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IDEXX: Contributing to something bigger

Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine has announced that Blaine Johnson, DVM, PhD, has joined the team as assistant professor for food animal medicine and surgery.

Blaine Johnson, DVM, PhD, the newest faculty member at Texas Tech University College of Veterinary Medicine. 

“I am excited to join the School of Veterinary Medicine because they are offering a different framework and foundation of veterinary education that I will get to play a role in developing, as well as joining a very aggressive and passionate team of veterinarians and scientists,” Johnson said, in a university release.

 “Secondly, I am really excited about the abundance of resources in the surrounding communities. “I am very passionate about animal agriculture, particularly feedlot production, and I am looking forward to working with veterinarians and producers.”

According to the release, Johnson’s story starts with an interest in animal health as a child when he met his local veterinarian on his family's farm. He saw first-hand how key veterinarians are to farmers and ranchers within agricultural communities and was inspired to pursue veterinary medicine himself.

Johnson’s primary responsibility at the university is to inform veterinary students on the scientific principles and practical herd management by displaying various components within food safety, nutrition, disease control, and many others in food animal production (eg, cattle, swine, small ruminants, and poultry). Additionally, he will teach students the fundamental information necessary for diagnosing and treating the most common diseases and surgical conditions particularly in food animal production.

“Blaine deeply understands our mission,” said Guy Loneraga, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine, in the release. “We are so fortunate to have someone of Blaine’s talents and passion. He will benefit our students in many ways, and his research will add so much to the vibrant cattle industry we know so well here in the Panhandle. I look forward to working with Blaine.”

Johnson achieved his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Following this, he practiced as a mixed animal veterinarian for 3 years. During his time there, Johnson developed a growing interest in data and statistics to solve some of the most complex questions that farmers and ranchers have in rural communities.

Before serving on Texas Tech faculty, his focus shifted, leading him to pursue a doctorate in pathobiology with a focus in epidemiology at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Manhattan, Kansas in 2022.

“Dr Blaine Johnson is a great addition to our school,” stated John Dascanio, senior associate dean for academic and student affairs, in the release. “His background in beef cattle brings an extra element to both our instructional and research programs. Dr Johnson’s work in epidemiology and large data sets will translate well to working with our One Health PhD students. He will be a great team member, and I look forward to working with him.”

Veterinarian seeks to advance the school of veterinary medicine’s mission. News release. Texas Tech University College of Veterinary Medicine. February 2, 2023. February 3, 2023. https://today.ttu.edu/posts/2023/02/Stories/Veterinarian-Seeks-to-Advance-the-School-of-Veterinary-Medicines-Mission

Articles

Dr Blaine Johnson will serve as assistant professor for food animal medicine and surgery

Texas Tech appoints new faculty member with passion for animal agriculture

Valentine’s Day is the time to celebrate love and engage in romantic gestures—it shouldn’t include a visit to the veterinary hospital! In this installment of Toxin Tails, Pet Poison Helpline outlines pet dangers to bear in mind this February 14th.

Dorothea, a cat from Minnesota, is intrigued by a romantic item pet parents may have around the home this Valentine's Day (Photo courtesy of Pet Poison Helpline). 

senior veterinary toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline, Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, At Pet Poison Helpline, recounted that just after Valentine’s Day last year they received a call from the owner of a Great Dane who had ingested lavender massage oil. Luckily, the dog did not ingest enough to result in systemic toxicity, though it did cause gastrointestinal irritation and posed a risk for aspiration. “Flavored massage oils can be particularly dangerous depending on their contents. They can also be more enticing to an animal because of the scent,” she explained.

Candles can pose various dangers to pets including burns from flames or hot wax, pets knocking them over and starting a fire, or toxicity. “Candle wax can pose a risk for dermal and gastrointestinal irritation with potential for ulcerative lesions,” said Schmid.

She highlighted a story from last February in which Pet Poison Helpline received a call surrounding a kitten named Chilli who spilled hot candle wax on his fur and then ingested the wax. The cat vomited and had what the owner described as convulsions. Chilli was making noise after this incident and was found rolling on the floor. “On physical exam at the pet hospital, no neurological deficits were noted. It is possible that the signs described by the animal’s owner as convulsions may have been related to discomfort from the presence of wax rather than a seizure-like activity,” Schmid said.

Flowers are probably the most traditional Valentine’s Day gift, though some can be dangerous for pets, especially for cats. For example, some lilies, including those in 

) cause renal toxicity and can lead to kidney failure in cats.

