Report: 4 factors transforming veterinary industryJune 1, 2018Growing competition for flea and tick medication sales online, the aging demographics of the veterinary profession, the heavy debt load of recent veterinary school graduates, and the money being offered by consolidators are transforming the veterinary industry, according to market research firm Packaged Facts' Pet Industry Outlook: Veterinary Services and Pet Product Retailing. Consolidation and ecommerce trends that in large part are fueling the shifts tie in to significant changes in the pet industry overall, including consumer preferences for pet product shopping. "It's all about customer loyalty," said David Sprinkle, research director for Rockville, Md.-based Packaged Facts. "As choices increase and customers can get their veterinary services and pet products in many places, customer loyalty spanning in-store and online will be key to retaining business and driving growth across the pet market." Consolidation brings greater purchasing power and cost savings to chain veterinary practices, including those under the expanding veterinary umbrella of Mars Inc., and those associated with pet superstores, the report states. The main challenge for independent practices is to establish how their personalized service differentiates them from the growing field of chain veterinarians. However, pet ownership attitudes, expectations, and spending patterns, along with the …
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Blue Buffalo sets $3M fundraising goal to fight pet cancerMay 31, 2018Six million dogs and nearly the same number of cats are affected by cancer each year. Despite the huge impact of the disease, consumer surveys indicate that eight in 10 pet owners know little to nothing about pet cancer symptoms. To help combat the issue, Blue Buffalo Foundation announced plans to raise more than $3 million this year to help find a cure for feline and canine cancer. The foundation's annual consumer education program and Pet Cancer Awareness fundraising campaign, which have recognized May as Pet Cancer Awareness Month since 2004, provides financial support for families affected by pet cancer and funding for research at veterinary colleges and nonprofit organizations across the country. In October last year, the foundation awarded the Animal Cancer Foundation a $1 million research grant to launch the Canine Cancer Genome Project, which maps the tumor genomes of the most common cancers in dogs. "Everyone has been touched by human or pet cancer at some point," said Gerald Post, DVM, MEM, DACVIM (Oncology) and chief medical officer at The Veterinary Cancer Center in Norwalk, Conn. "For our loved ones, the pace of cancer research and the development of innovative treatment is too slow." For more …
Report: More pet skin allergies caused by fleas than foodMay 31, 2018According to Banfield Pet Hospital's recently released 2018 State of Pet Health Report, which explores the science behind skin allergies in pets and sheds light on flea, environmental, and food allergies, the latter isn't to blame for itchy skin as often as some might believe. According to Banfield's report, food allergies affect just 0.2 percent of dogs and 0.1 percent of cats, meaning other causes should be explored if food allergies are suspected. Further, flea allergies have risen over the past 10 years, including a 12 percent increase in dogs and a 67 percent increase in cats, and environmental allergies also are on an upward trend, with a more than 30 percent increase in dogs and 11 percent increase in cats over the last decade, the report stated. According to Banfield data, cats are twice as likely as dogs to be found with fleas; however, fleas exist in all types of weather, on outdoor and indoor pets and in all 50 states all year long. While environmental allergens for pets vary by region and climate, many are found in a typical pet owner's home, including pollen, dander, molds, and cleaning solutions. Additionally, Wisdom …
Petplan warns of potential summer hazards for petsMay 31, 2018With summer fast approaching, Petplan pet insurance recommends veterinarians advise their clients about potential dangers that may threaten the safety of their pets throughout the warmer months. The company released a list of 10 hazards for owners to keep in mind when traveling, exercising, and socializing with their pets in the hot weather. "Having your furry family members tag along on summer vacation is becoming more popular with pet owners, but it also adds an extra level of responsibility," says Jennifer Maniet, DVM. "Just be sure to prioritize your pets' needs when making your plans. Make sure they will have access to plenty of clean water, shady places to cool down, and above all else, constant supervision. Summer goes by quickly and the last thing you want is to spend time and money treating potentially avoidable medical emergencies." Here are some common summertime risks, courtesy of Petplan, as well as the potential resulting costs, according to the company's claims data from 2017. 1. Keep an eye on your pet while at the beach. Eating sand could lead to intestinal blockage, and drinking ocean water might cause dehydration, disorientation, and seizures related to salt toxicity. Related …
University of Sydney researchers discover domestic cat hepadnavirusMay 31, 2018Scientists in Australia have identified a new feline disease, tentatively named domestic cat hepadnavirus, which is similar to that of hepatitis B in humans. The discovery, which has been published in the journal Viruses, could impact human medical research, as well as the health of cats, according to the University of Sydney research team. Researchers at the university made the breakthrough during their search for cancer-causing viruses in the tissue of an immunocompromised cat. The disease was identified after Jasper, a cat belonging to researcher Julia Beatty, Ph.D., professor of feline medicine at the university, died from heart disease and was found to be carrying a virus previously unidentified in cats. The Morris Animal Foundation-funded research team, including Dr. Beatty, was able to map a complete genome of the new virus and then tested banked samples from cats, including Jasper. In addition to his heart disease, Jasper also had feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Researchers found the new domestic cat hepadnavirus present in 10 percent of cats tested with FIV and 3.2 percent of non-FIV infected cats, mirroring the higher frequency of hepatitis B found in humans with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Beatty affirmed …
