Animal Health

21 June

Get calls about bats? Use this handy guide

wsvma   |   Animal Health

The Washington State Department of Health is pleased to introduce their Guide for Veterinary Offices for Handling Calls about Bat Encounters. The new guide strengthens the connections between veterinary hospitals and their local health department and guides veterinary staff when responding to public calls concerning bat encounters. It stresses the importance of public contacting their local health department immediately to triage possible human and pet rabies exposure. In addition, the Department refreshed the look of their fact sheet, Safely Capturing Bats...

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14 June

Q fever: What sheep and goat owners should know

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Lambing and kidding season, the time of year when goats and sheep give birth, is winding down. But goat and sheep owners should remain diligent to protect themselves and their animals when assisting with a difficult birthing. In these circumstances,  Q fever, a serious but seldom fatal zoonotic disease, can be transmitted to humans and other animals by sheep, goats and cattle. Caution should be taken in the case of animals that have aborted. Goat and sheep owners should be aware of...

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31 May

Pet Nutrition Alliance Announces Dare to Ask! – a New Resource to Aid in Making Informed Decisions about Pet Foods

wsvma   |   Animal Health

The Pet Nutrition Alliance (PNA) announced a new resource to help veterinary healthcare teams make more informed decisions when recommending pet food for their patients. This new tool – Dare to Ask: We Did! – was created by compiling information about pet food manufacturers. PNA is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources to support veterinary healthcare teams in helping pets live longer through better nutrition, and to assist teams in providing nutritional assessments and recommendations for every patient. With thousands of choices of pet foods, it is...

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24 May

Reminder on Heartworm Testing on Dogs from Heartworm Endemic Areas

wsvma   |   Animal Health

While the incidence of heartworm disease in native Washington dogs is still low, the number of dogs moving into Washington from heartworm endemic areas, nationally and internationally, is increasing. Heartworm disease is reportable in Washington. The State Veterinarian's Office (WSDA), has seen an increase in the numbers of dogs reported in the state, with the majority of these being rescue dogs imported into the state or owned dogs brought in by their owners. The WSDA requires that dogs six months of age...

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13 May

Strangles in King County, WA- Confirmed Case(s): Voluntary Quarantine

wsvma   |   Animal Health

May 13, 2019 Strangles King County, WA Status: Confirmed Case(s): Voluntary Quarantine Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture Number Confirmed: 5; 18 suspected cases Number Exposed: 26 Age: Not Reported; Gender: Not Reported; Breed: Not Reported; Onset of Clinical Signs: Not Reported Notes: Horses arrive on 30 April and symptoms started on 2 May. Confirm on 9 May. 18 head have signs of fever and/or abscesses. Owners stopped movement in and out and instigated biosecurity measures. Go to http://equinediseasecc.org/alerts/outbreaks to see an alert for Strangles in King County, Washington. Posted May...

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10 May

Pièce de Résistance – Four Core Communication Skills of Highly Effective Practitioners

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Nonverbal communication – includes all behavioral signals between interacting individuals exclusive of verbal content. Open-ended questions – encourages the person to elaborate or tell a story without shaping or focusing the content. Reflective listening – allows the interviewer to check if their interpretation is correct, ensures accuracy and encourages client input. Empathy – viewing the situation from the client’s perspective. Empathy needs to be expressed verbally and non-verbally. It informs client they are being supported. (Shaw J. Four Core Communication...

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25 January

What’s all the hype about grain-free diets and heart disease? WSU/CVM issues recommendations

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Much information has been circulated on the internet and other in sources regarding grain-free diets and associated heart disease in dogs. The recent announcement from the US FDA alerting pet owners and veterinarians about reports of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or other exotic ingredients has raised questions among the public. We hope to address the most current understanding of the problem and the most commonly asked questions here. While we...

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25 January

WSDA reports cases of equine strangles and influenza

wsvma   |   Animal Health

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has reported positive cases of equine strangles and influenza. Six cases of strangles were reported in Snohomish, Thurston, Spokane and Franklin counties in Washington State. In Snohomish county, one horse tested positive in early January. Two horses in Thurston County, both showing upper respiratory signs, were confirmed on January 18. No quarantines were put in place. A five-year-old mule gelding in Spokane County was confirmed last month and in Franklin County, two horses,...

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18 January

Brucella canis – An infection with public health risk and much unknown

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Brucella canis is a significant cause of reproductive disease in dogs and can result in potentially severe infections in humans. The true incidence in dogs is unknown but appears to be rising, particularly among dogs in the breeding industry. In Washington state, B. canis is reportable by veterinarians to WA State Dept. of Agriculture (WSDA) within 24 hours of suspicion or confirmation of infection. So far in 2018, five cases have been reported to WSDA, higher than the reported 0–2...

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21 September

Potential for Neurologic Adverse Events Associated with Certain Flea and Tick Products

wsvma   |   Animal Health, Medicine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting pet owners and veterinarians to be aware of the potential for neurologic adverse events in dogs and cats when treated with drugs that are in the isoxazoline class. Since these products have obtained their respective FDA approvals, data received by the agency as part of its routine post-marketing activities indicates that some animals receiving Bravecto, Nexgard or Simparica have experienced adverse events such as muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Another product in this...

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