Learn how IDEXX is enhancing the lives of animals, people, and the planet.

IDEXX: Contributing to something bigger

Royal Canin has gifted $100,000 to Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM) with a 5-year financial commitment displaying its continuous dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the veterinary field.

TUCVM is the only veterinary medical professional program set on a historically black college or university campus inside the United States. According to a company release, the Royal Canin contribution will help support diversity in the veterinary industry by offering discretionary financial support for Tuskegee veterinary students.

“At Royal Canin, we’re driven to create the world we want tomorrow,” said Cecile Coutens, president of Royal Canin North America, in the release. “To achieve this, we must ensure the veterinary talent pipeline more accurately represents our diverse and changing population. We’re proud to support Tuskegee University in its efforts to increase representation in the veterinary industry.”

Royal Canin became a founding member of the Diversity Veterinary Medicine Coalition in 2020 which strives to enhance equity, inclusion, and diversity in the veterinary profession. The company promotes additional inclusion initiatives through multiple internal Associate Resource Groups (ARGs), including Pride, Tu Voz, and the Black Advisory Council.

“The Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine appreciates this intentional and impactful partnership with Royal Canin. Of the thousands of veterinarians in the United States, only 2% are African Americans and of this number, we are proud that 70% are our graduates,” said Ruby L. Perry, DVM, MS, PhD, Diplomate-ACVR, dean of TUCVM.

“Together, we are positioned to provide meaningful support to TUCVM veterinary students to sustain the legacy of training and educating underrepresented minorities as veterinarians in the veterinary profession,” added Perry.

In addition, Royal Canin provides continuing education and eLearning for veterinarians on an array of topics (ie, compassion fatigue) and is an advocate of mental health awareness programs as part of its effort to support the veterinary field and its veterinary partners.

Royal Canin announces $100,000 gift to Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. News release. Royal Canin. December 1, 2021. Accessed December 2, 2021.

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The 5-year commitment aims to help promote diversity within veterinary medicine.

Royal Canin donates $100,000 to Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine

A new Fetch dvm360® conference kicks off today in San Diego, California. Each day, a selection of sessions will be highlighted. Keep visiting dvm360.com for our ongoing coverage of 

Featured sessions for Thursday, December 2, 2021 are as follows:

Multimodal Approach to Veterinary Mobility Issues—What the COVID-19 Pandemic Taught Me

Sponsored by Multi Radiance Veterinary Lasers

Matthew Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR, CVA, CCRP, CVPP

With a seemingly never-ending caseload, curbside medicine, and stressed-out owners, how did Brunke not only survive but thrive and grow a department? Wake up early and find out.

Understanding the different patterns of cutaneous lesions, response to treatment, and management of secondary issues is important for control of feline allergies. This lecture will present ways to differentiate and perform a diagnostic work-up for flea, food, and environmental allergies in cats.

Nutraceuticals for Mobility—What’s the Evidence?

 Matthew Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR, CVA, CCRP, CVPP

Our learning objective will be to understand the currently available supplements for joints and muscles. The lecture will be broken down by system, and the pros/cons and evidence available for each will be discussed. How to apply this in the individual practice will be reviewed.

Allergic skin diseases are common in canine patients. Many of the clinical presentations are similar, which can make these cases frustrating. This lecture will focus on the allergic work-up, acute treatment of pruritus, and client communication.

Injectable Therapy for Canine Elbow Osteoarthritis

Learn what products are available (and how they work) for intraarticular injections. Topics will include steroids, hyaluronic acid, platelet rich plasma, and radiosynoviorthesis.

The 4 P’s of Positive Leadership Workshop

 (Part 1): A Framework for Leading Thriving Veterinary Teams SPEAKER:

This workshop, geared toward hospital and organization leaders such as owners, managers, supervisors, human resources directors, and leadership team members, introduces an evidence-based leadership framework for inspiring engaged, motivated, and loyal veterinary teams. Attendees will develop a deep understanding of the 4 “buckets” leaders must seek to fill in their teams to cultivate a positive, high-performing hospital culture. Participants will explore immediately actionable, evidence-based tools for adding energy to each bucket and inspiring their teams to thrive.

#How_Do_We_Do_This_Thing_Called @Social_Media?

Learn the latest and greatest hacks of all social media platforms for all veterinary professionals. This will be a fun and interactive session guaranteed to make you more comfortable with using and understanding social media. Be prepared to make a post by the end of the session.

From Flush to Drops: Optical Treatment for Otitis Externa

Managing difficult otitis externa cases in cats and dogs can be challenging, chronic, and frustrating. This lecture will discuss the diagnostic work-up of otitis externa, including cytology, culture and sensitivity, handheld otoscopy, and video otoscopy.

