The Purina Institute recently released a new handbook on canine and feline nutrition. According to the institute, the book, which veterinary professionals can access online for free, is a product-agnostic resource that offers scientific and practical information on the nutritional management for healthy cats and dogs.

Purina Institute Handbook of Canine and Feline Well-Pet Nutrition

, contains contributions from 54 experts across 20 countries and builds on the 

Purina Institute Handbook of Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition

, released by the Purina Institute in 2023. According to Purina, the latest e-book addresses questions and challenges veterinary professionals often face during discussions with clients about nutrition.

Purina Institute Handbook of Canine and Feline Well-Pet Nutrition. (Image courtesy of Purina Institute)

“The [handbook] is a one-of-a-kind resource with a global perspective containing unbiased, science-based information, and it’s designed with the busy veterinary professional in mind, containing tips and tools to help with veterinary health care teams having those difficult nutrition conversations with clients,” Jason Gagné, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), director of external relations at the Purina Institute, said during a virtual panel discussion on the handbook’s launch.

"Nutritional science has evolved significantly, and there are many facets to consider in a well-pet diet, not just from the pet's perspective, such as life stage, activity level, and body condition, but also the owner's perspective—

 lifestyle, budget, and preferences," Natalia Wagemans, global head of the Purina Institute, said in an organizational news release.

 "This resource simplifies the process of making informed recommendations and can be a vital tool for veterinary professionals to both facilitate nutrition conversations with their clients and provide informed responses to questions."

Specifically, the handbook contains information on the following

Specialized nutrition for different life stages

Communication techniques for discussing nutrition with pet owners

According to Catherine Lenox, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), one of the coauthors and editors of the book, a 2023 survey found that 96% of pet owners consider veterinarians their most trusted source for nutrition advice.

 However, only 22% of veterinary professionals reported regularly having proactive nutrition discussions with clients during most visits.

 The same survey also found that 78% of pet owners view receiving nutrition advice as an “important” or “extremely important” factor in their satisfaction with their veterinary clinic.

“Overall, the data show that we, as veterinarians, may not be having nutrition conversations as often as ideal, and when I say 'often as ideal,' that refers to both the pet and pet health, but also what the owner desires,” Lenox said.

Coauthor and coeditor of the e-book, Jonathan Stockman, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), believes the disparity between pet owners’ wants and the actual frequency of nutrition discussions is due to short appointment times and a lack of education surrounding nutrition in veterinary school.

“Many times, the appointments are pretty short. You don’t really have a lot of time to refer to any resources that you want to look at before you have these conversations with owners,” Stockman said during the panel discussion.

“Also, a global issue in veterinary education...is sometimes nutrition is not emphasized enough, so a lot of veterinarians graduate without having the confidence that they need [for] having these conversations, especially when there are opposing opinions regarding nutrition.”

He added that having the handbook as a reliable, credible resource is valuable for veterinarians. “It’s...quick to refer to and [provides] us [with] additional information that you need for these discussions in the clinic,” he said.

“Each chapter is designed to be concise and accessible, featuring key takeaways, communication tips, and visual aids that serve as quick references during busy clinic days,” Purina wrote in its launch announcement.

 “This resource not only enhances the veterinary team's ability to provide informed dietary recommendations but also fosters a collaborative approach to pet health that includes the entire veterinary staff.”

Unlocking the power of nutrition: Purina Institute releases new well-pet nutrition handbook for veterinary professionals. News release. Nestle Purina PetCare. August 28, 2025. Accessed September 8, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/unlocking-the-power-of-nutrition-purina-institute-releases-new-well-pet-nutrition-handbook-for-veterinary-professionals-302540777.html?tc=eml_cleartime

Purina Institute YouTube page. Accessed September 8, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8zUSRY0NHA

Articles

In a recent panel discussion on the handbook's launch, Jonathan Stockman, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), coauthor and editor of the book, noted a gap in nutrition education among veterinary professionals.

Free pet nutrition e-book released for veterinary professionals

On July 17, 2025, the FDA approved fluralaner oral solution (Exzolt; MSD Animal Health) for the treatment and control of 

, also known as northern fowl mites, in laying hens and replacement chickens. The parasiticide is the first FDA-approved therapy for the treatment and control of northern fowl mites in poultry and is the first oral solution of its kind.

According to MSD Animal Health, the product is more than 99% effective.

