Estrela in the care of Oakland Zoo (Image courtesy of Oakland Zoo)

Last month, Oakland Zoo, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the Wildlife Confiscation Network (WCN) worked together to rescue Estrela, a female marmoset, that was illegally owned on a private residence in southern California. The owner was arrested on other unrelated charges to owning the marmoset and was made aware that the animal was going to be seized.

 after seizing Estrela, authorities reached out to San Diego Zoo and Los Angeles Zoo, but both could not take her because of capacity concerns related to other WCN rescues they were involved with. This led authorities to contact Estrela’s current home, Oakland Zoo.

Estrela had an extensive exam under anesthesia when she arrived at Oakland where they tested her for tuberculosis, simian immunodeficiency viruses, the non-human primate version of HIV, and rabies, and then took bloodwork and performed a CR scan. The team found evidence of a pre-existing fracture in her left radius and ulna, which was likely caused by the trauma she experienced while she was privately owned. Authorities learned she was kept in a large birdcage, which is not sustainable housing for monkeys because it does not give them enough space for their movements or behaviors. Her housing is believed to be the cause of her injuries because it's possible she accidentally injured herself.

Estrela being examined at the Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital (Image courtesy of Oakland Zoo)

"In all likelihood, this injury is from the animal being housed inappropriately. The bones had healed but were malaligned, which can impact her movement. She appears to be compensating well, but we continue to watch her mobility closely,” said Ryan Sadler, DVM, DACZM, senior veterinarian at Oakland Zoo.

Estrela, who was named after the Portuguese name for the species mico-estrela and the star shape on her forehead, will remain in the care of the Oakland Zoo team and live in their veterinary hospital until her quarantine period ends. Estrela is being kept busy by the veterinary hospital keepers with enrichment toys like puzzles and providing audio-visual stimulation through music and videos. The team has reported she is starting to trust them and is enjoying grooming time through the barriers.

This is not the first time the Oakland Zoo rescued an animal from the illegal wildlife trade. The zoo’s rehabilitated its fennec foxes, Aldabra tortoises, and Amazon macaws after they were rescued from the illegal pet trade.

“The best intentions of private owners, while understandable, in no way compensate for the innate needs of the individual animals housed as pets, many of which suffer the effects of chronic stress, malnutrition, and other maladies,” explained Darren Minier, MAIS, director of animal welfare and research at Oakland Zoo.

The team at Oakland Zoo will continue to evaluate her for signs of potential behavioral effects of long-term chronic stress. Once her quarantine period is completed, Estrela will be transferred to her new home, the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation in Texas.

Oakland Zoo provides care for seized marmoset monkey. News release. Oakland Zoo. February 6, 2024. Accessed February 6, 2024. https://www.oaklandzoo.org/news/marmoset-monkey#:~:text=On%20January%2020th%2C%20Oakland,private%20residence%20in%20southern%20California.

Take action against illegal wildlife trade. Oakland Zoo. Accessed February 6, 2024. https://www.oaklandzoo.org/end-illegal-wildlife-trade

Articles

The Zoo is taking care of the animal after she was seized by California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials 

Zoo cares for illegally owned marmoset monkey 

French bulldog, Tyson, in his cancer survivor vest. (All photos courtesy of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine)

Tyson, a 3-month-old French bulldog, was originally scheduled to see Cornell University’s dentistry and oral surgery service for cleft palate surgery, however, his primary care veterinarian noticed a cancerous tumor on his jaw.

 A majority of Tyson’s lower left mandible was taken out with removal of the tumor. Dentistry and oral surgery resident Alexandra Wright, DVM '18, led Tyson’s care team and explained to Tyson’s owners, Melissa Forsythe and Mike Lacagnina, that removing a major portion of the dog’s jaw meant Tyson will have to live the rest of his life without full function of his jaw.

“Tyson’s tumor was an oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma, which is a malignant cancer in dogs,” said Wright in a Cornell news article. “Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the second-most common malignant oral tumor in dogs, and this papillary subtype has previously been reported in young dogs.”

