On this most recent episode of Vet Watch, host Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, welcomes Coleen Ellis, CT, CPLP, to talk about end-of-life care for patients, with an emphasis of personalizing the experience for clients and patients, and more.

Vet Watch: Compassionate end-of-life- care

 Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, welcomes guest Coleen Ellis, CT, CPLP, to talk about veterinary end-of-life care. Throughout the episode, Ellis and Lee talk about the importance of personalizing the experience for clients and patients, such as including a pet's favorite things and foods, preparing for multiple end-of-life scenarios, the importance of including the entire veterinary team in end-of-life care, and more.

Below is a partial transcript, edited lightly for clarity:

: From your experience, doing it both at home and seeing the clinic, any lessons that you know we should be changing with how we do it in the clinic?

Probably just what I said to you—start setting the stage before the appointment. Tell them some things to do before they come in because when in grief, we have a huge need to be understood, but very little capacity to understand. So if we say to them, I want you to bring his favorite toys, OK, make a list. Get a piece of paper and make a list, because I know right now your head is focused on the appointment at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Get a piece of paper. I want you to bring his toys. I want you to go buy McDonald's and get those French fries that he loved. I want you to bring a bouquet of flowers. I've got paper here. Don't worry about it. I've got that here. We'll write a letter to him. OK? I want you to bring the things that are important to him, the things that he needs to have, that are around him, that were his little places of happiness, I want you to bring that stuff. 

So again, [it's about] setting the stage before they even come in. And then we do the same thing when we go home. I want you to gather all these things up and have that there. When, I get into your home, you know, and just listening, I'll never forget. I was at an amazing operation up in Canada, and we had set the appointment for one of our veterinarians to go out that night. And the comment was made to the person taking the call. The comment was made from the woman that, after tonight, they will forever know where her husband's socks are, because the kitty hid the socks all the time. 

And I said, "Well, I'm going to tell you, if it was me when I got to that home, I would say, how about we put him to peace in the sock drawer, because that sounds to me like that was his little place of happiness." And that's what they did, Dr Lee, they put the kitty to sleep in the sock drawer. 

And now, can you see in your head and in your mind how it took that event of euthanasia now forever, when they close their eyes, they see that little kitty in the sock drawer. What a lovely visual. What a lovely, lovely visual. And then, do you know what they do? They tell their friends, and they tell social media. They tell them how perfect the ending was.

And that is also, I think, one of the ironies, whenever you talk to practicing veterinarians, that it's interesting that the amount of thank-you gifts and what they remembered, it is very different. You get a lot more at the end of life than when you have life-saving emergencies, where you end up saving the pet—you will still get a lot more thank-yous and people remembering the end of life.

Want to learn more about end-of-life care from Ellis? Join us and Ellis at our final Fetch conference of the year, Fetch Long Beach! Learn more and register 

Podcasts

Explore insights on veterinary palliative care and end-of-life experiences for patients in this episode of dvm360's Vet Watch.

Vet Watch: Compassionate end-of-life-care

A veterinary medical device company has launched a new wireless monitoring system, O’Pet Curv, which connects to the cloud and allows veterinarians to track the vital signs of multiple patients in real time. According to Bionet America, the company that developed the tool, O’Pet Curv was designed for use in preoperative, postoperative, and intensive care unit (ICU) settings.

The system, which can be used in the clinic or remotely with any internet-connected device, uses a lightweight, waterproof sensor paired with a mobile app and cloud-based software to virtually monitor patients. Users can attach the sensor to the patient, and it will then record vital signs, including electrocardiogram, heart rate, respiration rate, and skin temperature. 

Data are then transmitted from the sensor using Bluetooth to the O’Pet Link app on a smartphone or tablet and are stored in the cloud. According to Bionet America, veterinary professionals can access patient data through automated reports and alerts, as well as manage profiles, vital signs, and alarm notifications remotely.

The tool can monitor up to 6 patients per device, but it can also monitor an unlimited number of patients via the cloud, providing automated reports of vital trends, electrocardiogram waveforms, and patient management through the cloud. Additionally, the device’s battery can last up to 40 hours and has hospital-grade durability with a 1P68 waterproof rating, the company said.

“Veterinary teams can now track patient vitals from anywhere in the clinic, or even remotely, with real-time accuracy and efficiency,” Jacqueline Lopez, director of sales for the Animal Health Division at Bionet, said in a company news release.

 “It’s ideal for busy practices that want to optimize workflow and reduce operational costs while maintaining the exceptional care standards that Bionet devices are known for.”

