hosted by Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chief veterinary officer of dvm360, and edited by 

’sCaitlin McCafferty, featured a wide variety of veterinary topics and guests throughout the past year. As 2024 draws to a close, 

 is looking back and celebrating the Top 5 podcasts, as measured by audience interest and engagement. Through, New Year’s Eve, 

is counting down the Top 5 podcasts by sharing 1 of these episodes per day.

The following podcast is #4 on the list and features guest Christopher G. Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM), CVJ, founder and editor of CriticalCareDVM.com. They discuss recent advancements in FIP treatment, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis, and more.

Christopher G. Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM), CVJ

: Historically, treatment of FIP has included medications like prednisolone, interferon and polyprenyl immunostimulant, and as the listeners know, these treatments have been largely unsuccessful and often resulted in euthanasia. Our colleagues in the United Kingdom and Australia have had legal access to something called GS 5734, more commonly known as remdesivir. This is a prodrug of GS 441524, with an extra chemical side chain that is supposed to improve cellular penetration. They're really lucky. They have access to both injectable and oral forms, and there are established protocols in these geographic locales for each route of administration. 

In the USA, we currently have no FDA approved treatments for treatment of FIP. However, Stokes Pharmacy, a PCAB accredited compounding pharmacy, has recently established an exclusive partnership with the Bova Group to offer a US made oral treatment for FIP so American veterinarians can now manage their FIP patients with Stokes Pharmacy's compounded preparation that is supported by Bova's, unique drug formula that's been utilized in clinical research studies across the globe.

Articles

A Top 5 episode of dvm360's The Vet Blast Podcast is revealed in our 2024 countdown. 

Top 2024 dvm360 podcasts: #4

 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 

 story of the year will be shared. The following article is No. 4 on this list:

Golden retriever ingesting diaper cream leads to another deadly discovery

Retrievers are known to put almost anything in their mouth, and unfortunately have a high chance of swallowing something they shouldn’t. This was the case with 6-year-old Sawyer, a golden retriever from Fort Mill, South Carolina. Owner, Kim Manzo, discovered that Sawyer had gotten into her child’s diaper cream.

From a Pet Poison Helpline’s toxin tail story, Manzo explained, “Sawyer woke us up in the middle of the night on a Thursday vomiting white stuff, which we soon figured out was ointment from a tube of diaper cream containing zinc oxide. He hadn’t pierced the tube, but had squeezed out and consumed all the cream. He had never gotten into it before, but we figured he would throw it up and be fine. The next morning, Friday, he was still really sick, so we called the veterinarian. They suggested we call Pet Poison Helpline before bringing Sawyer to the clinic, so the toxicologists could develop a treatment plan.”

After evaluating Sawyer, both the local veterinary office and the team at Pet Poison Helpline believed that the ingestion should no longer be of concern and recommended monitoring Sawyer at home since most dogs feel better the following day. However, they advised to bring him back to the hospital if he did not improve throughout the day.

Unfortunately, on Sunday Sawyer was still not feeling well and was reported as lethargic, so Manzo took him to an emergency veterinary hospital which did an x-ray, but the veterinarian originally thought an image he saw was food in his stomach. The next day, the veterinarian called Manzo back and explained there might be an object lodged in Sawyer’s stomach. He recommended another visit to the hospital, so this time Manzo drove him about 30 minutes to the Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Charlotte, where they took more x-rays and did an ultrasound.

For more on this story, including the outcome of Sawyer's case, view the full article here: 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/golden-retriever-ingesting-diaper-cream-leads-to-another-deadly-discovery

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

2024 veterinary news in review: #4

 is counting down our Top 5 videos of 2024. The ranking is based on measurable interest and engagement from our digital viewers. These 5 videos feature thought leaders from throughout the veterinary care industry, who discuss a variety of topics.

 features Mara Tugel, DVM, veterinary technical marketing-companion animal therapeutics for Elanco. In an interview with 

, Tugel gives viewers an overview of the product and how it can help improve the lives of canines suffering from these dermatology diseases, and the benefits it has for clients.

Zenrelia, or the drug name illunocitinib, is a Janus kinase or JAK inhibitor that was recently approved by the FDA to control pruritus in dogs with allergic dermatitis and control atopic dermatitis in dogs that are over 12 months of age. So it can be used for both short term acute cases of allergies like flea hypersensitivity or contact allergies or even flare ups in a longer term case, and it could also be used for long term treatment, as in chronic cases of atopy. What's really great about Zenrelia is that the dose has been optimized to allow for once daily dosing from the start, and this has some really clear advantages for both veterinarians and pet owners.

First of all, it's just simpler. So communicating once daily dosing from the beginning to a pet parent is easier than talking about having to do a dosing change partway through treatment.

