Researchers at Texas A&M University are investigating the use of ultrasound and light to treat melanomas in swine. The new study will evaluate different combinations of drugs, methods of delivery, and types of light to determine which combinations yield the best results.

Creating a more efficient method for treating melanoma through photodynamic therapy—an existing treatment that uses light to shrink and destroy cancer cells—could pave the way for affordable, non-invasive treatment options for pigs, humans, and other mammals, according to a Texas A&M news release.

“In photodynamic therapy, we introduce a chemical that is absorbed by skin cancer cells. The chemical only reacts when exposed to a certain kind of light, which causes new molecules to form that destroy the cancer cells,” Vanderlei Bagnato, PhD, professor of biomedical engineering at Texas A&M, said in a university release.

The team will also explore ultrasound. This technique, referred to as sonodynamic therapy, operates similarly to photodynamic therapy, but utilizes sound instead of light.

“When we insert certain drugs into the cancer cells, they become little reactors that create tiny explosions when hit by ultrasound waves,” said Bagnato in the release.

 “We hope to combine both photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy to eliminate melanomas more completely, without the risk of regrowth and metastasis."

The new study will involve gathering skin cell samples from a group of pigs that previously belonged to Duane Kraemer, PhD, DVM, retired senior professor at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS).

“The pigs in this study are a kind that have a tendency to develop melanomas, but aren’t really affected by them,” Jennifer Fridley, DVM, clinical assistant professor in the VMBS Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and director of Veterinary Medical Park, said in the release.

 “In fact, sometimes their melanomas regress on their own, which is one reason why they are important to study.

Due to its affordability and effectiveness, photodynamic therapy has recently emerged as the leading treatment option for non-melanoma skin cancers. However, this treatment has not been very effective for cancers like melanomas.

“We are able to use photodynamic therapy to eliminate about 95% of lesions for non-melanoma skin cancers. It is very cost-effective and non-invasive,” Bagnato said in the release.

 “But treating melanomas with light-based therapy is problematic for several reasons. First, the pigment in the cancer cells sometimes interferes with the light. Secondly, melanomas are more prone than other skin cancers to regrow and metastasize…if they are not removed completely.”

Still, Bagnato explained that there are several ways to introduce the therapy drug to treat melanoma, with one being using microneedles.

 “[The microneedles] are actually made of the drug itself, so when they dissolve into the skin, there is nothing left behind. The entire process can be done in under an hour and doesn’t require any surgery,” said Bagato.

According to Texas A&M, photodynamic therapy could be beneficial to patients with both skin cancer and diabetes.

 “Diabetes is very common in the United States, and it is more common as people get older. People with this condition need to avoid surgery whenever possible because diabetes causes poor vascularization… If you have diabetes and skin cancer, photodynamic therapy offers a much safer treatment than surgery with fewer chances of complications,” explained Bagnato in the release.

Speaking on his vision for the study, Bagnato shared, “It is my hope that this research can become the foundation for further specialized cancer research for pets and other animals at the VMBS.”

Price C. Texas A&M researchers explore light and ultrasound therapy for melanoma treatment. News release. Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. October 18, 2024. Accessed October 21, 2024. 

https://today.tamu.edu/2024/10/18/light-and-ultrasound-therapy-for-melanoma/

Articles

A team at Texas A&M University is using pig skin cells to explore the use of photodynamic therapy to treat melanoma in humans and animals

New study will examine the efficacy of light and ultrasound to treat melanoma

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine investigated treatment methods for cats exposed to toxic lilies.

 The study compared cats treated as inpatients with intravenous fluids to cats managed as outpatients with subcutaneous fluids. Despite long-held assumptions, results showed no significant difference in the prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) between inpatient and outpatient groups.

“Our findings suggest that outpatient management may be a viable option for some cats exposed to lilies,” Erica Reineke, BS, VMD, professor of emergency and critical care at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, said in a news release.

 “This could be particularly relevant for pet owners with financial limitations, lack of access to 24-hour veterinary facilities, or other cat factors.”

The study investigated the outcomes of 112 cats treated for exposure to lilies, 96 inpatients, and 16 outpatients.

 Contrary to prior beliefs, the prevalence of AKI in inpatient cats was 46.9%, compared to 43.8% in outpatient cats.

 It was previously thought that hospitalization with intravenous fluids was necessary for cats exposed to toxic lilies, but because of the study, researchers have a more comprehensive understanding of treating lily toxicity in cats. Reineke is hopeful that these results will assist in expanding treatment options and flexibility, improving patient outcomes.

