November is National Diabetes Month, and the Diabetes Pet Care Alliance is once again encouraging veterinarians to enroll in their program. For the past three years, Merck Animal Health, Nestlé Purina PetCare, and Zoetis have joined the Diabetes Pet Care Alliance to help veterinary practices identify new canine and feline diabetes cases and jump-start management of the disease. In 2016, the Alliance will be doubling the number of veterinary practices that can enroll in the program, from 500 clinics in 2015 to 1,000 clinics this year. According to the company, thousands of pets have been screened and hundreds diagnosed through the Diabetes Pet Care Alliance program since 2014. By expanding the program to accommodate more veterinary practices, the Alliance hopes to get more patients screened for the disease, continue to raise awareness of the early signs of diabetes and to help clients make the transition to caring for a diabetic pet. While believed to be underdiagnosed, diabetes mellitus affects an estimated one in 230 cats and one in 300 dogs. Beginning October 1, 2016 and extending through October 31, veterinary clinics can enroll to participate in the Diabetes Pet Care Alliance by visiting the program's website. Once enrolled, they will have access to vital tools and resources related to diabetes awareness and screening. In addition, clients whose pets are diagnosed during this program will receive a free Diabetes Pet Care Alliance disease management kit from participating clinics. These management kits include the following: One AlphaTRAK 2 Blood Glucose Monitoring System from Zoetis One 6-pound bag of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DM Dietetic Management Feline Formula, plus a sample kit of DM Dietetic Management Wet Feline Formulas for cats or Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Fiber Balance Dry Formula for dogs One 10 mL vial of Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension) from Merck Animal Health For more information about the Diabetes Pet Care Alliance, visit their website.
