Animal Dermatology group has announced that it will release a new publication validating the ability of a wearable device to evaluate itching and scratching behaviors. Working in collaboration with AGL, an Atlanta, Georgia-based tech company, Dr. Joel Griffies, veterinary dermatologist at Animal Dermatology Clinic, Marietta, Georgia announced a scientific publication describing the validation of a wearable device to notify pet owners what their dogs can’t – how much they are scratching and shaking.
Wearable technology is gaining ground, thanks to smartphone and tablets. After successful application in humans, the technology is now becoming popular among pet owners who want to use it on their pets.
Vetrax is a tiny wearable device attached to a dog’s collar. It can record specific movement characteristics in fractions of a second. With the help of engineers at Georgia Tech, AGL has developed a system using computer algorithms to interpret movements and accurately report behaviors.
Dr. Griffies says that the veterinarians do not have truly objective information.
“Since our patients can’t talk, what we know about their symptoms is from owner reports and what we observe in the exam room,” says Griffies. “The Vetrax® system solves this problem by providing actual information about what a dog does each day, even when they can’t be observed.”
Pruritus is a common complaint for dog owners. It is often used to determine successful management of skin and ear diseases. It can be exhibited in various ways including rubbing, scratching, head shaking, paw licking, and others. The intensity of these behaviors may vary depending on the cause and intensity of pruritus and the extent to which it is exhibited in individual pets.
It is very hard to measure pruritus in dogs because it depend on the observations of pet owners.
Measurement of pruritus in dogs is challenging because it relies on the observations of pet owners. Obvious flaws in owner assessment of pruritus include the amount of time an owner observes his or her pet each day and the range of a person’s interpretation of the severity of pruritus.
Commenting on the new publication, Marcel Sarzen, CEO and founder of AGL said:
“This publication details the accuracy of the Vetrax system. The Vetrax system was developed for the veterinary community. It has proven beneficial for pet owners and their doctors and in research settings to help evaluate therapies and develop objective assessment tools.”
Sample monitoring applications include atopic dermatitis, weight loss, mobility rehabilitation, and general activity.
About Animal dermatology group
Animal Dermatology Group is the largest group of veterinary dermatologists in the world. It has practices in the United States, Australia and New Zealand. The group consists of 23 board certified dermatologists 11 associates and residents and is active in the American College of Veterinary Dermatology and in research in the field.
