Trevor DeBlase and Nan DeBlase recently filed a lawsuit against Mitchell Hill last month after Hill's car allegedly struck and killed the DeBlase’s dog, Duke, after failing to stop at a stop sign. Nan DeBlase was crossing through an intersection with Duke on a leash when the accident occurred. As a result of the lawsuit, the New York trial court allowed the claim of negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED) to proceed in this case.

When it comes to recovering monetary damages for a person’s emotional distress when the person is not physically injured, it can normally be very difficult. In New York, “bystander claims” have been limited to someone whose distress was caused by witnessing an immediate family member be seriously injured or die while also being in the “danger zone.”

In this case, the court had to determine whether a dog can be considered an immediate family member under New York law for the purpose of NIED claims. Typically, this designation was limited to children, spouses, and grandparents, with some possibility of other close relatives being included. Despite this case not involving veterinary medicine, both the New York State Veterinary Medical Society (NYSVMS) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) filed a brief that opposes the noneconomic damages claim.

“The problem for veterinarians is that this lawsuit erodes the concept that pets are property. Once they are considered to be family members under the law, it could quickly lead to claims against veterinarians for emotional losses. Since these claims could be much larger, it could in turn lead to an increase in legal action against veterinarians and higher insurance rates,” NYSVMS said in its release.

Trevor DeBlase and Nan DeBlase vs Mitchell Hill

, the judge ruled that Duke qualified as an immediate family member, but only Duke was leashed to the body of the person who saw her family pet’s death or serious injury, and she was also exposed to the danger. The judge worked to limit the ruling by indicating that if the dog had not been on a leash or was being walked by a dog walker, the ruling would have been different. The judge also stated the court did not contemplate allowing noneconomic damages if an immediate family member was not in the danger zone, and that this ruling should not be applied broadly or to veterinarians. 

“Veterinarians know as well as anyone the emotional impact that can accompany the loss of a pet. However, allowing for the payment of emotion-based damages can do nothing to address that loss. What it can do, if allowed and then applied more broadly, is drive up the cost of veterinary care. And that will harm pets by making it harder for their owners to provide the medical care they need,” the AVMA stated.

The AVMA has opposed the awarding of noneconomic damages in cases involving pets and has worked with state and local veterinary groups. Currently, this case is under appeal.

New York judge declares dog an immediate family member. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. July 11, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2025. 

https://www.avma.org/blog/new-york-judge-declares-dog-immediate-family-member?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-blog

Atkinson T. Non-economic damages lawsuit – Brooklyn. New York State Veterinary Medical Society. Published June 30, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2025. 

https://nysvms.org/non-economic-damages-lawsuit-brooklyn/

Articles

The ruling, which is currently under appeal, allows a claim for negligent infliction of emotional distress to proceed in a case where the pet was struck and killed by a car.

Dog declared immediate family member by New York Judge 

Happy Monday, dvm360 readers! We hope that you had a great weekend and are ready to tackle another week. Did you know that the dvm360 team is heading to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention this weekend in Washington, DC? Check in on dvm360.com, specifically our designated 

 and our social media channels to see our conference coverage of the event, expert interviews, and more!

Not going to AVMA Convention but want to head to Washington, DC this year? Well, you are in luck! Fetch is heading to National Harbor for the first time this September. Learn more about Fetch National Harbor and save your spot 

As we prepare for AVMA Convention, here is some other news you can find on dvm360.com this week:

dvm360’s chief veterinary officer Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, was announced as the winner of the AVMA’s Steve Dale Media Award. One of dvm360’s editors sat down with Christman to talk about winning the award for an article that will be available later on this week.

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine’s Large Animal Hospital recently treated Daisy Mae, an 18-year-old Paint mare, after she was injured in a trailer accident on the way to a chiropractor.

On this week’s episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, Christman welcomes Krista Halling, DVM, CCRP, DACVS-SA, to take a deep dive into the human-animal bond and what the science says about it, plus the impact a natural setting can have on a dog's mental and physical health.

Spot Pet Insurance announced that it launched an ExclusivePet Rx program for Sam’s Club members, where they can receive up to 15% off discounted Spot Coverage plans and access to over 110 medications at the Sam’s Club pharmacies.

Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and CoVet, an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) powered clinical documentation assistant, are now collaborating to bring CoVet’s program to its students, faculty, interns, and house officers. The yearlong initiative hopes to make significant steps toward the integration of AI in veterinary education.

Here is a sneak peek at this week’s headlines.

Sneak peek: dvm360 heads to AVMA Convention, and other news 

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) recently announced that it has expanded its Disaster Relief and Reimbursement Grants program to provide more support to veterinary professionals who have been affected by floods, hurricanes, wildfires, oil spills, tornadoes, and other disasters.

