Weekly companion animal news: August 3, 2020

Researchers study companion animal coronavirus infections to learn about COVID-19

Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College have been awarded a grant by UK Research and Innovation to undertake a collaborative research project that will examine companion animal susceptibility to coronavirus infections, Vet Times reports. The study, called MASCOT (Mapping Animal Susceptibility to Coronavirus: Outcomes and Transcriptomics), could lead to a greater understanding of why certain people are more susceptible to COVID-19 than others, as well as help identify new treatment targets. The study will examine canine respiratory coronavirus and feline enteric coronavirus, both of which share similarities to the virus that causes COVID-19.

First U.S. dog to test positive for COVID-19 dies

The first dog in the United States to test positive for the new coronavirus, in April, died in July, though it’s uncertain whether the virus had anything to do with his death. Veterinarians believe the dog, Buddy, had lymphoma. His family didn’t learn that lymphoma was considered the probable cause of his symptoms until the day he died. It’s unclear whether the cancer made him more susceptible to contracting the coronavirus, or whether the virus made him ill, or whether it was just a coincidence, National Geographic reports. Fewer than 25 U.S. pets have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, making it difficult for owners to figure out how to care for them.

Midmark releases 12-inch multiparameter monitor

Midmark Corp. has launched the Midmark Multiparameter Monitor for use during patient exams, treatment, surgery and recovery, Today’s Veterinary Business (also published by NAVC) reports. The monitor includes a 12.1-inch LCD touch-sensitive screen, Cardell blood pressure technology, veterinary-specific algorithms, a pre-procedure checklist, a carbon dioxide soda lime absorbent reminder, and ECG and CO2 waveform libraries.

Veterinary clinics report double-digit growth in June: VHMA

Companion animal practices fared well in June despite the pandemic and economic recession, a new survey from the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association shows. The survey of 644 member practices showed average revenue growth of 14.6% in June compared with the same month in 2019. The number of new clients increased 14%. “We have not seen increases in new-client numbers in several years; this is a significant change,” wrote Karen E. Felsted, author of the monthly “Insiders’ Insights” report. “It will be interesting to see if this turnaround holds.” More information is available from Today’s Veterinary Business.

AAHA announces new CEO

The American Animal Hospital Association’s board of directors has appointed Garth Jordan as the association’s next CEO, effective August 31. Jordan most recently served as senior vice president and chief strategy officer for the Healthcare Financial Management Association, where he led an initiative to make HFMA the “Netflix of associations” by designing and executing a digital transformation of their business model. HFMA’s retention rates increased more than 5% and new member acquisition increased more than 20%, according to the AAHA.

Zoetis celebrates Itchy Pet Awareness Month

Zoetis has announced its second annual Itchy Pet Awareness Month campaign to encourage pet owners and veterinarians to have conversations about skin allergies, a top reason for visits to the vet. The manufacturer wants to raise awareness about the causes of itchy skin, including infection, parasites, and allergies to fleas, food and environmental allergens. Since 2013, itchy dog visits have increased 50% and 7.5 million dogs were diagnosed with pruritus (itch) in 2019 alone. Pruritus is the fastest growing therapeutic area for veterinary practices, according to Zoetis.

New portable tablet combines needle arthroscope and ultrasound

Trice Medical has partnered with Canapp Sports Medicine to launch what it says is the first portable veterinary tablet combining a disposable needle arthroscope and high-quality ultrasound in one system. The mi-eye needle arthroscope (with a 1.8 millimeter camera) and mi-ultra ultrasound together are used on one single, portable HD tablet. Canapp cofounders Sherman Canapp and Debra Canapp practice at the Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Group in Maryland.

Grant launches Dog Aging Project biobank at Cornell

The Cornell Veterinary Biobank has received a $2.5 million federal grant to process, store and distribute biological samples for the Dog Aging Project, a national initiative to study aging in dogs and humans, the Cornell Chronicle reports. The National Institute on Aging, a division of the National Institutes of Health, selected Cornell for the four-year grant due to the biobank’s International Organization for Standardization accreditation, a rigorous international standard. The partnership will allow Cornell to bank samples from thousands of dogs from a nationwide cross section of households. The Dog Aging Project is currently funded by a five-year, $23 million NIA grant.