The CATalyst Council, an organization that promotes the lifelong health and welfare of companion cats, announced that it has provided a grant to Sylvester.AI, a pet wellness and animal health digital platform. The $20,000 grant will help Sylvester.AI continue its work on its Ai technology, specifically designed to enhance detecting chronic pain in feline patients.

"With this generous grant from the CATalyst Council, Sylvester.ai will continue to push the boundaries of pet health technology," said Susan Groeneveld, CEO at Sylvester.ai, in an organizational release.

 "Our AI model has already shown remarkable accuracy in detecting acute pain in cats, and this funding will enable us to further refine and expand our capabilities to better understand chronic pain, ultimately improving the lives of countless feline companions.

The CATalyst council was established in 2008 and provides support to programs and initiatives that are prioritizing the wellbeing of companion animals.1 The group works with shelters, veterinary professionals, adoption organizations, and industry stakeholders to help provide feline patients the attention and care that they need throughout their entire lives. For Sylvester.ai, it works improve pet health assessment and strengthen the bond for cats and their owners, resonating with the mission of the CATalyst council.

"We are thrilled to support Sylvester.ai in their mission to advance feline health detection technology," said Anne Ward, DVM, CATalyst Council vice president.

 "Their innovative approach aligns perfectly with our goal of ensuring that every companion cat receives the care and attention they need to thrive. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of cats and their caregivers.”

According to the release, through the grant, Sylvester.AI will continue its ongoing research and development efforts to better enhance its already existing AI model to detect chronic pain in feline patients.

 Through its algorithms, the company is striving to provide pet owners and veterinary professionals a tool for early detection as well as personalized care.

“We are working now with cat populations that have confirmed chronic pain conditions in at home settings and the CATalyst grant has helped propel this vital work forward to benefit all cats in the future,” said Frances Valentine, PhD, lead behaviorist at Sylvester.ai added.

CATalyst Council Awards $20,000 Grant to Sylvester.ai to Advance Feline Chronic Pain Detection Technology. News release. CATalyst Council. October 31, 2024. November 1, 2024.

Articles

The grant awarded to Sylvester.AI will help the company advance pain detection technology for chronic feline pain 

AI company receives $20,000 grant 

Good morning and happy Monday dvm360 readers! The dvm360 team is getting ready to head to the Big Apple to cover this year’s New York Vet conference. If you are going to miss the action onsite, you can check out our conference coverage on the dedicated 

Here is a sneak peek of this week’s headlines:

A clinical trial at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine showed researchers that famciclovir, an antiviral used for treating feline herpes, is quickening the recovery of kittens suffering from infectious upper respiratory disease.

On this week’s episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, is joined by Sue Ettinger, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), to discuss all things oncology to kick of National Pet Cancer Awareness Month.

During an interview with dvm360, Gianluca Bini, DVM, MRCVS, DACVAA, shares more about his most recent business venture that will help veterinary professionals with anesthesia through training and teleconsulting.

Researchers at the Mizzou College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory published a study in the 

Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 

which showed that one of the biggest problems for white-tailed deer in Missouri farms is infections.

Elanco recently received FDA approval for MGA, EXperior, and Rumensin for suppression of estrus to reduce the ammonia gas per pound of live weight and hot carcass weight as well as the prevention and control of coccidiosis caused by 

 in growing beef heifers fed in confinement for slaughter during the last 14 to 91 days on feed.

To cut or not to cut? In a Q&A style article from dvm360’s Strategic Alliance Partner Thrive Pet Healthcare, they shared tips on how to build surgical skills in general practice with help from other veterinary professionals at Thrive Pet Healthcare.

Here is a sneak peek of this week’s headlines 

Sneak peek: Famciclovir demonstrating success in speeding up recovery for feline IURD, and other news 

Veterinary businesses and organizations are important for promoting pet health. These organizations can integrate medical knowledge, compassionate care, and beneficial management practices. Quality leadership can influence the standard of pet care and lead to the professional growth of team members. Furthermore, leaders in the veterinary industry have the opportunity to cultivate a culture of innovation, ensuring that their practices remain aligned with the most recent developments in veterinary science, technology, and medicine.

