinary providers in the CareCredit network located in 95% of veterinary university hospitals and around 75% of veterinary hospitals.

 This will help increase public awareness of the importance the human-animal bond has on the health and wellness of both ends of the leash.

Synchrony will participate in public policy initiatives and advocacy for legislation that supports pet owners and helps increase access to veterinary care for pet owners. Recently, executives from Synchrony participated in HABRI’s Pet Night on Capitol Hill which gives Congress and Congressional staff the chance to meet with organizations and leaders in the pet care community and learn about why pet ownership is important to the health, happiness, and wellbeing of humans.

"Through its veterinary and pet solutions, Synchrony not only recognizes the importance of the human-animal bond, but also serves as an important means of preserving the bond by facilitating access to veterinary care for millions of families," expressed Steven Feldman, president, HABRI.

 "By aligning with Synchrony's CareCredit and leveraging its strong foothold in human healthcare, we believe we can get one step further to bridging the important connection between human and animal health."

Synchrony and The Human Animal Bond Research Institute Form Strategic Alliance to Champion the Human-Animal Bond. News release. Synchrony. November 30, 2023. Accessed November 30, 2023. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/synchrony-and-the-human-animal-bond-research-institute-form-strategic-alliance-to-champion-the-human-animal-bond-302001255.html

Synchrony and HABRI will join forces to strengthen the human-animal bond 

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute announces new strategic alliance 

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is the most common form of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), exceeding other causes, including urolithiasis; neoplasia; anatomic malformations; urinary tract infection; and behavioral, metabolic, or neurological problems.

 In spite of our increased understanding that this is more than just a bladder problem, the term FIC is still in use more than 20 years after it was introduced.

Most veterinary teams are familiar with and confident in diagnosing FIC based on exclusion of other causes of FLUTD. Given the complexity of the disease, the challenge is determining how to proceed once the diagnosis is made. At this moment, a better understanding of risk factors associated with FIC is likely our best option for management and prevention.

FIC has been shown to be associated with numerous risk factors,

 but most important is the unique susceptibility cats with FIC have toward environmental and physiological stressors.

 Healthy individuals respond to normal day-to-day stressors with a balanced physiological response. Even in unique, highly stressful situations, a healthy individual is capable of responding to and recovering from stress with minimal to no permanent effects.

 there exists a derangement in relationships between husbandry practices, the environment, nervous system, adrenal glands, and urinary bladder, resulting in a reduced ability to adapt to environmental and physiological stressors.

 Management of stress through multimodal environmental modifications (MEMO) has been utilized successfully in reduction of lower urinary tract signs in cats with FIC.

Additional risk factors have been identified in association with FIC (

), offering added key targets in our approach to FIC therapy, and emphasizing the need for a multimodal approach.

 Although some of these risk factors such as genetics, sex, age, and early life events cannot be altered (

), others including obesity, diet, water intake, environment, husbandry, and intercat tensions can be (

 An approach to optimal welfare for all owned domestic cats includes prevention of certain risk factors such as obesity and intercat tensions, as well as management of diet and lifestyle.

 Outcomes for patients with FIC can be increasingly positive when these risk factors are managed.

 Risk Factors Associated With FIC That A. Cannot be Altered B. Can be Targeted as Part of a Treatment Protocol for Patients with FIC
*

5 pillars of a healthy feline environment

Minimizing stress in modern-day households

As a predator and prey species and an obligate carnivore, cats have unique needs. We can guide cat caregivers by helping them understand their cat’s unique needs based on the 5 pillars of a healthy feline environment (

). Each cat needs to live in a defined territory where they feel safe. To meet the needs of each cat within the house, each individual cat must have free access to their own key resources, including resource options out of sight of other cats in the home. Key resources include food, drinking water sources, litter trays, resting places at different heights, and multiple scratching posts and scratching resources.

Litter box management is particularly critical to avoid house soiling issues and should include the use of unscented cat litter with daily or more frequent scooping; 1 litter box per cat, plus 1 additional box; and distribution of the boxes in various locations around the home.

Cats need opportunities for play and predatory behavior. This includes regular interactive play time with family members, individual play with favorite toys, and use of feeding puzzles. Cats need positive, consistent, and predictable interactions with caregivers. Interactions should be respectful of the cat’s wishes, including avoiding forced physical contact and rough play such as hand play. Caregivers should be advised to allow the cat to initiate and terminate interactions, giving the cat control based on the cat’s emotions and needs.

