An advisory board has been formed for the Veterinary Innovation Council (VIC) of the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC). Comprised of veterinary leaders from across the industry’s spectrum, the board brings together practitioners, academics, industry leaders, and representatives from animal welfare organizations.

Advisory board members include practitioners, academics, industry leaders, and representatives from animal welfare organizations. The goal of the advisory board is to create a multi-dimensional perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the profession, according to an NAVC release. Members will work toward generating awareness and understanding of a diverse set of issues that affect the profession and collaborate with the VIC Board of Directors to identify solutions.

"This is a pivotal moment for veterinary medicine," said Jennifer Welser, chief strategy officer at CityVet based in Dallas, Texas, and the VIC Board of Directors chair, in the release. "The establishment of this advisory board marks our commitment to broadening our understanding of the complex landscape in which our profession operates and to having a positive impact. We aim to foster a dialogue that is both inclusive and forward-looking, ensuring the best possible care for animals and support for those who dedicate their lives to this noble cause."

The VIC was formed in 2015 with the purpose of “advancing the field of veterinary medicine through innovation, education, and advocacy,” according to NAVC. The advisory board plans to meet regularly and will provide recommendations and guidance to the VIC. Their perspectives will provide insights that are expected to shape the council's strategies and initiatives. "We believe that the collective wisdom and experience of our Advisory Board members will be invaluable in guiding our efforts," said Aaron Massecar, executive director of the VIC, in the release. "Their input will help us not only to address current challenges but also to anticipate and prepare for future developments in veterinary medicine."

The VIC Advisory Board members are as follows:

Douglas G. Aspros, DVM and chief veterinary officer for Veterinary Practice Partners based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

James W. Lloyd, PhD, DVM, dean emerita and senior consultant at Animal Health Economics in Sears, Michigan

Brianna Armstrong, DVM, medical director and co-owner at Firehouse Animal Health Center in Austin, Texas

Adam Little, DVM, entrepreneur based in Vancouver, British Columbia

Valerie C. Marcano, DVM, co-founder of Pawsibilities Vet Med based in Cary, North Carolina

Samuel Schopler, student veterinarian at The College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University in Raleigh

Michael Blackwell, DVM, MPH, director of the Program for Pet Health Equity, College of Social Work, at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville

Emmitt Nantz a cofounder of Inventory Ally based in Vancouver, Washington

Niccole Bruno, DVM, CEO and founder of blendvet based in Katy, Texas

Christina Tran, DVM, founding dean and clinical professor at Hanover College School of Veterinary Medicine in Indiana

Ashby Green, founder of Gazelle Capital based in Portland, Maine

Veterinary Innovation Council launches advisory board to provide feedback and guidance on profession-wide issues. News release. North American Veterinary Community. February 27, 2024.

Articles

The North American Veterinary Community named nearly a dozen members that represent a wide spectrum of veterinary profession experience

Advisory board created for Veterinary Innovation Council

The Veterinary Hospital Management Association (VHMA) offers its members the Compensation & Benefits Survey Report, conducted biannually. This survey delves into the compensation and benefits offered to veterinary team members and analyzes any factors that influence these aspects. It particularly concentrates on managers, non-DVM staff, and associate veterinarians and was crafted to scrutinize the compensation and benefits for associate (non-owner) veterinarians.

This year’s survey was sent to 4,163 members of both the VHMA and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. Out of the distributed surveys, 470 questionnaires were completed, resulting in a response rate of 11.2%. The overwhelming majority of the responses (99%) originated from the United States, while the remaining 1% were from Canada. Results found that full-time associates earned a median annual compensation of $125,000 and worked a median of 1,693 hours annually. Compensation increased by 4%, and annual hours worked decreased by 7.1% from 2021. Part-time associate veterinarians, defined as employees who work less than 1000 hours a year and approximately 20 hours per week, worked a median of 846 annual hours and received a median annual compensation of $97,500. Data from 2021 was not available for part-time associates.

Data gathered using the Consumer Price Index found that inflation was at an average of 4.1% for 2023. This compares to an average of 4.7% in 2021.

Cost-of-living factors should be noted when examining compensation increases. 

