Roseman University announced earlier this summer that it has submitted a letter of intent to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE) to begin the planning process for a new veterinary school in its Henderson, Nevada campus.

 The university’s proposed College of Veterinary Medicine would become the first veterinary school in the state of Nevada.

Roseman, a nonprofit private institution accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has campuses in Nevada and Utah offering programs in nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, and medicine.

 If accredited by the AVMA COE, the proposed College of Veterinary Medicine would expand the university’s offerings in the health professions and create a local pathway for students in the state wishing to pursue veterinary medicine.

With the submission to the AVMA COE, Roseman will be able to proceed with its preliminary planning and development process, which includes consultation with veterinary professionals in the state for establishing clinical partnerships. The proposed 4-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree program will consist of a semi-distributive model with Roseman-based clinical rotation across equine, large animal, and companion animal medicine, according to the AVMA.

 Additionally, the program will offer off-campus rotations at partner sites throughout the area.

 The university has not yet announced a specific launch date for the program. 

According to the AVMA, Roseman joins almost a dozen other universities who are in different stages of seeking accreditation from the COE.

Lyon College breaks ground on a new veterinary school

“Our goal is to create a veterinary program that is not only academically rigorous but also deeply mission-driven,” Katherine Fogelberg, DVM, PhD, MA, proposed founding dean of the veterinary college, said in the university news release.

 “We want to train veterinarians who are equipped to serve all communities—urban and rural, pets and livestock, locally and nationally.”

Katherine Fogelberg, DVM, PhD, MA. (Image courtesy of Roseman University)

Fogelberg, an army veterinarian with more than 10 years of clinical experience in small animal general and emergency practice with work in zoo and wildlife medicine, earned her DVM degree from Texas A&M University and her PhD in science education from Texas Christian University. She is an editor and contributor of a recently published veterinary education textbook, is a founding member and past president of the Academy of Veterinary Educators, and is one of 32 esteemed educators chosen to spearhead the development of a worldwide veterinary educator certification process. In her prior role, Fogelberg was the director of the Center for Innovation in Veterinary Education and Technology and associate professor of veterinary medicine at Lincoln University.

In the program’s initial planning, Fogelberg will lead the design, planning, operation, and assessment of the proposed program. “Launching a veterinary college requires both a strong vision and deep engagement with the community it will serve,” Renee Coffman, PhD, president and cofounder of Roseman University, said in the release.

 “Dr Fogelberg brings the right combination of experience, insight, and passion to help Roseman build a veterinary program that responds to the growing needs of Nevada and the surrounding region.”

Roth J. Roseman University to begin planning for College of Veterinary Medicine in Nevada, names founding dean. News release. Roseman University of Health Sciences. June 16, 2025. Accessed July 8, 2025. https://www.roseman.edu/student-experience/news/roseman-university-to-begin-planning-for-college-of-veterinary-medicine-in-nevada-names-founding-dean/

About us. Roseman University of Health Sciences. Accessed July 8, 2025. https://www.roseman.edu/about/

Roseman takes first step toward becoming Nevada’s first veterinary school. American Veterinary Medical Association. July 7, 2025. Accessed July 8, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/roseman-takes-first-steps-toward-becoming-nevadas-first-veterinary-school

Articles

Roseman University’s proposed College of Veterinary Medicine would provide a local pathway for students in the state interested in veterinary medicine

Planning is underway for what will be Nevada’s first veterinary school 

Gallant has raised $18 million in a Series B funding round, the animal health biotechnology company recently announced. The funding, according to Gallant, will help support the development and potential commercialization of its off-the-shelf stem cell therapies.

Gallant’s ready-to-use stem cell therapies mark the development of a “new category” in veterinary medicine, as described by the company.

 The platform uses mesenchymal stem cells derived from the uterus. These self-renewing cells have the ability to differentiate into other types of cells.

The therapies focus on addressing the root cause of some of the most prevalent diseases in cats and dogs, with the company’s first product for refractory feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) being on track to receive FDA conditional approval in early 2026. FCGS, a painful, highly inflammatory, immune-mediated oral mucosal disease, affects up to 26% of domestic cats.

 In at least 10% of cases, the disease can become life-threatening.

