Compassion-First Pet Hospitals this month announced the addition of AAHA-accredited Long Island Veterinary Specialists (LIVS) in Plainview, New York, to its chain of emergency and specialty hospitals. LIVS is known for advancing key research studies and for pioneering medical infrared imaging, retinal surgery, and nano hip replacement.

Founded in 1998, the 30,000-square-foot LIVS facility offers emergency and critical care, integrative medicine, internal medicine, interventional radiology, neurology/neurosurgery, oncology, ophthalmology, radioiodine therapy, rehabilitation, pain management, and surgery, according to a Compassion-First 

. The hospital is open 24 hours a day with a staff of 180 veterinary professionals.

 Chief of Staff Dominic J. Marino, DVM, DACVS, DACCT, CCRP, says the hospital is fortunate to have found a similar vision in Compassion-First, with quality of care being elevated consistently. With broadened access to a collaborative mix of experts, LIVS is excited to expand care on a local level. “Compassion-First is a true partner who will help in growing our hospital by providing access to cutting-edge technologies, logistical support and management expertise,” Dr. Marino says.

With a growing network of 43 specialty and emergency care veterinary hospitals throughout the country, CEO of Compassion-First John Payne says he views the collaborative group of hospitals as a family that is united by a common passion: to put pets and their owners as the center of their care as the hospitals maximize resources while working together. 

Payne adds that each Compassion-First hospital brand maintains its own equity, uniqueness and integrity, and medical decisions—committing to a collective goal lead with compassion. “The incredible expertise of LIVS will help us further our vision to deliver the highest quality of veterinary medicine,” says Payne.

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Compassion-First Pet Hospitals welcomes a large New York practice, furthering its mission of creating long-term partnerships and elevating veterinary medicine.

Compassion-First adds 43rd veterinary practice

Antech Diagnostics (part of Mars Veterinary Health), has announced the availability of its Canine CE-IBD assay, the 

first blood test for canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

 (also known as chronic enteropathy, or CE).

Identifying IBD in dogs is traditionally invasive, time-consuming, and costly, but this new blood test allows for a rapid result of “consistent with CE/IBD" or "not consistent with CE/IBD,” according to a 

. It works by incorporating data from three biomarkers—for gliadin sensitivity (similar to gluten sensitivity), bacterial proliferation (

), and intestinal inflammation—to determine possible causes of a dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) signs.

The use of biomarkers, according to a recently published supporting study,

 helps veterinarians determine whether IBD is present, reinforce the need for additional diagnostics, develop more individualized treatment plans, and possibly monitor therapeutic response.

“The opportunity to rule in or rule out IBD early, identify possible causes and use evidence-based medicine to help pet owners understand care recommendations—all quickly and cost-effectively—allow us to treat a dog who is suffering faster,” said Jennifer Ogeer, BSc, DVM, MSc, MBA, MA, vice president of Medical Affairs & Commercial Marketing at Antech, in the release. “We can inspire confidence in a worried pet owner and gain ongoing commitment to our care recommendations, ultimately supporting a dogs rapid return to health.”

The Canine CE-IBD assay can be used when a dog has been experiencing GI signs for a minimum of 3 to 7 days, although results are more accurate when signs persist for at least 3 weeks. The test is currently available to US veterinarians, with availability in Canada following the end of COVID-19–related travel restrictions.

1. Estruch, JJ, Barken, D, Bennett, N, et al. Evaluation of novel serological markers and autoantibodies in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease. 

. 2020;34:1177 1186. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15761

Antech’s novel blood test allows veterinarians to rule in or rule out IBD early and with confidence in dogs suffering from associated clinical signs.

First diagnostic test for canine IBD now available

The FDA has approved India-based Cronus Pharma Specialties’ Carprofen Chewable Tablets (a generic version of Rimadyl—Zoetis PetCare) for dogs.

This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) relieves pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and helps control postoperative pain associated with soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries, according to the Freedom of Information Summary Original Abbreviated New Animal Drug Application.

These tablets can be administered once daily (2 mg/lb of body weight) or twice daily (1 mg/lb). To control postoperative pain, the FDA recommends administering this drug approximately 2 hours before a procedure.

Carprofen Chewable Tablets are scored (except for the unscored 37.5-mg strength), and contain 25, 37.5, 50, 75, or 100 mg of carprofen per tablet. Each tablet size is packaged in bottles containing 60 or 180 tablets.