Transforming veterinary practice: The latest in glucose monitoring technology

If a patient’s vital signs are out of normal range, the app sounds an alert. The sensor weighs 0.6 oz and measures 3.5 inches long, 1.3 inches wide, and 0.3 inches high.

In addition to the O’Pet Curv, Bionet America develops advanced ICU systems, handheld x-ray equipment, capnography systems, pulse oximeters, handheld ultrasound products, and more.

Bionet launches O’Pet Curv: a new standard in veterinary wireless monitoring. News release. Bionet America. November 4, 2025. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/11/04/3180325/0/en/Bionet-Launches-O-Pet-Curv-A-New-Standard-in-Veterinary-Wireless-Monitoring.html

O’Pet Curv. Bionet America. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://bionetus.com/vet/opet-curve-veterinary-wireless-ecg/

Articles

O’Pet Curv can track vital signs of up to 6 patients per device.

A new wireless veterinary patient monitoring system is launched

Learn how to protect the career you love—and your physical and emotional wellbeing—through VetSpan.

VetSpan: Extending your veterinary career without burning out or breaking down

In this episode, one of the speakers misstated some statistics about burnout and physical pain among veterinary professionals. The episode mentions that 50% of veterinarians feel burned out by Friday and that almost three-quarters have job-related physical pain.

According to the 2022 Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study, nearly one-third of veterinarians surveyed were classified as having high burnout, with 49.6% of support staff reporting the same.

Regarding physical pain, musculoskeletal symptoms are especially prevalent among veterinary surgeons. A 2023 study on work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in veterinary surgeons found that 93% of participants had experienced work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in at least one body part, with 85% reporting more than some concern over their career longevity due to that pain.

 The study also noted that musculoskeletal discomfort was common regardless of the area of practice and types of procedures performed.

Volk JO, Schimmack U, Strand EB, Reinhard A, Vasconcelos J, Hahn J, Stiefelmeyer K, Probyn-Smith K. Executive summary of the Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study III and Veterinary Support Staff Study. 

 2022;260(12):1547-1553. doi:10.2460/javma.22.03.0134

Kim SY, Yu D, Simons MC, Breur GJ. Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Veterinary Surgeons-A Cross-Sectional Survey. 

. 2023;36(3):169-174. doi:10.1055/s-0043-1761245

The Resilient Vet: Mind and Body Strategies for Success

, hosts Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, and Jennifer Edwards, DVM, ACC, CPC, ELI-MP, delve into the concept of “VetSpan,” a term coined by Shaw, that describes the years veterinary professionals can thrive in their careers. Burnout affects many veterinarians, with a high percentage of veterinary professionals experiencing job-related physical pain.

To address this, Shaw and Edwards outline the 5 pillars of VetSpan: exercise, nutrition, sleep, emotional well-being, and preventive care. Together, they offer actionable tips that veterinary professionals can implement into their daily lives to extend their careers.

If you're in veterinary medicine, here's the hard truth: 50% of you feel burned out by Friday, and almost three-quarters of you have some sort of physical pain related to your job. [However], this isn't just about being tired; it's really about your career clock that's ticking down.

But what if you could add years, or even decades, to the time you can do your best work? That's exactly what we're going to talk about today.

podcast. My name is Aaron Shaw. I'm a healthspan coach, occupational therapist, and strength and conditioning specialist, and today we're going to dive into a concept I believe can really change how vet professionals think about their careers. This is a concept called “VetSpan.” It's kind of a cousin of lifespan or healthspan.

VetSpan isn't just about how many years you can stay in this profession. It's really about how many years you can thrive in it—being physically capable, emotionally resilient, and really feeling fulfilled. It's almost like being anti-burnout.

I created VetSpan because I've seen the toll this profession takes on people, people I care about the most [and it doesn't have to be that way]. My wife is a vet, and a lot of my friends and colleagues are vets and vet techs. So, we're going to break this down today, and lucky for you, the listener, you're not just stuck with me. I have a great cohost, Dr Jennifer Edwards. She brings the other half of the resilience equation. She works with vet professionals on leadership and the mental and emotional interpersonal challenges in this field, and she's going to bring the passion and give us even more in-depth knowledge, so you can really protect the career that you love so much.

Thanks, Aaron, for that wonderful introduction. I'm so excited for today's topic because, boy, having been in this profession for so long, I know and [have] personally experienced what it's like to burn out in many ways.

There's a lot of talk about burnout in the field right now, and I think most of it is centered around emotional and mental burnout, but the physical burnout part of the equation is equally important. And as you are going to dive in today with our listeners, there are 5 major categories that are important. So, I'm excited for this. It's important information and can really start to make a difference in people's lives and their careers.

