The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) is offering its Fellowship Program, a multi-year, hands-on clinical training opportunity in cases specifically within a discipline, at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. This first course will be focused on infectious diseases, but ACVIM intends to create more programs featuring several specialties in veterinary medicine.

These ACVIM fellowships are open to diplomates of the ACVIM seeking to add an additional level of expertise and mastery in their discipline. Qualified ACVIM diplomates are required to have previously completed an ACVIM-approved residency and passed board certification examinations in one of the college’s 6 specialty disciplines: small animal internal medicine, large animal internal medicine, cardiology, nutrition, oncology, or neurology. After enrolling in this new infectious diseases fellowship program, veterinarians will be officially credentialed as Fellows of the ACVIM followed by the particular domain of study, which in this case would look like: “FACVIM (Infectious Disease),” according to the UC Davis release.

“The ACVIM Fellowship Program represents a bold step towards redefining the boundaries of veterinary internal medicine,” said Keith Richter in an ACVIM news release. “It's a unique opportunity for passionate professionals to further their careers, collaborate with thought leaders, and drive innovation in their chosen field.”

More information about the fellowship program in general can be found 

. The UC Davis infectious diseases program will be directed by Jane Sykes, BVSc (Hons), PhD, DACVIM, professor of internal medicine with a special interest in infectious diseases. She stated, “I think a big reason why UC Davis was selected to become the first facility to host the fellowship is partly because we’ve been working toward this for many years to build an extraordinary training program. But another part of it is the unique relationship we have with the infectious disease group at the UC Davis School of Medicine. We’ve been able to study very closely how they train their fellows and then develop our program to mimic the success they’ve had.”

This 2-year training fellowship is supported by the Judith McBean Trust Foundation and will be titled, “The Judith McBean Trust Foundation Fellowship in Small Animal Infectious Disease” starting August 1, 2024.

“We are honored to be chosen to host the first ACVIM-recognized fellowship,” said Jamie Burkitt, DVM, DACVECC, co-director of House Officer Affairs and Education at UC Davis. “Dr Sykes’ and other faculty members’ backgrounds in the field, the school’s research and laboratory facilities, and the Internal Medicine Service’s expertise and caseload provide an ideal training opportunity for veterinary specialists seeking to enhance their knowledge of infectious diseases. This fellowship is an ideal fit for our house officer program and an important step in advancing specialty veterinary medicine.”

Warren R. UC Davis to be first training site of new fellowship program. News release. University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. February 21, 2024. Accessed February 23, 2024. 

https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/uc-davis-be-first-training-site-new-fellowship-program

ACVIM launches fellowship program to advance veterinary internal medicine expertise. News release. American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. September 7, 2023. Accessed September 13, 2023. 

https://www.acvim.org/docs/default-source/news-publications-documents/press-releases/fnl-fellowship-press-release0e882fff-1f86-4443-a842-b49773426a7e.pdf?sfvrsn=f7daa173_3

Articles

The first American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine fellowship program will be offered on the UC Davis campus

Internal medicine fellowship program launches at California institution

Photo courtesy of PRNewsfoto and Home With Dignity.

Home with Dignity is a mobile in-home euthanasia service for pets that currently operates in 11 cities across the United States, including Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Cleveland, OH; Columbus, OH; Colorado Springs, CO; Kansas City, KS; Kansas City, MO; Minneapolis, MN; Philadelphia, PA; St. Louis, MO; and now offering Cincinnati, Ohio.

 Founded by Jim Humphries, DVM, in 2015, Home with Dignity aims to provide a compassionate end-of-life journey in the comforting and familiar environment of the pet's own home. The company believes this helps owners say goodbye to their beloved pets in an easier way by taking out the struggle of transportation.

Humphries has been a veterinarian for 43 years and owned and operated successful practices in Texas, Oregon, and Colorado. He is an adjunct professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Having pets all my life, I not only know the incredible benefits and joy they bring us, but I also know the unfortunate heartache of loss because they leave us too soon. Because of this, I have a special interest in the new and fast-growing specialty of palliative and home hospice care, which includes a peaceful end of life.” Humphries said on the Home with Dignity website. 