According to Reineke, despite a generally higher prevalence of AKI in both inpatient and outpatient groups compared to previous studies, a larger number of cats with AKI showed improvement or stabilization of their condition.

 Inpatient cats had a 100% survival rate, and outpatient cats had an 87.5% survival rate. Although the difference in survival rates is significant, overall survival was excellent.

Researchers do caution that the study’s findings should not be interpreted as definitive treatment recommendations, emphasizing the need for larger, controlled studies, to established evidence-based guidelines for lily-toxin management.

“It’s crucial for cat owners to understand that all parts of the lily plant are toxic to cats,” Reineke said.

 “Prompt veterinary attention is essential, regardless of the treatment approach.

 at the 2024 Veterinary Meeting & Expo in Orlando, Florida, Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, senior veterinary toxicologist and director of veterinary medicine at Pet Poison Helpline, 

spoke about the dangers of household lilies

 Echoing Reineke’s warning, Schmid explained that all parts of the lily are considered to be toxic, causing kidney failure in cats.

New study sheds light on lily toxicity in cats; outpatient treatment may be viable option. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. October 17, 2024. Accessed October 21, 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/new-study-sheds-light-lily-toxicity-cats-outpatient-treatment-may-be-viable

Lam J, Hess RS, Reineke EL. Prevalence of acute kidney injury and outcome in cats treated as inpatients versus outpatients following lily exposure. 

Coppock K. The danger of household lilies. 

. March 17, 2024. Accessed October 21, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/the-danger-of-household-lilies

A new study demonstrated the efficacy of outpatient care for cats exposed to toxic lilies

Outpatient treatment for lily toxicity in cats

The results of a newly published study on an oral cobalamin supplement with metabolically active folate (5-MTHF) (Cobalequin; Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences) show the therapy may be beneficial for normalizing serum cobalamin and methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations in felines. The supplement is administered for hypocobalaminemia—vitamin B12 deficiency—with chronic gastrointestinal disease (CGID) or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).

, this investigation is the first prospective study evaluating the benefits of oral cobalamin supplementation in cats with the condition, according to Nutramax. “Results from this clinical study provide cat owners with options for care," Nicolette Harris Wiezbiski, DVM, said in a news release.

Felines have an essential requirement for cobalamin, an enzyme involved with metabolic reactions, as well as other nutrients that cannot be synthesized.

 Cobalamin is essential as a cofactor for intracellular enzymes that are vital in sustaining mammalian cell functions, according to the release.

Hypocobalaminemia is often associated with gastrointestinal (GI) tract, pancreas and liver diseases. Clinical signs of cobalamin deficiency are often associated with other conditions but often include anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, growth disorders and neurological states.

The new study compared 48 cats owned by clients with low vitamin B12 associated with either CGID or EPI. The feline participants were randomly assigned to receive oral cobalamin supplement with 5-MTHF or subcutaneous cobalamin injections for 12 and 10 weeks, respectively. None of the cats participating in this study had previously received any form of cobalamin, according to the release.

The study’s authors found that both oral and subcutaneous forms of cobalamin effectively increased serum cobalamin concentrations in cats with either CFID or EPI. Serum MMA concentrations decreased in all cats evaluated.

"Oral cobalamin supplementation can benefit cats while being convenient for owners. In addition, this study provides a better understanding of the benefits of cobalamin supplementation,” said Wiezbiski in the release.

Clinical study supports benefits of Cobalequin in cats. News release. Nutramax. September 24, 2024.

Siani G, Mercaldo B, Slterisio MC, DiLoria A. Vitamin B12 in cats: nutrition, metabolism and disease. 

. 2023:13(9):1474. doi:10.3390/ani13091474

The oral product from Nutramax may be beneficial for normalizing serum cobalamin and methylmalonic acid concentrations.

Study supports cobalamin supplement for cats with hypocobalaminemia

Exceptional leadership in the veterinary field is important for improving pet care standards and supporting the growth of veterinary professionals. By fostering a culture that encourages creativity and growth, leaders in this field can help shape the future of pet healthcare. Moreover, progress in veterinary medicine and industry trends not only benefits pet well-being but also helps their teams succeed in their careers.

Recently, organizations have announced new promotions and appointments. Here are some individuals who are advancing in their careers:

Stuart Reid, CBE, BVMS, PhD, DVM, DipECVPH, FRSE, FRCVS, CEO, American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges

Stuart Reid, CBE, BVMS, PhD, DVM, DipECVPH, FRSE, FRCVS. (Photo courtesy of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges and the American Veterinary Medical Association)

The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) has announced that Stuart Reid, CBE, BVMS, PhD, DVM, DipECVPH, FRSE, FRCVS

will assume the role of CEO for the organization beginning August 1, 2025.