“We have seen an increase in compensation in the last couple of years due to a tight supply of clinical staff. However, we have started to see that loosen up a little bit,” said Christine Shupe, executive director of the VHMA. “I don’t anticipate we will continue to see the dramatic increases we have seen in the last couple of years.”

Full-time associate veterinarians in emergency and specialty practices earned the highest salary of all groups surveyed.

Associate veterinarians working in exclusively small animal practices reported the lowest annual salary for all full-time groups surveyed.

Annual compensation generally increased as full-time associates gained experience with the highest earnings reported by those with more than 10 years in practice.

Part-time associate veterinarians with 1 to 2 years of experience received a higher annual salary than those with more than 10 years of experience.

Full-time associates with a role in practice management earned 16.6% more than those who did not.

Part-time associates who held a position in management worked a higher number of hours but earned 21% more in annual compensation.

Veterinary technician specialists (VTS) with 1 to 2 years of work experience had a median hourly pay rate of $29.60, whereas those with 3 to 5 years reported a rate of $20 per hour.

 (The responses gathered from VTSs were limited in this particular survey.)

Full-time associates working in emergency and specialty practices received the highest median of vacation time with 4 weeks.

Full-time associates working at mixed animal and emergency practices received the lowest median vacation time at two weeks.

The most common benefit for non-veterinarian staff members was veterinary care discounts— offered by 97% of the surveyed practices, with discounts covering at least half the cost.

45% of practices shared health insurance costs evenly (50-50) with their employees.

47% of practices covered 75% to 100% of the health insurance costs for their staff.

A relief veterinarian is a position that temporarily fills in for a veterinarian during vacation, maternity leave, or illness. This role is short-term and is different from a permanent part-time staff member.

Relief veterinarians working in both exclusively small animal and mixed animal practices reported a median rate of $100 per hour.

This rate is higher than an associate veterinarian who works in the same practice.

Relief vets working in exclusively small animal practices received a $86.24 hourly rate.

Whose working in mixed animal practices reported a $70.92 hourly wage.

“While this data point represents the workforce supply issues that practices have been experiencing, practices do recognize that they must be just as competitive on the retention side as the recruitment side. As a result, practices are carefully revisiting their compensation structures to make sure they are keeping their good, long-term employees,” Shupe stated.

VHMA shares findings from 2023 Associate Veterinarian Compensation & Benefits Survey Report. News release. Veterinary Hospital Management Association. December 18, 2023. Accessed February 27, 2024. https://www.vhma.org/blogs/vhma-admin/2023/12/18/2023-associate-compensation#:~:text=The%20vast%20majority%20of%20the,and%201%25%20were%20from%20Canada.&text=In%202023%2C%20full%2Dtime%20associates,decreased%20by%207.1%25%20from%202021.

Current US inflation rates: 2000-2024. US Inflation Calculator. Accessed February 27, 2024. https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/

Lederhouse C. Survey results show overall salary increases for veterinary staff members. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. February 26, 2024. Accessed February 27, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/survey-results-show-overall-salary-increases-veterinary-staff-members?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-news

The Veterinary Hospital Management Association releases average salary rates from 2023

2023 associate veterinarian compensation survey results

Катерина Євтехова/stock.adobe.com

During its annual Rendezvous at the Reef event at the WVC Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, Blue Buffalo honored 4 veterinary professionals during its Together for Pets presentation. The presentation recognized veterinarians who are making notable contributions to the animal health industry.

 Addie Reinhard, DVM, MS, Robin Downing, DVM, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP, CCRP, CVA, MS, Kwane Stewart, DVM, and Niccole Bruno, DVM, were the 4 veterinarians who were honored during the event and each received $10,000 to help further their efforts. Each of the winners will also be featured in a full-page trade magazine ad that will be produced and paid for by Blue Buffalo.

“These are outstanding veterinarians in every sense of the word," said Karen Labarre, veterinary sales director for Blue Buffalo and founder of the event, in the release.

 “We want the industry to recognize these amazing veterinarians as much as we do.“

In 2021, Reinhard founded MentorVet, a program that uses evidence-based mentorship that provides community, education, resources, and support for veterinary professionals to create a healthier profession for everyone. Dowining, the owner of Windsor Veterinary Clinic and The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management in Colorado, is an advocate for advancing the importance of palliative care through her state-of-the-art and state-of-the-“heart” medical care.