“Our pets are living longer today because of better nutrition and advanced medicine and cancer therapies. Many pet owners want their pets to enjoy the remaining months they have. These pets that give us so much unconditional love, joy, and sense of family, deserve the best end to their life we can give them. That includes pain control, special nutrition, the ability to enjoy and interact with family, and just like you and I, the dignity they deserve as they reach the end of life.”

With advanced equipment and a team of skilled veterinarians, the organization is dedicated to honoring the special connection between pets and their owners with compassion and respect. Beyond offering euthanasia services, Home with Dignity provides extensive assistance to pet owners navigating end-of-life decisions, including grief resources, virtual advice, and support with aftercare options.

"Making the decision to say goodbye to your pet is one of the hardest choices pet owners have to make," said Pam Kloepfer, DVM, lead veterinarian at Home With Dignity in Cincinnati. "My goal is to make that experience as comfortable as I can for the pet owner and their pet, and part of that is choosing to grieve at home."

Originally from Cincinnati, Kloepfer relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where she earned both her undergraduate and DVM degrees from The Ohio State University. Following this, she went on to complete a 1-year small animal rotating internship at Louisiana State University, and finally, returned to Columbus and devoted 10 years to serving as an emergency veterinarian and also assisting Pet Poison Helpline as an associate veterinarian.

During her time in emergency practice, she frequently encountered pet owners grappling with the profound challenges of their pets facing life-threatening illnesses or trauma, prompting numerous discussions about pet euthanasia. Recognizing the considerable stress experienced by both owners and pets in the emergency room setting when contemplating euthanasia, she concluded that providing in-home euthanasia was the optimal choice.

Home with Dignity. Accessed February 23, 2024. 

Home with Dignity enters Cincinnati, Ohio, revolutionizing in-home euthanasia for pets. News release. Home with Dignity. February 21, 2024. Accessed February 23, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/home-with-dignity-enters-cincinnati-ohio-revolutionizing-in-home-euthanasia-for-pets-302064333.html

Our staff. Pet Poison Helpline. Accessed February 23, 2024. 

https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/about/staff/pam-kloepfer-dvm/

Home with Dignity expands its end-of-life care for more owners and pets across the country

In-home euthanasia service comes to Cincinnati

The 8-month-old female tiger cub is currently receiving extended care at the Oakland Zoo (Image courtesy of the Oakland Zoo) 

Oakland Zoo, acting as agents for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, assisted with the rescue of a female tiger found in a privately owned facility in western United States. Due to legal reasons, the Zoo cannot provide any specifics on her history before receiving care from the Zoo.

 the cub received a thorough exam, CT scan, and blood work by the Zoo staff where they determined the cub had 10 pathological fractures which caused pain and lack of mobility. This led to the cub having 50% muscle atrophy in her legs and was treated with the necessary pain medications and nutrients.

The team is also working to build her calcium and muscle growth, which can take several weeks to months. After her bones have built enough calcium, the veterinarians at Oakland Zoo will work with surgeons to help determine the next steps in her healing journey. While the veterinarians are cautiously optimistic that she will make a full recovery, although it will take time.

The injuries that she sustained are currently preventing her from performing natural behaviors like climbing and running and the keepers are working to strengthen her through specialized enrichment that is catered to her unique case.

“Seeing this young tiger enduring such obvious suffering is extremely difficult…no animal should experience life in this way. We are grateful to serve in a role that gives her hope for brighter days ahead,” said Nik Dehejia, CEO of Oakland Zoo.

Oakland Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1988 and works to meet the needs of animal care and wellbeing standards, conservation, education, safety, and veterinary programs. The Oakland Zoo will use its knowledge to execute the rehabilitation of this tiger cub to begin her journey to recovery.

In 2022, The Big Cat Public Safety Act (BCPSA) was passed banning private ownership and public contact with big cats. The legislation, backed by the Oakland Zoo, has made it unlawful for anyone to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce as well as breeding or possessing any live prohibited wildlife species, unless an exception has been made.

 BCPSA also helped to put an end to ‘cub petting’ for profit, something that was epitomized in 'Tiger King', a popular true crime Netflix documentary that followed Joe Exotic.

