Weekly companion animal news: January 8, 2024

California law expanding veterinary telehealth takes effect

California’s new veterinary telehealth law has taken effect, allowing veterinarians to diagnose conditions and prescribe medication remotely. The law says veterinarians must “employ sound professional judgment to determine whether using telehealth is an appropriate method for delivering medical advice or treatment.” They must make clear to pet owners the limits of telehealth and aren’t allowed to prescribe controlled substances like xylazine without an in-person physical exam. Before the law was passed, California had some of the most restrictive U.S. regulations on telemedicine for pets, according to the San Francisco SPCA Veterinary Hospital. The law aims to relieve pressure due to an ongoing veterinary care shortage, Axios San Francisco reports. Airvet announced it was the first veterinary telehealth company “to make a fully VCPR-compliant remote diagnosis and written prescription” in California, and Vetster said it’s “advancing” its services in the state thanks to the new law.

New York law bans retail pet sales

A New York state law will ban the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits. The law is scheduled to take effect next December, at which time big retail pet stores like Petco and Petland will continue to offer these pets, but they’ll be coming from shelters across Central New York that pay the stores to help the animals find a home. The bill is designed to stop people from using animals for the sole purpose of breeding for profit. When this bill passed, there was concern at retail stores that they’d go out of business. But the SPCA says switching to offering shelter pets is simply a realignment of the business model and good for the animals, CNY Central reports.

Staff retention is critical in 2024: AAHA

In 2023, the American Animal Hospital Association surveyed nearly 15,000 veterinary professionals from all practice roles and found that, among those currently in clinical practice, 30% plan to leave their current job within the coming year. The AAHA Path to Improved Retention Study identified the factors veterinary professionals consider most important in the workplace. AAHA offers advice for practice leaders to make goals measurable and achievable, and the association will offer tips and resources throughout 2024 to help practices work toward a 90% retention rate.

CBD Dog Health launches educational program for retailers and veterinarians

CBD Dog Health has expanded its educational resources and support for pet owners and local pet retailers with the launch of its CBD Dog Health Academy. The program provides an online training course and testing resources for pet professionals and retailers, enabling them to educate their clients and staff about key topics such as the most effective uses of cannabis, according to the announcement. In addition to online resources and live educational events, qualified representatives are available to offer personalized guidance. Retailers and veterinary offices are invited to schedule one-on-one training sessions during onboarding to ensure they feel confident answering any questions their customers may have.

PetDx study finds OncoK9 liquid biopsy test can be used for monitoring across variety of cancers

PetDx has published a study that it says shows its OncoK9 liquid biopsy cancer detection test for dogs can detect genomic alterations indicative of residual disease and cancer recurrence in cell-free DNA of dogs previously treated by surgery for a variety of cancer types. Appearing in the American Journal of Veterinary Research, the study evaluated OncoK9 results from blood samples collected prospectively between 2019 and 2022 as well as corresponding clinical management and outcome data. Over 50 dogs that had received a definitive cancer diagnosis across 12 different cancer types were included in the analysis, and individual subjects underwent OncoK9 testing and clinical evaluations for a period of up to one year.

AKC recognizes Lancashire Heeler breed

The American Kennel Club announced that the Lancashire Heeler has received full recognition and is the AKC’s 201^st breed. The Lancashire Heeler is eligible to compete in the Herding Group. Also known as Heeler, the Lancashire Heeler is an affectionate, versatile and intelligent dog, according to the AKC. Its history dates back to the 17^th century, but its exact origin is unknown. Heelers are energetic workers, bred to be cattle herders and ratters. They are small, powerful and sturdily built with medium to high energy. These dogs like exercise, human interaction and mental stimulation. They’re quick learners too. They have a short, hard, flat coat that is dense and waterproof, needing very little grooming. AKC recognition offers the breed the opportunity to compete at all levels of AKC sports and events.

Morris Animal Foundation announces 24 students accepted into scholar program

Morris Animal Foundation announced the 24 students who were accepted into the foundation’s Veterinary Student Scholar program, offering them the opportunity to be involved in mentor-guided research. The program aims to help foster accepted students’ passion for animal health science and inspire a career they find fulfilling. Each of the 24 students are in good standing at an accredited veterinary medicine program and will receive a stipend of no more than $5,500. The stipend will be used to help the students pursue a research project, with guidance from a mentor. The program was created in 2005 and has had about 600 students participate. Multiple students who have participated had their findings published in peer-reviewed journals as part of larger projects, according to the announcement.