Gallant’s new therapy for FCGS may become the first FDA-labeled, allogeneic stem cell therapy for veterinary use. The product would not only provide new treatment options for feline patients facing FCGS, but would establish a regulatory pathway for future off-the-shelf stem cell therapies in pets.

“The FDA approval of the first human allogeneic stem cell therapy was a historic milestone, and we’re looking forward to delivering this breakthrough therapy for animal health,” Linda Black, DVM, PhD, CEO of Gallant, said in a news release.

“Gallant has made significant strides in a short time, advancing a new class of therapies grounded in science and built for scale,” Teymour Boutros-Ghali, managing partner at Bold Capital—a supporter of the Series B financing round, added.

 “As it moves through FDA review toward commercialization, we’re excited to stand behind a team pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in veterinary care.”

Additional products in this new line of therapies include treatments for canine and feline osteoarthritis, canine atopic dermatitis, and feline chronic kidney disease, all which will continue to be developed with the funding. The funding round was led by Digitalis Ventures, with NovaQuest Capital Management joining as a new investor and Hill Creek Partners continuing their support. 

A survey by Gallant of more than 800 veterinarians throughout the United States found that 56% of veterinarians are satisfied with current therapies for canine osteoarthritis, with most respondents agreeing that current treatment focus on managing symptoms instead of addressing the underlying disease.

 Only 8% of veterinarians surveyed showed satisfaction of current treatments for FCGS.

 According to Gallant, approximately half of participants indicated a strong interest in using regenerative medicine as a treatment for diseases.

“Regenerative medicine is entering its prime—we’ve seen it firsthand with the success of allogeneic stem cell therapies in human healthcare,” Brian Axe, partner at NovaQuest, said in the release.

 “Gallant is bringing that same caliber of science to animal health with off-the-shelf therapies for pets targeting the root cause of disease where current care falls short.”

Gallant closes $18 million Series B to bring ready-to-use stem cell therapies for pets to market. News release. Gallant. June 30, 2025. Accessed July 8, 2025. 

https://www.gallant.com/news/gallant-closes-18-million-series-b-to-bring-ready-to-use-stem-cell-therapies-for-pets-to-market/

Cona LA. What are mesenchymal stem cells? DVC Stem. Accessed July 8, 2025. 

https://www.dvcstem.com/post/what-are-mesenchymal-stem-cells

Soltero-Rivera M, Shaw C, Arzi B, Lommer M, Weimer BC. Feline chronic gingivostomatitis diagnosis and treatment through transcriptomic insights. 

. 2024;13(3):192. doi:10.3390/pathogens13030192.

Veterinarians agree: Current treatments manage symptoms; anticipate regenerative options—Gallant study.

The funding will support Gallant’s treatment for refractory feline chronic gingivostomatitis, which is in development.

Veterinary stem cell therapy advances toward FDA approval with $18M in funding

Petco Love is providing $100,000 towards the cost of cancer treatments for dogs and cats over 2 years, as part of a long-standing partnership with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York.

 This investment is in addition to the $100,000 in grant funding that Petco Love provided to the University of California-Davis (UC-Davis) School of Veterinary Medicine earlier this year, in support of cancer care and research initiatives.

“Cancer in a pet can have a profound effect on a family,” Cheryl Balkman, DVM, DACVIM, oncology section chief at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals in Ithaca, said in a news release.

 “This investment from Petco Love enables our clients to seek treatment for their pets and lessens their financial stress in an already trying situation.”

A national nonprofit, Petco Love aims to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. It also helps find loving homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4000 organizations across North America. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested nearly $421 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts and has had more than 7 million pets adopted.

Petco Love, in partnership with Blue Buffalo, has invested $750,000 in Cornell for pet cancer treatments since first partnering with the university in 2016. These funds have been used to help provide chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery to at least 276 families. The new $100,000 investment will support the Petco Love & Blue Buffalo Pet Cancer Treatment Support Fund, which is available to Cornell University Hospital for Animals clients, who otherwise could not afford the cost of treating their pets with cancer.

“Cancer doesn’t just affect people—it takes the lives of too many beloved pets,” Susanne Kogut, JD, president of Petco Love, said in a news release

 “Together with Blue Buffalo, we’re empowering pet parents with education, resources, and hope to help pets fight and survive this disease.”

