The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) announced that it is now officially the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA). The FelineVMA announced its name change during the 2024 AAFP Annual Conference on Friday September 27, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“This Association has always been a welcoming place for all veterinary professionals who work with cats. Our membership is comprised of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, practice managers, assistants, support staff, students, and more,” said Tammy Sadek, DVM, DABVP (Feline), 2023-2024 AAFP president, in an organizational release.

“The majority of our members work in mixed/companion animal practices, with others in feline-only practices, academia, specialty practices, relief work, shelters, and more. All veterinary team members from every practice or organization are valued Members of our feline veterinary community. It is important that this new name is recognizable and associated with excellence in veterinary medicine, and which puts ‘feline’ first and foremost,” she continued.

In 1970, the American Veterinary Medical Association met in Las Vegas, Nevada, and an informational meeting was held for a new interest group, AAFP.

 Then in 1971, AAFP was convened with 25 members and would then rise to more than 200 by 1974. In the past 50 years, the group has become a respected institution within feline and veterinary medicine and works closely with other groups to advance its goal, improving the field of feline medicine.

According to the release, with this change, the FelineVMA hopes to align the associations direction to include everyone in the feline veterinary professional community.

 The brand update also comes with a revamped website to provide a new technology ecosystem to enhance the experience for users.

“Rebranding as the Feline Veterinary Medical Association marks an exciting evolution for our organization,” expressed Ashlie Saffire, DVM, DABVP (Feline), FelineVMA president-elect. “This change not only honors our rich history but also positions us to better serve the current and future diverse needs of the veterinary community. We’re excited to continue to provide top-tier education and resources that empower professionals dedicated to feline health.”

Introducing the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA). News release. Feline Veterinary Medical Association. September 27, 2024. Accessed October 3, 2024. 

https://catvets.com/news/introducing-the-feline-veterinary-medical-association/

Mission and History. Feline Veterinary Medical Association. Published September 3, 2024. Accessed October 3, 2024. https://catvets.com/about/mission-and-history

Articles

AAFP celebrated its 50th anniversary by sharing the organization's official name and logo change at the 2024 AAFP Annual Conference 

American Association of Feline Practitioners announces new name 

IOTM October

The Innovator of the Month series, sponsored by Chewy Health, spotlights veterinary professionals who are driving positive change and inspiring their peers. By recognizing outstanding clinicians, technicians, and paraprofessionals, Chewy Health aims to highlight impactful initiatives and promote a brighter future for veterinary medicine.

Veterinary technicians are the backbone of any successful practice. And with a career spanning nearly 20 years, Alexandre Contreras has taken his passion for medicine beyond the exam room. Not only did he found PetTrio Charity to give back to his community, he also developed an innovative new product—KlipTrio—which is a three-in-one pet nail trimmer that securely holds a replaceable styptic powder cartridge. In this Q&A with dvm360®, Contreras shares his personal journey, the challenges he believes will have the greatest impact on our profession, and his vision for the future.

dvm360: Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey in the veterinary field?

: I’ve been a veterinary technician in South Florida for 19 years. I got started when I was just 18, and I’ve loved every minute of it. Growing up, I was always passionate about animals, and that’s something that never changed. I’ve been fortunate enough to stay deeply committed to this field, and I wanted to find a way to do more—not just for animals, but for the people who care for them too. In 2021, that passion led me to create PetTrio Charity, which allows me to give back to underserved communities by helping families access veterinary care they might not otherwise be able to afford.

What really drives me is the idea that we’re all in this profession for the same reason—because we love animals and want to make a difference in their lives. I’ve been lucky enough to work in a career that aligns perfectly with that passion. But there comes a point where you feel the need to do even more, and that’s what inspired me to start this journey.

dvm360: What inspired you to start PetTrio Charity?

: Working as a technician, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for pet owners to afford the care their animals need. There were times when other technicians and I would pool our own money together—$30 here, $50 there—to help a family pay for a necessary treatment. But that’s not a sustainable solution, and I knew there had to be a better way. That’s when the idea for PetTrio Charity was born.

In 2021, I was fortunate enough to get support from the Companion Animal Reform for Equality (CARES) organization and later a grant from Maddie’s Fund. That allowed me to launch PetTrio Charity and start making a bigger impact. Now, if a client comes into the clinic and they can’t afford the full cost of treatment, we can help cover part of the expense. For example, if a $200 treatment is needed and they only have $100, PetTrio can step in to bridge that gap. The look of relief and gratitude on their faces is incredible. That’s when I knew this was the right path.

