Weekly companion animal news: March 22, 2021

Large dogs show increased risk of osteosarcoma, research shows

Large dog breeds such as Rottweilers, Great Danes and Rhodesian Ridgebacks have greater risk of osteosarcoma than smaller breeds, new research shows. The study also found that breeds with shorter skulls and legs have lower osteosarcoma risk, Vet Times reports. The research was led by the University of Bristol Veterinary School in conjunction with Cardiff University and the Royal Veterinary College, using data from VetCompass Veterinary Pathology Group. Twenty-seven breeds—mainly larger—showed an increased risk of osteosarcoma compared to cross-breeds, while 30 primarily smaller breeds showed reduced risk compared to cross-breeds.

Scientists will study chronic inflammation and cognition in senior cats

Researchers will use a new grant to study how chronic inflammation affects cognition, behavior and the overall health of senior cats. “Ideally, this study could lead to development of innovative tools for early detection and monitoring of chronic inflammation that affects the long-term well-being of feline patients,” said Dr. Janet Patterson-Kane, chief scientific officer at Morris Animal Foundation, which awarded the grant. “What we learn may also help cat owners understand the relationships between physical and cognitive health so they can support maintaining quality of life for their pets as they move through different life stages.” The grant is the foundation’s second Mark L. Morris Jr. Investigator Award. It’s being awarded to Dr. Carlo Siracusa, associate professor of clinical behavior medicine at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

AAHA’s Connexity conference will be open to the entire profession this year

The American Animal Hospital Association’s annual Connexity conference this year will be open to the entire profession, with new “experimental” continuing education formats, AAHA said. It will open on May 26 with a free online “mini-conference.” According to AAHA, this free opening event “signals a reversal for the association, which moved a few years ago toward a members-only conference. Now under new leadership and with a fresh vision for the future, AAHA is opening registration to all veterinary professionals, whether or not they are AAHA members or work for AAHA-accredited hospitals.” In addition to the May session, Connexity will meet for an in-person conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, in September, with a second virtual session planned for November. More information is available from AAHA.

PIJAC establishes canine care committee

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council has established a standing committee that will work to promote and protect the health and well-being of dogs in the pet trade. This group is an addition to others focusing on herptiles, aquatics, zoonoses and small animals. According to PIJAC, the committee includes members of the organization representing a wide range of canine-related organizations and businesses including breeders and breeder associations, distributors, retailers and affiliated businesses. Industry members outside the organization will be invited to participate as well. The committee will also inform and advise PIJAC’s staff and its government affairs committee.

Study will test Arizona pets for COVID-19

Researchers in Arizona are studying pets of people who got COVID-19 to try to better understand how the virus affects animals, ABC 15 reports. The Translational Genomics Research Institute is testing the pets for COVID-19, with a grant from the Arizona Department of Health Services. “In addition to conducting surveillance for the COVID-19 virus in companion animals, our work also aims to develop a response plan among One Health collaborators, highlighting best practices and how to effectively integrate SARS-CoV-2 and other animal and human pathogen surveillance into established systems,” said Dr. David Engelthaler, head of the institute’s infectious disease studies.

Santa Cruz offers discounted vaccines and microchips to combat distemper

Santa Cruz is offering a discounted vaccine and microchip package as the county deals with a distemper outbreak. The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s animal control division in recent weeks has seen an increase in distemper in raccoons. To combat the spread, the shelter is offering a $10 package of inoculations, the Santa Cruz Sentinel reports. The package will include the DA2pp distemper and parvovirus shot for dogs, the FVRCP distemper shot for cats, a rabies inoculation and a microchip. Normally, a distemper vaccine costs $20 and doesn’t come with other benefits. The package will be available from 1-3 p.m. on March 25.

Mars Petcare’s North American president talks about what’s next for the industry post-pandemic

Petfood Industry spoke with Ikdeep Singh, president of Mars Petcare’s North American division, about his predictions for the industry during the pandemic and beyond. Singh thinks the strong bonds forged between people and their pets during the pandemic will lead to more wet food formulations and “culinary experiences” for pets. “Because consumer decision-making is often emotionally led, personalizing the pet parent experience and understanding emotions through data will continue to be a necessity” even after COVID-19, Singh said. As owners spend more time with their pets, they’re looking to add more variety—like wet foods—to their diets. Singh said Mars has seen the wet category grow 1.5 times the total market in the past year.

Small businesses can still get PPP loans

Small businesses can still apply for forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans, even though the priority application period has passed. President Joe Biden had implemented the priority period to help particularly small businesses that missed out in previous rounds. While those businesses will likely compete with larger ones now, they’re still eligible. Lenders don’t expect the program to run out of money before the March 31 expiration date, according to CNBC.