The Veterinary Information Network (VIN) recently announced the winners of its 3rd VIN Veritas Award, which is bestowed yearly. The recipients of the award for 2024 went out to Lisa Freeman, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition); Kim Skibbe, DVM; and Caitlin Holly, DVM. They were awarded as a result of their research and advocacy on the ongoing investigation into the relationship between grain-free dog food and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM),

 a serious and potentially deadly disease.

The VIN Veritas award is given to colleagues who exhibit exceptional courage and integrity in the service of science and truth. Nominations are sought from veterinary professionals, and a committee selects the recipient(s) each year.

, VIN awarded Brennan McKenzie, VMD, MS (Physiology and Behavioral Biology), MS (Epidemiology) for his commitment to advocating evidence-based veterinary medicine.

The puzzling link between canine DCM and grain-free diets

In 2018, the FDA began investigating reports of dogs who were following grain-free diets after veterinarians began observing a 

 Certain breeds of dogs are known to be predisposed to DCM. However, the affected dogs did not belong to any of these breeds. Notwithstanding their breed, the canines diagnosed with DCM shared a common factor: they were fed either grain-free diets or "boutique" diets containing non-traditional ingredients that contained legumes or “pulses,” such as peas, lentils and beans; or that were grain-free and contained potatoes instead.

Between January 2018 and April 2019, the FDA received reports of 553 dogs diagnosed with DCM, marking a stark contrast to previous years, when reports ranged from 0 to 3 cases. Breeds affected included 95 golden retrievers, 62 mixed-breed dogs, 47 labrador retrievers, 25 great danes, and more than 50 other breeds with multiple reports.

 The FDA identified 16 dog food companies linked to 10 or more DCM cases associated with their products. The majority of the diets (more than 90%) were grain-free. 93% of them contained peas or lentils, and a much smaller percentage contained potatoes. However, testing showed that these foods had comparable average percentages of protein, fat, taurine, and taurine precursors as products that did contain grains.

Most dogs typically consume grain-free diets for a prolonged period, sometimes a year or more, before they show signs of diet-related DCM.

 Still, according to the AKC, one study found that dogs fed a high pea-based diet showed enlargement of the left ventricle of their heart after only 3 months. Moreover, changes to the heart like these can happen long before signs associated to heart failure appear, suggesting that there may be more affected dogs than those reported.

The reasoning behind the relationship between these grain-free canine foods and an increase in DCM in breeds not commonly predisposed to the condition remains unclear. Still, a clear indication of correlation persists, underscoring the need for continued investigation and caution among the public.

Third annual VIN Veritas Award winners named. News release. Veterinary Information Network. July 9, 2024. Accessed July 16, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/third-annual-vin-veritas-award-winners-named-302192016.html

Coile C. Dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs: Closer to solving the mystery? American Kennel Club. April 16, 2024. Accessed July 16, 2024. 

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/dilated-cardiomyopathy-dogs-update/#:~:text=At%20first%2C%20grain%2Dfree%20diets,chickpeas%2C%20and%20dry%20beans

FDA investigation into potential link between certain diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy. United States Food and Drug Administration. December 23, 2022. Accessed July 16, 2024. 

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy

Articles

Three recipients were awarded this year, plus more information on the link between canine DCM and grain-free dog food

Veterinarians receive VIN Veritas Award for research on diet-related canine dilated cardiomyopathy

Previous AKC Meet the Breeds event at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. (Photo courtesy of The American Kennel Club and John Ricard)

The American Kennel Club (AKC), a nonprofit registry of purebred dogs in the United States, recently announced its upcoming annual AKC Meet the Breeds event, a canine showcase that will provide dog lovers with the opportunity to meet and interact with hundreds of dogs and puppies. The event will also give attendees valuable insights into responsible dog ownership and helps them understand which dog breeds might best suit their lifestyle, according to AKC.

