Patrick Gries, 54, was sentenced to 8 months in federal prison after admitting and pleading guilty to stealing opioids from the veterinary clinic where he worked for almost 2 decades.

“Health care professionals, including veterinarians, who take needed medications from their patients not only harm the patients but also put at risk the trust that consumers have in those who provide medical care to their companion animals,” said special agent in charge George Scavdis, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations - Metro Washington Field Office, in an organizational release.

 “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who put the safety and health of pets at risk by tampering with their patients’ medications.”

From 1994 to 2021, Gries was a surgeon at VCA Amherst Hospital in Amherst County, Virginia. As the hospital's primary surgeon, Gries had access to the hospital's supplies of Dilaudid and began withdrawing portions of the drug from its vials and injecting himself. According to the release,

he would replace the stolen substances with another substance, typically butorphanol or saline, and then return the altered drug back into inventory.

“When health care professionals put the well-being of others at risk, they violate the trust placed in them by the public and will be held accountable. My Office will continue to prioritize these cases throughout the Western District of Virginia,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh expressed.

According to the release, Gries pled guilty to 1 count of adulteration of a drug held for sale after shipment in interstate commerce and 1 count of distribution of a controlled substance without a written prescription in January 2022.

This case was investigated by the FDA – Office of Criminal Investigations, the DEA— Diversion Control Division, and the Virginia State Police. Assistant US Attorney Michal Baudinet was the case prosecutor.

Amherst county veterinarian sentenced for opioid theft. The United States Department of Justice. June 22, 2022. Accessed June 29, 2022. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/pr/amherst-county-veterinarian-sentenced-opioid-theft

Articles

Former veterinarian sentenced to 8 months in federal prison over theft

Virginia veterinarian sentenced for opioid theft

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common diagnosis that can be severely debilitating for a pet’s mobility and quality of life. Managing this progressive and degenerative disease process has evolved over the years as research reveals new therapies as part of a multimodal approach. Two sessions, both sponsored by Synovetin OA, at the Directions in Veterinary Medicine conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, addressed osteoarthritis management, and highlighted modalities the speakers have brought into their own practices.

Radiosynoviorthesis: targeted injectable therapy for elbow OA

Matt Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA, and Kirsty Oliver, VN, DAVN (surgical), RVT, CCRP, CVPP, VTS (rehab), delivered the joint session “Injectable therapy for canine elbow osteoarthritis.” Brunke focused a portion of his talk on a technique called radiosynoviorthesis (Synovetin OA) as novel therapy approved for elbow OA management in canines. This therapy is an injection of radioactive Tin-117m that decreases macrophages and subsequently decreases synovitis, which is associated with the pain and inflammation at the heart of OA.

 Brunke addressed the concept of targeted therapy in a previously recorded episode of 

in which he said: “If you only have one arthritic joint, why are we giving systemic meds? While [they are] safe and efficacious, there's a chance that they could have issues, and if your only issue is in 1 elbow, then why not approach that 1 elbow, right?

Although some treatments tend to treat OA by reducing inflammation or targeting the pain receptors, the aim of radiosynoviorthesis is to address the underlying disease state. Inside the joint affected by OA, a vicious cycle of inflammation causes the synovial membrane to swell and the cartilage to deteriorate, said Brunke. He explained radiosynoviorthesis treatment targets the macrophages and synovia sites that are being overproduced by the body and driving the inflammation and pain.

Radiosynoviorthesis employs microparticles of the novel radionuclide Tin-117m, which are are suspended in a colloid and injected into the joint. The Tin-117m microparticles stay in the joint and emit low energy conversion electrons with 0.3-mm range of activity. This provides targeted, nonsystemic therapy without clinically significant local or systemic adverse effects, according to the manufacturer.

 Inflammatory macrophages and synovia sites selectively engulf the microparticles and are deactivated by the conversion electron energy. The microparticles remain active and are engulfed again by nearby synovia sites and macrophages for sustained action against inflammation. The microparticles decay to harmless inert tin, with clinical effects lasting up to a year with a single injection, says the manufacturer.

Brunke and Oliver said this treatment is a valuable addition to their multimodal approach to OA. “The treatment for osteoarthritis needs to be multimodal,” said Oliver, while presenting her session “The What and How-tos of Physical Rehabilitation.” She continued,“We are past the days when… we just give some NSAIDs and tell them to take a rest for 10 to 14 days. We're better than that; we can do better than that.

Oliver said that she and Brunke have so far used this technique on 80 patients for a total of 137 joints, mostly dog elbows, in their practice and have been seeing improvements to mobility and pain that last upward of 12 months.

