When undertaking a scientific study on the efficacy of CBD in pain relief in dogs an issue that didn’t occur to me was the problem of getting the CBD across state borders in The USA without being tagged as a drug dealer. The answer – move the study to Canada.
We again catch up with Dr Kelly Diehl, Senior Director of Science & Communications for The Morris Animal Foundation to find out about some of their latest studies including:
https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/ or listen to their Podcast Fresh Scoop https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/articles?animal_type=All&topic=496
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How much did you say it was? You are kidding me! Why is it so expensive? We were out having a couple of beers with some friends last night and I got the comment again... Someone turned to me and said "I have just had my dog to the vet. God, vets are expensive"! Are they though? In the latest episode of The Vetpodcast we have a closer look at the cost of veterinary care.
From Surviving to Thriving. We work in a tough profession. How good is your mental wellbeing?13/3/2023
Unfortunately, the veterinary profession can really take a toll on the mental health and wellbeing of those in it. In this episode of The Vetpodcast I have a frank discussion with Canadian veterinarian Dr Marie Holowaychuk who is a passionate advocate for veterinary team wellbeing. Marie is CEO and founder of Reviving Veterinary Medicine and host of the Reviving Vet Med podcast. If you are an animal health professional, you probably owe it to yourself to listen to this discussion.
If you require guidance or help with your mental wellbeing, many veterinary associations provide free counselling services including The NZVA Wellbeing Hub, The Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association Veterinary Health and Wellness Resources and The Australian Veterinary Associations Thrive wellness Initiative.
Following the disastrous floods that have hit the north of New Zealand following cyclone Gabrielle last week, I think it is opportune to revisit a podcast I recorded a year or so ago with Sue Kinsella and Alison Vaughan from RNZSPCA. If you have the responsibility of looking after animals, you should listen to this...
It has emerged that British Health Secretary Theresa Coffey thinks it might be a good idea if the access to antibiotics in the UK is loosened so that pharmacists will have the ability to dispense antibiotics to patients in certain situations. She has also unbelievably admitted that she has handed out antibiotics from her own supplies to friends and family. This unsurprisingly has prompted a fierce backlash from both medical practitioners and veterinarians in the UK and abroad, even causing ripples here in New Zealand.
I will admit that I haven’t looked into how she sees this new dispensing scheme working and I certainly don’t want to belittle the ability of the well trained hard working pharmacists so I am not really in a position to comment on this but… I am absolutely aghast that someone in her position would freely admit to doing something which is illegal here in New Zealand and I understand also in the UK and much of the rest of the world and that is dispensing antibiotics without the legal authority to do so. Anyway, that is a long winded way to introduce the topic of antimicrobial resistance and if you aren’t already amazed at the actions of the British Health Secretary, hopefully by the end of this podcast you will understand what all of the fuss is about. Ok, so firstly, what has the actions of the British Health Secretary got to do with veterinary medicine. The answer is simple, antimicrobials are not species specific. Human and veterinary medicine both use much the same antimicrobials, so it is in both professions interest to encourage rational use of the drugs. So a bit of background… firstly the shock statistic. There are reports of at least 700,000 human deaths worldwide each year due to microbial resistance with an estimate that if no action is taken, that figure could increase to 10 million globally per year by 2050! Without wanting to belittle the death rates of covid, in 2021 there were about 3.6 million deaths attributed to covid, potentially we have a world wide issue that if not addressed could cause almost 3 times the number of deaths per year as covid is at the moment by 2050. What are antimicrobials.. actually, lets stop here for a minute. I have been referring to antimicrobials so far so what is the difference between antimicrobials and antibiotics. Antimicrobials are compounds used against microbial organisms, which includes viruses, protozoa, fungi and bacteria whereas antibiotics are used against bacteria, so antibiotics are antimicrobials, but not all antimicrobials are antibiotics. Make sense? Sorry, I digressed. What are antimicrobials used for. There are three broad uses. The first is the obvious one, to treat known disease. The second is prophylaxis or prevention of disease and the third is as a growth promotant. Some examples of these. To treat a known disease is obvious. Perhaps for something like a skin cut that has become infected with bacteria. An example of prophylaxis would be perhaps a surgeon has undertaken abdominal surgery on a dog, which involves making an incision into the small intestine. This could potentially have resulted in a leak of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity which obviously isn’t a good thing, with the risk of bacteria from the contents causing a peritonitis or infection in the abdominal cavity. At the time of surgery, or often just before even, the animal may be treated with appropriate antibiotics to minimise the risk of peritonitis occurring. Another example of this is a treatment called dry cow therapy where antibiotics are infused into the mammary glands of a dairy cow after she has finished her milking season, what is referred to as drying off, to stop her getting mastitis during the dry season. More on this later. The final use is as a growth promotion. This largely applies to intensive farming, particularly beef cattle, pigs, and chickens where antibiotics are mixed in the animals feed or water to minimise the effect any organisms may have on the growth rate. A real shotgun form of medication. There is an obvious red flag against this use. How commonly are antibiotics used in veterinary medicine? A study has shown that over a recent 2 year period 25% of dogs and 21% of cats in the UK received antibiotics. Another study puts the number of dairy cows receiving dry cow therapy in NZ at about 10% so still quite frequent. We have discussed current use of antimicrobials. Where does the problem lie. It was not until the late 1920s that the first true antibiotic was isolated. Alexander Flemming left a Petrie dish uncovered in his lab when he went on holiday. When he returned, he found the dish had been contaminated with a fungal colony. He also noted that all of the bacteria around the fungal colony had died. This was a