The product works by systemically treating birds by adding it to their drinking water. Specifically, veterinarians administer the solution to laying hens and replacement chickens via drinking water through 2 single doses of fluralaner 0.5 mg/kg body weight (0.227 mg/lb), which is equivalent to fluralaner oral solution 0.05 mL/kg body weight (0.023 mL/lb). The doses should be administered 7 days apart. Each dose should be consumed over a period of 6 to 24 hours.

The parasiticide is only available through prescription from a licensed veterinarian. “Professional expertise is required to monitor the safe and effective use of this product,” the FDA wrote in its announcement.

The FDA noted that care should be taken when handling the product. When administering fluralaner oral solution, people should wear protective gloves and avoid exposing their skin and eyes to the product. Accidental exposure to the skin or eyes may cause irritation.

In a release announcing the product’s approval, the FDA said consuming poultry treated with fluralaner oral solution is not considered a public health risk, provided the product is used according to the label. “In addition to establishing that fluralaner is safe and effective in laying hens and replacement chickens, the FDA determined that residues in edible tissues or eggs from birds treated with Exzolt will not represent a public health concern when the product is used according to the label,” the FDA wrote.

Two dose confirmation studies and 2 field studies demonstrated the effectiveness of fluralaner oral solution. Its target animal safety, meanwhile, was evaluated in 4 studies. No clinically significant adverse effects were observed.

At the time, the product is not at risk of developing antimicrobial resistance.

FDA approves first oral product for treatment and control of northern fowl mites in laying hens and replacement chickens. News release. FDA. July 17, 2025. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-approves-first-oral-product-treatment-and-control-northern-fowl-mites-laying-hens-and

Exzolt Fluralaner. MSD Animal Health. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://www.exzolt.com/

Freedom of information summary. FDA. July 17, 2025. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/app/search/public/document/downloadFoi/17210

The parasiticide also treats Dermanyssus gallinae, also known as red mites.

FDA approves first oral solution for the treatment and control of northern fowl mites in poultry

Chylothorax is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid (also known as chyle) within the thoracic cavity.

 Because of the rib cage's rigid confines, fluid accumulation within the thoracic cavity is not well tolerated and results in respiratory signs, such as increased respiratory rate and effort, after reaching a critical volume. This volume depends on the rate at which it accumulates, the individual dog’s size, respiratory adherence, and overall respiratory function.

While fluid gradually builds up in the thoracic cavity over time, dogs are often presented on an emergency basis, as the fluid hits the critical volume that results in a respiratory crisis. Once the respiratory system is affected, fluid removal via thoracocentesis is required to improve respiratory function.

To make a chylothorax diagnosis, a diagnostic thoracocentesis is required. This is often performed in conjunction with a therapeutic thoracocentesis to improve the dog’s respiratory function. Thoracic fluid triglycerides will be increased relative to the dog’s serum levels, whereas fluid cholesterol will be reduced relative to the dog’s serum levels.

 It is important that the pleural fluid values are compared to a concurrently collected serum sample and not historical data. Cytological evaluation is important to rule out other sources of pleural effusion, but it can have various cell types present with a chylothorax diagnosis.

Canine chylothorax is most commonly considered to be idiopathic in nature, but it can also be caused by any disease process that results in a disruption of normal lymphatic flow.

 Primary causes resulting in secondary chylothorax have included cranial mediastinal mass effects, primary cardiac disease, pericardial effusion, trauma, and lung lobe torsions.

 When investigating chylothorax, it is important that all possible causes are ruled out before making the presumptive diagnosis of idiopathic chylothorax, as treatments will differ based on the primary cause. When chylothorax is the secondary result of another disease process, the primary disease process must first be addressed before considering direct interventions for treating the chylothorax itself.

Diagnostic evaluation may include thoracic and abdominal imaging to evaluate intrathoracic and intra-abdominal structures, echocardiography to evaluate for primary cardiac disease and pericardial effusion, and a CT lymphangiogram (CTLA) to rule out compressive lesions of the lymphatic and venous systems.

 If advanced imaging is not immediately available, thoracic and abdominal radiography and/or ultrasonography may be used to rule out space-occupying lesions, with CT imaging being reserved for dogs more likely to have idiopathic chylothorax and a desire for surgical interventions.

Following the diagnosis of idiopathic canine chylothorax, treatment options may include medical or surgical therapies.

