Vet Candy Watch: Blue Pigs, Heavy Metal Water, and the Genetics of Feline HCM
This week on Vet Candy Watch, host Jeremiah Pouncey explores the latest veterinary science headlines that range from the genuinely puzzling to the downright bizarre. From unraveling the complicated genetics behind feline heart disease to investigating some truly strange blue pigs, this episode covers it all. Joining the conversation is veterinary cardiologist Dr. Hayley McDonald, who breaks down the science behind Felicyn, the newly FDA conditionally approved drug for cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
This program is brought to you by PRN Pharmacal, makers of Felicyn for cats.
The Genetic Mystery of Feline HCM Continues
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, remains the most common heart disease affecting cats and one of the most challenging conditions to fully understand. A 2025 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Cardiology tackled this mystery head-on using a multiomics approach. Researchers analyzed 138 cats, including 109 with HCM and 29 controls, through whole genome sequencing and transcriptomics.
The results? The genetic story behind feline HCM is far from simple.
Despite conducting full-genome sequencing, researchers found no universal genetic marker that could explain HCM across all cats. While breed-specific links like the MYBPC3 mutation in Maine Coons remain valid, the genetics in mixed breed cats continue to elude identification. Interestingly, the study uncovered rare genetic variants shared with human HCM patients, suggesting the disease may operate through conserved biological pathways across species.
Additionally, over 200 genes showed differential expression patterns, particularly in the interventricular septum, offering potential new avenues for future research and therapeutic targets.
For now, the clinical takeaway is clear: until a broad genetic test becomes available, early screening through echocardiography in at-risk cats remains the gold standard, with veterinarians staying alert for emerging therapies that target gene expression.
Neon Blue Pigs Sound a Rodenticide Alarm
Just when you think you've encountered every strange veterinary case imaginable, along come neon blue pigs. According to reports from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and The Los Angeles Times, wild pigs with bright blue-tinged flesh have been discovered in California. The culprit? Diphacinone, a second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide commonly dyed blue or green.
These affected pigs had liver residue levels five times higher than established safety thresholds, yet showed no outward clinical signs of poisoning. What makes this particularly concerning is that cooking does not degrade diphacinone, meaning the contamination risk can travel up the food chain to humans and other animals.
A 2018 study from UC Davis found that 8.3% of California's wild pig population already carried anticoagulant residues, and experts suspect that percentage has only increased since then.
The clinical implications are significant. Veterinarians should warn hunters and clients to immediately discard any meat with blue discoloration and report their findings to local authorities. This is also an opportunity to advocate for Integrated Pest Management strategies that emphasize prevention over poison. Additionally, hunting dogs should be monitored for signs of anticoagulant toxicity, such as lethargy or hematuria.
Heavy Metals Found in Dogs' Water Bowls
A study published in PLOS Water in August 2025 revealed a troubling finding: two-thirds of dogs participating in the Dog Aging Project were drinking well water that exceeded EPA safety levels for heavy metals.
The primary offenders included arsenic and lead, with particularly high concentrations found in homes located near fracking sites or railroad tracks. Elevated levels of sodium, sulfur, and manganese were also common findings. On a positive note, the study showed that reverse osmosis filtration systems significantly reduced contaminant levels and correlated with fewer chronic illnesses in dogs.
The practical takeaway for veterinary professionals is straightforward. Encourage clients who rely on private wells to test their water regularly using affordable EPA or state testing kits. Recommend NSF/ANSI-certified water filtration systems. And be vigilant for clinical signs of chronic heavy metal exposure, including gastrointestinal issues, unexplained fatigue, or neuropathy, especially in dogs living in endemic regions.
Expert Insights: Dr. Hayley McDonald Discusses Felicyn and Feline HCM
To close out the episode, veterinary cardiologist Dr. Hayley McDonald joined Jeremiah to discuss a significant development in feline cardiology: the FDA's conditional approval of Felicyn, a new treatment option for cats with HCM.
Developed by PRN Pharmacal, Felicyn represents a major advancement in managing this complex and common feline condition. Dr. McDonald walked through how the therapy works at a cellular level, what it means for the future of feline cardiology, and practical guidance on how veterinarians can integrate this treatment into their clinical protocols.
Final Thoughts
As Jeremiah signs off, he reminds viewers that veterinary medicine is in a constant state of evolution. From genetic breakthroughs to environmental toxins and innovative new treatments, staying informed is essential to providing the best care possible. Test the water, trust the science, and keep saving lives.
For weekly updates on the latest veterinary news and science, follow Vet Candy Watch and stay ahead of the curve in your practice.
