Veterinary Management Groups (VMG) announced it launched an economic dashboard that will provide data-driven insights into the status of the economic health of the veterinary industry. The VMG Veterinary Economic Barometer is designed to empower veterinary professionals, business owners, and stakeholders with actionable data to help them make informed decisions as well as navigating the economic and veterinary landscape effectively.

"This dashboard and the monthly survey we are doing with VMG members provides the profession with insights into a number of economic indicators, all in one place," Clint Neill, PhD, economist and CEO of Applied Economic Consulting, who partnered with VMG to create the dashboard, said in an organizational release.

 "The addition of the VMG Veterinary Economic Barometer™ is a key component, as it provides a regular pulse on what practice owners are experiencing and their future expectations of the market."

According to the release, the VMG Veterinary Economic Barometer has a user-friendly interface that presents macroeconomic trends on expenditure and inflation for veterinary services. The tool offers a comprehensive measure of the overall health of the industries economic that is based on a monthly survey completed by VMG members sentiments spanning multiple market indicators.

The dashboard will also provide users with a data-driven approach on several economic measures instead of anecdotal evidence on how the economy and practices are performing through data reported in the dashboard.

"We are thrilled to introduce our Economic Data Dashboard, a significant milestone in our commitment to supporting the veterinary community," Matthew Salois, PhD, president of VMG, said in the release.

 "In today's rapidly evolving veterinary landscape, access to timely and accurate data is crucial for making informed decisions. Our dashboard fills this gap by providing veterinary professionals with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market."

The dashboard is openly accessible to the public on the VMG website, but VMG members will receive an exclusive report each month providing them with a more comprehensive economic analysis.

Veterinary Management Groups (VMG) Launches Innovative Veterinary Economic Dashboard. News release. Veterinary Management Group. April 26, 2024. Accessed May 7, 2024. https://www.prweb.com/releases/veterinary-management-groups-vmg-launches-innovative-veterinary-economic-dashboard-302128102.html

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The dashboard will provide the veterinary industry with data-driven insights into its economic health 


Veterinary economic dashboard aims to empower industry

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) announced that the application period for its 2024 Michael J. Day Scholarship for veterinary students is now open. The scholarship awards financial assistance toward a research project into either small animal infectious disease, clinical vaccinology, or immunology.

“The WSAVA Michael J. Day Scholarship is important as it affords the selected scholar with the opportunity to hone their research skills, while pursuing a topic of interest relating to immunology, vaccinology, or infectious diseases. Its significance, however, extends beyond aiding students as the research conducted by the scholars benefits the whole global veterinary community. We thank MSD Animal Health, the long-term committed partner of the WSAVA Vaccination Committee, for continuing to support this scholarship in honor of our greatly missed friend and colleague, Michael,” Mary Marcondes DVM, Msc, PhD, chair of the WSAVA Vaccination Committee (formerly known as the Vaccination Guidelines Group), said in an organizational release.

According to the release, the scholarship recognizes Michael J. Day BSc, BVMS(Hons), PhD, DSc, Dr(hc), DiplECVP, FASM, FRCPath, FRCVS, and his contributions to companion animal immunology and vaccinology during his time as chair of the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group from 2009 until March 2020.

 The scholarship was announced in 2022 and awarded to Scholar Somnath Aryal, BVSc & AH, who was studying the prevalence of canine tick-borne disease within the dog population of Nepal, one of the first initiative surveys of diseases at the species level.

“The findings of my research project shed new light on the prevalence and molecular characteristics of canine tick-borne diseases in Nepal where they pose significant health risks to both dogs and humans. This knowledge is crucial for the implementation of effective prevention and control strategies and is now available to veterinarians across Nepal,” Aryal explained in the release.

Prospective student applicants will need to identify a principal supervisor prior to submitting their application and prospective principal supervisors need to find a suitable student before they can apply as well. The applications submitted should include the aims, hypothesis, and objectives of the proposed research and offer details of budget requirements, expected outcomes, and methods of research.

The following criteria are also required for candidacy

Applications must be submitted in English

Curricula vitae of student applicant and prospective principal supervisor

A 500-word maximum summary of the project with the significance of the expected results in the context of current knowledge

A reference of good standing from the Dean or Head of the candidate’s veterinary school

The ability to travel internationally (valid passport and any necessary visas) and be available to commit to a minimum of 8-12 weeks of research activity in the host institution.