Stewart, co-founder of Project Street Vet, works to provide veterinary care to the pets of the unhoused community for the last 10 years. Stewart, who was recently honored as the CNN Hero of the Year,

 helped over 1000 pets before founding Project Street Vet in 2020 and is still serving the pets of this community today. Finally, Bruno, CEO and founder of blendVET, is working to bring more diversity into veterinary medicine through a certification program in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

For the last 2 years, “Together for Pets” recognizes and rewards veterinarians who go above and beyond to impact the lives of animals and their communities in a positive way. Since beginning this award program, Blue Buffalo has invested over $200,000.

Blue Buffalo awards $40,000 to Top Veterinarians at WVC. News release. Blue Buffalo. February 19, 2024. Accessed February 27, 2024.

Coppock K. Charitable veterinarian named CNN’s 2023 Hero of the Year. DVM 360. Published December 11, 2023. Accessed February 27, 2024. https://www.dvm360.com/view/charitable-veterinarian-named-cnn-s-2023-hero-of-the-year

Each veterinarian received $10,000 during the ceremony to continue their efforts of improving the veterinary industry 

Together for Pets honors 4 veterinarians 

“Successful aging” is defined by a rate of cognitive deterioration that does not affect the day-to-day function, according to a published study led by Hannah E. Salvin, BAVBS (Hons) PhD, faculty of veterinary science at the University of Sydney, in Chippendale, NSW.

 This would mean that normal signs of aging would not reflect any underlying pathology but would show signs of physical and cognitive changes. Wailani Sung, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB, director of behavior and welfare programs of the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, discussed the behavioral signs and symptoms of aging in pets and when it could potentially be cognitive dysfunction in a Midwest Veterinary Conference session.

Sung stated that behavioral changes in geriatric patients can be caused by a number of factors but some that she notices include a sudden change in schedule (inconsistent feeding time, different walk schedule), a death in the family or loss of companion, a scary experience (senior pets become less tolerant to stressors), chronic pain or discomfort, sensory deficits, and/or cognitive decline. These changes can cause a senior pet more anxiety and stress, as they are not as adaptable as they used to be at a younger age.

Signs of aging and diagnosing cognitive dysfunction

A study in people found that various physical signs could present in patients with cognitive dyfunction including the following:

Changes in sense of smell (olfactory epithelium, amygdala, entorhinal cortex)

Changes in nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems

“Because we see these changes in people, there are some corresponding changes in dogs. You might see that if you do the ophthalmologic exam and you see the lens is a little different, there’s changes in the blood vessels that you didn’t see before,” Sung said.

“People report that as they get older, their sense of smell also reduces, too. And that might affect their appetite. We know that with cats, our senior cats, if they have an upper respiratory [disease], they seem to not want to eat food. This might be playing a role in it…In the older animals, if we see a change in appetite that is unrelated to discomfort in their mouth or GI [gastrointestinal] related issues, we can start thinking: Should we warm up their food? Should we offer them food that has a rich aroma to entice them?” Sung added.

Sung also recommended encouraging clients to take a video of their dog or cat walking at a young age, middle age, and senior age to compare the gait and how it has changed. A video of movement up and down the stairs can also be helpful.

When a patient is aging but seems to be declining more rapidly or drastically than normal, it could be because of cognitive dysfunction. One study evaluated a random population of 97 spayed females and 83 neutered males between ages 11-16 years.

 The data showed that 28% (22/80) of dogs between 11 and 12 years of age had impairment in 1 or more categories of behavioral signs and 68% (23/34) of 15-16 year old dogs had impairment in 1 or more categories.

Another study performed structured interviews with dog owners and found that the prevalence of cognitive decline ranged from 22.5% to 73.5% of dogs.

 However, in an owner survey, 75% of dogs had at least 1 behavioral symptom but only 12% reported it to their primary care veterinarian.

 In a different study led by Salvin, researchers estimated that the prevalence rate of CCD was 14.2% but only 1.9% were diagnosed by veterinarian.

