AI-driven app offers tailored advice to pet owners

Dr Nicole Su, co-founder of Upilio (Photo courtesy of Upilio). 

Back when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit Australia in early 2020 and her veterinary practice adapted by rostering its staff into separate teams for week-on/week-off work schedules, veterinarian Nicole Su, BSc, BVMS MANZCVS (unusual pets) had spare time on her hands and got involved in the development of Upilio, an innovative app for pet owners.

“I’ve been in exotics-only clinical veterinary practice since graduation in 2014, and when my vet practice moved to a team-based system with week-on/week-off scheduling at the start of the pandemic, I found myself in the unprecedented situation of not having enough to do on my week off,” Su said. “Then I heard via a friend about the work that computer programmer Nick Ihab was doing developing an AI [artificial intelligence]–driven pet advice app.”

“I felt that the idea of automating a little pet personal assistant in your pocket could be beneficial for both pet owners and their vets, augmenting the vet-patient-client relationship.”

The premise for Upilio came about when Nick Ihab, BSc, made the impulse decision to get 2 baby guinea pigs—only realizing afterward that he didn’t know how to care for them.

After reaching out on some online communities, Ihab realized that this was a common issue and that although the answers to many of his questions should come from a veterinarian, they didn’t need to come from a vet only during a consultation—and they could potentially be stored in a database that people could access at any time.

“For example, many questions were around what fruit and vegetables guinea pigs could safely eat, and there’s lots of contradictory advice online due to the ability of any random person to present their opinion as fact on the internet,” Su said. “When I joined Upilio, the app was a very basic database and profile maker, but we are planning on a comprehensive solution for diet and husbandry that encompasses the majority of pet species once we get funding."

“One major portion of the app will be a pet-food finder that takes into account allergens, special needs like skin health, age, breed, and size. [There will] also be alerts built into the system for queries that need a consultation, encouraging owners to follow up with their primary care veterinarian.”

Su and Ihab also plan to incorporate alerts into the app that would notify pet owners when they need to book an appointment for their pet by tracking parameters like weight fluctuations and food intake, as well as remind pet owners about their pet’s vaccinations and revisit appointments. Upilio is looking for further seed funding to aid development of the app and will debut a web version of its dog-food finder later in 2022.

Su said the past 2 years have been a rewarding experience because her veterinary expertise complements Ihab’s tech know-how.

“The combination of our backgrounds in vet and programming really makes it unique, and essentially what Nick is doing with the pet-food finder program is trying to replicate my own mental algorithm for recommending commercial diets when I am presented with a particular patient,” Su explained. “A large portion of our working time together consists of [me] explaining what I do in a veterinary sense in different situations and us coming up with a way to present this information in a way that helps owners understand—and is also tailored to the specific needs of their pet."

“We’re hoping to apply this concept to several challenges that pet owners face, but always in a way that reminds them that their primary care veterinarian still needs to be their pet’s main advocate and that encourages pet owners to seek pet care advice from vets instead of influencers, breeders, or pet store employees.”

Australia on high alert during lumpy skin disease, foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Indonesia

Photo courtesy of Australian Government Department of Agriculture.

Recent outbreaks of the livestock diseases foot-and-mouth disease

 in Indonesia have prompted Chief Veterinary Officer of Australia Mark Schipp to remind livestock producers and veterinarians in Australia to be vigilant against the diseases, which are currently not present in Australia.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a contagious viral disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, and prior to the current outbreak, Indonesia had been free of the disease since 1986. Lumpy skin disease is a viral disease of cattle and water buffalo that was previously limited to Africa; however, since 2019, the disease has spread through China and Southeast Asia. If either disease arrived in Australia, there would be devastating consequences for the livestock industries and animal trade.

The Australian Veterinary Association has also warned that Australia’s shortage of veterinarians in rural and regional areas could put the nation’s biosecurity at risk, with insufficient veterinary capacity to respond to any potential disease outbreaks.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment has been disseminating regular information updates on foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease to veterinarians and livestock industry groups.

