Weekly companion animal news: June 8, 2020

Practices focus on diversity as they enter a new normal

Two veterinarians spoke to Today’s Veterinary Business (also published by NAVC) about what they’re seeing at this point in the pandemic. “There is so much weighing on us all—from the impacts of an ongoing pandemic, to the loss of loved ones, to horrifying acts that shine new light on pervasive racism,” said veterinarian Mia Cary, a consultant. “While we are still trying to get by day to day and triage the most urgent matters, we must also carve out time to think about what we want our new normal to look like.” Cary asked veterinary professionals how they’re considering diversity going forward. Responses included focusing on respect toward female staff members, recognizing LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June, recognizing black veterinary professionals in a year-round buildup to Black History Month, and using professional development funds to learn second languages.

New SoundByte video: Dermaquin

This SoundByte from Vet Advantage features Dermaquin skin supplement, from Nutramax. The supplement promotes a healthy canine response to allergens by supporting the skin’s natural barrier, in order to prevent allergen-caused skin issues. It helps ensure a normal inflammatory response, and it supports skin hydration and immune health. It’s available in soft chews for small and medium dogs.

TeleVet partners with Hill’s to offer telehealth platform for vets

Veterinary telemedicine app developer TeleVet announced a partnership with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, in which veterinary customers of Hill’s will get 60 days of free use of the TeleVet platform. The company’s goal is to help vets serve patients during the pandemic. The TeleVet platform is designed exclusively for veterinarians to use for client communication, with chat, phone and video capabilities. It allows vets to facilitate prescriptions, manage health records and collect payments. “Vets are facing a time of unprecedented need for telemedicine,” said Steven Carter, cofounder and CEO of TeleVet. “Our partnership with Hill’s provides clinics with the means to provide excellent care while maintaining revenue during uncertain times.”

Myos Rens launches CE course on small animal muscle health

Myos Rens, which makes a muscle building formula for dogs, is launching a continuing education course for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. The course, titled “Small Animal Sarcopenia: A Neglected Syndrome of Importance to Cats and Dogs,” is RACE-approved. In addition to discussing the impact of sarcopenia on small animal muscle health, the course will include discussion on pharmaceutical and nutrition clinical trials in veterinary medicine focusing on addressing muscle loss, according to the company. After successful completion of the course, which will be offered June 10 and 11, vets and veterinary technicians will receive one hour of CE credit.

Yes, dogs want to rescue their humans, research shows

Dogs do indeed want to assist their owners when their owners are in distress, according to new research. Scientists at Arizona State University set up a scenario in which owners, confined in boxes, called for help. While only a third of the 60 dogs in the experiment rescued their owner, the scientists found that it was important whether or not the dog actually could rescue their owner. Of those that did have the ability, most rescued. In addition to motivation and ability, part of the reason dogs tried to help their owners seemed to be because they didn’t want to be apart from them, the researchers said.

APPA’s generational report now includes Gen Z

The American Pet Products Association for the first time has added Generation Z, the youngest pet-owning generation, to the generational report on its National Pet Owners Survey. The report is available for purchase and is meant to help businesses identify trends among the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and now Gen Z. “We know that Millennials have taken over as the primary pet-owning demographic, and we’ve learned a lot about how differently that generation spends on pets compared to previous generations, but now there’s a new generation in town,” said Steve King, APPA’s CEO.

Cane toads in Florida bring risk for dogs

Cane toads have emerged in South Florida after recent heavy rains, and a wet summer could allow them to breed. The toads are harmless for humans but can be dangerous for pets, the Miami Herald reports. The toads, which average between 4 and 6 inches but can grow to 9 inches, have large triangular glands behind the eyes that contain a high load of a milky-white toxin that can kill dogs, according to William Kern, a University of Florida professor who specializes in urban pest management. If a dog bites or licks the slow-moving frog and gets some of the poison in its mouth, it can suffer convulsions, loss of coordination and cardiac arrest.

New veterinarians face examination scheduling issues as testing sites remain closed

Some new veterinary graduates are having trouble finding a place to take their licensing exam, as many locations remain closed during the pandemic, the AVMA reports. “Currently, it is all up in the air,” said Layna Tarpalechee, a recent graduate of Oklahoma State University. She originally rescheduled her test date for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination, but had to reschedule again as the lockdown extended. As of press time, she didn’t have a testing date at all. “We have been told to just keep checking the website, but that’s it.” Some veterinary graduates are concerned as job start dates near. Passing the exam is required for a veterinarian to become a licensed practitioner.