Being able to give back to my community, especially in an underserved area like South Florida, is what drives me every day. It’s not just about treating animals—it’s about helping the people who love them.

dvm360: What are the key goals of PetTrio Charity?

: PetTrio Charity is built on 3 main pillars: care, advocacy, and support. First and foremost is care. That’s where we help families who are struggling financially by supplementing the costs of veterinary treatments. It’s the heart of what we do because access to care is one of the biggest barriers people face when it comes to pet ownership, especially in underserved communities.

The second pillar is advocacy. I’m a huge advocate for veterinary technician programs in public schools. I’ve been speaking to students at vocational centers for about 4 years now, sharing my story and showing them that they, too, can make a difference in this field. A lot of these kids don’t even know that becoming a vet tech is an option for them, so being able to inspire them is really important to me.

Finally, there’s the support aspect. This includes sponsoring low-cost spay and neuter clinics and vaccination drives. By offering these services, we’re not only improving the health and well-being of pets but also helping to ease the financial burden on families.

dvm360: You’ve also developed a new product, KlipTrio. Can you tell us more about that?

: KlipTrio is a 3-in-1 pet nail trimmer that I invented in 2016, and it’s really a game-changer for the industry. It combines a nail clipper, a file, and a styptic powder cartridge into one tool. Styptic powder is usually a messy part of the nail trimming process—it comes in a jar, and we all know how much of a hassle it can be to pour it out. I wanted to find a way to make it more hygienic and user-friendly, especially for veterinary clinics.

The “trio” part of KlipTrio refers to the 3 functions: clipping, filing, and providing styptic powder. My goal is to have KlipTrio in every animal hospital in North America by 2027 or 2028. I’m currently focusing on the charity side of things, but I’m also preparing to launch KlipTrio, with plans to debut at major trade shows like Global Pet Expo and VMX in 2025. I’ve even partnered with rescue organizations to donate a KlipTrio for every pet adoption, so that new pet parents can bond with their animals during the nail trimming process.

dvm360: What advice would you give to those entering the veterinary profession?

: My advice is simple: Stay passionate, and don’t lose sight of why you got into this field in the first place. Whether you’re a technician, a veterinarian, or support staff, we’re all in this profession because we love animals. That passion is what drives us and keeps us going, even when things get tough.

When I started, I was a kennel assistant, and over the years, I worked my way up. It wasn’t always easy, but I stayed focused on what I loved—caring for animals. If you have that same passion, everything else will fall into place. You don’t have to be a veterinarian to make a difference in this field. There are so many ways to contribute, whether it’s through education, advocacy, or direct care. My journey is proof that with dedication, you can achieve anything.

dvm360: What’s next for you and PetTrio Charity?

: The long-term goal for PetTrio Charity is to make it synonymous with youth engagement, particularly within the Hispanic and Latinx communities. There aren’t a lot of male Hispanic veterinary technicians, and I hope to be an example for others who might not see themselves represented in this profession. I want young people to see that there’s a path for them here—that they can turn their passion into a meaningful career.

dvm360: What challenges do you think the veterinary profession will face in the coming years?

: One of the biggest challenges is access to care. Veterinary care can be expensive, and many families are struggling to keep up. I think we need to find ways to make care more accessible, especially in underserved communities. This could start with smaller organizations like PetTrio stepping in to help fill the gaps, but I’d love to see larger efforts to address this issue on a broader scale.

Another challenge is the division between certified, licensed, and registered veterinary technicians versus on-the-job-trained technicians. At the end of the day, the animals don’t see those titles; they see the care and compassion we provide. While I understand the need for title protections and educational standards, I think it’s important that we all come together as a profession. We need to focus on what unites us, our love for animals, and work toward solutions that improve the industry as a whole.

dvm360® is proud to partner with Chewy Health in recognizing outstanding veterinarians and paraprofessionals who are true change agents, both passionate and compassionate, all to help pets live longer, healthier and happier lives. 

Click here to nominate an innovator today!

