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Midwestern University announced that it is aiming to help advance veterinary education by developing the Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine-Illinois located on the Downs Grove campus. The announcement of the decision was made by Kathleen H. Goeppinger, PhD, president and chief executive officer of Midwestern University, in response to the need for skilled veterinary professionals to provide care.

The proposed veterinary school will also hopefully help fulfill the need for critical research to aid in public health and fill the need for qualified professionals to serve as educators and leaders in the profession. According to the organization release,

 Coretta Cosby Patterson, DVM, DACVIM-SA, has been selected to serve as the dean of the school, if the proposal is accepted.

“With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the field, Dr. Patterson brings invaluable expertise to the College's mission of educating the next generation of veterinarians,” expressed Goeppinger, in the release.

Patterson graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree as well as 2 Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She then went on to complete a residency at Michigan State University in Small/Companion Animal Medicine as well as a residency in small animal internal medicine. Currently, Patterson holds a license to practice veterinary medicine in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, and New Mexico.

The first class at the proposed college, pending approval, is expected to enroll in 2026 and at this time, the proposal is currently under review by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education.

If approved, Midwestern University’s veterinary school will become the second in the state, following the University of Illinois Urban-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine.

Midwestern University Announces New College of Veterinary Medicine Proposal. News release. Midwestern University. June 11, 2024. Accessed June 18, 2024.

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If the proposal is accepted, Midwestern will be home to the second veterinary school in Illinois

Midwestern University publicizes college of veterinary medicine proposal 

FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium dog conditioner, one gallon. (Photo courtesy of United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and Spectrum Brands Pet Care)

Spectrum Brands Pet Care voluntarily recalled its FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium dog conditioner sold in a clear one-gallon (128 oz) container with and without the pump. The recall is due to potential contamination of bacteria, including 

), an environmental bacterium commonly present in soil and water that poses a risk of serious infection to people with compromised immune systems or who use external medical devices, such as catheters or ventilators.

The conditioner’s Universal Product Code (UPC) number shown on the label is 854460001073. Affected lot numbers for units sold without a pump are 211102 and affected lot numbers for units sold with a pump are between 220402 and 240152. These numbers can be found on the bottom of the containers. The products were sold online from Amazon and Chewy  from January 2022 through April 2024, and were distributed by Spectrum Brands Pet LLC, of Middleton, Wisconsin.

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Spectrum Brands Pet Care has reported no injuries. It has however, received 4 reports of mold developing in the container.

 infection can affect various parts of a person’s body, including the skin, blood, lungs, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

 typically does not cause infection in people with healthy immune systems. It can, however, be potentially deadly to immunocompromised individuals.

 The bacteria can enter the body through the eyes, a break in the skin, or if inhaled.

The infection is usually treated with antibiotics, although these bacteria have developed resistance to certain antibiotics.

Some of the types of infections that these bacteria may cause include

GI tract infections, including in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus

Approximately 102,000 of the deshedding conditioner containers were sold in the United States, with 250 also sold in Canada. The recall was issued June 6, 2024.

Consumers are advised to discontinue use of the recalled pet conditioner promptly and contact the company to obtain a complete refund.

 The CPSC and Spectrum Brands Pet Care warns consumers not to empty the product before disposing and not to pour it down the toilet or drain. Instead, customers should label the product with the word "Recalled," upload a picture showing the product's UPC, date, and customer initials, and then upload another photo of the disposed product in the trash on the FURminator 

. After successful registration, the company will process refunds for eligible purchases.

Spectrum Brands Pet Care Recalls Pet Fur deShedding Conditioner Due to Risk of Exposure to Bacteria. News release. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. June 6, 2024. Accessed June 18, 2024. 

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Spectrum-Brands-Pet-Care-Recalls-Pet-Fur-deShedding-Conditioner-Due-to-Risk-of-Exposure-to-Bacteria

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed June 18, 2024. 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25164-pseudomonas-infection

Spectrum Brands Pet Care has issued a voluntary recall of the FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium dog conditioner due to bacterial contamination

Voluntary recall of dog fur deshedding conditioner

Best known as the “Queen of Scripts,” Wendy S. Myers, CVJ, has taught communication and client service skills for more than 2 decades. As founder of Communication Solutions for Veterinarians, she teaches practical skills through online courses, onsite coaching, and conferences. Wendy was a partner in a specialty and emergency practice. Visit Csvetscourses.com to learn more.

We get a dozen refill requests from outside pharmacies every day. I’m frustrated with the amount of time my team spends giving away our pharmacy income. What can we say to persuade clients to get refills from our hospital?