 The rate of prevalence differs a bit between different studies, but what can be taken away from both of these examples is that the rate of prevalence and diagnosis is not equal, and Sung emphasized the importance of discussing cognitive decline with clients. The Salvin study also found the median age of CCD to be 11 years and 9 months,

 which could be helpful to keep in mind when seeing these senior pets for regular examinations.

Sung explained that research on cognitive dysfunction in cats is not as widely explored as dogs, but one study found that 28% of cats aged 11 to 14 years experienced cognitive dysfunction, while 50% of cats aged 15 years or older showed signs.

Diagnosing cognitive dysfunction is mostly a process of exclusion and ruling out other conditions. Evaluation scores can be helpful for both veterinary professionals and clients. Some examples Sung recommended using include:

CCDR (Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating)

Osteoarthritis pain checklist for owners to evaluate

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome evaluation tool from Purina

The signs and symptoms owners should look out for are clearly stated on these evaluation scales, but if they are not using a resource and just observing their pet, the following can be noted:

Disorientation (in dogs)/Vocalization (in cats)

“In dogs, we know disorientation can be when they are lost and confused. They might ask to go outside but then go to the wrong door. Or you see them stuck in a corner,” Sung said. “Sometimes they stare blankly at the wall, not just for one second, but for a prolonged period of time. They also seem unable to localize sounds. They don’t respond to verbal cues. And they’re unable to recognize familiar people or places.”

“With cats, we particularly pay attention to the vocalization. It can occur at any time during the day and at night,” she continued. In her own practice, Sung stated that the disturbance in sleep-wake cycle was the No. 1 reason why clients would come to her with complaints.

To treat cognitive dysfunction, Sung explained that it is more so focused on management of the condition. She recommended performing regular health checks every 6 months, ensuring that underlying medical problems are being treated and any necessary pain management treatments are being taken care of, controlling obesity, and educating clients with discussion on the signs to look for.

Sung also recommended having good traction on floors to prevent any slips or falls while the pets are walking around. Stairs or ramps to get up and down furniture can also be helpful to avoid jumping. Night lights can help pets walk around in the dark, especially if their eyesight is declining. More frequent bathroom breaks may be necessary to combat the house-soiling symptom.

Sung also underscored the importance of maintaining regular play and exercise, as well as mental enrichment. “You need to consistently recommend that clients play and exercise their pet. Just like us, if we’re sedentary, we’re going to age quicker, we’re going to suffer from more physical problems, and then we’re going to die sooner. If they want their pets to live a longer life, they need to continue exercising them, because the muscle will start wasting away,” she stated. “Mental enrichment is really important. If you improve mental and tactile stimulation, so make them do puzzle toys, it actually helps with synaptic development and buffers against cognitive decline.”

Allowing senior pets to have a lot of outdoor access can help with mental and physical enrichment so that they can walk around and get stimulation from sniffing. This can also help with reducing anxiety, according to Sung.

Psychoactive medications can be used but should target a symptom like anxiety or aggression. A discussion between the veterinarian and pet owner should help decide if this medication is needed short term or long term. Switching to a geriatric diet can be beneficial for needed nutrients as pets age.

In conclusion, the aging process in pets is a natural and inevitable part of their life cycle, accompanied by various physical and behavioral changes. As pets age, they require increased attention to their health and understanding for their needs to achieve better well-being and quality of life. Compassionate care, attention to signs of age-related conditions, and adapting to their changing requirements can contribute to a fulfilling and lasting companionship between pets and their owners during their golden years.

1. Salvin HE, McGreevy PD, Sachdev PS, and Valenzuela MJ. Growing old gracefully—Behavioral changes associated with “successful aging” in the dog, Canis familiaris. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2011.04.004

2. Sung W. Behavioral needs of senior pets. Presented at Midwest Veterinary Conference. February 20-22, 2024.

3. Ozawa M, Inoue M, Uchida K, Chambers JK, Takeuch Y, Nakayama H. Physical signs of canine cognitive dysfunction. 

. 2019;81(12):1829-1834. doi:10.1292/jvms.19-0458

4. Neilson JC, Hart BL, Cliff KD, Ruehl WW. Prevalence of behavioral changes associated with age-related cognitive impairment in dogs. 

