Breakthroughs in Veterinary Medicine in the Last Decade

Parallel to the developments in the human medicine, veterinary medicine also manages to implement modern approaches to health practice. Researchers in the field work day and night to provide ways that could potentially improve the quality of life of all animal species.

Breakthroughs in Veterinary Medicine profession in the last ten years:

1. Detection of fracture

A device developed at the Purdue University uses technology that records acoustics similar to the one used in recording earthquakes. Many micro cracks in the skeletal system can be therefore detected earlier and the treatment can start before it’s too late.

2. Animal prosthetics

Even if it’s not a big of a breakthrough in veterinary medicine,  it’s important to know that veterinary professionals start implementing this type of procedures in their practice more often. Losing a leg should no longer be a reason for putting down a horse, for example.   Animals with prosthetic limbs can live a life full of joy as they did before.

3. DNA and Genetic Testing

Besides using the technology to look for recessive genes that can be responsible for breed-specific diseases, the DNA testing is also launching a program for paternity testing for dogs. This will come as a big contribution to the kennel associations and clubs around the world.  

4. Rattlesnakes vaccines

Again, these vaccines are mostly used in areas where there the risk of your pet getting bitten by a rattlesnake is higher. Once vaccinated, the animals’ body is less prone to tissue destruction, which gives the veterinarians extra time for treatment.

5. Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals are more of food supplements rather than medications. They combine herbs and food compounds that benefit geriatric patients and patients with arthritis. One of the main compounds in nutraceuticals is glucosamine.

6. Palladia

“Palladia” is the official moniker for the first ever approved canine cancer drug. The drug is a TKI (Tyrosine kinase inhibitor) and is effective against the cells of the tumor, as well as the blood vessels supplying it. Most tumors in veterinary medicine are still surgically removed, but this drug gets more and more used.

7. Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Maybe MRI has been present for a while but definitely, deserves to be mentioned here. Starting with a Persian cat about a decade ago, the veterinary profession hasn’t been the same since.

8. Laser Therapy

Moreover, the Lewisburg Veterinary Hospital is the first veterinary institution in the world that started using laser rays for therapeutic purposes in animals.  Experts can use Laser therapy for treating hot spots, arthritis, pain, healing wounds, ear infections etc.

9. Laser Surgery

Contrary to the laser therapy, the laser surgery uses more concentrated radiation rays to destroy the targeted tissue, for beneficial purposes of course. For now, this type of surgical tool finds its place in neuters and spays, eye, ear and mouth surgical procedures, and tumor removal.

10. Melanoma Vaccine

This is the point where breakthrough in veterinary medicine list comes in front of human medicine. Using a modified virus this DNA vaccine can provoke the dogs’ immune system to react to neoplastic proteins usually growing without being spotted.

So there you have it. Many things discovered and much more to be found. Which breakthroughs does your private practice implement?

 

If you liked this article, read Problems associated with Brachycephalic dogs on our blog.