Flies can cause stress, reduce feed intake, and spread diseases in cattle, making them a major health concern. Without proper management, flies can have a major impact on cattle health, comfort, and productivity, according to a Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) report, where Eric Kneese, DVM, clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M VMBS and Dr Donald Bruce Lawhorn endowed faculty fellow in swine medicine at the department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, provided information on the different flies that affect cattle, fly-resistant cattle, prevention and more.

With flies varying in species, each type affects cattle differently, according to Kneese, and the 4 most common flies affecting herds comprise

 Although they do not bite, house flies feed on manure, spreading bacteria that lead to infections and contributing to unsanitary conditions. With a dull gray color, these flies are usually 6 mm long with reddish, separated eyes and 4 dark, longitudinal stripes that run along their thorax.

 These flies target a cow’s legs and lower body and are known for their painful bites. Just 5 to 10 flies per leg can cause restlessness, decreased feeding efficiency, and weight loss. Stable flies are gray, approximately 7 to 8 mm long, and have a similar appearance to house flies but with a “checkerboard” pattern on their ventral abdomen. These flies also have recognizable biting mouthparts.

 This species gathers on a cow’s back and sides, leading to irritation, decreased weight gain, and a general decline in health. These gray-black flies are 3 to 4 mm, resembling stable flies while being more slender and approximately half their size.

 These insects feed on eye and nasal secretions, making them a major vector for infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), also known as pinkeye, which is both contagious and painful among cattle. These flies are dark gray, 6 to 8 mm, and resemble house flies with a slightly larger and darker build.

Other flies that affect cattle include horse flies and deer flies, both of which are dark gray to dak brown in color. These flies feed on the back, neck and sides of cattle. With a painful bite, these species can cause 100 ml of blood loss when 20 to 30 of these flies feed on a cow for more than 6 hours.

Horse flies are approximately 25 mm long with clear wings, while deer flies tend to be 6 mm to 10 mm long with a dark stripe across their wings. They can cause decreased weight gain in affected cattle.

The second point that Kneese shared is that different cattle may have different susceptibility to flies. For example, cattle with darker coats tend to be more bothered by flies compared to light colored cattle.

Additionally, white-coated Holstein dairy cows are more resistant to horn flies than dark-coated cows.

“Research has shown that Bos indicus breeds, such as Brahman-influenced cattle, tend to be more resistant to flies than Bos taurus breeds, like British cattle,” Kneese said in the report.

 “This is because of specific physiological and behavioral traits that help them naturally fend off pests.”

Resistance to flies can vary even within a single breed of cattle. “A study on Chianina cows found that certain individuals had over 4 times as many flies as their more resistant counterparts,” added Kneese.

 “This suggests that factors beyond breed alone—such as individual genetic differences—play a key role in fly susceptibility.”

Cattle owners often make the mistake of waiting too long to implement fly control measures, according to the Texas A&M report.

 “If you wait until flies are already a problem, management becomes much more difficult,” said Kneese in the report.

 “It’s always best to start early, stay consistent, and use a multimodal approach; combining insecticides, environmental management, biological control, and physical barriers.”

Kneese also suggests feed-through control, where insect growth regulators (IGRs) are added to pastures, passing through the cow’s system and into manure to stop larvae from developing into adult flies. Insecticides, which come as pour-on treatments, ear tags, sprays, and dust bags, are another control method. Sprays allow for quick, targeted treatment, according to VMBS. Meanwhile, dust bags coat cattle with insecticide as they pass through.

Environmental management also plays a crucial role in fly preventing. “Flies lay eggs in moist, organic matter, like manure and decaying plant material,” Kneese said in the report.

 “Regularly cleaning stalls, pens, and pastures makes the area less hospitable for flies, reducing overall populations.”

Moreover, biological control offers natural protection from flies by using predators like parasitic wasps, which lay eggs on developing fly larvae, killing them before they mature. Other natural predators, such as beetles and birds, also help reduce fly populations.

