The 2025 Fetch dvm360 Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, was held May 30-31 at the Music City Center. This 2-day veterinary conference brought together world-class speakers, immersive hands-on labs, and a show-stopping lineup of unique experiences.

By day, attendees were immersed in cutting-edge sessions and hands-on labs designed to sharpen their clinical skills. By night, they kicked back with live music, Southern bites, and the kind of camaraderie only the veterinary community can bring.

Continuing education (CE) credits from Fetch Nashville can still be earned through dvm360’s 

 platform. The following articles feature a few of the event’s faculty speakers and what they brought to the conference:

Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea and protozoa, have a critical role in the health of animals.

In her lecture, Vicky Ograin, MBA, RVT, VTS (Nutrition), discussed the gastrointestinal microbiome and how it can be modulated with prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics.

Mark J. Acierno, DVM, MBA, DACVIM (SAIM), professor at Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine in Glendale, Arizona, offered a detailed run-through of the urinary incontinence exam, during his lecture. The condition is especially common in large-breed female dogs, and affects many spayed female dogs and large-breed canines.

What business opportunities exist for veterinary technicians?

Tabitha Kucera, CCBC, RVT, KPA-CTP, VTS, discussed the numerous career pathways and opportunities for veterinary technicians.The talk focused on the diverse career paths for veterinary technicians beyond traditional clinical roles and how they use their unique veterinary expertise to create business opportunities and increase earning potential.

Registration is open for the next Fetch dvm360 Conference in Nashville, May 29-30, 2026. To learn more and to register, visit the 

Articles

Dive into 3 essential takeaways from the 2025 Fetch dvm360 Conference in Nashville

3 must-reads from Fetch Nashville

Researchers at Purdue University are working to develop a universal influenza vaccine for cattle, which includes protection against the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1). The university is receiving a $301,562 grant for the study from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research’s (FFAR) grant program, titled Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR), which offers quick funds for research and outreach on emerging or unanticipated threats to the US food supply or agricultural systems.

Although cases of H5N1 in United States dairy cattle have slowed down over the last few months, “sporadic” detections of positive cases continue to be reported, according to the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.

 On July 11, 2025, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the first positive H5N1 detection in a dairy herd from California since early June.

 To date, 1075 herds across 17 US states have tested positive for the virus.

“The detection of avian influenza in dairy cattle, with risk of infection to dairy workers, underscores the need to develop effective vaccines for non-avian species. This rapid funding is providing the US dairy industry with urgently needed tools to protect animal health, farmers’ livelihoods and consumers’ wallets,” said Miriam Martin, PhD, scientific program manager at FFAR, in a news release by the foundation.

For this latest study, researchers will use previous knowledge obtained from earlier work on influenza A viruses and a bovine adenoviral vaccine platform to create a universal influenza vaccine for cattle. According to FFAR, the vaccine is projected to have effectiveness against viral mutations as well.

The team, which will be led by Suresh K. Mittal, DVM, PhD, distinguished professor of virology at Purdue, will also investigate the best method for administering the vaccine. To do this, they will explore intranasal and intramuscular delivery routes.

“Because this vector system is so universal, we can use it for any agent and for any host,” said Mittal in the news release.

 "The research outcomes will result in an effective vaccine for H5N1 in cattle.”

The study will be carried out in concert with Rafael C. Neves, DVM, MSc, PhD, associate professor of food animal production medicine, and Ekramy Sayedahmed, BVM, MS, PhD, assistant professor of poultry medicine, both of whom are associated with Purdue.

The study is not the first to receive a grant from the FFAR for its research on an H5N1 vaccine. Earlier this year, the foundation awarded a startup mRNA/nanoparticle animal vaccine company based in Iowa a $278,163 grant.

In addition to using the funds to develop an H5N1 vaccine for cattle, the company, Genvax Technologies, is using diagnostic tools to differentiate between infected and vaccinated cattle. Genvax is also leading experiments to ensure the tools also work for calves. 