Medical management may include the following

Therapeutic thoracocenteses are used as needed to remove the buildup of chylous effusion within the thorax to improve clinical respiratory signs. Overall success has been reported in only 26% of animals with idiopathic chylothorax, likely because of the progressive inflammatory changes within the thoracic cavity resulting in difficulty with complete pleural evacuation over time, as well as the development of pleural fibrosis.

Low-fat diets have been used to reduce the overall production of chyle, thus reducing the flow of chyle through the lymphatic system, which may reduce the volume of chylous effusion buildup and allow time for defects in the thoracic duct to heal. Evidence in dogs suggests that the lipid content of chyle can be reduced with this treatment, but the flow through the thoracic duct is not directly reduced.

Octreotide, a somatostatin analog, has been used to reduce the flow of chyle through the thoracic duct. This has been used with success in human patients who have chylous effusion secondary to trauma to the thoracic duct but has been less successful in dogs with idiopathic chylothorax.

Surgical interventions may include the following

Thoracic duct ligation is ideally planned based on CTLA, as this imaging can best identify the anatomic variations of an individual thoracic duct.

 The duct can be accessed through open or minimally invasive approaches and is ligated with suture or hemoclips as far caudally in the thoracic cavity as possible to ensure all contributing branches are obstructed. The forward flow of chyle is prevented in the short term while the body develops new lymphaticovenous connections to restore chyle flow.

 Intraoperative use of near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging can be used to confirm complete occlusion of the thoracic duct.

Subtotal pericardiectomy can also be performed via open or minimally invasive approaches. Removal of the pericardium is aimed at reducing the systemic venous pressure as chyle is being returned to the heart via the cranial vena cava. Increased pressure from primary cardiac disease and/or a constrictive pericardium can result in back pressures within the vena cava and lymphatic extravasation into the thoracic cavity. Determining whether constrictive pericarditis is present can be challenging and invasive;

 thus, combining a subtotal pericardiectomy with a thoracic duct ligation has been reported without a definitive diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis.

Cisterna chyli ablation can be performed through an open or minimally invasive approach. This procedure aims to reduce the forward flow of lymphatic fluid into the thoracic duct by opening the cisterna chyli and allowing lymphatic fluid to drain into the abdominal cavity.

 When combined with thoracic duct ligation, this can reduce the pressure of any forward flow of chyle on the thoracic duct ligation and allow time for the new lymphaticovenous connections to be developed. These new connections may be made within the abdominal cavity, reducing the risk of further chyle leakage within the thoracic cavity.

PleuralPort placement is a long-term solution for thoracic drainage of chylous (or other) effusion.

 A fenestrated catheter is surgically placed within a hemithorax and is connected to a drainage port that is placed within the subcutaneous space on the dorsolateral aspect of the ipsilateral hemithorax. The port can be palpated externally and accessed percutaneously with a Huber needle to intermittently drain the thoracic cavity without requiring repeated puncturing of the pleura for thoracocentesis.

 Unilateral or bilateral PleuralPorts can be placed based on the volume of effusion and accessibility of the fluid. A PleuralPort is often considered when surgical management has failed, but it can also be considered in place of surgical intervention.

Many combinations of surgical procedures have been reported.

 The most reported combinations include thoracic duct ligation with concurrent subtotal pericardiectomy and thoracic duct ligation with concurrent cisterna chyli ablation.

 A combination of thoracic duct ligation, subtotal pericardiectomy, and cisterna chyli ablation has also been reported in veterinary literature.

Medical management has a limited success rate for idiopathic chylothorax overall.

 Surgical interventions have a variety of reported success rates, with marked improvement in success being noted with the more recent use of preoperative (CTLA) and intraoperative (NIRF) imaging techniques.

 With these improved imaging techniques, the previously reported need to combine surgical techniques has recently been challenged.

 Although there are many approaches to surgically managing idiopathic canine chylothorax, the specific approach will be made based on the diagnostic information collected from an individual dog, along with the skill set, knowledge, and preference of the surgical care team.

Katie Hoddinott, DVM, DVSc, BSc, DACVS-SA

, is a native of Nova Scotia, Canada. She graduated with her DVM from the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, in 2012. She then completed 2 internships and a surgery residency at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. She became a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons – Small Animal in 2019. Hoddinott is currently working at the Atlantic Veterinary College as an assistant professor in small-animal surgery, where she enjoys teaching undergraduate veterinary students, interns, and residents. Her professional interests lie mainly in surgical oncology and minimally invasive soft tissue surgery. Her current research focuses on advances in clinical teaching for surgery residents and surgical site infections.