In addition, physical barriers and traps serve as another line of defense, according to VMBS.

 Although fly masks are often used for horses, they can also be applied to cattle to shield them from face flies. This barrier lowers irritation and the risk of eye infections. Sticky ribbons and mechanical traps, meanwhile, help catch flies.

For prevention, Kneese advises stocking up on fly control products and maintaining clean pastures and barns. “Having insecticides, traps, and other fly control tools on hand will ensure a quick response when flies start emerging,” he said.

 “Maintaining a clean environment will help prevent fly populations from surging when warm weather returns.”

“Successful fly control is about prevention, consistency, and adaptation,” Kneese continued.

“Cattle owners should work with veterinarians and extension specialists to develop a customized fly plan based on their location, cattle type, and management style.”

Shoo, fly! Keeping cattle comfortable and healthy. News release. Texas A&M University. February 20, 2025. Accessed February 24, 2025. 

https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/protect-cattle-by-controlling-flies/

Halstead J. Common flies of cattle. Kansas State University. Accessed February 24, 2025. 

https://www.vet.k-state.edu/docs/vhc/farm/ag-practice-updates/Common_Flies.pdf

Articles

Flies can significantly impact the health of cattle

Protecting cattle from flies: Species identification and control methods

A new treatment protocol guide for diagnosing and treating joint disease in dogs has been launched by American Regent Animal Health. Aimed at veterinary practices, the guide provides a framework for the creation of a standardized approach to managing osteoarthritis (OA), and provides resources for educating clients.

The protocol guide was developed in collaboration with Denis Marcellin-Little, DEDV, DACVS, DACVSMR, DECVS, professor of orthopedics and interim chair of the surgical and radiological sciences department at University of California, Davis. “Structure and consistency are very important,” Marcellin-Little said in a news release.

 “By emphasizing a practical, step-by-step framework, we’re moving beyond philosophical guidelines to something that truly helps practitioners and pet owners manage OA over the long term.”

Veterinarian support for canine OA protocols was demonstrated in a 2024 survey conducted by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) in collaboration with Marcellin-Little and American Regent, the maker of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (Adequan Canine) intramuscular injection, which is FDA-approved for management of OA signs in dogs. Survey responses from hundreds of veterinarians showed 95% agreed a canine protocol was needed, which Marcellin-Little has described as a “cry for help.”

Citing the “overwhelming” majority of veterinarians who indicated organized protocols dictating OA management are necessary, Marcellin-Little discussed the reasoning for these protocols in a lecture at the 2024 Veterinary Meeting & Expo in Orlando, Florida.

 “We want to improve the logistics of managing OA, make it less random, make it more standardized, more efficient. We want better science,” he said.

AAHA survey respondents indicated that OA protocols should include elements of management, education and science. Top responses included early disease management such as repairing cartilage health or slowing degradation, mid-stage management, disease prevention and understanding OA management products and strategies including when to implement them. Providing client education guidelines and resources was also highly sought-after by survey respondents.

Four in 10 veterinarians surveyed in 2024 also agreed that their practice currently has an OA protocol in place, while 7 in 10 survey respondents said they have an OA protocol for senior dogs.

 “Most agree that a protocol is realistic,” Marcellin-Little said in his lecture.

With the new protocol guide, American Regent developed a framework for canine OA management geared towards veterinary practices. The guide features a 3-step plan that aims to help veterinary teams develop and implement an OA treatment protocol in their clinic. The plan includes the following

How to take a proactive approach to OA diagnosis

Insights on how to establish a standardized OA treatment plan approach

Tips for implementing an OA protocol into clinic operations

The guide also provides examples of multimodal treatment plans for the different stages of OA. Examples are organized around 3 categories as follows

Treating the disease with polysulfated glycosaminoglycan intramuscular injection

Managing OA-associated pain and inflammation with products that may include anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies and/or NSAIDs

Recommendations for lifestyle modifications and adjunct therapies.

