Weekly Companion Animal News: November 11, 2024
Colorado voters send veterinary profession in new direction
Creation of a midlevel practitioner role in veterinary medicine for the first time in the United States is all but certain following a “yes” vote in Colorado that could fundamentally reshape the profession in the state and inspire others to follow. The close race was called late Thursday morning in Colorado with 77% of ballots counted. (Click here to read a Nov. 7 statement from the American Veterinary Medical Association.)
Southern Veterinary Partners, Mission Veterinary Partners set to merge
Private equity groups Silver Lake and Shore Capital Partners were reported to have struck a deal to create one of the biggest US veterinary care groups with the merger of Southern Veterinary Partners and Mission Veterinary Partners, both of which are part-owned by Shore. The $8.6 billion dollar deal would create a network of more than 750 locations generating $580 million in yearly earnings before before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Elanco reports 3Q revenue of $1,030 million
Elanco Animal Health reported its fifth consecutive quarter of underlying organic constant currency revenue growth in 3Q 2024 and said it expects 3% currency growth for the full year. President and CEO Jeff Simmons cited growth driven by new products led by Experior, Adtab and Zenrelia. Simmons also referenced the FDA approval in October of chewable tablet Credelio Quattro.
Leptospirosis vaccine is core: AAHA
The American Animal Hospital Association 2023 Canine Vaccination Guidelines have been updated to reflect a change in status of the leptospirosis vaccine from non-core to core. AAHA Chief Medical Officer Jessica Vogelsang said that mounting evidence highlights the increasing risk of exposure to dogs as well as the improved safety profile of vaccines for leptospirosis.
November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month
The AKC Canine Health Foundation marks National Epilepsy Awareness Month this November to highlight the importance of research into canine epilepsy, the most common medical neurologic disorder of dogs. The Foundation recently awarded funding for epilepsy studies to North Carolina State University and the University of Illinois.
Famciclovir speeds up recovery in kittens with upper respiratory disease
A clinical study from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine found that famciclovir, an antiviral medication for feline herpes, speeds up recovery in kittens suffering from infectious upper respiratory disease (IURD) and may also reduce corneal disease in some of these kittens. While quarantine, vaccinations, and reduced crowding are often used to control IURD, use of antimicrobial agents is also indicated.
Help for pets at the scene of fires or other incidents
The Colorado Springs Fire Department said they are launching a new program aimed at saving pets’ lives at the scene of fires and other incidents. The new “SED” kits, named after retired Deputy Chief Steve E. Dubay, will include blankets, water bowls and pet oxygen masks. SCFD said they have previously had a small number of oxygen masks but realized it is time to step it up.
Registration is open for The Pet Summit 2025
The American Pet Products Association (APPA) announced that registration for The Pet Summit 2025 in Orlando, Florida, March 24-26 is open. The event will take place alongside the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, and it will feature five education tracks: business marketing for pet brands, pet industry data and insights, pet sustainability impact, content creation and entrepreneurship.