Videos

How one veterinary technician is empowering communities through innovation and philanthropy

Introducing dvm360 and Chewy Health’s October Innovator of the Month: Technician Alexandre Contreras, Founder of PetTrio

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On this week's episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, is joined by successful author, cartoonist, and practicing veterinarian, Greg Bishop, DVM. Bishop shares how he came to love drawing, his passions for storytelling and comedy, and when he knew he wanted to become a veterinarian. He advocates for the importance of humor, and believes that everybody has creativity inside of them.

 Yeah, I love that. And the fact that you can bring 2 of your favorite worlds into 1 is pretty amazing, you know, in drawing or whatnot. I'm looking at one of [your cartoons] that says, "Get the calipers and clear my afternoon," and it's a dog that's got all of these lumps and bumps on it... I think that's hilarious. So, what resonated with you... how did you find your niche and be like, "Okay, cartoon drawing is where I wanted to go?"

 Well, I love humor. I really loved, in [veterinary] school, some of just the funniest people I'd ever met became really good friends. We would actually, in school, make little videos, you know, to entertain the class... we made music videos and stuff like that... I mean, I would write sketches for these, the whole school would come down, and we would screen it in the big lecture hall. So, I just thought, you know, there's a need for that. There's a need for laughter. Weirdly enough, it took me 10 years [of] being in practice to feel like I could [do this], [and that I] had enough to say, in a way that I could be entertaining. 

Greg Bishop, DVM, shares the story of how he became a successful author, speaker, cartoonist, and illustrator all while practicing veterinary medicine 

The many hats of a cartoonist veterinarian

Byers Video Interview 2

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SGLT2 inhibitors (or SGLT2is) have recently seen their introduction into veterinary medicine, in the forms of bexagliflozin (Bexacat; Elanco), and velagliflozin oral solution (Senvelgo; Boehringer Ingelheim). In an interview with 

, Christopher G. Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM), CVJ, explains that, although there aren't many, there are some notable adverse effects of these drugs that veterinarians should be aware of, namely euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (eDKA). 

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

Thankfully, there aren't a lot of side effects with these medications. So what may be seen is some diarrhea [or] weight loss, that is self limiting, and usually doesn't require any type of intervention. But, I think it's worth mentioning one of the potential serious but rare side effects. Depending on the study one references, anywhere from approximately 2.5 to 5.5% overall of patients who receive this class of medication develop something called euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis or eDKA.

Christopher G. Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM), CVJ, discusses common adverse effects of SGLT2 inhibitors and clinical signs of eDKA

eDKA and other adverse effects to SGLT2 inhibitors

Samantha Eisner, DVM, and Everett Lowenstein, a fourth-year veterinary student, perform a final exam on Sissy prior to her release from the hospital.

Photo: Ryleigh Rejcek, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences 

Cardiologists at the Texas A&M Small Animal Teaching Hospital (SATH) successfully treated a dog for a third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block using a donated pacemaker. The diagnosis indicated that electrical signals were unable to carry throughout the heart, a process required for a proper heartbeat. Dogs with third-degree AV are left with abnormally slow heart rates, which can cause episodes of collapse, as well as death, if they are not treated promptly and properly. In this case, the dog’s heart rate had dropped from the usual 120 beats per minute (bpm) down to just 35 bpm.

“The pacemaker is a life saver for animals like [this],” Samantha Eisner, DVM, a second-year cardiology resident in the SATH, who led the life-saving effort, said in a university release.

 “The reason the top and bottom chambers of her heart are losing the ability to communicate is because she has a damaged node, which means that it can’t press along the electrical signals that cause the heart to beat. The pacemaker bypasses the damaged node and stimulates contractions from inside the heart.”

An x-ray of Sissy after having her pacemaker placed.

Photo courtesy of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Dogs with third-degree AV block will have heart rates between 20-40 bpm.

 An electrocardiogram (EKG) is required to confirm a diagnosis of third-degree AV block.

 The EKG will evaluate electrical activity of the heart and confirm whether there’s a lack of electrical conduction from the atria to the ventricles. It is then recommended to conduct an atropine response test, which involves a subcutaneous atropine injection.

If there is no reaction to atropine injection:

 This would imply that the third-degree AV block is the result of primary disease of the AV node. In this case, surgical implementation of a permanent pacemaker is the only available treatment method. The pacemaker will stimulate the ventricles to beat at 80-140 bpm, which should restore a normal quality of life and lifespan for the patient.

