The Oakland Zoo, managed by the Conservation Society of California (CSC), shared the news that it has earned accreditation from the independent Accreditation Commission of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Zoo underwent an examination by leading experts in December 2023 that determined the Zoo met the world’ the world's most rigorous standards for animal welfare, veterinary care, husbandry, safety, staffing, education, conservation, and more.

“Congratulations to the staff at Oakland Zoo for achieving the world’s ‘gold standard’ for the zoological profession. AZA’s accreditation standards continually evolve to reflect best practices in animal care and wellbeing, veterinary care, conservation, scientific advancement, and safety and security, among other things,” said Dan Ashe, President and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, in an organizational release.

According to the organizational release, the Zoo was accredited by the AZA in 1988 and has been committed to the well-being of the animals, both residents and rescues, in their care. To receive the AZA accreditation, zoos must submit a detailed application and a thorough on-site visit that lasts multiple days completed by a team of zoological professionals. For Oakland Zoo, the team reviewed all of its operations including animal care and wellbeing, staff training, veterinary care, educational programs, conservation efforts, safety for animals, visitors, and staff, and more.

A detailed report from the team and the facility alike is then evaluated by the Commission before the Commission interviews top officials from Oakland Zoo at a formal hearing. After the hearing, the accreditation is fully granted, provisionally for one year, or denied. Oakland Zoo had its official hearing in March 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.

“We take great pride in being an AZA-accredited facility. Being recognized at this high standard reinforces our commitment to animal wellbeing and conservation and is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team at the Zoo”, expressed Nik Dehejia, CEO of Oakland Zoo.

Every 5 years, AZA member institutions must repeat this entire process to be sure the institutions are upholding the evolving standards, incorporating the best modern zoological practices, and embracing the AZA philosophies.

Oakland Zoo receives esteemed accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). News release. Oakland Zoo. April 8, 2024. Accessed April 8, 2024. https://www.oaklandzoo.org/news/accreditation

Accreditation. Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accessed April 8, 2024. https://www.aza.org/accreditation

Articles

After going through an examination, the Oakland Zoo has received the ‘gold standard’ for the zoological profession 

Oakland Zoo renews esteemed AZA accreditation 

Happy eclipse day! With the solar eclipse hours away from being visible in some parts of the world, pets’ moods and behaviors might change so clinics should be prepared to educate clients on how they can keep their pets safe. For a better understanding of pet reactions, as well as tips to keep them safe, check out this recent 

For the rest of the week, here is what you can find on dvm360.com:

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association announced it has updated its Global Vaccination Guidelines to now include multiple updates and more content such as a new section covering maternal antibody and a definition of core vaccines.

, Michael Petty, DVM, and host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, talk about what to do when a veterinary professional knows a canine patient in their clinic has chronic pain, and how to convince the owner.

Oakland Zoo announced it received accreditation from the independent Accreditation Commission of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) after undergoing an examination conducted by leading experts to determine the zoo met the standards needed for the accreditation.

During an interview at the 2024 Veterinary Meeting & Expo in Orlando, Florida, Casey Locklear, DVM, met with 

 to discuss the label extension of Revolution Plus, and what it means for veterinary professionals and pet parents.

In our latest installment of "Clinic Center," check out the new hospitals opened across the United States, including a new location for the University of California, Davis in southern California and at home pet care for families in Atlanta, Georgia.

Here is a sneak peek of this week’s headlines 

Sneak peek: WSAVA announces new Global Vaccination Guidelines, and other veterinary news

Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization that provides those in need with trained service dogs free of charge, announced the launch of a new technologically advanced collar device.

 The CanineAlert Device is worn by the service dog and wirelessly connected to the human recipient. The device tracks vital signs like heart rate and alerts the service dog via vibration when the measurements spike. Canine Companions service dogs are already trained to detect changes in their human; however, this new device will ensure no issues go undetected.

Service dog wearing the CanineAlert Device. (Photo courtesy of Canine Companions) 

The service dog company is hoping to help people with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and particularly, when an intense stressful episode occurs. The collar device can help alert a dog earlier, resulting in a quicker intervention and shorter recovery time for any PTSD episode. The early detection can also work well with nightmares. The collar will alert the dog if it senses a quick rise in heart rate, prompting the dog to initiate their training protocol of waking the human and providing pressure therapy.

"Our CanineAlert Device is a significant advancement in mitigating the impacts of PTSD," said Paige Mazzoni, CEO of Canine Companions, in a news release.