What Does a Veterinary Rehab and Sports Medicine Doctor Do?

Gain an understanding of the diagnostic and treatment modalities available in veterinary rehabilitation and sports medicine. Also learn how to apply rehab in your practice, from the surgery patient to the paralyzed pet.

The 4 P’s of Positive Leadership Workshop (Part 2): A Framework for Leading Thriving Veterinary Teams

This workshop, specifically geared toward hospital and organization leaders such as owners, managers, supervisors, human resources directors, and leadership team members, introduces an evidence-based leadership framework for inspiring engaged, motivated, and loyal veterinary teams. Attendees will develop a deep understanding of the 4 “buckets” leaders must seek to fill in their teams to cultivate a positive, high-performing hospital culture. Participants will explore immediately actionable, evidence-based tools for adding energy to each bucket and inspiring their teams to thrive.

Becoming Adventurous: Charting Your Own Patch

 Laura Pletz, DVM; Kimberly Ann Therrien, DVM; Sarah Wooten, DVM

Now that you have clarified your purpose and taken radical responsibility for your thoughts and beliefs, it is time to chart your own path. This is your world. Shape it, or somebody else will. Speakers will share parts of their journeys with associated life lessons, and you will engage in a life-trip planning exercise, applying tools and journaling to courageously chart your path forward.

In order to properly administer fluids in an emergency setting, it is important to have a full understanding of 3 main concepts: cell membrane permeability, osmolarity, and electroneutrality. Quick decisions on type of fluid, volume, and rate are necessary to stabilize emergency patients appropriately. Recognizing the difference between dehydration and hypovolemia will be important in deciding on what fluid strategy to use. Crystalloids, colloids, and blood products will be further discussed.

When Owners Decline Surgery: How Do I Manage

My Patients With Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease?

What to do with the patient that cannot (for whatever reason) have surgical intervention for the partially torn cruciate? Come learn about cutting-edge technology options for intervention, including rehabilitation, intraarticular injections, and prosthetic options. A literature review will also be done.

The 4 P’s of Positive Leadership Workshop (Part 3): A Framework for Leading Thriving Veterinary Teams

More Than Just a Naughty Cat: Understanding Feline Nuisance Behaviors

Not quite a behavior problem, but not exactly well-behaved, either. Do you have any feline patients that fit that description? Normal cat behaviors aren’t always appreciated. They may create discord in your clients’ homes and put your patients at risk of surrender or euthanasia. Knowing how to respond to client questions about everyday behavior patterns can mean the difference between frustration and enjoyment—and potentially between life and death.

Life Stage Financial Planning For Veterinarians

This course will lead you through the types of financial and estate planning issues facing veterinarians of all ages (from young adults to families to retirees) and the conversations that should be taking place with professional advisers.

Adversary to Ally: Harnessing Happy Hormones to Connect With Difficult People

Highlights from the Fetch dvm360® conference’s robust agenda in San Diego, California; December 2-5, 2021.

Fetch dvm360®: Thursday’s featured sessions

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the message boards of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN)—an online community for veterinarians—have been chock full of questions and comments including debate, occasional misinformation, and more. To address these concerns and confusion, various veterinary colleagues have provided VIN members, the greater industry, and the public timely responses based on current information and recommendations.

To celebrate colleagues who worked diligently to master and empathetically share the constantly evolving information on the COVID-19 pandemic, serving science and truth through courage and integrity, VIN presented its inaugural Veritas award to 2 recipients—Steve Valeika, DVM, PhD, and J. Scott Weese, DVM, DACVIM. According to an organizational release, the name of the award–the VIN Veritas Award–derives from the Latin for 

Valeika is a small animal veterinarian in Asheville, NC. He has a PhD in epidemiology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and before practicing, was an epidemiology professor at the University of Georgia. Weese, professor at the Ontario Veterinary College and Director of the Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, University of Guelph, is an internist with a specialization in infectious diseases, specifically emerging diseases, and infection control.

The stand-out veterinary thought leaders have received acknowledgments from colleagues for their commitment to data and maintaining composure when faced with occasional personal insults, accusations, and rare violence threats. 

The VIN Veritas award will be annually granted to veterinary professionals who display extraordinary courage and integrity in the service of science and truth. Nominations for the VIN Veritas award will be derived from colleagues and distributed in the spring of each year beginning in 2022.

The Veterinary Information Network announces inaugural Veritas Award for Courage and Truth in Science. News release. Veterinary Information Network. December 1, 2021. Accessed December 1, 2021.

Winners of inaugural VIN Veritas Award announced 

It's no secret the veterinary industry has been majorly impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With patient demands continually skyrocketing and staff being overworked and burned out, Basepaws—an innovator in pet health biotechnology and the creator of the first-ever at-home cat DNA test—joined forces with FirstVet—a global digital veterinary health services provider—to offer teleconsultation services.