Various veterinary businesses and organizations recently announced new promotions and appointments. The following individuals are among those making career advancements:

Cindy Gill, MBA, field veterinary business development manager, PetVivo Holdings, Inc

Cindy Gill, MBA. (Photo courtesy of PetVivo Holdings, Inc)

PetVivo Holdings, Inc, recently appointed Cindy Gill, MBA as field veterinary business development manager for Oklahoma, Arkansas, and the northern region of Texas. Previously, Gill was an outside sales representative for Lintbells, Ltd—developer of YuMove—, inside sales representative for Midwest Veterinary Supply and Merck, and a veterinary technician.

“Cindy’s experience and strong record of sales achievement with veterinary clinics brings to our sales team a valuable resource for achieving our business goals,” John Lai, PetVivo CEO, said in a company release.

 “Her experience with other veterinary products and her knowledge of clinic operations enables her to prioritize and better address the veterinarians and clinics in our sales pipeline.”

Gill obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences from West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. She earned her Master of Business Administration in Animal Science from the same university. In her new role, Gill will Gill work to increase the sales of PetVivo’s Spryng with OsteoCushion Technology joint health product.

Kirk Haggard, MBA, CEO, Independence Pet Holdings

Kirk Haggard, MBA. (Photo courtesy of Independence Pet Holdings)

Independence Pet Holdings announced Kirk Haggard, MBA, its new CEO. Prior to his new position, Haggard was interim CEO of Independence Pet Group. "It's an exciting time to join this dynamic organization. The leadership teams are ready to take our brands and services to the next level and the category continues to grow and provide new opportunities to create a better future for pets and pet parents,” said Haggard in an organizational release.

Haggard holds 37 years of experience in the insurance industry, having worked at Allstate, Bank of America, and most recently at USAA, where he served as the senior finance officer for the Property and Casualty Insurance division. According to Independence Pet Holdings, Haggard has knowledge in strategy development, operational efficiency, sales and marketing effectiveness, and talent development.

"The appointment of Kirk marks an important milestone in our strategic vision and helps further our mission of building a better future for pets and pet parents," said Dirk Beeckman, CEO of JAB Pet Services Global—whose controlled affilitate is IPH—in the release.

 "Kirk has already made meaningful contributions to the business through his leadership at Independence Pet Group, and we are excited by his vision to move the company forward and continue its recent momentum.”

Sanjay Singh, chief financial officer, Wellness Pet Company

Sanjay Singh. (Photo courtesy of Wellness Pet Company)

Sanjay Singh was recently named Wellness Pet Company’s chief financial officer (CFO). Prior to his appointment, Singh was a finance and strategy consultant. He also held the position of US CFO at Qurate Inc and had a 20-year international career at Procter & Gamble.1 Singh holds a bachelor's degree from St. Xavier's College in Calcutta, India, and is a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in India. At Wellness Pet, Singh is part of the executive leadership team, where he focuses on driving financial results, overseeing financial planning and analysis, and managing corporate finance and investor relations.

"Wellness Pet recognizes the importance of operational excellence and brand building to drive long-term, profitable growth," Singh said in a news release.

"The company's dedication to a shared life of wellbeing for pets and pet parents inspires us all to pursue sustainable growth and a shared respect for the industry. I'm thrilled to be joining a team of motivated industry professionals at Wellness Pet and look forward to making meaningful contributions to its long-term goals."

"As we continue to pursue our company's purpose, we're focused on innovative strategies to enhance our product offerings and achieve outstanding business performance," said Wellness Pet CEO Reed Howlett, in the release.

 "Sanjay brings world-class credibility, leadership and financial fluency that will enhance long-term value creation, operational efficiency and discipline as we continue to deliver premium nutrition for pets."

Erin Achilles, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology) and Heather Ashcraft, DVM, DACVR (Radiation Oncology) at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center

The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) recently welcomed several new senior veterinarians to its team at the largest veterinary teaching hospital in the world. Below are 2 of these new professionals who will be joining AMC.

Erin Achilles, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology) earned her veterinary medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania, after which she participated in a rotating internship at AMC. Achilles then pursued a 1-year specialty research internship, followed by a 3-year residency program at the same university. Additionally, she is board certified in cardiology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Heather Ashcraft, DVM, DACVR (Radiation Oncology) obtained her veterinary degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St Kitts, Basseterre, and began her career as a general practice veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She then completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Grand Rapids, Michigan, followed by a residency in radiation oncology at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in California. In 2022, Heather achieved board certification in Radiation Oncology.