 First, evaluate your prices on preventives and long-term drugs for chronic health conditions. Strategically price these drugs so you’re competitive, especially parasiticides because they make up 59% of pharmacy sales.

 Smart prices combined with rebate and reward programs will give your hospital an advantage.

When you receive a heartworm preventive request from an outside pharmacy, check the medical record to confirm the patient has had an examination and negative heartworm test result within 12 months. Call the client to share benefits of buying preventives from your hospital.

Say this: “We received a request from <outside pharmacy> for <pet’s name> heartworm preventives. Dr <Name> checked your dog’s medical record and confirmed that he/she has had an examination and negative heartworm test result within 12 months, which is necessary to safely take preventives. You can pick up a refill at our hospital or order it through our online pharmacy if you prefer home delivery. Our hospital has competitive prices and offers safe, guaranteed drugs that we buy directly from pharmaceutical companies. <Drug name> has a $__ instant rebate when you buy it from us. You can pick up a refill at our hospital, or I can help you place your first order through our online pharmacy. Which do you prefer?”

Let me highlight key words in this script. Use the veterinary doctor’s name to reinforce the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Explain your standard of care that dogs must have examinations and negative heartworm test results within 12 months for you to prescribe preventives. Share prices and benefits of buying medications from your hospital, including rebates or rewards. Online pharmacy as a medical focus compared with the retail sound of online store. Instant rebate lets clients know they don’t have to wait for checks or vouchers in the mail. Use the yes-or-yes technique to lead clients to refill now through your hospital or online pharmacy.

If you leave a voicemail message, send a backup text with hyperlinks underlined. Text this: “We left you a voicemail about <pet name>’s refill of <drug name>. Order now through our online pharmacy with home delivery or reply Y to pick up at our hospital. Get $__ instant rebate when you buy 12 doses of <drug name> from us. Text or call with questions.”

Invest 5 minutes to call clients because pharmacy represents 25% to 30% of revenue.

 Pet owners will appreciate hearing from you, and you’ll win their trust and loyalty.

Late clients derail our schedule and make our medical team feel rushed.

Be the boss of your schedule and set client expectations. Three strategies can train clients to be on time for appointments:

Text clients when they are 5 minutes late

. Text this: “We expected to see you at <time> for <pet’s name> appointment. Reply YES and your expected arrival time if you’re on the way here or RS to reschedule.” If the client replies, “I’ll be there in 5 minutes,” don’t make promises in your response. Five minutes could end up being 20. Reply with, “Thanks for letting us know. Drive carefully. See you soon.”

Once the client walks in the door, look at options based on your schedule in that moment. If the client is less than 10 minutes late, you may be able to proceed with the 30-minute appointment. If the client arrives 30 minutes late, consider offering day admission or work-in appointments. I share 5 options to see late-arriving clients in my online course “What to Say When Clients Challenge You” (https://www.csvetscourses.com/courses/clients-challenge-you).

. You need to set expectations and hold clients accountable, especially those who are habitually tardy. Just as you have a financial policy on new client forms, have a late policy. To inform existing clients, put the late policy on online patient history forms and online and app scheduling tools. Use benefit statements to create the on-time behavior you want.

Here’s a sample late policy: “We ask you to arrive before your scheduled appointment time so your pet may benefit from the full examination time. Client and patient history forms must be completed in advance to help our medical team prepare for your pet’s visit. A grace period of __ minutes will be granted for unforeseen delays that you may encounter while traveling to our hospital. If you arrive more than __ minutes late, we will consider options of a work-in appointment, day admission appointment, or rescheduling as our schedule permits. We strive to ensure clients and patients are seen in a timely manner and appreciate your on-time arrival. Clients who have 3 or more late arrivals for appointments cannot schedule future appointments and will only be seen as emergencies or day admission appointments. Additional fees will apply.”

. Say this: “I understand that you were 15 minutes late for your appointment. We want you and your pet to benefit from the full examination time with our medical team. To best serve you, please be on time for future appointments. We send confirmations upon booking and reminders 2 weeks, 4 days, and 2 days before your examination. Let me confirm that we have your correct cell number and email address for confirmations. We appreciate your timeliness so we can give all patients the time they need.”

If you need a script for a challenging client conversation, submit your scenario to info@csvets.com for consideration in future columns.

1. Palacios Rubio D. Trends in online sales of pet products. GlobalPETS. November 25, 2022. Accessed May 13, 2024. https://globalpetindustry.com/article/trends-online-sales-pet-products

2. Gavzer K. How to profit on a hospital pharmacy. 

. August 1, 2017. Accessed May 13, 2024. https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/profit-hospital-pharmacy/

Scripts for confident client conversations address pharmacy purchases as well as managing late pet owners

Win back refills

Chronic waste disease (CWD) has been detected in free-ranging cervids in 24 states and 4 provinces as well as in captive cervid facilities in 19 states and 3 provinces. The most recent detection was announced by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife that CWD has been detected within deer and elk in the state.

