Nationwide members paid $119 million to treat their dogs and catsMarch 21, 2019Nationwide members spent $119 million in 2018 to treat their dogs and cats. The pet health insurance company analyzed its database of more than 725,000 insured pets to determine the top 10 most common conditions that prompted veterinary visits. "Pet owners are encouraged to schedule regular medical checkups as recommended by their veterinarians to prevent many common, yet problematic medical conditions," says Nationwide vice president and chief veterinary officer, Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA. "Early …
SPONSORED CONTENTFeline heartworm diagnostic testingUnderstanding the new American Heartworm Society guidelines, why and when to screen cats for heartworm infection. +
Trust, education can build vaccine complianceMarch 18, 2019Can people control their exposure to whatever virus du jour is making the rounds? No—and that's the point veterinarians should stress among vaccine-wary clients, says Tony Rumschlag, DVM, director of consulting veterinarians, companion animal at Elanco Animal Health. "We cannot in all circumstances control our pets' exposure to disease," he says. "We can help prevent disease in our beloved pets by simply following an appropriate vaccination protocol." As in human medicine, some veterinary clients …
Veterinary Dentistry Specialists expands with new clinic in Chadds Ford, PaMarch 13, 2019Dogs and cats in Chadds Ford, Pa., will now have access to advanced dental care by board-certified veterinary specialists in dentistry and anesthesia. Veterinary Dentistry Specialists (VDS) is opening a second clinic, expanding its services from its original location in Mt. Laurel, NJ. Owned by Carlos Rice, DVM, DAVDC, Veterinary Dentistry Specialists is one of few dentistry practices where a full-time, board-certified veterinary dentist and a full-time, board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist work alongside each other. …
Osteosarcoma: Beyond amputation and euthanasiaMarch 12, 2019When a patient is diagnosed with osteosarcoma, we tend to focus on three options: • the "gold standard," i.e. amputation with or without chemotherapy; • what many call palliative care, meaning pain medication and rest; or • euthanasia. But what if amputation is not an option? What if chemotherapy or radiation is out of the owner's financial capabilities? Or a couple of medications are not enough to numb the pain? What if …
FDA finds potential link between diet and canine DCMFebruary 20, 2019According to reports investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), a large proportion of diets in canine DCM cases—both grain-free and grain-containing—include peas and/or lentils in various forms as a main ingredient.
FDA approves new drug for diabetic dogsFebruary 12, 2019A new drug for managing diabetes mellitus in dogs has been approved for use in the U.S.
What makes a good working dog?February 5, 2019The canine labor market is diverse and expansive. Assistance dogs may be trained to work with the visually or hearing impaired, or with people in wheelchairs. Detection dogs may be trained to sniff out explosives, narcotics, or bedbugs. Others even learn to jump out of helicopters on daring rescue missions. Despite the wide variety of working roles available for man's best friend, those jobs can be tough to fill, since not every dog will qualify. …
Dogs with bigger brains have higher cognitive capacitiesFebruary 1, 2019Larger-brain breeds have better short-term memory and self-control than smaller dogs, says a new study.
Data reveals highest cost drivers for cats and dogsJanuary 22, 2019Vomiting and/or diarrhea and the ingestion of foreign objects are among the top cost drivers of veterinary care for dogs and cats.
UF to offer new canine cardiology programJanuary 14, 2019A new program focusing on open heart surgery for dogs at the University of Florida (UF) College of Veterinary Medicine will open later this year.