Carprofen Chewable Tablets should not be used in dogs exhibiting previous hypersensitivity to carprofen and is not intended for use in food-producing animals or in humans.

Adverse reactions to carprofen may include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dark or tarry stools, increased water consumption, increased urination, pale gums due to anemia, yellowing of gums, skin or white of the eye due to jaundice, lethargy, incoordination, seizure, or behavioral changes. In rare cases, sudden serious adverse reactions can result in death.

For more information about this new drug, click 

The new drug has been proven safe and effective in relieving pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

 FDA approves generic carprofen chewable for dogs

Up to 60% of cats in the United States are obese. One of the most common methods used to treat obesity is calorie restriction. Because many owners find calorie restricting their cat to be difficult, however, compliance with this veterinary recommendation often suffers. Despite calorie restriction being arguably critical to the successful treatment of feline obesity, little is known about how this dietary change affects cats’ feeding patterns and food intake.

To find out, researchers assigned 80 domestic shorthair cats to one of two groups (n = 40 each) that were balanced for sex, age, weight, and body condition score.

 Several cats ultimately were excluded from the trial due to failure to adjust to their social group, leaving 38 cats in the test group (weight 4.2 ± 0.9 kg) and 31 cats in the control group (weight 4.4 ± 0.8 kg).

All cats were fed an identical commercially available diet on an identical schedule from an electronic feeding device. They were given canned food in the morning and dry food in the afternoon/overnight, with very occasional treats. The test group was mildly calorie restricted (6%) by cutting off access to additional food when their allotted calorie intake was reached. All cats were monitored for 9 months, after which the calorie restriction was ended.

Fed ad libitum, cats consumed about 30% of their calories in the morning serving of wet food and 70% of their calories in dry food over the remainder of the day. The cats in the restricted group quickly changed to rapidly consuming 70% of their calories in the first meal, leaving only 30% of their calories for the rest of the day. This resulted in significantly decreased food access in the evening and overnight. Because of this, the research team limited the maximum amount of calories consumed in the morning meal to 50%. The control group saw no change.

When the calorie restriction ended, the restricted group quickly reverted to its original 30/70 calorie consumption ratio. The researchers also noted an increase in fights during the pre-mealtime period in the calorie-restricted group.

Restricting cats’ calories changes their feeding behavior significantly. They tend to eat larger meals faster, consuming their allotted calories more quickly. This is compared with the normal feline behavior of multiple small meals throughout the day. The authors also showed that calorie-restricted cats tend to get “hangry.” In the home environment, the authors suggest, these changes would likely result in begging behavior that could in turn make owner compliance with calorie restriction less likely. The authors also suggest that strategies such as puzzle feeders or dividing the cats’ food into multiple smaller meals could be a strategy to combat these changes.

Dr. Nappier is assistant professor of community practice in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia.

1. Ligout S, Si X, Vlaeminck H, Lyn S. Cats reorganise their feeding behaviours when moving from ad libitum to restricted feeding

 2020;Mar 9. doi: 10.1177/1098612X19900387

A new study finds an explanation for why it’s so difficult for owners of obese cats to restrict their pet’s diet. 

When cats get hangry…

Canine atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition associated with the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) specific for a substance that is either ingested or inhaled. Typical signs include pruritus, erythema, lichenification, seborrhea, and lesions from chronic inflammation, licking, chewing, and scratching. House dust mites (HDM) of the 

 genus are the most common allergens recognized by the circulating IgE of atopic dogs. In laboratory experiments, dogs that are sensitized to HDM experience atopic flares when exposed to various species of storage mites. Because storage mites commonly grow on cereals used in commercial pet foods, researchers conducted a literature review to determine whether allergen cross-reactivity could lead to a false-positive diagnosis of food allergy. The results of their study were published in 

The investigators searched two databases for detailed studies using a series of key words. Of 87 identified articles, 10 were selected that were common to both database searches. Five articles reported results from laboratory studies, and five reported on field studies.

HDM was first reported on dry dog food in 1972.

 storage mites were shown to survive and grow on three commercial dry dog foods.

 mites grew on all three dog foods, with the highest numbers of mites found whenever molds had been allowed to grow on the kibble.