The event, which is billed as “America’s largest educational dog extravaganza,”

will take place on January 25 and January 26, 2025, at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. The event will be sponsored by Purina Pro Plan.

Gina DiNardo, AKC executive secretary, spoke on the organization’s 2023 Meet the Breeds event, in a news release. "Last year, more than 30,000 people came out to enjoy all that AKC Meet the Breeds has to offer," she said.

 "We are thrilled to return to the Javits Center and again provide tri-state area dog lovers with the one-of-a-kind experience of meeting and playing with hundreds of dogs, learning directly from breed experts, and experiencing exciting demonstrations of canine training and athleticism."

According to AKC, the event will showcase many different dog breeds, from Affenpinschers to Yorkshire Terriers, and Dalmatians to Chow Chows. It will also give pet lovers the opportunity to

Meet and play with more than 100 different dog breeds

Discover new breeds and talk to experts to determine which breeds work for their lifestyle

See demonstrations of dog sports and working dogs exhibiting their skills

Observe a demo ring, which will showcase dog sports, K-9 demonstrations, and other canine activities

Participate in family-friendly games and photo opportunities, including a Kid's Zone with crafts and games

For participating dogs, proof of current vaccinations is required. Additionally, dog restraint collars or training equipment, including prong collars, e-collars, and gentle leaders are prohibited. Puppies aged more than 4 months and adult dogs are encouraged to participate, with the AKC recommending at least 4 adults and 2 puppies.

A Forbes Advisor survey of 10,000 dog owners, with 200 owners surveyed from every US state set out to find out which state has the most responsible pet owners. The survey revealed that 45% of dog owners take their canine companions to the veterinarian more than once a year for check-ups and 43% take their dog to the veterinarian at least once a year. Additionally, according to the dog owners surveyed, 84% of dogs are up to date on their vaccinations.

The following were the top 10 states with the most responsible dog owners

The state with the least response dog owners, according to the survey, was Arizona, with a score of 0 out of 100. Closely following Arizona was Idaho, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and New Mexico.

1. Dogs descend on New York City with AKC Meet the Breeds. News release. The American Kennel Club. July 15, 2024. Accessed July 15, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dogs-descend-on-new-york-city-with-akc-meet-the-breeds-302196858.html

2. AKC Meet the Breeds 2024. American Kennel Club. Accessed July 15, 2024. 

https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-meet-the-breeds/frequently-asked-questions/

3. Horton C, Smith KA. States with the most responsible dog owners, ranked. 

. January 5, 2024. Accessed July 15, 2024. 

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/states-with-most-responsible-dog-owners/

The American Kennel Club’s Meet the Breeds event will provide insight on responsible dog ownership and will showcase more than 100 canine breeds

Educational event for responsible dog ownership is coming to New York City

With the summer months comes the risk of pets overheating. According to data from Trupanion, a cat and dog health insurance provider, June, July, and August see an increase in claims for heat stroke, dehydration, and burnt paw pads.

Trupanion North America data revealed that claims related to hyperthermia, also known as a heat stroke, are 297% higher in the summer months compared to the rest of the year, with claims peaking in July in the past 3 years. Hyperthermia-related claims average approximately $1,664, but the highest claim was for $18,130 in August 2023 for a Golden Retriever in Colorado.

Educating pet owners about the risks of leaving pets in high temperatures is a crucial step to helping ensure animal companions stay safe and healthy during the summer heat. It is important to notify pet owners of the dangers of leaving pets locked in hot cars in the summer months, even when the windows are down. Because pets regulate their body temperature differently from humans, relying on panting to cool down instead of sweating, they are more susceptible to overheating in hot weather.

Signs of a heatstroke in dogs include rapid breathing, excessive drooling, dry mucous membranes, bright red—or white or blue in severe cases—gums and tongue, rapid heart rate, hot skin, hyperventilation, and shock. These canines may also become hyperactive and struggle to maintain their balance.

Veterinary treatment may involve hospitalization, administering intravenous fluids, conducting blood tests to assess organ function, and prescribing medications as needed.