“CWD is clearly spreading geographically, and increasing in prevalence in locations where it is established,” said Bryan Richards, emerging disease coordinator at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, in a release published by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Multiple jurisdictions have documented 40-50% positive rates in their adult male samples in areas that are more heavily affected, with some of the same jurisdictions have documented 20-30% positive rates in adult females.

 When it comes to responding, aggressive responses to the disease have been limited to a subset of affected states. According to Richards, some states are taking on a more of a monitoring stance and that alone will not alter the outcomes of the disease.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) agency provides states, tribal governments, universities, and more millions of funding to control CWD in wild and farmed cervids. The majority of the funding continues to be allocated to basic research and monitoring, and a smaller portion going to applied research and active management.

For veterinary professionals and cooperators, they can reduce the risk of the spreading and infection of CWD in farmed cervid herds by maintaining strict biosecurity and raising cervid species that are less susceptible or resistant to CWD.

“We continue to see CWD spread among captive facilities, with new positive facilities being detected every year,” explained Richards.

 “How infectious material is being introduced into some of these facilities remains an open question.”

On the differential list for the many facilities with CWD, human-caused introduction of infectious materials remains high with everything from artificial insemination practices to biopsy tools for antemortem testing. Because of this, it is crucial for professionals to do an appropriate and thorough disinfection.

As the CWD cases continue to rise, researchers are investigating if it is possible to be transmissible to humans. There is currently no evidence showing that this disease can be spread to humans by eating meat from infected animals, encountering an infected animal in the wild, or touching or consuming contaminated soil or water.

“There is currently not enough research to determine whether cross-species prion transmission is possible,” said Tanya Espinosa, public affairs specialist for APHIS.

The National Institute of Health’s (NIH) Rocky Mountain Laboratories’ researchers have been testing if this disease could infect human neural tissue.

 They conducted their research by exposing human cerebral organoids with 2 different genotypes, one previously associated with susceptibility to zoonotic prion diseases – to high concentrations of CWD from 3 different sources for a week.

The researchers found that there is no new CWD propagation or deposition of protease-resistant forms of human prions in the CWD-exposed organoids, which had remained uninfected for up to 6 months, suggesting substantial species barrier prevents the transmission of CWD to humans.

More studies are underway to identify if any prion diseases can happen at a higher rate in people who have an increased risk of protease-resistant forms of human prions that are seen in CWD-exposed deer or elk meat. Scientists are expecting the study to take many years before determining what the risks, if any, CWD has to humans since it takes a long time for symptoms of CWD to appear.

Chronic wasting disease continues to spread in cervids. American Veterinary Medical Association. News release. June 17, 2024. Accessed June 18, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/chronic-wasting-disease-continues-spread-cervids

Carlson C, Hopkins M, Nguyen N, Richards B, Walsh D, David Walter W. Chronic Wasting Disease: Status, Science, and Management Support by the U.S. Geological Survey Background and Significance. https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2017/1138/ofr20171138.pdf

Groveman BR, Williams K, Race B, et al. Lack of Transmission of Chronic Wasting Disease Prions to Human Cerebral Organoids. Emerg Infect Dis. 2024;30(6):1193-1202. doi:10.3201/eid3006.231568

Chronic wasting disease has been detected in over free ranging and captive cervid in over 3 provinces and 19 states 

CWD continues to spread across North America 

In an effort to increase diversity in the veterinary profession, the Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) CARES Foundation recently announced a $500,000 scholarship pledge to support Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM), has educated more than 70% of the nation’s Black veterinarians and is recognized as the most inclusive veterinary school among all veterinary medicine colleges in the United States. The pledge will culminate in an annual $25,000 scholarship to 1 incoming student and is expected to help alleviate the financial challenges that diverse aspiring veterinary students are often faced with, and that has often thwarted their pursuit of a career in this profession.

“The TUCVM appreciates the intentional and impactful partnership we have with the Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation,” Ruby L. Perry, dean of TUCVM said in a news release.

 “This notable $500,000 pledge in scholarships to our students aligns with the mission and vision of our college to sustain the legacy of training and educating underrepresented minorities as veterinarians in the veterinary profession.”

According to 2017 statistics from the US Bureau of Labor, 12% of the workforce is Black, yet, as of 2023, only 1.3% of veterinarians are Black, with a total of 10% of veterinarians being racially diverse.

 In other veterinary professions, diversity is also scarce with 2.3% of veterinary assistants and lab animal caretakers and 2.8% of non-farm animal caretakers being Black.

