Weekly companion animal news: December 12, 2022

Dog flu sees resurgence as pre-pandemic social activity ramps up

A recent rash of highly contagious H3N2 canine influenza cases in the South may be fueled in part by changes in Americans’ behaviors, some veterinarians say. Shelters that emptied out during the pandemic are full again, and the resurgence of travel and reopening of offices means more dogs are spending time together in kennels and at daycare, where the virus can easily spread. At one Texas animal shelter, 86% of the 150 dogs were ill by mid-November in an outbreak that began in October. Experts are urging dog owners to be alert for symptoms such as coughing, fever and loss of appetite, and they recommend a canine influenza vaccine for those whose dogs spend time in social settings. The New York Times reports.

Dog Aging Project spurs research with implications for pets and humans

The Dog Aging Project is collecting data to understand how genes, lifestyle and environment affect canine aging, with implications for people and pets, Dr. Emily Singler writes in a column for the American Animal Hospital Association. Among the research spurred by the project is a clinical trial evaluating rapamycin, an FDA-approved drug for use in humans to prevent rejection after an organ transplant and for other uses, such as cancer treatment. Now scientists are studying it to see if it helps prevent aging in dogs. Success could pave the way for similar studies in humans.

Researchers launch canine cancer database

A new canine cancer registry aims to help dog owners learn which breeds are most at risk of getting sick, KDVR reports. The Take C.H.A.R.G.E. (Canine Health and ReGistry Exchange) Registry launched in May with a retrospective review of about 35,900 anonymous canine patient records uploaded into a database and more than 830 confirmed cancer diagnoses. “The database continues to grow as veterinary clinics and dog owners upload medical records of dogs with cancer, which are de-identified and anonymous, at no cost to the clinic or dog owner,” according to the project’s website. The project analyzes data on cancer in dogs based on age, breed, sex and location.

To avoid dementia, people and their dogs should go for more walks: research

Physical activity like daily walks can help prevent dementia in people and their dogs, research shows. Scientists in a study published in August in Nature Scientific Reports analyzed data from more than 15,000 dogs, finding the second-greatest risk factor for canine dementia, after age, was lack of exercise. Separate research has shown walking and other activities can protect brain health in humans. “One very simple lesson is: Take your dog for more walks….It would be good for you and your dog,” Matt Kaeberlein, a co-author of the study in Nature and co-director of the Dog Aging Project at the University of Washington in Seattle, told Today.

FDA approves first oral treatment for cats with diabetes mellitus

The FDA has approved the first oral new animal drug to improve glycemic control in otherwise healthy cats with diabetes mellitus not previously treated with insulin. Developed by Elanco, Bexacat (bexagliflozin tablets) is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor—not insulin and not for use in cats with the type of diabetes mellitus that requires insulin treatment. This is the first SGLT2 inhibitor approved by the FDA for any animal species.

Researchers hope virtual reality can improve veterinary education

Researchers at Colorado State University are working to develop virtual reality programs that can aid in veterinary education. Through the VetVR initiative, the group has been developing a virtual module to train veterinary students in anesthesiology basics. Their goal is to create a virtual setting nearly identical to in-classroom and clinic rotation trainings. A virtual tool could complement classroom equipment, making training accessible to more students, according to Colorado State.

South Carolina officials consider an in-state veterinary school

South Carolina officials are considering the potential for an in-state veterinary college as owners of livestock and pets face a shortage of available care, WLTX reports. “South Carolina probably is one of the only states in the South that does not have an in-state college of veterinarian medicine,” said Boyd Parr, chair of the Clemson Veterinary College Steering Committee and a retired veterinarian. Parr is working on the initiative with support from some lawmakers. He said the school is still in the early stages but prospects look promising. He noted that if South Carolina had a school of veterinary medicine, more graduates would likely stay and expand care in the state.

Petco’s subscription wellness plan is locking in high-value shoppers

Petco in its most recent earnings report recorded accelerated growth for its paid membership plan, Vital Care, signaling it’s locking in more high-value shoppers, Modern Retail reports. The program now has more than 400,000 active members, up 42% quarter-over-quarter and 200% year-over-year. Vital Care members have a 3.5 times higher lifetime value than regular shoppers. The program, which costs $19.99 per month, offers discounts on food, cat litter and dog grooming, among other benefits.