“Limiting exercise during high temps is a good precaution, because many pets will overexert themselves,” advised Stephen Rose, BVSc (Hons1) M Infotech CVA, ACVCHM, and Trupanion general manager, in a news release.

 “It’s also important to know your pet’s breed and their specific needs. Some breeds, such as brachycephalic breeds, which are breeds with flat muzzles like bulldogs and pugs, have a much lower heat tolerance because the restricted airflow makes panting less effective.”

“If you want to cool your pet down, don't use ice or cold water on their bodies as this can cause shock, and don't use wet towels draped over their bodies as that can trap in the heat. Use cool water and apply it to the groin, armpits, and feet to help gently lower body temperature and let them sip cool water. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get them to the veterinarian for care immediately,” Rose continued.

According to Trupanion, the top 5 states for heat stroke or hyperthermia claims in the United States that the company received are

Claims related to dehydration at Trupanion show a more even distribution throughout the year given that dehydration can be caused by various risk factors unrelated to heat like vomiting, according to the company.

 However, these claims increase by 19% during the summer compared to other times of the year. From 2019 to 2023, the highest frequency of these claims occurred in June. On average, each claim amounts to approximately $483. Additionally, the highest claim recorded was $9,843, involving a small mixed-breed dog in Ontario that was hospitalized for vomiting and anorexia, in July 2022.

The top 5 states for dehydration claims among Trupanion pets in the US are

“During heat waves, always ensure that your pets have easy access to fresh, cool water to prevent dehydration,” said Rose in the news release.

 Symptoms of dehydration include dilated pupils, irregular pulse, muscle tremors, lethargy, and uncontrollable urination or defecation. If not treated, the dog can collapse or become comatose.

Trupanion has observed peak claims for burnt paw pads in July over the last 3 years. The highest recorded claim was $1,450, which occurred when a small mixed-breed dog in Nevada suffered burnt paw pads in July 2022.

Rose provided advice for keeping canine companions’ paws safe from the heat. “Protective shoes for pets can shield paws from hot pavement and hot sand, and keeping pets cool with cooling pads, and providing shaded areas in the backyard that are raised off of hot surfaces are all excellent precautions against high temperatures,” explained Rose in the release.

1. Trulnsights into summertime pet health: Trupanion offers safety tips for high      temps, & backyard barbeques. New release. July 10, 2024. Accessed July 15, 2024. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240710843386/en/truInsights-into-Summertime-Pet-Health-Trupanion-Offers-Safety-Tips-for-High-Temps-Backyard-Barbeques

2. Heatstroke in dogs: signs, symptoms, treatments. American Kennel Club. April 9, 2024. Accessed July 15, 2024. 

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/heatstroke-in-dogs/

Trupanion provided veterinary invoice data for heat stroke, dehydration, and burnt paw pads claims, plus safety tips

Data and advice on hyperthermia, dehydration, and burnt paw pads in dogs

Happy Monday dvm360 readers! We are excited to kick off another week and provide everyone will the latest in veterinary medicine, from continuing conference coverage from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum to the American Veterinary Medical Association Convention as well as our usually news coverage, there will be a lot this week for our dvm360 readers!

Here is some of what you can find this week on dvm360.com:

The Maryland Zoo announced earlier this month that it has welcomed Rozi, a baby chimpanzee on June 10th, 2024. In the beginning of her life, Rozi was doing well but would later have her health decline due to lack of milk she was receiving from her mother.

To help pet parents take care of their pets during the high temperatures affecting pets across the United States, Trupanion is providing safety tips veterinarians can give to their clients to keep pets healthy, happy, and cool.

On this week’s episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomes back Mita Malhotra, president of Chewy Health, and first-time guest Ben Carter, DVM, chief medical officer at Chewy, to discuss the latest innovations at Chewy to fit the needs of pet parents, Chewy Vet Care, and more.

