Good morning and happy Monday dvm360 readers! For those being affected by the winter weather and snow hitting parts of the United States, we hope everyone is staying safe. Throughout the week, we will continue to provide our readers with the latest news in veterinary medicine, so continue to check in throughout the week to see what is going on in the industry!

Here is an inside look at what you can find this week on dvm360.com:

A cow in southern Mexico has recently been discovered to have New World screwworm infection. New World screwworm has been generally eradicated in the United States since 1966, but veterinarians close to the Mexico-United States border are being asked to look for signs of possible infections.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced that after 5 years, the northern giant hornet has been eradicated from Washington State and the United States.

On this week’s episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360 our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, sat down with Joe Owens, DVM, to discuss problem solving, decision making, and communication skills veterinary professionals can use to help with patients, clients, and other professionals. 

Otis, now a 6-year-old pug, was brought to UC Davis veterinary hospital’s emergency room for respiratory and cough issues at 2 months old. After his history showed his littermate had recently died with similar symptoms, veterinarians did a through workup where they discovered he had Hemophilia A.

Because every client and patient is different, when it comes to end-of-life care, the discussion needs to be tailored to each individual patient. Chelsea McGivney, DVM, general manager at Caring Pathways will share some tips on how to navigate the various client times as their pet approaches the end of their life.

Articles

Here is a sneak peek of this week’s headlines 

Sneak peek: New World screwworm detected in southern Mexico, and other veterinary news 

A new grant from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) is supporting research on how adoption of certain small animals affects the well-being of pet owners. A team of investigators at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom (UK) was named the recipients of grant.

The human-animal bond between pets and their owners has proven benefits that include reduced anxiety and stress, lower blood pressure and decreased risk of heart disease, allergy prevention in children, support for children with autism and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. In recognition of the importance of such bonds, HABRI provides a Human-Animal Bond Certification program in partnership with the American Veterinary Medical Association and the North American Veterinary Community.

Much of the current research surrounding the human-animal bond is focused on canines and felines, according to Carri Westgarth, PhD, MPH, BSc, the principal investigator of the planned UK study and chair in human-animal interaction at the University of Liverpool. The new study will instead focus on the human-animal bond of pet owners with rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, and mice, an area that has a less developed evidence base, Westgarth noted. “Our research will help uncover the impact of owning small, furry pets and the experiences people have adopting them from shelters, which we hope will help shelters guide and support successful small pet adoptions,” Westgarth said in a news release.

“Human-animal bond research should include all pet species,” Steven Feldman, MPS, president of HABRI, based in Washington, DC, said in a news release.

 “HABRI is proud to support research to document the benefits of rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets for human health and wellbeing.”

Investigators will rely on surveys to evaluate any mental and physical changes to the human participants’ well-being following adoption of these small animals from a shelter. Furthermore, investigators expect to conduct interviews with owners of these pet species to gain deeper insight into the human-animal bond and the pet adoption process.

The study is divided into 2 parts. In part 1, investigators plan to conduct in-depth, face-to-face interviews with 30 pet owners. Their perceptions and experiences of owning a small pet will be examined with a focus on human well-being. In part 2, investigators will conduct a longitudinal cohort study of 450 pet owners who have newly adopted animals from Woodgreen Pets Charity based in Godmanchester, England, and from other shelters. Follow-ups with participants at 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month intervals will track how the human-animal bond develops over time and measure changes in owners’ psychological, social, and physical health. Investigators anticipate seeing positive changes in health outcomes following the small shelter pets adoptions.

“This new research will shine a much-needed spotlight on the benefits of owning a small pet and the unique bonds people form with them,” Fiona Cooke, PhD, MSc, MBA, MA, BSc, head of specialist services at Woodgreen Pets Charity, said in the news release.

 “This study will not only improve support for people adopting small pets from charities like Woodgreen, but will also aid our work to keep more pets in loving homes.”

HABRI supports various scientific research projects about the connection between humans and animals. These projects include focuses on healthy aging, workplace wellness, social isolation, mental health conditions, and medical conditions such as cancer, allergies and cardiovascular health.

A grant announced in December 2024 also supports a study at the University of Surrey in the UK that is investigating the use of artificial intelligence for collecting and analyzing data. Investigators will apply methods of machine learning and data analytics, along with human cohort research data, to gain knowledge about the human-animal bond. “This project has the potential to provide valuable longitudinal data about the benefits of pet ownership and the importance of supporting the human-animal bond as a matter of public health,” Feldman said in a news release.

New research to examine role of small pets on human wellbeing. News release. Human Animal Bond Research Institute. January 6, 2024. Accessed January 6, 2025.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-research-to-examine-role-of-small-pets-on-human-wellbeing-302341934.html

Human-animal bond certification. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed January 6, 2025. 

