All articles tagged with #veterinary medicine
The FDA has approved Bravecto Quantum, a 12-month flea and tick preventative for dogs, administered via a single injection by a veterinarian, offering long-term protection and convenience, with some potential side effects to consider.
Nox, a peregrine falcon with a broken wing, was treated at UC Davis using advanced veterinary techniques, highlighting progress in wildlife rehabilitation. Despite successful surgery and rehabilitation, Nox was recaptured due to emaciation shortly after release and passed away. The case underscores the challenges of post-release care and inspires further research in veterinary medicine, emphasizing the balance between medical intervention and natural survival instincts.
A cat named Squeaks, suffering from a persistent infection after a severe leg injury, was successfully treated using personalized bacteriophage therapy. This groundbreaking approach, which targets specific bacteria with viruses, marks the first reported use of such treatment in academic veterinary medicine. The therapy, combined with antibiotics, healed the infection after other antibiotics had failed, highlighting the potential of phage therapy for treating antibiotic-resistant infections in pets.
A study led by Prof. Ronen Hazan demonstrated the successful use of personalized phage therapy to treat a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in a Siamese cat named Squeaks. This marks the first documented application of such therapy in veterinary medicine, highlighting its potential to address antibiotic-resistant infections in animals. The treatment involved a combination of a specific anti-P. aeruginosa phage and ceftazidime, leading to the complete healing of the cat's surgical wound after fourteen weeks.
Veterinarians Dr. Barb Petersen and Dr. Drew Magstadt, both graduates of Iowa State University, collaborated to solve a mysterious illness affecting dairy cattle in multiple herds across several states. After extensive testing, they discovered that the illness was caused by bird flu, a virus previously not known to infect cattle in the U.S. The virus has spread to 28 dairy cattle herds in eight states, posing a significant threat to the livestock industry. The ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory played a crucial role in identifying and confirming the virus, highlighting the importance of veterinary research and diagnostic capabilities in safeguarding animal health.
A vet in Kansas contracted a skin-blistering fungal infection, sporotrichosis, from a cat, leading to oozing ulcers on her arm. The disease, typically found in tropical climates, can be transmitted to humans through scratches or bites from infected animals. The CDC is calling for increased awareness of sporotrichosis in cats to prevent human acquisition in the veterinary setting. Cases of cat-transmitted fungal infections are rare in the US, but experts warn that fungal infections are becoming a significant threat to public health.
A rare fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii was found in two cats and a vet tech in Kansas, leading to concerns about potential spread. The infection, known as sporotrichosis, is generally picked up through contact with sharp plants and causes slow-healing skin lesions. While the infections are treatable, they can take a long time to heal. The CDC is monitoring a similar, more contagious fungal infection in cats in South America caused by a related fungus called Sporothrix brasiliensis. The report aims to raise awareness among veterinarians and pet owners to catch sporotrichosis early and prevent its spread.
Daily treatment with the veterinary drug monepantel was found to reduce the rate of disease progression by up to 58% in people with ALS or MND, with generally safe and well-tolerated oral therapy. The completed MEND trial in Australia showed promising preliminary efficacy, leading to plans for a Phase 2/3 study to start later this year. Monepantel, known for deworming in veterinary medicine, may activate a pathway to clear toxic proteins contributing to disease progression, potentially extending survival by 13.5 to 56.5 months.
Annika Bram, a veterinary student, has been documenting her journey of nursing an obese golden retriever named Frannie back to health. Frannie, who weighed 125 pounds in December 2023, has since lost 31 pounds and shown renewed vigor for life through a custom diet and physical therapy. Bram's Instagram account, @frannies.fight, has gained over 300,000 followers as she shares Frannie's inspiring progress. The heartwarming story has gone viral, inspiring many with Frannie's determination and resilience.
A case study suggests that cannabis, particularly full-spectrum CBD oil, could be a promising alternative treatment for dogs with the autoimmune disease discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), especially for those experiencing adverse effects from conventional steroid therapies. The study found that the CBD oil led to significant improvement in the dog's dermatological signs and liver function, with no need for corticosteroids during the treatment period. Other studies have also shown potential benefits of CBD for reducing stress and anxiety in dogs, as well as improving conditions like arthritis and seizures. However, the FDA has cautioned about the lack of data on safe levels of potential residues from CBD-treated animals in food products.
A surge of mysterious respiratory illnesses in dogs, known as canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), has abated after peaking in late 2023, with cases dropping to usual levels within the first few weeks of January. The cause of the wave and its subsequent decline remains elusive, with no single pathogen identified as solely responsible. While concerns arose about a potential link to Covid-19, experts have ruled out SARS-CoV2 as the driving force behind the illnesses. As the situation stabilizes, veterinarians advise dog owners to consider the risks and benefits of returning to dog parks and other social settings, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations and understanding individual risk factors for each dog.
It can be challenging to tell if a dog is in pain, but there are several signs to watch for, including excessive licking, drooling, changes in appetite, abnormal sitting or standing, shaking or trembling, lethargy, and uncharacteristic growling. These signs may indicate various health issues, from dental problems to neurological diseases, and it's important to seek veterinary care if you notice any unusual behavior in your dog.
French Bulldog puppy Tyson spontaneously regrew his jaw after surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, marking a first in veterinary medicine. The surgery, led by Cornell University veterinarians, removed a significant portion of Tyson's jaw, but his recovery defied all odds as his mandible almost completely regrew. Tyson's remarkable journey from critical cancer diagnosis to thriving symbolizes the potential for regenerative healing in young animals and offers hope and insights for future veterinary treatments.
A 3-month-old French bulldog named Tyson underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in his jaw, resulting in the majority of his jaw being removed. Miraculously, the puppy's jaw regrew, marking the first documented case of such regeneration in a dog. Veterinarians at Cornell University suspect that preserving a large amount of membrane containing blood vessels and nerves during the surgery may have contributed to the regrowth. Tyson is now living a normal life, demonstrating the possibility of complete bone regeneration in young patients.
Dogs can experience depression similar to humans due to chemical and hormonal changes in their brains. Symptoms of dog depression include loss of appetite, sleepiness, clinginess, vocal changes, aggression, and changes in bathroom habits. Causes of dog depression can include aging, illness, loss of a loved one, environmental changes, and trauma. To help a depressed dog, spend more time with them, create a routine with playtime, introduce them to new friends, and make their meals more interesting.