Often, dogs are showing significant signs of pain by the time joint disease is diagnosed. At that point, OA damage can be detrimental to mobility, which is why the protocol guide features a proactive approach for early detection. Incorporating dog owners into the OA detection team is recommended, and the guide provides resources to help veterinarians educate their clients about identifying signs of the disease. Client resources include a “Symptoms and Stages of OA” poster, “Take the OA Quiz” window clings and a personalized treatment tear pad.

“By engaging pet owners in the process, they can work together with their veterinarian to spot the subtle signs sooner and take steps that will make a real difference in the well-being of their dog with OA,” Paris Revoir, DVM, professional service veterinarian for American Regent, said in a news release.

Although canine arthritis presents differently in each case, its’ potential to advance to debilitation and mobility loss if left untreated remains consistent, according to American Regent. However, the new OA protocol guide and client resources may help veterinarians and pet owners better detect signs of the disease and early in its onset.

A new protocol guide can help veterinarians standardize their approach to canine osteoarthritis. News release. Adequan Canine. February 13, 2025. Accessed February 24, 2025.

Coppock Crossley K. Veterinarians see benefit to canine OA management protocols. 

. February 9, 2024. Accessed February 24, 2005. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/veterinarians-see-benefit-to-canine-oa-management-protocols

Marcellin-Little D. OA management protocol—time for a reset? Presented at: Veterinary Meeting and Expo; January 13-17, 2024. Orlando, FL.

American Regent Animal Health created the new resources in collaboration with the UC-Davis professor Denis Marcellin-Little, DEDV, DACVS, DACVSMR, DECVS

New guide designed to assist veterinary practices with canine OA protocols

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recently published its Equine Viral Hepatitis Guidelines to provide equine veterinarians comprehensive information and instructions concerning clinical signs, diagnostics, risk factors, transmission, and other considerations for 2 viral causes of liver damage in equine patients: Equine parvovirus-hepatitis (EqPV-H) and equine hepacivirus (EqHV).

“Both viruses can be present [horse is PCR positive] and not actively causing disease. Serial testing and early testing can help veterinarians interpret whether either virus is likely to be the cause of hepatitis,” said guidelines author Joy Tomlinson, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, assistant professor of large animal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, in an organizational release.

“If you diagnose a horse with hepatitis, I recommend either submitting the serum PCR right away or saving serum from the first visit in your freezer,” she added. “If you decide to pursue viral testing later, having that sample to compare to will be very helpful.”

According to the release, the guideline documents incorporate updates to guidance that was originally published for EqPV-H in 2021 as well as new and corresponding guidance for EqHV, which has been recently recognized as a cause of chronic hepatitis.

 The Equine Viral Hepatitis Guidelines were approved and reviewed by the AAEP Infectious Disease Committee and board of directors.

Equine patients infected with EqPV-H are asymptomatic, but a small percentage will develop clinical hepatitis, and will demonstrate one or more of the following

Neurologic signs (altered behavior, head pressing, staggering, blindness)

Elevated liver enzyme activities on bloodwork, especially AST, SDH, GLDH 

Elevated blood ammonia and bile acid concentrations

Death (usually within 72 hours for severe cases)

The AAEP also noted that EqPV-H does not cause a fever in patients. Equine patients infected with EqPV-H typically remain asymptomatic carriers for years. Silent carriers have low levels of virus in their blood and pose little to no risk of natural transmission to other horses.

EqHV transmission has been linked to biologic products, particularly equine plasma products. Horses with acute EqHV infection typically do not show clinical signs of liver disease and clear the virus within 20 weeks. For horses with chronic EqHV infection, the infection will last longer than 6 months with a small percentage developing hepatitis over months to years. Clinical signs may include one of more of the following

Elevated liver enzyme activities on bloodwork, especially GGT

Like EqPV-H, EqHV does not cause fever in patients.

