Symposium to explore microbiome-organ health link in pets

Hill's Pet Nutrition has announced the gut microbiome-organ connection as the focus of the 2024 Hill's Global Symposium, described as one of the largest free global education opportunities available for veterinary professionals.

Titled "Nourish the Gut, Nurture the Future," this year's event builds on Hill's decade of research on microbiome health, providing a forum for leading experts from across the country to discuss the power of the gut microbiome and its place at the forefront of pet health care. Attendees will hear innovative insights and practical applications that will help guide clinical decision making and improve pet health.

Registration is now open for virtual attendance of the Hill's Global Symposium, which will be livestreamed October 24-25 via the global education platform Hill's Veterinary Academy. Registering for the event provides access to the English- or Spanish-language livestream feed, as well as on-demand access after the live event concludes.

"Supporting veterinary professionals is a key priority for Hill's Pet Nutrition, and the Hill's Global Symposium reflects that commitment by providing emerging, functional knowledge about the microbiome and how to make use of it in clinical practice," said Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, global chief veterinary officer at Hill's Pet Nutrition. "We are grateful to all of the speakers for dedicating their time and expertise to help veterinary professionals better understand the power of nourishing and managing the gut microbiome."

Speaker lineup

Attendees will hear from more than 17 experts, including Hill's scientists. They'll address the role of the gut as a central organ impacting overall health in dogs and cats, as well as specific updates on the gut microbiome connection to the kidneys, brain and skin. A few of the presenters include:

• Keynote presenter Dr. Rob Knight, director of the Center for Microbiome Innovation at the University of California San Diego, will discuss the potential for the gut microbiome to help modify disease and maintain health in cats and dogs.
• Dr. Curtis Huttenhower, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, will explore the future of health through the One Health Microbiome Resource.
• Dr. Jessica Quimby, DACVIM (SAIM), The Ohio State University, will discuss the therapeutic approach to balancing waste products through the gut-kidney axis.
• Dr. Natalie Marks, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFCP-V, Marks DVM Consulting, will address the microbiome's role in managing chronic stress in cats.

"The microbiome is a trending focus in human health, and Hill's Pet Nutrition is proud to assemble leading minds to bring this emerging topic into deeper focus for the veterinary community," said Dr. Karen Shenoy, US Chief Veterinary Officer at Hill's Pet Nutrition. "We're bringing this powerful content to an even broader audience this year through livestreams in both Spanish and English. I'll be hosting the English stream, and I'm excited about our plans for guest appearances from the speakers and sharing extra tidbits to make the virtual experience as engaging as it is informative."

Click to register for the 2024 Hill's Global Symposium. To access additional information, including the agenda and a full list of speakers, visit Hill's Veterinary Academy.