. 2001;218(11):1787-1791. doi:10.2460/javma.2001.218.1787

5. Landsberg G, Araujo JA. Behavior problems in geriatric pets. 

. 2005;35(3):675-698. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2004.12.008

6. Salvin HE, McGreevy PD, Sachdev PS, Valenzuela MJ. Under diagnosis of canine cognitive dysfunction: a cross-sectional survey of older companion dogs. 

. 2010;184(3):277-281. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.11.007

7. Gunn-Moore D, Moffat K, Christie LA, Head E. Cognitive dysfunction and the neurobiology of ageing in cats. 

. 2007;48(10):546-553. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.2007.00386.x

A veterinary behaviorist breaks down what to look for in geriatric patients for signs of cognitive dysfunction

Achieve successful aging by navigating behavioral shifts in senior pets

The Viticus Group announced during its annual WVC Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, that the company launched its first ever educational card game. 

was created, developed, and produced by the Viticus Group Education team and contains original content and illustrations.

“Since 1928, Viticus Group has been an innovative continuing education leader in the veterinary industry,” said Anthony Pease, DVM, MS, DACVR, chief veterinary medical officer, Viticus Group, in an organizational release.

“We recognized the need to support veterinary practice managers in their ongoing quest to elevate their employees and practices. This Clinic’s on Fire card game provides that outlet and leaves everlasting lessons on improving management skills.”

 The game can be played with 2-6 platers with the objection of the game is to eliminate the other players by ending the card with at least one card. The game is for clinics to use as an educational tool to help improve practice management, provide strategies on human resources, and employee relations and foster engagement between employees. Players of the game will interact with employees such as The Gossip Tornardo, The Attention Seeker, and The Meeting Magnate and work through multiple staff performance issues that were created based on real-life clinic scenarios.

 Players will then take turns applying toxic performance issues to their opponents’ employees while protecting their own coaching, mentorship, and continuing education.

was announced during the 96th WVC Conference through education sessions that taught attendees how to play the game and was then distributed to participants. This years conference hosted over 375 animal health experts that taught and presented to over 18,000 attendees.

Viticus Group Releases Its First-Ever Educational Card Game at the 96th WVC Annual Conference. News release. Viticus Group. February 26, 2024. Accessed February 26, 2024. https://www.viticusgroup.org/hubfs/ViticusGroupNewCardGame224.pdf?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=295730011&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-87caKwKSdL_o-OwYOmehLKD4T6bYcR2BfJXfTx616QQybD7YYhyDIvlkjPSvdz50ZhME2GOXtV8zKknS80y23A_hH5wqabqFcxoyXTMSnNbXG8o2Q&utm_content=295730011&utm_source=hs_email

New Sessions at #WVC2024. www.viticusgroup.org. Accessed February 26, 2024. https://www.viticusgroup.org/new-at-wvc

This Clinic’s on Fire will help teams improve practice management 

Educational card game launched at WVC

Good morning and happy Monday dvm360 readers! We are just a few short weeks away from Fetch Charlotte, are you signed up yet? This year Fetch Charlotte is currently approved for 111 RACE-approved CE Credit Hours. Each individual attendee will have access to over 17 hours of CE, including a selection of collaborative learning experiences such as CE Lunch and Learns, interactive learning lounges, and free consultations with industry experts. Be sure to secure your spot for all the fun and education 

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

Are student loans as big of a deal as everyone thinks they are? Our strategic alliance partner Florida Veterinary Advisors dived into the world of student loans to demonstrate whether they are worth the constant stress some veterinary professionals feel.

dvm360 student ambassador Autumn Harris shares her journey and struggles into veterinary medicine, plus how she feels about the lack of diversity in the profession, and what she is doing to change that.

, host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, sits down with Ron Nelson, executive vice president of Covetrus Care Plans, to discuss how monthly subscriptions for pet care has evolved in recent years, plus some of the benefits of care plans.

During the annual WVC conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, Blue Buffalo awarded $40,000 to veterinarians who are making significant contributions to the animal health industry and will be featured in a full-page trade magazine ad.

Humane Society International and Ukrainian Red Cross announced that it has reached their goal of helping 100,000 dogs, cats, and other pets as well as 40,000 pet guardians in Ukraine by the end of 2024.

Here is a sneak peek at this week’s headlines 