Weekly companion animal news: February 24, 2020

Lack of standards makes it difficult for pet owners to call out abuse by vets

Veterinarians in the United States are held to lower standards of accountability than their human counterparts, Mike Baker writes in The New York Times: “While courts award multimillion-dollar judgments for negligence in hospitals, states treat companion animals as a form of property, and owners have little opportunity to sue for damages beyond the cost of a replacement.” Extensive national records are maintained for doctors and nurses, but no comparable database exists for vets, and state review boards rarely put sanctioned practitioners out of business, Baker says. For example, one veterinarian who’s practiced on and off for the past 30 years in California and Oregon has faced numerous complaints, including a criminal charge of animal cruelty. But while his license has been revoked multiple times, he’s continually returned to practice. State records show disciplinary action is rare. For example, in Oregon, about 6% of complaints handled by the veterinary board resulted in the finding of a violation, Baker writes.

Animal Health International pleads guilty to introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce

Animal Health International, an animal health drug distributor and a subsidiary of Patterson Companies, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to introducing a misbranded drug into interstate commerce. Patterson entered a non-prosecution agreement, committing to enhance its compliance program and to fully comply with the law, according to an announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Pursuant to these agreements, AHI “admitted to introducing and causing the introduction and delivery into interstate commerce of veterinary prescription drugs that were misbranded and agreed to pay $1 million to the Virginia Department of Health Professionals, a $5 million fine, and a forfeiture money judgment of $46,802,203,” according to the announcement. “In [the] past 18 months, Patterson has fully cooperated in the investigation and implemented changes to AHI’s and its compliance programs to prevent further violations of federal and state law.”

WVC rebrands as the Viticus Group

As it prepares to open a new continuing education building, WVC is adopting a new name: Viticus Group. The rebranding was announced at the recent WVC veterinary conference. WVC will still be used to identify the conference and veterinary education, including year-round Academy courses, Today’s Veterinary Business (also published by NAVC) reports.

Nestlé Purina unveils allergen-reducing cat food; Antech releases CKD med

A new cat food from Nestlé Purina PetCare could help people avoid allergic reactions. Purina Pro Plan LiveClear is the first and only cat food that reduces allergens in cat hair and dander, according to Nestlé Purina. It will be available beginning in April at veterinary hospitals, online retailers and pet specialty stores, Today’s Veterinary Business reports. Antech Diagnostics, part of Mars Petcare, announced the release of Antech SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine), a renal biomarker to aid in early diagnosis, staging and monitoring of chronic kidney disease in cats. The new product is a complement to Antech’s RenalTech and will be available in late spring.

Banfield releases impact reports

More than $2.4 million in grants was awarded by the Banfield Foundation last year, according to the foundation’s annual impact report. Banfield Pet Hospital also released the 2019 Banfield Corporate Social Responsibility Report. Free preventive care was delivered to nearly 5,000 pets through community clinics staffed by Banfield volunteers, and $523,928 in free veterinary care was provided by Banfield to shelter pets across the country to help increase their potential for adoption, the reports say. The Banfield Foundation had its fourth anniversary last year, which included efforts to increase access to safe shelter for people and pets affected by domestic violence.

FDA turns antimicrobial efforts to companion animals

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is turning its attention from livestock to pets as officials try to promote judicious use of antimicrobials, the VIN News Service reports. “We’ve been trying to look at this [issue] through a One Health lens, so we recognize the need to look at the uses in all animals,” said Dr. Bill Flynn, deputy director of science policy in the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. One Health is the idea that animal, human and environmental health are all connected. To begin its companion animal work, the FDA is examining antimicrobial use in dogs and cats. The agency announced it will distribute up to $400,000 for research. This research is preliminary, Flynn said: “What we’re looking for here is a pilot project, a proof of concept that may not give us nationally representative data but will give us a sort of sampling, or testing out, of methodology that could in the future be expanded in scope.”

BVA president criticizes vicious online behavior

The British Veterinary Association has issued an open letter to members urging them to “be kind” when engaging in online debates and commentary. In the letter, BVA President Daniella Dos Santos referenced “derogatory and offensive language,” particularly targeting women and minorities, in online posts. “Online veterinary forums can be a fantastic place for us to share ideas or concerns and support one another, but they can also have a darker side,” Dos Santos said in an introduction to the letter. “I’ve become increasingly aware of people using forums and other social media to attack and criticize individuals who I know are working hard for our profession.” The notice included the label #BeKind. Today’s Veterinary Business reports.