Chewy IOTM August 2024

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 aims to highlight impactful initiatives and promote a brighter future for veterinary medicine.

It’s no secret that burnout is a significant problem in the veterinary profession. One study published earlier this year in the 

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 

reported that approximately 82% of veterinarians report experiencing low to medium levels of burnout, while 18% face high levels of burnout.

 The combination of high-stress job demands, long working hours, and emotional strain contribute significantly to the mental health challenges faced by veterinary professionals​. As a profession that might better be described as a calling, veterinary medicine attracts caretakers who so often put their heart on the line for others even if it impacts their own mental well-being in the process. In such an emotionally taxing field, who then, takes care of the caretakers?

That is the question Addie Reinhard, DVM, MS, is looking to tackle with MentorVet. Reinhard is a 2015 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, and after practicing full-time for 4 years in the Lexington, Kentucky region and experiencing severe burnout, she realized the profound impact of mentorship in her career—and the impact it could have on others. This seed of an idea lead to the founding of the MentorVet in 2021, which is designed to equip veterinary professionals with the tools and support they need to thrive both professionally and personally. She sat down with 

 to discuss MentorVet and how the industry can work together to address this increasingly challenging mental health crisis.

Note: The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

During my early career, I experienced severe burnout a couple of times. Fortunately, I had fantastic mentors both in and out of my practice, which made a significant difference in my ability to stay in the profession. Recognizing the importance of good mentorship, I felt a calling to give back to others who might be feeling similar feelings of burnout or to prevent it in the first place.

In 2019, I left my full-time job and went back to school at the University of Kentucky with the goal of developing a national mentorship program. I conducted 2 years of research, collaborating with veterinary social workers, extension specialists, and leadership specialists. This led to the development of the first iteration of the MentorVet Leap program, which combined professional skills training, online learning, and peer support meetings. The program showed promising results, and in the spring of 2021, MentorVet was founded with Merck Animal Health as the founding sponsor.

dvm360: What inspired you to create MentorVet?

The inspiration came from my personal experiences with burnout and the realization that others were silently struggling with similar issues. In 2018, mental health wasn’t widely discussed in our profession. When I started talking openly about my burnout, I heard from many others who were experiencing the same but kept it in the shadows. I wanted to provide tools and resources for those silently struggling and to prevent burnout from happening in the first place.

Additionally, seeing the positive impact my mentors had on my career and well-being motivated me to create a structured mentorship program. Good mentorship can make a significant difference in a veterinarian's ability to navigate the challenges of their career, and I wanted to make this accessible to as many people as possible. MentorVet aims to provide the support and resources needed to help veterinary professionals thrive, not just survive, in their careers.

dvm360: How has MentorVet grown since its inception?

MentorVet has seen significant growth since its inception. Our flagship program, MentorVet Leap, has had close to 1,000 individuals complete it. We've seen significant improvements in mental health measures, including reductions in burnout and improvements in stress and well-being. We've expanded our offerings to include programs for veterinary technicians, mid-career veterinarians, and specialized certificate programs for mentors. Our growth has been fueled by collaboration across the industry and the support of the veterinary profession.

We have also built a strong network of partnerships and supporters who share our vision for a healthier veterinary profession. This collaborative approach has allowed us to develop and refine our programs based on feedback and emerging research. By continuously evolving and expanding our offerings, we aim to meet the diverse needs of veterinary professionals at all stages of their careers.

dvm360: Can you share some specific success stories from MentorVet?

One success story that stands out is an early-career veterinarian who didn’t recognize she was experiencing burnout until she went through our program. She spoke with her employer, made changes to her working conditions, and was able to get to the other side of burnout without leaving her practice. This transformation was significant because it showed how awareness and support can lead to positive changes in both personal well-being and professional satisfaction.

Another story involves a veterinarian who was considering leaving clinical practice. After going through our program, she decided to stay and found fulfillment in her work again. These stories exemplify what success looks like for me: helping individuals have sustainable careers in veterinary medicine. Seeing these personal transformations and the ripple effect they have on the wider veterinary community reinforces the importance and impact of our work.

dvm360: What are your goals for MentorVet moving forward?