The research is being led by Hank Harris, DVM, PhD, cofounder of Genvax and emeritus professor of Iowa State University. The company plans to submit data from the studies to the US Department of Agriculture’s Center for Veterinary Biologics with the aim of obtaining a conditional license that will allow them to use the vaccine on dairy farms.

FFAR research aims to protect dairy cattle against H5N1. News release. Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research. June 25, 2025. Accessed July 15, 2025. 

https://foundationfar.org/news/ffar-research-aims-to-protect-dairy-cattle-against-h5n1/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

HPAI confirmed cases in livestock. US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. July 9, 2025. Accessed July 15, 2025. US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock

Schnirring L. Quick takes: More H5N1 in dairy cattle, US COVID wastewater uptick, polio in Pakistan. Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy University of Minnesota. July 11, 2025. Accessed July 15, 2025. 

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/quick-takes-more-h5n1-dairy-cattle-us-covid-wastewater-uptick-polio

FFAR grant develops H5N1 vaccine for dairy cows. News release. Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research. April 23, 2025. Accessed July 15, 2025. 

https://foundationfar.org/news/ffar-rapid-research-develops-h5n1-vaccine-for-dairy-cows/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The vaccine will offer protection against H5N1 and is projected to be effective against future viral mutations.

Researchers to develop universal influenza vaccine for cattle

On this special update of Vet Watch, Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, shares the current state of Screwworm, and what the United States is doing to fight the spread, but is it enough?

New World screwworm invasion: A looming threat to US borders

Vet Watch: Tips and pitfalls of dermatology in the new age of isoxazolines

Vet Watch update: New tick species is implicated in alpha-gal syndrome

Real-world ophthalmology: Diagnosing and managing eye conditions in pet

Vet Watch: What's going on with the rattlesnake vaccine (Crotalus atrox toxoid) and the USDA?

: This is a Vet Watch update, I'm Christopher Lee. The enemy approaches Cochliomyia hominivorax, the new world screwworm continues its March northward, and Mexico has officially reported over 2300 cases, but we estimate that the real number is much higher. And right now, this obligate parasite may be less than 100 miles from the US border, and unlike typical maggots that feed on necrotic tissue, this screwworm larva loves living flesh. It will, in fact, disfigure and kill livestock, pets, wildlife, and yes, even you. 

Now, the last time we had this parasite in the US, we fought back by releasing 800 million sterile flies each week. Since the females only mate once, this technique was able to eradicate screwworm in the 1960s but instead of 3, we only have 1 active facility that is [The Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm] in Panama, and they are releasing only 100 million sterile flies per week. That's not enough. 

The good news is that reinforcements are coming. The Mission, Texas plant, [(Moore Air Base)] is being expanded for screwworm production, and the Tuxtla facility in Mexico is switching back from fruit fly sterilization to screwworms. But this threat is real. The invasion is coming, but we've beaten this before, and we're preparing to beat it again. Stay alert. Stay informed and stay tuned here at Vet Watch only at 

Videos

Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, provides his insights into the fight against New World screwworm—which includes an expanded screwworm production facility—in this Vet Watch update

New World screwworm invasion update: A looming threat to US borders

Spot Pet Insurance and Sam’s Club announced an exclusive program for its members where they can receive up to 15% plan discount, plus 10% multi-pet discount on all added pets after the first one. The partnership will also give Sam’s Club members access to over 110 pet medications at Sam’s Club pharmacies for $80 or less.

"Pet owners can often face overwhelming financial challenges when it comes to their pets' health, with unexpected emergencies frequently exceeding $1000," said Trey Ferro, Spot Pet Insurance chief executive officer, in an organizational release.

"At Spot, we're committed to being a critical lifeline, offering affordable and impactful plan options to help ensure pets can get the care they need with less financial strain."

According to the organizational release, this partnership hopes to represent a significant evolution into how pet insurance and health benefits are delivered to consumers.