repeatable finding. Hence penicillin was discovered. The relevance of this date is that it is very very recent in the bigger scale of things. I had the whole antimicrobial resistance thing put to me very eloquently a couple of years ago. Humans have stepped into a war between bacteria and fungi that has been going on for millions of years. Both groups of organisms often compete for the same space so fungi have evolved to produce toxins to kill off the competing bacteria. Bacteria, not wanting to be outdone have developed the ability to develop defences against the toxins. In a word, resistance. It must be remembered that almost all antibiotics in use today were originally developed from fungal toxins or based upon them. Is it not a bit naive for humans to step into this war thinking that millions of years of practice on behalf of the bacteria evading fungal toxins counts for nothing? So there is our problem. The micro-organisms, particularly bacteria are outsmarting us. It is now common practice to do what is called a culture and sensitivity. That is to identify the bacteria we are dealing with and then establish which antibiotics the bacteria is susceptible to. This is normally done by placing small disks infused with the common antibiotics onto the plate with the bacteria and if the bacteria are susceptible to the particular antibiotic, there will be no growth around the disk. Conversely, if the disk has no effect on the culture this denotes a resistance. When the bacteria is resistant to all of the antibiotics presented to it we refer to it as a superbug. Is this problem getting worse? Hell yes. To quote the World Health Organisation “Antibiotic resistance is rising to dangerously high levels in all parts of the world. New resistance mechanisms are emerging and spreading globally, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases” Surely we can just replace them with new ones, just like buying a new car or a toaster? Not really. At the moment there are only a small number of antibiotics being developed, mostly by small companies rather than large pharmaceutical companies. Being a bit cynical, I suspect this is because the larger companies have much more profitable drugs in their sights. To again quote the World Health Organisation “Without urgent action, we are heading for a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries can once again kill” Both the medical and veterinary professions are more than aware of these risks. It wasn’t that long ago that you went to your doctor with a cough or the flu and the first thing you were sent home with was a course of antibiotics “just in case there is an infection” or your cat had a limp, and it was sent home with antibiotics “just in case it is an infected bite wound”. I would like to think these days are gone. Antibiotic treatment is normally only indicated if:
• there is sufficient reason to suspect that a bacterial infection is present and • the infection is not likely to resolve without antibiotic therapy. So the core principles of responsible antimicrobial stewardship are as follows: Consider the impact of antibiotic use on the animal, its owner and other people, and the environment. 2. Animals should receive antibiotics only when there is a susceptible bacterial infection, antibiotics are required to maintain their health and welfare, and when no other treatment will work. 3. When antibiotics are used, dose rates and regimes should be designed for maximal efficacy and to limit re-treatment. 4. There are antibiotics considered so important in human medicine that they should not be used as first line treatment, and only used where no other treatment will work. 5. There will be a reduction in selection pressure for antimicrobial resistance if a smaller total amount of antibiotics are used in veterinary and human medicine. Here in New Zealand we are aiming at being antibiotic free by 2030 and the pathway to this antibiotic stewardship is neatly summed up by the 5 R’s plan: Reduction Reduction in antibiotic use is achieved by: 1. Preventative measures such as vaccination. 2. Avoiding use where there is no bacterial infection, for example, in uncomplicated viral infection. 3. Use of topical/local antimicrobials in preference to systemic delivery. 4. Avoidance of prophylactic antibiotic usage unless justified Refinement Continuously evaluate prescribing practices and therapeutic plans, based on: 1. Response to treatment 2. Previous similar cases 3. Published clinical studies 4. Local and published resistance data Replacement Selection pressure can be reduced by using non-antimicrobial alternatives where there is evidence of efficacy. Responsibility The success of a stewardship plan requires engagement, understanding, and personal responsibility of people at all levels involved in the prescription, treatment, and management of animals. Engagement will be achieved through: 1. Positioning of the program and a clear description of the justification to all involved. 2. Ensuring understanding of the core principles not just the operational procedures. 3. Encouragement of ‘upward leadership’ – empowerment of team members to contribute to success of the plan, to bring new ideas and innovation, and to refine the processes. Review A stewardship plan is a ‘living document’ and will be subject to periodic (at least annual) review to ensure objectives are met. 1. Animal health and welfare outcomes remain top priority and monitored to ensure they are achieved. 2. Audit of compliance should be undertaken internally and by independent bodies. 3. Reduction and replacement strategies should be monitored through measurement of animal daily doses used. 4. Susceptibility surveillance should be undertaken as appropriate to ensure appropriate selection of antimicrobials, maximise efficacy and monitor resistance in target pathogens. 5. Investigation of strategies that can be employed to improve stewardship of antimicrobials I will leave the last word again to The World Health Organization “Where antibiotics can be bought for human or animal use without a prescription, the emergence and spread of resistance is made worse. Similarly, in countries without standard treatment guidelines, antibiotics are often over-prescribed by health workers and veterinarians and over-used by the public”. And I must underline this statement again “Without urgent action, we are heading for a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries can once again kill” Were British Health Secretary Theresa Coffeys actions in any way acceptable? Antimicrobial Resistance. You gave what to who? The British Health Secretary, some left over antibiotics and a return to the dark ages. “Without urgent action, we are heading for a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries can once again kill” World Health Organisation This isn’t hyperbole, this is potentially our future (as if there aren’t enough other things to be concerned about). And then we have the British Health Secretary giving her left over antibiotics to family and friends. Really!!!