PetVivo Engages Another Top Sales Manager, Cindy Gill, for Regional Business Development Manager, as Adoption of Breakthrough Animal MedTech Device Continues to Spread Nationwide. News release. PetVivo Holdings, Inc. October 21, 2024. Accessed November 1, 2024. 

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/10/21/2966300/0/en/PetVivo-Engages-Another-Top-Sales-Manager-Cindy-Gill-for-Regional-Business-Development-Manager-as-Adoption-of-Breakthrough-Animal-MedTech-Device-Continues-to-Spread-Nationwide.html

Independence Pet Holdings Names Kirk Haggard Chief Executive Officer. News release. Independence Pet Holdings. October 16, 2024. Accessed November 1, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/independence-pet-holdings-names-kirk-haggard-chief-executive-officer-302277115.html

Sanjay Singh Joins Wellness Pet Company as Chief Financial Officer. News release. Wellness Pet Company. October 23, 2024. Accessed November 1, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sanjay-singh-joins-wellness-pet-company-as-chief-financial-officer-302283920.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]

Check out the latest news in the veterinary industry with these 5 recent position promotions 

Paws and profits: Promotions and appointments in the veterinary industry

Pet owners largely prefer using a wound gel product to an Elizabethan collar, or cone to reduce licking behavior and improve healing outcomes, according to the results of a new controlled study by KeraVet Bio Inc in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The company manufactures KeraVet Gel, the studied product, which is indicated for canine and feline patients, and was shown in an earlier study to be effective in reducing licking behavior and improve healing outcomes.

Produced with patent-protected technology, KeraVet Gel utilizes keratin as its’ primary ingredient as well as a strong bitterant to deter licking. The results of previous clinical studies by KeraVet Bio showed that patients treated with the company’s gel product had significantly less wound edema and chronic inflammation when compared to wounds treated with triple antibiotic ointment. These patients also showed a reduction of licking behavior of 85% in dogs and 87% in cats.

"This product is an evidence-based solution for wound care that has been shown to improve healing efficacy and improve both the pet and the pet parent quality of life by replacing the need to use a cone for wound care," Luke Burnett, PhD, the founder and CEO of KeraVet Bio, said in a news release.

The latest study, which is not yet published, enrolled 20 patients at an unnamed general practice veterinary clinic that typically required the use of a cone for post-procedure care. Ten of the 20 patients were randomized into a group that received a cone, and the remaining 10 patients were randomized into a group that received KeraVet Bio’s wound gel product. Results of this study showed that 8 of the 10 pet owners whose pets were randomized into the cone group requested a treatment change to the gel product.

The study also showed that 86% of the pet owners who received the wound gel product, instead of the cone, reported definitively positive results, according to KeraVet Bio. Feedback from the study’s participating pet owners also showed that the gel kept a dog in the study from licking a granuloma, allowing the wound area to begin healing. Additionally, clinicians participating in the study rated the gel product an overall 4 of 5 and stated that it helped provide pet owners with an alternative option to the Elizabethan collar.

"The results from this study confirm what customers have been telling us since we 

, that the product can replace a cone," Burnett said.

KeraVet Bio, Inc, announces completion of a clinical study showing pet parents overwhelmingly prefer KeraVet Gel to a cone. News release. KeraVet Bio. October 31, 2024. Accessed November 1, 2024. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/keravet-bio-inc-announces-completion-of-a-clinical-study-showing-pet-parents-overwhelmingly-prefer-keravet-gel-to-a-cone-302293440.html

Littrell A. Wound healing gel for companion animals is launching nationwide. 

. August 22, 2024. Accessed November 1, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/wound-healing-gel-for-companion-animals-is-launching-nationwide

KeraVet Bio completes initial clinical studies: the results are in. KeraVet Bio. Accessed November 1, 2024. 

https://keravetbio.com/keravet-bio-completes-initial-clinical-studies-the-results-are-in/

KeraVet Bio enrolled 20 patients to investigate whether their owners would rather use KeraVet Gel or an Elizabethan cone in post-procedure care.

Study finds pet owners prefer veterinary wound gel for healing patients

From October 14 through October 16, veterinary professionals took over Atlantic City for the 2024 Fetch Coastal Conference. Attendees from all over came together to learn from key industry leaders, network with fellow veterinary professionals, and say goodbye to Fetch Coastal in Atlantic City for a final time before it moves to National Harbor, Maryland in 2025!

