Weekly companion animal news: November 30, 2020

Pets have played critical role in combating isolation during pandemic, surveys show

Researchers at Washington State University, the University of San Francisco and Palo Alto University conducted two anonymous online surveys for pet owners—one regarding cats and the other on dogs. The surveys asked participants to share their thoughts, experiences and concerns amid the pandemic. They found a significant number of people reported feeling they have less social support from friends and family now than before the pandemic. For many, their pets have played a critical role in helping reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, isolation and loneliness. Pets are “a respite from the difficulties of life,” said psychologist Lori Kogan, and they provide their owners “an outlet to give.” While relationships with family and friends can be fraught, “relationships with animals are simple,” she told NPR.

Veterinarians question study linking dog walking to COVID-19

Veterinarians are questioning new research from Spain that linked dog walking to infection with the coronavirus in people, VIN News Service reports. The research concluded that dog walking raises the risk of contracting COVID-19 by 78%, perhaps because dogs touch contaminated surfaces in public and bring the virus home. Veterinarians and others who scrutinized the study, however, said the authors’ interpretation of their findings is flawed. And pet advocates are worried the sensationalized reports could cause dog owners to panic and relinquish their pets. “I think it’s a middling study with bad/overreaching conclusions,” said California veterinarian Kevin Jepsen-Grant.

New high-quality feline genome could help improve cats’ health

A new cat genome reference model is helping improve feline health by uncovering new links between DNA mutations and feline disease, Veterinary Practice reports. The genome was developed by researchers at the University of Missouri and Texas A&M University, and funded in part by Purina. The first whole genome sequence for cats was published in 2007 with DNA from an Abyssinian cat named Cinnamon. The new reference genome is vastly more accurate and improves scientists’ ability to identify DNA variations that influence the health of individual cats. This information will help develop tests to guide feline health decisions and improve disease treatment: precision medicine for cats.

Med-Pharmex comments on FDA complaint

Veterinary drug developer Med-Pharmex noted the U.S. Department of Justice, at the request of the Food and Drug Administration, has filed a complaint for injunction against the company alleging violations of current good manufacturing practice. In response, the company made the following statement: “We are disappointed by the decision to file this complaint based on an inspection that took place nearly 18 months ago. This inspection took place in early May 2019, and since then, Med-Pharmex has invested tremendous resources in not only specifically remediating the initial findings, but also in enhancing its entire quality and control process. As this matter is now regrettably in litigation, it is not appropriate to comment further on the action.”

Chewy announces donation program for Giving Tuesday

Chewy announced that for Giving Tuesday on December 1, the company will match customer purchase amounts and donate the total, up to $2 million, in food and supplies to animal welfare organizations in need. This comes soon after the company announced its Wish List feature, where shelters make wish lists that customers can refer to and donate products. According to Chewy, the company has already donated more than $27 million in products this year.

Hambone Award recognizes Nationwide’s unusual veterinary cases

A Springfield, Virginia, veterinary hospital received a $10,000 prize after treating a dog who busted through a window in excitement upon seeing a visitor. The dog, Chopper, was cared for at the Regional Veterinary Referral Center and won Nationwide’s 2020 Hambone Award. A public vote selected the pet insurance claim filed by Chopper’s owners as the most unusual of the five contestants. “Stories like Chopper’s remind us that accidents we might never imagine can happen to our pets at any time,” said Jules Benson, Nationwide’s chief veterinary officer. “Chopper’s unbridled enthusiasm may have landed her in the operating room, but the great work done by the treating veterinary team got her back on her four feet quickly.” Fellow NAVC publication Today’s Veterinary Business reports.

How herbal therapies can treat osteoarthritis

For most veterinarians, the first line of treatment for osteoarthritis in pets is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. But while they’re often effective, they have the potential to cause hepatic, renal and gastrointestinal complications in dogs, and long-term NSAID use in cats isn’t an option in the United States, Dr. Gary Richter writes. In fellow NAVC publication Today’s Veterinary Practice, Richter describes herbal therapies as an alternative osteoarthritis treatment. “Herbs and herbal extracts can be highly effective for relieving pain and inflammation; their mechanisms are frequently similar to those of pharmaceuticals but without many of the potential negative side effects,” Richter writes. He describes curcumin, Boswellia and cannabis in this article. The most successful treatment approaches involve combinations of herbs, he says.

Korean startup teaches kids about pet food and pet ownership

B My Pet Co., a Korean startup, has created an online site for children to learn about caring for pets. While it’s primarily for children, the site, BeMyPet, is also meant to help adults. The site includes information ranging from pets’ food requirements to proper grooming and treatment of common diseases. The content mixes text, short videos and animation. B My Pet has partner veterinarians, experienced pet owners and pet health experts who write for the website, Petfood Industry reports.