Through its partnership with FirstVet, Basepaws will offer 6 months of free 24/7 teleconsultation to first-time customers worldwide who purchase their signature product—Breed + Health Test—during December in light of National Cat Lovers Month. 

According to a company release, this initiative strives to alleviate veterinary practices and provide owners with virtual wellness checkups covering 5 key areas of pet health until the next in-clinic appointment. 

“Basepaws is dedicated towards the health and wellness of our feline family members. Physical wellness exams with your pet's veterinarian are critical for preventive care and early detection of disease, which means a healthier and longer life for your pet,” said Anna Skaya, Basepaws CEO and founder.

“However, in the light of skyrocketing demand for vet clinics, it might be extremely challenging to schedule an appointment and see your vet in person. Therefore, we partnered with FirstVet to help ease the burden on vet clinics without risking our beloved pets’ health,” she added.

In addition, FirstVet has also recently released 

 to address obstacles pet owners confront when attempting to make a timely appointment with their in-clinic veterinarian.

“Our mission at FirstVet is to bring pet care to anywhere pet parents are. We created the Healthy Pet Check-Up as a way to address the significant challenges associated with pet parents seeking to access preventative care and wanted to bring this component of animal health to them directly," said Davie Prien, FirstVet CEO and co-founder.

"With its suite of products designed at helping cat parents take the front seat with regards to their cat’s health, Basepaws is a natural partner to help us achieve this mission,” he added. 

Basepaws partners with FirstVet to ease the burden on vet clinics. News release. Basepaws. December 1, 2021. Accessed December 1, 2021.

The partnership offers first-time customers 6 months of free access to telehealth services throughout this December in honor of National Cat Lovers Month.

Basepaws teams up with FirstVet to alleviate veterinary practices 

We are excited to announce that our 2021 Fetch dvm360

 San Diego conference is officially underway with compelling new sessions and speakers from a variety of veterinary backgrounds. Through December 5, 2021, conference attendees have the unique opportunity to engage in live continuing education sessions, learn from faculty, network with colleagues, tour the exhibit hall, and enjoy San Diego, California.

Each morning, attendees will start their day with an inspiring or motivating keynote address. All keynote sessions will be from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. in Ballroom 20 CD. Our keynote speakers will provide insight on a wide variety of industry topics and discussions. The following is a look at the speakers and what to expect from each of the 4 keynote sessions.

Matthew Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA, medical director of Veterinary Surgical Centers, presents “Multimodal Approach to Veterinary Mobility Issues—What the COVID-19 Pandemic Taught Me.” Sponsored by Multi Radiance Medical, this session delves into Brunke’s personal triumphs. He not only survived the rapid increase in caseloads brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, but he also was able to thrive and grow his department.

A native of New York, New York, Brunke received his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Cornell University in 2000 and his veterinarian degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, 4 years later. In 2008, he was certified in rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner Program, and he now teaches for the program.

Additionally, Brunke completed the practice experience pathway for the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2017 and passed ACVSMR boards the following year. Brunke prefers using a practical approach that looks at the picture, and he has an affinity for orthopedic and neurological cases.

Kelly Cairns, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), presents “Rekindling the Spark: Sustaining Passion and Purpose From the Heart,” a talk that explores the sustainability of passion and purpose within the veterinary sector. The session is sponsored by Pathway.

Cairns earned her veterinary degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University in 2004. Upon graduation, she completed a small animal rotating internship at Cornell University in 2005 and a small animal internal medicine residency at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008, where she attained diplomate status. Cairns pursued a rewarding clinical practice as an internist and medical director of a multispecialty/emergency department hospital until 2018, when she left to join the Thrive Pet Healthcare team, where she is vice president of medical excellence and education for more than 400 pet hospitals.

A resident of the Chicago area, Cairns enjoys spending time with her 3 children, husband, 2 cats and a very sweet (but poorly) mannered Great Dane/Lab mix dog.

Mark Goldstein, DVM, and Marty Becker, DVM, present “I Wouldn’t Change a Thing.” The pair will recount their many triumphs and heartbreaks in the veterinary industry as well as their approach to achieving a happy and balanced life.

Goldstein has dedicated more than 4 decades to treating, advocating, and fighting for the welfare of animals. He received his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Cornell University in 1974 and his veterinary degree from Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1978. He served as a senior staff clinician in the medicine department at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and was the head of the Boston MetroPark Zoo before heading to the West Coast with his family. Goldstein led the Los Angeles Zoo as executive director and president. It was there that he got involved with 1 of the most successful release programs, the reintroduction of the California Condor back into the wild.