Videos

The Top 5 countdown for 2024 dvm360 videos highlights the most viewed interviews of the past year

Top 5 dvm360 videos of 2024: #5

When designing a veterinary hospital, there are many important factors to think about. In this author’s experience, parking is not typically among the first ones that come to mind for many veterinarians. The building itself often takes center stage, which is understandable. When you have treatment designs and surgery room layouts to think about, parking can easily become an afterthought.

But consider this: Your parking lot is often the very first impression of your veterinary hospital for a client. The appearance and functionality are the first things people see and perceive upon arrival. Proper planning and designing of your parking area can enhance client experience, improve staff efficiency, and increase operations of your facility. The following factors are essential to ensure the parking areas are well designed and functional for both clients and staff.

Parking requirements are often dictated by local zoning regulations, which specify the minimum number of parking spaces that are required for the facility based on square footage and type of business. Although these regulations serve as a baseline, they may not always reflect the actual needs of your veterinary hospital.

As you go through the hospital design process, consider how many parking spaces would be ideal for your practice. Think about client parking and staff parking separately. For clients, how many spaces are needed to comfortably accommodate your clientele? Think about your average client volume, peak hours, and whether the hospital will offer urgent care or emergency services. For staff, how many people are on shift at one time? Are there overlaps of shifts? Remember to consider today’s needs as well as future growth.

Site constraints can also affect number of parking spaces. If parking demand exceeds available space, you may need to adjust the building design by either reducing the size of the hospital or opting for a multistory structure, which isn’t always ideal but is sometimes necessary. Stormwater regulations including retention and detention requirements may also limit your parking area and must be considered in the design.

In emergency veterinary hospital design, quick and efficient animal admission is crucial. Emergency parking should be located as close as possible to the entrance, allowing clients to quickly unload and admit their pets into the care of the medical team.

Emergency parking can be a pull-over area near the front door with a passing lane adjacent, or it can simply be a designated parking spot or spots near the front entrance with clear signage indicating it is reserved for emergency use. These spots can be covered or noncovered. A common covered option is to incorporate a porte cochere, a covered pull-through area often seen at hotel entrances. Advantages to a porte cochere for emergency facilities include protection from inclement weather and an architectural feature that helps highlight the emergency entrance.

By having designated emergency parking near the front entrance, staff are more likely to see emergency cases as they arrive. Some clients may need help unloading large or distressed animals in need of urgent care and if staff can see them arrive they can quickly respond as needed.

When possible, it is beneficial to separate client and staff parking. This ensures that clients, who have the added obstacle of handling pets when entering and exiting your facility, do not have to walk long distances to get to the entrance.

If your hospital has distinct entrances for clients and staff, and if the site has space available, it makes sense to position parking near the respective entrance. For instance, if the staff entrance is on the side of your hospital, you could place a row or rows of parking along the side or back for staff that is separate from the front parking, which could be reserved for clients. This helps alleviate traffic congestion and provides convenience for both groups.

Another added benefit of separate parking for staff is the ability to fence it off or securely enclose it from public access. This is especially appreciated at 24-hour facilities where staff often park their vehicles overnight while working. Small considerations like this can go a long way in recruiting and retaining staff, as security-conscious employees will feel more comfortable knowing their cars are safe.

As veterinary hospitals continue to evolve, covered parking and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are becoming increasingly desired features in parking lot designs. Covered parking offers the dual benefit of providing shade and protection from the elements, which not only enhances the comfort of clients and staff parking their vehicles but also helps preserve the condition of their cars. For clients bringing in pets, especially in harsh weather, covered parking can make a significant difference in easing the process of getting pets in and out of the vehicle.

With the growing adoption of EVs, it is becoming essential for veterinary hospitals to consider incorporating charging stations in their parking areas. In fact, some municipalities have begun requiring a certain number of EV charging stations in new commercial developments, so integrating them into your parking design can help future-proof your facility and appeal to a broader range of clients.

Although covered parking and EV stations can come with higher up-front costs, many veterinarians are opting to include them in only a small portion of their parking spaces, balancing initial investment with long-term value. If these features are out of budget, it may be worth planning for their inclusion in the future as your infrastructure allows, ensuring that your practice stays relevant and responsive to changing client needs.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses, including veterinary hospitals, introduced the concept of parking lot waiting. Clients often park in designated spots and wait in their cars until it is time for their pet’s exam. Traditional waiting rooms can sometimes be uncomfortable environments for pets and owners. The coming and going of unfamiliar smells, sounds, people, and other animals can cause stress and anxiety. Parking lots give clients the option to choose a more private, comfortable, and familiar environment for their waiting experience, which in turn may help reduce anxiety and improve the overall client experience.

If your hospital offers parking lot waiting, make sure to designate specific spaces for this purpose. Give your clients clear instructions with steps to follow upon arrival to ensure a smooth check-in process. These waiting spots should be close to the entrance for easy access when it’s time to bring the pet in for an appointment.

