Happy Monday dvm360 readers! Can you believe we are almost done with 2024? Throughout the rest of the year, dvm360 will be unveiling each day the top articles of 2024 as well as the top podcast episodes and video interviews. Be sure to check in through the rest of the year to see what was most popular on dvm360.com this year!

Here is what you can find this week on dvm360.com:

Mary Lucille Walsh, DVM, DACVO, explains what to do when a veterinary team is confronted with a feline patient with a history of red eyes, squinting, or watery discharge as a way to determine the cause and treat the patient.

On this week’s episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, Pam Hale, DVM, MBA, JM, George Melillo, VMD, and Keith True, DVM, MBA, share the launch of New Order Of Veterinary Leaders (NOVL). NOVL is a team of veterinary leaders working to promote veterinarians owning or co-owning their own practices and gain high levels of leadership within veterinary organizations.

The veterinary team at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine's Veterinary Teaching Hospital worked together to solve the mystery Zia, a German shorthaired pointer who was brought to the hospital after her owner noticed a change in her demeanor.

During an interview with dvm360 prior to his lectures at Fetch Long Beach, Craig A Clifford, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), discussed the most common bladder tumors in canine patients, misdiagnosis, and the Cadet BRAF test assay.

The FDA recently provided animal care providers and pet owners with information on multiple ways they can help reduce the risk of the animals contracting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. 

Articles

Here is a sneak peek of this week’s headlines 

Sneak peek: FDA provides outline on H5N1 prevention, and other news 

Craig A Clifford, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology) talks about the most common bladder tumor in dogs, misdiagnosis, and the Cadet BRAF test assay

Understanding transition cell carcinoma in dogs

, Craig A Clifford, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), talked about the most common bladder tumor in canines: transitional cell carcinoma, or urothelial carcinoma. In the interview, Clifford differentiated between superficial and invasive forms of the disease, explaining that the latter is more prevalent in dogs than in humans.

According to Clifford symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma mirror those of a urinary tract infection, often leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. He also talked about the Cadet BRAF test assay and how it works.

Below is a partial transcript. It has been lightly edited for clarity.

Craig A Clifford, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology): 

So we know that transitional cell carcinoma, or now, as you'll start to see in the literature, we're using a term that is used on the physician-based side, and it's called urothelial carcinoma. It means the same thing, and for the most part, we use the terms together.

We know it's the most common bladder tumor of dogs, and it's actually a model for the disease in people. You know, when I speak to an owner, I describe that the bladder is like a bounty paper roll with many layers to it, and the cardboard layer, the inner lining, is made up of cells called transitional cells. So when they transform and become cancerous, we call it transitional cell carcinoma.

When we get it—people—the most common form we get is called the superficial form. So truly it's only in that cardboard layer. So for us, we can go in and take it out surgically, instill medications in the bladder and destroy it.

The second form, which is less common in people, but is the most common form in dogs is called the invasive form. So by definition, it means it dives down deeper. So it's a very difficult form to remove surgically, unless it's located all the way on the other side of the bladder, what we call the apical area. This tends to occur in the trigone. So in order to remove it completely, you have to reroute three tubes, which is very challenging to do.

Videos

Understanding transitional cell carcinoma in canine patients

Christopher Shapley, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVFT shares his favorite treatments for osteoarthritis pain in animal patients

At-home therapies for osteoarthritis pain

to talk about his about his Fetch Long Beach session, “Alternative Therapies for Managing Osteoarthritis Pain,” Christopher Shapley, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVFT, shared his preferred therapies for managing osteoarthritis pain in animal patients. Shapley talked about therapies that pet owners are able to do at home, explaining that some clients may find it challenging to medicate their pet or bring their dog to an acupuncture appointment.

Below is the interview transcript. It has been lightly edited for clarity.

Christopher Shapley, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVFT: 

So that's a tough one because I have a whole lot that I love. Of course, my wheelhouse and my go-to is always acupuncture and herbal therapies. I'm big on, you know, weight loss as a first step for managing osteoarthritis. But honestly, a lot of clients aren't always able to come in, or it's difficult, especially if they have a larger dog to, you know, to bring their pet in for regular acupuncture. If they have a cat that has osteoarthritis pain, well that makes it even more challenging for us. And some people just can't, you know, give medications to their pets or even herbs they find it difficult.

So, I tend to think about things that owners can do at home. So the targeted pulse electromagnetic field technology absolutely one of my favorites. It really targets pain, it targets inflammation, and it really, I've seen it help a lot with osteoarthritis cases. And again, it's something that they can do at home. I'm also a big fan of like doing like laser therapy at home too, like red light therapy is also very beneficial.

