Pentobarbital in canned dog food prompts action
According to CNN, a drug used to euthanize animals has been found in canned dog food, prompting the manufacturer to voluntarily withdraw some products. Low levels of pentobarbital were detected in cans of Gravy Train dog food produced by the J.M. Smucker Co., the FDA reported Feb. 16. Pentobarbital is most commonly used as a sedative, anesthetic or to euthanize animals. “Pets that eat pet food containing pentobarbital can experience drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance, nausea, nystagmus (eyes moving back and forth in a jerky manner) and inability to stand. Consuming high levels of pentobarbital can cause coma and death,” the FDA said. A preliminary evaluation of Gravy Train samples indicated that the low levels found were unlikely to pose a health risk to pets. “However, any detection of pentobarbital in pet food is a violation of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Simply put, pentobarbital should not be in pet food,” the agency said. Also affected were selected varieties of Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy Strips and Skippy Premium chunks and strips.
Chewy.com to hire 400 more workers
According to GlobalPets, online pet retailer Chewy has hired 1,000 workers for its new 24-hour, seven-day-a-week customer-service center in Hollywood, Florida, and it plans to hire another 400 within the next six months. Chewy was acquired by PetSmart in May 2016 for about $3.35 billion, is now one of the largest private employers in Hollywood.
Mars Petcare partners with MediSapiens
Mars Petcare has partnered with MediSapiens, a developer and provider of genomic, biomedical and health data solutions, to foster new developments in precision health care for companion animals, according to a news release. The partnership follows Mars Petcare’s acquisition of Genoscoper Laboratories, a longtime partner of MediSapiens. MediSapiens has for several years maintained a comprehensive bioinformatics data analysis and result reporting system for MyDogDNA, a dog genetic testing service that provides pet owners, breeders and veterinarians with information about genetic traits and diseases. These developments, aimed at accelerating discovery of genetic health markers and promoting better health for companion animals, will be continued under the new partnership.
VIP Petcare raises awareness of heartworm testing
According to a Pet Business report, VIP Petcare launched a campaign to emphasize the importance of heartworm testing during February and March and increase awareness of heartworm and tick-borne diseases. The company holds pop-up veterinary clinics across the United States, often in pet stores.
APPA celebrates 60th anniversary
According to Pet Business, 2018 marks the 60th anniversary of the American Pet Products Association. APPA, along with the Pet Industry Distributors Association, will host the 14th annual Global Pet Expo on March 21 to 23 in Orlando, Fla.
Practices gain insight into communication gaps
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, a white paper titled “The Opportunity” is an online, easy-to-use survey tool designed to give practices customized insight into the communication gaps between clients and the health care team regarding preventive medicine. The paper is available through Partners for Healthy Pets at http://bit.ly/2obk2KU.
Ohio entrepreneur starts pet ambulance service
A Cleveland.com article profiled Squad FiftyOne, an Ohio pet ambulance service, and its founder, Yalanda Medina. She grew the business through word of mouth and now has three vehicles and five employees to respond to about 35 mostly non-emergency calls a week. She transports pets to critical care hospitals and routine veterinary appointments. Learn more at http://bit.ly/2CxLoit.
Safety advice for equine practitioners
According to TheHorse.com, researchers have identified a possible link between veterinarians’ limited understanding of learning principles and the high incidence of injury in equine practice. “Fear and anxiety are the root cause of behavior problems with veterinary care, including not standing still for examination; barging or pushing; refusing to enter the exam room, stocks, or trailer; bolting or pulling away when led; being head-shy; and biting, kicking, striking, and rearing,” said Robin Foster, Ph.D., CAAB, CHBC. Learn more at http://bit.ly/2sJ2NWa.