Pets Best Releases Pet Owner Study
“Pet Parenthood Today,” a new study from Pets Best Insurance Services, found that 86% of dog owners and 78% of cat owners agreed that “having a pet makes me happier as a person.” In addition, 57% of pet owners “prefer to work for an employer who values pet ownership” and “people whose pets are insured felt less anxious about having to pay vet bills ranging anywhere from $250 to over $1,000.” More information is at bit.ly/3WtBQyv.
UC Davis Applicants Can Skip GRE
The University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine removed the Graduate Record Examination requirement for DVM student admissions. “UC Davis joins the majority of accredited U.S. veterinary schools in making this shift after studies showed systemic bias in the GRE,” the school reported. “It has been argued that the GRE (based on verbal, quantitative and analytical writing) does not predict student success in the sciences, as the exam does not demonstrate an applicant’s understanding of science.”
Texas Tech Launches One Health Sciences Degree
The Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine will start a doctoral degree in One Health Sciences after winning the approval of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission. “The innovative aspect of this Ph.D. program is that it offers broad foundational understanding of how animal, human and ecosystem health are interconnected, and also deep knowledge within a discipline,” said Dr. Guy Loneragan, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. “This sets our graduate students up with the tools to provide important discoveries — say, in a new vaccine technology — that might be able to benefit both animals and people.”
Texas Tech Partners With Private Hospital
Hereford Veterinary Clinic, a mixed-animal practice in Hereford, Texas, broke ground on an 18,000-square-foot education center that will serve fourth-year students enrolled in the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine. The focus will be on food animal and production animal medicine. “This model will be the only one of its kind and will fulfill an educational deficit we see at many schools across the nation,” said Dr. Britt Conklin, Texas Tech’s associate dean for clinical programs.
U.S. Urges Closer Monitoring of Xylazine
U.S. authorities warned veterinarians about “an exponentially increasing number of overdose deaths” due to the diversion of xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer often used in combination with ketamine for anesthesia. “While xylazine is not currently a DEA-scheduled controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, if you currently stock and use xylazine within your facility, it is critical that proactive measures are taken to ensure that xylazine is carefully monitored and tracked to reduce the risk of diversion,” the Food and Drug Administration stated. Learn more at bit.ly/3We0B20.
Ellie Diagnostics Gets a New CCO
Pat McCarthy, formerly with PSIvet, Pet Partners and Idexx Laboratories, was named chief commercial officer at Ellie Diagnostics. The Dallas company provides next-day laboratory results and pathology consultations to veterinarians nationwide.
Shepherd Software Supports Fear Free
Shepherd Veterinary Software released a custom-built Emotional Medical Record workflow for Fear Free Certified practices. “By streamlining the physical exam workflow and removing the need for additional paperwork, Shepherd Software allows Fear Free Certified veterinary practices to more easily track the patient’s fear, anxiety and stress score over time,” the company reported.
Dennis Horter Moves from Encore to CityVet
The 27-hospital CityVet network hired veterinarian Dr. Dennis Horter as chief operating officer. He previously served as chief operating officer of Encore Vet Group and in leadership roles at BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Zoetis Inc. and Pfizer Animal Health. According to CityVet, the company plans to grow by 10 to 15 hospitals in 2023.