 "By combining innovative technology with the abilities of our trained service dogs, Canine Companions is able to provide veterans a better and faster solution for managing their symptoms. The CanineAlert Device is a revolutionary approach to managing PTSD and will improve the lives of many veterans. We are excited to broaden the application of the patent and technology over time, to help clients with a wider variety of symptoms and disabilities."

According to the Dogtopia Foundation, around 52% of veterans suffer from PTSD.

 The new CanineAlert Device has the potential to benefit a great amount of veterans by enhancing the effectiveness of their service dogs.

Canine Companions has gathered initial data from users utilizing this new technology and found the following information:

Over half of Canine Companions veteran clients utilize nightmare interruption and recovery tasks daily or a few times per week.

85% of Canine Companions veteran clients report an improvement in nightmares and night terrors.

89% of Canine Companions veteran clients feel more comfortable sleeping in new locations, while 88% feel more at ease sleeping in their own beds.

Canine Companions launches the CanineAlert Device. News release. Canine Companions. April 8, 2024. Accessed April 8, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/canine-companions-launches-the-caninealert-device-302109729.html

Our worthy causes. Dogtopia Foundation. Accessed February 14, 2024. 

https://dogtopiafoundation.org/our-worthy-causes/#veterans

Wireless communication sends heart rate data to the service dog wearing the collar

Technologically advanced collar device for service dogs

Dr Locklear explains more about Revolution Plus, and how to get better compliance for wellness visits at your practice

Interview with Casey Locklear, DVM, during VMX 

Earlier this year, Zoetis announced that its product selamectin and sarolaner topical solution (Revolution Plus) was approved for a label extension by the FDA. The extension of the label also includes control and treatment of tick infestations called by the 

Revolution Plus is ideal for any feline patients that live in a higher-risk tick area, heavy flea infestations, or a feline patient suffering from flea allergy dermatitis, and a cat over 16 pounds. Revolution Plus also differs from regular Revolution because it has the dual action formula of selamectin and sarolaner instead of just selamectin. The product will also protect pets for 35 days to help prevent confusion and gaps for pet owners because their pet is protected for over a month.

A recent study conducted in Japan, funded by Zoetis and performed by both current and former Zoetis employees, set out to determine the efficiency of the products. Ninety-one cats were enrolled in the study, and each received at least 2 treatments with selamectin plus sarolaner.

 One of the cats did not return for their scheduled visit on Day 180 and 2 cats on Day 240 also failed to appear to their visit. The data from those days and the visits prior were therefore missing. Based on the remaining 87 cats that completed the 450-day study, the researchers determined that the combination of selamectin plus sarolaner was 100% effective in the prevention of heartworm diseases in the cats.

 at the 2024 Veterinary Meeting & Expo in Orlando, Florida, Casey Locklear, DVM, US Medical Lead, Feline Strategy and Parasiticides, Zoetis, explained what the label extension means for veterinary professionals and pet parents, plus what it can protect your patients from.

The following is a partial transcript of the video.

: The beauty of Revolution Plus [is that] this is a simple to apply, once a month topical solution that protects your feline patients against the important and potentially fatal heartworm disease, fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms. 

And the new news on Revolution Plus that we're so excited about is that cats can now be protected against 4 types of ticks. So very recently, Revolution Plus just celebrated adding the Lone Star tick to the label. So now cats can be protected against the Gulf Coast tick, the Americans Dog tick, the Blacklegged tick, and the Lone Star tick all with one simple to apply product.

In recognition of Heartworm Awareness Month, learn more about the label extension for Revolution Plus

Preventing heartworm in your patients 

Veterinary business leaders play a crucial role in ensuring the effective management of the practice or company. Their strategic vision drives growth, innovation, and sustainability within the industry, ultimately impacting the health and well-being of countless animals and their owners.

Finance executives within the veterinary industry are instrumental in managing fiscal resources, optimizing budget allocations, and ensuring financial compliance. Their expertise enables veterinary industry companies to make informed decisions, navigate economic challenges, and invest in essential resources, thereby facilitating long-term success and stability in animal healthcare.

Various veterinary businesses and organizations recently announced new promotions and appointments within their finance division. The following individuals are among those making career advancements:

Viral Patel, MBA, vice president of finance for Royal Canin North America

Viral Patel, MBA, to vice president of finance for Royal Canin North America. (Photo courtesy of Royal Canin)

Royal Canin North America, a division of Mars, Incorporated, has promoted Viral Patel, MBA, to vice president of finance and will now be responsible for accelerating a growth and value creation journey for the company.