One of the givens in this world is that things never stay the same, we are always learning and we are always improving. This is as true for the veterinary profession as it is anywhere else. The information changes are based on must come from somewhere though.
Many of us will be aware of the change in recommendations as to the timing of desexing dogs. When I trained it was almost written in stone that it was by 6 months. It would now appear that the timing isn’t quite that simple. Early spey and neutering has been associated with an increase in non-traumatic orthopaedic injuries. Where did this information from? One of the major studies the updated recommendations are based on is The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study run by Morris Animal Foundation The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is one of the largest, most comprehensive prospective canine health studies in the United States. The Study’s purpose is to identify the nutritional, environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors for cancer and other diseases in dogs. Each year, with the help of veterinarians and dog owners, the Foundation collects health, environmental and behavioural data on 3,000+ enrolled golden retrievers and has just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Today we have a chat to Dr Kelly Diehl, Senior Director of Science and Communication for The Morris Animal Foundation about: • An overview of The Morris Animal Foundation • What is The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study • Why Golden Retrievers? • An overview of some of the results to date • The relevance to other breeds of dogs, specie
f you have been a listener of the Vetpodcast for a while you may recall an episode we recorded back in early 2021 with Dr Melissa Trupia discussing end of life decisions and treatment. In this episode we are taking the inevitable next step today and discussing euthanasia. It is a topic that perhaps isn’t discussed as often as it should because but lets face it, almost all pet owners have to go through this process at least once in their pet owning life. I have a broad reaching discussion with Dr Kathleen Cooney, veterinarian, founder and Director of Education for The Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy. This discussion may be a bit confronting in places to some people but fore warned is fore armed.
We talk about: · what makes a good euthanasia? · as an owner, how to prepare for your pet’s euthanasia? · pre-euthanasia sedation – why it is now considered “best practice” · should you be present for the final act? · the mechanics of euthanasia · what are your options with your deceased pet’s body? · what about grief support? Whether you are a pet owner or a veterinary professional, you should probably have a listen to this.
This is the second part of our discussion on the history of veterinary medicine with Dr Bruce Vivash Jones. Bruce is a retired veterinarian, veterinary historian and author and has written what is possibly the most complete account of the history of veterinary medicine published.
Bruce’s comments on the events that changed veterinary medicine, the current state of our profession and the possible future are truly insightful.
This is the first of 2 episodes discussing the history of veterinary medicine with Dr Bruce Vivash Jones. Bruce is a retired veterinarian, veterinary historian and author and has authored what is possibly the most complete account of the history of veterinary medicine published. In this first instalment, I discuss the origins of veterinary medicine as we know it, but we start some 4000 years ago with superstition, sacrifice and religion with a bit of the classical history on the side.
Whether you are a vet, vet nurse, RVN, allied veterinary professional or a pet owner, if there is only one episode of The Vetpodcast you ever listen to, please let it be this one.
It is heart-breaking. I read with absolute despair that another of our veterinary colleagues have taken their own life – again! The statistics relating to suicide, and for that matter mental health in our profession are shocking. I make no apologies for repeating this podcast I posted a year or so ago, it is just so important. Not One More Vet! #NOMV
Here in New Zealand, apart from the obvious religious significance of the Easter festival there are 2 icons that you cannot escape. Chocolate Easter eggs and raisin filled Hot Cross Buns. Unfortunately, both chocolate and grapes are potentially toxic to dogs so without pouring cold water on your festivities, what is all the fuss about?