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/one-health/human-animal-bond/human-animal-bond-certificate

Research. Human Animal Bond Research Institute. Accessed January 6, 2025. 

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute awards grant to The University of Surrey. News release. Human Animal Bond Research Institute. December 9, 2024. Accessed January 6, 2025. 

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute awarded the funds to a team of investigators in the United Kingdom

New grant supports research on the link between small animal adoption and human well-being

Good evening dvm360 readers, and Happy New Year! We hope that you all had a great start to the holiday season and a safe and happy start to the new year. Through the year, dvm360 will be heading to our 5 Fetch conferences, including a new location in National Harbor, Maryland, and we start with Fetch Charlotte. Just for our loyal readers, you can use code MORECE2025 until tomorrow, January 4, 2025, at midnight for 50% off any Fetch conference. You can learn more about each conference and register 

As you check out which Fetch conference you want to attend this year, here is what was popular during the first week of 2025.

, Christopher Shapley, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVFT, provided insight into the lecture he presented at dvm360’s Fetch Long Beach conference, discussing more about what acupuncture is, its benefits, and the history behind it.

, Phil Tucak, BSc, BVMS, shares updates on the organization working on the advancement of the statutory regulation across Australia, plus the new antimicrobial stewardship learning opportunities in 2025.

 of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomed Sebastian Gabor, MBA, cofounder of Digitail, to discuss the current landscape of artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine as we kick of 2025.

Thinking about heading to Fetch Charlotte this year, or are you on the fence? Check out the amazing keynote, Joya Griffin, DVM, DACVD, and Phillip Bergman, DVM, PhD, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), as they take on the Fetch Charlotte stage to kick off each day. You can learn more about them and their keynote addresses 

Multiple veterinary organizations and clinics, including Covetrus pharmaceutical compounding facility and Tennessee Equine Hospital East, have open their doors or expanding their facilities recently. Check out the recent openings across the US in this week’s 

Wrap up: Artificial intelligence and its role in veterinary medicine, and other veterinary news

Alina Pavel, Scribenote, describes how the company's artificial intelligence-powered platform is designed to streamline and simplify documentation and workflow management in veterinary practices. 

Modernized Stress-Free Documentation in Veterinary Medicine with AI

Videos

The demand for veterinary care has increased rapidly in recent years, due to a combination of pet population growth and a global shortage of veterinarians. In 2022, workplace burnout was estimated to cost the industry $2 billion

—not particularly surprising, when considering the most common issues veterinarians face are ‘lack of resources and support’ (73%) and ‘not enough time and energy’ (72%).

The question, then, is this—what approaches can be taken to mitigate these challenges? The most promising tool lies in the rapidly evolving field of veterinary technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Through new technologies and improvements to time-tested and traditional solutions, there are greater opportunities to help predict, prevent, diagnose, and treat animal illness more quickly, accurately, and safely.

Additionally, technology can help lighten staff workloads and improve workflows for greater efficiency and reduced stress. However, there can be a reluctance to adopt newer technologies; industry surveys have revealed that reliability and accuracy are areas of particular concern.

To address these, it’s crucial to foster understanding and support through case studies, comprehensive training, and positive personal experiences.

A pivotal aspect of a patient workup is the application of techniques and tools to identify diseases and conditions in animals—and doing so as efficiently as possible. While existing methods we rely on are valuable, they can lack the speed and precision needed in today’s fast-paced environment. External laboratory turnaround times can range from several hours to days or weeks, depending on the test and lab capacity. What’s more, any error with the sample can lengthen the overall decision-making process, further delaying the time to treatment. The rise of in-clinic diagnostics, such as point-of-care and screening tests, represents a faster, more convenient approach.

 and with greater detail, empowering veterinarians to identify new disease risk factors. As such, treatment decisions are reached more quickly and efficiently, leading to improved outcomes, better patient care, more valuable time with pet owners, and better workload management.

Through meaningful innovation, Zoetis is transforming the way veterinarians receive, analyze and interpret diagnostic tests with a portfolio of automated and connected technologies. Marrying diagnostics with AI, analyzers include Vetscan Imagyst®, offering 6-in-1 diagnostics on a single platform, including AI-powered Blood Smear, Fecal, Dermatology, Equine Fecal and Urine Sediment, as well as a Digital Cytology capability. The compact analyzer represents an opportunity to increase efficiency, improve workflow and elevate patient care. Studies demonstrate that Vetscan Imagyst performs at a similar level to board-certified specialist clinical pathologists and expert parasitologists.