In 2015, samples of dog foods stored in nine different sealed plastic bags and in a lidded cup were evaluated to see whether 

 storage mites were discovered in 55% of the bags. Mites had not made holes in the packaging itself but had entered the bags via faulty seals. Lidded cups were not contaminated. The same year, investigators evaluated whether 

 storage mites preferred to grow on protein-, fat- or carbohydrate-rich diets and found they grew best on the dog foods richer in proteins and fat.

Finally, in 2016, several experiments were conducted to evaluate the growth of 

 In the first experiment, mites were found to grow better on green and brown rather than white and red colored kibbles. (Whether the different-colored kibbles had different nutrients was not explained.) The second study found higher mite growth when kibbles were crushed rather than intact, and when the initial mite population density was highest. The third showed that four different strains of 

 mites grew better on crushed dog food than a commercial mite diet. The final experiment confirmed that a high initial mite inoculum leads to a higher final mite count.

In the first field study, 30 purchased and 50 pet owner–obtained commercial dry dog food samples tested with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for HDM were all negative.

In another study, 23 bags of commercial dry dog foods were tested for mite contamination by microscopy.

 Even though the bags were opened and closed twice daily over a 6-week period during this study, storage mites were not discovered.

The influence of different storage conditions on the contamination of dry dog foods with storage mites was first reported in 2008.

 Dry dog food bags were kept for 6 weeks in either laboratory storage with low average temperature and humidity or a ventilated garage with high temperature and humidity. More mites were detected in the bags stored in high temperature and humidity conditions.

In 2011, identical bags of a single commercial dry dog food were stored in 10 different households.

 Each bad was divided equally between the original sack with its reusable seal, a paper bag whose top was rolled for closure, and a plastic box with a sealed lid. These containers were stored next to each other, and the food was sampled every month for storage mite detection. After 3 months, mite numbers were significantly higher in the food samples stored in paper bags (60% of bags had evidence of mites) compared with baseline.

In the last field study, dog owners in eastern Australia provided 20 samples of commercial dry dog foods stored in open bags or storage boxes in home environments.

 The food samples were examined for the presence of storage mites, and a small portion was kept for 2 additional months before their incubation under higher humidity and temperature conditions. Finally, nine new bags of commercial dog foods were purchased and tested as above. Mites were undetectable in any specimens after any of the incubation times. Similarly, storage mites were not observed when opening newly purchased bags or after storing the foods for 6 weeks at room temperature. In contrast, when incubating samples of these foods at high temperature (26 °C [78.8 °F]) and humidity levels (80%), storage mites were present as early as 3 weeks after beginning the experiment and in 78% of foods after 6 weeks of incubation.

Several clear conclusions can be drawn from this literature review. The research shows that storage mites, especially for the most commonly found and studied species 

 can grow in commercial dog kibbles, particularly protein- and fat-rich foods. They proliferate best when the initial contaminating mite density is high, when kibbles are crushed, or when mold overgrowth has occurred due to suboptimal storage. Typically, storage mite contamination is low to undetectable in newly purchased commercial dog food. If bags are stored indoors in temperate conditions, little to no overgrowth occurs. In contrast, when bags are stored in situations with high temperature and humidity, mites can enter through faulty seals and proliferate in the packages.

The allergenic cross-reactivity between the 

 mites have been shown to trigger flares of allergy in laboratory beagles experimentally sensitized with the 

 HDM. Although this cross-reactivity has only been demonstrated in a laboratory setting, atopic dogs with high-levels of 

 HDM–specific IgE are likely to have signs flaring after eating a food contaminated with storage mites. Thus, when performing food trials for the diagnosis of food allergies in dogs (and probably in cats), it makes sense to minimize factors that encourage storage mite proliferation. Using food from newly purchased, sealed bags that have been stored indoors in temperate conditions appears to decrease the risk of mite contamination. A diet trial with home cooked ingredients unlikely to have mite contamination is another option.

1. Olivry T, Mueller RS. Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (8): storage mites in commercial pet foods. 

. 2019;15(1):385. doi: 10.1186/s12917-019-2102-7

2. Sinha RN, Paul TC. Survival and multiplication of two stored-product mites on cereals and processed foods. 

 1972;65:1301-1303. doi: 10.1093/jee/65.5.1301.

 mites grown in dog food cultures and the effect mould growth has on mite survival and reproduction. 