In better news, though, Tyson’s jaw spontaneously regrew. According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, this phenomenon has been documented in children, but this is the first reported case of its kind for dogs of any age or breed.

“We didn’t know if we wanted to put a puppy through all this. The prognosis at the time was uncertain,” Forsythe explained in the news article. However, because Tyson’s CT scans showed the cancer did not spread, “we decided to give him a chance and continue with surgery. We had no idea his jaw would grow back.”

3D scans of Tyson show his removed jaw immediately after surgery (left) and 8 weeks afterwards (right) with the mandible regrown.

While anecdotal instances of jaw regeneration in young dogs existed, Tyson's extensive bone removal made it improbable for such regrowth. Because of its uniqueness, Wright published a report on this case in 

 with co-authors Nadine Fiani, BVSc, associate clinical professor and section chief, and Santiago Peralta, DVM, DAVDC, associate professor in the dentistry and oral surgery service. The case report highlighted Tyson's remarkable outcome, attributing it to the preservation of a substantial amount of periosteum during surgery. This thin membrane covers bone surfaces, houses blood vessels, and nerves crucial for bone support and original mandible growth.

The early detection of Tyson's tumor also most likely contributed to his extraordinary recovery, though the exact reason for his jaw regrowth remains a pioneering mystery. “More has to be done to understand the likelihood of this occurring in other dogs and if a specific age range makes a difference, but this case documents a very positive surgical outcome in a life-threatening situation,” Wright said.

According to Cornell, Tyson’s new jaw is nearly as functional as the original, however it is not exactly the same, as it no longer has certain features. There is no mandibular canal, where major blood vessels and nerves typically reside. Tyson also does not have any teeth on the regrown section. Miraculously, the new left side is the same length as the one on the right, which helps prevent drifting. Currently, there is no evidence of cancer in the regenerated bone or anywhere else in Tyson’s body.

Tyson’s owners reported that the Frenchie still avoids hard, crunchy food and stiff, solid, or plastic toys, but he is able to eat water-soaked kibble and play with soft, plush toys. Tyson still checks in with Wright and the team at Cornell on a regular basis. He even recently celebrated his first birthday.

A more in-depth look at Tyson’s revolutionary medical situation can be found in Wright’s published case report.

Greaver Cordova M. French bulldog puppy spontaneously regrows jaw. News release. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. February 1, 2024. Accessed February 5, 2024. 

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/news/20240201/french-bulldog-puppy-spontaneously-regrows-jaw

Wright A, Peralta S, Fiani N. Case report: Spontaneous mandibular body regeneration following unilateral subtotal mandibulectomy in a 3-month-old French bulldog. 

. 2023;(10). doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1281232

French bulldog’s jaw regrew after much of his lower left mandible was removed because of a tumor

Cornell University sees first reported case of spontaneous jaw regrowth

The FDA announced that due to the shortage of the FDA-approved follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Folltropin, it will not object to the temporary importation of Pluset, a porcine pituitary-derived follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. FSH is an injectable prescription drug for mature heifers and cows to induce superovulation reproductively, a crucial part of the embryo transfer process.

Cattle producers began reporting Folltropin shortages early in 2023 and supply had run out by the end of the year. Its manufacturer, VetoquinolUSA, has reported having trouble sourcing porcine pituitary glands. Currently, there is no FDA-approved alternative for Folltropin, causing a significant impact on cattle producers and veterinarians, according to Fred Gringrich, DVM, executive director of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP).

Pluset was created by Alberta Veterinary Laboratories Ltd./Solvet (AVL/Solvet), and is authorized in Spain for marketing, according to the FDA. Folltropin and Pluset are utilized in heifers and cows for the same purpose, but the concentration and composition of the active ingredients are different as well as the doses and dosage regimen.

Imported Pluset has not been approved or evaluated by the FDA, although it has been approved in Spain as well as several other countries. The medication is subject to the regulatory standards of the countries it has approval from such as adherence to good manufacturing practices. Any distributions of Pluset will have a client information sheet for cattle producers and veterinarians containing detailed information on how to use the product.

