This week veterinarian Dr Ernie Ward reviews a recent published study from Nigeria on Human-Cat Relationships and the current state of cat ownership and attitudes toward cats in this African nation. A new study is published evaluating feasibility of using sorghum as an ingredient in dry dog foods, and Dr Ward shares his thoughts on the announcement that Lilly is divesting from Elanco and the upcoming limited IPO.

Nigerian Cat Study:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ikechukwu_Igbokwe/publication/326493579_The_Human-Cat_Relationship_MythsSuperstitions_and_its_Consequences_on_Cat_Ownership_in_Maiduguri_Northeastern_Nigeria/links/5b50f92545851507a7b1f10b/The-Human-Cat-Relationship-Myths-Superstitions-and-its-Consequences-on-Cat-Ownership-in-Maiduguri-Northeastern-Nigeria.pdf

At this year's American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) annual conference, the Board of Directors and Future Leaders Group unanimously approved our Global Pet Obesity Position Statement declaring: 1) uniform definition of canine and feline obesity, 2) universal Body Condition Score (BCS) system, and 3) obesity as a disease.

On June 25, 2018, the US FDA announced approval for the first CBD drug to treat epilepsy in humans. What does this mean for veterinarians and pets? Read the FDA announcement here: https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm611046.htm

Is the traditional pet boarding facility or kennel doomed? I think so, and I believe technology created by Rover.com and Wag.com (and others) will not only lead to the extinction of many boarding kennels, but potentially provide better care for more pets. But that's not all; I believe it's only a matter of time before these companies take on the veterinary profession. Check out my thoughts...

Music by: https://soundcloud.com/wearestereofox/sweeps-aint-gonna-give-it-up-charles-bradley-tribute

Amazon acquired the innovative pharmacy company PillPack today for an estimated $1 billion. How will this impact veterinarians, veterinary drug distributors, online pharmacies, and pets?

The Australian Senate announced a Parliamentary Investigation into the Pet Food Industry after journalistic investigations and persistent public outcry over contaminated pet food and lack of proper protections and oversight.

Mars Petcare Buys 200 European Veterinary Clinics in Massive Deal, Pathway Vet Alliance Partners with Heska Diagnostics, FreshPet Petfood Tricks Diners and Kids into Eating Dog Food, Antibiotic Overuse by Human Doctors & the American Medical Association Takes a Strong Stand for Gun Control!

Recent reports revealed the 2016-2017 FDA investigation of the Columbus, Ohio Mars Petcare pet food facility uncovered numerous pet food safety violations, including reports of "one instance described as 'millions of roaches.'”

"Employees also reported birds, spider webs, beetles, multiple flies, maggots and larvae on several occasions."

Read the Food Safety News report here: http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2018/06/millions-of-roaches-plagued-maker-of-pedigree-iams-ceasar-other-pet-foods/#.Wx1_bjNKjUI

Cool music by: @dcuttermusic / www.davidcuttermusic.com

A New York Gynecologist Sues a Patient He Saw Once for $1Mil Over Her Posting Bad Reviews and Online Comments! Dog Flu Outbreak (H3N2) in NYC & UK Merger Madness and Incredibly Complicated Partnerships - Is this future of veterinary medicine in the U.S?

Mars Petcare Buys 87 UK Vet Clinics, a Universal K9 Cancer Vaccine is Starting Clinical Trials at three US veterinary schools, Maternity Pay for Pet Parents at a Nordic Company, and a CRAZY CAT LITTER MACHINE from Taiwan (where else?).