Reid’s background includes being dean of the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine in the United Kingdom from 2005 to 2011 and president and principal of the Royal Veterinary College in London since 2011. Reid has served on its board twice and led important initiatives. Reid will step down as president-elect to prevent any conflicts of interest, according to the AAVMC.

“I am delighted to be joining the AAVMC and to play a role in developing and promoting academic veterinary medicine on the international stage. Building on Dr. Maccabe’s tenure and working with the AAVMC Board and Assembly of Deans, there has never been a time of greater need for veterinary professionals. I look forward to resolving the challenges faced by our academic institutions and strengthening the profession and relationships with our stakeholders,” said Reid in a news release.

Michael Streitz, DVM, MPH, American Veterinary Medical Association

Michael Streitz, DVM, of Minnesota, will be undertaking his American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) congressional fellowship in the office of US Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08), according to a news release.

The AVMA Fellowship Program offers the opportunity to influence public policy.

Streitz will use his knowledge as a veterinarian and his latest experience as a policy liaison fellow at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to act as a scientific advisor to Rep. Schrier and her staff, working alongside Congress members to develop and influence legislation on a wide array of policy issues.

“I am thrilled to join Representative Schrier’s office as an AVMA congressional fellow for the coming year,” Streitz said in a news release.

 “Veterinarians are uniquely positioned to approach health policy holistically, leveraging our expertise in food safety, animal wellness, and wildlife management to tackle complex legislative challenges. I look forward to supporting the Congresswoman in advancing her health and agriculture policy initiatives for the 8th district of Washington and the American people as a whole.”

Martine Boon, MA, managing director, GMP+ International

Martine Boon, MA. (Photo courtesy of  Feed Additive International Magazine For Animal Feed & Additives Industry)

Martine Boon was recently assumed the role of the new managing director for GMP+ International, a global initiative focused on animal feed safety and sustainability. Boon, who has a background in agricultural economics, comes to GMP+ from her role as director of food & agriculture transition and sector management at Rabobank. She brings extensive experience in agricultural financing, agrifood-tech startups, and management, according to a news release.

“I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to help build on GMP+’s foundations, and work together with the community to ensure safe and sustainable feed, worldwide,” said Boone in the release.

“This is something I am committed to doing in partnership, together with our community of certified companies, experts, Certification Bodies, and the GMP+ team. Providing workable and meaningful standards that not only make the industry safe and sustainable but are also valued by the companies that use them is something that can only come from working together,” she continued.

Justin Saunders, CPA, vice president, finance, Evette

Evette recently announced 2 leadership appointments, naming Justin Saunders, CPA, its vice president of finance and Michelle Sanders the vice president of human resources.

Saunders is joining Evette after a career in corporate finance and accounting. He previously spent 6 years at American Airlines, overseeing financial operations for 3 major aircraft maintenance facilities. In the last 4 years, Saunders worked on improving financial strategies for smaller SaaS and private equity firms. In his new position, Saunders will collaborate with Evette’s leadership team to improve financial metrics and use them to drive the company’s growth.

"I am thrilled to join Evette during this exciting period of growth. As we face a shortage of pet care providers, it's crucial that we grow the business by expanding our network of veterinary professionals and provide them with the tools and resources they need to be successful, ultimately improving the availability of care for pets and their families across the country," said Saunders in an organizational release.

 "I look forward to leveraging my financial expertise to share Evette’s mission and demonstrate what they’re capable of doing for the veterinary industry.”

Michelle Sanders, vice president, human resources, Evette

Michelle Sanders joins Evette with more 20 years of experience in human resources. She is recognized for her skill in building effective organizational structures and advising C-level executives and boards to optimize company and employee performance. In her new role, she will improve Evette's human resources’ operations and broaden the team's offerings.

“Being a lifelong pet owner, I have always admired the veterinary field and the important role it plays for so many families in the U.S.,” said Sanders in a news release.

 “Joining Evette felt like the perfect opportunity to merge my love for animals with my professional abilities. I am excited to be able to contribute to the company's expansion and begin merging our company’s internal and external processes to create an outstanding and innovative workplace for both our employees and our veterinarians."