Standard Process shared that is has officially expanded its veterinary offerings with Mushroom Complex, a science-backed formulate that provides multi-faceted support for canine and feline patients immune system, digestion, cellular healthy, and long-term wellness.

Veterinarians at the Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine recently treated a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, one of the most endangered sea turtles species in the world, after the turtle arrived with a fishhook lodged in its stomach.

Here is a sneak peek at this week’s headlines 

Sneak peek: Maryland Zoo welcomes baby chimpanzee, and other veterinary news

Strong leadership in the pet and veterinary industry is crucial for sustaining business efficiency. Moreover, good leadership in the veterinary industry can improve the quality of pet care and pet products, and contribute to the professional growth teams in the industry.

Several veterinary businesses have recently appointed new leaders. Among those advancing in their careers are the following individuals:

Heather Pasquale, RPh, general manager of the U.S. Vet Business Unit for Royal Canin North America

Heather Pasquale, RPh, general manager of the U.S. Vet Business Unit for Royal Canin North America. (Photo courtesy of Royal Canin)

Royal Canin, a subsidiary of Mars Incorporated, recently appointed Heather Pasquale as the General Manager of the U.S. Vet Business Unit for Royal Canin North America. Prior to her new role, Pasquale led Vetsource International at Royal Canin and developed an independent veterinary pharmacy online. In her new position, her focus will be on fostering growth and support within the veterinary community, ensuring that Royal Canin continues to be a trusted partner in animal health and nutrition. Her new role will involve building stronger relationships with veterinary customers, broadening product offerings, and providing educational resources to veterinary partners.

"I could not be more excited to join the Royal Canin North America team, specifically to lead the Vet Business Unit for the U.S. I am confident my experiences across Mars and those roles prior to joining Mars prepared me for this great honor and challenge. With the amazing team already in place, I know we are going to make a tremendous impact on pets and the people who care for them,” Pasquale said in a news release by Royal Canin.

"Our business and our partners will benefit greatly under Heather's leadership, which will leverage her vast experience across the veterinary industry both regionally and globally,” Daryn Brown, regional president of Royal Canin North America, said in the release.

 “She not only understands our current business and industry, but she has a keen understanding of future trends and will help our customers prepare for upcoming needs in pet care. Heather is committed to making A Better World for Pets and the veterinary industry as a whole.”

Alejandro Bernal, DVM, MS, MBA, CEO of Wedgewood Pharmacy

Alejandro Bernal recently became the new CEO of Wedgewood Pharmacy. Bernal is an experienced Animal Health executive with more than 25 years of experience in global leadership roles within the animal health and pet care industries. Before joining Wedgewood, he served as president and CEO of PetDx, and previously led the consolidation and operations of a network in Europe and Asia of 700 veterinary hospitals, as well as Antech Diagnostics in North America, while serving as president for Mars Veterinary Health International and Diagnostics. He obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Universidad de Caldas in Colombia, earned a Master’s of Science from Texas A&M University, and an MBA from Universidad de los Andes, Colombia and Manchester Business School, United Kingdom.

Alejandro Bernal, DVM, MS, MBA, CEO of Wedgewood Pharmacy (image courtesy of Wedgewood Pharmacy) 

“I am honored to be appointed chief executive officer of Wedgewood Pharmacy,” Bernal said in a news release.

 “As the leader in veterinary compounding, Wedgewood makes it easy to treat animals with unique medical needs. I’m inspired by the opportunity to impact the future of millions of pets and their caregivers with Wedgewood’s products, services and insights.”

“We are very excited about the future of Wedgewood Pharmacy.” Kevin Vasquez, chairman of the Wedgewood Board, said in the release.

 “[Alejandro is] a collaborative and solution-focused leader who will continue the company’s commitment to innovation and care for the health of animals.”