An addition to its extensive veterinary diagnostics portfolio, and sitting alongside the Vetscan® HM5, Zoetis will officially launch the world’s first cartridge-based AI-powered hematology analyzer for automated complete blood count (CBC) analysis, Vetscan OptiCell™, at VMX in January 2025. 

Machine learning: superficial, deep, supervised, unsupervised?

AI technology has long been harnessed by the veterinary industry. As the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) outlines,

 AI algorithms are used to detect, delineate or classify certain features in radiographs, ultrasounds and CT and MRI images. Within the US, almost 40% of veterinarians report using AI tools to supplement their practice;

 most common applications currently include imaging, radiology, record keeping and administrative tasks.

The scope of AI technology is rapidly evolving, with multiple models available to users. At its core, AI involves the creation of systems and algorithms capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. In the context of veterinary diagnostics, the methods used include machine learning, deep learning, supervised learning, and unsupervised learning.

Machine learning involves identifying patterns and analyzing data. Learning from a data set, it then applies this information to a task (i.e., makes a prediction).

 Falling under this category is superficial learning, utilizing algorithms that can only evaluate data for a limited number of features. A separate subdivision of machine learning is deep learning, involving more complex architecture of artificial neurons and neural networks to make connections within provided data.

Turning to supervised learning, where algorithms in machine learning use data that is pre-labeled during training; the algorithm then uses this training to apply it to other data sets for classification and organization. With unsupervised learning, AI finds patterns within mainly unlabeled data, requiring the technology to work more independently to discover the labels for the information.

As new devices and software are introduced to the industry, it is vital to have greater understanding of the rigorous algorithm validation process involved, so veterinarians can understand the technology and techniques available to them and their patients. A trusted, established manufacturer committed to sharing the thorough training behind their products can assuage reservations.

In the case of Vetscan Imagyst, to develop algorithms that can comprehensively and accurately identify and classify samples, Zoetis utilizes deep learning AI; in this specific example, a convolutional deep neural network is used. Each sample slide undergoes layers of precisely trained neuro inputs, for finely tuned feature identification and recognition. 

How was this object detection algorithm trained? Thousands of samples and elements were identified by board-certified clinical pathologists and parasitology experts. It has been said that the deep learning nature of the specific algorithm utilized in this example will allow for improved performance and functionality over time

; in addition, with results provided within minutes, valuable time is freed up. Zoetis also offers add-on pathologist* review when needed.

When paired with AI, advanced point-of-care testing and analysis can deliver high quality, connected insights and results to clinics. The new Vetscan OptiCell features innovative AI-powered cell classification technology and a cartridge-based design for reference lab quality CBC results.

OptiCell utilizes sophisticated AI-trained algorithms trained with normal and abnormal clinical samples, then tested and validated to reliably classify and count blood cells instantly, based on hundreds of individual cell features (i.e., cytoplasm area, color, granularity, nuclei color and shape).

Results from this hematology analyzer can be paired with AI Blood Smear (Vetscan Imagyst) for a complete hematology picture. If additional expertise is required, the veterinarian can select add-on expert review for a clinical pathologist report within hours of submission.

Almost half of practices worldwide have reported an increase in caseloads,

 and with more animals requiring care, there is less available time per appointment. Time-poor veterinary teams need solutions today that can improve clinic workflows and provide individualized patient care.

The care currently offered in contemporary clinics is only possible due to previous technological innovations. More recent offerings, including smart diagnoses and AI, have proved their worth to the industry; solutions that bring together these two elements—such as those available in Zoetis’ diagnostic suite—are vital to the modern veterinary practitioner. Expanding on such a portfolio only allows for an even greater and more efficient way of working; the introduction of CBC analyzer Vetscan OptiCell is yet another example of the support offered to veterinarians.

Richard E Goldstein DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA

 is the Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer Global Diagnostics at Zoetis, and a multi award-winning veterinarian specializing in small animal internal medicine with 12 years’ experience as a Professor at Cornell University.

Neill CL, Hansen CR, Salois M. The economic cost of burnout in veterinary medicine. 

. 2022;9:814104. doi:10.3389/fvets.2022.814104

Technology helps veterinarians beat burnout and retain staff, survey says. Talkatoo. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://talkatoo.com/blog/technology-helps-vets-beat-burnout/

Nolen RS. Artificial intelligence poised to transform veterinary care. American Veterinary Medical Association. May 29, 2024. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/artificialintelligence-poised-transform-veterinary-care

Global State of Pet Care: Stats, Facts and Trends. Health for Animals. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://www.healthforanimals.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Global-State-of-Pet-Care.pdf

Nagamori Y, Scimeca R, Hall-Sedlak R, et al. Multicenter evaluation of the Vetscan Imagyst system using Ocus 40 and EasyScan One scanners to detect gastrointestinal parasites in feces of dogs and cats. 