"I am thrilled to take on this new role and to continue living our purpose of creating ‘A Better World for Pets,’" said Patel in a company release.1 "It's an honor to join this group of dynamic and collaborative leaders, while applying my learnings and successes within the Veterinary Business Unit of Royal Canin North America across the entire organization."

Patel joined the Royal Canin team in 2021 and, overall, has more than 14 years of financial experience within accounting, financial planning and analysis, supply, and transformation.

"Viral is a critical addition to the North American Leadership team, and I am excited for his future contributions in his new role. Bringing a sharp financial acumen, focus on developing talent, and a result-driven leadership style, Viral continues to play an instrumental role in achieving our brands' financial goals and continued commitment to meeting the nutritional needs of cats and dogs across North America," said Daryn Brown, regional president of Royal Canin North America.

Matt Earnest, CPA, chief financial officer of Veterinary Innovative Partners

Matt Earnest, CPA, CFO of Veterinary Innovative Partners. (Photo courtesy of VIP)

Matt Earnest, CPA, was named the new chief financial officer (CFO) of Veterinary Innovative Partners (VIP), a network of veterinarian-owned-and-operated hospitals across 9 states. Earnest brings more than 10 years of professional experience in healthcare operations and leadership to VIP.

“I am fortunate to join this dedicated and forward-thinking group. Together, we can continue fostering strategic partnerships with hospitals, ensuring thoughtful growth that prioritizes both exceptional patient care and financial sustainability,” Earnest stated in a news release.

 “I look forward to empowering veterinarians to deliver the best possible outcomes while optimizing clinic operations, further strengthening the foundation for both VIP and our partner hospitals.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt Earnest to the VIP team as our Chief Financial Officer. He brings a wealth of finance and accounting expertise that uniquely positions him to contribute to the strategic growth of our organization,” said Chris Bishop, CEO at VIP.

Garry Lowenthal, CFO of PetVivo Holdings Inc

Garry Lowenthal, CFO of PetVivo Holdings Inc. (Photo courtesy of PetVivo Holdings Inc)

Garry Lowenthal is now the chief financial officer (CFO) of PetVivo Holdings Inc, a biomedical device company for companion animals and animal athletes. According to a company release, Lowenthal has over 25 years of experience in senior operations and key finance management positions, both with private and public companies.

“I am thrilled to join PetVivo, a company whose technology could truly enhance the lives of companion animals,” said Lowenthal in the release.

 “I look forward to working with the team to execute on the company’s priorities, accelerate growth and enhance value for all shareholders.”

"We are incredibly excited to have Garry join the PetVivo management team and provide his well-recognized expertise to further the overall mission of PetVivo. Mr. Lowenthal brings a wealth of experience to our team as an expert in leading the operations and finances of numerous private and public companies,” said John Lai, CEO of PetVivo Holdings, Inc.

Ted Stedem, MBA, Global CFO of Mars Veterinary Health

Ted Stedem, MBA, Global CFO for Mars Veterinary Health. (Photo courtesy of Mars Veterinary Health)

Ted Stedem, MBA, has been appointed Global CFO for Mars Veterinary Health and offers more than 25 years of financial and operational leadership experience. As CFO, Stedem will oversee service and finance processes, operations, and ways of working across Mars Veterinary Health’s 3,000 veterinary clinics worldwide, according to a company representative.

According to Mars Veterinary Health, Stedem's expertise spans across finance, general management, business development, marketing, and strategic planning. His most recent position was CFO for Gopuff, where he the established the company's Finance Center of Excellence. Stedem has also held global senior executive positions at Panera Brands, WeWork, and YUM! Brands. 

Royal Canin North America names Viral Patel, vice president, finance. News release. Royal Canin. April 2, 2024. Accessed April 5, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/royal-canin-north-america-names-viral-patel-vice-president-finance-302105492.html

Veterinary Innovative Partners appoints Matt Earnest as new CFO. News release. Veterinary Innovative Partners. March 11, 2024. Accessed April 5, 2024.