Anthony Loomis, DVM, group vice president for VCA Animal Hospitals

Anthony Loomis, DVM, group vice president for VCA Animal Hospitals. (Photo courtesy of  VCA Animal Hospitals)

VCA Animal Hospitals, a national network of hometown animal hospitals, welcomed Anthony Loomis as its new Mid-Atlantic region group vice president. Loomis’ medical interests include small animal surgery, dentistry, and exotic pet care. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, Loomis enjoys leading teams and introducing innovations to advance the veterinary profession. Moreover, he is dedicated to enhancing the client experience and ensuring the wellbeing of the veterinary team.

Prior to joining VCA, Loomis owned a practice in New Jersey and served as chief medical officer for PetVet Care Centers, a network of more than 460 specialty and general practice veterinary hospitals throughout the United States. Loomis received his degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. His career has included work with zoos, aquariums, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

John Boshart, BSc, vice president of veterinary API and business development at Brains Bioceutical Corp

John Boshart has been appointed as vice president of veterinary active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) business development at Brains Bioceutical Corp (Brains Bio), a manufacturer and pioneer of plant-based APIs. Boshart’s new appointment shows Brains Bio's dedication to harnessing pharmaceutical knowledge and research to propel animal health care forward, according to the company.

 The division will use the company’s proprietary cannabinoid science to produce cannabinoid products tailored for veterinary use. This blend of scientific expertise and “legal empowerment” establishes a strong framework for innovation in animal wellness and health care, according to the release.

"Leading this dynamic initiative at Brains Bio is an exhilarating opportunity to apply both my industry experience and our company’s unique capabilities toward advancing animal health care globally,” Boshart said in an organizational release.

 “Our division is uniquely positioned to spearhead significant developments in veterinary health, driven by a combination of scientific excellence, robust licensing, and strategic partnerships. The potential to transform how health care is delivered to animals is tremendous, and I am committed to ensuring we achieve substantial and meaningful impacts as well as robust growth."

"By enhancing our veterinary health division, we are not just expanding; we are redefining the role of innovative solutions in the veterinary landscape. Under the seasoned leadership of John Boshart and supported by our unmatched scientific resources, we are poised to set new benchmarks in the industry. This expansion represents a significant stride towards our vision of making a global impact by providing groundbreaking solutions to the critical health challenges facing animals worldwide," Ricky Brar, CEO of Brains Bio, said in the release.

Scott Hansen, CEO of Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority

Scott Hansen, CEO of Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. (Photo courtesy of 

The board of Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), the regulator of agricultural and veterinary chemical products of the Australian government, recently named Scott Hanson its new CEO. The appointment will be a 5-year term and is scheduled to begin on July 24, 2024. Murray Watt, minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, stated that Hansen was chosen by the board as the most qualified candidate for CEO after a merit-based selection process, according to a news article.

Before his election as APVMA’s new CEO, Hansen was the director general of New South Wales (NSW) Department of Primary Industries, which manages statewide initiatives, including research and development to expand agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors, as well as overseeing regulations and administration of biosecurity, food safety, animal welfare, and hunting in NSW. Prior to that, he was the managing director of MEAT and Livestock Australia.

“Mr Hansen is an experienced leader with more than three decades of experience in managing large and complex organizations in primary industries,” Watt said in a news release,

 adding that Hansen “also has a strong track record in driving innovation and culture change to lift performance.”

Royal Canin North America names Heather Pasquale general manager, U.S. Vet Business Unit for Royal Canin North America. News release. Royal Canin. July 2, 2024. Accessed July 11, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/royal-canin-north-america-names-heather-pasquale-general-manager-us-vet-business-unit-for-royal-canin-north-america-302187166.html

Wedgewood announces CEO retirement and appointment of new CEO. News release. Wedgewood Pharmacy. July 2, 2024. Accessed July 11, 2024. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240702622654/en/Wedgewood-Announces-CEO-Retirement-and-Appointment-of-New-CEO

VCA appoints Dr. Anthony Loomis as new GVP for Mid Atlantic. News release. VCA Animal Hospitals. May 29, 2024.