 My ultimate goal is to help the entire veterinary profession by providing evidence-based solutions and resources at all career stages. We want to create a healthier veterinary profession where individuals have the skills to help themselves and others. Our programs aim to reduce burnout, improve well-being, and provide the necessary support and education for a sustainable career. We envision a profession where everyone can find fulfillment and satisfaction in their work despite the inherent stress.

To achieve this, we plan to continue expanding our programs and partnerships, ensuring we reach more veterinary professionals across different roles and career stages. We also aim to stay at the forefront of research and best practices in mental health and professional development. By continuously adapting and innovating, we can provide the most effective support and resources to our community.

dvm360: What does success look like for you in terms of MentorVet’s impact on the profession?

 Success for me is seeing a reduction in the high percentages of burnout within the profession. For early career vets, the burnout rate is around 75%, and for the profession as a whole, it’s 50-60%. While we may not eliminate burnout entirely, reducing it substantially would be a significant achievement. Ultimately, success is helping individuals navigate the challenges of their careers and creating a supportive community within the profession.

Moreover, success means fostering a culture where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized. We want veterinary professionals to feel empowered to seek help and support when needed and to build resilient and fulfilling careers. By creating a strong, supportive network and providing the right tools and resources, we hope to transform the veterinary profession into one where individuals can thrive both personally and professionally.

Do you know a colleague who has advanced the veterinary profession through innovation? Nominations are now open for this prestigious award program! 

dvm360® is proud to partner with Chewy Health in recognizing an outstanding veterinarian and paraprofessional 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!

Volk JO, Schimmack U, Strand EB, et al. Work-life balance is essential to reducing burnout, improving well-being. 

. 2024;262(7):950-957. Published 2024 May 10. doi:10.2460/javma.24.02.0135

Videos

One veterinarian’s quest to battle burnout and help veterinary professionals achieve sustainable careers

Introducing dvm360 and Chewy Health’s August Innovator of the Month: Dr. Addie Reinhard, Founder of MentorVet

With a rise in interest on the powers of AI in veterinary medicine, it has piqued a lot of interest in technology in general. Automated messaging and scheduling for clients, texting clients, cloud storage, and more are some technological advances that have been implemented into clinics, so what is next for veterinary technology? 

On this week's episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, Baran Schultz, owner of Schultz Technology, sat down with our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, to discuss recent insights and innovations becoming more popular for veterinary clinics as a way to support and protect staff. 

: What a lot of people are starting to talk about, along with AI in the workplace, but also security in the workplace, whether it's physical building security, ie cameras and panic buttons for your staff or security for your network, whether it's a correct firewall, antivirus, ring fencing, stuff that will block intruders. So there's been a lot of changes, especially the last, you know, 10 years, but especially since COVID.

We've seen a lot more areas where we want to make the CSRs a lot less crazy, with all the clients they have to deal with, since they're on the front lines, right? We want to make that super efficient. So that's where we really strive and the clinics are starting to see that how important technology is. 

Articles

This week's guest Baran Schultz discusses the importance of technology in veterinary medicine with host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA

Veterinary technology insights and innovations

Vetfordia festival where compassion meets celebration

With the festival tagline of ‘Every beat is a prescription for fun’, Elaine Cebuliak, BVSc, MANZCVS (Dentistry), IVAS Cert (Veterinary Acupuncture), Dip Ed, is planning a fun day of music, arts, food, and connection with her Vetfordia festival set to celebrate veterinary and allied-health professionals in support of mental health and wellbeing.

The good vibes of Vetfordia will be set in the town of Woodfordia in Queensland, on Sunday, October 6, 2024, and will feature music, dancing and fun stuff for kids - with the aim of harmonizing mental health for veterinarians, allied professionals and their families.

“When walking on the beach early one morning pondering why my good friend – a specialist veterinary surgeon died by suicide, I had a vision - what is missing in my profession, and why is there such a high rate of mental health concerns. Then it came to me – we need community, we need to celebrate life – and so the idea for the Vetfordia festival was born!” explained Cebuliak to 

Cebuliak hopes Vetfordia can make a difference by creating a sense of community, using music as therapy, while providing family-friendly activities, mental health workshops, and networking opportunities.