The FDA plans to reassess the need for Pluset importation as the availability of the Folltropin changes. It will keep an eye on supply chains and shortage risks to inform of new authorities, incentives, and strategies. FDA is also working with multiple veterinary organizations such as AVMA, AABP, and the American Embryo Transfer Association as well as the USDA Animal and Plant Health Services, which regulates importation of animal-derived products.

FDA helps improve US availability of FSH, an important drug for embryo transfer in heifers and cows. News release. US Food and Drug Administration. January 31, 2024. Accessed February 5, 2024. 

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-helps-improve-us-availability-fsh-important-drug-embryo-transfer-heifers-and-cows

Facing shortage, FDA CVM allows temporary imports of unapproved drug for cattle. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. February 2, 2024. Accessed February 5, 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/news/facing-shortage-fda-cvm-allows-temporary-imports-unapproved-drug-cattle?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-news

The FDA not objecting to the importation is in response to a nationwide shortage of Folltropin 

FDA allows temporary imports of unapproved cattle drug 

Merck Animal Health (Merck) has launched a new product to make intranasal vaccination administration easier. The new ALLFLEX CleanVax nozzles and shields provide a sanitary, but quick way of giving intranasal vaccines to cattle. According to a release from Merck,

 CleanVax features shorter nozzles that are less intrusive compared to traditional cannulas. Additionally, it includes disposable clear plastic shields that can be swapped between animals or groups, ensuring a more hygienic administration process.

“CleanVax nozzles and shields optimize every aspect of the intranasal vaccination process for confidence in a clean, consistent dose every time,” said Jonathon Townsend, DVM, PhD, dairy technical services for Merck, in the release. “The system is simple to use and enhances calf comfort, hygiene, and consistency, making it easier on both the calf and caregiver.”

ALLFLEX CleanVax nozzles and shields enhance calf comfort and hygiene for clean, fast, and convenient intranasal vaccine administration. (Photo courtesy of Merck Animal Health)

Some other notable features of CleanVax include the following:

Calf-friendly, shorter nozzles minimize discomfort;

Atomizer tips ensure even distribution across mucosal surfaces and reduce product drip;

Easy-to-use nozzles attach to any brand of syringe or Luer lock applicator gun;

Hygienic shields add a layer of protection and enhance biosecurity.

“CleanVax nozzles and shields are designed to make intranasal vaccine administration more hygienic, calf-friendly, and consistent,” Townsend added. “As a leader in intranasal vaccination technologies, Merck Animal Health continues to advance cattle health and production with innovative and effective solutions for cattle producers.”

Intranasal vaccines available from Merck Animal Health include:

ALLFLEX CleanVax products are available through a Merck representative or ALLFLEX supplier.

Merck Animal Health announces new user-friendly ALLFLEX CleanVax nozzles and shields for intranasal vaccination. News release. Merck Animal Health. January 30, 2024. Accessed February 5, 2024. https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/newsroom/merck-animal-health-announces-new-user-friendly-allflex-cleanvax-nozzles-and-shields-for-intranasal-vaccination

This new product from Merck Animal Health offers an efficient and accurate vaccine administration

User-friendly nozzles and shields for cattle intranasal vaccinations

Good morning dvm360 readers! We hope everyone had a great weekend and are looking forward to another week. Did you know that our first Fetch conference of the year is a little over a month away? Join us in Charlotte, North Carolina from March 15-17, 2024, for the chance to earn over 15 hours of continuing education credit from our incredible faculty. This first conference is not one to miss to secure your spot 

Because of a shortage of Folltropin, the FDA announced that it will help improve the availably of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by allowing the importation of Plusvet, a drug authorized for marketing in Spain.

Elanco announced that it has entered an agreement to sell its aqua business to Merck Animal Health for $1.3 billion in cash, representing 7.4x the estimated 2023 revenue for Elanco’s aqua business.

