Weekly companion animal news: November 23, 2020

Cats can be asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 to other cats, study shows

Feline-to-feline transmission of the new coronavirus is possible even when an animal isn’t showing symptoms, a new study shows. The research out of Kansas State University found that domestic cats without obvious clinical signs of the virus can still shed SARS-CoV-2 through their nasal, oral and rectal cavities and are capable of spreading it efficiently to other cats within two days. Additional studies are needed to determine whether domestic cats can spread the virus to other animals or humans. Conversely, pigs are unlikely to be significant carriers of the virus, the university said.

New Atlantic Veterinary College behavior medicine service is ‘mental health care for pets’

The Prince Edward Island-based Atlantic Veterinary College has expanded its veterinary medical services to include behavior medicine, which addresses behavior problems in animals. Behavior problems are a major animal welfare issue, and changes can also be a sign that an animal is physically ill, said Karen Overall, who will lead the new service. “We’re basically offering mental health care for pets…to help the people who love these animals and have them as parts of their lives,” she said. The service is offered primarily for dogs, cats and horses, but other animals can be examined as well. Humans have a 30% chance of experiencing profound depression or anxiety during their lifetime, “and the same is true for dogs and cats,” Overall said. “And for dogs and cats, they are life-threatening conditions.” CBC reports.

Debt relief, closed wage gaps needed to maintain growing profession: AVMA

While the overall demand for veterinary professionals is high, student debt disparity and significant wage gaps remain an industry-wide concern. This is according to a new report from the AVMA, which surveyed recent graduates, practice managers and other professionals for an overview of current industry-wide strengths, changes and opportunities. Despite high levels of employment for graduates, debt continues to be a concern. A record-high 18.2% of individuals reported no debt upon graduation (up from 17.3% in 2018), but 10.7% reported debt levels of more than $300,000. Overall, the mean debt of the 2019 graduating class was $149,877. Female graduates carried an average of $6,900 more debt than their male counterparts. And women continue to earn less than men by a margin of approximately $2,600.

AVMA to launch certificate program promoting inclusive workplaces

A new AVMA program set to launch this year aims to build awareness of the impact of stereotyping, unconscious bias and workplace harassment in veterinary workplaces. The seven-module AVMA Brave Space Certificate Program will provide practical tools and strategies for promoting healthier, safer and more inclusive workplaces. Modules will focus on recognizing interpersonal violence and its link to animal cruelty, LGBTQ support, unconscious bias, race and inclusion, and harassment.

Zomedica sets March 2021 date as expected commercialization for Truforma

Zomedica Corp., a veterinary health company that creates point-of-care diagnostic products for dogs and cats, announced it expects to begin commercialization of its Truforma point-of-care diagnostic platform on March 30, 2021. The platform uses Bulk Acoustic Wave technology, developed by Qorvo, to provide a non-optical and fluorescence-free detection system for use at the point of care. Bulk Acoustic Wave technology, also used in cell phones and in radar and communications systems, is an extremely reliable and precise technology, according to Zomedica. The company believes Truforma is the first use of BAW technology in disorder and disease-state diagnostics. Zomedica has five initial assays under development, for two panels: one to detect thyroid disease and one to detect adrenal disease.

FDA approves first intratumoral injection to treat non-metastatic mast cell tumors in dogs

The FDA approved Stelfonta (tigilanol tiglate injection) to treat dogs with non-metastatic, skin-based (cutaneous) mast cell tumors. The agency is also approving Stelfonta to treat non-metastatic MCTs located under the dog’s skin (subcutaneous), in particular areas of a dog’s leg. Stelfonta is injected directly into the MCT, known as an intratumoral injection. The drug works by activating a protein that spreads throughout the treated tumor, which disintegrates tumor cells. “This is the first approval for an intratumoral injection to treat non-metastatic mast cell tumors in dogs,” said Steven M. Solomon, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.

Heska Corporation elects Robert L. Antin, VCA founder, to board of directors

Veterinary diagnostic company Heska Corporation appointed Robert L. Antin, founder of VCA Antech Inc., to the company’s board of directors, effective November 17. VCA operates the largest network of veterinary hospitals and clinical laboratories in the country. Antin has served as a director, CEO and president at VCA since its inception in 1986. From September 1983 to 1985, Antin was president, CEO, a director and co-founder of AlternaCare Corp., a publicly held company that owned, operated and developed freestanding outpatient surgical centers.

FirstVet telehealth service expands to U.S. with $35 million funding round

Swedish startup FirstVet is expanding its on-demand video consultation platform to the United States after securing a $35 million financing round, Crunchbase reports. Mubadala Capital led the round with participation from Cathay Innovation, as well as existing backers OMERS Ventures and Creandum. Using some of the new funding, FirstVet established a U.S. presence with 14 staff members in New York. It offers video-based consultation services in all 50 states, including 24/7 advice for animals including dogs, cats, horses and reptiles.