AFSCAN announces 2018 research and studentship awardsMay 29, 2018The African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN), a project supported by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's (WSAVA) Charitable Foundation, has announced the recipients of the 2018 AFSCAN Research and Studentship Awards. AFSCAN Research Awards AFSCAN Research Awards offer academics working at a veterinary school in Africa the opportunity to secure a grant to fund a locally relevant clinical research project of their devising in partnership with a research laboratory overseas. From six applications this year, two projects have been selected for funding following review by the WSAVA scientific advisory committee and the AFSCAN management board. Dr. Willy Mwangi from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, has been awarded $9,945 for an 18-month project: "Spatial and molecular epidemiology of Giardia duodenalis in shelter and client-owned dogs in Nairobi County, Kenya." Dr. Adekunle Bamidele Ayinmode from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, has been awarded $8,170 for a two-year project: "Prevalence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis in clinical samples from cats and dogs in south west Nigeria." AFSCAN Studentship Awards The AFSCAN Studentship Awards enable a fourth- or fifth-year African undergraduate veterinary student to spend six to eight weeks participating in research …
Merrick recalls treats containing possible elevated beef thyroid hormonesMay 25, 2018Merrick Pet Care, based in Amarillo, Texas, is initiating a voluntary recall of a limited amount of beef dog treat varieties due to the potential that they contain elevated levels of a naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone, according to an FDA report. Dogs consuming high levels of beef thyroid hormone may exhibit increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased heart rate, and restlessness. Dogs that consume high levels of the treats for a long period may experience an increase in these symptoms, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid or labored breathing. The voluntary recall covers only specific production codes of the following beef treat products: Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Prime Patties Real Beef Recipe 4 oz. Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Sausage Cuts Real Beef Recipe 5 oz. Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky 4.5 oz. Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Sausage Cuts 5 oz. Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Steak Patties 4 oz. To view more information on the recalled products, click here. To locate the production code, consumers should look on the lower back of the treat bag. No other production codes, sizes, or varieties of …
Winn, AAFP announce 2018 scholarship winnersMay 25, 2018The Winn Feline Foundation and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) have announced the recipients of the 2018 joint scholarships for clinical practice and clinical research scientist. Each winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship. Nicole Rowbotham, a junior at Mississippi State University who was awarded the clinical practice scholarship, aspires to obtain her American Board of Veterinary Practitioners certification in feline practice and become the owner of a feline-exclusive hospital. Courtney Meason-Smith, a junior at Texas A&M University who was awarded the clinical research scientist scholarship, seeks to develop an independent research career investigating histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis in cats and is developing novel diagnostics and therapeutics to address these conditions. In 2016, the boards of directors of both Winn and the AAFP approved a joint scholarship. The application process prompts students to answer two essay questions explaining their specific interest and background in feline health and welfare, as well as their plans for future participation in feline medicine. Recipients of the scholarships are selected based on individual academic achievement, strong leadership, and deep dedication to the study of feline medicine, health, and welfare. "Both Nicole and Courtney have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills that …
AVDA recognizes Kim Allen with Lifetime Achievement AwardMay 25, 2018Kim Allen, president of Henry Schein Animal Health's commercial division, has been honored with the American Veterinary Distributors Association's (AVDA) 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award. Allen, who has worked in the veterinary distribution industry for more than 36 years, was the first woman to join the AVDA board of directors, serving from 1990 to 2005 and as chair from 2001 to 2004. "Kim's dedication and service to the animal health industry and distribution for more than 36 years is truly remarkable," said Paula Brown, AVDA chair. "She was a role model and mentor for me and many other women in the industry. Her support of AVDA as a board member and first woman chair was groundbreaking and helped to make the association better for all of our members." Allen, who received her bachelor of science in animal science from Rutgers University, joined Henry Schein in 2005. Prior to that, she worked in various senior executive positions in the veterinary distribution industry, including president of Burns Veterinary Supply for the Darby Group Companies. An avid horse rider and breeder, Allen is also a member of the U.S. Equestrian Federation, U.S. Dressage Federation, and U.S. Eventing Association. …
CSU veterinary school celebrated for communicationsMay 25, 2018The communications program at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS) has been recognized with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges' (AAVMC) 2018 Communications Excellence Award, with association judges praising the school for a "portfolio of fresh and engaging communication products and content" designed to facilitate student and community engagement. "Communications excellence is fundamental to institutional advancement," said Andrew T. Maccabe, DVM, MPH, JD, AAVMC CEO. "We congratulate our colleagues at Colorado State University for earning this distinction, and appreciate the role their work is playing in advancing the overall interests of academic veterinary medicine." Spearheaded by director of communications Kristen Browning-Blas, CVMBS's strengthened efforts include a recently redesigned website, which features a continuously updated online news room that has garnered millions of page views. A story exploring cross-species viral transmission reached 325 million readers and viewers, while another on Lyme disease research earned an estimated readership of 407 million and elicited global coverage through 300 mainstream media outlets. The college also increased its social media programming, which helped grow the veterinary teaching hospital's social media audience by 132 percent year-over-year. Through social media engagement, CVMBS helped introduce girls to …
