Dr Natalie L. Marks discusses how HT Vista Heat Diffusion Imaging can be utilized by general practitioners to screen canine dermal and subcutaneous masses.

Take the AI out of WAIT: A Proactive Diagnostic Approach to Masses

During Fetch Long Beach 2024, Natalie L. Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFCP-V, an internationally renowned veterinarian, veterinary educator, media expert, and angel investor based in Chicago, IL, presented a session on utilizing newer technologies, like HT Vista’s Heat Diffusion Imaging tool to screen for canine dermal and subcutaneous masses and differentiate between benign and potentially malignant tumors. "This isn’t a replacement for FNAs or biopsies," she emphasized, "but a decision-support tool to help us screen which masses need further investigation." By offering a middle ground between watchful waiting and invasive testing, HT Vista empowers clinicians to make more informed, proactive decisions during point-of-care visits.


The HT Vista device operates by heating tissue for 10 seconds and analyzing its cooling patterns over the next 30 seconds. Malignant tissues cool faster than benign ones due to differences in vascularity, metabolism, and tissue structure. The device generates a heat diffusion score from 1 to 10, with scores of 5–10 indicating a high likelihood of benignity, and scores of 1–4 suggesting malignancy, prompting further diagnostics. "The negative predictive value is huge," Dr. Marks explained. "It means 98% of the time, when this tool says a mass is benign, it really is. That’s the kind of confidence we need." Results are delivered in just four minutes, making it an efficient and valuable addition to veterinary practices.

Cost-Effective Screening & More Informed Decision-Making


Dr. Marks underscored the tool’s importance in addressing long-standing challenges in veterinary oncology. Traditional approaches, such as cytology, can be cost-prohibitive for many clients, leading to delays in diagnosis. "Unfortunately, for many veterinarians today, the recommendation is to watch and monitor," she noted. "Thirty years ago, that might have been fine, but we can and should do better now." HT Vista bridges this gap by offering a proactive and affordable screening solution that enhances access to care while providing clients with the peace of mind they need to make informed decisions.
Real-life cases highlighted the practical impact of HT Vista. Dr. Marks described a senior dog with 14 masses, a situation where aspirating all lumps would be financially and logistically challenging for most clients. "How many clients can afford to aspirate 14 masses?" she asked. "With HT Vista, you can screen them all and focus your diagnostics where it’s most needed." In another case, the device could have expedited the identification of a mast cell tumor, allowing for earlier intervention.


While acknowledging some current limitations, such as inapplicability to ulcerated or reproductive masses, Dr. Marks emphasized the potential for growth as HT Vista’s AI technology evolves. "The more data we feed it, the smarter it gets," she explained. She urged veterinary teams to embrace innovations like HT Vista, which complement traditional diagnostics rather than replacing them. "This is about preserving the bond between families and their pets," she said. "It’s why we became veterinarians—to improve the quality and quantity of life for our patients." By incorporating HT Vista into their practices, veterinarians can provide comprehensive, compassionate care while enhancing client trust and patient outcomes.


Videos

Dr. Natalie L. Marks discusses how HT Vista Heat Diffusion Imaging can be utilized by general practitioners to screen canine dermal and subcutaneous masses.

Take the “AI” out of “WAIT”:  A Proactive Diagnostic Approach to Masses

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Alejandro Bernal, CEO of Wedgewood Pharmacy and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with over 25 years of experience in animal health. Dr. Bernal shares his journey and insights on industry challenges, and highlights Wedgewood Pharmacy’s approach to connecting veterinary professionals with the exciting innovations transforming veterinary care.




•	Hear more about changes expected to impact the veterinary industry within the next five to ten years.
•	Learn how veterinary professionals can improve their mental health and establish a better work-life balance.
•	Gain insight into the latest technological developments shaping the veterinary field.

Podcasts

Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, connects with Alejandro Bernal, DVM, MSc, CEO of Wedgewood Pharmacy, to discuss Wedgewood’s approach to addressing needs of today’s veterinary professionals.

Bridging Compassion and Technology in Animal Health

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

A spotlight is shining on 1 article each day through New Year’s Eve, when the No. 1 dvm360 story of the year will be shared. The following article is No. 9 on this list:

Animal health company assure veterinarians that OA drugs are safe

written by Kristen Coppock Crossley, MA; Caitlin McCafferty, and Sydney Yankowicz, 

Zoetis is standing by its osteoarthritis (OA) therapies for dogs and cats in the wake of a published report questioning the safety of the company’s bedinvetmab injection (Librela) and frunevetmab injection (Solensia) products. In a 

 article published on April 12, 2024, pet owners claimed their animals were sickened by these drugs rather than seeing the medications' intended improvement of the animals' conditions.