Goldstein then followed his heart and took the helm at the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, where he oversaw the design, development, and completion of the "San Diego Campus for Animal Care." Most recently, Health Communications Inc. published his book, 

Lions, Tigers, and Hamsters: What Animals Large and Small Taught Me About Life, Love, and Humanity

. Following his talk, Goldstein will be in the Exhibit Hall, where attendees can purchase a copy of his book which he would be honored to sign.

Although he is officially retired, Goldstein has a passion for educating and mentoring young adults considering a career in animal welfare.

Becker earned his veterinary degree from Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He is the founder and CEO of Fear Free, LLC, which aims to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating those who care for them. Becker has always had a deep love of animals and continues to practice veterinary medicine at the VCA North Idaho Animal Hospital.

As a former contributor to Good Morning America for 17 years and a member of the board of directors of American Humane, as well as its chief veterinary correspondent, Becker has paved a long career in the industry. His passion and advocacy for the human-animal bond led him to serve as an adjunct professor at the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.

Stephen Cital, RVT, SRA, RLAT, VCC, CVPP, VTS-LAM (Research Anesthesia), presents “Taking Back Our Career and Breaking Glass Ceilings.” In his talk, Cital will be candid about his experiences in nearly every facet of the veterinary sector with the goal of imparting inspiration and encouragement that many technicians and assistants may need to break glass ceilings in the industry.

Cital is a registered veterinary technician who became certified as a surgical research anesthetist (SRA) and registered laboratory animal technician (RLAT) through the Academy of Surgical Research and the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. Cital is one of the country's top veterinary cannabis experts within the United States, educating veterinary professionals on safe and effective use of cannabinoids in the clinical settings. He is also a certified veterinary pain practitioner (CVPP).

Cital is the executive director of the Academy of Laboratory Animal Veterinary Technicians and Nurses and has a veterinary technician specialist (VTS) in laboratory animal medicine and works as a private consultant.

Cital also writes book chapters and delivers award-winning international lectures. He is an advisory board member for local veterinary colleges, a board member for multiple veterinary organizations and industry partners, a key opinion leader for several pharmaceutical/device companies, and chief operating officer (COO) for the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds and Veterinary Cannabis Academy Facebook and webpages.

Renowned veterinary professionals will present 4 keynote sessions at the 2021 Fetch dvm360® San Diego conference.

Meet our keynote faculty speakers

To be successful, leaders need to continually examine, evaluate, and recalibrate their leadership skills. Despite all the resources available today, both online and off, it is not always clear where to turn for guidance. Among all the noise, Mia Cary, DVM, CEO and change agent for Cary Consulting, and CEO for the Pride Veterinary Medical Community, has found a source of clarity and inspiration in Apple TV’s 

One might wonder what a television comedy-drama can contribute to the veterinary profession. In her upcoming talk at the Fetch dvm360

 Conference in San Diego, California, December 2-5, 2021, Cary will explain that wisdom and guidance can be taken from even the unlikeliest source.

, Cary, who resides in Greensboro, North Carolina, described how she created a session out of a comedy. “I had been told for over a year by multiple people that I should watch the 

 series and I kept putting it off. When I finally sat down to give it a shot, I ended up binge-watching the entire first season, and the next day wrote the outline for ‘What 

 Teaches Us About Leadership and Life,’” Cary said. “I can’t wait to share it with you! Spoiler alert, it’s all about the choices that we make.”

, decisions that propel individuals in a positive direction by creating sustainable momentum or eliminating unnecessary effort. She said these smartcuts are critical in encouraging the lateral thinking required to continually improve in practice, leadership, and life in general. Cary stated that harnessing smartcuts is important in the “ongoing evolution of how we practice the art and science of veterinary medicine, and how we continue to expand our leadership prowess.”

 and which insights will resonate with veterinary professionals? Cary will dive into a variety of leadership essentials, including how kindness is powerful and underrated, why small gestures can have a massive impact, and where play and laughter belong.

Here’s a sneak peek at 1 of 8 leadership and life smartcuts from Cary and 

Kindness is an underrated tool that leaders often relegate to “nice to have” instead of “must have.” Cary said encouraging kindness in the workplace starts with leading by example. Because sometimes it’s the little things, an example she provides is starting staff meetings with a “kindness round” in which team members are invited to acknowledge each other’s wins. In her session, Cary will give more tips for using kindness to be a better leader and how it can improve the workplace.

To learn about the other 7 smartcuts and how 

can make leaders better, conference participants can attend Cary’s session on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at 1:15 pm in Room 31 A of the San Diego Convention Center.

Quality leadership is a moving target. Mia Cary, DVM, believes a fictional soccer coach holds the keys to success.