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David Hall, cofounder of GeniusVets, and Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, discuss findings from a GeniusVets survey on practice ownership

Current trends, threats, and opportunities for veterinary practice owners in 2024

This Q&A style-article takes a deep dive into insights on cancer care for pets

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Effective feline infectious peritonitis treatment

This year’s recipient is Joshua Blakemore, CVPM, RVT, FFCP 

VHMA announces 2024 Practice Manager of the Year 

Following its guilty plea, Envigo will pay the largest-ever fine in an animal welfare case

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Wrap up: Researchers identify genetic mutation causing progressive retinal atrophy, and other news   

The collaboration between Odie Pet Insurance and Insuritas will give Insuritas’ financial institution clients access to Odie’s pet insurance coverage

New partnership between pet insurance organizations announced 

dvm360 is the authority of veterinary medicine news, expert insights, animal health and pet care products, research, and regulations for veterinary professionals.


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Successful veterinary practices challenge themselves to grow and identify new ways to improve the quality of the veterinary healthcare they provide.

Try new ideas to grow your business

This creates a huge need for structured training if a practice wants to continue to practice progressive medicine.

Stretch opportunities to grow your staff

What can we say about fees and fee structure that hasn't already been said?

Establishing fees as different as individual practitioners

Accountability is responsibility taken to the next level.

Accountability

Twenty-eight veterinary management professions recently earned the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) credential through the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA). The CVPM credential is recognized and respected by practice leaders and others in the veterinary industry, according to the association

The VHMA provides training, education, and resources to more than 5000 members and serves as a trusted resource that the veterinary sector relies on for industry insights, research, and advocacy to assure performance at the highest levels. VHMA's core purpose is to advance and support veterinary practice management professionals by developing professional competence, supporting, and encouraging standards through the industry's highest-level certification program, the CVPM

 and providing individuals with a network for professional connection and support.

The association's voluntary CVPM credential is recognized as a sign of professional achievement and excellence and is awarded to those who demonstrate the knowledge and experience necessary to manage the ever-changing operations of today's veterinary practices successfully. Applicants are tested rigorously on relevant management knowledge in human resources, law and ethics, marketing, organization of the practice, and finance.

The CVPM exam is offered electronically across North America to registered candidates

Before sitting for the exam, applicants meet practice management experience requirements and must demonstrate that they have earned sufficient formal education and continuing education credits.

The April 2024 class includesSara Aho, Michelle Lynn Beck, Gail Bigelow, Shantell Bogedain, Crish Bowles, Lauri Brown, Jordanne Day, Shirley Devera-Caldwell, Kathy Diesen, Amanda Marie Durden, Tina Dziewior, Mei-Ling Flesch, Sarah Jackson, and Carma Jeanette Johnson. Also, receiving the CVPM credential are Annemarie Jones, Connie Lovello, Vonnie Meraz, JoAnna Miller, Kelley Molitor, Sara Nunimaker, Jennifer Reynolds, Chartia Robinson, Rachelle Romano, Rex Salzsieder, Sarah Small, Esteban Sotomayor, Carly Taft, and Jessica Wright.

Veterinary practice managers earn prestigious CVPM designation. News release. Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. April 25, 2024. [email]

Roles

VHMA awards CVPM credential to 28 practice managers

Anaplasmosis, a global disease that typically affect ruminants, including cattle, sheep, and goats, is a common disease in southern United States. Moreover, anaplasmosis can sometimes result in death, particularly in adult cattle.

 The spread of this illness has been reaching unprecedented levels across the US, according to a news release.

 Helping to tackle this issue is an inactivated bovine anaplasmosis vaccine, the world’s only one of its kind.

The vaccine by University Products, a specialist in approved bovine vaccines for experimental use, provides a cost-effective, sustainable, and easy-to-administer solution for a “cattle industry under siege,” according to the company. Although conventional approaches like pest control and chlortetracycline (CTC) medications offer partial relief, they do not offer effective protection of herds both presently and in the long term.

 According to the FDA, CTC Type C medicated feeds are not approved for treating or preventing anaplasmosis. Rather, these feeds are approved only for the control of active infection of this illness.

“Antibiotics were never meant to be a routine cure, but are an emergency response to breakthrough infections," Gene Luther, director at University Products, said in the news release.

 "Antibiotic overuse can lead to major antibiotic resistance. They're also not cost-effective. Vaccination is really the only route that makes sense, both biologically and economically.”

