VCA Expands Into Urgent Care
VCA Animal Hospitals opened its first urgent care clinic and plans additional U.S. locations. The new Los Angeles clinic is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for pets suffering from non-life-threatening issues such as allergic reactions, urinary issues, a loss of appetite and ear infections. Euthanasia services, vaccinations and wellness exams are not provided. Clients may engage in free teletriage chats with veterinarian technicians to assess a pet’s condition before a visit. The Los Angeles location is “intentionally designed without a front desk or phones,” VCA reported. “Friendly client service representatives help clients get comfortable and checked in via mobile device.”
Veterinary Forensic Science Program Starts in 2023
Florida International University will launch a 16-month, online master’s program in veterinary forensic science starting in fall 2023. “In partnership with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the curriculum provides those working in animal services a comprehensive skill set to oversee animal cruelty cases,” the university stated. Student applications and more information is available at bit.ly/3KncaPg. Virtual open houses are scheduled for Sept. 21 and Oct. 26, 2022.
Michigan Parvo Outbreak Is Confirmed
Canine parvovirus killed at least 20 dogs and sickened others in Northern Michigan, the state veterinarian announced. Tests done at the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the diagnosis. “This situation is complex because although the dogs displayed clinical signs suggestive of parvovirus, they consistently test negative by point-of-care tests performed in clinics and shelters,” said the lab’s director, Kim Dodd, DVM. The affected dogs were not completely vaccinated, the state reported.
Dinbeat Harness Is a SuperZoo Winner
The Dinbeat UNO multiparameter harness won the Judges Award as a new-to-market pet product at the SuperZoo conference in Las Vegas. The device, designed for veterinary patients, measures ECG, heart and respiratory rate, temperature, activity, position and vocalizations. Dinbeat is headquartered in Barcelona.
3 Indiana Hospitals Change Their Name
Emergency Veterinary Care Centers is the new name for three Indiana hospitals formerly known as North Central Veterinary Emergency Center. The facilities, all accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, are in Highland, Mishawaka and Westville. The new website is EVCC.com.
95 Years and Counting for WVC
Registration will open Sept. 5 for WVC’s 95th annual conference. The event will take place Feb. 19 to 22 in Las Vegas. Organizers are inviting attendees to design the official conference T-shirt. Learn more at bit.ly/3ThHoeK.
New Pain Guidelines Are Coming
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association will release updated global pain guidelines at the 2022 World Congress. “With animal sentience now legally recognized in many countries and jurisdictions, veterinary health professionals have a moral and ethical duty to mitigate suffering to the best of our ability,” said Dr. Bea Monteiro, who serves on the WSAVA Global Pain Council. “We hope the latest issue of our guidelines will become a key reference point.” Details about the conference, set for Oct. 29 to 31 in Lima, Peru, are at bit.ly/3AQE7vD.
HABRI Honors Pet Peace of Mind
Pet Peace of Mind, an Oregon nonprofit group, won the Human Animal Bond Innovation Award for public service. “Pet Peace of Mind is the only national program providing a care model for the pets of seriously ill patients in hospice, including helping pets find a loving new home, when necessary,” the award’s presenter, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, reported.