EqHV infects 40% of horses in the United States, versus 15% of EqPV-H, most clear the infection within 20 weeks and present with no clinical signs of liver or illness. Out of the horses infected with EqHV, 20% will develop persistent infection lasting longer than 6 months. The horses that are affected can also have subclinical infection or show signs of liver disease of varying severity. Treatment for clinically affected horses focuses on supportive care and managing liver dysfunction.

AAEP Publishes Equine Viral Hepatitis Guidelines. News release American Association of Equine Practitioners. February 3, 2025. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://aaep.org/post/aaep-publishes-equine-viral-hepatitis-guidelines/

American Association of Equine Practitioners. 

AAEP Infectious Disease Guidelines: Equine Viral Hepatitis

. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://aaep.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Equine-Viral-Hepatitis-Guidelines-Final.pdf

The new guidelines will address 2 viral causes of liver damage impact equine patients

AAEP shares guidelines for Equine Viral Hepatitis 

To kick off WVC 2025, Connie Britton will take the stage at the Oceanside Ballroom, Level 2, to welcome attendees. Britton will participate in a Q&A moderated by Heather Prendergast, Viticus Group Board President. Britton is best known for her roles on television shows Friday Night Lights, American Horror Story, Nashville, and The White Lotus. Britton is also a GoodWill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program which advocates for poverty eradication and women’s empowerment. The event is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, and doors open to attendees at 8:00 AM with the event beginning at 8:30 AM.

The Wild Wonder Showcase hosted by Critter Fixers

Day 1 of WVC will end with the Wild Wonder Showcase. The event, sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, will be hosted by Terence Ferguson, DVM, and Vernard Hodges, DVM, from the hit Nat Geo television show 

 who will lead the crowd through a night full of contortionists, acrobatics, and more performance artistry. Then, the show will feature Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, lead by Gregory Popovich, which will highlight the talents of over 30 rescue animals. The event doors will open at 7:00 PM and the show will go from 7:30-9 PM. This event will take place in the Oceanside Ballroom, Level 2.

On Monday, March 3, a veterinary technician reception will be hosted at the newest event venue at the Mandalay Bay, Swingers Crazy Golf. The event will honor the invaluable contributions from veterinary technicians. The event is sponsored by Zoetis and Purina and badged guests are allowed, but must be 18 and over.

On the final night of WVC, the Viticus Group is welcoming Ludacris to the stage. The concert is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and the doors will open at 7:30 with the show officially beginning at 8:00 PM. Ludacris is a multi-platinum artist best known for his hits “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” Southern Hospitality,” and “Money Maker.” Conference badges are required for entry and seating is limited.

Water Quality for Veterinary Practitioners

On Sunday March 2, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:50 AM, Jessica Sanders, DVM, DABVP(Fish Practice), will explain to attendees how to tell if the water for aquatic patients is considered “good.” Throughout the lecture, she will share what is required to assess water quality for all types of fish systems, where to find reference ranges for unusual species, understand the parameters and effects on fish behavior and health, and more. This workshop is an extra $70 and attendees will earn 2 continuing education credits.

Cynthia Faux, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Large Animal), will lead an interactive tabletop session to explore the issues and challenges that veterinary professionals face as they work to establish temporary emergency shelters in their community with stakeholders. Through the workshop participants will work together to create an emergency shelter using realistic challenges and scenarios. This workshop will begin at 2:00 PM and end at 5:50 PM with attendees earning 4 continuing education credits.

Canine Problem Behavior Interactive Case Discussion

In this hour and 50-minute interactive workshop beginning at 10:00 AM, the attendees will discuss the basic approach to diagnosing and treating general behavior problems in canine patients. Lead by Margaret Gruen, DVM, MVPH, PhD, DACVB, and Julia Albright, DVM, MA, DACVB, attendees will work in small groups to design treatment plans for selected cases and have the chance to submit questions and case examples in advance. This workshop is an additional $70 and attendees will earn 2 continuing education cases.