In one case, according to the news article, a 12-year-old dog was reportedly euthanized within 2 months after an initial dose of bedinvetmab for treatment of a stiff hip. The dog demonstrated a decrease in mobility and appetite, became lethargic and lost kidney function before dying. Similar cases with another dog and a 16-year-old cat that used either bedinvetmab or frunevetmab, respectively, were also documented.

 Since publication, the report has received increased attention on social media platforms.

, representatives of Zoetis acknowledged adverse effects have been reported in a small number of patients using these drugs. However, they noted that an “overwhelming majority” of patients using bedinvetmab injection and frunevetmab injection have benefitted from them. “There are rare adverse events, like any other medication,” said Richard Goldstein, DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, global chief medical officer for Zoetis. “We are very confident in the safety and efficacy of Librela and Solensia. We are very confident with the fact that [Librela] is efficacious, that it's helping thousands of dogs worldwide. But [we are] also aware that a small percentage of cases, just like any other drug, have potential side effects.”

Bedinvetmab injection was approved by FDA officials

 in May 2023, becoming the first monoclonal antibody for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis pain. Bedinvetmab injection is only available by prescription from a licensed veterinarian to ensure the drug is given and monitored for safety and the treatment of any adverse effects.

 These adverse effects include blood urea nitrogen, urinary tract infection, dermatitis, erythema, pain at the injection site, vomiting, weight loss, etc. The drug works by binding to and inhibiting the biological activity of canine nerve growth factor (NGF).

For more on this story, including references, view the full article here: 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/animal-health-company-assures-veterinarians-that-oa-drugs-are-safe

Articles

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

2024 veterinary news in review: #9

Craig A Clifford, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), talks about mast cell tumors, sharing a bit about cytological grading, treatment options, common misconceptions, and more 

New insights on mast cell tumors

When Elizabeth Reed, BSVT, LVT, CCRA, was confronted with a life-or-death situation, she drew on her 16 years of experience as a vet tech and performed life-saving CPR on a man suffering a massive heart attack. Her quick action and veterinary training not only saved his life but highlighted the incredible, transferable skills vet techs bring to life outside the clinic.


So, I'm Elizabeth Reid. I'm a certified veterinary technician, and I’ve been a vet tech for over 16 years. I graduated from Cedar Valley Community College with my LVT degree and became certified and licensed in Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma. I also completed my degree in veterinary technology at Petersburg College. Since 2012, I’ve been working on the industry side—first with Royal Canin for nine years, and now I’m a senior director at 2x, focusing on inventory and controlled substance management.

One Sunday afternoon, after church, my husband, 2 daughters (ages almost 4 and 6), and I stopped by Whole Foods for groceries. On our way home, we were driving on a 2-lane road when I noticed a Lexus SUV pulled off to the side. It seemed strange because the flashers weren’t on. As I looked closer, I saw a woman sitting on the center console. It looked off. I told my husband, “Go check it out. Give me a thumbs-up if I need to call 911.”

He went to the passenger window, talked to the woman for a bit, and then gave me the thumbs-up. I called 911, provided our location and details, and then I saw my husband walk around to the driver’s side and open the door. He waved me over.

When I got there, I saw a man slumped in the driver’s seat—eyes wide open, mouth agape, completely unresponsive. My husband said the 911 operator was telling them to perform CPR. Without hesitation, I pulled the man out of the car and laid him flat. My husband started unbuttoning his shirt, but I ripped it open to locate his sternum and immediately began compressions.

The first few compressions were intense—I felt his ribs break under my hands. His eyes were fixed and dilated, and his mouth stayed open. I kept going and told my husband, “He needs breaths.” After confirming with the wife that the man didn’t have any infectious diseases, my husband gave him a few breaths. The man’s body reacted, but it looked like agonal breathing, something I’ve seen during euthanasias in animals. I was worried it was too late.

A nurse who had stopped offered to help and encouraged me to keep going. It felt like an eternity. At one point, my husband shouted, “Where’s the ambulance?” Finally, EMTs arrived. They had my husband help with the equipment, and they shocked the man twice right there in the street. I spun his wife around so she wouldn’t see it.