 2010;21:58-63. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2009.00778.x.

4. Hubert J, Nesvorna M, Volek V. Stored product mites (

) infesting food in various types of packaging. 

 2015;65:237-242. doi: 10.1007/s10493-014-9864-1.

5. Erban T, Rybanska D, Hubert J. Population growth of the generalist mite 

) following adaptation to high- or low-fat and high- or low-protein diets and the effect of dietary switch. 

 2015;44:1599-1604. doi: 10.1093/ee/nvv129.

6. Rybanska D, Hubert J, Markovic M, Erban T. Dry dog food integrity and mite strain influence the density-dependent growth of the stored-product mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Acaridida). 

. 2016;109(1):454-460. doi: 10.1093/jee/tov298

7. DeBoer DJ, Schreiner TA. Commercial dry dog food in the north central United States is not contaminated by Dermatophagoides house dust mites. 

. 2001;12(4):183-187. doi: 10.1046/j.0959-4493.2001.00248.x

8. Henneveld K, Beck W, Müller R. Evaluation of storage mites in commercial dry dog food and in the environment as well as their importance in veterinary medicine [in German]. 

 2007;35:325-332. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1622643

9. Brazis P, Serra M, Sellés A, et al. Evaluation of storage mite contamination of commercial dry dog food. 

. 2008;19(4):209-214. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2008.00676.x

10. Gill C, McEwan N, McGarry J, et al. House dust and storage mite contamination of dry dog food stored in open bags and sealed boxes in 10 domestic households. 

. 2011;22(2):162-172. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2010.00931.x

11. Hibberson CE, Vogelnest LJ. Storage mite contamination of commercial dry dog food in south-eastern Australia. 

. 2014;92(6):219-224. doi: 10.1111/avj.12185

Researchers recently reviewed the published literature about growth of storage mites on commercial dry pet foods.

Could storage mites in pet food lead to false-positive food allergy diagnoses?

The first Black man to earn a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine degree did so 123 years ago, in 1897. Seventy-one years ago, in 1949, the first Black woman followed in his footsteps. It has been 75 years since the establishment of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM), but African Americans today make up only 2.1% of the veterinarian workforce.

 It’s time for us to address this lack of diversity among American colleges of veterinary medicine.

Despite TUCVM producing roughly 70% of all African-American veterinarians, Black Americans continue to be underrepresented in the profession. In the past 10 years, five new colleges of veterinary medicine were established at Midwestern University, Lincoln Memorial University, Long Island University, University of Arizona, and Texas Tech University. None of these new colleges are at HBCUs.

According to 2019-2020 American Veterinary Medical Association data, 3% of the 13,548 students enrolled in US veterinary schools are Black, with African Americans treading behind all other ethnic-minority groups except for American Indian/Native Alaskans, foreign nationals, and students who choose not to divulge their race/ethnicity.

It is imperative that we address the lack of diversity within the veterinary profession, but to do that we first must address systematic racism and oppression within higher education. The racism, oppression, and bigotry that have been the subject of recent public outcry exist within the confines of classrooms all across America, and lack of representation makes it nearly impossible for Black Americans to pursue a number of careers, including veterinary medicine.

To truly do away with the injustices against African Americans in this country means to provide HBCUs with appropriate funding. Moreover, to increase the number of Black Americans who pursue a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine degree, there must be more colleges of veterinary medicine at HBCUs. 

It is well past time for another veterinary school at one of our nation’s HBCUs. Take your pick: Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Lincoln University of Missouri, North Carolina A&T State University, South Carolina State University, Tennessee State University, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Virginia State University, West Virginia State University, University of the District of Columbia, and many others.

Black lives matter, Black representation matters, and Black veterinarians matter! We are greater than 2.1%.

Jonathan Dumas is a third-semester student at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and is the current Student American Veterinary Medical Association/Student Government Association president.

1. Labor force characteristics by race and ethnicity, 2017. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Published August 2018. Accessed August 11, 2020. 

https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/race-and-ethnicity/2017/home.htm

2. AAVMC annual data report 2019-2020. American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. Accessed August 11, 2020. 

https://www.aavmc.org/assets/site_18/files/data/2019%20aavmc%20annual%20data%20report%20(id%20100175).pdf

One veterinary student explains why establishing veterinary medicine programs at historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) is key to addressing systemic racism within the profession.