Weekly companion animal news: April 22, 2024
Dermatitis, gastroenteritis among most common conditions prompting veterinary visits in 2023: Nationwide
Gastroenteritis was among the top conditions affecting dogs and cats in 2023, according to Nationwide’s latest analysis of more than 1.2 million insured pets. Atopic or allergic dermatitis was the most common health issue for dogs for the 12th year in a row, with skin allergies representing 20% of total unique claims for dogs in 2023, the analysis found. Nationwide members last year filed more than 1.5 million individual claims to treat top-10 medical conditions affecting dogs and cats, according to the announcement.
Zoetis backs safety, efficacy of OA drugs after pet owner concerns
Zoetis remains “confident” in the safety and efficacy of its FDA approved osteoarthritis drugs Librela and Solensia following a Wall Street Journal report that brought them into the spotlight. The article reported that some pet owners blamed the treatments for side effects in their pets and that regulators in the U.S. and Europe are conducting reviews. At the same time, Zoetis says the medications are safe, with reports of side effects representing less than 1% of the more than 18 million shots of both drugs combined administered to date in the U.S. and abroad. Many veterinarians and pet owners have reported success with the drugs as well. Reported side effects have included lethargy, limping and kidney failure, with some pets needing to be euthanized. “We are very confident in the safety and efficacy of Librela and Solensia. We are very confident with the fact that [Librela] is efficacious, that it’s helping thousands of dogs worldwide. But [we are] also aware that a small percentage of cases, just like any other drug, have potential side effects,” Dr. Richard Goldstein, global chief medical officer for Zoetis, told dvm360. Goldstein said that Zoetis is continuing to study the safety of these products and that veterinarians should contact Zoetis with questions. Zoetis is offering them the chance to ask questions via webinar.
Zoetis launches Bonqat for feline anxiety in the United States
Zoetis announced the U.S. commercial launch of Bonqat (pregabalin oral solution) for veterinary clinics. Zoetis will market and distribute Bonqat under an exclusive agreement with Orion Corporation. Bonqat is FDA-approved for alleviation of feline acute anxiety and fear associated with transportation and veterinary visits, which can be a barrier to routine care. Prescribed by a veterinarian, Bonqat is a liquid medicine administered by mouth to cats at home by pet owners. According to the announcement, the drug directly impacts the neurotransmitters involved in feline acute anxiety and fear of transportation, helping to create the proper emotional balance needed to support a veterinary visit.
A guide to AI tools in veterinary medicine
Marketing agency Full Slice offers a catalog of artificial intelligence tools in the veterinary space. These tools provide assistance in areas ranging from imaging and radiology to client communication and clinical decision support. According to a 2024 survey by Digitail with the American Animal Hospital Association, 38.7% of veterinary professionals intend to implement AI in their workflows in the near future. “Today, AI is discussed as a paradigm shift in how pet care is understood and delivered,” according to Full Slice.
UC Davis expands veterinary school
With a spacious new emergency room and intensive care unit, along with more money for research and scholarships, the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine has nearly completed a $500 million fundraising drive. Additionally, the school plans to seek $220 million more from donors to improve existing spaces and to build more facilities at its 54-year-old teaching hospital. The investment comes as UC Davis and other schools maintain that the veterinary profession is suffering from an acute labor shortage that could be alleviated by expanding teaching capacity. The updated ER and ICU have nearly double the working space of the original units, but the hospital overall remains limited in the number of patients it can see and students it can train, largely due to the shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, the VIN News Service reports.
The pet industry is strong now, but challenges may lie ahead
Michigan State University reported the pet industry contributed $303 billion to the economy in 2023, a 16% increase over 2022. The Bolen Group reports that weekly sales of pet care products through February 2024 have grown three times faster than any other category of fast-moving consumer goods. The Human-Animal Bond Research Institute reports that 98% of pet owners consider their pet an important part of their family. Yet a number of factors are cause for concern about the future of the pet business, Forbes reports. During the pandemic, anxiety drove higher demand for pets and pet products. Since then, demand has dropped. It’s not just the reduction in the percent of households owning pets that’s lowering demand. Pet owners are trying to economize, especially given their concerns about inflation, and some experts believe the industry needs to move its focus from premiumization to affordability.
Chewy Health’s president discusses company’s new veterinary clinics
Chewy Health’s president in a recent interview described the company’s new veterinary care clinics as a Disney experience for pets. The design provides treats for pets and selfie spots, according to the Forbes interview with Chewy Health President Mita Malhotra. Designed with a goal of drawing younger clients, the clinics use technology to enhance visits, with pets’ medical information displayed on interactive screens in the exam room. Personalization is key as consumers expect higher levels of service from providers, according to the interview.
Cancer patients struggle to afford pet food and veterinary care: survey
CancerCare‘s Pet Assistance & Wellness Program recently surveyed 244 people diagnosed with cancer who have a dog or cat in their home and found that nearly half worried they might not be able to keep their pets due to their cancer treatment. The survey also found that 87% of cancer patients had difficulty taking care of their pet during treatment because of the expense. Prior to their cancer diagnosis, most pet owners were able to afford pet food (93%) and pay for veterinary visits (91%). After their diagnosis, three-quarters found it difficult or impossible to pay for pet food and vet visits.
SoundByte: Provecta PRO from Neogen
Neogen’s Provecta PRO flea and tick collar kills fleas that may be a source of flea allergy dermatitis, flea bite anemia and tapeworm, the company says. The collar also repels mosquitoes before they bite, reducing the possibility of vector-borne diseases like heartworm, and it kills ticks carrying Lyme disease and other bacteria, according to the SoundByte in Veterinary Advantage.
