Bucks vet warns of potential heart problems for pets with new Covid variant
Initial research suggests the 'Kent' variant could affect pets more seriously
A Buckinghamshire Vet's has shared early research on pets with the new B117 Covid variant.
After an increase in pets presenting at the Ralph Veterinary Referral Centre (RVRC) in Marlow with myocarditis, a warning there may be a possible link to the 'Kent' variant (B117) of Covid is being given.
The RVRC team began looking at a possible connection after 18 new patients were admitted with the condition that causes an inflammation of the heart muscle.
This is a small number however it is 10 times the usual figure for them, and appeared to follow the rise in the B117 Variant
Dr Luca Ferasin, a cardiologist at the RVRC led the research explains what they saw:
"This was not like patients who had come to us with the flu like symptoms, or respiritory problems from covid before.
"All of the patients that came to us were critical. They had very acute onset loss of appetite, weakness and difficulty breathing.
"But the difficulty breathing was not because of a respiratory condition it was because secondary to the heart condition they were accumulating fluid in the lungs or chest cavity.
"Our timeline shows the the pets were coming to us 2-4 weeks after their carer presented with coronavirus symptoms.
"We cannot be sure but this suggests and we believe so far this means humans can pass it onto animals but not visa versa."
The RVRC team are keen to highlight this is a small observational study that had 11 pets tested, with 6 positive that were then looked at in the initial study.
A further study is being reviewed for publication but so far no specific prevalence of the disease has been noticed in specific breeds or species.
Dr Luca Ferasin say although myocarditis can be serious he urges people to stay calm:
"We don't have enough information to make a meaningful recommendation but until then common sense should prevail.
"In the same way we are careful with other people we should be careful with our pets.
"So as you wouldn't sneeze near another human or not wash your hands around people, you shouldn't do it with your pet."