Hawker W, Singh A. Advances in the treatment of chylothorax. 

. 2024;54(4):707-720. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2024.02.006

Reeves LA, Anderson KM, Luther JK, Torres BT. Treatment of idiopathic chylothorax in dogs and cats: a systematic review. 

Mayhew PD, Steffey MA, Fransson BA, et al. Long-term outcome of video-assisted thoracoscopic thoracic duct ligation and pericardectomy in dogs with chylothorax: a multi-institutional study of 39 cases. 

 2018;48(S1):O112-O120. doi:10.1111/vsu.13113

Johnson EG, Wisner ER, Kyles A, Koehler C, Marks SL. Computed tomographic lymphography of the thoracic duct by mesenteric lymph node injection. 

 2009;38(3):361-367. doi:10.1111/j.1532-950X.2008.00473.x

Lee N, Won S, Choi M, et al. CT thoracic duct lymphography in cats by popliteal lymph node iohexol injection. 

. 2011;53(2):174-180. doi:10.1111/j.1740-8261.2011.01892.x

Lin LS, Chiu HC, Nishimura R, Fujiwara R, Chung CS. Computed tomographic lymphangiography via intra-metatarsal pad injection is feasible in dogs with chylothorax. 

. 2020;61(4):435-443. doi:10.1111/vru.12865

Singh A, Brisson B, Nykamp S. Idiopathic chylothorax in dogs and cats: nonsurgical and surgical management. 

Sicard GK, Waller KR, McAnulty JF. The effect of cisterna chyli ablation combined with thoracic duct ligation on abdominal lymphatic drainage. 

 2005;34(1):64-70. doi:10.1111/j.1532-950x.2005.00012.x

da Silva CA, Monnet E. Long-term outcome of dogs treated surgically for idiopathic chylothorax: 11 cases (1995-2009). 

 2011;239(1):107-113. doi:10.2460/javma.239.1.107

Steffey MA, Mayhew PD. Use of direct near-infrared fluorescent lymphography for thoracoscopic thoracic duct identification in 15 dogs with chylothorax. 

 2018;47(2):267-276. doi:10.1111/vsu.12740

Mayhew PD, Balsa IM, Stern JA, et al. Resolution, recurrence, and chyle redistribution after thoracic duct ligation with or without pericardiectomy in dogs with naturally occurring idiopathic chylothorax. 

 2022;261(5):696-704. doi:10.2460/javma.22.08.0381

Adams TE, Marvel SJ, Monnet E. Constrictive physiology is not present in all dogs with idiopathic chylothorax. 

2024;262(10):1354-1362. doi:10.2460/javma.24.02.0124

Fossum TW, Mertens MM, Miller MW, et al. Thoracic duct ligation and pericardectomy for treatment of idiopathic chylothorax. 

 2004;18(3):307-310. doi:10.1892/0891-6640(2004)18<307:tdlapf>2.0.co;2

McAnulty JF. Prospective comparison of cisterna chyli ablation to pericardectomy for treatment of spontaneously occurring idiopathic chylothorax in the dog. 

 2011;40(8):926-934. doi:10.1111/j.1532-950X.2011.00902.x

Allman DA, Radlinsky MG, Ralph AG, Rawlings CA. Thoracoscopic thoracic duct ligation and thoracoscopic pericardectomy for treatment of chylothorax in dogs. 

 2010;39(1):21-27. doi:10.1111/j.1532-950X.2009.00623.x

Bianchi A, Collivignarelli F, Paolini A, et al. Thoracoscopic assisted PleuralPort

 application in seven dogs affected by chronic pleural effusion. 

 2023;10(5):324. doi:10.3390/vetsci10050324

Tirillini F, Montinaro V, Cipolla E, Cinti F. Management of chronic pleural effusion in dogs and cats using the PleuralPort device: complications and outcome of 30 cases (2005-2024). 

. 2025;73(4):288-295. doi:10.1080/00480169.2025.2461150

Ishigaki K, Nagumo T, Sakurai N, Asano K. Triple-combination surgery with thoracic duct ligation, partial pericardiectomy, and cisterna chyli ablation for treatment of canine idiopathic chylothorax. 

2022;84(8):1079-1083. doi:10.1292/jvms.22-0043

There are many methods for surgically managing idiopathic canine chylothorax, but diagnostic information collected from an individual dog will guide the specific approach.