“Isolation is a significant factor contributing to the mental health struggles of veterinarians. Vetfordia will bring together veterinarians and their families, providing a supportive environment where they can share their experiences, build relationships, and find solace in knowing they are not alone,” said Cebuliak.

“The festival will feature workshops and seminars led by mental health professionals who specialize in veterinary care. These sessions will offer practical advice, coping strategies, and resources to help veterinarians manage stress and emotional burnout. Vetfordia will also showcase a diverse lineup of musical acts, allowing attendees to unwind and enjoy the healing power of music," she continued.

Vetfordia aims to be a catalyst for change in the veterinary profession, with the festival’s emphasis on community, mental health education, and relaxation to create an environment where veterinarians can recharge and gain the tools they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

“I want it to encourage the exchange of ideas and foster collaborations, building connections that could lead to new friendships, mentorship opportunities, and a stronger sense of belonging within the veterinary community,” shared Cebuliak.

“Vetfordia is not just an event; it is a movement toward better mental health for veterinarians and their families. By combining the therapeutic power of music with educational resources and community support, Vetfordia offers a holistic approach to addressing the mental health crisis in the veterinary profession. Let us come together to support our veterinarians and our allied health workers, because when they thrive, so do our pets and our community.”

Vetfordia is an event listed as part of Queensland’s Mental Health week.

Incident management accreditation for veterinarian volunteering in emergency services

Outside of her work as a clinical veterinarian, Danielle Eyssens, BVSc (Hons), has volunteered with the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) since 2007. She recently became the first VICSES volunteer to receive Level 3 incident management accreditation – with Level 3 incidents referring to those emergencies that come with the highest level of complexity, requiring significant experience from those who are managing the incident.

The VICSES is a volunteer-based organization that provides emergency assistance during natural disasters and other emergencies, to minimize the impact of these events, while working to strengthen the community’s capacity to plan, respond and recover, when emergencies occur. VICSES are the control agency for flood, storm, earthquake, tsunami, and landslides, along with provision of road crash rescue services in the state of Victoria.

Danielle Eyssens, BVSc, with Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent, APM (image courtesy of VICESES) 

“The demand on emergency services in Victoria in recent years has been increasing with multiple major and extended incidents occurring in succession or even concurrently. The demand on staff and volunteers increases to perform incident management roles as well as business as usual activities,” said Eyssens, exclusively to 

“Response to these incidents would not be possible without volunteers, especially in the field. Having volunteers now able to develop to the Level 3 incident management qualification improves the services' ability to maintain the necessary level of resources for these events which can sometimes extend for months at a time,” she continued.

Eyssens got involved in volunteering with the VICSES after realizing that she wanted to do something more than work, as she was keen to balance the high stress and pressure of being a veterinarian.

“As a veterinarian, I love that I can do other things and keep a healthy mindset for my career. The skills I have learned from being involved in the State Emergency Service (SES) have made me a better vet and leader of my team at the veterinary clinic,” explained Eyssens.

“So many people have supported me in my veterinary, and now also in my SES pathway over the years. I love that I am paying it forward to the community that [is] experiencing the worst times of their lives when they go through an emergency or disaster that we respond to.”

Updates on Vetfordia, a wellbeing festival celebrating veterinary and allied-health workers and their families; and the veterinarian who achieved one of the highest emergency incident management accreditations

Veterinary scene down under: First VICSES volunteer to earn Level 3 incident management accreditation, and more news

The various microbiomes of dogs and cats are made up of a large number of commensal, nonpathogenic microorganisms. The microbiome functions in a unique symbiotic relationship with the host’s immune system to protect against pathogen invasion and colonization. The microbiome protects the host via multiple mechanisms and metabolic functions. As such, a healthy microbiome is an important determinant of host health and loss of the microbial balance has been associated with a variety of systemic disorders.

Eubiosis exists when there is a healthy and symbiotic relationship between the gut microbiome and the host. This requires a large, diverse population of microorganisms and an environment that is suitable for them to flourish

. Dysbiosis, on the other hand, occurs when the normal, healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut, oral cavity, skin or other microbiome is disrupted and changes its function

. This imbalance can be caused by many factors including diet, antibiotics and other medications, stress, illness, and even changes in the environment

. In dogs and cats, it is often difficult to determine if dysbiosis is the cause or the result of a disease

. The same microbe can play both a protective or pathogenic role depending on the health status of the animal

. When dysbiosis occurs, there can be a shift in which microbes are present or absent, and/or a change in the function and functional byproducts produced by said microbes. These changes can have effects not only on the GI system, but throughout the entire animal.