 “Hands down on efficacy, this has been my game changer,” said Brunke. “Instead of gaining like 5 or 10 degrees of range of motion, which is clinically relevant, we’re gaining 20 to 30 degrees of range of motion within a month. Our lameness scores are dropping from 3 to 1 within 2 months, and that has been beneficial.

Brunke M, Oliver K. Injectable therapy for canine elbow osteoarthritis. Presented at: Directions in Veterinary Medicine; June 24-25, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana.

Targeted therapy for canine osteoarthritis. dvm360. June 15, 2022. Accessed June 22, 2022. https://www.dvm360.com/view/targeted-therapy-for-canine-osteoarthritis

Donecker J, Stevenson NR. Radiosynoviorthesis: A new therapeutic and diagnostic tool for canine joint inflammation. 2020. Accessed June 27, 2022. https://www.synovetin.com/sites/default/files/2021-07/EXN-SYN-024%20RSO%20Tin117-m%20Tech%20Bulletin_MECH3_READER.pdf

Oliver K. Introduction to rehabilitation: the what and how-tos of physical rehabilitation. Presented at: Directions in Veterinary Medicine; June 24-25, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana.

Industry-leading lecturers shared an emerging approach for multimodal osteoarthritis treatment

Targeted injectable therapy for canine elbow osteoarthritis

Sari Lieberman, LVT, joins The Vet Blast Podcast to share her path to inventing the Doppler Band, an easy way to secure a Doppler to a patient. She explains how the product works and gives tips on entrepreneurship for the veterinary professional out there with an idea for the next big thing. 

Below is a partial transcript. Listen to the full podcast for more.

: It's called the Doppler Band. And since you can't you, you can't see it, I'll explain it to you. It's made up of latex, with some strategically placed velcro dots that engage when you wrap it around the foot or the tail or whatever area you're going to place it. But what makes it most unique is the crystal cradle. And so the cradle keeps the probe in place so that the Doppler Band doesn't go anywhere and it just snaps right in...and then you wrap it around. It doesn't matter how much ultrasonic gel you use. It's not going to come off. 

And it's also because of its elasticity. The band can be just adjusted for any patient, and it doesn't restrict blood flow because it basically breathes with the patient. And then when you're finished with it, you can clean it and dry it. You place the crystal back in into the cradle, wrap it around, and it protects the probe until its next use. It lasts between 8 to 12 months if you take care of it correctly, and it takes less than 5 seconds to place it and go. Tape doesn't do any of that.

Podcasts

Sari Lieberman, LVT, explains how the Doppler Band went from idea to innovation

Entrepreneurship: inventing the 5-second Doppler placement solution

Daily Supplement Bites. (Image courtesy of Tailored Pet).

Tailored Pet—a direct-to-consumer, personalized pet food, treats and supplements brand—announced its new wellness product line for the summer season in a recent company release.

 The new products include a supplement aimed at improving mobility and freeze-dried raw meat treats.

Annina Silverman, chief marketing officer of Tailored Pet commented in the release, “We're excited to expand our product lines to offer these new veterinarian-approved products specially designed to work together as part of a routine to help dogs live their heathiest, happiest lives.”

The mobility supplements are daily chewables designed to improve mobility and flexibility and reduce inflammation. These supplements, according to Tailored Pet, are aimed at helping dogs maintain healthy movement well into their senior years. The supplements are formulated with ingredients glucosamine, chondroitin, and menhaden fish oil to help support hip and joint health. The chewables are marketed as meat flavored, with inactive ingredients listed as pork liver powder and bacon flavor.

"We're so excited to add supplements to our comprehensive line of products designed to help pups live full and healthy lives." These mobility supplements are great for dogs of all ages, specifically senior and large breed pooches that are prone to hip and joint issues," Silverman stated.

The second product, Freeze-Dried Raw Mixers, are nutrient-dense bites are made with single source animal protein including U.S. sourced beef liver or chicken. The company offers this product in “beef liver” or “chicken and brown rice” variety.

 Tailored suggests using these freeze-dried bites as meal toppers, training treats, or regular reward treats. The company ensures that its freeze-drying process preserves the fresh raw whole food, while eliminating food-borne pathogens.

