The Brussels times is quoting a Belgian virologist who states that the University of Luik has a suspect cat with SARS-CoV2 in its stool, possibly after being infected by the owner.
This was mentioned in a press conference by virologist Stephen van Gught. The cat started showing clinical signs including vomiting, diarrhea and dyspnea one week after the owner has clinical signs. And the virus was found in the stool of the cat using RT-PCR. Van Gucht stressed the fact that this is a transmission possibly from a human to a cat and not vice versa. Having genetic material present in the stool does not mean the cat has (had) an active infection.
On my last trip (for a while), I had the pleasure to do a reconstruction lab for E-Vet, located in Haderslev, Denmark. We had 2 days of immersive reconstructive surgery in dogs and cats with a wonderful group of veterinarians. I will be discussing this course in the upcoming podcasts and talk about tension relieving techniques here.
Also, we have an interview with Dr. Jonas Bylin, a Swedish surgeon currently in the UK about his passion for surgery. Did you know one of his favorite things to do is TPLO’s? I tend to call them the spays of orthopedics b ut he really enjoys doing them. Jonas gives great insights about what it is to be a general surgeon in a busy practice.
Last, but not least, we discuss the advantage of telemedicine in horrid times like this. It is the best solution for you and your clients and I would strongly urge you to check out a new FB page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/VeterinaryTelemed/
Thats is it for now. Keep on cutting, be safe and wash you hands!
Michael Lappin, Professor, Small Animal Internal Medicine, Clinical Scienes, Colorado State University, April 28, 2015
Prof Michael Lappin and Professor Mary Marcondes of the WSAVA One Health Committee
Press Information
WSAVA Moves to Reassure Pet Owners
‘No evidence that COVID-19 can be contracted from pets’
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has moved to reassure pet owners following the news that a dog in Hong Kong, quarantined after it had tested positive for SARS- CoV-2 has died. The dog had been released after two weeks of quarantine having subsequently tested negative for the virus.
The dog, a 17-year-old Pomeranian, had shown no clinical signs of COVID-19. However, it did have significant unrelated health problems including cardiac and renal issues and is believed to have passed away from these and old age, possibly exacerbated by the stress of quarantine away from familiar surroundings. The WSAVA confirms that there is no evidence that the dog contracted COVID-19, nor that it could have passed the viral cause to another human or animal.
On March 19, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) in Hong Kong announced that a second dog, a German Shepherd, had also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The dog was quarantined after its owner was confirmed with COVID-19. Although the dog has tested positive, it has no clinical signs of disease. Another dog from the same residence has tested negative for the SARS-CoV2. It also has no relevant clinical signs and has been quarantined. The dogs will continue to be tested for the remainder of the quarantine period.
WSAVA President Dr Shane Ryan said: “While there is still much we don’t know about COVID- 19, we do know that the Pomeranian dog did not die from the virus, and the second dog is also showing no signs, either of the disease or of being able to transmit it to other pets or people. The current evidence still strongly indicates that COVID-19 cannot be contracted from pets.”
The WSAVA says its priority is to support its member veterinarians who care for companion animals around the world and it urges pet owners not to panic and, instead, to continue to care for their companion animals and to enjoy their company. In difficult times, such as these we face today, says the WSAVA, pets can play a very positive role, providing companionship to the isolated and lonely.
Dr Michael Lappin, chair of the WSAVA’s One Health Committee and Dr Mary Marcondes, Co- Chair of the WSAVA Scientific Advisory Committee, recommend that veterinarians remind owners to:
keep their companion animals with them if they are self-quarantined
maintain good hygiene practices, including washing hands when interacting with their pets
arrange care for any animals left at home with family or friends should they be hospitalized
contact their veterinarian immediately if they have questions or concerns.
On March 13, IDEXX Laboratories, an international provider of veterinary diagnostics and owning a pet which are even more important as so many of us are now having to limit contact with other people.
“We urge pet owners to listen to their veterinarian’s advice and to follow our recommendations to keep themselves and their companion animals safe.”
The WSAVA represents more than 200,000 veterinarians worldwide through its 113 member associations. Its core activities include the development of WSAVA Global Guidelines in key areas of veterinary practice, including pain management, nutrition and vaccination, and the provision of continuing education.
WSAVA Calls for Veterinary Clinics to be Classified as ‘Essential Businesses’ Globally
Dr. Shane Ryan, President of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) is calling on governments and veterinary authorities globally to ensure that veterinary hospitals and clinics are classified as ‘essential businesses’ and are able to continue to offer all necessary care to patients during the COVID-19 emergency.
As governments seek to introduce risk mitigation measures that may involve the closure of non-essential businesses, the WSAVA is concerned that veterinary hospitals and clinics may also be forced to cease operating. Such a move says the WSAVA will jeopardise the welfare of countless animals, many of which are vital companions to people who are at risk of suffering increased stress and loneliness because of the need to self-isolate.
WSAVA President Dr Shane Ryan says: “We fully support the risk mitigation measures being introduced as part of the global fight against COVID-19, but we are concerned at reports from some of our members that they have been asked to close their doors. Veterinarians and their teams deliver essential medical care for animals, ensure animal health and welfare, and support the human/companion animal bond by protecting these deep and important relationships.
“As part of our continuing responsibility to care for our animal patients and their owners, we call on governments to recognize all veterinary hospitals and clinics as essential businesses in any situation in which non-essential businesses are asked to close for COVID-19 risk mitigation.”
The WSAVA represents more than 200,000 veterinarians worldwide through its 113 member associations. Its core activities include the development of WSAVA Global Guidelines in key areas of veterinary practice, including pain management, nutrition and vaccination, and the provision of continuing education.
I had this crazy idea to freely publish a basic surgery book online for everyone anywhere in the world. After a couple of years of delay, I can now proudly announce that it is going to be a real (or unreal if you just think about it) project. I am spending a nice amount of money to make a freely downloadable pdf version and will highlight chapters and topics here! Last but not least, I am thinking of podcasting the entire project. OMG I am so excited but also scared about the amount of work that is in the near future hovering over me. Wish me luck……
I am spending a nice amount of money to make a freely downloadable pdf version and will highlight chapters and topics here! Last but not least, I am thinking of podcasting the entire project. OMG I am so excited but also scared about the amount of work that is in the near future hovering over me. Wish me luck……
Global Veterinary Surgery 