 The program aims to assist animals and the veterinary community who require basic necessities following an event that has been declared a disaster area at the local, county, state, or federal level.

“Given the frequency of natural disasters, we wanted to provide more support to our members and those within the veterinary community,” Rena Carlson, DVM, chair of the AVMF board of directors, said in an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) news release.

 "Many of our donors support disaster relief, and we decided we could increase our support when people need it the most.”

The updated grant program now allows practice owners, veterinary professionals, or veterinary responders to request up to $3000 to help cover basic needs created by a disaster. These may include necessities such as food, clothing, or medical care. Modest housing costs may also be covered for emergency temporary shelter, according to the AVMF.

 Previously, the grant amount limit was $2000.

Experts are providing animal care in flooded disaster areas of Texas

For AVMA members, up to $7500 can now be claimed to offset emergency veterinary medical care and boarding for animals that were affected by a disaster, marking a $2500 increase from the program’s original $5000 limit.

The AVMF reimburses the direct purchase cost of medical supplies from vendors. The organization also requires copies of receipts or other approved documents in addition to an application form.

be a licensed veterinarian, veterinary technician, veterinary or veterinary technician student, or staff member at a veterinary practice; and

have incurred emergency expenses for necessities as a result of the disaster listed on the application, such as expenses related to food, bottled water, clothing, medication or medical supplies, toiletries, blankets, or temporary shelter.

Only 1 application can be submitted per individual. Veterinarians from the same practice affected by the disaster must apply separately.

Applicants who have already received a disaster relief grant from the AVMF for the same disaster may not reapply. Additionally, current officers, directors, and employees of the AVMF or AVMA, including their spouses, dependents, and parents, are not eligible to apply for the program or receive disaster grants provided by it.

To be considered for a grant, applications should be submitted no later than 6 months following the disaster.

“The AVMF credits this expansion to donors who believe the profession rises and falls as one,” the AVMA wrote in the release. The statement went on to quote public health expert and educator Gary Vroegindewey, DVM: “It’s the power of the profession, all together.” In 2022, following Hurricane Ian, Vroegindewey was given an AVMF disaster relief grant after the event destroyed his home on Florida’s west coast.

The organization offers larger grants for major disasters. Between 2023 and 2024, the foundation granted $50,000 to Maui, Hawaii, following the devastating wildfire that caused approximately $5.5 billion in damages. The disaster was the fifth-deadliest wildland fire in the history of the US and the worst natural disaster in the island state’s history.

The foundation also gave out $720,000 in aid to Ukraine and $50,000 to Turkey’s veterinary association following the earthquakes that occurred during this time frame. Additional grants include the following

$10,000 to Guam in the wake of Typhoon Mawar

$25,000 to the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association and $20,000 to Lincoln Memorial University and Greater Good Charities after Hurricane Milton

$10,000 to Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences’ vet emergency team in the aftermath of the Texas wildfires

This year, the AVMF has donated $65,000 for recovery efforts associated with the wildfires in California.

AVMF increases disaster grants to support veterinary community. American Veterinary Medical Association. News release. June 30, 2025. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/avmf-increases-disaster-grants-support-veterinary- community?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-news 

Disaster relief grants for veterinary professionals. American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Accessed July 10, 2025. 

https://www.avmf.org/grants-and-scholarships/disaster-relief/disaster-relief-grants-for-veterinarians-veterinary-students/

Preliminary after-action report: 2023 Maui wildfire. News release. US Fire Administration. February 8, 2024. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/blog/preliminary-after-action-report-2023-maui-wildfire/ 

Veterinary professionals can now request up to $3000 to help cover basic needs.

AVMF expands disaster relief grant program

Nicole Westfall, Senior VP of Marketing at Zomedica, explains how integrated non-pharmacologic technology and fast-acting hemostatic gel can help veterinary dental professionals manage patient pain and bleeding before, during, and after oral surgery.

Non-Pharmacologic Solutions for Pet Dental Health From Prevention to Recovery

 presented by dvm360, host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, speaks with Nicole Westfall, Senior VP of Marketing at Zomedica, about innovative tools transforming veterinary dental care. They explore a synergistic approach that combines non-pharmacologic, targeted pulsed electromagnetic field therapy with fast-acting hemostatic solutions like VETIGEL® Hemostatic Gel and Static Gel to better manage dental complications. Westfall explains how the Assisi DentaLOOP™ device can be used before, during, and after surgery to reduce pain and inflammation, improve healing, and support more proactive care—even at home. The conversation also covers how VETIGEL® works to quickly stop bleeding, its versatility across clinical settings, and what dental practices need to know to enhance surgical care and patient outcomes.

