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Welcome to this episode, where we dive into the recent groundbreaking updates from the RECOVER Initiative, the authority in veterinary CPR.

On June 26, RECOVER unveiled significant revisions to its global veterinary CPR guidelines, the first major changes since 2012. These new guidelines aim to elevate emergency care for pets based on the latest scientific advancements and extensive feedback from the veterinary community.

Key Highlights:

• Enhanced Chest Compression Techniques: New methods tailored for cats and small dogs to optimize survival during cardiac arrest.
• Updated Compression Depths and Techniques: Adjustments based on animal size and chest shape for improved CPR effectiveness.
• Revised Breathing Support Methods: Safer approaches for non-intubated patients.
• Updated Medication Dosages and Procedures: More precise treatments during CPR.

Dr. Daniel Fletcher of Cornell University and Dr. Manuel Boller of the University of Calgary discuss the rigorous review process, which included over 1,370 studies evaluated by 102 volunteers. These updates are now the definitive CPR guidelines for veterinary professionals worldwide.

What's New:

• Streamlined CPR algorithms
• Updated drug dosing charts
• ECG diagnosis algorithms
• Enhanced RACE-approved training courses

Dr. Jamie Burkitt from UC Davis highlights the importance of these guidelines, reflecting the highest standards of evidence-based veterinary practice.

With over 85,000 veterinary professionals already trained through RECOVER's online courses and over 20,000 attending in-person workshops, these updates are set to standardize and improve CPR practices globally.

In this episode, we delve into a concerning trend revealed by recent research in Indiana: the spread of Cytauxzoon felis, the parasite responsible for the deadly disease known as bobcat fever, among domestic cats. Between 2018 and 2022, seven domestic shorthair cats in southwestern Indiana were infected, marking the state's first confirmed cases of both acute and chronic cytauxzoonosis. This episode highlights the clinical signs, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for this tick-borne disease, which is often fatal in domestic cats.

Dr. Grant Burcham, a veterinary diagnostician and assistant professor in comparative pathobiology at Purdue University, joins us to discuss the findings. He explains the symptoms that led to the diagnosis, including fever, lethargy, and icterus, and emphasizes the importance of early detection and aggressive treatment. Dr. Burcham also explores the transmission of C. felis by ticks, particularly the lone star tick, and the role of bobcats as the natural reservoir host.

Tune in to learn about the diagnostic techniques used to identify C. felis, the advancements in treatment that have improved survival rates, and the preventive measures that can protect cats from this expanding threat. Stay informed and proactive in safeguarding feline health against the growing danger of cytauxzoonosis in Indiana and beyond.

🙏 Brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim, maker of NexGard® COMBO (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution) for cats. Learn more at: bit.ly/3X8FRMh

In a groundbreaking development at the intersection of canine behavior and artificial intelligence, a team of researchers has unveiled an innovative algorithm designed to streamline the evaluation of potential working dogs' personalities. This cutting-edge technology aims to assist dog training agencies in swiftly and accurately determining which animals are best suited for long-term careers, including roles in law enforcement support and aiding individuals with disabilities. Moreover, the personality test holds promise for facilitating dog-human matchmaking, thereby optimizing shelter placements and reducing the number of animals returned due to compatibility issues with adoptive families.

Hailing from the University of East London and the University of Pennsylvania, the scientists collaborated under the sponsorship of Dogvatar, a canine technology startup based in Miami, Florida. Their findings, detailed in the paper titled "An Artificial Intelligence Approach To Predicting Personality Types In Dogs," published on January 29, 2024, in Scientific Reports, mark a significant leap forward in the field.

Central to the algorithm's development is its utilization of data gleaned from nearly 8,000 responses to the widely recognized Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). Over the past two decades, this comprehensive survey has served as the gold standard for evaluating potential working dogs, albeit with certain subjective limitations. Co-Principal Investigator James Serpell, an esteemed professor of ethics and animal welfare emeritus at the UPenn School of Veterinary Medicine, highlighted the algorithm's ability to mitigate the inherent subjectivity of the C-BARQ through data clustering techniques.

The experimental AI algorithm functions by categorizing responses to C-BARQ questions into five primary clusters, each corresponding to distinct personality types: "excitable/attached," "anxious/fearful," "aloof/predatory," "reactive/assertive," and "calm/agreeable." These classifications, derived from a meticulous analysis of influential attributes within each category, offer a nuanced understanding of a dog's behavioral tendencies. Attributes such as responses to stimuli like doorbells or unfamiliar dogs visiting the home are among the data points informing these personality clusters.

Moreover, the algorithm assigns a "feature importance" value to each attribute, thereby refining its calculation of a dog's personality score. According to Serpell, the resulting clusters exhibit remarkable coherence and meaningfulness, underscoring the algorithm's efficacy in discerning canine personalities.

Looking ahead, Dogvatar and its research partners are poised to explore further applications for their pioneering algorithm. CEO Piya Pettigrew, known affectionately as "Alpha Pack Leader," expressed enthusiasm for the algorithm's potential to enhance the efficiency of working dog training and placement processes. Moreover, Pettigrew emphasized its role in fostering successful shelter placements, ultimately benefiting both dogs and the individuals they serve.

In summary, the advent of this AI-driven personality assessment tool marks a significant stride forward in the realm of canine behavior research, promising to revolutionize the way we understand and interact with our four-legged companions.

Welcome to Vet Candy News, powered by TeleSpecialty by V O C N! Elevate your practice with veterinary telespecialty consults and level up! Now, for our top story:

A mysterious respiratory syndrome is sweeping through dogs across the nation, focusing on the New England region. Termed "Respiratory Syndrome of Unknown Etiology in Dogs," this puzzling illness has veterinarians and researchers on high alert. Affected dogs show resistant upper respiratory symptoms, defying standard treatments and diagnostic tests.

Despite testing negative for common respiratory pathogens, these cases are sparking a comprehensive investigation into potential emerging pathogens. While findings are preliminary, affected dogs exhibit symptoms similar to common respiratory diseases, but with a prolonged and treatment-resistant course, sometimes progressing to pneumonia.

The investigation, sparked by reports in New Hampshire, has expanded its reach nationwide. Initial metagenomic analysis revealed a bacterial-like organism resembling Mycoplasma, but caution is advised in drawing conclusions. Further testing and analysis, including comparisons with older control samples, are underway to connect this syndrome to a specific cause.

As the scientific community collaborates to unravel this mystery, stay tuned for updates on Vet Candy News. Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery!

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In this heart-pounding episode of Medical Mysteries with Dr. Courtney, Dr. Courtney Campbell teams up with renowned veterinary surgeon Dr. Tomas Infernuso to solve a life-threatening mystery. A young cat is diagnosed with a rare congenital heart condition, and time is running out. Can Dr. Tomas perform a miracle surgery and save the kitty’s life? Tune in to witness cutting-edge veterinary science in action!