So those are my favorites, mainly because, again, the targeted pulse electromagnetic field, easy enough to do at home, red light therapy, easy enough to do at home. And of course, I love doing acupuncture and I love herbal medicine, so I can't just give you one, but I got my top 3 for you at least.

Christopher Shapley, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVFT, shares his favorite treatments for osteoarthritis pain in animal patients

 editorial team is counting down our Top 20 news stories and articles of the year, from January 1, 2024, to November 15, 2024. Rank was determined by measurable audience interest and engagement.

A spotlight is shining on 1 article each day through New Year’s Eve, when the No. 1 dvm360 story of the year will be shared. The following article is No. 16 on this list:

Save time in dermatology appointments by utilizing your technicans

For any dermatology case, a comprehensive and thorough history is crucial to getting a complete picture of the patient and what might be going on. Joya Griffin, DVM, DACVD, star of television's "Pop Goes the Vet with Dr. Joya" on Nat Geo Wild, explained that these histories can take some time since they include several questions for the client. However, to free up some time for veterinarians and veterinary dermatologists, veterinary technicians can perform these tasks and allow the full team to be properly utilized. “These histories are really important in dermatology, and I think our histories are very specific,” Griffin stated during her session at the Fetch dvm360 conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Important questions to gather from dermatology histories:

When did it start? What is the age of onset?

Did the pet initially present with lesions or did pruritis precede the lesions and then from the pet itching, scratching, and biting, did the lesions develop and a secondary infection?

Are the medications that have been used that have worked or medications that haven't been tried yet?

Was there a particular seasonality of onset?

Griffin explained that technicians can take on this role of asking the client about the patient’s history, and then the veterinarian can come in to perform the complete body check and physical examination. Following the physical exam, Griffin said, “I'm going to do some cytology and collect my samples. Then, I'm going to look at them under the scope. You'll hear a dermatologist say over and over and over again, ‘cytology, cytology, cytology,’ it's easier said than done, for sure, and it takes a lot of time. Doing it to really feel confident and comfortable and knowing what you're seeing, I really recommend starting to get used to that. There's some ways that you can try to train your staff to help them do this for you and that'll speed things up as well.”

For information on this story, including more tips for improving consultations and client satisfaction, continue reading the full article: 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/save-time-in-dermatology-appointments-by-utilizing-your-technicians

dvm360 is counting down the Top 20 news stories and articles from 2024 with this series of spotlights

2024 veterinary news in review: #16

A spotlight is shining on 1 article each day through New Year’s Eve, when the No. 1 dvm360 story of the year will be shared. The following article is No. 17 on this list:

Tracking tool is launched on the first parvovirus awareness day

An online parvovirus tracking tool was launched Tuesday, April 23, 2024—on the first National Parvo Awareness Day. The debut of both the ParvoTrack-

 and the new awareness day, which was created by Elanco Animal Health, is part of the company’s ‘Parvo is Poop’ educational campaign.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is highly contagious and can be fatal.

 In a January 2024 survey, investigators with Elanco found that there are an estimated 900 dogs diagnosed daily with canine parvovirus (CPV), and those that do not receive aggressive care in a timely manner face a mortality rate as high as 91%.

CPV infection can also damage the small intestine, and cause myocarditis in puppies, according to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York. Although it affects older dogs, the virus is most-often associated with puppies ages 6 to 20 weeks.

The virus is easily spread through direct contact with infected dogs, their feces, or surfaces contaminated by the virus. These surfaces may include kennels, water and food bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands or clothing of humans who have handled an infected dog.

 The virus is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying, according to Elanco. It can also survive in the environment, sometimes for years, and even when infected canine feces are removed, in some cases.

Raising awareness about parvovirus—and encouraging veterinarians to be prepared with treatments in stock—is important for defeating infection, according to Bobby Modi, executive vice president, US Pet Health, Elanco. “It requires us to be innovative and bold,” Modi said in a news release.

 “The first-of-its-kind tracing tool is something that we’ve heard loud and clear from the veterinary industry is critical. If we can track and test for parvo, we can treat and defeat parvo.”

For more information on the virtual parvovirus tracking tool, National Parvo Awareness Day, references, and more, continue reading the full article:

https://www.dvm360.com/view/parvovirus-tracking-tool-is-launched-on-the-first-awareness-day-for-the-disease

2024 veterinary news in review: #17

Veterinary leadership is important for directing practices and organizations toward improved outcomes and maintaining a functional work environment. Effective leaders in veterinary medicine are responsible for managing teams, fostering innovation, and maintaining standards of patient care. By carefully managing resources and addressing industry challenges, veterinary leaders help sustain the operations and growth of their practices and organizations.