Even though it’s been a little over 2 weeks since the conference concluded, there is still so much to read and learn about from Fetch Coastal. To help, the dvm360 team complied this list of articles covering the 3 keynote addresses, recaps articles of sessions, and video interviews as a recap of the conference. Check out all the excitement that happened at Fetch Coastal this year and if you want to get in on the fun, join us for our first Fetch Coastal in 

Phillip Richmond, DVM, CAPP, CPHSA, CPPC, CCFP, giving his keynote address at Fetch Coastal (Images courtesy of Walter Brown, BS, RVTg, VTS (ECC))

Fetch Coastal kicked off with a keynote address by Phillip Richmond, DVM, CAPP, CPHSA, CPPC, CCFP, on the 

 of veterinary professionals. Throughout the address, Richmond interacted with attendees to hear about their personal experiences in the clinic, how to help veterinary teams elevate and experience the things that make them happy within the clinic more often, and how to help find your teammates cape colors.

On Day 2 of the conference, Renée Alsarraf, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), 

 with the audience the 6 lessons that she has learned from her dog, the oncology canines that she works with, and her own battle with cancer. This recap of the lecture highlights 2 of the 6 lessons she shared with attendees to help them see the lessons learned from her own point of view to help others see the same.

On the final day of Fetch Coastal, Adesola Odunayo, DVM, MS, DACVECC, a professor of emergency and critical care at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, provided 

 veterinary professional could take back to their clinics to better handle emergency situations with skills and confidence.

Antimicrobial stewardship has become a major topic in both human and veterinary medicine. Because of this, treating common types of infections has changed due to new data becoming available. Kate Boatright, VMD, 

 a lecture delivered by Mark Acierno, DVM, MBA, DACVIM, on updated recommendations for managing urinary tract infections in canine and feline patients.

Want to see more of dvm360’s Fetch Coastal coverage? You can watch more interviews and read more articles on the dedicated 

Kate Boatright, VMD, presenting to attendees at Fetch Coastal

Richmond, after his keynote address, gave a lecture discussing multiple ways to mitigate negative behaviors in the workplace through psychological safety. Richmond used his personal experiences in his career to show the importance of listening to your team members, especially in the case of treating patients. 

In a lecture of her own covered by dvm360, Boatright provided attendees in her 2-part lecture “

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Essential Skills For Success

,” multiple strategies veterinary practices can start doing in help prevent burnout among the staff, plus an overview of the current mental health state of the industry.

In this on-site interview, Julia Miller, DVM, DACVD, shared with dvm360 some of the biggest diet trials tips she has for veterinary professionals to make them easier for clients, pets, and the veterinary team themselves.

: Gaemia Tracy, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), a practitioner at Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Center in Allentown, explains how to manage seizures in canine and feline patients after his lecture presented at Fetch Coastal.

Why technicians should know employment law

: Andrea Pace, CVT, VTS (ECC), training mentor for the emergency department at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in New Jersey, sat down with dvm360 during the conference to discuss the importance of technicians understanding basic contract and employment law.

Check out all that happened this year at Fetch Coastal 

Fetch Coastal 2024 recap 

Richard Gerhold, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology) shares the main focus of a lecture he presented at the Fetch dvm360 Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey

The geographical expansion of tick-borne diseases

 delivers expert-led veterinary continuing education on your schedule. With 

, you can access top-tier sessions anytime, anywhere—whether at home, in the clinic, or on the go. Ready to earn CE credits? Watch this session and more on 

Richard Gerhold, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology), associate professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee, spoke at the Fetch Coastal conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey this year on various parasitology-focused topics. In this interview with 

, Gerhold shared what his lecture “Updates on Tick-Borne Diseases” focused on.

Richard Gerhold, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology): 

Ticks are still really important. The tick movement continues, we're seeing different pathogens and diseases in areas historically not associated… Two that come to mind right now is the movement of Lyme disease in the southeast, particularly coming into Tennessee and then Ehrlichia moving north, coming into southern Jersey. So [it’s] just really important to be aware [of] the correct testing, how to interpret tests, and most importantly, keeping animals on yearlong prevention.