Media statement: foot and mouth disease detected in Indonesia. News release. Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. May 9, 2022. Accessed May 26, 2022. https://www.awe.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/media-statement-foot-and-mouth-disease-detected-indonesia

Australian Chief Vet to visit Indonesia for animal health cooperation talks. News release. Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. March 23, 2022. Accessed May 26, 2022. https://www.awe.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/aus-chief-vet-visit-indonesia-animal-health-talks

Brown A, Sinclair S. Vet shortage puts Australia’s biosecurity at risk as foot-and-mouth disease looms. ABC News (Australian Broadcast). May 10, 2022. Accessed May 26, 2022. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-11/vet-shortage-a-biosecurity-risk-as-foot-and-mouth-disease-looms/101052600

Articles

dvm360®’s Australian correspondent reports on an AI-driven app for pet owners and on outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease in nearby Indonesia

Veterinary scene Down Under: AI-driven pet advice app, plus Australia on alert for Indonesian livestock diseases and more

Pet Acoustics has announced its inaugural singing DogGrammy Award Contest for canines to display their musical talent. The winning furry contestant will be gifted an award and prizes.

"We're excited to focus on our canine friends who engage us with their entertaining vocalizations and human bond communications,” expressed Janet Marlow, the CEO of Pet Acoustics, in a company release.

“Pet Acoustics is all about environmental sounds, music, and pet hearing. We didn't invent music but we perfected it for pets! So to celebrate our core value of the best for animals, we wanted to have a fun way to celebrate our canine friends,” she added.

To enter, record your dog singing and post a 30-second video of them on the contest's Facebook 

. The Pet Acoustics team will publicize the winner on June 15, 2022, in a Facebook live event at noon on Pet Acosutics' 

The winner will be awarded $250.00 along with 1 Pet Tunes Canine for all-day calm, 1 Ultra Calmer Collar alleviation during thunderstorms and fireworks, 1 Fit Tunes Dog for entertaining music walks accompanied by your dog, and a Pet Acoustics logo Hat.

Pet Acoustics announces - the 1st singing DogGrammy Award Contest. News release. Pet Acoustics. May 25, 2022. Accessed May 25, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pet-acoustics-announces---the-1st-singing-doggrammy-award-contest-301554455.html

The company is calling all musically talented furry friends to compete for a chance to win 

Pet Acoustics opens contest submissions for singing canines 

Dr. Marty Pets recently refreshed the designs of its pet food products to simplify the look and focus more on the nutritional benefits the products offer.

The new visual identity of the company features more natural, subtle design elements consisting of a modernized logo, website, and packaging. Reflecting the formulas found in Dr. Marty's flagship Nature's Blend and Nature's Feast freeze-dried raw pet food lines, the new branding evokes a “powerful, yet deliberately simple look and feel.”

The company stated that the new aesthetic aims to “reflect the mission at the core of their company, being Champions of Change.”

Founded by Marty Goldstein, DVM, Dr. Marty Pets was launched to help improve pet health through premium quality animal nutrition. The company aims to lead the conversation around what a healthy pet's diet should be. The products reflect Goldstein’s goal of combining elements of traditional medicine with nutrition, immune support, and alternative treatments.

Goldstein said, “We're committed to bringing education and awareness to pet parents on what a healthy diet is, 

 For decades, the massive pet food and old-school kibble industry has been known for bringing subpar products with unhealthy, even dangerous ingredients. Responsible pet parents are more aware than ever of the constant pet food recalls, and looking for a trustworthy, healthy option.”

Since the company’s mission is to focus on the healthy ingredients and quality of its food products, it hopes the new designs showcase those values.

“Our pets should be fed real food,” Goldstein added. “And, our hope is that this updated brand appeals to even more pet parents looking for the healthy pet products we offer.”

Dr. Marty Pets unveils refreshed brand designs. News release. Dr. Marty Pets. May 25, 2022.https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dr-marty-pets-unveils-refreshed-brand-designs-301554505.html

Pet food and nutrition company unveils new branding for a simpler look

Dr. Marty Pets announces new designs for its products

In this dvm360® interview, Fred Wininger, VMD, MS, DACVIM (Neurology), who practices at Charlotte Animal Referral & Emergency in North Carolina, describes how completing a successful neurological exam is similar to following a recipe when cooking (hint: you don't have to be a talented chef). 