Managing canine chylothorax

More than 100 dogs and puppies were rescued from an alleged large-scale neglect case at a breeder’s home in Harford County, Maryland, on August 27, 2025.

According to a news report by Humane World for Animals, a global animal welfare organization, local authorities found the animals living in unsanitary, cramped conditions, with some being emaciated and in need of veterinary care.

Around 7 AM on August 27, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office executed a search and seizure warrant at the property, with Humane World for Animals assisting with the rescue. The welfare organization reported strong ammonia and fecal odors throughout the residence. Rescuers found some dogs roaming throughout the residence, whereas other dogs were confined to stacked wire-bottom cages without visible access to food or water. Several dogs were kept in 1-ft by 1-ft, 6-in cages in groups of 2 to 3.

Images courtesy of Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals.

"It's an overwhelming, heartbreaking scene. You couldn't walk a few feet without stepping around dogs or slipping in their waste," Stacy Volodin, Maryland state director for Humane World for Animals, said in the report.

 "We are grateful to the Harford County Sheriff's Office for their work to investigate and intervene in this situation."

Authorities also found a mother dog in a whelping box nursing 3-week-old puppies near a recently deceased puppy. Some of the neonates showed signs of urine scalding. According to the report, veterinarians observed several dogs with dental abscesses, eye discharge, and skin infections. Many dogs were also underweight, with some emaciated and severely matted.

"Our Animal Control Unit plays a vital role in protecting the health and safety of both animals and our community," Jeffrey Gahler, Harford County sheriff, said.

 "Through strong partnerships with local organizations like Humane World for Animals and our local humane society, as well as engaged citizens, we're able to respond compassionately to situations where animals are at risk. Together, we can work to see that every animal in Harford County is treated with dignity and care."

According to Humane World for Animals, the dogs came from a Havanese and Biewer terrier breeding operation that has historically advertised breeding parents with American Kennel Club (AKC) titles. Humane World for Animals said this case underscores that photos, AKC pedigrees, and assurances from pet stores or online platforms cannot guarantee that a puppy received proper care.

Humane World for Animals assists the Harford County Sheriff’s Office with the dogs' rescue.

Following their rescue, the animals were moved to an undisclosed location where responders and volunteers with Humane World for Animals are providing veterinary care. According to the organization, RedRover Responders volunteers are also helping with the animals’ daily care.

The case is not the first dog rescue in Harford County this year. Earlier this summer, local officials rescued 44 bully-type breed dogs at a residence in the county.

Authorities initiated an animal cruelty investigation after receiving a report of inhumane conditions at a residence in the area on July 17, 2025. Six days later, the county’s sheriff’s office led a search warrant on the property.

Upon entry, animal control officers observed a lack of access to water, improper shelter, poor air quality, and insufficient space. According to a news release by the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the property did not have enough ventilation and temperature controls in the areas where the dogs were being housed.

 Moreover, bedding in the kennels was also “extremely” soiled.

“Upon arrival, animal control officers observed multiple violations of Maryland Criminal Law [Title 10, Section 604] and Harford County Code [Section 64-18], pertaining to the mistreatment, abuse, or neglect of animals,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a news release.

The dogs have since been safely transported to a local shelter for evaluation and care, according to the sheriff’s office.

'An overwhelming, heartbreaking scene:' over 100 dogs and puppies rescued from alleged neglect at Havanese breeder's residence in Harford County, Maryland. News release. Humane World for Animals. August 27, 2025. Accessed September 4, 2025. https://www.humaneworld.org/en/news/harford-county-dog-rescue-havanese-breeder-neglect 

Animal cruelty investigation leads to a major dog rescue in Whiteford. Harford County Sheriff’s Office. News release. July 17, 2025. Accessed September 4, 2025. https://harfordsheriff.org/news/releases/animal-cruelty-investigation-leads-to-major-dog-rescue-in-whiteford/

Local officials in Harford County, Maryland, executed a search and seizure warrant, rescuing numerous dogs and puppies found in unsanitary conditions and in need of veterinary care.

More than 100 dogs and puppies rescued from alleged neglect at a residence

The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) has announced more recipients of its 2025 NAVC Gives award. The board-directed award program recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations globally that have made a difference in the lives of veterinary professionals and animals. Unlike many award programs with a fixed nomination schedule, NAVC Gives recognizes notable accomplishments year-round based on the merit and impact of each application.