Schmid shared a resource, in the release, “To help educate cat lovers about the dangers of lilies, we developed the educational campaign and website NoLiliesForKitties.com to provide cat owners a one-stop resource about this deadly threat. The site is now listed as a trusted resource for lily poisoning information on the official FDA website.”

It’s universally known that chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs. However, according to the release, it’s important to also keep in mind that along with candies and treats, other romantic gifts like massage oil and candles can also contain chocolate.

“Chocolate remains the number one concern when it comes to Valentine’s Day celebrations,” stated Schmid. “The severity of chocolate poisoning varies greatly depending on the type and amount of chocolate ingested and the size of the pet. The darker and less sweet the chocolate, the more toxic it can be to dogs. Ingestion of the wrappers or packaging can also be a concern as they can sometimes cause an obstruction in the stomach or intestines. Also be aware that some chocolate-containing products may include other toxins such as macadamia nuts, raisins, coffee or espresso beans, or xylitol.”

Schmid concluded by sharing that pet owners should remove possibly toxic or dangerous itesm from nightstands, counters, or other surfaces where pets have access. “You might not think it looks appetizing, but our experience shows it will intrigue your pet.”

Valentine’s Day pet dangers. News release. Pet Poison Helpline. February 1, 2023. Accessed February 3, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/valentines-day-pet-dangers-301735201.html

Burke J. Quashing common toxicology myths. 

. March 2, 2022. Accessed February 3, 2023. https://www.dvm360.com/view/quashing-common-toxicology-myths

Lovely lilies and curious cats: a dangerous combination. US Food and Drug Administration. September 16, 2021. Accessed February 3, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/lovely-lilies-and-curious-cats-dangerous-combination

Stories of furry friends who suffered from toxins to be aware of around this holiday of love

Valentine’s Day pet toxins

Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) announced it will fund a study on chronic hepatitis in Doberman Pinschers. This research will be conducted by a veterinary team at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. MAF hopes that with this study, there can be a change seen in the outcomes for Doberman Pinschers affected by chronic hepatitis.

“Hepatitis is a serious but often overlooked disease of dogs, including Dobermans,” said Kathy Tietje, PhD, MBA, MAF vice president, scientific operations, in the release.

 “This study has the potential to provide new insights into this important problem and identify disease susceptibility earlier, which can lead to better clinical outcomes for these dogs.”

According to the release, chronic hepatitis is a serious, sometimes fatal progressive inflammatory disease of the liver.

 The disease can more likely affect female dogs of this breed and is typically seen in middle-aged to older dogs. This disease is likely to be caused or worsened by high levels of copper in the liver and bloodstream.

 According to the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) it is currently not known why the Doberman is predisposed to develop the condition, but a genetic defect in copper metabolism in this breed is likely. Early diagnosis of chronic hepatitis is difficult because the clinical signs are non-specific and include weight loss, weakness, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Signs of later stages of the condition include abdominal swelling and jaundice, and confusion/altered consciousness may occur when increased copper levels affect brain function.

The study funded by MAF will be led by Hille Fieten, DVM, PhD, MSc, DECVIM-CA, assistant professor of the department of clinical sciences. The research team will first look for genetic changes that influence development of hepatitis in Dobermans, aiming to help breeders make informed breeding decisions. In addition, researchers will use banked study samples to look for biomarkers of disease with the goal of developing an early disease-detection test.

“As a clinician, you often feel powerless when you see these patients in clinic,” said Fieten in the release. “The current research project is aimed at unraveling the hereditary background of Doberman hepatitis. If we can successfully identify DNA mutations and biomarkers associated with disease, it could lead to more insights on disease development. This might be useful not only for the Doberman, but also for other dogs that suffer from similar forms of hepatitis.”

Morris Animal Foundation announces newly funded study on hepatitis in Dobermans. News release. Morris Animal Foundation. Published February 2, 2023. Accessed February 3, 2023. 

https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/newly-funded-study-hepatitis-dobermans-announced

Genetic welfare problems of companion animals. Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. Published 2015. Accessed February 3, 2023. 

https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/doberman-pinscher---doberman-hepatitis#:~:text=Outline%3A%20Doberman%20hepatitis%20is%20a,in%20the%20liver%20and%20bloodstream

Funded by Morris Animal Foundation and conducted by veterinary research team at Utrecht University

Newly funded study on chronic hepatitis in Doberman Pinschers

Happy Friday dvm360 readers! This week marked the beginning of National Pet Dentistry Month and Black History Month. Tune into dvm360.com all month long to hear from key industry leaders as they share their stories and educate veterinary professionals.