If the heart rate does increase following atropine injection:

 A reaction to atropine would indicate that there may be a treatable, secondary cause of the disease. For further evaluation of potential secondary causes, an echocardiogram, chest x-rays, and blood work are recommended.

Sissy, a border collie, is a service dog from Louisville, Kentucky. She was initially trained to assist her owner, Robert “Bobby” Harrod, with diabetes management, and had recently begun to assist Harrod with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which he suffers from his days working emergency medical services (EMS).

Ahead of a planned trip abroad, Sissy underwent a routine checkup for her health certificate, which is required to fly overseas. During the evaluation, the veterinarian noticed that her heart rate was significantly lower than it should’ve been. Despite the veterinarian’s initial doubt that the heart rate was an indication of further complications, he conducted an EKG as a precaution and ended up diagnosing Sissy with a third-degree AV block. Harrod acted quickly, researching next steps, and quickly determined that Texas A&M had the best veterinary cardiology program. After a quick email and phone call, Harrod and Sissy set off for help, and arrived at SATH 17 hours after she was diagnosed. 

“We try to address cardiology problems as quickly as possible, especially things like third-degree AV block,” Eisner said.

 “If a third-degree AV block is not treated, it can cause the patient to develop collapse episodes or, in the worst-case scenarios, they can die from it because their heart is not able to pump properly to deliver oxygen to the vital organs of the body. So, when an owner like Bobby is willing to pursue treatment, we try to move quickly.”

Following the procedure, and ahead of his reunion with Sissy, Eisner and Everett Lowenstein, a fourth-year veterinary student at Texas A&M, met with Harrod to discuss the procedure and recovery process. They were also able to share that, in addition to Sissy’s pacemaker being donated, Harrod’s 31 years of service with EMS qualified him for financial assistance with Sissy’s bill, as part of the Veterinary Valor Program.

 The program, established in 2019, supports active military, veterans, and first responders in caring for their pets at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH).

 The team was also able to inform Harrod that Sissy received additional support from donations made to Heart Trust—a program intended to support the cardiovascular health of companion animals, while promoting and establishing clinical trials for the advancement of veterinary cardiovascular medicine.

Samantha Eisner, DVM, Robert "Bobby" Harrod, and Sissy in the Texas A&M SATH.

Photo: Jason Nitsch, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

“I am very thankful… it also meant a lot to know that there are people who are willing to support retired first-responders like me and dogs who suddenly need a cardiologist like Sissy,” Harrod said.

 “I’m on a fixed income, which means unexpected expenses are more challenging now. When I talked to Dr Eisner on Tuesday, she said, ‘We’ll make it happen. Just get here.’ I couldn’t have done it without the financial support.”

Eisner echoed those thoughts, expressing gratitude to the Veterinary Valor Program and the Heart Trust funds. “I’m so grateful to everyone who contributes to these funds,” she said.

 “When we hear about a service animal in a life-or-death situation, we know there are actually 2 lives at stake. To be able to help Bobby and Sissy is incredible. He’s helped save countless lives, so it’s really meaningful to have the donor support that empowered us to help Sissy.”

Harrod, a lifelong fan of the University of Kentucky’s Wildcats, says that, as a result of Texas A&M’s life-saving efforts for his beloved Sissy, his loyalties will now be divided when the Wildcats face off against the Texas A&M Aggies.

Hearts united in a house divided. News release. Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. October 2, 2024. Accessed October 2, 2024. 

https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/press-releases/sissy-dog-pacemaker/

Third Degree Atrioventricular Block. Veterinary Cardiac Referrals. Accessed October 2, 2024. 

https://www.vetcardioreferrals.com/third-degree-atrioventricular-block

Veterinary Valor Program. Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Accessed October 2, 2024. 

https://vetmed.tamu.edu/giving/opportunities/veterinary-valor/

Texas A&M cardiologists saved a beloved border collie from a third-degree atrioventricular block 

Service dog receives life-saving cardiological care 

A new vaccine trial for canines with early stage hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is underway. Calviri, a biotechnology company that creates therapeutic and preventative cancer vaccines for dogs and humans, announced it has vaccinated its first participant with its investigational immunotherapy vaccine.

