Pet accommodation options for owners going into a refuge shelter
As pets are part of the family and are much-loved companions, if you’re experiencing domestic or family violence, and you’re concerned about your pet’s welfare, there are several organisations involved in assisting pets in these situations, including the RSPCA in New South Wales and Maneki Neko Cat Rescue in Melbourne.
“Many victims of domestic or family violence will often delay leaving a violent situation due to fears for the safety of their pets. Unfortunately, if funds are limited, there are very few options for victims to have their pets safely housed while they, themselves are trying to safely relocate. The vast majority of temporary accommodation options that victims might flee to, such as a refuge or motel, are not pet-friendly”, said Ms Sandra Ma, Senior Manager of RSPCA NSW Community Programs. Read more
BSAVA updates on use of cannabidiol in dogs and cats
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new scientific information document on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in cats and dogs. The document outlines the legal position regarding the use of CBD oil in dogs and cats in the UK and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of CBD in humans and dogs.
“Information regarding the effects of cannabinoids on animals is predominantly at the stage of pre-clinical testing of individual substances in mice, rats and guinea pigs. There are limited clinical studies looking at the effects of CBD in dogs, and no reported studies in cats. There are many reports describing possible beneficial effects and therapeutic potential in humans, and subsequently pet owners may ask their vet about using cannabinoids to treat veterinary patients. This document aims to provide a broad overview of the available evidence base and legal position in the UK for veterinary team members”, said Caroline Kisielewicz, BSAVA Scientific Committee member and one of the documents authors. Read more
Tips for submitting veterinary pathology cases
Submitting pathology samples is a common daily activity in veterinary practice, and there are some tips and tricks for getting the process right. Veterinary pathologist Dr Veronica King provides some advice about filling out case and necropsy submissions in this podcast with DVM360’s Dr Adam Christman.
Dr King tells Dr Christman that writing up lesion submissions can be tricky because it’s difficult to describe a lesion, especially for cytology and biopsy submissions – and she recommends including the location and distribution of the lesion in the description. Read more