 Pet insurance, which is normally offered online through veterinarians or adoption centers, at Sam’s Club members will gain access to discounted premiums and for the first time, lower prices on prescription medications for pets.

Through these benefits, Sam's Club members are gaining access to Spot’s new model which delivers savings to clients right when they are buying what they need, plus customizable plans which offer flexibility and comprehensive coverage.

"Spot is launching the first of its kind pet prescription benefit program fully integrated with participating Sam's Club's retail pharmacies — eliminating pharmacy claim paperwork and reimbursement delays," explained Sherri Keeth, Sam's Club VP/DMM, Healthcare & OTC.

 "More than 110 commonly prescribed pet medications will be available directly at Sam's Club pharmacies for $80 or under, including treatments for allergies, anxiety, and more. Members can also have access to essentials like a select flea, tick, and heartworm preventative medication for cats and a select heartworm preventative medication for dogs for no out of pocket cost."

Along with its partnership with Sam’s Club, last month Spot announced a campaign with Kesha for its Tails Out Tour Shelter Contest, which is a fast-driven campaign supporting animal shelters nationwide. Prior to her album launch on July 4

, guests were invited to a listening party and mingled with adoptable pets from Wags and Walks.

 With the launch of the campaign, fans can visit the Spot website to vote for their favorite shelter up until July 20, 2025. Each vote is a $1 donation, up to $1000 per shelter, from Spot. The hospital with the most votes will win a grand prize Spot-sponsored adoption event that will include

Waived adoption fees for every adopted pet

Goodie bags from Spot Perks partners for new pet parents

A dedicated Instagram Story shoutout from Kesha

"Animals have always been my safe space. They're healers, best friends, and family," Kesha stated in the release.

 "Partnering with Spot is about making real change—giving pets the care they deserve and helping shelters do what they do best: find these animals the loving homes they need."

Spot Pet Insurance Launches an ExclusivePet Rx Program Exclusively for Sam's Club Members. News release. Spot Pet Insurance. July 10, 2025. Accessed July 15, 2025. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spot-pet-insurance-launches-an-exclusivepet-rx-program-exclusively-for-sams-club-members-302502624.html

Kesha and Spot Pet Insurance Kick Off Pet Health Campaign with Exclusive LA Listening Party & Shelter Celebration. News release. Spot Pet Insurance. June 18, 2025. Accessed July 15, 2025. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kesha-and-spot-pet-insurance-kick-off-pet-health-campaign-with-exclusive-la-listening-party--shelter-celebration-302485668.html

Members will be eligible to receive up to 15% discounted insurance coverage plans from Spot Pet Insurance, and more. 

ExclusivePet Rx Program now available exclusively at Sam’s Club  

Tatiana Henriques Ferreira, DVM, PhD, MSc, DACVAA, discusses environmental impacts of anesthesia in a dvm360 interview at NAVC SkillShop.

Environmental considerations for anesthesia

Tatiana Henriques Ferreira, DVM, PhD, MSc, DACVAA, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, and Marlis Rezende, DVM, PhD, MSc, DACVAA, an associate professor of anesthesia and analgesia at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences in Fort Collins, co-presented a lecture on inhalant anesthesia vs total intravenous anesthesia at the 2025 North American Veterinary Community 

 interview, Ferreira discusses the environmental impacts of inhalant anesthesia use, including how these gasses affect air and water quality.

The following is a transcript of the video:

Tatiana Henriques Ferreira, DVM, PhD, MSc, DACVAA

: Healing anesthetics are potent greenhouse gasses, so we do worry about the impact of those gasses in our environment. So trying to minimize that by decreasing oxygen flow during anesthesia is critical, right? Like, I know a lot of people jump to go into 1-2 liters per minute automatically, which is not necessarily required for all the patients. So when you do this, you definitely minimize the exposure of the environment to greenhouse gasses.