Cats have unique senses that better equip them to stay safe from predators and to hunt prey. Strong odors in the home (eg, cigarette smoke, essential oil diffusers), loud noises, or bright lighting can negatively impact their senses, potentially reducing their sense of safety from predation. Some caregivers may be able to meet all of their cats’ needs according to the 5 pillars, but many (and probably most) fall short of consistently providing this ideal environment. Working with the caregiver to identify deficiencies in the 5 pillars and prescribing MEMO tailored to those deficiencies provides patient-specific changes that serve to minimize activation of the stress response system and thereby reduce lower urinary tract signs.

 The 5 pillars of a healthy feline environment provide a framework from which to evaluate for and correct deficiencies in the environment. The 5 pillars represent every domestic cat’s essential environmental needs and should not be confused with enrichment.

Feeding puzzles enhance predatory play behaviors and increase activity.

Weight management programs are ideally preventive in nature, starting with appropriate nutritional guidance, particularly in the first year following spay/neuter, when cats are first vulnerable to obesity.

Once elevated body weight and body condition score (BCS) are identified, a patient-specific weight loss program is essential. Overweight cats are at increased risk of disease and are more likely to be diagnosed with FLUTD, diabetes mellitus, respiratory disease, skin disorders, locomotor disease, and trauma.

 A weight loss program should be developed in consultation with the caregiver. This includes calculation of resting and maintenance energy requirements, assessment of the caloric density of the current diet(s) and monitoring of actual daily caloric intake.

 In most cases, weight loss programs should utilize a veterinary therapeutic diet formulated for weight management, to avoid the development of nutrient deficiencies when calories are restricted. Strategies for weight loss in the patient with FIC will also include a potential change to a diet tailored to the patient’s FIC. This may include veterinary therapeutic diets that support urinary health while providing additional nutrients that help the cat cope with everyday stressors, such as Royal Canin Multifunction Urinary SO+Satiety+Calm, Multifunction Urinary SO+Calm, or Multifunction Urinary SO Aging 7

 +Calm. Canned food provides built-in portion control, and may help with reduction in food intake to promote weight loss.

 Improvements in feeding strategies can help increase activity and reduce anxiety. For example, the introduction of feeding puzzles enhances predatory play behaviors and increases activity levels.

In a multicat household, cats should be fed separately with a visual barrier and a distance of at least 6 feet between them.

 Regular nutritional consultations are ideal as diets can easily fail in a 12-month period before the cat’s next preventive care visit. These visits should include assessment of the food, feeding strategies, current intake, BCS, muscle condition score, and body weight. In some cases, consultation with a veterinary nutritionist and/or behaviorist may be beneficial.

Providing water sources that reflect patient preferences promotes increased water intake.

Increased water consumption to promote a reduction in urine specific gravity (USG) is a key dietary therapeutic goal in the treatment of FIC.

 Feeding a canned urinary diet can achieve a lower USG with the potential to reduce FIC flare-ups.

 Successfully encouraging water consumption requires identifying patient-specific preferences for fluid intake (

) and ensuring water is managed as a resource (Pillar 2, 

). Diets targeted to reduce USG and/or increase water consumption may include increased moisture content as well as adjustments in ingredients that increase thirst, such as sodium.

 Consumption of canned food promotes additional water intake directly through the diet. In some cases, additional water in small volumes (1-2 tbsp) can be added to each meal. Although the consumption of dry food comparatively limits water intake in the meal, some veterinary therapeutic diets targeted for the treatment of FLUTD, such as the Royal Canin Urinary SO formulations, include dry formulations that promote water consumption.

Promotion of Water Intake Includes Evaluating Individual Patient Preferences for Water Consumption

Multicat households: A solitary species living with friends?

Domestication has allowed cats to adapt to living in social communities with humans and other cats. As a prey species relying on small, frequent meals to meet their daily caloric intake, cats are generally considered to be asocial as a species.