The inactivated bovine anaplasmosis vaccine was developed at the Veterinary Science department of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. It received USDA approval for its production and sale as an experimental anaplasmosis vaccine to veterinarians in 29 states. There have been no reported cases of neonatal isoerythrolysis in calves of vaccinated cows and the vaccine has been administered to cows at all stages of pregnancy without any reported issues, according to the company. The USDA, however, has not conducted efficacy or potency tests on the vaccine.

The vaccine necessitates 2 doses in the 1st year, followed by an annual booster. Given its prevention mechanism, it offers protection against the loss of animals to the illness and reduces antibiotic resistance, unlike the CTC feed. Moreover, the vaccination is less costly than the combined expenses of using CTC feed and continuous pest control efforts. Additionally, the cost of testing animals for anaplasmosis and then culling or isolating those infected further strains ranchers financially, making vaccination a more economical choice, according to company.

, a bacterium that does not infect humans but is infectious in ruminants.

 It mainly spreads via infected tick and horsefly bites, with horseflies having the ability to transmit the disease for up to 2 hours after feeding on an infected host.

After animals have been infected, anaplasmosis can spread through contaminated equipment or through blood. Symptoms typically appear 3 to 6 weeks after an animal has been infected and can include anemia, fever, depression, and isolation. Severe symptoms in infected adult cattle consist of jaundice and death. In young ruminants, however, early diagnosis proves difficult, as they may only show signs of fever and increased breathing rates, making many of these young animals chronic carriers.

Anaplasmosis in cattle. The University of Tennessee Extension. Accessed July 19, 2024. 

https://utbeef.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/127/2020/11/AnaplasmosisInCattle-ASB288-FMH-WWG.pdf

University Products' bovine anaplasmosis vaccine: The superior solution over pest control and CTC medicines. News release. University Products LLC. July 17, 2024. Accessed July 19, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/university-products-bovine-anaplasmosis-vaccine-the-superior-solution-over-pest-control-and-ctc-medicines-302199392.html

Questions and answers: FDA Approved free-choice feeding options for anaplasmosis control in cattle. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed July 19, 2024. 

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/development-approval-process/questions-and-answers-fda-approved-free-choice-feeding-options-anaplasmosis-control-cattle

History of anaplasmosis vaccine. University Products LLC. Accessed July 19, 2024. 

The inactivated bovine anaplasmosis vaccine may help reduce antibiotic resistance to medicated feed

Clinical

Experimental bovine anaplasmosis vaccine may offer cattle protection

Strong leadership in the pet and veterinary industry is crucial for sustaining business efficiency. Moreover, good leadership in the veterinary industry can improve the quality of pet care and pet products, and contribute to the professional growth teams in the industry.

Several veterinary businesses have recently appointed new leaders. Among those advancing in their careers are the following individuals:

Heather Pasquale, RPh, general manager of the U.S. Vet Business Unit for Royal Canin North America

Royal Canin, a subsidiary of Mars Incorporated, recently appointed Heather Pasquale as the General Manager of the U.S. Vet Business Unit for Royal Canin North America. Prior to her new role, Pasquale led Vetsource International at Royal Canin and developed an independent veterinary pharmacy online. In her new position, her focus will be on fostering growth and support within the veterinary community, ensuring that Royal Canin continues to be a trusted partner in animal health and nutrition. Her new role will involve building stronger relationships with veterinary customers, broadening product offerings, and providing educational resources to veterinary partners.

"I could not be more excited to join the Royal Canin North America team, specifically to lead the Vet Business Unit for the U.S. I am confident my experiences across Mars and those roles prior to joining Mars prepared me for this great honor and challenge. With the amazing team already in place, I know we are going to make a tremendous impact on pets and the people who care for them,” Pasquale said in a news release by Royal Canin.

"Our business and our partners will benefit greatly under Heather's leadership, which will leverage her vast experience across the veterinary industry both regionally and globally,” Daryn Brown, regional president of Royal Canin North America, said in the release.

 “She not only understands our current business and industry, but she has a keen understanding of future trends and will help our customers prepare for upcoming needs in pet care. Heather is committed to making A Better World for Pets and the veterinary industry as a whole.”

Alejandro Bernal, DVM, MS, MBA, CEO of Wedgewood Pharmacy

Alejandro Bernal recently became the new CEO of Wedgewood Pharmacy. Bernal is an experienced Animal Health executive with more than 25 years of experience in global leadership roles within the animal health and pet care industries. Before joining Wedgewood, he served as president and CEO of PetDx, and previously led the consolidation and operations of a network in Europe and Asia of 700 veterinary hospitals, as well as Antech Diagnostics in North America, while serving as president for Mars Veterinary Health International and Diagnostics. He obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Universidad de Caldas in Colombia, earned a Master’s of Science from Texas A&M University, and an MBA from Universidad de los Andes, Colombia and Manchester Business School, United Kingdom.