Since August, NAVC Gives has honored Paws 4 Purpose, Rancher Navy, and Wings of Rescue with the award, giving each of these organizations $10,000 for their dedication to animal welfare.

Paws 4 Purpose, a North Carolina-based nonprofit looking to improve the care and wellbeing of animals in Onslow County received the award in August for the creation of a county-wide program that set up sites that allow people to scan lost pets for a microchip, helping to reunite these pets with their owners.

“The inspiration for my scanning stations came from seeing lots of loose pets in the area,” Susan Passey, founder and director of Paws 4 Purpose, said in an NAVC news release.

 “Our goal was simple — to keep them out of the shelter system. We want this to become a movement across the country, with the goal of encouraging people to microchip their pets. It’s the best way to ensure they make it home if they’re ever lost.”

One of Paws 4 Purpose's microchip scanning stations. (Image courtesy of NAVC)

“Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. Paws 4 Purpose proved that innovation does not need to be overcomplicated, tackling a widespread problem that will help save pets and inspire others to do the same,” added Gene O’Neill, CEO of NAVC.

 “NAVC Gives is proud to recognize this group for their creativity and commitment to the safety of animals in their community.”

Meanwhile, Rancher Navy and Wings of Rescue were awarded in September. Both organizations received the award for their animal rescue efforts during the Texas floods in the central part of the state earlier this summer. The two Texas-based organization are committed to animal support and rescue amid natural disasters.

Rancher Navy is a 24/7 organization focused on providing help to Texas farmers, ranchers and the livestock community. During the Texas floods, Rancher Navy provided more than 35 local ranches with feed, hay, and fencing materials. They distributed 100 round bales, more than 500 square bales of hay, 50 pallets of livestock feed, and 30 tons of additional donated materials throughout numerous communities. The organization also coordinated collection and drop-off stations and found families in need through social media.

Rancher Navy distributing livestock supplies. (Image courtesy of NAVC)

"We understand that the needs of the Texas ranching and livestock community don't follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we,” Amy Houston, founder and director at Rancher Navy, said in a news release.

“Our team is ready and available to assist whenever our community needs us the most. Recognition like this from NAVC Gives helps propel our efforts forward and raise awareness of our mission.”

Wings of Rescue is dedicated to transporting pets that are at risk from overcrowded shelters and disaster areas to safe locations where they can get adopted. The organization also brings veterinary essentials to disaster areas, as well as offers humanitarian aid during and after the event. After the floods in central Texas, Wings of Rescue dropped off 20,000 pounds of pet food and veterinary supplies, and 2 flights to rescue more than 700 displaced pets. They also partnered with local shelters and other animal welfare organizations to help reunite lot pets with their owners, match them with foster families, or find their forever homes.

Wings of Rescue transporting displaced pets. (Image courtesy of NAVC)

“When disaster strikes anywhere in North America, Wings of Rescue will quickly be there, delivering humanitarian and veterinary aid to those who need it,” Ric Browde, CEO and co-president of Wings of Rescue, said in the release.

“We fly out shelter pets who were in the affected areas prior to the disaster, to make space for the wave of incoming displaced pets — pets who we hope will be reunited with their families. This award from NAVC Gives helps fuel future flights while spreading the word of our important work.”

“Rancher Navy and Wings of Rescue remind us that resilience is built by people who care deeply and step forward when it matters most,” said O’Neill.

“These organizations provided not only critical support, but also hope and NAVC Gives is proud to recognize their extraordinary efforts.”

Celebrating community power: Paws 4 Purpose recognized by NAVC Gives. News release. North American Veterinary Community. August 15, 2025. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://navc.com/celebrating-community-power-paws-4-purpose-recognized-by-navc-gives/

Heroes in the hardest hours: Rancher Navy and Wings of Rescue honored by NAVC Gives. News release. North American Veterinary Community. September 3, 2025.

Paws 4 Purpose, Rancher Navy, and Wings of Rescue receive a $10,000 award from the North American Veterinary Community for their impactful contributions to animal welfare and rescue efforts.

Three animal welfare organizations receive NAVC Gives award

For many practice owners, the finish line is clear: Build a successful business, sell it (hopefully for a large sum), and use that lump sum to retire. It is usually the default path, but what if the value of your business was not the determining factor in your ability to retire?

What intrigues me most about the story I am going to tell today is what we help practice owners do all the time. This is, in fact, one of the major focal points that we try to get clients to focus on. Many people want to do this, but they just do not know how. The concept is clear, but the execution is not easy.

