KEEPING UP WITH NEW DEVELOPMENTS

January 22, 2020
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Osceolawoman2017
Posted in Life & WorkPaw Prints
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By Dr. Gary Borgman

As I write this article, we are looking forward to the upcoming North American Veterinary Conference (Now called VMX) at the Orange County Conference Center, beginning January 17. We are fortunate to have this conference so close and I have attended all but one session. This conference, first organized by the University of Florida School of Veterinary Medicine about 35 years ago with 900 veterinarians attending, now attracts about 15,000 veterinarians from all over the world. It is an exciting opportunity to learn!

Dr. Stephanie Volpe, Dr. David Salazar and I will be in attendance. I always get updated and motivated! After 50 years in this profession, and 46 years in Osceola county I always embrace this opportunity to “keep up”. We will share our new knowledge in future articles in Osceola Woman and on our website www.KissimmeeAnimalHospital.com

For the past two years, I have attended lectures on CBD products for pets. The jury is still out on this subject, because there is little scientific evidence to date. Dr. Volpe plans to focus on this subject. More information to follow.

Dr. Volpe and I will be shopping for new equipment in the huge exhibit hall, and plan to upgrade our diagnostic ultrasound imaging equipment. We have had two ultrasound units over the years, but the new machines are ultra-high definition compared to early versions. Dr. Volpe is well trained in diagnostic ultrasound imaging so we will be writing about this in the new future.

Other developing disciplines in our profession include pain control, external and internal parasite control and treatment, and allergy treatment protocols. I distinctly remember Dr. Shelton, my parasitology professor stating that “all dogs have fleas” and he was right in 1966. Now, flea control can be essentially 100% effective for dogs and cats. We have the products and protocols. So instead of primarily treating flea bite allergy, we now address and treat atopic dermatitis and otitis. It is still a challenge, but the protocols keep getting better. I always attend several dermatology lectures.

Proper pet nutrition is also a very confusing and challenging problem and opportunity. It seems everyone in the pet stores is an opinionated expert on pet nutrition. The grain free dog food fad has now been appropriately challenged since cardiac issues have been linked to this type of diet. More about this later.

As always, we welcome any questions about pet health issues. The veterinarians and staff of Kissimmee Animal Hospital (Tel ) and Poinciana Pet Clinic (Tel ) are available to take your calls. We are here to help and to serve.