“Critter Fixers: Country Vets”, a reality show on Nat Geo showcasing the daily work of Vernard Hodges, DVM, and Terrence Ferguson, DVM, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show (Series). The winning show will be announced on BET and CBS at the 55th NAACP Image Awards on March 16, 2024.

, host Adam Chrisman, DVM, MBA, and Wendy Myers, CVJ, go into depth about how veterinary clinics can charge for technician appointments.

This week over 140 veterinary professionals will meet with representatives, senators, and staff members to talk about the importance of legislation that will create more availability of veterinary services in rural areas and protect against the spread of disease as part of The American Veterinary Medical Association’s annual legislative fly in.

Can’t join us in Charlotte? That is okay, we have 4 other Fetch conferences you can attend! From coast to coast, there is a conference this year for you. You can check out all of our upcoming conferences 

Here is a sneak peek of this week’s headlines 

This week on dvm360.com: FDA CVM permits temporary imports of Pluset amid shortage, and other veterinary news

Veterinary businesses and companies play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of pets, relying on a delicate balance of medical expertise, compassionate care, and effective management. Great leadership within the veterinary industry can significantly impact the quality of pet care provided and exceptional leaders in the veterinary industry can help the professional development of their teams. Industry leaders can foster a culture of innovation while staying in the know of the latest advancements in veterinary medicine.

Various veterinary businesses and organizations recently announced new promotions and appointments. The following 5 individuals are among those making career advancements:

Joe Altobelli, chief financial officer, Bond Vet

Joseph Altobelli, CFO of Bond Vet. (Photo courtesy of Bond Vet)

Joseph Altobelli was appointed to the position of chief financial officer (CFO) of Bond Vet, a network of veterinary primary and urgent care services in the United States. Altobelli comes to Bond Vet with more than 20 years of experience leading finance teams, including CityMD.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Joe to Bond Vet,” said Garrett Lewis, CEO of Bond Vet, stated in the company release. “Joe brings extensive financial experience to our team, and his expertise will support our continued rapid growth into new communities.”

Altobelli has also held previous CFO roles at various banking companies like PineBridge Investments, AIG, Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank and Salomon Smith Barney. “I am excited to join the talented team at Bond Vet,” said Joe Altobeli, CFO. “Their dedication to strengthening the human-animal bond through better pet care resonates with me, and I am enthusiastic about being part of a company that values innovation, integrity, and outstanding service.”

Andrew T. Maccabe, DVM, vice president of veterinary education, Mars Veterinary Health

Andrew T. Maccabe, DVM, vice president of veterinary education, Mars Veterinary Health. (Photo courtesy of Mars Veterinary Health)

Starting July 1, 2024, Andrew T. Maccabe, DVM, will join the Mars Veterinary Health team as the vice president of veterinary education, starting July 1, 2024. Having served as the CEO for the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), for the last 12 years, Maccabe will step down from his current role in June 2024.

According to a LinkedIn post by Mars Veterinary Health, this is a newly created role within the company to further healthcare education and a sustainable future for veterinary medicine. Maccabe will be in charge of the clinical learning across Mars’s 3000 global clinics and provide strategic leadership in veterinary education. He will also oversee strategic partnerships with veterinary medical professional education programs.

“I've long been impressed by Dr Maccabe's impact on veterinary medicine and the relationships he's cultivated in his pursuit of advancing our profession. I respect his expertise, innovative spirit and leadership, and know in this role, he'll fuel learning and growth within Mars Veterinary Health and across the industry, serving future generations of veterinary professionals,” said Molly McAllister, DVM, MPH, strategic global veterinary leader at Mars Veterinary Health, in a LinkedIn post.

Monica Dixon Perry, CVPM, 2024 VetPartners president

Monica Dixon Perry, CVPM, was named as the VetPartners 2024 president while at the association’s annual conference held last month in Orlando, Florida. Dixon Perry has worked in the veterinary space for more than 38 years, and as the new VetPartners president, will focus on the creating resourses for those experiencing a rise in staffing challenges.