 Cats that cohabitate may develop a social bond (“friends”), whereas most cats merely coexist in the same space. These cats may or may not exhibit overt signs of agonistic behaviour (“foes”). “Friends” will exhibit affiliative behaviors including allogrooming, allo-rubbing, tail wrapping, and allo-play (

). They will sleep in direct physical contact with one another. Affiliative cat-cat behaviors should not end in physical violence or vocalization. Caregivers may not recognize the subtle signs of intercat tension and are often more aware of obvious agonistic behaviors such as vocalization and fighting. Teasing out the history of any existing intercat tension is important to developing a treatment plan for FIC. Assessment for deficiencies in the 5 pillars of a healthy feline environment will help to pinpoint areas of concern.

 Consultation with a veterinary behaviorist may be needed in cases of intercat tensions.

Figure 3. Signs of Affiliative and Agonistic Behavior in Cats

It is tempting in cases of FIC to consider long-term pharmaceutical therapy as the principal approach to care. We can now see that long-term success is best achieved by identifying and managing treatable risk factors (

). This includes identification of deficiencies in the 5 pillars of a healthy feline environment (

 Pharmaceuticals have a role in the treatment of FIC flare-ups and may be beneficial for some patients as a short-term adjunct to reducing anxiety in response to stressors. During periods of FIC flare-ups, when cats are experiencing clinical signs of FLUTD, a multimodal approach to acute pain is ideal. Drug selection should be based on the patient’s signalment and health status and tailored to their specific clinical signs.

 Patient comorbidities should be monitored and managed appropriately to avoid added physiological stress and emotional distress.

 For example, cats diagnosed with degenerative joint disease will require appropriate chronic pain management to manage well-being. All medical, dietary, environmental, and resource concerns need to be addressed prior to or in conjunction with the use of anxiolytic agents. Anxiety will improve with environmental adjustments,

 but in some cases anxiolytic or antianxiety medications such as tricyclic antidepressants or other behavior-modifying pharmacologic drugs may be needed. Caregivers will need to understand that these may require days to weeks to take effect and will not work in the absence of other management strategies. Behavior modification pharmacologic drugs should be used as a last resort and considered a component of the holistic approach, with the intention of being able to discontinue medications over time.

FIC is a complex disease that involves not only the patient, but the patient’s ability to respond to and cope with stressors in their environment. Given this complexity, a holistic approach to care for patients with FIC is ideal. Pain and related clinical signs need to be managed, as well as any coexisting causes of FLUTD and/or patient comorbidities. Risk factors for FIC such as obesity need to be addressed but, most importantly, deficiencies in the patient’s environment need to be identified, corrected, or modified according to the 5 pillars and MEMO. This type of integrative care for the patient with FIC improves feline well-being and has the capacity to minimize FIC flare-ups.

Kruger JM, Osborne CA, Goyal SM, et al. Clinical evaluation of cats with lower urinary tract disease. 

Buffington CA, Chew DJ, Kendall MS, et al. Clinical evaluation of cats with nonobstructive urinary tract diseases. 

Lekcharoensuk C, Osborne CA, Lulich JP. Epidemiologic study of risk factors for lower urinary tract diseases in cats. 

. 2001;218(9):1429-1435. doi:10.2460/javma.2001.218.1429

Sævik BK, Trangerud C, Ottesen N, Sørum H, Eggertsdóttir AV. Causes of lower urinary tract disease in Norwegian cats. 

. 2011;13(6):410-417. doi:10.1016/j.jfms.2010.12.012

Gerber B, Boretti FS, Kley S, et al. Evaluation of clinical signs and causes of lower urinary tract disease in European cats. 

. 2005;46(12):571-577. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.2005.tb00288.x

Tony Buffington CA, Westropp JL, Chew DJ. From FUS to Pandora syndrome: where are we, how did we get here, and where to now? 

. 2014;16(5):385-394. doi:10.1177/1098612X14530212

He C, Fan K, Hao Z, Tang N, Li G, Wang S. Prevalence, risk factors, pathophysiology, potential biomarkers and management of feline idiopathic cystitis: an update review. 

. 2022;9:900847. doi:10.3389/fvets.2022.900847

Buffington CA. Idiopathic cystitis in domestic cats—beyond the lower urinary tract. 

. 2011;25(4):784-796. doi:10.1111/j.1939-1676.2011.0732.x

Stella JL, Lord LK, Buffington CA. Sickness behaviors in response to unusual external events in healthy cats and cats with feline interstitial cystitis. 