A while ago, we had the opportunity to work with a veterinarian whose story challenged that narrative entirely because she did not need to sell her practice to retire. In fact, she could have given it away and still had more than enough to retire. Her business became the cherry on top of a cake she had already baked, and it all came down to how she prepared.

This veterinarian and her husband had done something that is, unfortunately, rare: They built a life and a financial foundation that did not depend on the practice. They saved a lot of their money and made intentional decisions with the surplus.

Every year, instead of letting extra money sit in her business checking account where it earned nothing, she gave those dollars a job. Some went into an individual retirement account to build retirement savings with tax advantages. Some went into life insurance, which not only protected her family but also grew cash value she could access later. She used permanent life insurance, certificates of deposits, real estate investment trusts, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds to stay diversified and help capture long-term market returns.

By spreading her money across these different areas, she turned idle cash into tools that supported her protection, growth, and future income—all without overcomplicating the process.

Over time, the assets she accumulated outside her business grew to a point where the sale of the practice became optional, and with that independence came the ultimate luxury: choice.

She did not need to entertain a $6 million offer from a corporation or feel rushed or worried about whether a buyer would pay top dollar. Her wealth was already secure, which gave her the freedom to decide who would own her practice next.

However, most owners are not in that position. More often, we speak with people who feel backed into a corner because they have spent decades building something valuable but haven’t built personal assets to match. They may want to sell to a younger veterinarian, but when corporate shows up with a check that an associate cannot match, they feel like they have no choice. That is not freedom—it’s lack of planning.

It is also risky because corporate multiples fluctuate with the economy. What was once a strong offer can quickly disappear when markets shift. Owners who rely solely on that big payday can find themselves vulnerable and disappointed.

One of the most overlooked issues we see is money sitting in the business, doing nothing, also known as “dead cash.” It is not reinvested, generating income, or supporting personal wealth. We have seen owners with hundreds of thousands of dollars left in checking accounts, unsure of what to do with it.

Often, the default is to pay off a mortgage or reinvest in new equipment, which could feel productive but is not always the best use of capital. The real question is: What is the highest and best use of every dollar? In this case, our client moved that dead cash out and made it work for her strategically.

Of course, transitioning a practice is about more than numbers; culture, leadership, and employee retention play massive roles. Our client knew exactly who she wanted to take over and developed key people in her practice who were invested in the mission and the future. Because she was not financially dependent on the sale, she could prioritize who bought her practice over how much she got for it.

The transition was not simple, and it required legal work to ensure that if those successors ever sold the business to a corporation, she would still benefit. The deal was structured with protections in place.

What surprised her most, though, was the realization that accumulating assets is only part of the equation. When we asked how she and her husband planned to turn those assets into income in retirement, they were not sure. Like many people, they assumed they would “live off the interest.”

That is a risky plan, and it is entirely dependent on market performance.

We helped her design a retirement income strategy that provided predictability and efficiency. She learned how to generate a consistent income from her assets without relying entirely on investment returns. That single shift made her retirement not only possible but also sustainable.

Perhaps the most powerful part of this story is that her lifestyle did not have to change. The life she lived before retirement—modest, intentional, fulfilling—is the same one she continues to enjoy. There was no need to “scale down” or make sacrifices. Her plan was already in motion, and retirement simply became the next chapter.

Too often, practice owners reach their 60s and think they have more time. The decision to sell does not usually come slowly; it shows up suddenly, often when burnout peaks or health declines. If you are not prepared, you may find yourself forced to accept a deal that does not reflect the value you have built or the future you want.

Succession planning does not have to lock you in; it simply gives you more options, and good plans include contingencies. Life happens, associates leave, and buyers change their minds, but with a strong plan in place, none of that derails your future.

So, do not wait until you are ready. Start designing your exit while you still love what you do. Build wealth outside your business and protect what you have built. Make sure your next chapter is a choice and not a compromise.

Material discussed is meant for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as a recommendation or advice. Please note that individual situations can vary; therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice. Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Florida Veterinary Advisors is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. Florida Veterinary Advisors is not registered in any state or with the US Securities and Exchange Commission as a Registered Investment Advisor. The individuals associated with Florida Veterinary Advisors do not maintain specialized licenses or qualifications for the financial services provided to veterinary professionals. CA Insurance License #0K80141, AR Insurance License #15823672. 8269216.2 Exp 8/27

What if selling your practice was not the only way out?