Similar to the interior of your hospital’s waiting area, the parking lot environment should be designed for comfort and aesthetics. Consider positioning waiting spots near landscaping features such as gardens, fountains, or attractive murals. Give them something pleasing to look at while they wait.

Finally, don’t forget landscaping. A welcoming, well-designed landscape can make all the difference, transforming a mundane concrete or asphalt expanse into a warm, inviting space. By incorporating thoughtful landscaping elements, you can soften the space and create an environment that reflects the care and attention your practice gives to both pets and people.

Trees are one of the most effective ways to improve the look of your parking lot. Not only do they provide much-needed shade for parked vehicles but they also add visual interest with height variations, and if they are deciduous, their natural color changes with the seasons can bring a sense of tranquility. Flowers are another way to add pops of color and vibrancy, drawing attention to your facility. Additionally, integrating native plants or local vegetation can further connect your practice to the community and offer environmentally sustainable solutions.

Adding a designated dog relief area near the parking lot can also greatly enhance the client experience and may even help reduce unwanted marking behavior on your other landscape areas. Many dog owners will appreciate having a convenient and accessible spot for their pets to relieve themselves before entering the building, especially if they’ve traveled a distance to get there.

Thoughtful parking design is a critical component of a successful veterinary hospital. By considering the number of spaces, emergency access, staff-client separation, evolving and innovative needs, and the aesthetic quality of your parking area, you can create an efficient, comfortable, and welcoming environment for both clients and staff. The right design not only improves functionality but also contributes to the overall experience, ensuring that pets receive the best care and owners feel supported and valued.

The appearance and functionality of this essential space is important for a good first impression

Parking considerations for optimal client and staff experience

The following podcast is #5 on the list and features guest Ricky Walther, DVM, chief medical officer at Pawlicy Advisor. Walther takes a deep dive into trends and misconceptions surrounding pet insurance, and discusses how veterinary teams can educate clients on pet insurance to help them better understand the importance of having it. 

: One of the things that we're seeing in veterinary medicine in general is increased stress and anxiety of owners due to finances, right? So people are coming in more are aware of the money that's in their pocket given the way that the world has been recently, and the veterinary prices are increasing, kind of with that inflation, and medical inflation is even higher than standard. And so because of those things that we're seeing where owners are coming and asking for these financial solutions. So as veterinary team members, right, like we ultimately want what's best for the pet and so helping owners financially prepare allows us to do our part and make sure that pet gets the care that they need in the future. 

So I think having these conversations in puppy visits [and] annual wellness visits for young healthy pets are extremely important so the people here at multiple times. A couple of other reasons why I recommend that veterinarians and veterinary teams have something prepared to say about insurance is because when AVMA did their study on pet insurance, a couple of years ago, they found that 65% of pet owners who purchased insurance did so because the vet recommended it.

Williams A, Coble KH, Williams B, et al. Consumer preferences for Pet Health Insurance. Published online 2016. doi:10.22004/AG.ECON.230144

Podcasts

Top 2024 dvm360 podcasts: #5

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. 5 on this list:

The future of veterinary medicine is here

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology are rapidly moving health care forward with the recent evolution of telehealth serving as an example. Along with other modern technological innovations, veterinary care providers should expect to see much more innovation to come in the next decade and at an even faster pace, according to Daniel Kraft, MD, founder of NextMed Health and the digital database Digital.Health, which includes Veterinary.Health. “It’s an interesting time,” he said.

American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Forum

 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kraft delved deep into the various ways that digital and AI technologies are being combined with medical knowledge and research to create new ways to manage health care for humans and animals. But first, he demonstrated to the audience just how these modern technologies can be adapted for many different uses by playing a song he created using AI that celebrated the veterinary professionals in attendance. “It’s not bad for a first pass,” he said.

According to Kraft, a human medicine doctor who specializes in pediatrics, modern technology offers the promise of health care tools and resources that are more intelligent, digitized, personalized, data-driven, precise and preventive, democratized and equitable than ever before. He acknowledged that pet owners and human patients are already using AI services such as ChatGPT to self-diagnose medical conditions. A proponent of crowdsourcing information, Kraft noted the ease in which medical communities can also share research and innovation. One example he used is the crowdsourced Dog Aging Project.

Kraft’s lecture itself also demonstrated the value of technology and the ability to drive crowdsourcing with its livestream broadcast from Minneapolis. In the session’s digital chat, audience members provided locations from which they were virtually watching throughout the US and Canada, as well as from countries around the world that included The Netherlands, Germany, France, Ireland, Switzerland, South Africa and Australia.

For more on this story, including information on virtual and augmented realities, genomics, and home health, view the full article here: 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/the-future-of-veterinary-medicine-is-here