Confiscated Tiger Cub brought to Oakland Zoo for long-term rehabilitation and care. News release. Oakland Zoo. February 22, 2024. Accessed February 23, 2024. 

https://www.oaklandzoo.org/news/tiger-rescue#:~:text=On%20Tuesday%20afternoon%2C%20Oakland%20Zoo,healed%20fractures%20in%20her%20bones

What you need to know about the big cat public safety act. US Fish & Wildlife Service. Accessed February 23, 2024. https://www.fws.gov/what-you-need-know-about-big-cat-public-safety-act

The 8-month-old female was found with multiple improperly healed fractures 

Tiger cub rescued from privately owned facility 

To raise awareness during National Pet Dental Health Month, Banfield Pet Hospital complied pet information from its database across more than 1000 hospital locations nationwide to assess the differences in dental health across the United States. Banfield analyzed more than 3 million pets from its database to see which states and breeds had the highest and lowest cases reported.

Oral health is significant because periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases affecting dogs, with a reported prevalence of at least 80% in dogs over 3 years of age.

 It can present in a variety of conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis, which all impact the teeth and gums.

 Overall, Banfield had 73% of dogs and 64% of cats diagnosed with dental-related issues in 2023.

 Banfield’s data also showed that cats with advanced stages of periodontal disease were 1.5 times more likely to develop chronic kidney disease and dogs were 2.3 times more likely. The veterinary hospital network also saw that dogs were 6.3 times more likely to develop endocarditis (infection of a heart valve) from late stages of periodontal disease.

"With the largest pet medical record database in the country, Banfield is dedicated to using our data to share insights to provide better care for pets and advance veterinary medicine," said Alea Harrison, DVM, chief medical officer of Banfield Pet Hospital, in the release. "Oral health is an integral part of a pet's overall health and wellbeing, and our veterinary teams are committed to partnering with pet owners to find the right professional and at-home care plan for each pet."

Banfield found the following rates of oral health issues for each breed:

The data shows that most dog breeds with oral health issues are small dogs but it is still an issue for larger breeds, as well, so all pet owners should be cautious and stay on top of their pet’s routine dental examinations.

When looking at data across the United States, Banfield found that Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York had the lowest rates of patients with dental disease, while Iowa, Idaho, and Minnesota had the highest rates.

 Banfield does not have a specific reason as to why certain states are higher or lower, however, it could be because of the breed population in a particular state or the amount of pets that receive veterinary care at a Banfield Pet Hospital in that specific state.

To combat these high rates of dental disease, Banfield has collaborated with Mars Veterinary Health and UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine to highlight the significant role dental procedures play in pharmaceutical stewardship, given their frequent occurrence in veterinary clinics. This partnered research delves into the current usage of antimicrobials in veterinary dentistry, seeking new opportunities for enhancement. It also outlines the patterns of antimicrobial usage in canine and feline dentistry within primary care practice. The objective is to utilize these valuable findings to guide interventions that optimize patient care and encourage responsible antimicrobial use during dental procedures.

State of pet dental health: Significant majority of US dogs and cats have oral health issues. News release. Banfield Pet Hospital. February 16, 2024. Accessed February 23, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/state-of-pet-dental-health-significant-majority-of-us-dogs-and-cats-have-oral-health-issues-302063737.html

Enlund KB, Brunius C, Hanson J, et al. Dog Owners' Perspectives on Canine Dental Health-A Questionnaire Study in Sweden. 

. 2020;7:298. doi:10.3389/fvets.2020.00298

Small Animal Dental, Oral, and Maxillofacial Disease: A Color Handbook

Banfield Pet Hospital reveals pet dental health data in each state and the specific breeds with the highest cases of dental issues

State by state dental health

Good morning dvm360 readers! We are just a few short weeks away from Fetch Charlotte, are you signed up yet? This year Fetch Charlotte is officially approved for 111 continuing education credit hours in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval, with 17 hours available to an individual attendee. Be sure to secure your spot for all the fun and education 

In the meantime, here is what was popular this week on dvm360.com:

 this week that it will be featured on the March 1, 2024, episode of the hit ABC television show Shark Tank to pitch some of their products to the Sharks to hopefully accelerate product development, expanding distribution channels, and raise brand awareness.

 Jameela, a female baby gorilla, on January 5, 2024, after the staff at the zoo as well as human medical professionals joined forces to delivery her by caesarean section, the first in the Zoo’s history.

 recently helped Myra, a show-jumping horse, after her eye infection became severe, leading to the largest equine corneal transplant that has ever been reported.

