By Marilyn Iturri
New products debuted at last month’s VMX conference in Orlando, Florida, are designed to enhance the human-animal bond as well as promote animals’ physical wellbeing and emotional comfort.
Feliscratch by Feliway is a new application of an artificial pheromone designed to help owners redirect cats’ destructive scratching to desired locations, such as scratching posts. Redirecting destructive scratching behaviors can keep cat owners from rehoming their cats or relinquishing them to shelters.
The new product comes in pipettes and is applied in straight lines to the desired scratching location at suggested intervals. It joins the line of other Feliway products, such as Feliway Classic diffusers and sprays. Manufacturer Ceva reports this new application sends “territory messages” that direct cats to where the owner wants them to scratch.
A new test for Idexx in-house chemistry analyzers helps find and assess kidney function earlier in the disease process, allowing the veterinarian to begin treating renal patients earlier. Earlier care may result in longer life and an improved quality of life.
The Catalyst SDMA test has several advantages, according to Idexx. The test measures SDMA, a biomarker for kidney function that increases earlier than creatinine. It is specific for kidney function and is less affected by factors such as body condition, advanced age, and disease state.
DoctorVet, a small-animal therapy laser by Sound of Carlsbad, California, was also introduced at the conference. It comes with on-board instructions for cost-effective Class IV laser therapy and was designed for ease of use, according to the company.
Laser therapy uses photobiomodulation to speed healing and reduce pain and inflammation. It can also help improve clinic revenue. The modality is used to treat post-surgical incisions, wounds, and chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and can be combined with other treatment modalities for maximum effectiveness.
This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.
