Multiplex Diagnostic Tests for Animal Health: Quick, Accurate, and Accessible
The global COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered patient expectations regarding medical test results, fostering an impatience for speedy diagnostics. Now, this shift extends to the veterinary field, where pet owners demand rapid and accurate test results for their animals. Paula Walker, CEO of ControlPoint, recognizes this trend and is leading the charge to revolutionize veterinary diagnostics.
Pioneering On-Site Diagnostics for Canine Respiratory Diseases
ControlPoint Inc., established in 2020, specializes in developing multiplex diagnostic tests designed to be accessible and user-friendly for anyone, anywhere. The company’s initial offering will introduce a point-of-care test for Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), commonly known as kennel cough.
Walker emphasizes the critical need for swift and precise testing in pet health: “When pet health is at risk, fast, accurate testing and diagnoses are essential. ControlPoint aims to provide veterinarians and animal caregivers with innovative tools to improve animal health globally.”
The Threat of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex
CIRDC, or kennel cough, poses a significant threat, especially in environments where multiple dogs are housed together, such as kennels, shelters, and daycare centers. This highly contagious condition affects all dog breeds and ages. Multiple pathogens can contribute to CIRDC, making it challenging to diagnose without comprehensive testing.
Common symptoms include a persistent honking cough, gagging, and retching, often accompanied by frothy secretions. These symptoms can persist for weeks and worsen with physical activity. Some dogs may exhibit additional signs like a runny nose or sneezing.
Benefits of On-Site Testing
On-site diagnostic testing for kennel cough offers numerous advantages over traditional laboratory-based testing. Conventional testing methods are time-consuming, expensive, and require skilled personnel. In contrast, on-site diagnostics can provide results in minutes, reducing the time between test and treatment.
These benefits extend to affordability, reduced handling for animals, and improved access to targeted treatment options, even in remote areas. Given these advantages, it’s no surprise that 80% of veterinarians show interest in on-site diagnostic tools. Market research also indicates that 98% of pet owners would visit a veterinarian for symptoms of CIRDC, with 90% willing to undergo a point-of-care test on the same day.
The Future of Animal Health
ControlPoint’s innovative approach to veterinary diagnostics represents a significant step toward improving animal health and welfare. By reducing the time to diagnosis and treatment, these multiplex diagnostic tests can help prevent the spread of contagious diseases, such as kennel cough.
Walker looks ahead with optimism: “We have the opportunity to greatly enhance the lives and health of animals through the point-of-care tests we are developing. Continuously refining and testing our product is our next major milestone in this exciting journey.”
Conclusion
As pet owners and veterinarians increasingly expect rapid and accurate test results, innovations like ControlPoint’s on-site diagnostics for CIRDC offer a promising solution. These advancements not only streamline the diagnostic process but also ensure pets receive timely treatment, improving overall health outcomes.
For more information about ControlPoint and its diagnostic solutions, visit www.controlpointdx.com.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this groundbreaking development in veterinary diagnostics. Please feel free to leave a comment below or subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest news in animal health.