Check out what was popular this week on dvm360.com:

 with Tierra Price, DVM, MPH, founder and CEO of BlackDVM Network to learn more about what the organization provides veterinary professionals.

 the approval of the first generic doramectin topical solution (DectoGard; Aurora Pharmaceutical Inc) for treatment and control of gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, eyeworms, grubs, biting and sucking lice, horn flies, and mange mites in cattle.

 National Pet Dentistry Month with Curt Coffman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, national specialty director of dentistry at Thrive Pet Healthcare, to discuss the importance of dental health.

, Ian Kanda, RVT, VTS (Exotics), explains what a packed cell volume (PCV) tests for and advises on obtaining an accurate measurement.

Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, FAVD, begins another round of the ABCs of dentistry by 

 the importance of using the right monitor to ensure patients safely receive anesthesia during surgeries

News wrap-up: This week’s headlines, plus learn more about the BlackDVM Network

“Z is for zebras and other dental surprises” appeared in the July 2022 issue of 

, culminating a 5-year project highlighting dentistry topics from each letter of the alphabet. Now the journey begins again, starting with A, B, and C (airway, breathing, and circulation), which are essential monitoring parameters for every professional oral prevention, assessment, and treatment visit. Note that prevention is first because it is most important.

Safe anesthesia usage is a critical aspect of a dental procedure. Administering anesthesia safely boils down to 3 crucial actions:

Ensuring the patient can handle anesthesia through a physical and laboratory test examination.

Tailoring the anesthetic protocol to the patient’s American Society of Anesthesia score:

Patient with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life 

Moribund patient not expected to survive without the operation 

3.    Monitoring anesthesia closely during procedure.

Clients worry about oral hygiene procedures because of the risks associated with their pet under general anesthesia for scaling, polishing, irrigating, probing, radiographs, and treatment. Attention to the airway, breathing, and circulation are critical to mitigate these risks. In the past, if a patient was breathing and the mucous membranes were pink, we surmised that all was good, confirmed by placing our stethoscope to the patient’s chest. Fortunately, there are monitors that can let us know within a breath if the dog or cat on our table is safe. With hundreds of monitors available, what should you pay attention to when choosing one?

The marketplace is flooded with available monitors, making it feel almost impossible to choose the perfect one for your practice. Use these parameters to help find your best fit:

Choose a veterinary-specific monitor instead of one manufactured for humans. Veterinary-specific monitors will account for differences in patient types and sizes. (

Look for veterinary-specific monitors that incorporate ECG processes adjusted for the animal’s QRS complex, which differs from humans. For example, Digicare’s VetECG modules use algorithms based on signal spectrum analysis developed using ECG data from numerous recordings at general practices, universities, and zoos. Systems are optimized for veterinary QRS detection and classification to prevent conditions such as double counting and inaccurate readings. This veterinary-specific 3 Lead ECG module, AnimalEKG, is a high heart rate module that will read up to 999 beats per minute (BPM), making this monitor the perfect solution for any type of procedure, including exotics patients. (

Figure 2: Image of high-quality ECG monitor board

Look for a monitor that measures and continuously displays pulse oximetry, end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO

, wave-form capnography, blood pressure, temperature, and ECG. Consistently viewing all these parameters is important to ensure safety. The carbon dioxide readings will give breath-to-breath information on how your patient is ventilating and allow troubleshooting the anesthesia machine, including levels of expired soda lime. Since the mainstream sensor is placed in the endotracheal tube very close to the mouth, the tube will be sprayed constantly with moisture throughout the procedure, making mainstream sensors less desirable for dental work. Sidestream CO

 sensors use a disposable sample line, keeping the module far from the patient inside of the monitor. In addition, the sample line includes a filter to better protect against water ingression. This makes Sidestream sensors more desirable for dental procedures. (

Check for pulse oximetry. Masimo’s SET pulse oximetry has been the leading technology for veterinarians around the world and has been proven in more than 150 independent clinical studies. Masimo SET’s accurate SpO

 readings are even proven during challenging conditions such as low perfusion, motion, and the use of drugs that are alpha-2 agonists. Pulse oximetry in these machines provides PVi, a continuous noninvasive measure of relative plethysmograph variability on mechanically ventilated patients and is used as an indicator of fluid responsiveness. (

