Weekly Companion Animal News: July 1, 2024

Elanco provides FDA update

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated announced updates to the expected FDA approval timelines for Zenrelia and Credelio Quattro. For Zenrelia, the company has received confirmation from FDA that all major technical sections – Effectiveness, Safety and Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls – are complete as of late June. For Credelio Quattro, two of three major technical sections – Effectiveness and Safety – are complete; however, in June, the company received an incomplete letter for the CMC major technical section.

Pet resources needed in lower-income areas

Pet resources are significantly more likely to be in ZIP codes with more highly educated residents, higher incomes, fewer children under 18 and higher medium rents, says Laura A. Reese, professor emeritus of urban and regional planning at Michigan State University, writing on Microsoft Start. Small business incubators – generally run by local governments or public/private partnerships – could play a role in supporting prospective pet store owners and veterinarians who are open to locating in lower-income areas.

AAHA fluid therapy guidelines for cats and dogs issued

The 2024 AAHA Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats provides a refresher on the basic principles of fluid therapy while also guiding veterinary professionals through common fluid therapy scenarios. The emphasis is intended to be on individualized fluid therapy plans, according to guidelines cochair Dr. Mariana Angelica Pardo. They also move away from the traditional ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach and focus on tailoring fluid therapy to the specific needs of each patient based on their clinical status and underlying conditions.

Initiative unveils updates to veterinary CPR guidelines

The Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation Initiative unveiled the first major revisions to its global veterinary cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines since 2012, setting new life-saving standards based on groundbreaking scientific advancements and extensive community feedback. These are the definitive CPR guidelines for veterinary health professionals worldwide. Key updates include Chest Compression Techniques: Enhanced methods for cats and small dogs to optimize survival during cardiac arrest; Compression Depths and Techniques: Adjustments tailored to an animal’s size and chest shape, improving CPR effectiveness; Breathing Support Methods: Revised for non-intubated patients, focusing on rescuer safety; and Medication Dosages and Procedures: Updated for more precise and effective treatment during CPR.

FDA guidance for heartworm prevention products for dogs

The FDA announced the availability of final guidance for industry (GFI #276) on heartworm disease prevention products for dogs. The agency clarified the discussion and recommendations related to geographic locations, laboratory dose confirmation studies and field effectiveness studies. The agency also clarified that the recommendations in this guidance are based on current technology and veterinary epidemiology, including available diagnostic methodologies.

AI to read pain in animals?

Veterinarians rely on patients’ vital signs, body language and facial expressions to try to identify pain and assess its severity. Advances in artificial intelligence technology may make that job easier. Over the past decade, AI tools have been developed to assess pain in horses, sheep, cats, rabbits and mice, but the tools have been tested only in controlled laboratory environments and not in active veterinary clinics or on farms.

Increased tularemia cases among cats in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Health and Board of Animal Health are tracking increased tularemia cases in animals across the state, especially cats. Epidemiologist Maria Bye said that tularemia, previously known as “rabbit fever,” can affect over 250 animal species, but cats are the animals that get sick with it the most often and get hit the hardest. In cats, tularemia cases cause a very high fever, extreme weakness, loss of appetite and potentially, new ulcers on their mouth or their skin. Dogs can also be infected.

Heat-related pet deaths investigated

Fort Wayne (Indiana) Animal Care & Control is investigating seven heat-related pet deaths. The animal shelter has also responded to 22 calls for dogs being left in vehicles and 27 suspected neglect cases of dogs being left outside without proper shelter, food or water. An Indiana law legally allows people to forcibly enter a vehicle if they see an animal in danger. However, the good Samaritan is responsible for paying half the cost to repair the damage.