Since the launch of the Pet Cancer Awareness (PCA) initiative in 2010, Petco Love and Blue Buffalo have together invested $21 million in pet cancer research and treatment, funding cutting-edge studies and helping thousands of pets receive the care they need. Petco Love supports 15 partner organizations and oncology universities by investing in pet cancer research and subsidizing treatment costs for pet owners in need.

Petco Love has granted UC-Davis a total of $750,000 in funds since 2016. The recent $100,000 grant received by UC-Davis is helping to fund patient treatment for cancer, early cancer detection in pets, and advancing research for cancer in domestic companion animals.

“These funds have been invaluable in helping clients who wish to pursue treatment for their pet’s cancer, but who don’t have the financial means to do so,” Kathrine Skorupski, DVM, professor of clinical medical oncology at UC Davis said in a university report.

 “Cancer treatment consisting of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy can be expensive, and this grant helps reduce that source of stress for our clients. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide the best possible cancer care for clients with limited financial means.”

Additionally, the Veterinary Center for Clinical Trials at UC Davis conducts more than 50 research studies at any given moment, including numerous clinical trials focused on cancer, to advance animal health care. These studies aim to develop new, safe, and effective treatment options for companion animals.

National nonprofit Petco Love invests in Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine to save and improve the lives of pets through veterinary cancer treatments. News release. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. July 8, 2025.

Bautista-Alejandre A. UC Davis receives $100,000 grant to advance pet cancer research and treatment. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/uc-davis-receives-100-000-grant-to-advance-pet-cancer-research-and-treatment

Warren R. Continued philanthropic support helps UC Davis provide highest quality cancer care. UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine. March 31, 2025. Accessed April 1, 2025. 

https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/continued-philanthropic-support-helps-uc-davis-provide-highest-quality-cancer-care

The funds will be used to support pet owners who cannot afford chemotherapy, surgery and other life-saving treatment

Petco Love invests $100,000 in cancer care at Cornell University

Small mammal pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rats, often experience serious welfare problems that many owners and even animal care professionals overlook. A recent study surveyed veterinary experts across Europe to identify the most critical welfare issues affecting these animals. By analyzing expert ratings of severity and prevalence, investigators created a ranked list of concerns for each species. Their findings reveal widespread welfare concerns related to housing, diet, social needs, and health care. These results point to the urgent need for action through better education, regulation, and care standards.

The study clearly identified housing size as the most pressing welfare concern for nearly all species, with rats as the sole exception. In rats, respiratory disease surpassed all other issues in impact, underscoring its serious effects on health and quality of life. Despite a growing body of knowledge about appropriate housing requirements, most owners still fail to provide suitable environments. Many cages sold commercially do not meet the basic physiological or behavioral needs of these animals. For instance, rats need vertical space to rear up fully, yet most cages do not offer this, severely limiting natural behavior.

Veterinary professionals, regardless of their location, consistently rated small housing as a top concern. Research shows that inadequate space significantly affects both physical and psychological wellbeing. For example, rabbits in cramped hutches display stress behaviors and reduced movement, while hamsters housed in small cages often develop stereotypical behaviors like wire-gnawing. Mice actively choose larger cages when given the option, showing that space affects not just physical health but also emotional wellbeing.

Respiratory disease in rats emerged as the most impactful welfare issue across all species studied. More than 60% of rat owners reported this problem, with causes ranging from poor ventilation and dusty bedding to stress and infection. This condition can shorten life expectancy and severely affect quality of life. Simple changes in husbandry, such as better air circulation, clean environments, and reduced stress, could prevent many of these cases. However, without proper education, most owners cannot implement these changes.

Inappropriate diets also scored highly across nearly all species. Guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils are especially vulnerable to poor nutritional practices. These animals require species-specific diets rich in fiber and low in sugars. When fed incorrectly, they develop serious issues such as dental disease, digestive disorders, and obesity. For grazing species like rabbits and guinea pigs, continuous access to roughage is essential. Without it, their teeth grow uncontrollably, leading to painful malocclusions and even starvation. Owners must understand the importance of consistent, high-quality nutrition.