Eat. Sleep. Treat. Repeat: Tailored Pet unveils exciting new products to simplify doggie wellness routines during the busy summer months. News release. Tailored Pet. June 28, 2022. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eat-sleep-treat-repeat-tailored-pet-unveils-exciting-new-products-to-simplify-doggie-wellness-routines-during-the-busy-summer-months-301576330.html

https://tailoredpet.com/collections/supplements

Tailored Pet unveils new products designed to simplify the daily wellness routine of dogs

Tailored Pet adds new supplements and treats for its summer product line

Wellness Pet Company—creator of natural dog and cat food and treats—has expanded its line of Wellness Bowl Boosters by debuting Wellness Bowl Boosters Freshly. This new product can be given on their own as a nutritious meal or as a topper and are specifically formulated to combine with kibble for a nutrition-supercharged bowl.

WellnessBowl Boosters Freshly recipes are made with real, healthy ingredients that are chosen when they are the most fresh. They are then frozen to retain the nutrients. The high-quality meat and healthy grain and vegetable ingredients help promote a soft skin and coat, all-day energy, digestion, strong teeth and bones and immune health.

"As pet parents, we seek fresh, whole-food ingredients for ourselves for the same reason we want them for our dogs: to see all-day energy, strong bones and immunity as we navigate life's adventures and share a life together," said Danielle Bernal, BVSc, veterinarian at Wellness Pet Company.

"When you supercharge your dog's bowl with Wellness Bowl Boosters Freshly, you supercharge all that you do together: more backyard frolicking, longer walks around the neighborhood, more road trips to that favorite trailhead, cozier cuddles, more energetic play dates, and of course more meaningful mealtimes,” she added.

WellnessBowl Boosters Freshly Chicken & Butternut Squash

Wellness Bowl Boosters Freshly Beef & Carrots

Wellness Bowl Boosters Freshly Turkey & Sweet Potatoes

WellnessBowl Boosters Freshly PUPPY | Turkey & Rice (coming soon)

WellnessBowl Boosters Freshly is currently available in freezers at specific PetSmart locations, online at PetSmart.com and Chewy.com and will be available at Petco in late summer.

Dogs get a boost of fresh nutrition: Wellness Pet Company enters the fresh pet food segment to supercharge dogs' kibble. Wellness Pet Company. June 28, 2022. Accessed June 28, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dogs-get-a-boost-of-fresh-nutrition-wellness-pet-company-enters-the-fresh-pet-food-segment-to-supercharge-dogs-kibble-301576445.html

Can be served alone or with kibble to improve the nutrition of a pet’s food and enhance the bond with their owner

Wellness Pet Company launches Wellness Bowl Boosters Freshly 

Image courtesy of Da Chang, BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

Content submitted by BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital, a dvm360® Strategic Alliance Partner

Our individuality is our power. Yet sadly, many of us are fearful or even ashamed to be our true selves. What many people do not realize is that by hiding our true selves, over time, we begin to erase parts of ourselves—the parts that make us unique and the parts that bring richness to our society and world.

The legacy of LGBTQ+ Pride Month is one that advocates for the opposite. It honors our uniqueness and the boldness of our truths. It is a time for unapologetic self-celebration and proclamation to ourselves and to the world. While I may not be a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am and have always been an ally. In honor of Pride Month, I am sharing my story—of immigration, understanding, and allyship—and why we must each take on the role of “ally” to propel our society forward.

I came to this country in 1984 as a first-generation Chinese immigrant. Despite not knowing English and appearing different than most people in the small Maine town my parents landed us in, we were warmly welcomed by the community. I began first grade that September under the direction of Ms. Susan Grover. Ms. Grover and my classmates were immediately accommodating. However, there were many instances in which I felt out of place. For example, when standing for the pledge of allegiance. “Why is everyone standing in such a way, and what did the words they were saying mean?” I questioned. Yohei, a fellow pupil and immigrant from Japan, surely felt the same as I did those first few days.

While I did not realize it at the time, Ms. Grover and my classmates were my first allies. Ms. Grover was committed to helping me succeed and during the first week of school sent me home with a notepad that my mother and father could address concerns and questions through. Ms. Grover not only made an intentional effort to encourage communication and collaboration between parent and teacher but conveyed her dedication to helping me assimilate and thrive as a student. This was also my first experience in a truly inclusive environment. The faculty encouraged my mother to volunteer as well as offered opportunities to teach about the Chinese culture at the school, while Ms. Grover made teaching me English a priority. In fact, Ms. Grover made teaching me English a priority for all my fellow classmates as well.

I have always felt fortunate having this experience so early on in my journey in America, but it was not until adulthood that I realized the true impact these allies and their actions had on who I am today.

