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NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NCDs) that affect animals include rabies, bone and testicular cancers, and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Vanessa Benjamin-Chatrie, managing director and owner of Baruch Animal Health Distribution, at the recent MDS M-Powered: Gone to the Dogs Conference shared her expert insights on pet nutrition and pharmacology. The conference, which brought together leading professionals in the veterinary and pet care industries, highlighted advancements in animal health and well-being.
In her presentation, Benjamin-Chatrie delved into the evolving landscape of pet nutrition, emphasising the importance of scientifically backed formulations in improving the overall health and longevity of pets.
She discussed the role of tailored nutrition in managing chronic conditions and enhancing the quality of life for animals, underscoring the vital connection between proper diet and pharmacological treatments. Zeroing on dogs, Benjamin-Chatrie stated that ‘feeding your dog an appropriate amount of a well-balanced diet is vital to its overall health and well-being.’
There are three categories of pet food recognised by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO): Adult Maintenance, Growth/Reproduction and All Life stages.
“Dogs have varying nutritional needs during different stages of their lives, and feeding a diet that is formulated for all life stages is not necessarily appropriate. An all-purpose dog food may not provide enough nutrients to meet the needs of a growing puppy or a pregnant or nursing mother. Conversely, this same all-purpose diet may provide excessive nutrients to a senior or inactive dog,” she said.
Benjamin-Chatrie also explored the three most prevalent non-communicable diseases in dogs: cancer, heart disease and arthritis. More than 50 per cent of dogs over the age of 10 will have cancer, usually melanomas and mast cells, lymphomas and bone cancers.
“Unfortunately, the cause of most neoplastic diseases is not known and, therefore, prevention is difficult. Spaying reduces the risk of mammary cancer in dogs. Half of all breast neoplasms in dogs and greater than 85 per cent neoplasms in cats are malignant, and spaying female pets before 12 months of age reduces this risk,”she said.
Each type of neoplasia requires individual care. Treatment may include surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery, hyperthermia or immunotherapy. Dogs also suffer from two types of heart disease: congenital disease and adult-onset heart disease. Approximately one in 10 dogs will develop heart disease in their lifetime, with the two most common being mitral valve disease and dilated cardiomyopathy.
“Heart diseases in dogs can be caused by a number of factors. These range from obesity, lack of exercising, thyroid issues, arrhythmia and hypertension. Diet and lifestyle changes, drug therapy, device therapy and sometimes cardiac transplantation can be used as treatment options,” Benjamin-Chatrie said.
Arthritis is also a common problem for many dogs, and refers to inflammation of the joints, causing pain, discomfort and stiffness. This illness affects dogs at any age, but is usually more prevalent in older dogs.
“Non-medical approaches to minimize arthritic aches and pains include weight control, food, exercise, animal physical rehabilitation, natural over the counter treatments and acupuncture and massage,” she added.
“However, to medically manage a dog’s arthritis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, chondroprotectants and surgery can be employed depending on the severity of the illness,” she said.
Her expertise in this field, combined with her practical experience as a leader in the animal health distribution industry, provided attendees with a deeper understanding of how integrated care can lead to better health outcomes for pets.
“I am honoured to have had the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience at such an impactful conference. The MDS M-Powered conference is a fantastic platform for discussing the future of pet care, and I’m excited to continue contributing to the advancement of both pet nutrition and pharmacology,” Benjamin-Chatrie said.
Baruch Animal Health Distribution, under Benjamin-Chatrie’s leadership, has been at the forefront of providing high-quality animal health products and services. Her commitment to promoting the health and well-being of animals through both nutrition and medical support has made her a respected figure in the industry.
The MDS M-Powered: Gone to the Dogs Conference proved to be a key event for networking, education, and innovation in the pet care sector. Benjamin-Chatrie’s participation added valuable depth to the ongoing discussions about optimising care for pets through a holistic approach.
English (US) ·