[BLOG] Shelter medicine: 27 things shelter staff should know about ringworm (Part I)

Discover essential insights on managing ringworm in animal shelters with our comprehensive guide. Learn key strategies to prevent, identify, and treat this common fungal infection, crucial for shelter staff dedicated to maintaining animal health and welfare. This article highlights the importance of early detection, effective sanitation practices, and tailored treatment plans, ensuring a safe, ringworm-free environment for both cats and dogs.

[BLOG] Feline upper respiratory diseases: 24 things you need to know concerning Feline Herpes Virus (aka FHV-1)

In the world of feline care, upper respiratory diseases pose significant health challenges, with Feline Herpes Virus (FHV-1) standing out as a prevalent cause. This comprehensive blog sheds light on 24 critical aspects of FHV-1, highlighting its nature as an alpha-herpesvirus specific to cats, with no risk to humans. It delves into the virus's modes of transmission, primarily through close contact via ocular, nasal, and oral secretions, and underscores the critical role of sanitation and hygiene in managing outbreaks. The post also addresses the virus's life-long impact on infected cats, including potential latency and stress-induced reactivation, which can lead to widespread shelter outbreaks.

[BLOG] How do you know if this animal is spayed or neutered? Easy ways to check !

Discover the straightforward methods to determine if an animal is spayed or neutered with our insightful guide. In a world where responsible pet ownership and population control are paramount, understanding whether your pet has been surgically altered is crucial. This article provides pet owners with practical advice on identifying spay or neuter status, aimed at ensuring the health and well-being of dogs and cats alike. We cover the significance of spaying/neutering in preventing unwanted litters and delve into easy techniques for verification.

[BLOG] Small animal reproduction: my Top 10 predictions for the future !

Exploring the future of small animal reproduction, this insightful blog by Dr. Emmanuel Fontaine unveils the remarkable advancements and potential breakthroughs on the horizon. With a decade of experience, Dr. Fontaine shares his top 10 predictions that promise to reshape canine and feline breeding. From routine feline insemination and innovative semen processing techniques to embryo transfers and stem cell therapy for repairing damaged uteri, the future looks bright. The blog highlights the shift towards more sophisticated reproductive technologies, including in-vitro fertilization and synthetic colostrum for newborns, underscoring a transformative era in small animal reproduction that could bring the science fiction of today into tomorrow's reality.

[BLOG] Rabies, you are at risk: 5 important tips everyone at the shelter should know !

Rabies poses a significant risk in North America, not just due to wildlife like foxes and raccoons but also domestic animals with unknown health statuses. This article highlights the heightened risk for those working in shelters and provides essential tips to mitigate it. Key measures include vaccination for all at-risk professionals, understanding transmission methods, prioritizing single-housing for new intakes to monitor health, recognizing symptoms early, and knowing the immediate steps to take after potential exposure.

[BLOG] Parasitology: to systematically screen or not, this is the question…

With shelters often being hotspots for infectious diseases, the ideal approach would advocate for systematic screening to tailor treatments and improve sanitation. However, budgetary and time constraints in shelter operations pose significant challenges. While outsourced tests strain finances, in-house testing demands resources and time, making it essential for shelters to weigh the benefits against the costs.

[BLOG] Not only for dogs: CPV-2c

The article sheds light on CPV-2c, a strain initially identified in Italy in 2000, which has since become a significant concern worldwide, including in North America. Notably, CPV-2c doesn't just affect dogs but can also infect cats, causing similar symptoms to those seen in panleukopenia. This revelation emphasizes the importance of awareness and vaccination, as current vaccines and diagnostic tests remain effective against this strain.

[BLOG] A lot of hygiene and a glimpse of contraception: this was our shelter convention !

Key shelter personnel exchanged ideas, aiming for optimal care for animals in their charge. Highlighting the importance of proper sanitation, the introduction of Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide as a potential game-changer in shelter disinfection was discussed. On contraception, while surgical options dominate, promising research into alternatives like GnRH vaccines and gene silencing offers hope for more efficient future solutions, potentially saving time and reducing stress for shelter animals.

[BLOG] Canine and feline reproduction: why (and how) assessing presentation of the neonates during parturition ?

Exploring the critical phases of canine and feline reproduction, this blog offers a comprehensive guide on assessing the presentation of neonates during parturition. Understanding the presentation, position, and posture of puppies and kittens at birth is pivotal for ensuring a healthy start to life. With practical advice for breeders, veterinarians, and pet enthusiasts, we unravel the complexities of birth processes in dogs and cats. Highlighting the importance of timely intervention and expert care, this article empowers readers with knowledge to support the wellbeing of mother and offspring during this crucial time.

[BLOG] Weaning diarrhea in kittens: what you should know, what you can do !

Weaning diarrhea in kittens is a common issue observed in feline breeding units, often occurring as they transition from milk to solid food. This phase sees a change in stool consistency due to the developing digestive tract and enzymatic capabilities of young kittens. Addressing this concern involves understanding risk factors within breeding structures and implementing effective feeding management strategies. Proper care can significantly reduce symptom severity, ensuring the health and well-being of kittens during this critical growth period. Explore practical solutions and a tested weaning recipe on our blog.