American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) Board of Directors announces appointment of new chief executive officer. News release. American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. October 2, 2024. Accessed October 18, 2024. 

https://www.aavmc.org/news/american-association-of-veterinary-medical-colleges-aavmc-board-of-directors-announces-appointment-of-new-chief-executive-officer/

2024-2025 AVMA fellow to join congressional office. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. October 8, 2024. Accessed October 18, 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/2024-2025-avma-fellow-join-congressional-office

GMP+ International appoints Martine Boon as managing director. News release. Feed Additive International Magazine For Animal Feed & Additives Industry. September 4, 2024. Accessed October 18, 2024. 

https://www.feedandadditive.com/gmp-international-appoints-martine-boon-as-managing-director/

Evette accelerates internal growth by appointing two members to their leadership team. News release. Evette. October 9, 2024. Accessed October 18, 2024. [email]

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

Paws and profits: Recent veterinary business appointments

This year’s National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW) has run from October 13 to October 19 with the 

 of ‘Credentialed Veterinary Technicians Change Lives.’ The theme aims to underscore the remarkable difference that certified veterinary technicians make in the lives of their patients, clients, colleagues, and the community, whether that difference is recognized or not.

Veterinary technicians play a key role in the veterinary world as they bridge the gap between veterinarians and pet owners. These individuals offer patients care they need, often working on the frontlines. In 

, veterinary technicians are instrumental for patient stabilization, monitoring, and more, playing a crucial role in these animals’ recovery.

As the celebratory week comes to an end, 

 has asked veterinary technicians, including members of the New Jersey Veterinary Technicians and Assistants (NJVTA) organization and the team at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital (MLAH) in New Jersey, what makes them feel appreciated at work, as well as what NVTW means to them. It’s important, however, to continue celebrating these instrumental individuals year-round as they continue to tirelessly work for the wellbeing of animal patients.

From left: Karen Roach, RVT, VTS (ECC); Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia); Jessica Marshall, CVT; and Margie Green, BA, CVT, LFDM-VH; are part of a large team of veterinary technicians working with patients and clients at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in New Jersey.

“Vet tech week means a lot. It means that the veterinary industry is recognizing us technicians for our work. I feel like a lot of times [our work] goes under the radar and, even with clients, [the] focus is usually on doctors. It's not put so much onto the technicians, and [there is a] high turnover rate and burnout rate with techs, and so having that week where the focus is on us, acknowledges that we do a lot. We're a little bit of everything in this in this field, in this industry, and what we sacrifice is really important.”

“I think that it's a time where technicians that sometimes maybe feel like we work really hard and we don't get a chance to sit and we don't get a chance to eat meals or take drinks or take care of ourselves, it's a time [when] we get be celebrated. Management and doctors often take some time to really help us to feel that we are essential parts of the team, which we know, but sometimes we're running and it's hard. So I think that it's just a time [when] we can kind of come together and say like, ‘Hey, this is a really important job that we’re doing.’”

“I think, as a profession, we are often under-acknowledged. And when I say that, I mean that the majority of lay people don't really know what a veterinary technician does. They don't know how we're educated. They don't know how we're trained. Most people have really good cultural recognition of what a nurse does, or what a veterinarian does, what a fighter pilot does, what an astronaut does.

With veterinary technicians, I think we are still struggling to get to a point where the majority of people know what we do, and so this is really a wonderful time to have our hospitals and our colleagues show appreciation for what we do. I'm really excited to see that the industry is moving toward separate celebrations for customer service professionals— veterinary assistants and technicians—because I think for a long time, we've all kind of been lumped together into like a celebration of staff, and the roles are distinct, and they're all viable career paths, and so I'm really happy to see it get separated out. I love National Veterinary Technician week. It's one of the best weeks of the year.”

Lindsay Hallman, CVT, CCMT, VTS (Oncology); MLAH

: It's just really nice...to have someone stop and say, ‘You know what, I 

 appreciate you. You are actually doing a great job, and we're really happy you're here.’ I know sometimes we can get into the thick of things, and just kind of cogs working in the machine. And so for the machine to stop for a second and be like, ‘You know what? You're a really important piece,’ [is] just really nice to hear. And sometimes everybody just needs to hear like, ‘Hey, great job.’”

Members of the New Jersey Veterinary Technicians and Assistants (NJTVA) organization recently attended the Fetch Coastal conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, including (from left) Amanda Gable, CVT; Michael Azzarello, MBA, CVT, LVT, and NJTVA president; Ray Butler, CVT, Latg; and Jessica Summers, CVT. 

What makes you feel appreciated in your career?

“Having pet owners that come back and let me know what a difference I made, not just in their pet's life, but also their life, and just being able to understand and care for their pets in a better way and share the things that they've learned with other pet owners.”