Brains Bioceutical announces the addition of industry veteran John Boshart to its animal health division. News release. Brains Bioceutical Corp. May 6, 2024. Accessed July 12, 2024. 

https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2024/05/06/2875638/0/en/Brains-Bioceutical-Announces-the-Addition-of-Industry-Veteran-John-Boshart-to-its-Animal-Health-Division.html

Edwards L. New CEO and board chair for APVMA. 

https://www.netimes.com.au/2024/07/12/new-ceo-and-board-chair-for-apvma/

APVMA back on track with new appointments. News release. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry. July 12, 2024. Accessed July 12, 2024. 

https://minister.agriculture.gov.au/watt/media-releases/apvma-back-track-new-appointments

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

Paws and profits: Recent appointments in the veterinary business

Renée Alsarraf, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)—pictured signing copies of her book at the 2023 Fetch Coastal conference—will be a keynote speaker at the 2024 Fetch Coastal conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

conference is returning to Atlantic City, New Jersey, from October 14 to 16, 2024. Atlantic City offers a vibrant, enjoyable experience with its picturesque Jersey Shore beaches and lively boardwalk, making it an ideal destination for recreation and educational opportunities. Attendees can experience 3 keynote presentations—one to start each day—more than 17 hours of continuing education (CE) credit hours, and over 140 sessions from which to choose. “I love Fetch events in general because they always have a lot of energy, and they’re a lot more fun and a great time to connect with our colleagues, but also get some good CE,” said Fetch faculty member Caitlin DeWilde, DVM, founder of The Social DVM, in a previous 

The keynote sessions include a joint lecture from Philip Richmond, DVM, CAPP, CPHSA, CCFP; and Josh Vaisman, MAPPCP, CCFP, on the first day. The second day will feature Renée Alsarraf, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology). Adesola Odunayo, DVM, MS, DACVECC, will close the conference on the third day. Richmond and Vaisman will discuss the strengths and challenges of veterinary medicine using a positive psychology lens. Alsarraf will dive into how canine companions can bring their human owners life lessons and the value of this bond. Odunayo will review common emergency scenarios and how to best handle these with skill and confidence.

Some other unique sessions include 2 air travel topics with Nelva Bryant, DVM, MPH, a former veterinarian for Delta Air Lines; rabbit analgesia and anesthesia with Elizabeth Vetrano, BS, CVT, VTS (Exotic Companion Animals), the exotic animals supervisor at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in New Jersey; and compounding pharmacies for chemotherapy agents presented by Philip Bergman, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM (Oncology), director of clinical studies for VCA Animal Hospitals.

“Fetch is such an intimate experience; I think you get to spend more time conversing with different attendees and colleagues than at these mega conferences. That’s really enjoyable,” said Fetch faculty member Joya Griffin, DVM, DACVD, in a previous interview with 

Attendees can also earn more CE credits with our 2 lunch-and-learn sessions. On October 14, interested professionals can learn about the top 10 mistakes made when buying or selling a practice with presenter Christopher Rocchio, DVM, a founding partner and managing director of Monarch Business Consulting. On October 15, attendees can learn more about lawsuit protection and tax reduction from Legally Mine, a lawsuit protection company.

Jamie Perkins, DVM, clinical director of education for 

, stated, “As a veterinarian, I’m absolutely thrilled about Fetch Atlantic City this year. The innovative sessions, including the exciting new faculty consult and connect in the exhibit hall, are game changers. This unique opportunity allows attendees to engage with leading veterinary experts in an intimate setting, fostering meaningful conversations and collaborations. The diverse range of topics and cutting-edge research presented at Fetch will undoubtedly inspire and educate attendees, ensuring they return to their practices with fresh perspectives and valuable insights. I can’t wait to experience the vibrant energy of Atlantic City and connect with passionate veterinary professionals from across the country.”

The annual event returns to Atlantic City, New Jersey; October 14-16, 2024.