. 2011;238(1):67-73. doi:10.2460/javma.238.1.67

Forrester SD, Towell TL. Feline idiopathic cystitis. 

. 2015;45(4):783-806. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2015.02.007

Westropp JL, Delgado M, Buffington CAT. Chronic lower urinary tract signs in cats: current understanding of pathophysiology and management. 

. 2019;49(2):187-209. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2018.11.001

Buffington CA, Westropp JL, Chew DJ, Bolus RR. Clinical evaluation of multimodal environmental modification (MEMO) in the management of cats with idiopathic cystitis. 

. 2006;8(4):261-268. doi:10.1016/j.jfms.2006.02.002

Defauw PA, Van de Maele I, Duchateau L, Polis IE, Saunders JH, Daminet S. Risk factors and clinical presentation of cats with feline idiopathic cystitis. 

. 2011;13(12):967-975. doi:10.1016/j.jfms.2011.08.001

Ellis SL, Rodan I, Carney HC, et al. AAFP and ISFM feline environmental needs guidelines. 

. 2013;15(3):219-230. doi:10.1177/1098612X13477537

Carney HC, Sadek TP, Curtis TM, et al; American Association of Feline Practitioners; International Society of Feline Medicine. AAFP and ISFM guidelines for diagnosing and solving house-soiling behavior in cats. 

. 2014;16(7):579-598. doi:10.1177/1098612X14539092

Heath S. Understanding feline emotions: … and their role in problem behaviours. 

. 2018;20(5):437-444. doi:10.1177/1098612X18771205

Rodan I, Dowgray N, Carney HC, et al. 2022 AAFP/ISFM cat friendly veterinary interaction guidelines: approach and handling techniques. 

. 2022;24(11):1093-1132. doi:10.1177/1098612X221128760

Harper EJ, Stack DM, Watson TD, Moxham G. Effects of feeding regimens on bodyweight, composition and condition score in cats following ovariohysterectomy. 

. 2001;42(9):433-438. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.2001.tb02496.x

Quimby J, Gowland S, Carney HC, DePorter T, Plummer P, Westropp J. 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines. 

. 2021;23(3):211-233. doi:10.1177/1098612X21993657

Lund EM, Armstrong PJ, Kirk CA, Klausner JS. Prevalence and risk factors for obesity in adult cats from private US veterinary practices. 

Freeman L, Becvarova I, Cave N, et al; WSAVA Nutritional Assessment Guidelines Task Force. WSAVA Nutritional Assessment Guidelines. 

Cline MG, Burns KM, Coe JB, et al. 2021 AAHA nutrition and weight management guidelines for dogs and cats. 

. 2021;57(4):153-178. doi:10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7232

Wei A, Fascetti AJ, Villaverde C, Wong RK, Ramsey JJ. Effect of water content in a canned food on voluntary food intake and body weight in cats. 

. 2011;72(7):918-923. doi:10.2460/ajvr.72.7.918

Sadek T (chair), Hamper B, Horwitz D, Rodan I, Rowe E, Sundahl E. Feline feeding programs: addressing behavioral needs to improve feline health and wellbeing. 

. 2018;20(11):1049-1055. doi:10.1177/1098612X18791877

Markwell PJ, Buffington CA, Chew DJ, Kendall MS, Harte JG, DiBartola SP. Clinical evaluation of commercially available urinary acidification diets in the management of idiopathic cystitis in cats. 

Bijsmans E, Quéau Y, Biourge V. Increasing dietary potassium chloride promotes urine dilution and decreases calcium oxalate relative supersaturation in healthy dogs and cats. 

. 2021;11(6):1809. doi:10.3390/ani11061809

Bradshaw JWS. Sociality in cats: a comparative review. 

 2016;11:113-124. doi:10.1016/j.jveb.2015.09.004

Steagall PV, Robertson S, Simon B, Warne LN, Shilo-Benjamini Y, Taylor S. 2022 ISFM consensus guidelines on the management of acute pain in cats. 

. 2022;24(1):4-30. doi:10.1177/1098612X211066268

General principles of feline well-being. 

