I’ve taken a look back at some posts from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, to see how my thoughts have evolved, what I got right and what I screwed up. We have a lot of COVID-19 posts (starting from when we called it “novel coronavirus” or “Wuhan coronavirus” before the SARS-CoV-2 terminology existed).
The Easter Bunny and COVID-19 Risks
As spring approaches, a pressing question has come to the minds of many kids: “Can the Easter bunny get COVID-19?” or “Can Easter bunny eggs spread COVID-19?”
Fortunately, the answer is no. Easter bunnies are safe from this virus and kids don’t have to worry about whatever the Easter bunny leaves
B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 Variant, Pets and Myocarditis
I tweeted recently about the first report of the B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 variant being found in animals, specifically in a dog and cat in Texas, which deserves some more discussion. Also a new pre-print article (i.e. non-peer-reviewed paper) was posted recently that will probably raise more concerns, so I figured I’d better write about that
New Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) Fact Sheets for Pet Owners
We partnered with the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology to update our MRSP fact sheets for pet owners, including a new look, and a French translation! Access them using the links below, or on the Worms & Germs Resources – Pets page.
What is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius? (English)
Qu’est-ce que le Staphylococcus pseudintermedius résistant à
Dog-to-Person Transmission of Staph pseudintermedius
Here’s a pot pourri of reports of staphylococcal infections in humans linked to dogs. Specifically, they’re infections caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, a common dog-adapted species of Staphylococcus. (If you get freaked out reading these, make sure you read the end of the post so you also get the context.)
COVID-19 is a Wake-Up Call to How We Live Our Lives
Words from Dr. Mike Ryan, of the World Health Organization. He’s been a star communicator throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to listen to voices like his and messages like this.
COVID-19 and Overdue Dog/Cat Vaccines, Part 4: Lyme disease
Lyme disease vaccine is a non-core vaccine, meaning it’s not needed for all dogs in all areas. It’s an effective vaccine, and I’d consider it a reasonable vaccine to give to dogs in (or visiting) higher risk areas, especially when there might be owner compliance issues with tick preventive medication. Available tick preventatives are very
COVID-19 and Overdue Dog/Cat Vaccines, Part 3: Leptospirosis
This is probably the vaccine about which I get the most questions when it comes to delays. Leptospirosis (aka lepto) is a regionally important and potentially life-threatening infection of dogs (and people) caused by serovars of the Leptospira bacterium. It’s generally considered a non-core vaccine, meaning it’s not needed for all dogs in all areas.
COVID-19 and Overdue Dog/Cat Vaccines, Part 2: Rabies
In some ways, the approach to rabies vaccine is easy. In other ways, it’s complicated. To some degree, the medicine is easy, but other considerations (like regulatory requirements) cloud the picture.
The medicine:
Rabies vaccines are highly effective. A single initial dose provides at least 1 year of protection. The first dose is supposed
COVID-19 and Overdue Dog/Cat Vaccines, Part 1: Core Vaccines
I’ve been dealing with questions (and some threats) about this issue for many months:
How to handle overdue vaccines because of COVID-19 delays
It’s a complex issue that’s hard to navigate because of limited data. We know how most vaccines work when used according to the label instructions. We don’t know much about what happens