. 2024;36(1):32-40. doi:10.1177/10406387231216185

Data on file, Study No. D870R-US-21-045, 2021, Zoetis Inc.

Data on file. Study No. DHXMZ-US-23-218, Zoetis Inc.

Data on file, Study No. DHX6Z-US-23-222, 2023, Zoetis Inc.

Data on file, Study No. DHX6Z-US-22-166, 2022, Zoetis Inc.

Data on file, Study No. DHX6Z-US-22-131, 2022, Zoetis Inc.

Nagamori Y, Hall Sedlak R, DeRosa A, et al. Evaluation of the VETSCAN IMAGYST: an in-clinic canine and feline fecal parasite detection system integrated with a deep learning algorithm. 

. 2020;13(1):346. doi:10.1186/s13071-020-04215-x

Data on file, Study Report No. D870RUS-22-053.

Eleven technologies veterinary practices can adopt today. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/11-technologies-veterinary-practices-canadopt-today

Gupta M. Almost 40% of vets are using AI tools to gain a competitive edge. GlobalPETS. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://globalpetindustry.com/article/almost-40-of-vets-are-using-ai-tools-to-gaina-competitive-edge

Owens A, Vinkemeier D, Elsheikha H. A review of applications of artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine. 

. 2023;28(6):78-85. doi:10.12968/coan.2022.0028a

Bast J. How artificial intelligence is changing veterinary medicine. Zoetis. December 6, 2023. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://www.zoetisus.com/petcare/blog/how-artificial-intelligence-ischanging-veterinary-medicine

Burke J. Where did AI come from and how can we use it in vet med? 

. October 13, 2023. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://www.dvm360.com/view/where-did-ai-come-from-and-how-canwe-use-it-in-vet-med-

Data on file, Study No. DHXMZ-US-24-235, Zoetis Inc.

Vetscan OptiCell™ utilizes sophisticated AI algorithms trained with normal and abnormal clinical samples, then tested and validated to reliably classify and count blood cells instantly, based on hundreds of individual cell features.

Beyond the microscope: what’s behind veterinary technology?

The Danish-Swedish farmdog is being fully recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as the purebred dog registry’s 202nd breed. The designation earns the farmdog eligibility to compete in the Working Group at more than 26,000 AKC events held annually.

According to the Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America, the newly recognized breed was previously known as the Danish Pinscher. It was found primarily on farms in Denmark and southern Sweden. It once faced extinction and was saved in 1987 by Danish and Swedish kennel clubs.

In the United States, an unspecified population of purebred canines in a given breed must be geographically distributed throughout the country with an active following and interest by owners to be eligible for AKC recognition. Additionally, club devoted to the breed with responsible owners and breeders must be established for eligibility. While advocates work towards full recognition, breeds are first recorded in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service (FSS) program, which provides support to fanciers of rare breeds.

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America was formed and incorporated in 2006 with 33 members. The first specialty event for the breed was held later the same year.

 The breed was accepted into the FSS program in 2011 and moved to the AKC’s Miscellaneous Group a decade later, where it spent the past 4 years.

Gina DiNardo, executive secretary for the AKC, noted the organization is excited to have the farmdog in the AKC’s registry as a Working Group breed. “This compact working dog is very versatile, loves a challenge and having a job to do. It would make a wonderful addition to a family that is able to provide it with the exercise and mental stimulation that it needs. As always, we strongly encourage prospective dog owners to do their research to find the best breed for their lifestyle,” DiNardo said in a news release.

The Danish-Swedish farmdog is known as a people-oriented, loving companion. These canines require exercise and perform jobs with vermin control a specialty.

 According to the AKC release, “these compact dogs are versatile, love to work and enjoy a challenge. They are coordinated, agile and very fast.”

Sometimes mistaken for terriers, Danish-Swedish farmdogs are more rectangular in shape. Additionally, this breed is low maintenance in grooming habits, requiring only occasional baths and brushing.

Rice J. The American Kennel Club welcomes the Danish-Swedish farmdog to the pack. News release. American Kennel Club. January 2, 2024. Accessed January 3, 2024. 

https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-welcomes-danish-swedish-farmdog-pack/

Welcome to the wonderful world of the Danish-Swedish farmdog. Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America Inc. Accessed January 3, 2024. 

American Kennel Club. Accessed January 3, 2024. 

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/akc-foundation-stock-service/

DSFCA history. Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America Inc. Accessed January 3, 2024. 

https://dsfca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=459025&module_id=401200

Assigned to the Working Group, the designation allows the breed to compete in AKC events. 