Social needs and behavioral enrichment also emerged as major welfare gaps. Rabbits, chinchillas, and degus (small, burrowing rodents native to Chile that are similar to a prairie dog) suffer from being kept alone, despite their naturally social behavior. Many owners house them in isolation, unaware of the stress and behavioral issues that follow. Some species, like hamsters, require solitude, but others need companions to thrive. Inability to express natural behaviors because of poor housing or social deprivation ranked among the top issues for multiple species.

To address these issues, researchers call for better education, improved regulation, and increased availability of suitable housing and diets. Regulating pet retailers to ensure all enclosures meet minimum standards could dramatically improve conditions. Providing educational materials at the point of sale would ensure owners start with the right knowledge. Focusing resources on the most pressing concerns, especially inadequate housing and poor diet, could significantly improve the welfare of millions of small mammals.

is a 2026 PharmD candidate studying veterinary pharmacy at the University of Connecticut in Storrs.

Fenton L, Benato L, Mancinelli E, Rooney NJ. What are the most prevalent welfare issues for pet small mammals? 

. 2025;15(10):1423. doi:10.3390/ani15101423

Study results indicate an urgent need for education, regulation, and care standards for these animals

Prioritizing welfare: key issues facing small mammal pets

Accurate blood analysis is essential for early disease detection, but traditional methods can be time-consuming and complex. Zoetis Vetscan OptiCell™ introduces new opportunities to improve efficiency and precision for in-clinic hematology applications. Powered by advanced artificial intelligence (AI), Vetscan OptiCell can help veterinary professionals to identify blood cell abnormalities within minutes, with greater confidence, supporting clinical decision-making and contributing towards improved patient care.

Expert Insights: How AI Is Shaping Veterinary Hematology

Veterinary diagnostics are evolving rapidly, and nowhere is this more evident than in the field of hematology. As clinics face increasing demands for speed, accuracy, and efficiency, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into diagnostic tools is transforming how veterinarians approach blood analysis.

Austin Viall, DVM, DACVP, associate professor of clinical pathology at the University of California Davis, has observed significant advancements in in-clinic CBC analyzers over the past 15 years. Recent developments have brought microscopy and dye-based methods, once exclusive to reference laboratories, into the hands of in-clinic practitioners, enhancing diagnostic capabilities at the point of care.

One of the most promising innovations in this space is Zoetis’ Vetscan OptiCell™, a next-generation hematology analyzer powered by AI. Designed to deliver rapid, reliable Complete Blood Count (CBC) results, Vetscan OptiCell enables veterinary professionals to identify blood cell abnormalities within minutes, supporting faster clinical decision-making and helping to improve patient care.

AI in tools such as Vetscan OptiCell functions as a powerful assistant to veterinary healthcare teams, generating reliable results that will help complete the clinical status of the patient and with seamless integration to practice management software.

This supportive technology does not replace veterinary expertise but – importantly – amplifies it. When used correctly, AI enhances diagnostic capabilities, treatment planning, and medication prescription while allowing the clinician to make the final decision on patient care. As AI continues to evolve, the need for continuous training and education about its potential uses and limitations is vital.

Staffing shortages and burnout could also be relieved with AI’s ability to pick up more of the repetitive tasks, allowing veterinary teams to focus more on patient interaction and complex case management. This efficiency is especially valuable in busy practices where time and resources are limited.

Expanding the Zoetis diagnostics portfolio

In addition to the Vetscan OptiCell analyzer, Zoetis is pushing the boundaries of veterinary diagnostics with its Vetscan Imagyst® platform. The promise of Vetscan Imagyst was continuous innovation, and the company has delivered, with the most recent introduction of AI Masses. The latest indication enhances Zoetis’ cytology offering by enabling fast, accurate

AI analysis of lymph node and skin/subcutaneous masses, delivering results in minutes. Now with a total of seven unique testing applications, this makes Vetscan Imagyst the world’s most capable veterinary artificial intelligence (AI) analyzer.

The platform’s cloud-based architecture also enables remote consultations and second opinions, fostering collaboration between general practitioners and specialists. This connectivity ensures that even smaller or rural clinics can access advanced diagnostic insights without needing to send samples off-site.

While AI-driven diagnostics are still evolving, the potential for the technology is immense. As adoption grows, these innovations will not only improve operational efficiency but also elevate the standard of care, making advanced diagnostics more accessible to veterinary practices of all sizes.