: Dysbiosis is prevalent in dogs and cats with acute or chronic GI diseases. Because the gut microbiome is involved in many metabolic functions, dysbiosis of the microbiome is associated with elevated inflammatory immune response, increases in pathogenic microbes, degradation of the mucus layer of the intestine and increased localized and systemic inflammation

. Factors contributing to dysbiosis include disrupted secretion of antimicrobial fluids, altered intestinal motility, partial obstructions, breed predispositions (notably in German shepherds and Rottweilers), changes in intestinal pH and oxygen levels, and the presence of blood

. Additionally, dysbiosis can be induced by drugs such as antibiotics, NSAIDs, and acid suppressants, as well as dietary changes. One of the most common signs of dysbiosis in dogs and cats is gastrointestinal distress. This can include symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and changes in stool consistency.

: A healthy gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system. The production of antioxidant enzymes by the gut microbiota is crucial for reducing oxidative stress in cats, thereby boosting immune function and promoting overall gastrointestinal health

. Dysbiosis can disrupt the production of anti-inflammatory metabolites, which can weaken the immune response, making cats and dogs more susceptible to infections and illnesses

: Recent studies indicate a connection between the gut microbiome and behavior via the gut-brain axis. Dogs with an imbalanced gut microbiome may exhibit anxiety, depression, or aggression. The composition of the gut microbiome has been shown to differ between aggressive and non-aggressive dogs

. Research on the link between behavior changes and dysbiosis in domestic cats is sparse, though one study did show a correlation between gut microbes and the behavioral responses

: Emerging research suggests a link between gut microbiome imbalances and obesity in dogs. The gut microbiome, especially that contained in the large intestine, is correlated with energy homeostasis, fat metabolism and obesity

. The microbiome compositions of obese dogs are significantly different from those of healthy controls

. Obese cats have been shown to have a significant reduction in microbial diversity and specific microbe abundance, suggesting potential dysbiosis

: Dysbiosis can also affect the skin microbiome. The skin microbiome is unique as it has to contend not only with the host’s immune system, but also with environmental and physiological conditions of the skin. Interestingly, a recent study showed that both breed and environmental factors can influence the skin microbiome in cats

 Another study has shown that a lack of microbial diversity appears to be a factor in the development of allergic skin diseases in cats

. The skin microbiome is known to play an important role in improving epidermal barrier function, antimicrobial production and immune function in cats, and should be studied further to allow for more targeted interventions

In dogs, skin microbiome dysbiosis can lead to skin problems, including itching, redness, and hot spots. Multiple studies have shown correlations between atopic dermatitis and cutaneous dysbiosis. Similar to cats, the most common finding in studying the canine skin microbiome is a decrease in bacterial diversity present in atopic dermatitis when compared to healthy controls

Diagnosing dysbiosis in cats and dogs typically involves a combination of clinical signs, medical history, and diagnostic tests. Veterinarians may perform fecal examinations, blood tests, and even advanced techniques like DNA sequencing to assess the composition of the gut, or other, microbiomes. There is an overlap in the dysbiosis patterns of many GI diseases, thus no specific dysbiosis patterns for GI diseases have been described that can be used diagnostically to distinguish among various enteropathies. Several functional biomarkers in GI health and disease in cats and dogs have been identified. Increased serum folate (vitamin B9), decreased serum cobalamin (vitamin B12), increased serum methylmalonic acid and increased fecal ɑ1-proteinase inhibitor (ɑ1PI) concentrations have all been associated with chronic gastrointestinal disease (18). Biomarkers of inflammation such as serum C-reactive protein, serum perinuclear anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies, serum 3-bromotyrosine, serum and urinary N-methylhistamine, fecal and serum calprotectin, fecal and serum calgranulin C and serum soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products have been the focus of studies of chronic enteropathy in dogs

. A fecal dysbiosis index (DI) assay is a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay used to assess the fecal microbiome in individual dogs and cats

. The DI is currently the only validated assay to assess the fecal microbiome and measures the abundance of eight specific bacterial taxa and total bacterial abundance. Assessment of these biomarkers and indices may be useful to identify responses to dietary interventions

. As understanding of the other canine and feline microbiomes advances, we hope this knowledge will enable practitioners to offer more targeted testing and interventions to restore health when dysbiosis occurs.

