OVERLAND PARK, KAN. — Hill’s Pet Nutrition has announced the gut microbiome-organ connection will be the focus of its upcoming Hill’s Global Symposium, livestreamed online Oct. 24 and 25. The educational seminar, titled "Nourish the Gut, Nurture the Future," is geared toward veterinary professionals and will feature leading experts discussing the power of the gut microbiome and its role in pet health care.

“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 Jolle Kirpensteijn, DVM, 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.”

The free symposium will feature 17 speakers including Hill’s scientists who will discuss 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.

The list of presenters includes:

  • Rob Knight, Ph.D., director of the Center for Microbiome Innovation at the University of California San Diego, will present the keynote address discussing the potential for the gut microbiome to help modify disease and maintain health in cats and dogs
  • Curtis Huttenhower, Ph.D., co-director of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, will explore the future of health through the One Health Microbiome Resource
  • Jessica Quimby, DACVIM (SAIM), The Ohio State University, will discuss the therapeutic approach to balancing waste products through the gut-kidney axis
  • 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 Karen Shenoy, DVM, 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.”

The recent relaunch of Hill's Prescription Diet k/d features Hill's ActivBiome+ Kidney Defense prebiotic blend, which is shown to activate the gut microbiome to help protect kidney function.

Register for the 2024 Hill’s Global Symposium.

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