Garry Lowenthal joins PetVivo Holdings, Inc. as the chief financial officer. News release. PetVivo Holdings, Inc. March 11, 2024. Accessed April 5, 2024. 

https://www.petvivo.com/news-1/garry-lowenthal-joins-petvivo-holdings-inc-as-the-chief-financial-officer

Check out the latest news in the veterinary industry with these 4 recent business appointments

Paws and profits: Spotlighting veterinary business promotions in the finance sector

A solar eclipse is a rare event that may lead to anomalous behaviors in many species of animals.

 However, veterinary experts say there are precautionary measures that can be taken to keep companion animals safe and free of stress during the eclipse forecasted for Monday, April 8, 2024, in some US states.

Studies based on previous solar eclipses provide insight into potential animal behaviors that may occur during the next event. In one recent study, investigators observed the behaviors of 17 species at the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina, during a solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, and compared these observations to baseline behaviors shown prior to the meteorological event. The 2020 study’s results found that 75% of these mammals, birds and reptiles were observed exhibiting a behavioral response to the eclipse.

Notably, the study found a majority of those responses were animals engaging in behaviors that mimicked their evening or nighttime routines. These included Western lowland gorillas, African elephants, giraffes, and Komodo dragons approaching their respective enclosures, and increased movement or activity shown by avian species such as tawny frogmouth, Major Mitchell’s cockatoo, and masked lapwing.

Investigators concluded that the change in light, and possibly temperature, during the solar eclipse were cues that determined animal behaviors.

 Likewise, veterinarians at Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences in College Station, noted in a news release unusual pet behavior during a solar eclipse may be attributed to a disruption of their internal clocks because, like humans, many animals are accustomed to being active during the day and resting at night.

Apparent anxiety was the second-most common behavioral response to the solar eclipse that was demonstrated in the study at Riverbanks Zoo. Investigators observed Hamadryas baboons and giraffes engaging in coordinated running as well as pacing. Other demonstrations of apparent anxiety included group consolidation around juveniles, and increased vocalization by American flamingoes and rainbow and coconut lorikeets. Investigators found these behaviors associated with apparent anxiety in alignment with previously published observations of wild animals during an eclipse and thus suggested a casual link between anxiety and the meteorological event.

Image courtesy of Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education of the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center

Ahead of the next solar eclipse, professionals at the Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education of the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, a level 1 veterinary trauma center in New York, New York, and Texas A&M clinical professors Kristina Paradowski, DVM, and Isabelle Louge, DVM, provided insights about limiting stress for companion animals and keeping them safe. Their tips, which can be shared with clients, include the following

: Animals are sensitive to human emotions and actions, so remaining composed is important, according to the Usdan Institute.

: Crowds, noise and commotion could be stressors for animals, and increased traffic pose a higher risk for accidents and trauma. For these reasons, Paradowski recommended not taking pets to eclipse viewing events.

: Keep lights on and play soothing music to help facilitate a comforting atmosphere. Additionally, a favorite snack can be given to a pet motivated by food, while physical touch such as petting may help others.

: Adhering to regular schedules facilitates senses of normalcy and comfort, which help to mitigate stress or anxiety while an unfamiliar event is occurring.

: Ensure pets are microchipped and wearing collars with ID tags. Should they become fearful and run off, this precaution may prove invaluable, according to the Usdan Institute.

For large animals, Louge noted that cattle, horses and other herd animals should be kept in a familiar environment that is free of hazards such as ravines or potholes. Their environment should be easy to navigate for them as eclipse dims the natural light to help avoid injuries.

Louge also noted that large animal owners should keep a safe distance during the eclipse since the herd’s behaviors may become erratic. She recommended owners avoid working with these animals during the meteorological event and not exposing them to loud noises or flashes of light.

Lastly, the experts at the institute and Texas A&M do not recommend pets or other animals wear glasses or other eyewear specifically designed to shield them from the eclipse. According to these experts, animals instinctively avoid staring at the sun and there is a lack of research to support pet eye safety measures in the event of a solar eclipse.

Hartstone-Rose A, Dickinson E, Paciulli LM, et al. Total eclipse of the zoo: animal behavior during a total solar eclipse. 

. 2020;10(4):587. doi:10.3390/ani10040587

Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences. Pets and the solar eclipse. Texas A&M University. April 5, 2024. Accessed April 5, 2024. 

https://today.tamu.edu/2024/04/05/pets-and-the-solar-eclipse/

Tips to keep pets safe during the solar eclipse from Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. News release. Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. April 5, 2024.

A look at the behavior of zoo and companion species and how veterinary professionals and their clients can keep pets safe and calm during this rare meteorological event