Dysbiosis of the microbiomes in cats and dogs is a complex and multifaceted issue that can have significant impacts on their health. Continued research aimed at further refining dysbiosis indices and understanding the associated metabolic changes will unlock the potential to utilize pet microbiomes as both diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

 Diversity, stability and resilience of the human gut microbiota. 

Zeng, M. Y., Inohara, N., & Nuñez, G. (2017). Mechanisms of inflammation-driven bacterial dysbiosis in the gut. 

Suchodolski, J. S. (2016). Diagnosis and interpretation of intestinal dysbiosis in dogs and cats. 

Stacy A, Belkaid Y. Microbial guardians of skin health. 

Barko, P. C., McMichael, M. A., Swanson, K. S., & Williams, D. A. (2018). The gastrointestinal microbiome: a review. 

Allenspach K, House A, Smith K, et al. Evaluation of mucosal bacteria and histopathology, clinical disease activity and expression of Toll-like receptors in German shepherd dogs with chronic enteropathies. 

Kathrani A, Werling D, Allenspach K. Canine breeds at high risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease in the south-eastern UK. 

Jewell, D.; Jackson, M.; Hall, J.; Badri, D. Feeding microbiome-targeting ingredients increases fecal plant-origin antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, and decreases branched-chained amino acids in cats. Curr. Dev. Nutr. 2020, 4, 690.

Suchodolski, J. S. (2022). Analysis of the gut microbiome in dogs and cats. 

Kirchoff, N. S., Udell, M. A., & Sharpton, T. J. (2019). The gut microbiome correlates with conspecific aggression in a small population of rescued dogs (Canis familiaris). 

Koyasu H, Takahashi H, Yoneda M, Naba S, Sakawa N, Sasao I, Nagasawa M, Kikusui T. Correlations between behavior and hormone concentrations or gut microbiome imply that domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) living in a group are not like 'groupmates'. PLoS One. 2022 Jul 27;17(7):e0269589. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269589. PMID: 35895662; PMCID: PMC9328509.

Garcia-Mazcorro, J. F., Minamoto, Y., Kawas, J. R., Suchodolski, J. S., & de Vos, W. M. (2020). Akkermansia and microbial degradation of mucus in cats and dogs: Implications to the growing worldwide epidemic of pet obesity. 

Thomson, P., Santibáñez, R., Rodríguez-Salas, C., Flores-Yañez, C., & Garrido, D. (2022). Differences in the composition and predicted functions of the intestinal microbiome of obese and normal weight adult dogs. 

Ma, X., Brinker, E., Graff, E. C., Cao, W., Gross, A. L., Johnson, A. K., ... & Wang, X. (2022). Whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing reveals distinct gut microbiome signatures of obese cats. 

Older CE, Diesel AB, Lawhon SD, et al. The feline cutaneous and oral microbiota are influenced by breed and environment. 

Older, C. E., Hoffmann, A. R., & Diesel, A. B. (2023). The feline skin microbiome: interrelationship between health and disease. 

Rodrigues HA. The cutaneous ecosystem: the roles of the skin microbiome in health and its association with inflammatory skin conditions in humans and animals. Vet Dermatol. 2017;28:60-e15.

Ing, N. H., & Steiner, J. M. (2024). The use of diets in the diagnosis and treatment of common gastrointestinal diseases in dogs and cats. In 

Nutrition and Metabolism of Dogs and Cats

 (pp. 39-53). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.

Heilmann RM, Steiner JM. Clinical utility of currently available biomarkers in inflammatory enteropathies of dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2018 Sep;32(5):1495-1508. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15247. Epub 2018 Sep 17. PMID: 30222209; PMCID: PMC6189362.

Sung, C. H., Marsilio, S., Chow, B., Zornow, K. A., Slovak, J. E., Pilla, R., ... & Suchodolski, J. S. (2022). Dysbiosis index to evaluate the fecal microbiota in healthy cats and cats with chronic enteropathies. 

