Bioactive Peptide Supplements: Breaking the Itch/Scratch Cycle
0.5 CE Credit Hour / Veterinarians & Veterinary Technicians
Overview:
Pruritus (itching) can result from various mechanisms that are not always mutually exclusive. These include allergic reactions, inflammatory reactions, infections, insect bites, drug reactions, food reactions, reactions secondary to systemic disease, or due to the presence of neurologic disease. This makes itch a complex and recurring issue to deal with for veterinarians, pet parents, and the pets themselves, which has a direct impact on the quality of life of the pet and the pet parent. This presentation explores the emerging role of bioactive peptide supplements as a natural, adjunctive approach to help break the itch/scratch cycle in companion animals. We’ll examine how these naturally occurring compounds can support skin health, modulate inflammatory responses, and offer a complementary strategy alongside conventional therapies. Special attention will be given to understanding the mechanisms of pruritus, the value of nutraceuticals in clinical practice, and practical guidance for incorporating peptide-based supplements into individualized wellness plans.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the role of health supplements in the veterinary clinic, including when and how to integrate them into dermatologic care.
- Recognize the multiple underlying mechanisms leading to pruritus and how they may influence the choice and effectiveness of different intervention modalities.
- Explore the function and benefits of naturally occurring bioactive peptides, including their potential to modulate the immune response and dull the sensation of itch thereby supporting skin barrier health.
- Confidently evaluate and recommend peptide-based supplements as part of a multimodal strategy for maintaining a healthy skin condition and offering an additional strategy for managing occasional itching, scratching and licking in pets.
Lindsey Kock, DVM
Dr. Lindsey Kock is a veterinarian and strategic consultant with over a decade of experience in clinical practice, veterinary genomics, and product development. Through her consulting business, Deep Dive DVM, she partners with animal health companies to translate complex science into compelling education and manage strategic initiatives.
For the past two years, Dr. Kock has worked closely with Bimini Pet Health to support clinical efficacy studies of veterinary-exclusive supplements. She leads outreach to veterinary clinics, supporting enrollment and providing education to veterinary teams on product science and practical application in practice.
Dr. Kock's background includes managing technology platforms and software products, leading new product launches, and overseeing the integration of acquisitions. Her work spans companion animal genomics, veterinary education, and digital learning platforms, bringing a unique blend of clinical insight and strategic execution to every project.
She was recognized as the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association’s “Rising Star” in 2015 and named Neogen’s "Product and Marketing Manager of the Year" in 2020. She is recognized as a key opinion leader in the veterinary industry, contributing her expertise through speaking engagements, panel participation, and strategic educational initiatives.
Sam Al-Murrani, PhD, MBA
Dr. Al-Murrani has a B.Sc. in Animal Science and a Ph.D. in Immunology and Biochemistry from the University of Edinburgh. He holds an M.B.A. in Finance and is certified as a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI).
He has numerous editorials and articles in various industry and scientific peer reviewed journals and has authored a chapter on “Nutrigenomics” in the 5 th edition of the “Small Animal Clinical Nutrition”. Sam also has several issued and pending patents worldwide on subject matter relating to molecular therapeutics, therapeutic nutrition, vaccines and diagnostics for humans and animals.
Dr. Al-Murrani, has served and continues to serve on the boards of several for-profit and non-profit organizations and he is currently a member of the selection committee for the Animal Health Corridor’s Animal Health Summit.
Previously he served on the “Dragon’s Panel” for the European Animal Health Investment Forum (currently Animal Health, Nutrition and Technology Innovation) in London and on the advisory board for the International Animal Health Journal.
This course is RACE-approved for 0.5 continuing education credits hours in jurisdictions that accept RACE-approval.
This activity is sponsored by Bimini.
