Weekly companion animal news: August 31, 2020

AVMA urges pet evacuation kits for those in path of storms and wildfires

As Hurricane Laura hit Louisiana and wildfires continued in California, the AVMA encouraged pet owners to develop disaster preparedness plans that include their pets. “We can’t simply think of these natural disasters as a human problem; our pets are threatened as well, and we need to take special steps to plan for their health and safety during these events,” said Douglas Kratt, president of the AVMA. “That’s why we are encouraging all pet owners to develop disaster preparedness plans and evacuation kits with their pets in mind. In addition, those currently in areas affected by wildfires or wildfire smoke should closely monitor their pets’ health and take steps to protect them from potentially dangerous smoke exposures.” The Monterey SPCA said it helped rescue more than 600 animals, from goldfish to horses, during the fires.

NAVC expands E-Commerce Summit

Veterinary Advantage publisher NAVC announced it’s expanding its annual E-Commerce+ Summit, providing new tools and resources to help the veterinary profession adapt and keep up with increasing consumer demand for more digital and virtual health care options. This year’s summit is open to all veterinary professionals, along with the industry professionals it traditionally hosts. The event will be held virtually September 22–23, enabling broader participation. “This year’s E-Commerce+ Summit provides new learning opportunities for all veterinary industry professionals and, by going virtual, we are making it more affordable and accessible,” said NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill. Registration is open until the event.

Banfield summit opens up to entire vet profession

Banfield Pet Hospital’s Pet Healthcare Industry Summit, taking place virtually in September, for the first time is opening its first day to the entire veterinary profession. The session on Monday, September 14, will focus on the future of companion animal veterinary medicine. Speakers will include AVMA CEO Janet Donlin and NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill, and business expert Dan Heath will deliver the keynote address. More information and registration for the September 14 programming is open at BanfieldSummit.com.

Veterinary digital technology market to reach $17.9B by 2028, report shows

The global veterinary digital technology market will reach a valuation of $17.9 billion by 2028, up from $4.1 billion in 2019, a new report shows. The market is predicted to show compound annual growth rate of 18.7% over the forecast period of 2020–2028, according to the report from Insight Ace Analytic. Demand for digital veterinary technology is likely to witness strong growth due to a rapidly evolving global animal industry, according to the announcement. Acceptance and increasing demand for digital animal treatment technologies, increasing use of digital technologies to continuously monitor animal health, and new innovation are all likely to drive growth, according to Insight Ace Analytic. More information is available on Medgadget.

New tick found in Connecticut could affect humans and dogs

Gulf Coast ticks have been found in Connecticut, causing health concerns for both humans and dogs, according to the state’s Agricultural Experiment Station. In humans, the ticks can transmit Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, a form of spotted fever. In dogs, they can transmit an agent that causes canine hepatozoonosis, leading to decreased appetite, weight loss, muscle pain and weakness, reluctance to move, and discharge from the eyes and nose, according to the Connecticut Post. According to Dr. Goudarz Molaei, a research scientist who directs the CAES Tick Surveillance and Testing Program, this is the first report of populations of the Gulf Coast tick in the northeastern United States.

AVMF and Hill’s Pet Nutrition partner on new veterinary scholarship at Tuskegee University

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation and Hill’s Pet Nutrition announced a new scholarship program for students at Tuskegee University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. According to the announcement, a $45,000 endowment from Hill’s will fund the program at Tuskegee, the alma mater of 20% of Black veterinarians practicing in the United States. Tuskegee’s veterinary scholarship committee will identify the awardees annually, starting with the 2021–2022 academic year, based on criteria to be developed by the College and the Foundation.

Border closure causes difficulties for Canadian pet owners

Before officials closed the Canada–U.S. border due to the pandemic, many residents of Sault, Ontario, took their pets to Sault, Michigan, for care. That’s not possible now that the border’s closed, and on top of that, some Ontario veterinarians are reportedly not taking new clients. “They’re totally backlogged, and even when they get caught up they still won’t be able to accept new clients,” said one pet owner. “I was told they’re backed up probably until the fall.” She added that vets in nearby communities are swamped too. “We definitely need help, (such as) mobile clinics, or vet techs and video chat,” she told SooToday.

Animal therapy aids humans and dogs, study shows

New research from Purina and the Mayo Clinic indicates canine therapy is beneficial both to humans and support dogs. The “Better Together” study looked at the emotional-physiological state of individuals with fibromyalgia before and after a session with a therapy dog, as well as the state of the animal. The findings showed that, along with improving the mindset of human patients, the sessions also calmed the dogs performing the therapy, suggesting they enjoyed the work they were doing, Purina said. Veterinary Practice News has more.