Animal Airwaves

Do you reflexively leave a light on when leaving your pets home alone? Many of us do, but chances are it does more for our peace of mind than theirs.

While it’s always a good idea to let pets have access to ambient light, most don’t need lights left on at night. Like us, dogs are most active during the day, and their activity is prompted by natural light from outside. In contrast, cats are more active at night. That said, both dogs and cats see better in the dark than we do, thanks to the light reflective layer in the back of their eyes.

However, pets who don’t see well can benefit from extra light to help keep them safe and tamp down their anxiety. And whenever possible, every pet benefits from a steady light routine.

Many veterinary procedures that used to require major surgery can now be accomplished through minimally invasive means, all because of interventional radiology.

This technology uses imaging to guide therapeutic procedures. Once small instruments are placed into blood vessels or tiny incisions, real-time videos created by ultrasound, X-rays or fiberoptic tubes guide them through the body to the site of repair.

Interventional radiology can be used for heart, airway and gastrointestinal or urinary tract conditions, just to name a few. Not surprisingly, these procedures require considerable expertise, but result in numerous benefits, including lower risks, fewer complications and shorter hospital stays.

Laminitis [lă-mah-NĪ-tŭs] — or inflammation of the tissues connecting the hoof to underlying bone — remains a potentially debilitating disease in our equine companions. Of the possible causes, one of the most common is hyperinsulinemia [hī-per-insŭ-lǐn-Ē-mē-ah].

Also known as equine metabolic syndrome, most animals affected by hyperinsulinemia are obese. They produce too much insulin that doesn’t work effectively in controlling fat. Coupled with a high carbohydrate diet, this can snowball into laminitis.

The process is complicated, but good management can nip it in the bud. Controlling obesity is key, including curbing carbs and encouraging exercise. Equine veterinarians play a key role in identifying and monitoring animals at risk, supervising their management and medicating those who need extra help.

In the last half of 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (or FDA) approved several drugs for certain pets.

In August, Senvelgo, a once-daily liquid oral medication, was approved for feline diabetes. Up to now, at least 30% of cats with diabetes have gone untreated due to challenges of previous treatment regimens.

Then in September, the FDA issued conditional approval of Fidoquel-CA1, a phenobarbital tablet for dogs with epilepsy.

Finally, in November, the oral drug Bonqat was approved to quell fear and anxiety in cats before and during veterinary visits.

FDA approval ensures that drugs have been rigorously tested for efficacy and safety — and now our pets have more medications than ever specifically geared to their needs.

Dogs are hard-wired to be curious about others of their kind — which can result in frustrating situations when you’re out and about.

Even a usually well-behaved dog might surrender to temptation and run over to another pooch while out on a walk. But instead of coaxing him to return, you might be able to stop the reflex in its tracks.

The key is to make yourself more enticing than the alternative. A simple solution is to come armed with toys and treats. When your dog is poised to run over to another one, presenting a treat or a toy can reset the scenario. In short, you present a high-value alternative.

So, next time you’re both on your way out for a walk, bring along some fun “ammunition” to keep your dog focused.

In a recent study, dogs fed undercooked meat were more likely to pass antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their stool. Surface contamination then increases the risk of the bacteria spreading to people, making some infections tougher to treat.

The major cause of antibiotic resistance is overuse of antibiotics. Inappropriate antibiotic use in livestock can increase antibiotic resistance in their normal bacterial flora, which then extends to their meat. In this study, antibiotic-resistant E. coli [Ē. CŌ-lī] were more often found in the stool of dogs fed raw or undercooked meat.

That’s why the American Veterinary Medical Association discourages feeding raw animal protein to dogs and cats. Thoroughly cooking the protein helps avoid the problem.

Recently, you might have heard about a mysterious dog illness cropping up in some states. Although this may involve a new pathogen, it’s likely part of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex, or C-I-R-D-C, that intermittently flares up.

CIRDC is a group of individual bacterial and viral diseases, any of which can spread from dog to dog. Most affected dogs develop only mild signs — classically a cough, but sometimes a runny nose or eyes. However, occasionally a dog can develop more serious respiratory disease.

If you’re a pooch parent, you can help by keeping your dog up to date on vaccinations and staying away from canine gatherings — especially during outbreaks. Ask your veterinarian for more advice tailored to your dog’s needs.

Since most pet parents consider their beastie buddies members of the family, it may not be surprising that most folks would pass on an otherwise ideal house if it doesn’t suit their pets’ fancies.

Enter “barkitecture,” which is basically home design geared to pets, with some aesthetics for us thrown in. Obvious examples include fenced-in yards and custom-built dog runs or catios — those are cat-safe outdoor enclosures. But that’s just the start. From custom-built dog nooks and pup showers in mudrooms to built-in feeding stations and pet beds hidden in nightstands, the sky’s the limit for some pampered pets.

But let’s face it — a lot of it’s geared to us. All our pets really want is to be safe and loved with room to do their thing.

The small ruminant industry, specifically sheep and goats, is an important one in the United States and in Florida. While most of these animals are raised for food production, including meat, milk and dairy products, they are also used for other purposes, such as fiber for the wool market. Providing the best and most accurate information about herd health is critical, particularly in Florida, where surviving in our harsh environment can be a challenge for these animals. Dr. Brittany Diehl, a clinical assistant professor and small ruminant extension specialist, will discuss how she and her extension team work to ensure producers have the tools they need to be successful.

Veterinary technicians fill many roles in veterinary clinics. You might even say they’re the glue that holds the clinic together.

Veterinary technology programs are usually two to four years long. Then before they can practice, graduates must pass a veterinary board exam. Over time, they have continuing education and re-certification requirements.

Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians, treat animals, collect blood and other samples and run laboratory tests. They also often help with dental and other procedures, monitor anesthesia and even manage the clinic.

The demand for veterinary technicians has never been greater. So, if you know an animal lover with the compassion and determination to do the job, spread the word.