, Jason Balara, DVM, DACVS(SA), and host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, discussed real estate investment and the power it holds for veterinary professionals, and their families.

To help prepare your clients for protecting their pets against toxic flowers this spring, here are some of the 

 to help teams educate clients before their pet ends up in the emergency room.

Zoo caretakers at the Micke Grove Zoo noticed that Trini, a 10-year-old female snow leopard, had a 

. The issue was then treated thanks to help from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Wrap up: Mella Pet Care to appear on hit show Shark Tank, and other veterinary news

Mary Stegmueller and her parents after she received her honorary degree from Colorado State University (Image courtesy of Mariah Hood) 

Mary Stegmueller was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare form of cancer that targets the brain stem, when she was 4 years old and was given a prognosis of 9 months. However, she is beating that now 3 years.

 Kristin Stegmueller, Mary’s mother, had brought their family cat, Freyja, to the National Veterinary Associates (NVA) Community Pet Hospital (CPH) in Thornton, Colorado, and she shared with the staff her daughter's love for animals and her dream to be a veterinarian when she grows up but fears she would not be able to achieve that dream. To help Mary, Marie Tavenner, hospital director at CPH, stepped up to create a day for Stegmueller that no one involved will ever forget.

On November 14, 2023, CPH hosted a surprise graduation ceremony for Stegmueller. Dressed in a purple cap and gown, Stegmueller claimed her honorary Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Colorado State University (CSU).

 Facilitated by Lawrence Hill, DVM, DABVP (canine and feline), an NVA general practice mentor and associate veterinary at the Animal Hospital of Worthington, Ohio, and Dan Smeak, DVM, DACVS, an emeritus professor at CSU.

“It was a day we will never forget,” expressed Kristin Stegmueller, in the organizational release.

 “Not only getting to see our daughter laugh and enjoy checking the animals but getting to see her ‘graduate’ brought tears to our eyes. Something we know we may never get to see again.”

Ready to go in her custom purple scrubs, a white coat with her name embroidered on it, and a purple stethoscope, thanks to Brandy McGreer, a CPH veterinarian and a survivor of breast cancer, Stegmueller was ready to learn and see patients. Along with her attire, Stegmueller also received an honorary AVMA membership certificate from Sandra Faeh, DVM, AVMA president-elect and chief veterinary officer for NVA.

Stegmueller examining X-rays with Teresa Borys, DVM, PCH medical director, with foster kitten Edith. 

With her new attire and AVMA membership, Stegmueller was ready to get to work at the clinic. Teresa Borys, DVM, PCH medical director, showed Stegmueller how to use a stethoscope on a dog and then she assisted with a feline patient who was in the clinic for an annual visit. Darcy Klinger, CPH lead veterinary technician, brought a litter of foster kittens to the hospital and taught Stegmueller how to interpret kitten x-rays.

“Even though Mary is fighting this horrible disease, she was so happy. To know we got to be a part of that, it’s something that no one can ever take away from us,” said Tavenner. “I’ve never felt closer to the team here than on that day. It was like nothing else mattered; it was just about this little girl and her family.”

Stegmueller and her family received an invitation from CSU for a private tour of its veterinary teaching hospital. At the hospital, she learned more about veterinary medicine and was able to watch a dog receiving radiation treatment.

 After leaving the hospital, Stegmueller said her favorite part was meeting the animals who are undergoing the same treatments that she is familiar with.

The next day, Stegmueller begged to go to school after her radiation treatment so she could tell her classmates about her time at the hospital. At school, she gave a presentation, telling her classmates they could bring their sick pets to see her, and proudly handed out her business cards. Since receiving her honorary degree, Stegmueller has made more visits to CPH where she was able to meet Santa as he was taking photos with patients and staff as well as to sell Girl Scout cookies to the team at CPH.

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Accessed February 22, 2024. 

https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/diffuse-intrinsic-pontine-glioma

Veterinary community grants wish for animal-loving girl with cancer. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. February 21, 2024. Accessed February 22, 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/news/veterinary-community-grants-wish-animal-loving-girl-cancer

Mary Stegmueller was diagnosed a rare form of cancer at age 4 and was able to fulfill her dream of becoming a veterinarian 