The USDA confirmed that the North Carolina pug initially thought to be the first US dog to test positive for COVID-19 never had the infection. If you’ve been watching Off Label Veterinary News for the past three months, this is no surprise. Each time stories about SARS-CoV-2 positive dogs and cats have emerged, we’ve cautioned that it’s important to distinguish between an active COVID-19 infection and incidental or “accidental” positive test results that only detect genetic fragments of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We saw similar reporting during the 2003 SARS outbreak, and there is still no evidence that you can get Covid-19 from your pets.

The pugs that tested positive in Chapel Hill, North Carolina by Duke University researchers in April were positive only for genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, not an active infection. The dogs were also not initially tested to determine if they mounted an immune response to the human coronavirus. If the body creates antibodies to a virus, that indicates an actual or “active infection” was or is occurring. When the USDA performed validated followup antibody tests, the North Carolina dogs were negative, proving no active infection with COVID-19.

The current coronavirus outbreak is changing daily life for billions of people around the world. In addition to crashing economic markets, disrupting supplies and goods, and impeding access to basic services and entertainment, the coronavirus pandemic is forcing us to rethink how we work, what we eat, how and we interact socially. I believe the current coronavirus pandemic will serve as a catalyst for both human and veterinary telemedicine, a progression I’ve long supported. I’d like to share with you the factors influencing this movement, why every veterinary clinic should consider implementing some form of telemedicine, and what the immediate future holds for veterinary telemedicine.

A recent report from Hong Kong revealed a dog living with a novel coronavirus infection (Covid-19) patient had tested “weakly positive” for SARS-CoV-19, sending pet parents panicking for pet-sized facemasks. Since that news broke, veterinarians around the world have been inundated with calls, texts, and social media questions about whether or not dogs or cats can get coronavirus or spread it to humans. The science is pretty clear: It’s highly unlikely that your pet can get COVID-19 or spread it to people. While I remain completely comfortable cuddling with my pets, there remains some concern and cause for general precautions.

As 2019 comes to a close, here are some of the top Off Label Pet and Veterinary Trends and Topics we’ll be talking about in 2020. So grab a pint of kale, snuggle up with your 10 kilogram canine and a bowl of oats, have your banker on speed dial and conference in your virtual vet. It’s time for takeoff! Plant-based pet foods, grain-free dog food blowback and the DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) controversy, veterinary practice consolidation and corporatization, super-combo parasiticides, veterinary teletriage and telemedicine, and more!

Mars Petcare Buys 200 European Veterinary Clinics in Massive Deal, Pathway Vet Alliance Partners with Heska Diagnostics, FreshPet Petfood Tricks Diners and Kids into Eating Dog Food, Antibiotic Overuse by Human Doctors & the American Medical Association Takes a Strong Stand for Gun Control!

 COLD WEATHER PET DEATHS, DOG POOP PUNISHMENT, VIP PETCARE EXPANDS in this episode of Off Label Veterinary News, your source for commentary on Animals, Medicine, and Practice Life.

TOP ISSUES VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS WILL BE TALKING ABOUT IN 2018

Some of the top veterinary topics we’ll be covering in 2018 for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary industry professionals. 

I was honored to present a special keynote at the 2017 Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) Your Weight Matters Conference held in New Orleans, Louisiana USA. In this impassioned presentation, I discuss why I believe pet obesity is a disease, why obesity is a shared disease of humans and animals, the role pet care shaming and weight bias play in veterinary medicine, and why I've dedicated much of my career to fighting pet obesity. I also review the role of chronic inflammation, strategies for effective weight loss, differences in pet owner and veterinary professionals' attitudes on diet and nutrition, and challenges for the future of pet food and weight loss. 

Veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward speaks at the 2017 North Carolina   Association of Veterinary Technicians (NCAVT) Annual Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina and talks with veterinary technicians about their biggest challenges, how they cope with stress, compassion fatigue and burnout, and what advice they'd give veterinarians and practice managers for better utilizing vet techs in their veterinary practices.