Several veterinary organizations have recently appointed new leaders. The following individuals are among those advancing in their careers:

Joe Venezia, chief revenue officer, Petco

Joe Venezia, chief revenue officer, Petco. (Photo courtesy of Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc.)

Joe Venezia recently joined Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. as its new chief revenue officer. In his new role, Venezia will work to increase revenue and develop strategies to ameliorate the customer experience. He will also spearhead areas that play an integral part of driving the company’s growth, like pet care centers, pet and veterinary services, real estate, and customer success capabilities.

“Petco has a strong brand and a highly differentiated footprint with a significant opportunity to drive profitable growth," Venezia said in a company release.

 "I look forward to working with Joel [Anderson, chief executive officer], the rest of the executive leadership team, and all of our Petco partners as we focus on improving our performance to create lasting value for our customers and shareholders."

With more than 25 years of retail experience, Venezia has held leadership positions at Bridgestone Retail Operations, Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us, Walmart, and Procter & Gamble, with his most recent role being chief operating officer of stores at Michaels.

Chanel Berns, DVM. (Photo courtesy of Schwarzman Animal Medical Center)

Mariel Covo, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM). (Photo courtesy of Schwarzman Animal Medical Center)

Robin Doherty, DVM, DACVIM (Photo courtesy of Schwarzman Animal Medical Center)

Chanel Berns, DVM; Mariel Covo, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM); Robin Doherty, DVM, DACVIM; Schwarzman Animal Medical Center

The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York, New York welcomed 13 new senior veterinarians to their veterinary teaching hospital. These newly welcomed professionals will be joining more 140 veterinarians in more than 20 specialties. Among those who recently joined are Chanel Berns, DVM; Mariel Covo, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM); and Robin Doherty, DVM, DACVIM.

At AMC, Berns will be specializing in surgery, having completed her DVM from Texas A&M in 2019, a rotating internship at the University of Georgia, and a surgery residency at Texas A&M. She conducts orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries, and focuses on minimally-invasive techniques such as arthroscopy and laparoscopy.

A native of New York City, Covo obtained her veterinary degree from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Covo pursued internal medicine, completing a rotating internahip and residency in internal medicine at AMC. Covo’s interests include immune-mediated diseases, hematology, and gastroenterology.

With a concentration in interventional radiology and endoscopy, Doherty’s passions include endoscopic interventions, gastroenterology, lower urinary tract disease, and diabetic management. She completed her degree at the University of Minnesota and underwent a rotating internship at the University of Pennsylvania. Doherty also completed a specialty internship in interventional radiology/endoscopy at AMC and a residency in internal medicine at the University of Minnesota.

Jared Vestal, MBA, chief customer and marketing officer, Independence Pet Holdings

Jared Vestal, MBA, chief customer and marketing officer, Independence Pet Holdings. (Photo courtesy of Independence Pet Holdings)

Independence Pet Holdings (IPH), a pet insurance company, appointed Jared Vestal at its first chief customer and marketing officer. In the new role, Vestal will oversee IPH’s multi-brand portfolio and will be in charge of creating an all-encompassing customer growth framework to improve customer acquisition, experience, and loyalty.

"We are thrilled to welcome Jared to IPH and believe he will play a pivotal role in advancing IPH's alignment with evolving customer expectations and further establishing the company as a leader in the pet care and insurance space," Kirk Haggard, CEO of IPH, stated in a company release.

Vestal has a 2-decade history in marketing. In 2023, he was named in AdAge’s 40 under 40. Moreover, he has spearheaded initiatives at GEICO, Salesforce, FreshDirect, and Omnicom Media Group.

Petco names Joe Venezia chief revenue officer. News release. Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. November 13, 2024. Accessed December 12, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petco-names-joe-venezia-chief-revenue-officer-302304933.html

Schwarzman Animal Medical Center Welcomes Over a Dozen New Senior Veterinarians in New York City, Adding to a World-Class Medical Team Working Across 20+ Specialties. News release. Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. November 1, 2024. Accessed November 1, 2024. [email]

Independence Pet Holdings expands executive team, announces Jared Vestal as first chief customer and marketing officer. News release. Independence Pet Holdings. November 18, 2024. Accessed December 12, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/independence-pet-holdings-expands-executive-team-announces-jared-vestal-as-first-chief-customer-and-marketing-officer-302307854.html

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