“The fact that you get the recognition from the owners for the work that you've done. I mean, it's great to have your boss or the doctor that you work with tell you you've done a good job—a lot of times that will make your day—but to have somebody come up to you and thank you for the work that you've done for their pets... Knowing that somebody else's life and the animal's life is better…is all the recognition I need.”

 “I like when clients will specifically ask for me. They know that I explain things well. I do feel appreciated when they say, ‘wow, I didn't know that’ and really appreciate me going through everything with them.”

“I think what would make me feel the best would probably be continuing to see technicians be brought into this circle as fellow professionals, right? So if we look at [a] feline pain example, how wonderful is it…when a clinician says, ‘What do you think about this cat's level of pain?’ We can have an intelligent, professional conversation about it. We can collaborate on what we feel like may work for this patient, and then we can move forward with making the patient feel better in a way in which no one feels undermined or belittled, no one feels kind of compartmentalized or judged because of their role, right? Like we both understand that we're both professionals and we're bringing different levels of knowledge and skill to that conversation, but both are essential for the well-being of that animal.”

Bautista-Alejandre A. NAVTA announces 2024 theme of National Veterinary Technician Week. 

. September 6, 2024. Accessed October 18, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/navta-announces-2024-theme-of-national-veterinary-technician-week

Bautista-Alejandre A. Malnutrition in critical patients: Guidelines for veterinary technicians. 

. October 16, 2024. Accessed October 18, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/malnutrition-in-critical-patients-guidelines-for-veterinary-technicians

Credentialed professionals share what makes them feel appreciated in their role and talk about National Veterinary Technician Week

Celebrating veterinary technicians

Glandex Daily Prebiotic & Probiotic Soft Chews.

Vetnique, the company behind the anal gland supplement, Glandex, have announced an all-natural line of Glandex Daily Prebiotic & Probiotic Soft Chews. The soft chew products are bacon-flavored, vet formulated and recommended, and designed to significantly improve the digestive system, gut health, and immune functions for dogs of all ages.

“As a veterinarian, I frequently saw patients with digestive health issues and skin conditions account for more than half of the veterinary visits, annually. The signs of poor gut health can be anything from diarrhea and poor-quality stools to itchy skin and bad breath. With Glandex as our foundation, Vetnique is excited to introduce a new daily prebiotic and probiotic supplement that can help pet parents support their pet’s gut health more effectively, with easy, at-home routines,” James Bascharon, DVM, founder and CEO of Vetnique, said in a news release.

 “This new addition to our bestselling Glandex line highlights out commitment to help millions of pets thrive through improved digestive health and immunity.”

70-90% of the immune system is based in the gut, so a properly functioning digestive system is critical to a dog’s overall health.

 According to the company’s website, Glandex Daily Prebiotic & Probiotic Soft Chews include 5 high-quality probiotic strains, a dual-prebiotic blend, a digestive enzyme, and added dietary fiber.

 The dual-prebiotic blend in the supplement works to feed beneficial bacteria in the gut, improving digestion, among other benefits. The daily serving for dogs weighing less than 40 lbs is 1 daily chew, and dogs weighing more than 40 lbs are advised to take 2 chews per day.

A 2022 study, published in the Journal of Animal Science and Technology, investigated the use of probiotics and the microbiome in companion animals. The researchers found that specific probiotic strains, and/or their defined combinations, may be useful in canine and feline nutrition.

 Although, the study also concluded that further research is necessary, as probiotics and gut microbiota analyzed in the study came from humans, specifically emphasizing the need for in vivo trials involving companion animals.

Bascharon founded Vetnique looking to revolutionize supplements for companion animals. In collaboration with licensed veterinarians, Vetnique pet products ship directly to the homes of pet owners and veterinary practices. Totaling over 75,000 veterinary recommendations, Vetnique products have helped more than 3 million pets worldwide.

Boost Your Pet’s Gut Health: Vetnique Unveils Exciting New Glandex Product. News release. Vetnique. October 15, 2024. Accessed October 18, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boost-your-pets-gut-health-vetnique-unveils-exciting-new-glandex-product-302275926.html

Glandex Daily Prebiotic & Probiotic Soft Chews. Vetnique. Accessed October 18, 2024. 

https://www.vetniquelabs.com/products/glandex-probiotic-prebiotic-soft-chews-for-dogs

Lee D, Goh TW, Kang MG, et al. Perspectives and advances in probiotics and the gut microbiome in companion animals.

. 2022;64(2):197-217. doi:10.5187/jast.2022.e8

About Vetnique. Vetnique. Accessed October 18, 2024. 

A new supplement in the Glandex product line supports dogs’ digestive systems, gut health, and immune functions