“I am thrilled to work alongside a dedicated group of individuals committed to advancing our association’s mission and supporting the veterinary profession,” Dixon Perry said in a news release. “We are on the brink of a paradigm shift as to how we run and operate within this phenomenal industry. As many other industries have adjusted how they operate, we find that the veterinary profession needs support in adjusting, and we are here to provide that assistance. I’m excited about this initiative and our efforts to create a free resource that will be available to veterinary practice leaders all over the world. 2024 will be a great year for VetPartners to continue supporting the veterinary profession.”

Jamie Specht, chief financial officer, Pawlicy Advisor

Another CFO appointment comes from Pawlicy Advisor, an independent pet insurance provider. Jamie Specht is named CFO and will focus on increasing strategic growth through partnership and business expansion. Specht will help further the company’s technology infrastructure to streamline veterinary office operations.

“Pawlicy Advisor is setting a new standard for the pet insurance industry, and I look forward to enabling more accessible veterinary care and financial well-being for both pet owners and veterinarians,” said Specht in a company release.

Woody Mawhinney, CEO and cofounder at Pawlicy Advisor, stated, “This growth phase marks a pivotal moment in our journey, and we are poised to meet the needs of pet owners, veterinary teams, and strategic partners alike.”

Erin Tate, DVM, vice president of clinical development, CityVet

Erin Tate, DVM, vice president of clinical development at CityVet. (Photo courtesy of CityVet)

Erin Tate, DVM was promoted to vice president of clinical development at CityVet after previously serving as the Lead Partner at CityVet Preston Forest and supporting partner at CityVet Preston Hollow, both located in Dallas, Texas.

Tate’s start at CityVet began in 2004, but now as vice president of clinical development, she will support the chief veterinary officer at CityVet, Paul Kline, DVM, and focus on the development of veterinary owners and associates, provide medical and clinical support for enhanced standards of care, and support the company’s recruiting team to attract exceptional veterinarians onto the growing team.

“I’m excited to step into this new role and join the team at the CityVet home office. It feels like a natural progression to take my experience from the past 20 years of being with CityVet and apply it to helping other veterinarians become CityVet doctors, while growing our footprint nationally,” Tate said in a CityVet release.

In addition to her development goals, Tate will provide educational tools for patient and employee management, business insights, payroll, staffing, and work with the CityVet Academy, a special training program geared towards newly graduated veterinarians to assist them to become leaders in the industry and help them continue to hone their skills.

“No one understands what the life of a CityVet veterinarian entails better than Dr Tate,” said CityVet CEO David Boguslawski. “We are thrilled for Dr. Tate to step into this new role and be able to share her learnings from two decades with CityVet and serve as a mentor to our current and new partners. She is truly a champion of CityVet and we know she will be a great asset for our veterinarians as we continue to grow.”

Joseph Altobelli joins Bond Vet as chief financial officer. News release. Bond Vet. January 22, 2024. Accessed February 2, 2024. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240129924919/en/Joseph-Altobelli-joins-Bond-Vet-as-Chief-Financial-Officer

AAVMC chief executive officer steps down after 12 years. 

. January 26, 2024. Accessed February 2, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/aavmc-chief-executive-officer-steps-down-after-12-years

Industry leaders meet, name Monica Dixon Perry, CVPM, as 2024 VetPartners president. News release. VetPartners. February 1, 2024. Accessed February 2, 2024.

Pawlicy Advisor appoints chief financial officer, key hires to amplify strategic growth. News release. Pawlicy Advisor. February 1, 2024. Accessed February 2, 2024. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pawlicy-advisor-appoints-chief-financial-officer-key-hires-to-amplify-strategic-growth-302049052.html#:~:text=NEW%20YORK%2C%20Feb.%201%2C,two%20other%20senior%20leadership%20hires

CityVet announces Dr Erin Tate as vice president of clinical development. News release. CityVet. January 31, 2024. Accessed February 2, 2024.

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