“I am honored to be appointed chief executive officer of Wedgewood Pharmacy,” Bernal said in a news release.

 “As the leader in veterinary compounding, Wedgewood makes it easy to treat animals with unique medical needs. I’m inspired by the opportunity to impact the future of millions of pets and their caregivers with Wedgewood’s products, services and insights.”

“We are very excited about the future of Wedgewood Pharmacy.” Kevin Vasquez, chairman of the Wedgewood Board, said in the release.

 “[Alejandro is] a collaborative and solution-focused leader who will continue the company’s commitment to innovation and care for the health of animals.”

Anthony Loomis, DVM, group vice president for VCA Animal Hospitals

VCA Animal Hospitals, a national network of hometown animal hospitals, welcomed Anthony Loomis as its new Mid-Atlantic region group vice president. Loomis’ medical interests include small animal surgery, dentistry, and exotic pet care. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, Loomis enjoys leading teams and introducing innovations to advance the veterinary profession. Moreover, he is dedicated to enhancing the client experience and ensuring the wellbeing of the veterinary team.

Prior to joining VCA, Loomis owned a practice in New Jersey and served as chief medical officer for PetVet Care Centers, a network of more than 460 specialty and general practice veterinary hospitals throughout the United States. Loomis received his degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. His career has included work with zoos, aquariums, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

John Boshart, BSc, vice president of veterinary API and business development at Brains Bioceutical Corp

John Boshart has been appointed as vice president of veterinary active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) business development at Brains Bioceutical Corp (Brains Bio), a manufacturer and pioneer of plant-based APIs. Boshart’s new appointment shows Brains Bio's dedication to harnessing pharmaceutical knowledge and research to propel animal health care forward, according to the company.

 The division will use the company’s proprietary cannabinoid science to produce cannabinoid products tailored for veterinary use. This blend of scientific expertise and “legal empowerment” establishes a strong framework for innovation in animal wellness and health care, according to the release.

"Leading this dynamic initiative at Brains Bio is an exhilarating opportunity to apply both my industry experience and our company’s unique capabilities toward advancing animal health care globally,” Boshart said in an organizational release.

 “Our division is uniquely positioned to spearhead significant developments in veterinary health, driven by a combination of scientific excellence, robust licensing, and strategic partnerships. The potential to transform how health care is delivered to animals is tremendous, and I am committed to ensuring we achieve substantial and meaningful impacts as well as robust growth."

"By enhancing our veterinary health division, we are not just expanding; we are redefining the role of innovative solutions in the veterinary landscape. Under the seasoned leadership of John Boshart and supported by our unmatched scientific resources, we are poised to set new benchmarks in the industry. This expansion represents a significant stride towards our vision of making a global impact by providing groundbreaking solutions to the critical health challenges facing animals worldwide," Ricky Brar, CEO of Brains Bio, said in the release.

Scott Hansen, CEO of Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority

The board of Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), the regulator of agricultural and veterinary chemical products of the Australian government, recently named Scott Hanson its new CEO. The appointment will be a 5-year term and is scheduled to begin on July 24, 2024. Murray Watt, minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, stated that Hansen was chosen by the board as the most qualified candidate for CEO after a merit-based selection process, according to a news article.

Before his election as APVMA’s new CEO, Hansen was the director general of New South Wales (NSW) Department of Primary Industries, which manages statewide initiatives, including research and development to expand agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors, as well as overseeing regulations and administration of biosecurity, food safety, animal welfare, and hunting in NSW. Prior to that, he was the managing director of MEAT and Livestock Australia.

“Mr Hansen is an experienced leader with more than three decades of experience in managing large and complex organizations in primary industries,” Watt said in a news release,

 adding that Hansen “also has a strong track record in driving innovation and culture change to lift performance.”

Royal Canin North America names Heather Pasquale general manager, U.S. Vet Business Unit for Royal Canin North America. News release. Royal Canin. July 2, 2024. Accessed July 11, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/royal-canin-north-america-names-heather-pasquale-general-manager-us-vet-business-unit-for-royal-canin-north-america-302187166.html

Wedgewood announces CEO retirement and appointment of new CEO. News release. Wedgewood Pharmacy. July 2, 2024. Accessed July 11, 2024. 

Check out the latest news in the veterinary industry with these 5 recent position promotions 

Kurt A. Oster, MS, SPHR

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