 We're chatting about the synergistic approach of two great products that we have. We have the Assisi DentaLOOP™ and the VETIGEL® Hemostatic Gel and how those can work together when we're talking about our dental complications because how they can improve efficiency, reduce complications, and enhance patient comfort. So, let's talk about the Assisi DentaLOOP™. So, what is it?

 The DentaLOOP™ was actually made to use before dental procedures and then after, and the pet owners take it home. Now, you're very familiar with our regular loop. It's the same technology, it's the Targeted Pulse Electromagnetic Field technology, but in a smaller package. There's only 60 treatments in here. And you can see it's kind of formed like an L, so, it can go right over the nose. You've got a three-inch treatment radius on either side, or for those long-snouted dogs, you can fold it completely flat and go under it as long as it's within three inches of the treatment field.

And what most clinics are doing right now is that they're rolling it into the overall cost of the dental procedure, sending it home with pet owners a week before, having them use it two to four times a day to reduce the pain and inflammation before the dental procedure. And then they use it after four times a day to speed recovery and to use less medicine.

Which I think is so smart. So, to the listeners, we're talking about the DentaLOOP™ and how it can be positioned around the nose. And pet owners really want a proactive approach.

They want to do something with their dogs and cats, which I think is great. And the fact that this is non-pharmacologic and it helps reduce pain and inflammation before we do dental extractions, I can imagine, think of the full mouth extractions. So those listeners out there, you know that they're out there with those cats and you really want to get ahead of it with that. That's great. So, why is this such a game changer?

Well, it's pretty simple. So first, you don't need to give any drugs with this. I mean, you can use this to help knock down the pain and inflammation first and then decide what your next course of treatment is.

It gives the pet owner something they can do at home to make their pets feel better both after and before. And it gives them peace of mind that they're doing something to make the surgery actually go easier. And then it just reduces complications and things like that. That would come with a lot of medicine being given out.

Yeah, absolutely. And it's cost effective. I like that a lot of veterinarians are incorporating this into the cost of the overall dental price or whatnot. So that's great. Okay. And then we also have the VETIGEL®. So, this is for immediate bleeding and faster recovery. And what is it?.

VETIGEL® is a fast-acting hemostatic gel that stops bleeding in seconds without needing direct pressure. So, it's pretty easy to use, Adam. I know you'll probably tell us about some of the dental procedures you've done.

But it comes in this little syringe that we're showing right here. And there are different tips that you can buy to put on it. And basically, anywhere that is bleeding, you just squeeze it in there and then pack it with wet gauze. And it immediately stops bleeding.

Which is great. I know when we're burying and we're removing those upper fourth premolars, for instance, or a canine tooth, man, those suckers can bleed. They really can. So, the fact that we want to clear the surgical field, especially when I'm doing the flap afterwards, and you can put this in, apply the gauze, good pressure to it. It works great. And it works quick, which is really, really nice as well.

And I'm thinking also, and I don't do this, but I know dentists that use these for mandibulectomy and even more advanced oral surgery. It helps reduce surgical time and improves the safety for that. And I also think of emergency care situations that these happen.

Podcasts

The FDA has approved fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension (Bravecto Quantum; Merck Animal Health), for protection against fleas and ticks in dogs. The drug is indicated for canines ages 6 months and older, and is the first product approved by the agency for flea and tick protection in dogs for 8 to 12 months.

Fluralaner is an isoxazoline antiparasitic drug. Several products containing isoxazolines are approved for the treatment and control of fleas and certain ticks in dogs and cats, according to the FDA. However, these products generally provide protection against fleas and ticks for 1 month.

Fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension is indicated for treatment and prevention of flea infestations as well as black-legged tick, American dog tick and brown dog tick infestations for 12 months in canines aged 6 months and older. The product is also FDA-approved for the treatment and control of lone star tick infestations for 8 months in canines ages 6 months and older.

The product is approved in more than 50 other countries. It was first approved in Australia and New Zealand in 2023 and in the European Union the following year.

Christine Royal, DVM, vice president, companion animal and equine business unit, Merck Animal Health, said the company takes pride in its leadership with long-acting preventive parasiticides. “[We] are excited to offer a convenient option that gives dogs year-round

 comprehensive protection from fleas and ticks in one easy injection they can receive from their veterinarian,” Royal said in a news release.

 “The approval of Bravetco Quantum sets a new standard in pet care by providing veterinarians and pet parents with a safe and effective option when it comes to flea and tick protection for dogs.”

Pet owners are encouraged to consult with a veterinarian to determine whether a product in the isoxazoline class is appropriate for their pet. Veterinarians should review a patient’s medical history before deciding on a drug therapy. 

Isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures in some dogs and cats, according to the FDA. Other adverse reactions observed in dogs and cats include lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes, pruritus, lumps or swelling at the injection site, and a hypersensitivity reaction. However, these products are commonly used, and the agency has determined they are safe for most dogs and cats.

Veterinary teams should also advise dog owners about using fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension in breeding dogs and define the appropriate treatment interval (8 vs 12 months) based on the species of ticks the dog is likely to encounter.

“Though people often think of flea and tick season during the summer months, studies have shown that while fleas and ticks are most active from early spring through the fall, they can be a threat year-round, especially knowing it only takes a few warm days for ticks to become active,” Frank Guerino, PhD, associate vice president of global pharmaceutical development, Merck Animal Health, said in a news release.

 “With Bravetco Quantum, a single dose provides year-long, continuous protection, simplifying care for both pet owners and veterinarians, and promoting compliance.”

Fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension is available by prescription from a licensed veterinarian, who then administers the drug.

 Merck Animal Health expects the therapy to become available on the veterinary market by August 2025, through clinics and hospitals.

FDA approves first long-acting flea and tick treatment for dogs. FDA. July 10, 2025. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-approves-first-long-acting-flea-and-tick-treatment-dogs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Freedom of Information Summary: New Animal Drug Application. FDA. July 10, 2025.

FDA approves Bravetco Quantum (fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension) from Merck Animal Health. News release. Merck Animal Health. July 10, 2025. Accessed July 11, 2025. https://www.merck.com/news/fda-approves-bravecto-quantum-fluralaner-for-extended-release-injectable-suspension-from-merck-animal-health/

Fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension (Bravecto Quantum) is also indicated for treatment of lone star tick in dogs.

First long-acting flea and tick treatment is FDA-approved for dogs

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated announced earlier this week that the USDA approved its TruCan Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 (TruCan Ultra CIV) vaccine, which is designed to provide broad respiratory disease protection from canine influenza. With the USDA approving TrueCan Ultra CIV, Elanco’s Tru Portfolio is complete, and it is also the first vaccine line to be recommended by Fear Free.

"This vaccine not only offers broad protection against canine influenza but also integrates seamlessly into our Tru Portfolio. Our commitment to delivering safe, effective, and advanced solutions reaffirms our position as a trusted partner in animal health, driving forward our mission to enrich lives through the health of animals,” said Bobby Modi, executive vice president, US pet health and global digital transformation, in an organizational release.

According to the release, in a study conducted by Elanco, and its data on file, TruCan Ultra CIV was shown to be highly effective in protecting dogs, plus improving clinical signs such as:

None of the vaccinated canine patients developed lung lesions post H3N2 challenge

There was 100% percent neutralization of 33 currently circulating canine influenza field isolates

Proven safe across multiple ages and breeds of the dogs in the field safety study

A case of canine respiratory virus can be devastating for veterinary clinics, patients, and clients, and in some cases, can cause the clinics to shut down, causing a massive financial impact. There is also the risk of canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRDC), also known as kennel cough,

, a collection of respiratory diseases caused by various agents, such as canine influenza virus.

In cases of CIRDC, a classic sign is frequent, honking coughing that comes on suddenly and is sometimes also described as gagging or retching. For patients with CIRDC, the coughing can worsen with activity or exercise. Patients with CIRDC mostly recover within 7 to 10 days, but depending on the infecting organism(s) and the patient’s ability to fight it, dogs can develop more severe signs such as decreased appetite, lethargy, productive cough, and rapid or labored breathing. When it comes to CIRDC, some breeds are also at a higher risk for those more severe symptoms, especially brachycephalic dogs.

"Fear, anxiety, and stress in pets can stem from many factors, including illness," said Marty Becker, DVM, founder of Fear Free.

 "When veterinarians have effective tools to help protect pets from diseases like canine influenza, it can contribute to a smoother, less stressful experience for both pets and their people. Solutions like TruCan Ultra CIV support the goal of reducing fear, anxiety and stress by keeping pets healthier and more comfortable in the veterinary setting."

You can learn more about TruCan Ultra CIV on the Elanco website.

Elanco receives USDA approval for TruCan Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 (canine influenza vaccine) bringing to market a high standard of respiratory protection. News release. July 9, 2025. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://www.elanco.com/us/newsroom/press-releases/elanco-receives-usda-approval-for-trucantm-ultra-civ-h3n2-h3n8-canine-influenza-vaccine-bringing-to-market-a-high-standard-of-respiratory-protection

Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (Kennel cough). American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-complex-kennel-cough

TruCan Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 will broadly protect canine patients from canine influenza.