Yeah, and the more research I've done on the injury rate and the burnout rate and what seems to be, at times, like an exodus from the field is really heartbreaking. I'm an occupational therapist by practice, and so I'm also a provider. The human health care field has similar challenges sometimes, where very capable, passionate people end up leaving because of the demands of the practice—the demands of the career.

So, we're going to see if we can help build some resilience in the people who are listening. We're going to do it through the following agenda:

First, we're going to define what VetSpan is. We're going to talk about these pillars—there are 5 pillars to VetSpan that will help extend your career.

We'll dive a little into the risks of ignoring these.

And then, I think the most important part is that we're going to leave you with some very specific action steps—very specific things that you can start [doing] today to build some resilience.

Transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and cohesion.

Learn how to protect the career you love—and your physical and emotional well-being—through VetSpan™.

Did you know that November is Oncology Awareness Month? In recognition of this, this week's regularly scheduled episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360 is all on oncology! Our host, Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomed Rachel Venable, to talk about the 5 common oncology mistakes that veterinary professionals could be making in their practice. From the need for proper diagnostic procedures, to the importance of a whole body x-ray, particularly 3-view chest x-rays, for comprehensive cancer detection, Venable and Christman are providing listeners with a resource they can use to help get these patients and clients, the care, support, and treatment they need.

Below is a partial transcript, edited lightly for clarity.

Okay, so 5 common oncology mistakes from Dr Venable. I'm really curious to hear these. So let's talk about number one.

Rachel Venable, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology): 

So the biggest thing is, we can't diagnose with our eyeballs. Right? Our eyes are not microscopes, and so if you remove something, please send it in. Just, if you remove a mass, anything that looks cancerous, include that as part of the cost of surgery. You know, I think if you let people kind of nickel and dime things, they will. But it's really so important because if it comes back, we have no idea what it was to begin with, and maybe intervention could have been done in the meantime, and we just had no idea. 

So I would just recommend including that as part of the surgery package. Whenever you're removing lumps and bumps, just submit it for histo and get the full report, that shortened version that you can get, we really are missing important information.

: I like that. It's a good part that I actually forget about as well..., Number 2, not doing a [fine needle aspiration] (FNA) or cytology before surgery or at the time of ultrasound. Tell us more.

You know, the common thing is, a pet comes in for a dental and we're just going to lop off these lumps, you know? But then one of them turns out to be a mast cell tumor. Maybe they notice when you're trying to remove it, it turns out to be a sarcoma. So if you had done [FNAs] of these lumps prior, then you would have known, 'oh, I need to actually get larger margins.' If you just barely remove something, what happens are the more aggressive cells are the ones that are moving away from the tumor. They're the ones that are on the edges, and those are the ones that always get left behind. 

So often, when tumors recur, prognosis starts to go down. Doing another surgery could be more challenging. So if you're removing some lumps, I would [aspirate] just again. You can just make it part of your workup for this, of just doing a quick [FNA]. You can check it in the hospital, send it out if you find something odd, or...to get larger margins because you're worried it's something cancerous.

Listen to the full episode to hear the rest of Venable's common oncology mistakes here or where ever you listen to podcats. 

Explore common oncology mistakes in veterinary practice with Rachel Venable, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology) on this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360.

5 common oncology mistakes

Dechra has launched a generic, long-acting, injectable antibiotic for the treatment of canine and feline skin infections. The cefovecin sodium product (Solovecin; Dechra) is available in the US through all major distributors, according to the veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturer.

Solovecin was approved by the FDA in June 2025 and is a bioequivalent product to Convenia (Zoetis), according to an email to 

from Dechra. The first generic drug bioequivalent to Convenia—approved by the FDA in 2008—is 

 by Qilu Animal Health in Shandong, China. Qilu's generic product was approved by the US FDA on June 24, 2025.

All 3 cefovecin sodium injectable therapies are indicated for the treatment of canine skin infections caused by susceptible strains of 

 (group G). These infections include secondary superficial pyoderma, abscesses, and wounds.

In cats, these bioequivalent drugs are indicated for the treatment of skin infections caused by susceptible strains of 

These feline infections include wounds and abscesses.

Skin conditions consistently rank as one of the top reasons for veterinary visits and the top reason for veterinarians to prescribe antibiotics, according to Dechra. However, inconsistent antibiotic administration can be a challenge that puts patients at risk for treatment failure. For pet owners, administering antibiotics inconsistently may lead to more expense and time at the animal health clinic, diminished trust in veterinary care, and degradation of the bond between a human and their pet.

“When it comes to antibiotics, successful treatment is highly dependent on the drug being given correctly by the pet owner. Missed dosages, abbreviated treatment courses, and inaccurate reporting by the pet owner are common roadblocks," Darin Dell, DVM, DACVD, said in a news release.