Figure 4: Pulse oximeter board and peripherals

Determine if the monitor displays parameter value trends (graphic, histogram, and numerical readings) on 1 page for easy viewing in real time. This is important to analyze changes in the patient’s vitals over time. (

Figure 5: Graphic display of multiple contemporaneous readings; 5a: Tabular display, 5b: histogram display

Think about your patients’ blood pressure. Noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) is often procured while the patient is not under anesthesia for preoperative testing, medication monitoring, and as part of the semiannual wellness exam. For NIBP, SunTech’s VetBP module uses an animal-specific algorithm designed with motion-tolerant technology. High-quality components and cuffs that can sustain the rigors of an animal hospital are critical when choosing a monitor. (

Figure 6: Non-invasive blood pressure board and cuffs

Choose a monitor with a display that is bright and easy to view from different angles, easily differentiating all the numbers and waveforms. Each parameter should be displayed in a different color to make information eye-catching and accessible. This greatly enhances the monitoring experience. Touch screen adjustment should be intuitive and featured. (

Figure 7: Visually pleasing screen with large, colorful numerals and waveforms

Find visual and auditory alarms that give an alert when any of the vital parameters are either too high or low. Alarms should be easy to set initially and adjust during a procedure. (

Select a monitor that will automatically prepare an anesthesia report that can be attached to the medical record and/or saved to a PDF or Excel document for future reference.

Confirm the monitor manufacturer has ISO 13485 certification. The International Organization for Standardization is an independent, nongovernmental international association with a membership of 162 national standards bodies. ISO 13485 is an international standard that sets out the requirements for a quality management system specific to the medical devices industry. ISO 13485 enables an organization to consistently provide safe and effective medical devices and fulfill customer and regulatory requirements. (

Figure 9: Device and company certifications

Talk to the sales representative and ask questions about customer support, training programs, and whether there are certified veterinary technicians on staff who understand veterinary anesthesia. Too many monitors are sold without the veterinary technicians and assistants understanding how to adjust and tailor the display. Finding a manufacturer that will work with your staff to make sure they are trained in operating the monitor quickly boosts its effectiveness and your patients’ safety.

See if there is a monitor loaner program. The leading monitor vendors provide loaners for life at no charge if the monitor needs to be serviced in another location.

Obviously, it is expensive for the monitor manufacturer to provide a product that checks all the boxes above. Consider a line-item charge for patient anesthesia monitoring either by the quarter hour, full hour, or a set fee. With the number of anesthetic procedures most practices perform, not only will the impact of the additional cost be spread among clients, but the monitor will help the practice bring in more revenue.

We cannot perform dentistry without a patent airway, a breathing patient, and supportive circulation. Having a great monitor that fits the criteria for your practice ensures we can protect all 3 and keep the risks associated with anesthesia and your stress levels as low as possible.

If you are still unsure about which machine is correct for you and your team, call your local specialty hospitals and veterinary universities to see which monitors they like and use. If possible, speak to the doctor or nurse in charge of anesthesia for recommendations.

, received his undergraduate training at the University of Florida and his doctorate in veterinary medicine from Auburn University. After completing an internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York, New York, he returned to Florida, where he practices companion animal medicine surgery and dentistry at All Pets Dental in Weston. He has been certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (canine and feline) since 1986 and the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) since 1990. He was president of the AVDC from 2012 to 2014 and is president of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry.

Using the right monitor can ensure patients safely receive anesthesia during surgeries

ABCs of dentistry: Airway, breathing, and circulation

We often hear about Fear Free environments for pets in the veterinary space. However, in this 

 interview, Peter Weinstein, DVM, MBA, president of PAW Consulting, introduces his concept of a Fear Free environment for employees as well. This promotes a safe, comfortable workplace free of hostility and toxicity, ultimately, helping to offer the best care to patients and clients.

The following is a partial transcript of the video.

: This concept of creating a work environment that's Fear Free will help practices do a better job of creating a patient and client environment that's Fear Free as well. I think there's a lot of subconscious environmental toxins that clients pick up on, that we aren't even really aware of. And so I think what I would suggest is the goal for 2023 going forward, is we need to bring fun back into veterinary medicine. And fear and fun are kind of opposite ends of the spectrum.

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In this dvm360® interview, Dr Peter Weinstein advocates for a Fear Free workplace for staff as well

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