“MSD Animal Health recognizes the importance of enabling veterinary students to undertake research projects. Not only is it a valuable educational experience but it adds to our body of knowledge in small animal infectious disease, clinical vaccinology, and immunology. That is why we’re proud to support this scholarship, which was developed in memory of Professor Michael J Day, a leader known for his commitment to both education and research in this field,” David Sutton, global technical director, Companion Animal Vaccines, said in the release.

The application deadline is July 31, 2024, and the winning scholar will be notified by the end of October 2024. The scholar's research project is expected to be performed between January and September 2025 and they must submit a 1500-word report on their findings within 3 months of completion. They will also be invited to present or publish their findings in English, as an abstract or poster, during the WSAVA World Congress, but not obligated to.

Applications Open for the 2024 WSAVA Michael J. Day Scholarship. News release. World Small Animal Veterinary Association. May 2, 2024. 

Michael J. Day Scholarship. World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Accessed May 7, 2024. https://wsava.org/resources/michael-j-day-scholarship/

The scholarship is awarded to a veterinary student interested in companion animal infectious disease, clinical vaccinology, or immunology.

2024 WSAVA Michael J. Day Scholarship applications now open 

 for the second year in a row by the American Kennel Club (AKC),

 however a new study from Paw Safe revealed that the most searched breed on the internet was the cane corso.

The cane corso had an average monthly search volume of 1.5 million internet searches in 2023. Second place was tied with the French bulldog and American Pitbull terrier each having 838,000 monthly searches. The golden retriever and Australian shepherd are next on the list, tying with 673,000 monthly searches.

The cane corso is characterized as being affectionate with families, good with children and other dogs, effective guard dogs, easily motivated in training, and high energy levels.

 Cane corsos are also known as Italian mastiffs and “cane” translates to dog, while it is believed “corso” comes loosely from the Latin word cohors, which means “guardian.” This breed did not place in the top 10 of AKC’s top breeds of 2023, despite having an overwhelming volume of online searches. The breed placed at #16 in 2023, and has steadily risen over the years, as these dogs were #51 on the list 10 years ago, in 2013.

With the cane corso reaching the top of general search inquiries, Paw Safe also took a deep dive into online searches that had purchase intent. The pet company wanted to see if there was a connection between the general curiosity about dog breeds and the actual intent to purchase them. To determine this, Paw Safe analyzed data that included the breed’s name and “for sale” as an example.

In these results, Paw Safe found the golden retriever on top with 215,800 monthly searches that included some kind of purchase intention. Second place was the French bulldog with 186,300 monthly searches and third place was the cane corso with 164,500 searches.

Paw Safe also broke down this information by state. Golden retrievers were the top searched with purchase intent for 43 states. This could point to why golden retrievers and French bulldogs placed higher on the AKC list since search inquires of these breeds tend to result in purchasing the dog, rather than just general interest.

Vive La Frenchie! French bulldog is America’s most popular pup for the second year in a row. News release. American Kennel Club. March 20, 2024. Accessed April 1, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vive-la-frenchie-french-bulldog-is-americas-most-popular-pup-for-the-second-year-in-a-row-302092740.html

Pollard C. Canine trends: A nationwide analysis of America’s preferred dog breeds in 2023. Paw Safe. March 14, 2024. Accessed May 7, 2024. 

https://pawsafe.com/blogs/data-research/americas-preferred-dog-breeds

Cane Corso. American Kennel Club. Accessed May 7, 2024. 

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cane-corso/

New data from Paw Safe reveals the most common online searches within the United States

Most searched dog breeds in 2023

A new informational poll was conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Humane Society of the United States. The poll surveyed 2042 US adults between March 19 and March 21, 2024 to gather new insights into the financial struggles owners face when trying to get veterinary care for their pet. One of the top findings of the poll included 43% of all pet owners indicating that they have been unable to pay for their pets' needs at some point because of financial reasons.

Overall, approximately 20 million pets in the US experience poverty with their families and 70% have never seen a veterinarian, according to the Humane Society.

 Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, said in a news release, "The human-animal bond transcends demographics, and everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of animal companionship. Millions of loving pet owners cannot afford or don't have access to veterinary services or pet resources. Most people are aware of how poverty and structural inequality create challenges and barriers to accessing healthy food, education, jobs, healthcare and housing for people. Pet resources are no different."

Some additional insight from the poll revealed the following

89% of respondents agree that all pet owners deserve to keep their pets as long as they care for them and love them.

81% of respondents believe no one should have to give up their pet if they fall on financial hard times.

75% of respondents believe that overcrowded shelters need more people to adopt pets, regardless of their socio-economic status.