 "With Solovecin, the patient is getting their full course of treatment in 1 simple injection at the veterinary clinic, eliminating [adherence] concerns and supporting better health outcomes."

Available with a prescription from a licensed veterinarian, cefovecin sodium requires reconstitution with water for injection. Each multiuse vial of reconstituted lyophile contains 80 mg of cefovin.

Adverse effects may occur with cefovecin sodium injection, including vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite or anorexia, and lethargy. Humans with hypersensitivity to penicillin or cephalosporins should avoid exposure to the drug. The drug should not be administered to animals allergic to penicillin or cephalosporins.

Dechra announces U.S. launch of Solovecin (cefovecin sodium), an in-clinic antibiotic solution for skin infections in dogs and cats. News release. Dechra. November 3, 2025. Accessed November 4, 2025. https://www.dechra-us.com/news/2025/november/u-s-launch-of-solovecin-cefovecin-sodium

New generic drug for skin infections is approved by the FDA. 

June 24, 2025. Accessed November 3, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-generic-drug-for-skin-infections-is-approved-by-the-fda

Recent animal drug approvals. FDA. November 3, 2025. Accessed November 4, 2025. 

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/approved-animal-drug-products-green-book/recent-animal-drug-approvals

Convenia (cefovecin sodium). Zoetis. 2023. Accessed June 24, 2025. 

https://www.zoetisus.com/products/petcare/convenia/

Solovecin by Dechra is a generic antibiotic for the treatment of skin infections in dogs and cats.

A new cefovecin sodium injectable therapy is now available in the US

Zesty Paws and Native Microbials have partnered to launch a new line of canine gut health supplements that, according to Native Microbials, contain novel microbial species derived from the gut of healthy dogs. According to the company, the microbial strains were discovered through Native Microbials’ microbial genomics platform, which has fully mapped the canine microbiome.

Zesty Paws and Native Microbials plan to debut 2 products in the first half of 2026: a daily maintenance supplement and a higher-concentration product of microbial strains available in veterinary clinics. According to Native Microbials, the first product supports dogs with occasional diarrhea when administered at defined doses, whereas the second product will contain a clinical-strength quantity of novel microbial strains that may aid dogs experiencing more significant gastrointestinal (GI) issues.

Together, Zesty Paws and Native Microbials aim to transform how pet parents support their pets’ digestive health and will work to develop product formulations for dogs that Zesty Paws will commercialize and distribute in the United States, Native Microbials said.

"We're thrilled to partner with Zesty Paws to deliver first-of-its-kind microbial solutions that directly target GI health in dogs." Michael Seely, cofounder and CEO of Native Microbials, said in a news release.

 "We've only scratched the surface of what's possible with our microbial genomics platform, which can unlock entirely new classes of solutions for pets across a range of health needs. We look forward to expanding our partnership with Zesty Paws and bringing critical innovation to the companion animal health industry."

Microbiota transplantation (transfaunation)

Prebiotics administration to allow for growth of beneficial bacteria

Probiotics administration to try to change the microbiota composition

Antimicrobials administration, which can destroy some parts of the microbiota

Native Microbials says the new line of products has been preclinically studied to provide relief from GI dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiome) in dogs.

 In dogs, dysbiosis is characterized by decreased microbial diversity and a reduction in the bacterial species that produce short-chain fatty acids that help support the gut lining and the immune system.

 The condition is also accompanied by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and changes caused by oral antimicrobial treatment.

 According to Native Microbials, its novel microbial strains support bile acid metabolism, generate beneficial short-chain fatty acids, and help rebalance microbial communities that affect digestion and immune health.

"At Zesty Paws, our mission has always been to elevate pet wellness through science-backed innovation and trusted quality," Akash Bedi, CEO of H&H Group North America and Europe, which owns the Zesty Paws brand, said in a news release.

 "This partnership with Native Microbials marks an exciting step forward—pioneering a new era of probiotics derived directly from healthy canine guts to better support balance and vitality in pets."

Native Microbials and Zesty Paws partner to bring cutting-edge microbial science to pet health. News release. Native Microbials. November 3, 2025. Accessed November 3, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/native-microbials-and-zesty-paws-partner-to-bring-cutting-edge-microbial-science-to-pet-health-302602796.html 

Tizard IR. Modifying the intestinal microbiota in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual. November 2024. Accessed November 3, 2025. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/immune-system/modifying-the-intestinal-microbiota/modifying-the-intestinal-microbiota-in-animals


Zesty Paws and Native Microbials will launch 2 products from an upcoming new line of supplements in the first half of 2026.