Is that the Cecum? Radiography in Exotic Companion Mammals

Grayson Doss, DVM, DIPL. ACZM, will lead this interactive workshop to cover the basics of radiography in common pet small mammal species. Through the workshop, which will begin at 12:00 PM and go until 1:50PM, attendees and Doss will tackle common challenging radiographic findings as well as tips and tricks. This workshop is an additional $70 and attendees will earn 2 continuing education credits.

ICU Boot Camp: What You Should Know on Day 1

Paula Plummer, LVT, VTS( ECC, SAIM, CP-FE), will educate attendees during her 2-hour workshop to provide intensive care unit veterinary technicians the information they need to begin a successful career in the ICU. Plummer will include dosage calculations, infectious patients, proper CPR techniques based on the RECOVE initiative, compassion fatigue, and more. The workshop begins at 10:00 AM and will last until 11:50, for an additional cost of $70. Attendees will also earn 2 continuing education credits.

Forbidden Clinic: An Interactive Game-Based Workshop

Beginning at 2:00 PM, attendees can enter the world of Forbidden Clinic, a game-based workshop that is designed for veterinary practice managers, veterinarians, and clinic owners. The attendees in this session will enter a simulated clinic environment where in order to succeed, the attendees will need teamwork, resource management, and effective communication. Once the game is over the instructors, Robin Brogdon, MA, Andrea Crabtree, BS, PHR, SPHR, CCFP, FFCP, PHRCA, CVPM, Leslie Mamalis, CVA (EMERITUS), and Rhonda Bell, CVPM, CDMP, PCM, will debrief the experience to highlight learning points and investigate practical strategies to improve clinical management. This session is an additional cost of $70 and attendees will earn 2 continuing education credits.

Medical Mystery: A Veterinary Technician Escape Room Workshop

In this immersive escape room experience, Michelle Rice, LVT, VTS(ECC), will educate veterinary technicians in a high-stakes workshop. The attendees will work in teams to tackle 4 unique escape rooms filled with puzzles and clues to test their knowledge of veterinary anatomy, pharmacology, medical math, and pathophysiology. This workshop is an additional $70 and attendees can earn 1 continuing education credit. The workshop will begin at 11:00 AM and end at 11:50 AM. 

Sharpen your Skills: Dental Equipment, Maintenance, Sharpening, & Identification

In one of the final workshops of WVC, Denise Rollings, CVT, VTS(Dentistry), and Chelsea Musick will teach attendees the skills related to the appropriate use and maintenance of dental equipment in veterinary practices. The skills that will be taught include stations for ultrasonic and hand scaling, dental bur identification, the importance and use of loupes, extraction tool identification, and more. The course is interactive for an additional fee of $70. Attendees can earn 3 continuing education credits for the 2:00 PM- 4:50 PM session.

Here is a sneak preview of some of the workshops and entertainment coming up at WVC

WVC 2025: Entertainment and workshops

Career advancements in the veterinary industry can open the door to both progression within organizations and personal growth. New leadership and new roles can bring new ideas, different perspectives, and a drive for evolution not only in their company or clinic, but in the entire veterinary ecosystem.

The following individuals are being spotlighted in this week’s “Paws and profits” column:

Rae Hutchins, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), chief veterinary officer, Wedgewood

In a new step for Wedgewood, Hutchins joins the organization as its first-ever chief veterinary officer. With a passion for advocating for pets in need, she serves on the Board of Directors for Waggle—a nonprofit organization supporting veterinary care for animals experiencing financial challenges. In her prior roles, Hutchins was the chief clinical officer at United Veterinary Care, group vice president at VCA, and medical director of a multi-specialty hospital.