. 2021;23(11):1072-1073. doi:10.1177/1098612X211051608

Treating the risk factors that matter most

Feline idiopathic cystitis

Members of the Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty and 24-Hour Emergency Center team with their Fear Free certification (Image courtesy of Thrive Pet Healthcare)

Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty and 24-Hour Emergency Center in Round Rock, Texas, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner, announced that it has become the first emergency and specialty hospital to earn Fear Free Veterinary Practice Certification. The Fear Free Practice Certification is a highlight of the hospital’s work in creating a stress-free environment for pets during a medical emergency, supporting pet owners whose pets are sick, and assisting the team working in an emotionally charged setting.

"We understand the unique stress that veterinary visits can have on pets and their families," expressed Meighan Daly DeHart, DVM, DACVIM, Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty and 24-Hour Emergency Center medical director.

 "This certification required a team-wide effort. It's more than a title; it's a reflection of our commitment to providing a safe, effective, and stress-free experience for all. We're proud to lead the charge as the first ER/specialty hospital to embrace this game-changing philosophy fully."

 the team at Heart of Texas went through training, showing crucial improvements in client retention, visit frequency, and care quality within the center.

They have also implemented the Fear Free philosophy take place within waiting rooms, examination rooms, and more to ensure all their patients receive the care they need while also providing an easier experience and safety for the staff.

"Seeing Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty and 24-Hour Emergency Center become the first combination ER/specialty hospital to be Fear Free Certified is a landmark moment for us at Fear Free," said Jennifer Merlo, DVM, director of veterinary affairs at Fear Free.

 "Thrive Pet Healthcare's commitment to integrating our principles has set a remarkable precedent in veterinary medicine. It exemplifies how a focused effort on reducing fear, anxiety, and stress can transform the care experience for pets, their families, and the veterinary teams who work tirelessly to support them."

Along with this center, Thrive Pet Healthcare has integrated Fear Free practices into its network, including 8 hospitals across the United States that have received this practice certification.

Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty & 24-Hour Emergency Center Becomes Country's First Fear Free-Certified ER/Specialty Hospital. News release. Thrive Pet Healthcare. November 28, 2023. Accessed November 29, 2023. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/heart-of-texas-veterinary-specialty--24-hour-emergency-center-becomes-countrys-first-fear-free-certified-erspecialty-hospital-301999743.html

Texas Veterinary Specialty and 24-Hour Emergency Center is highlighted for its dedication to providing a stress-free space for patients 

Texas veterinary hospital becomes the first Fear Free certified ER/specialty hospital 

As this mysterious canine respiratory disease begins to infect dogs in multiple states and make headlines across the nation, many pet parents and veterinary teams are seeking out information to better understand this disease, and how to keep their pets safe. Because there is little information out there, what exactly do veterinary professionals know about this illness, and what can clients do to keep their loved pets happy and healthy?

During this week’s episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, invited Silene St. Bernard, DVM, DACVPM, regional medical director at VCA Hospitals, to discuss the diagnosing process for this disease, how veterinary teams should be talking about it with clients, and how veterinary teams can keep their own pets safe when they return home from the clinic.

: I think that the biggest challenge is that there's a ton of information in the media and we don't have a lot of information to actually provide. So we are seeing an increase in respiratory cases, spotty all around the US and different locations. Some of those cases are cleanly getting diagnosed with assorted viruses and bacteria that we already know about and contest for. But we seem to have some cases in some locations that are progressing to more serious illness, potentially into pneumonia and we don't have diagnoses for all of them. Not everybody diagnoses these for respiratory illness in dogs. It's becoming more common. We've had outbreaks in the past several years. So people I think, are more comfortable with our diagnostics now and will do more testing. But a lot of them potentially get treated just get better, which is what's happening with most of them and don't we don't have a firm diagnosis. 

What we're trying to identify now is, is there something new out there that we need to know about that we either can diagnose and/or need to figure out how to treat. I just don't think we have a clean answer if it's a virus or a bacteria or something else or a combination thereof, a lot of our respiratory diseases are combination disease. We see mycoplasma combined with 

 and things like that, too. So we're trying to do a lot of testing all the veterinary labs, universities, public health departments, on the veterinary side, of course, are all working on trying to come up with some answers. But we don't have one yet.

Podcasts

As this disease continues to spread across the United States, Drs Adam Christman and Silene St. Bernard discuss the latest information available to veterinary professionals