The Humane Society also found that 91% of pet owners surveyed are willing to make personal sacrifices to prioritize caring for their pet. About 64% would consider taking money out of their savings, taking out a loan, or going into debt to pay for veterinary care or other pet needs. Nearly half (46%) would adjust their living situation or career such as getting a new job in order to work from home, moving homes, or breaking up with a significant other to care for their pet.

These survey responses coincide with another data collection that shows the significance of the human–animal bond. According to a Pew Research Center survey, as of 2023, many Americans (62%) own a pet, including about 35% who have more than one. Nearly all US pet owners (97%) say their pets are part of their family.

To tackle the crisis, the Humane Society of the United States created an initiative called More Than a Pet that actively confronts this widespread issue by raising awareness and offering solutions for individuals experiencing financial difficulties and finding it challenging to obtain pet care. This campaign is supported by partners TQL, Motel 6, Smalls and Tractive, and celebrity ambassador Jackson Galaxy, a renowned cat behavior and wellness expert, author, and television host.

"There is no greater joy than the unconditional love and relationship we have with our animal family members. They are more than just pets; they're part of our lives and our hearts, and no one should ever have to even think about giving them up because they don't have access to pet food, supplies and essential resources. We need to do all we can to keep these families together. People can make a difference by helping a neighbor out, whether that be giving them a bag of cat food, offering to care for their cat if they have fallen on hard times, or driving them to veterinary appointments if they don't have a car. Every bit helps and means more than you know,” Galaxy said in the release.

The Humane Society also encourages the public to lend a helping hand to someone you know or anyone experiencing a financial crisis. Food donations can be extremely helpful, as well as other pet products like toys, bedding/blankets, leashes/collars, and more. Donations directly to the Humane Society can also help those in need as the organization has donated more than $40 million worth of pet supplies, including 14 million pounds of pet food since its founding in 2002.

20 million pets in the US experience poverty with their families. News release. The Humane Society of the United States. May 6, 2024. Accessed May 7, 2024. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/20-million-pets-in-the-us-experience-poverty-with-their-families-302136367.html

Brown A. About half of US pet owners say their pets are as much a part of their family as a human member. Pew Research Center. July 7, 2023. Accessed May 7, 2024. 

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/07/07/about-half-us-of-pet-owners-say-their-pets-are-as-much-a-part-of-their-family-as-a-human-member/

Pet owners facing financial crisis are unable to get veterinary care for their pets, new poll finds

United States poverty hinders pet owners' access to veterinary care

Officials with the FDA have modified the label for buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension (Ethiqa XR; Fidelis Animal Health) 1.3mg/mL with an expansion to include indication for nonhuman primates (NHPs). Used for controlling post-procedural pain, the drug was previously approved for use in mice, rats and ferrets.

“We are excited to bring this new NHP indication to veterinarians. Now, these caregivers have a 3-day pain reliever that meets their high expectations for efficacy, safety, and quality,” Michael Wells, board chair and CEO, said in a news release.

Buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension relies on Fidelis Animal Health’s patented Fidelipid LAI technology, a lipid-based formulation that delivers up to 72 hours of clinical analgesia with a single subcutaneous injection. “Fidelipid LAI technology has been shown to provide safe, 72-hour analgesia in nonhuman primates,” Steven Leary, DVM, DACLAM, chief medical officer of Fidelis Animal Health, said in the release.

This drug may cause sedation, decreased blood pressure, decreased heart rate,decreased gastrointestinal mobility, and respiratory depression in mice, rats, ferrets and NHPs, according to Fidelis Animal Health. Buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension should be used with caution when administered with drugs that cause respiratory depression.Animals receiving buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension should also be monitored for signs of decreased cardiovascular and respiratory function.

A qualified panel of veterinarians comprehensively reviewed published literature on buprenorphine and data from unpublished studies on the drug, according to the FDA. To support their assessment of the effectiveness and target animal safety of the drug, the panelists extrapolated information across species, because of the diversity of NHPs. As a result, these experts advised that when dosing patients for analgesia, it is important for investigators and veterinarians to carefully assess pain in each individual animal or experimental group.

The panelists also used available information and personal experience to support dosing recommendations. They determined that a repeat dose of buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension can be administered every 72 hours after the initial dose, if needed.

As an FDA-reviewed and accepted product for commercialization, buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension is manufactured in compliancewith current good manufacturing practice standards established by the agency. According to Fidelis Animal Health, the drug meets strict specifications to ensure the quality and integrity of the finished, sterile product.

Buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension was launched in 2020. It is now used in more than 400 sites across the US including pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, hospital systems, and government research facilities. The drug is available from the major national veterinary distributors.

Fidelis Animal Health announces Ethiqa XR label expansion. News release. Fidelis Animal Health. April 11, 2024. [email]

Freedom of information summary: Ethiqa XR. FDA. March 29, 2024. Accessed May 7, 2024. 

https://www.fda.gov/media/177916/download

Buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension is now indicated for certain primates

Postprocedural pain medication receives label expansion from FDA

Kate Walsh plays Claire, a veterinarian in a 24-hour clinic, in 

An overworked veterinarian is having an especially difficult, emotional night in the new, live-action, short film 

. Played by actress Kate Walsh—best known for her role as a human medicine provider on the long-running series 

—the veterinarian, Claire, struggles with a power outage, personal demons, and an ethical dilemma while caring for a sick dog that arrives in the 24-hour clinic.

is written, directed and produced by Australian filmmaker Danielle Baynes, who said in a prepared statement that she set out to develop a story about loss, facing death, and how humans handle these emotional events.

 The 12-minute film aims to provide a look at the practice demands and mental health challenges, including the emotional toll of responsibilities, faced by many veterinary professionals.

“While developing the script, I asked a veterinarian friend about the experience of shepherding so many people through this deeply emotional moment. They introduced me to staggering statistics that shifted my whole perspective on the story that I wanted to tell inside that vet clinic,” Baynes said in the statement.

Results of an Australian study released in 2022 indicate that nearly 70% of veterinarians have lost a colleague or professional peer to suicide, and approximately 60% have sought professional health for mental health issues.

 Additionally, in a CDC study, investigators found that veterinarians are at higher risk of suicide than the general population. Suicide was found to be 2.4 times more likely for female veterinarians and 1.6 times more likely for male veterinarians than the general population, according to the study results.

“Through conversations with more vets and people within the industry, I learned about the numerous factors that plan into the mental health crisis in the profession. Although impossible to represent all facets in a short film set over 1 night, through the character of Claire, I wanted to explore the experience of being the anchor in other people’s storms while enduring a private struggle,” Baynes continued.

The film’s key supporters include the Veterinary Angel Network, VetCart and IndeVets. “Improving the mental health of veterinarians has always been our No. 1 goal,” Michael Raphael, founder and CEO of IndeVets, said in a news release.

 “We are proud to put our name behind a film like 

 as it helps to bring the issue of burnout in the profession to the forefront.”

The new film is scheduled to premiere at the Bentonville Film Festival in June 2024 and will subsequently screen at film festivals around the world. It will also be made available in June to organizations in the veterinary community for private screenings, for which a guide will be provided to help facilitate conversations. These screenings are intended to generate awareness and conversation about mental health in the veterinary profession.

Additionally, a private screening of the film is scheduled to be shown September 26, 2024, at the Southern Veterinary Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Open to all conference attendees, the event will be hosted by IndeVets and offers free admission with a post-screening panel discussion. Panel speakers will include Baynes, Brian Bourquin, DVM, president of the Not One More Vet organization; Marisa Brunetti, VMD, chief veterinary officer for IndeVets; and Dave Shuey, LMSW, DMA, a veterinary social worker with IndeVets.

 was launched as a social impact campaign that addressed the impact of cyberbullying. The award-winning 

is now used in schools around the world as an educational tool, according to IndeVets. 

can similarly be used as a resource in the veterinary industry to facilitate discussions about mental wellbeing as well as encourage the general public to have more empathy and support for individuals who need help, the company noted in its’ release.

“While the film explores the specific struggles of a veterinarian at work, I hope is offers a message of hope to anyone grappling with their own ‘dog,’ Baynes said.

 “We are not alone in our fights. Through empathy, understanding and shared resilience, we can extend support to one another through life’s darkest moments.”

 starring Kate Walsh. New release. IndeVets. May 6, 2024. Accessed May 6, 2024.

Nearly 70% of veterinarians have lost a colleague or peer to suicide, study finds. 

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jun/11/nearly-70-of-veterinarians-have-lost-a-colleague-or-peer-to-suicide-study-finds

Nett RJ, Witte T, Spitzer EG, Edwards N, Fowler KA. Suicide risk for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. CDC. September 4, 2019. Accessed May 6, 2024. 

https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2019/09/04/veterinary-suicide/

The Dog is a fictional story featuring actress Kate Walsh as an overworked veterinarian over a 24-hour period with challenges that include a power outage and an ethical dilemma.