Rossi G, Cerquetella M, Gavazza A, Galosi L, Berardi S, Mangiaterra S, Mari S, Suchodolski JS, Lidbury JA, Steiner JM, Pengo G (2020) Rapid resolution of large bowel diarrhea after the administration of a combination of a high-fiber diet and a probiotic mixture in 30 dogs. Vet Sci 7:21

Discovering its hidden impact on dogs and cats.

Decoding dysbiosis

Precision Equine Pharmacy, a provider of nearly 100 compounded equine medications, based in Bakersfield, California, has now fully integrated with New Jersey-based pharmacy Wedgewood. Now under Wedgewood Equine, the integration will allow the pharmacy to provide a more extensive range of compounded equine medications and services, according to a news release.

"Expanding our services and offerings to the equine community is a pivotal part of our strategy for the future. This exciting integration represents our commitment to providing comprehensive, specialized medications and services that meet the evolving needs of equine veterinarians and horse owners alike,” Alejandro Bernal, CEO of Wedgewood, said in the release.

 “We are dedicated to enhancing our capabilities and ensuring that Wedgewood remains at the forefront of veterinary pharmaceutical innovation, setting new standards for care and excellence in the industry."

Medications will now be shipped from any of Wedgewood’s pharmacies in New Jersey, Arizona, Kentucky, or California. Moreover, there may be variations in how medication names and strengths are displayed on the label, but the amount of the active ingredient will remain consistent, according to the company. There may also be changes in medications’ inactive ingredients, appearance, consistency, color, scent, texture, scoop sizes, particle size, and powder quantity. Additionally, certain oral liquids will now come in additional flavors, including apple, molasses, apple-molasses, peppermint, tutti-frutti, vanilla butternut, banana, chicken, fish, liver, and/or cricket.

 According to Wedgewood, this merge will also result in extended service hours and “more convenient online ordering options” at Wedgewood’s website.

"We are thrilled to bring Precision customers a broader range of medications and solutions, along with an expanded support team. This integration enhances our ability to serve the equine community more effectively. This is more than a merger; it is a celebration of shared values and visions. We look forward to a future where our combined expertise leads to better outcomes for veterinarians, horse owners, and the animals we all care deeply about," Susan Welch-McCulloch, director of Business Development, Equine & Special Markets for Wedgewood, stated in the release.

In 2023, after merging with Blue Rabbit, a home delivery and prescription management platform, Wedgewood purchased Precision along with Wickliffe Pharmacy in Lexington, Kentucky, and Brava Pharmacy in Novato, California. Wickliffe is set to finalize its integration later this year. Additionally, Blue Rabbit operates as Wedgewood’s platform for PIMS-integrated e-prescribing and home delivery, according to the company.

“We are thrilled to welcome Precision and its talented team into our family. The incredible business and community that Precision has cultivated are truly remarkable. Together, we will harness our combined strengths to develop a best-in-class equine experience, providing unparalleled service to the equine community," commented Jackie Bernard, head of Wedgewood Equine, in the organizational release.

New name, same mission: Precision Equine Pharmacy completes integration with Wedgewood. News release. Wedgewood Pharmacy. July 29, 2024. Accessed July 30, 2024. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240729856233/en/New-Name-Same-Mission-Precision-Equine-Pharmacy-Completes-Integration-with-Wedgewood

A new era of equine care: Precision and Wedgewood. Wedgewood Pharmacy. Accessed July 30, 2024. 

https://info.wedgewoodpharmacy.com/precision_transition

The integration of Precision Equine Pharmacy with Wedgewood Pharmacy will result in a wider range of compounded equine medications 

Equine pharmacy merges with compounding pharmacy

The expansion of veterinary health facilities across the country demonstrates an advancement in animal care accessibility. As clinics, hospitals, and wellness centers become more prevalent, pet owners can more easily access consultations, preventive care, and wellness services for their animal companions. This enhances the overall health and well-being of their pets.