Even though we think about inhaling anesthetics as being gas or eliminated [into] and affecting the air, [they] do have an effect on the water as well, especially if you're using sevoflurane. So sevoflurane does have a higher metabolism…rate compared to isoflurane. Isoflurane can be, like, very low, like less than point 2%. However, so it can be 2% to 5% metabolized, and it generate metabolites in byproducts that can stick to the environment for a long, long time. And then after metabolism, that's going to be excreted in urine, and there you go.

So you have water contamination as well as air contamination. And like I said, these metabolites are really hard to get rid of, and they stick to the environment for a long time. So we definitely have to keep that in in mind as well when you're using inhalants.

Tatiana Henriques Ferreira, DVM, PhD, MSc, DACVAA, discusses how certain pain management methods affect air and water quality, in a dvm360 interview.

Environmental considerations for inhalant anesthesia

The veterinary industry’s first virtual care protocol using 

 (also known as sirolimus) to treat cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is now available to cat owners across multiple US states. The drug has been shown to slow or reverse left ventricular hypertrophy and improve diastolic function before symptoms develop.

The telemedicine protocol, launched by Petspan, enables cat caregivers who might face barriers to in-person veterinary care to access the treatment remotely. “Petspan was created to translate the most rigorous longevity science into practical care for pets," Daniel Tawfik, CEO of Petspan and Healthspan, said in a company news release.

 "Our HCM protocol gives cat parents access to a therapy supported by peer-reviewed research demonstrating efficacy, pioneering the clinical application of rapamycin in veterinary cardiology while removing geographic barriers to this cutting-edge treatment."

The protocol consists of 4 steps: registration, a virtual cardiology consultation with a board-certified specialist, prescription, and follow-up. Additionally, clients will have access to ongoing asynchronous monitoring through virtual visits, as well as access to customized formulations of rapamycin available as a compounded liquid or a coated, brand-name pill. According to Petspan, the treatment is compounded to cater to each patient’s weight and HCM stage.

Delayed-release rapamycin works by inhibiting the mTOR pathway. mTOR, a protein kinase responsible for regulating cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and protein synthesis, plays a role in the abnormal cardiac growth seen in HCM. “The mTOR pathway is a central driver of maladaptive cardiac growth in HCM. Rapamycin's targeted inhibition offers genuine disease modification rather than merely managing symptoms—a paradigm shift in feline cardiology,” Stephanie Sheen, DVM, chief veterinary officer at Petspan, said in the release.

Up to 15% of cats are affected by HCM, with Maine coon, Ragdoll, British shorthair, Chartreux, Persian, and sphynx cats being predisposed to the disease. The condition, which causes the heart walls to thicken, is found in 1 in 3 cats older than 9 years and is the leading cause of death in adult cats.

 The definitive cause of HCM in cats is still unknown. Until recently, a therapeutic treatment for HCM did not exist.

In the landmark RAPACAT trial—a clinical study that assessed the effects of once-weekly delayed-release rapamycin in cats with HCM—it was found that cats receiving low-dose rapamycin exhibited “significantly reduced” maximum heart wall thickness compared with the placebo after 180 days.

Additionally, most pet owners observed measurable improvements to their cat’s cardiac health within 8 to 12 weeks.

Currently, pet owners in California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, DC, can enroll their cats for the protocol.

Petspan launches first telemedicine protocol using rapamycin to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. News release. Petspan. July 8, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2025. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250708613679/en/Petspan-Launches-First-Telemedicine-Protocol-Using-Rapamycin-to-Treat-Hypertrophic-Cardiomyopathy-in-Cats

Bautista-Alejandre A. First drug to reverse feline HCM expected to receive FDA conditional approval. 

. February 25, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/first-drug-shown-to-reverse-feline-hcm-expected-to-receive-fda-conditional-approval

McCafferty C. FDA conditionally approves first drug for feline subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. 

. March 14, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/fda-conditionally-approves-first-drug-for-feline-subclinical-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy

The virtual hypertrophic cardiomyopathy protocol is available to cat owners across 20 US states.