Weekly companion animal news: September 21, 2020

AKC Canine Health Foundation publishes white paper on state of genetic testing in dogs

A new report from the AKC Canine Health Foundation reviews the current state of genetic testing in dogs. According to AKC, the resource is intended to help dog breeders, owners and veterinarians make sound decisions in understanding genetic test results. “While scientific advances in the area of canine DNA testing are exciting, they have also led to a desperate need for continued education,” said Eddie Dziuk, chief operating officer of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and a member of the AKC Delegates Canine Health Committee. “Dog breeders, owners and even veterinary professionals often struggle with questions such as test purpose, accuracy, breed specificity/appropriateness and interpretation of results.”

Kindred Biosciences announces positive results from efficacy study of parvovirus preventive

Kindred Biosciences announced positive results from an efficacy study of KIND-030, a monoclonal antibody targeting canine parvovirus. The results showed 100% efficacy in the prevention of parvovirus, as well as a mortality benefit in the treated group, according to KindredBio. In the study, KIND-030 was administered to dogs as prophylactic therapy to prevent clinical signs of CPV infection. The primary objectives of the study were met. All of the placebo-control dogs developed parvovirus infection as predefined in the study protocol, while none of the KIND-030 treated dogs developed the disease. Additionally, the parvovirus challenge resulted in a 60% mortality rate in the control dogs, compared to 0% mortality in the KIND-030 treated dogs.

New SoundByte video: C.E.T. Dental Portfolio from Virbac

The C.E.T. Dental Portfolio from Virbac helps combat rising rates of dental disease in dogs. Dental disease is up 23% over the past decade in both dogs and cats. It’s the most common disease in pets, affecting 76% of dogs, according to Banfield. C.E.T. Dental Chews help clean teeth, freshen breath and improve dogs’ digestive, joint and mental health. More information is available in the SoundByte from Veterinary Advantage.

Asian longhorned tick found in Fairfield County, CT

The Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station reported the first Asian longhorned tick in Fairfield County, a concerning discovery, researchers say. The tick is originally native to parts of Asia, and it’s a major livestock pest in Australia and New Zealand. It was found on a New Jersey farm in 2017 and has been found in 14 other states. “We do not really know whether this tick will bring some of its diseases that it used to transmit in its native region,” said Goudarz Molaei, director of tick surveillance for the CAES. Molaei added that the tick can be a threat to both pets and livestock. Fox 61 of Connecticut reports.

Michigan House approves legislation allowing vets to discuss CBD and THC treatments with pet owners

Michigan lawmakers approved a measure that would allow veterinarians to consult with pet owners about CBD and THC treatments for their animals, ABC 12 reports. “We must make sure our veterinarians are able to have open and honest conversations with people about using products containing CBD oil and marijuana to care for their pets,” said state Representative Greg Markkanen, who sponsored the legislation. “Some research has shown such products can help dogs and cats cope with pain, anxiety and epilepsy.” According to one veterinarian, while her clients often have questions about using CBD and THC, she believes discussing them as treatment options leads to a legal gray area.

As business booms, veterinarians charge deposits up front

In an effort to prevent no-shows at her practice, Pennsylvania veterinarian Sara Thornton implemented a $50 upfront deposit for clients when they book appointments. Even as some clients balked, their spots were easily taken by others. California’s Midtown Animal Hospital requests a $100 deposit on surgeries and has limited new clients to one per day. These are examples of how veterinarians are changing their practices to meet demand during the pandemic, the VIN News Service reports.

Morris Animal Foundation to host webinar on compassionate end-of-life pet care

An upcoming webinar hosted by Morris Animal Foundation will focus on compassionate end-of-life care for pets. The September 23 webinar will feature Dr. Kelly Knoll, a veterinarian with Caring Pathways, a Denver-based company that provides end-of-life pet care. According to the announcement, webinar attendees will learn how they can support pets and owners at what is often a difficult time. They’ll also learn about resources available to help.

VCA announces new chief medical officer

VCA Animal Hospitals announced the appointment of veterinarian Marie Kerl as its new chief medical officer, effective immediately. “Dr. Kerl brings a wealth of education and experience to her new position, a critical role for VCA as she leads the medical teams and represents the organization within the veterinary profession and Mars Veterinary Health,” said VCA president Todd Lavender. “She joined our VCA family in 2017 as regional medical director and then later moved into a combined regional medical director/regional operations director role, prior to her most recent leadership promotion.”