“I am honored to join Wedgewood at such a pivotal time in its growth and innovation. As the company’s first chief veterinary officer, I am eager to lead efforts that will redefine how we support veterinarians and their patients,” said Hutchins in an organizational release.

 “By collaborating with our talented teams and dedicated partners, we have an extraordinary opportunity to deliver solutions that not only meet the challenges of today but set new benchmarks for excellence in veterinary care. Together, we will ensure Wedgewood remains the go-to partner for veterinarians striving to provide the highest level of care.”

“Dr Hutchins is an exceptional leader whose expertise and dedication to veterinary care will shape the future of Wedgewood,” said Wedgewood CEO Alejandro Bernal, DVM, in the release.

 “As our first-ever chief veterinary officer, her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring we remain the trusted partner veterinarians turn to for innovative solutions and unparalleled support.”

Sally Haddock, DVM, North American Veterinary Community board president

Sally Haddock, DVM. (Photo courtesy of North American Veterinary Community)

After an 8-year commitment to the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) board of directors, Haddock, author of the book “The Making of a Woman Vet,” has taken on the role of the organization’s board president for the years 2025 to 2026. She is the founder and owner St. Marks Veterinary Hospital in New York, New York, and continues to practice part-time in a hospital in Vermont.

A dedicated supporter of the veterinary community, as well as her own local community, representing many veterinary and community nonprofit organizations, Haddock recently received the Distinguished Life Service award from the Veterinary Medical Association of New York City (VMA of NYC). She was also chair of the Annual Awards Banquet of the VMA of NYC for more than a decade. Additionally, her hospital has worked with NY Save and Paws NY, providing emergency care to financially struggling pet owners and offering veterinary services to homebound individuals needing assistance with their pets, respectively.

“I am deeply privileged and honored to serve as NAVC Board president. Being a veterinarian is not just a profession, but a vital part of my identity that brings me immense joy and fulfillment,” said Haddock, according to a news release.

I am so proud to be part of an organization that drives meaningful change in the Veterinary profession worldwide. I am looking forward to contributing what I can to our beloved vibrant and growing organization.”

Erin Strait, DVM, PhD, chief scientific officer, Dalan Animal Health

Strait is stepping into the role of chief scientific officer at Dalan Animal Health, where she will spearhead efforts to strengthen the company’s research presence, expand the scientific team, and lead the company’s “strategic vision” to progress its vaccine platform and explore “new frontiers in animal health,” according to Dalan Animal Health.

 Before joining Dalan, Strait was the director of innovation and development for US poultry and swine biologics at Ceva Animal Health. Prior to that, Strait served as director of biology discover, US swine biologics at Merck Animal Health.

"I am thrilled to join Dalan Animal Health at this pivotal moment in the company's growth," said Strait in a company release.

 "The company's pioneering research and development efforts, from developing the world's first honeybee vaccine to advancing shrimp health solutions, underscore a deep commitment to innovation in animal health. I am eager to build on Dr Freitak's groundbreaking science and unlock new, transformative applications of innate immunity across a diverse range of species."

“Dr Strait's deep expertise in immunology and proven track record in bringing novel biologics to market makes her the ideal leader for our scientific initiatives," Annette Kleiser, PhD, CEO of Dalan Animal Health, said in the release.

 "Her appointment strengthens our ability to develop groundbreaking solutions for unmet needs in animal health, food production and beyond."

Bruce Flantzer. (Photo courtesy of Pet King Brands)

Karen Donald. (Photo courtesy of Pet King Brands)

Bruce Flantzer, veterinary sales director; and Karen Donald, veterinary sales lead; Pet King Brands Animal Health

Flantzer and Donald are joining Pet King Brand (PKB) Animal Health’s sales team as veterinary sales director and veterinary sales lead, respectively. In his new role, Flantzer sees to the growth of all veterinary channel sales, new product placement, and distribution. With 25 years of experience, Flantzer began his career in the United States Air Force as a veterinary technician.

