Henry Schein Animal Health Creates Pet Diabetes Resource Center To Raise Awareness Of Disease's Risk Factors And Warning Signs

MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Henry Schein Animal Health, the U.S. animal health business of Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), today announced the launch of its Pet Diabetes Resource Center, a web-based hub designed to raise awareness, enhance understanding, and improve management of the disease among the veterinary community and pet parents. Created in recognition of November as Pet Diabetes Month, the resource center features links to educational materials, webinars, videos, articles, and a downloadable infographic that veterinary practices can share on social media and with their clients.

According to information provided on the resource center, diabetes is caused by the lack of insulin that regulates blood-sugar levels in not just humans, but cats and dogs as well. Many pet owners, however, may be unaware of the disease's risk factors and warning signs. Diagnosing diabetes early and managing the disease properly are essential, as this can help prevent more serious medical issues, such as heart and kidney problems, severe cataracts in dogs, and hind-leg weakness in cats.  

Veterinarians and pet owners can also use educational information available on the resource center to learn more about risk factors associated with diabetes in cats and dogs, such as age, genetics, and obesity. For dogs in particular, unspayed females and certain breeds are at greater risk, while the disease is more prevalent in neutered male cats and cats that get little physical exercise. Early warning signs that pet owners should be aware of include:

• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination
• Excessive hunger while losing weight
• Lethargy
• Cloudy eyes (dogs)
• Doesn't groom (cats)
• Thinning, dry, and dull hair

"Pet Diabetes Month is the ideal time for pet parents to learn about this disease's risk factors, as well as the warning signs that may indicate a trip to the veterinarian is necessary," said Fran Dirksmeier, President, Henry Schein Animal Health, North America. "For veterinarians, it's the perfect time to start a conversation with their clients that could lead to longer, healthier, and happier lives for their patients. We at Henry Schein are committed to fulfilling our role as the total solutions provider for veterinarians, and we encourage practitioners and their staff to explore our Pet Diabetes Resource Center this November and throughout the year."

About Henry Schein, Inc.
Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health and medical practitioners. The company also serves dental laboratories, government and institutional healthcare clinics, and other alternate care sites. A Fortune 500® Company and a member of the S&P 500® and the Nasdaq 100® indexes, Henry Schein employs more than 21,000 Team Schein Members and serves more than 1 million customers.

The company offers a comprehensive selection of products and services, including value-added solutions for operating efficient practices and delivering high-quality care. Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 120,000 branded products and Henry Schein private-brand products in stock, as well as more than 180,000 additional products available as special-order items. The company also offers its customers exclusive, innovative technology solutions, including practice management software and e-commerce solutions, as well as a broad range of financial services.                                              

Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., Henry Schein has operations or affiliates in 32 countries. The company's sales reached a record $11.6 billion in 2016, and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 15 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995. For more information, visit Henry Schein at www.henryschein.com, Facebook.com/HenrySchein and @HenrySchein on Twitter.

SOURCE Henry Schein, Inc.