The future of veterinary medicine lies in leveraging technology to support veterinarians in their mission to provide high-quality care, helping them navigate today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s demands. With AI-driven diagnostics at the forefront, the future of veterinary medicine is brighter than ever.

For more information, visit www.zoetisdiagnostics.com.

Zoetis Data on File. Study Report - DHXMZ-US-24-235

Zoetis Data on File. Study Report - DHXMZ-US-25-285

Zoetis Data on File. Study Report - DHXMZ-US-25-286

Vetscan Imagyst is the only commercially available analyzer on the market offering seven testing capabilities

How AI is shaping veterinary hematology

A powerful survival instinct that cats have is the ability to hide pain. As both predators and prey, cats evolved to mask signs of illness or injury to avoid being seen as vulnerable. In the wild, this meant safety. In clinical practice today, it often means late diagnoses and missed opportunities for early care. Cats are subtle when they’re unwell, and this contributes to one of the most persistent challenges in veterinary medicine: feline under-medicalization.

Although an estimated 74 million domesticated cats are in the US only 40%receive annual veterinary care, compared to 82% of dogs.

 According to the CATalyst Council, the current feline veterinary market is valued at $12 billion; however, if cat utilization matched that of dogs, the market could expand to $32 billion, representing an untapped $20 billion opportunity.

 Encouragingly, feline visits and revenue have grown even as other segments have plateaued. Yet detecting what cats instinctively hide continues to be the greatest barrier.

Illness in cats rarely begins with dramatic signs. Instead, it starts with small behavioral shifts:

Withdrawal or increased nighttime activity

Because cats tend to suppress these signs, especially in stressful environments like veterinary clinics, they often go unnoticed. This creates a species-specific blind spot in veterinary medicine.

Aligning with feline instincts to close the care gap

The medicalization gap isn’t just a matter of caregiver hesitation or access; it’s rooted in feline biology. Cats have evolved to hide signs of vulnerability. To close the gap, veterinary medicine must find ways to work 

This is where artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools come in. By observing cats continuously in their natural, stress-free environment, new technologies are surfacing subtle early changes that humans alone often miss. These tools don’t force cats to communicate; they interpret what cats are already expressing through behavior.

One innovation in this space is Moggie, a behavior-tracking wearable explicitly designed for cats. Moggie monitors core feline behaviors, including walking, jumping, resting, grooming, and play, by using AI to detect deviations from each cat’s individual baseline. It helps surface meaningful behavioral changes that could indicate early illness or discomfort.

This technology is passive, non-invasive, and designed for continuous use in the cat’s natural habitat, where stress levels are low and instinctual behaviors are most pronounced.

Early patterns from caregivers and clinics using AI-driven behavior tools have shown promise:

Decreased jumping flagged early-stage arthritis

Fragmented sleep and pacing pointed toward hyperthyroidism

Reduced grooming revealed underlying dental pain

These insights don’t replace veterinary exams; they complement them, giving caregivers and clinicians richer, continuous behavioral context between visits.

By equipping caregivers with objective insights and reducing reliance on subjective observation alone, AI-powered tools can:

Strengthen caregiver-clinic communication

This approach aligns directly with the CATalyst Council’s call for proactive, tech-enabled, and cat-centric models of care that meet cats on their terms, not just in exam rooms.

Cats will always hide pain, but that doesn’t mean we have to miss it. With AI, veterinary medicine is learning to detect the subtle signals cats have been conveying to us all along.

American Veterinary Medical Association. U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics. American Veterinary Medical Association. Published 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics

2025 Hill’s Pet Nutrition World of the cat report. Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Accessed July 2, 2025. 

https://na.hillsvna.com/en_US/resources-2/view/244

CATalyst Council Releases First 2025 Market Insights Report: Feline Veterinary Care Emerges as Industry Growth Driver. News release. CATalyst Council. April 30, 2025. Accessed July 2, 2025. 

https://catalystcouncil.org/catalyst-council-releases-first-2025-market-insights-report-feline-veterinary-care-emerges-as-industry-growth-driver/

Garrison G. The Feline Factor. Vet Advantage. Published May 2025. Accessed July 2, 2025. 

https://vet-advantage.com/vet-advantage/the-feline-factor/

When it comes to feline health, listen when silence speaks