Here are 3 recent pharmacy, hospital, and clinic openings in the United States:

Veterinary Dentistry Specialists in Madison, New Jersey

Veterinary Dentistry Specialists (VDS), a clinic specializing in advanced dental care for pets, has launched a new location at 240 Main Street, Madison, New Jersey. VDS stands out as the sole veterinary dentistry practice in the country where board-certified specialists in both dentistry and anesthesiology collaborate on every case. This blend of expertise provides high levels of safety, comfort, and care for each patient, according to an organizational release.

The practice is led by Ellen Scherer, DVM, DAVDC. “One of the best ways to take care of your pet’s oral health is through routine home care, along with regular professional examinations and cleanings by your primary care veterinarian. However, there may come a time when your veterinarian recommends more advanced treatment. That’s where we come in,” said Scherer, in the news release.

 “I am proud to say that together with my talented team, pet owners throughout the region now have direct access to world-class, advanced oral care for their pets.”

VDS offers a wide range of services, including endodontics, extractions, jaw fracture repair, malocclusion treatment, oral cancer surgery, orthodontics, palate surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics and restoratives, salivary gland surgery, and more. VDS Madison is open Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, by appointment only, according to the clinic.

CityVet in Edmond, Oklahoma. (Photo courtesy of CityVet)

CityVet, a Dallas-based network comprising 41 veterinarian-owned practices, expressed its enthusiasm in announcing the opening of its first clinic in Oklahoma. The clinic began welcoming clients at 16325 N May Ave A1-A3, Edmond, Oklahoma, on July 22. It is led by Eryn Henke, DVM, and offers a range of pet care services, including preventive care, diagnostics, surgery, grooming, dental care, and advanced surgical procedures. It also provide urgent care on Saturdays and Sundays.

"Our expansion into Oklahoma marks an exciting milestone for CityVet. We are thrilled to open our first clinic in the Edmond area and plan to expand with additional clinics throughout Oklahoma City," expressed David Boguslawski, CityVet president and CEO, in a news release.

Dr Henke is an exceptional veterinarian, and we are proud to partner with her for our newest clinic. Her dedication to compassionate and personalized pet care makes her the ideal leader for our new clinic." 

“I am extremely excited to partner with CityVet as our goals and beliefs for veterinary medicine align perfectly with one another. We both believe in keeping veterinary medicine with the veterinarian, allowing veterinarians to focus on their relationships with clients and their beloved pets in providing the utmost care possible. CityVet's unwavering support empowers us to excel in veterinary medicine and establish a clinic that meets the high standards my neighbors seek, all while staying true to our beliefs and ethics,” said Henke, in the release.

Scenthound at Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Scenthound, the nation’s first dog hygiene and wellness franchise, is celebrating the opening of its 100th location in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The new ‘Scenter’, situated at 405 Faison Road, held its grand opening event on July 22.

"We founded Scenthound on a mission to keep dogs clean and healthy so they can live longer, happier lives and with every Scenter that opens, we're fulfilling that mission," said Tim Vogel, co-founder and CEO of Scenthound, in a news release.

 "Opening our 100th location in under four years is a source of immense pride for our team and inspires us to drive towards our next milestone. Our goal is to make monthly hygiene services and wellness care accessible to all dogs. We plan on making routine hygiene the new normal for dog parents everywhere."

As Scenthound looks towards its next phase of growth, the leadership team has pinpointed several states and the Northeast region as key areas for franchise expansion, with prime territories available across the country. As category creators in a recession-resistant industry, Scenthound is attracting multi-unit operators and aspiring entrepreneurs, according to the company.

Veterinary Dentistry Specialists opens new clinic in Madison, NJ. News release. Veterinary Dentistry Specialists. July 8, 2024. Accessed July 30, 2024. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240708054942/en/Veterinary-Dentistry-Specialists®-Opens-New-Clinic-in-Madison-NJ

CityVet, a leading network of veterinary-owned practices, expands to Oklahoma with its first clinic to officially open its doors in Edmond, OK on Monday, July 22. News release. CityVet. July 16, 2024.

Scenthound hits major brand milestone: One-of-a-kind dog wellness concept opens 100th location. News release. Scenthound. July 17, 2024. Accessed July 30, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scenthound-hits-major-brand-milestone-one-of-a-kind-dog-wellness-concept-opens-100th-location-302198866.html

Take a look at these 3 veterinary centers newly opened or coming soon