Bonnie Barclay, DVM, MBA, senior professional services veterinarian at BI Vetmedica, and TUCVM graduate talked about the experience of Black people pursuing the veterinary profession.

 “In America, there are unconscious biases,” Barclay explained in an earlier news article.

“Because you don’t look a certain way, or act a certain way, or speak a certain way, sometimes you won’t have as many opportunities.”

A degree in veterinary medicine can be costly, and this can have a disproportionate effect on students from diverse backgrounds. A 2020 survey revealed that on average, Black veterinary students graduate with more than $100,000 more debt than White students. For White graduates, the mean debt was $151,174, compared to $249,436 in debt for Black graduates.

“If the problem of educational debt in veterinary medicine is left unchecked, there is a risk of saturation by those who can afford to attend veterinary school,” said Bridgette Bain, PhD, senior economist at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), in the 2021 AVMA Colleges’ Annual Conference and Iverson Bell Symposium.

“Currently, the typical veterinary graduate is a white woman from suburbia, and studies have shown that veterinarians prefer to work and open hospitals or clinics in areas that are similar to where they grew up. If this trend continues, there may be areas across the U.S. where there is a higher density of veterinarians than others,” Bain continued.

BI also hosts yearlong events at the TUCVM campus such as career fairs to showcase opportunities at BI and offers the elective course “Advancing Human Animal Health” for undergraduate students with an interest in the animal health industry.

“Veterinary medicine in the United States is one of the least racially and ethnically diverse fields. Financial barriers are a significant part of the problem,” said Randolph Legg, president and head of commercial business at BI, in the news release.

 “Our partnership with Tuskegee University is a bold stride towards breaking down these barriers and fostering the success of diverse students passionate about veterinary medicine.”

Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation Ignites a Brighter Future in Vet Med with a $500,000 Scholarship Pledge to Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. News release. Boehringer Ingelheim. June 12, 2024. Accessed June 17, 2024. 

https://bi-animalhealth.com/tuskegee-boehringer-ingelheim-scholarship-veterinary-medicine

Why mentors matter – especially for black veterinarians: One doctor’s story. Boehringer Ingelheim. Accessed June 17, 2024. 

https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/animal-health/why-role-models-matter-black-veterinarians-one-doctors-story

Bautista-Alejandre A. Pawsibilities for students with aspirations of becoming veterinary professionals. 

. June 12, 2024. Accessed June 17, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/pawsibilities-for-students-with-aspirations-of-becoming-veterinary-professionals

Mattson K. Veterinary educational debt varies by sector, race. American Veterinary Medical Association. April 28, 2021. Accessed June 17, 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-05-15/veterinary-educational-debt-varies-sector-race

One incoming veterinary student from the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine will receive a $25,000 scholarship each year from the Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation

Boehringer Ingelheim pledges $500,000 scholarship to help address lack of diversity

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that Salmonella linked to pet bearded dragons has affected at least 15 individuals across 9 states. Four people have been hospitalized, but no fatalities have occurred. New York recorded 4 cases, while Ohio and California each reported 3 cases. Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia each reported 1 case. The CDC indicated that the actual number of cases is likely higher than reported and may extend beyond the currently identified states.

 Cotham. Among the affected individuals, 9 are preschool-aged children. Illness onset dates ranged from January 8, 2024, to May 16, 2024. Of those interviewed, 58% reported contact with a bearded dragon before becoming ill.

According to the CDC, “Bearded dragons can carry 

 germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their bodies and anything in the area where they live and roam.”

Children under the age of 5 years account for 60% of the reported illnesses. The CDC emphasized that bearded dragons are not recommended as pets for children under 5, adults over 65, or individuals with weakened immune systems because of the heightened risk of severe illness from reptile-associated germs.

Additionally, the CDC warned that bearded dragons can shed 

 in their feces even if they appear healthy. It is advisable to minimize contact between these individuals with weakened immune systems, and pet dragons to reduce the risk of illness.

 outbreak thus far in June 2024. On June 2, 162 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Africana have been reported from 25 states and the District of Columbia. There have been 54 people hospitalized, and no deaths associated with the outbreak of the 65 people interviewed, 47 (72%) reported eating cucumbers.

 Outbreaks Linked to Pet Bearded Dragons. Posted June 14, 2024. Accessed June 17, 2024. 

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/cotham-06-24/details.html

. Published June 6, 2024. Accessed June 17, 2024. 

https://www.contagionlive.com/view/potential-salmonella-outbreak-associated-with-cucumbers

Bearded dragon pets carrying this illness and infecting their loving caregivers create a significant public health concern.