“Bruce’s performance-driven, strategic and tactical practices are a welcome addition to our team,” said Pamela Bosco, president and founder of Pet King Brands, in a company release.

 “His evident experience in sales and customer relations will serve to drive growth.”

At the company, Donald is assuming the role of veterinary sales lead, where she will facilitate PKB’s student ambassador educational programs and outreach initiatives in the veterinary community, as well as contribute to distributor sales growth through customer relationships and promotional programs. Donald holds more than 25 years of experience in veterinary sales and marketing from PractiVet and Veterinary Products Laboratories.

“Karen shows an innate ability to develop loyal, dedicated and dependable relationships with our customers,” said Bosco in the release.

 “She holds strong knowledge of the industry and will be vital to sales growth and education.”

Wedgewood names Dr. Rae Hutchins as chief veterinary officer. News release. Wedgewood. January 24, 2025.

The NAVC welcomes Sally Haddock, DVM, as 2025-2025 board president. News release. North American Veterinary Community. February 12, 2025. Accessed February 21, 2025. https://navc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/02-12-25-The-NAVC-Welcomes-Sally-Haddock-as-2025-2026-Board-Presidentn-FINAL-1.pdf

Dalan Animal Health taps Dr. Erin Strait to drive next wave of innovation as chief scientific officer. News release. January 27, 2025. Accessed February 21, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/content/prnj-sso/prnj-login-page.html?fromURI=https%3A%2F%2Fidm.cision.com%2Fapp%2Fcisionn0151c_prnewswiremediaforjournalists_1%2Fexk2vqyy7ypaAdkm42p7%2Fsso%2Fsaml

PKB Animal Health announces growing sales team in advance of Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX). News release. Pet King Brands. January 21, 2025.

These individuals are being noted for advancements in their careers

Paws and profits: New leadership across various organizations

Editor’s Note: The author is chief medical officer for VetTriage, a veterinary telehealth service.

Over the past 2 decades, the veterinary field has seen a drastic increase in relief veterinary practice.

 Many doctors are choosing to change their career trajectory from practicing as full-time veterinarians and creating a robust clientele in their community at a single hospital to becoming relief veterinarians at general practices, urgent care facilities, and emergency hospitals.

The factors most commonly reported to have a strong effect on mobile or relief veterinarians’ decision to leave their previous job include administration, hospital culture, leadership, feeling their voice was heard, and workplace schedule.1 Furthermore, the majority of mobile and relief practitioners report feeling satisfied with their work-life balance (mobile, 78%; relief, 91%) as well as availability for children (mobile, 84%; relief, 84%) and other family members (mobile, 85%; relief, 87%).

However, based on discussions with emergency hospital practice owners, the per diem trend may be drying out for this subset of the industry. The financial weight of providing travel and hotel accommodations for relief veterinarians in emergency practice can be stifling, and dedicating salaries for such positions no longer appears justifiable for some practices.

Anecdotally from the viewpoint of relief veterinarians in the general practice and urgent care settings, despite anticipation that the veterinarian shortage will worsen,

 the gap in veterinary care, or at least the need for relief veterinarians, may have plateaued or even be decreasing. In emergency care, for example, some veterinarians are desiring more permanent roles, so fewer hospitals are utilizing emergency relief doctors. With that comes natural shifts in hospitals and clinics to adjust their requirement for permanent emergency veterinarians to be more in line with current trends and practitioner desires. More emergency hospitals are requiring a commitment of three 12-hour shifts per week to provide relief veterinarians with a more consistent work-life balance while providing clients and patients with more consistent veterinary care, standardizations in training, and consistency in policies and procedures.

The following lists provide more insights into the challenges and benefits of relief veterinary medicine, from the perspectives of hiring practices and practitioners:

Sources of frustration among practices seeking relief practitioners

There can be a lack of consistency and loyalty.

Clients tend to prefer veterinarians with whom they already have an established relationship, especially when de-escalating an unfortunate situation with a case.