The EMTs continued CPR for 45 minutes and shocked him 14 times. The man had suffered a massive heart attack with a full blockage. They placed an Impella catheter to address the blockage.

Over the next several days, I kept in touch with his wife, checking in as he progressed: off the ventilator, walking, starting cardiac rehab, and finally discharged from the hospital. Thirteen days later, we visited him at his home. He was fully recovered—walking, no oxygen deprivation, just 3 broken ribs.

I can only attribute his survival to a higher power. From my perspective as a vet tech, he was gone, but he came back. It was incredible to use the skills I’ve developed in veterinary medicine to save a human life.

I’ve done CPR on many animals in my career, but this was my first on a human. It made me realize the transferable skills we have as veterinary technicians. We often go through our days unnoticed, tirelessly working, but our training can save lives when it matters most.

This experience reminded me to slow down, notice others, and act when something feels off. Taking a moment can make all the difference—for families, for individuals, and for the world.

Elizabeth Reed, BSVT, LVT, CCRA, recounts the story of how her veterinary CPR skills helped save a stranger’s life during a roadside emergency.

How vet tech skills helped save a human life

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. 10 on this list:

First RNA-particle vaccination for canine influenza receives USDA approval

Merck Animal Health announced that its latest product

 NOBIVAC NXT Canine Flu H3N2, has received approval from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). According to an organizational release,

 NOBIVAC NXT Canine Flu H3N2 is a vaccination that leverages RNA-particle technology to allow a precise immune response to protect against a range of bacterial and viral pathogens.

"On behalf of Merck Animal Health and our NOBIVAC brand, we are beyond proud to introduce our latest vaccine using ‘NXT-level’ technology. This is a groundbreaking advancement in our vaccine pipeline designed to meet the evolving needs of veterinarians and pet owners alike,” said Christine Royal, DVM, vice president, companion animal and equine business unit, Merck Animal Health.

 “With over 70 years of innovation and commitment to animal health, our new NOBIVAC NXT technology will continue to lead the way in providing breakthrough solutions for the prevention of disease in animals.”

NOBIVAC NXT Canine Flu H3N2 is currently the first and only canine influenza vaccination to be built on the company’s RNA-particle platform to protect pets against the most prevalent canine influenza spreading across the United States. The vaccination is a nonadjuvanted, low-volume 0.5 mL dose that utilizes the immune system’s natural ability to generate a response without compromising the safety or comfort of the pet.

 The vaccination is indicated for healthy dogs 8 weeks or older against canine influenza H3N2.

According to the American Veterinary Medicinal Association, canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by 2 type A influenza virus. Canine patients of any age, breed, sex, or health status are at risk and infections can occur anytime during the year.

For more on this story, view the full article here: 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/first-rna-particle-vaccination-for-canine-influenza-receives-usda-approval

2024 veterinary news in review: #10

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. 11 on this list:

Retrievers have a mutation that make them hungrier, study discovers

Retrievers are known for eating anything and everything and are always excited to eat. This trait even gets them in trouble of ingesting harmful objects that cannot be digested and need veterinary intervention. However, a new study published in the 

 journal found that a genetic mutation may actually be the cause of this excessive hunger.

 Overall, the study found that 1 in 4 Labrador retrievers and 2 in 3 flat-coated retrievers (FCRs) have the genetic mutation. This excessive hunger could also contribute to the breeds’ rising obesity levels.

In Labrador retrievers, researchers identified a 14 bp deletion in pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). The POMC mutation disrupts the production of β-MSH and β-Endorphin neuropeptides that are usually involved in switching off the feeling of hunger after eating a substantial meal.

 So, dogs with the POMC mutation feel hungry even after eating enough. This research is not suggesting that these dogs are not eating enough, it’s more so that these dogs just feel hungry when they no longer should.

A similar study conducted in 2016 evaluated this same phenomenon, further confirming this genetic mutation’s prevalence.

 Labrador retrievers tend to be more motivated by food and have a higher prevalence of obesity than other dog breeds. Eleanor Raffan, PhD, veterinary surgeon and geneticist at the University of Cambridge was an author on both studies. She said, “Whenever there’s something more common in one breed than another, we think genetics are involved.”

The most recent study did further experiments and found that dogs with this mutation feel hungrier between meals and burn less energy than those without.

 From there, researchers aimed to dive deeper into how this mutation can impact a dog’s overall health and quality of life.

https://www.dvm360.com/view/retrievers-have-a-mutation-that-makes-them-hungrier-study-discovers