Weekly companion animal news: March 29, 2021

Veterinarians warn of new COVID variant’s possible link to heart problems in pets

Veterinarians are warning of a possible link between a new variant of the coronavirus and heart problems in cats and dogs, after an increase in pets presenting with myocarditis at a U.K. specialist veterinary hospital, The Guardian reports. “We don’t want to spread panic unnecessarily, especially because at the moment we have a strong suspicion of transmission from human to pet, but not vice versa—and we don’t know this for sure. But vets ought to be aware of this so that they can start testing if they suspect a potential case of COVID infection,” said Luca Ferasin, a cardiologist at the Ralph Veterinary Referral Center. Ferasin led the research, which hasn’t yet been peer reviewed. The highly transmissible B117 variant was first detected in Kent in December and has become the dominant circulating strain in the United Kingdom. It’s been detected in dozens of other countries, including the United States.

NAVC launches virtual learning initiative

NAVC has launched a portfolio of virtual programs and events designed to provide year-round learning opportunities customized to individual learning preferences. The initiative will include special events hosted on the organization’s 3D, interactive platform, “microlearning” videos, live webinars and podcasts. NAVC’s upcoming VMX event will be a hybrid event, online and in person in Orlando June 5-9.

Ontario veterinarians report medicine and food shortages during pandemic

Some Ontario veterinary clinics have been experiencing shortages of medicine and medical equipment during the pandemic, The Peterborough Examiner reports. “We fight for a lot of the same medical equipment that human medicine requires, like needles, syringes and gloves, and it’s been a challenge all along, and continues to be one,” said Sherry Nielsen, a veterinary hospital office manager. “A lot of the medications are used by human medicine as well.” One veterinary hospital manager noted that it’s been difficult to get one of the hospital’s major medications at the pharmacy, since COVID-19 shut down a manufacturing plant. The rise in pet adoptions also appears to have contributed to a drop in food supply, in addition to food manufacturing challenges caused by the pandemic.

Washington officials search 171 pet stores for invasive mussels

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife investigators visited 171 pet stores in the state over the past two weeks after invasive zebra mussels were found in aquarium products, The Spokesman-Review reports. The mussels were discovered in Betta Buddy-brand Marimo moss balls at Petco, Petsmart and other stores at the beginning of March. By mid-March, zebra mussels had been found on moss balls in 32 states and five Canadian provinces, officials said. Most of the mussels found were dead. Many pet stores had already recalled the moss balls before officials visited.

Petriage adds new digital services for veterinary practices

Petriage has announced new additions to its digital services for veterinary practices. New offerings include Petriage Curbside to simplify the check-in and check-out processes; Petriage Live, a phone-based consultative service to provide on-call advice for pet owners; and a two-tier subscription platform to replace the company’s previous three-tier system.

Morris Animal Foundation and Elanco join for canine osteoarthritis study

Morris Animal Foundation is partnering with Elanco Animal Health to study incidence and prevalence of osteoarthritis in dogs, using data generated by the foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in dogs, affecting about 14 million adult dogs in the United States. The research should help scientists improve osteoarthritis treatment, said Tiffany Grunert, president and CEO of Morris Animal Foundation. Elanco is sponsoring a new section of the owner and veterinarian questionnaire in the Golden Retriever study, evaluating signs of osteoarthritis.

ElleVet launches nonprofit to provide free care to pets of people who are homeless

Pet CBD company ElleVet has launched The ElleVet Project, a nonprofit that provides free veterinary care, food and supplies to the pets of people who are homeless. The ElleVet Project, previously known as the Pets In Need Project, started a year ago as a pilot program responding to COVID-19. The 2020 project team treated more than 1,200 pets. The project will return to California in the second quarter of 2021 with the goal of treating more than 3,000 pets. It plans to expand across the United States within the next three years.

Florida scientists warn of invasive mosquito

A nonnative mosquito species has invaded the Florida peninsula, with the potential to spread pathogens in humans and animals from urban to rural areas, the Naples Daily News reports. Aedes scapularis can transmit yellow fever virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, dog heartworm and other pathogens. It has a wide range, from Texas to parts of South America and throughout much of the Caribbean. A new study identified 16 Florida counties that are highly suitable for the species, “suggesting that vigilance is needed by mosquito control and public health agencies to recognize the further spread of this vector,” said Lawrence Reeves, a co-author of the report.