Cases needing/desiring continuity of care or that are chronic are hindered.

Hospital protocols and standards of care are not honored.

Attempting to accommodate each relief veterinarian’s schedule can be laborious.

Each relief veterinarian has their limitations.

Compensation can be difficult to keep in line with Internal Revenue Service requirements regarding independent contractor pay.

Some cases require diagnostic workups or rely on diagnostic submission to an external laboratory.

Requesting they tackle laboratory results and review prior records for a particular case brings additional stress to the practice.

Revenue for the practice can be underwhelming.

Benefits for practices seeking relief veterinarians

Clients who do not need/desire to see a veterinarian whom they already have an established relationship with value are happy being seen by any veterinarian.

Urgent/emergency concerns and walk-ins are taken care of by relief veterinarians.

A sudden departure of an associate veterinarian can be covered.

Relief is provided for solo practitioners.

The practice is maintained while seeking permanent associate veterinarians.

Because providing DVM relief often results in relief for the entire team, the permanent staff is retained.

Practices that can leverage in-house diagnostics can leverage the relief veterinarian diagnostician skills.

Associateveterinarians can take time off.

A facility can be accommodated in its growth phase when it is not in a financial position to support an associate veterinarian.

Relief shifts can function as a “working interview” for practices looking to hire and relief veterinarians looking for permanent work.

Negative attributes of relief work for veterinarians

They maintain their own bookkeeping and billing.

There is occasional unwanted pressure to be hired by the facility.

Appointments can be scheduled inappropriately so that the relief DVM is unable to complete their medical records before their shift ends or must charge the practice for overtime.

Variations in practice standards and professional/personal ethics may not match their own.

There may be a lack of feedback on cases.

They may lack personal interactions with clients.

There can be a lack of closure with cases.

Veterinary-client-patient relationship guidelines are challenging.

Practice/DEA licensing/licensure applications are a hindrance and can limit how much work can be given.

They can rejuvenate their passion for veterinary medicine.

A sense of worth, appreciation, camaraderie, and personal fulfillment can result when giving their colleagues relief.

They gain exposure to how different practices operate.

They can expand their professional prowess.

They can achieve/maintain their desired work-life balance.

If permanent work is desired, relief work allows the DVM to investigate local practices, deciding on a work environment that fits them.

Typically, there is a lack of exposure to negative cultural aspects of a practice.

There are no substantial management duties or expectations, and no involvement in ordering and maintaining supplies/inventory.

There are traveling opportunities to explore new areas outside of work.

As the field of veterinary medicine evolves, schedule flexibility and work-life balance will likely increase in importance, making careers in nonpractice settings more desirable.

Traditional brick-and-mortar clinics should note that dissatisfaction with administration and office/hospital culture might drive their employees to pursue other career avenues such as relief or mobile practice.

, received his bachelor of science degree in biology from Binghamton University, State University of New York, and his doctoral degree at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York. He participated in small animal medicine and surgery internships at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, and Long Island Veterinary Specialists (LIVS) in Plainview, New York, and achieved his board certification in small animal surgery by completing a 3-year residency at LIVS. After operating for almost 10 years at LIVS, Ireifej continued building his career in surgery in Nevada and California, also performing surgeries at emergency and specialty hospitals across the country. Ireifej now serves as chief medical officer of VetTriage. He has also been published in scientific and medical journals and enjoys lecturing to a variety of audiences.

Kogan LR, Rishniw M. Relief and mobile veterinary careers may offer a path towards improved quality of life. 

. 2023;262(2):209-215. doi:10.2460/javma.23.07.0422.

Tackling the veterinary profession shortage. MARS Veterinary Health. August 2023. Accessed January 15, 2025. https://marsveterinary.com/tackling-the-veterinary-professional-shortage/

An industry expert provides the pros and cons of temporary placements for veterinarians and hospitals