View the video below for the entire discussion. The following is a partial transcript.

Fred Wininger, VMD, MS, DACVIM (Neurology)

: When it comes to the neurologic examination, I compare it to cooking. So most people I know say they're not very good chefs, but they all say they can follow a recipe. And the beauty of it is that that's what the neurologic examination is.

Videos

In an interview at the Fetch dvm360® conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, Fred Wininger, VMD, MS, DACVIM (Neurology), shares a fascinating metaphor that can be helpful when performing a neurological exam 

Completing a neurological exam is like following a cooking recipe

As rehabilitation is now a mainstream service at veterinary practices, it is vital to stay updated with the latest in this area. That is why we have spotlighted 3 articles offering insight on the best treatment methods plus the benefits of rehabilitation. 

From why offering these services at your clinic is essential to the ins and outs of hydrotherapy—there's something for everyone. Happy reading! 

Benefits of integrating rehabilitation into your practice

: Janice L. Huntingford, DVM, DACVSMR, MD-TCVM, CVA, CVPP, CCRT CAVCA, highlights the advantages of incorporating rehabilitation services for geriatric patients, canine athletes, and pets recovering from surgery. 

A closer look at hydrotherapy for rehabilitation

: Kristy Oliver VN, DipAVN (surgical), RVT, VTS (Physical Rehabilitation), CCRP, CVPP, CCMT, explains how the properties of water can support muscle relaxation, improved joint range of motion, muscle tone, and more.

Rehabilitation and canine osteoarthritis: a multimodal approach

: Discover the importance of detecting degenerative joint disease early and instilling a multimodal treatment approach along with a rehabilitation plan for the most successful outcomes. 

Did you want to learn more on rehabilitation from industry leaders like Oliver? Sign up for our Directions In Veterinary Medicine conference from June 24-25 in Indianapolis 

3 articles detailing insights and advantages of rehabilitation for pets 

3 Must-reads on veterinary rehabilitation 

The latest addition to Brookfield Zoo, a newborn South American tapir (Photo courtesy of Chicago Zoological Society). 

The Chicago Zoological Society—which manages Brookfield Zoo—has publicized a male South American tapir calf was born on May 22, 2022. Eleven-year-old mom Sorghum gave birth to the infant who is currently unnamed.

 the calf was about 20 lbs at birth. During Sorghum’s 13-month pregnancy, the zoo veterinary staff monitored the fetus with regular ultrasounds. Animal care specialists utilized positive reinforcement to desensitize the 550-pound mother to the sound of the ultrasound machine, the smell of rubbing alcohol and gel used on the ultrasound probe, and the sensation of the probe on her belly.

“Being able to monitor the development of the tapir fetus and the well-being of Sorghum throughout her pregnancy, is a testament to our dedicated staff and the relationship they have with the animals in their care,” commented Joan Daniels, senior curator of animals for the Chicago Zoological Society, in the release.

Sorghum made her arrival to Brookfield Zoo in September 2020, while the calf’s dad, Sonny, arrived there in 2017.

Starting May 26, 2022, visitors can view Sorghum and her calf inside at the Pachyderm House. When the weather warms up, the pair can access their outdoor habitat. 

the South American tapir, or the “lowland tapir,” is most closely related to the horse and rhinoceros. The species—which is South America's largest native mammal—resides in its moist swamp forests and shrublands, grasslands, and wetlands in north and central areas of the country.  It is deemed as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources’ (IUCN) Red List, with the population at risk due to habitat loss, hunting, and competition with domestic livestock.

The Chicago Zoological Society has offered support to the Tapir Specialist Group, a unit of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. The organization has launched projects consisting of field research in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and French Guiana, to improve understanding of tapir biology and gain insight on protecting the species in its native land.

South American tapir born at Brookfield Zoo. News release. Chicago Zoological Society. May 24, 2022. Accessed May 25, 2022. https://www.czs.org/Chicago-Zoological-Society/About/Press-room/2022-Press-Releases/South-American-Tapir-Born-at-Brookfield-Zoo

This species most closely related to the horse and rhinoceros is listed as vulnerable

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