Something like 16% of dogs do it. Almost 100% of humans find it disgusting. It makes me gag! I am talking about coprophagia.
What is coprophagia? – Eating faeces I chat to Jess from nutritionRVN about this less than savoury behaviour. We talk about: -Is there a risk to either dogs or humans? -What causes it? -How to stop it? I would normally say sit down with a coffee and a bit of cake but for this episode but perhaps give the cake a miss this time!
Most men of a certain age can tell you exactly where their prostate gland is. The doctor has pointed it out to them literally on more than one occasion. Male dogs can also have issues with their prostate glands, and yes, just like our human colleagues, one of our best diagnostic tools is our index finger!
In this episode of The Vetpodcast I discuss that scourge of older men, the prostate gland, and the issues this gland can cause in dogs.
News bulletins are full of disaster stories. In the case of a disaster have you got a plan for your pet? I talk to Sue Kinsella and Alison Vaughan from RNZSPCA about “disaster preparedness”.
There is nothing worse than being woken up in the middle of the night by that hacking coughing sound of a cat bringing up a hair ball unless it is standing on it in bare feet. We discuss causes, treatment and prevention of hairballs.
"This dog is all that is keeping mum alive. If the dog dies she dies!" Pets and senior citizens.17/1/2022
As a veterinarian, it is not uncommon for a pet to be presented to me on behalf of a frail older person by a friend or family member and having the forceful if not somewhat chilling statement made to me “this wee dog is all that is keeping mum alive. If the dog dies, mum will have nothing to live for, and she will probably die”. Unfortunately, and quite soberingly, on more than one occasion, not long after an elderly client’s beloved pet has passed away their name will appear in the death notices. It would appear their pet was all that was keeping them alive.
The animal/human bond is strong, but it appears to be even stronger in Senior Citizens. In this episode of The Vetpodcast, I have a closer look at the relationship between senior citizens and their pets.
It’s the end of what has been for most of us a very trying year so rather than dive into a technical topic for this last podcast of 2021, lets listen to some of the words of wisdom (and out-takes) from our many and diverse guests over the past year or so.
There are a few “did they really say that” moments and a few comments that hit the nail on the head as well as a couple of ill timed interruptions.
How about a treatment that circulates oxygen around the body dissolved in plasma rather than haemoglobin that diffuses oxygen into those hard to reach spots like damaged tissue with poor blood supply and deep seated infections? How useful is that! I talk to Annette McFadgen VN from Town and Country Vets in Nelson, NZ about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
We talk again to UK exotic vet Benjamin Kennedy. This time about birds, both how to keep them and for the vets and vettechs tips and tricks to help you examine and treat them.
I have always been of two minds about veterinary programmes on television. In truth, the reason I took up this wonderful profession in the first place was my love of the James Herriot books and the original television adaptation of them. Without James Herriot, who knows what I would be doing now. On the flip side, I have found myself screaming at the television when a vet dazzled in the camera lights misses an obvious diagnosis or overcomplicates a simple procedure in one of the many reality veterinary shows screened now.
After a bit of thought while making this podcast I believe they are actually are a good thing for the profession.
Exotic pets are becoming quite common in the world. They don’t take up much space, they don’t eat much, and you don’t have to take them for a walk every day. We catch up again with UK veterinarian Benjamin Kennedy and we discuss exotics as a pet. The first half of the podcast; we discuss the husbandry of them, and we get a little bit more clinical in the second half and talk about the veterinary care of them.
Not all animals have fur, but vets can still treat them. Ever wondered what to do with a sick spider or a sluggish snail. UK veterinarian, Benjamin Kennedy discusses what veterinary science can do for invertebrates.
We ask:
Think of the microbiome as a lawn. It has weeds, requires fertilizing and it is possible to carpet bomb it, killing all the good microbes if you aren’t careful.
We chat with Jess from nutritionRVN about what has been referred to as the second brain, the microbiome. Have spay kit, will travel. Vets Beyond Borders. Delivering veterinary aid in difficult times.20/7/2021
Around the world, hundreds of animal welfare organisations are striving to improve the life of millions of animals that have no other access to veterinary attention. All too often, a main obstacle to providing such treatment is a lack of adequate veterinary health facilities and clinical personnel, resulting in widespread animal suffering.
Vets Beyond Borders (VBB) is an Australian registered charity, established in 2003. Working with communities around the world, delivering animal health and community awareness programs where they are desperately needed. We chat with Dr David Gray, veterinarian, Director, and Treasurer about the amazing work Vets Beyond Borders does and the impact it has on the communities it serves.
Genetic testing is now commonly used for screening for and diagnosing health issues in dogs and cats, parentage confirmation, establishing breed, identification, forensics and even help in creating new coat colors. We talk DNA testing with George Sofrinidis from Orivet.
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