(SOCH), aims to explore whether Calviri's “pre-made” vaccine can lengthen the lifespan of dogs with stage 1 or stage 2 tumors when paired with standard care treatment like surgery and chemotherapy. The vaccine’s objective is to activate the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells.

When used with checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy, personalized cancer vaccines are have shown potential for humans. However, for use in dogs, the process of crafting these vaccines to match specific mutations in tumor DNA can be impractical and too costly, according to Calviri.

Calviri found an alternative source of neoantigens derived from tumor RNA variants. These neoantigens, taken from RNA errors, are shared across patients and tumor types. As a result, Calviri is able to create “off-the-shelf” vaccines for tumor treatment. According to a news release, a recent clinical trial evaluated a preventative cancer vaccine formulated from similar neoantigens in dogs.

The new vaccine differentiates itself from other cancer vaccines, which are generally used to treat advanced-stage tumors in humans and dogs. The SOCH trial is set to be the first to target early-stage tumors, aiming to improve survival rates by treating these smaller, less advanced tumors.

"HSA is very aggressive. If this vaccine approach proves effective for HSA, there is a good chance it will work for other tumors," Douglas Thamm, VMD, director of clinical research at Colorado State University's (CSU) Flint Animal Cancer Center, and lead of the trial at CSU, said in a news release.

In dogs, HSA is prevalent, particularly among golden retrievers, German shepherds, labrador retrievers, boxers, pit bulls, and dogs with thin hair coats like Greyhounds, beagles, and dalmatians.

 HSA usually begins in the spleen and has the potential to metastasize to other areas.

HSA tumors consist of abnormal blood cells and fragile blood vessels that are invasive and prone to rupture. When these tumors rupture, they bleed into body cavities such as the chest or abdomen, leading to many of the clinical symptoms linked to this disease.

 Although HSA is generally diagnosed at more advanced stages, even early detection typically results in a life expectancy of 5 to 11 months.

Typical treatment includes surgical removal of the cancerous spleen and chemotherapy.

 Additional treatment consists of anti-bleeding medications, bioactive extracts from mushrooms, anti-arrhythmic drugs, blood transfusions, and procedures to remove fluid from around the heart or in the chest or abdomen.

"HSA is a devastating diagnosis for dogs. We are hopeful that this unique vaccine will improve the prognosis,” David Vail, DVM, MS, DACVIM (oncology), and clinical principal investigator for the study, said in the release.

Dogs will be enrolled in the study at the academic veterinary oncology institutions at the University of Wisconsin, Colorado State University, and the University of California-Davis. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a group receiving a placebo vaccine or one receiving the investigational vaccine. Both groups will also receive standard treatment, which consists of surgery and chemotherapy, along with their assigned vaccine. The study is expected to continue for two years, with a goal of enrolling up to 80 dogs.

Participants will be randomly placed into either a control group that receives a placebo vaccine or a test group that receives the investigational vaccine. All dogs, regardless of group, will receive standard care, comprising of surgery and chemotherapy, along with the mock or investigational vaccine. The study is anticipated to run for 2 years and will enroll up to 80 dogs, according to the release.

Sami Al-Nadaf, DVM, trial director at UC-Davis Veterinary Medicine, invited veterinarians and dog owners who are interested to email oncclinicaltrials@vetmed.wisc.edu for further details.

“The faster we can enroll dogs, the sooner we will find out if the vaccine can help those diagnosed with HSA," he said in the release.

Funding for the trial comes from Calviri and a donation from David MacNeil in remembrance of his golden retriever Scout, famous for featuring in multiple Super Bowl commercials.

Calviri initiates trial of therapeutic vaccine for early-stage hemangiosarcoma cancer in dogs. News release. Calviri, Inc. September 30, 2024. Accessed October 2, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/calviri-initiates-trial-of-therapeutic-vaccine-for-early-stage-hemangiosarcoma-cancer-in-dogs-302261734.html

Clinical studies in oncology. University of Wisconsin-Madison Veterinary Care. September 5, 2024. Accessed October 2, 2024. 

https://uwveterinarycare.wisc.edu/veterinary-clinical-studies/oncology/

. June 13, 2022. Accessed October 2, 2024. 

https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cancer/hemangiosarcoma-dogs

Calviri recently announced the initiation of new vaccine trial that targets early-stage hemangiosarcoma tumors in canines