Allyship, by definition, is “an active, consistent, and arduous practice of unlearning and re-evaluation, in which a person in a position of privilege and power seeks to operate in solidarity with a marginalized group.” Allyship is not limited to the LGBTQ+ community, but as mentioned earlier, also includes other marginalized groups of people such as immigrants, women, people with disabilities, and Black, indigenous, and other people of color. Everyone can be an ally, especially when your identity puts you in a position of privilege respective to a particular group. Like my allies once stood beside me as a first-generation immigrant, I now stand as an ally for those people in LGBTQ+ communities.

As the world becomes increasingly diverse, bringing together people of all religions, cultures, and backgrounds, and our human rights are points of debate on both state and federal levels, it is important that begin to understand and appreciate each of our differences. Because of my experiences, I have an acute appreciation for differences and actively seek out conversations where I can learn and grow, both as an individual and as a leader. While these conversations can be intimidating, and at times difficult, they are critically important as they break down barriers, breed alliances, and allow for the improvement of conditions and resolution of problems. Allyship and the communication that arises from this relationship builds stronger, more collaborative communities and businesses. In addition to these benefits, allyship:

brings large numbers of people together to foster powerful changes

. Intersectional collaboration can be more effective in reaching goals than if each group operates alone.

brings an opportunity for community development

. Each group has unique strengths, perspectives, ideas, and wisdom that can enrich the larger community. Sometimes a fresh perspective from one community can solve an old problem for another.

helps us understand each other to better overcome and prevent divisions

. Misunderstandings or misconceptions result in a loss of opportunities (personally and professionally), inequality, violence, and more. The better we understand one another, the better we can resolve key issues.

One powerful initiative that aims to cultivate allyship globally is The Human Library Organization. The Human Library is, in the true sense of the word, a library of people. The organization hosts events where “readers” can “borrow” human beings who serve as open books and have conversations they would not normally have access to. Every human book represents a group in society that is often subjected to prejudice, stigmatization or discrimination because of their lifestyle, diagnosis, belief, disability, social status, ethnic origin, etc. The initiative is designed to challenge stigma and stereotypes and bring about understanding between groups.1

Like The Human Library, each day we have opportunities to better understand the people and world around us. I implore you to take them. This quote on the power of choice and seeking understanding by American writer and 1962 Nobel Prize in Literature winner, John Steinbeck, really resonates with me: “Try to understand men. If you understand each other, you will be kind to each other. Knowing a man well never leads to hate and almost always leads to love.”

Allyship in the workplace can come to be in many ways. Bringing more seats to a decision-making table or offering safe places, virtual or in-person, to discuss the realities facing a particular group breeds these connections amongst employees. Let us first look at why diverse opinions are needed at every table.

It is a basic democratic principle: The persons affected by a decision must be involved in formulating the solution. For programs or policies to be effective, people of diverse backgrounds and roles must be included in the decision-making process. This means allowing continual opportunities for input during the development process as well as feedback after implementation. With support from those people and groups affected, follow-through and broader acceptance will be more likely to occur. This also leads to a more equitable and productive workplace overall. For example, research shows that when management or leadership understands and appreciates their employee’s cultures, employees feel valued (or a part of a community) and thus are more productive.

Allyship in the workplace also occurs through employee resource groups (ERGs), also known as affinity groups or diversity groups. ERGs are designed to build community, provide support, and foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with the organization’s values. ERGs are usually led by employees who share a particular characteristic, such as gender, ethnicity, or religious affiliation, but alliesalso have the opportunity to join. Through organized meetings, both allies and those members of a specific group fight for equality and create broader forums for all people to share ideas that aim to bring about better work and societal conditions.

There are many allies within my organization’s diversity resource groups. In our Pride group, there are Black people, and within our Women’s History Group, there are people of Hispanic Heritage. I, as an Asian, am a part of the Pa’lante LatinX Group. Understanding one another's experiences, and the influences that these groups have had on our mainstream history and culture, are vital to having an accurate view of our society and our communities and determining powerful paths forward.

What is the community or world you hope for? Is it equitable, diverse, and inclusive? As those within the LGBTQ+ community celebrate this month, remember to use your power as an ally to empower those whose voices are not heard as loudly and create the just world you wish for. There are many reputable sources online to help guide you in your journey to being a better ally, and there are many ways you can begin your journey today. Here are a few ways to start:

Confront your own bias, prejudice, and privilege

Research to better understand experiences different from your own

Recognize inequalities and microaggressions in daily life, and explore their impacts

Listen and try to understand the experiences of marginalized communities

Advocate for systemic changes at work and in the community

Allies are needed now, perhaps more than they have ever been before. Together, let us make use of our privileges, challenge oppression of all types, and ensure that people of all genders and orientations are free to be themselves, within and outside of organizations.

How allyship can help make progress toward a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future

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