Weekly companion animal news: January 4, 2021

Veterinarians in Connecticut invited to administer COVID-19 vaccines

Connecticut and the Canadian province of Manitoba have taken steps to enlist licensed veterinary professionals along with other health care workers to administer COVID-19 vaccines, the VIN News Service reports. Connecticut appeared to be the only state to include veterinarians in the list of professionals who can administer the vaccine, said Michael San Filippo, a spokesperson for the AVMA. “Typically, professional liability policies cover the veterinarian in their delivery of veterinary services; human vaccination would seem to fall outside the scope of those services,” he said. “Veterinarians should contact their professional liability carrier to see whether they are covered. They should also see what coverage might be provided by the state/local authority and also reach out to their personal insurer to see if this would be covered under any umbrella policy.”

Veterinarians try to protect teams, maintain services during pandemic

Veterinarians and veterinary association leaders have described difficulties protecting their teams from the coronavirus while continuing to treat patients amid rising case levels this fall, the AVMA reports. By early December, the country was recording 200,000 cases daily. “Sometimes, we have limited staff because there are people out with exposure or with COVID, and so we have to adjust as each day comes,” said Derine Winning, a North Dakota practice owner. “And we’re still trying to treat illness. We’re still trying to prevent pain and suffering in our patients. We’re still practicing preventive health care, especially in light of public health concerns.” Little information is available so far on how the virus has spread in veterinary settings, especially as public health departments struggle to keep up with contact tracing.

Studies will look at human-animal bond impacts on human health

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute announced five new research projects focusing on the impact of the human-animal bond on human health. Studies will look at canine-assisted anxiety reduction in pediatric emergency care; the influence of pet ownership on gut microbiota and cardiovascular disease risk; the effects of animal-assisted interventions on development for adolescents in residential treatment; pet ownership and aging; and equine-assisted therapy’s effects on older adults with Parkinson’s disease.

First year of pet ownership is hardest, survey finds

Eight in 10 respondents in a recent survey said the first year of pet ownership is the most important, and 64% believe the first year is also the most difficult. The survey was commissioned by pet food manufacturer Royal Canin “to investigate the highs and lows of pet ownership in the first year,” according to the announcement. Seventy-three percent of the 2,000 dog and cat owners surveyed said they bonded more with their pet in the first year than in any other. Tough decisions owners faced included how to train their new pet (46%), what kind of food to feed their pet (40%) and what kind of feeding schedule would be best for their pet (39%).

FDA urges collaboration as DCM afflicts more dogs

FDA officials have received 1,100 adverse event reports of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs since January 2014. The disease accounts for more than half of the adverse event reports related to cardiac conditions, according to Steven M. Solomon, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. A September meeting hosted by Kansas State University included presentations by pet food company representatives, university researchers and FDA officials. The FDA reported that of 121 dogs with DCM reports sent to the agency between January 2018 and April 2019, 23 had full recoveries and 84 had partial recoveries. “All dogs that fully recovered received a diet change,” the FDA presentation said. “Nearly all dogs were also treated with taurine and pimobendan. Over half of the dogs also received an ACE inhibitor, whereas additional treatments and supplements varied.” Solomon said he hopes scientific exchanges will expand, collaboration will continue and misinformation can be corrected. The JAVMA reports.

Independent Pet Partners teams up with Uber to offer same-day delivery

Independent Pet Partners has launched a same-day delivery initiative through a new partnership with Uber Direct. IPP brands include Loyal Companion, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food & Supplies, Kriser’s Natural Pet and Natural Pawz. Customers can shop online and select same-day delivery at checkout. Products will then be picked up and dropped off on their doorstep by Uber, often within hours, according to the company. All same-day deliveries in 2021 will be powered by the Uber app so people can order from mobile devices, officials said.

Midmark announces CEO change

Jon Wells will take over the role of CEO at Midmark beginning April 1, 2021. Current CEO John Baumann will step out of the role and focus on his position as a director of the board, a position he’s held since 2009. Wells was promoted to president on September 15, 2020. He will have full management and leadership responsibilities as president and CEO effective April 1, Midmark announced.