Weekly companion animal news: April 19, 2021

Dog Aging Project seeks to double participation

Texas A&M and the University of Washington are seeking more participants for the Dog Aging Project, the nationwide study of biological and environmental factors in dog aging. Nearly 30,000 dog owners have volunteered for the project, and administrators want to double that by this summer. While all dog breeds are welcome, researchers are looking in particular for large and giant breeds, hound dogs, spaniels, pointers, terriers, bulldogs and pit bulls. They’re also looking for working dogs, such as herding, K-9, service, agility and mushing dogs.

Veterinary Virtual Care Association issues statement on Florida telemedicine bills

Florida lawmakers are considering two pieces of legislation regarding veterinary telemedicine. The bills, one in the Senate and one in the House, were originally the same but are now fundamentally different, according to the Veterinary Virtual Care Association. The Senate bill was amended after negotiations between the Florida Veterinary Medical Association and the ASPCA. “It is a compromise…but does authorize veterinary telemedicine in certain circumstances, including establishment of a telemedicine VCPR, with clear guardrails,” the VVCA said. “We are eager to work with any stakeholder to advance the amended Senate legislation or the original House bill.” The full statement is available from the VVCA.

Social media content provider partners with Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association

SimplyDONEsocial and the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association are collaborating to provide the social media platform to IVPA’s more than 400 member practices. Through the partnership, IVPA members receive access to a library of hundreds of professionally designed veterinary-specific social media posts updated monthly. The platform connects to the practice’s social media accounts to allow convenient post scheduling. To use it, a practice staff member selects the desired post, adds a logo and schedules up to 30 days in advance.

This year’s AVMA convention will be virtual again

The AVMA has decided its 2021 convention, scheduled for July 29-August 1, will take place virtually for a second year. Officials had hoped this summer would be safe for in-person gathering, but they decided an online event is safer due to remaining COVID-19 concerns and restrictions.

New SoundByte: Sur-Vet Secure

Sur-Vet Secure catheter adhesive provides up to three times stronger securement than transparent film dressings alone, according to manufacturer Terumo. This reduces catheter movement and dislodgement, the company says. More information is available in the SoundByte from Veterinary Advantage.

Pathway Vet Alliance acquires Vetspire software platform

Practice management group Pathway Vet Alliance has acquired Vetspire, an artificial intelligence veterinary medical record and practice management platform. Sam Ginn, Vetspire’s founder, will join Pathway’s team and continue serving as CEO of Vetspire. The software enables faster follow-up emails with clients through automated reminders about medications, lab results and booster shots for immunizations. It has scheduling and inventory capabilities as well. Vetspire is planned to continue operating independently and serving hospitals both inside and outside Pathway’s network.

Airvet will be PSIvet’s preferred telemedicine partner

Telehealth software maker Airvet is partnering with Florida-based PSIvet, a group purchasing organization with more than 5,600 independent veterinary hospital members nationwide. Through the partnership, Airvet will become the preferred telemedicine provider for PSIvet’s members.

PIJAC issues guidance on zebra mussel removal

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council released updated comprehensive guidance to pet businesses on how to correctly handle aquatic moss ball products and aquariums that could contain invasive zebra mussels. The fingernail-sized mussels were recently discovered in moss balls being sold and used in aquariums in stores in multiple states, including Oregon, Washington and Florida. Based on the best available science, the guidelines have been updated to include information for suppliers, retailers and consumers on how to properly dispose of moss ball products and decontaminate tanks. Pet businesses carrying aquatics products are asked to share the guidance with suppliers and customers.