Weekly companion animal news: July 13, 2020

Researchers look to military drug for potential use in dogs

Researchers at Tufts University are participating in a clinical trial to find out whether a drug given to soldiers to treat traumatic bleeding would help military dogs with catastrophic injuries. The study may help pets and other working dogs, like local and state police K-9s, said one of the researchers. The drug, tranexamic acid, works by halting the abnormally rapid breakdown of blood clots that can happen during bleeding in major trauma.

New SoundByte: C.E.T. Dental Portfolio from Virbac

Dental disease has increased 23% in dogs and cats over the last decade. Virbac’s C.E.T. Dental Portfolio includes dental chews that freshen dogs’ breath and help improve their digestive health, joint health and mental health. View the SoundByte from Veterinary Advantage to learn more.

New study will evaluate feline dental disease treatment

VetCell Therapeutics announced FDA approval for a clinical study evaluating the safety, potency and effectiveness of DentaHeal, its investigational cell therapy product, for the control of clinical signs related to feline chronic gingivostomatitis. The 200-cat trial will focus solely on treating patients with FCGS that have not responded to full or partial- mouth extractions and medical therapy. “Our vision is that DentaHeal will dramatically improve the quality of life for cats with FCGS by completely resolving or substantially improving their condition and provide them with long-term remission and relief,” said Chad B. Maki, chief veterinary medical officer at VetCell.

Veterinary euthanasia drug comes under scrutiny after suicides

A drug used for veterinary procedures including euthanasia is under increased scrutiny after being used by some veterinarians for suicide. Federal authorities in Australia are considering putting the drug, pentobarbital, on a par with cocaine and other highly regulated drugs, the VIN News Service reports. Although it’s technically regulated in the United States, some vets say it’s often left out in the open, unsecured. “I think the very specific knowledge that veterinarians have makes pentobarbital in their hands more dangerous as a suicide method because they’ve been specifically trained on how to enact death with it,” said Tracey Witte, an Auburn University professor.

With no live pets allowed during pandemic, nursing home brings in robotic pets

A U.K. nursing home that’s had to stop visitors—including pets—from entering during the pandemic has adopted two robotic pets to visit with residents, the BBC reports. Bonzo the dog and Simba the cat respond to interaction and help residents who engage with them, the home says. “Those residents who routinely engage with them have become less agitated, their mood has improved, and it’s reduced their reliance on calming medication,” said Heather Heath, the home’s activities coordinator, who also said the pets have helped residents with dementia.

MWI offers flexible payment plans for practices

MWI Animal Health announced new offerings for practices to provide flexible payment options to clients. Through MWI, practices can now offer clients the Premier Pet Care Plan, which provides vaccinations and preventive care through monthly payments to help spread out the costs for clients. Practices can also offer Scratchpay, a financing platform that allows pet owners to pay for services on a payment plan.

Animal Policy Group teams up with industry consultant on new analytics firm

The Animal Policy Group, a policy and advocacy group, and researcher Kerry O’Hara are launching APG | O’Hara Research and Analytics, which will offer services throughout North America. O’Hara previously worked with Nationwide and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute on research showing the benefits for employees of working in a pet- friendly environment. “Companies and organizations in the animal health space, particularly concerning pets, are experiencing tremendous growth and face a critical need for data and analytics to guide next steps,” said Mark Cushing, president and CEO of the Animal Policy Group.

Midmark names Shawn Ashcraft VP of information technology

Midmark announced the appointment of Shawn Ashcraft as vice president of information technology. In this position, Ashcraft will lead the strategy and execution of delivering global technology services for the company, according to the announcement. Ashcraft was previously with Johnson & Johnson, where he focused on building digital solutions for surgical robots.