New From BI: NexGard Plus
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved NexGard Plus (afoxolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel chewable tablets), a monthly soft chew formulated to protect dogs from fleas, ticks, heartworm disease, roundworms and hookworms. Veterinarians may order the beef-flavored parasite preventive starting July 31, according to the manufacturer, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.
AVMA Presidents Have NVA Connection
The current and future presidents of the American Veterinary Medical Association have something else in common: Each work for hospital owner National Veterinary Associates. The 2023-2024 president, Dr. Rena Carlson, is a mentor in NVA’s General Practice Mentorship Program. Her replacement in 2024-2025 will be Dr. Sandra Faeh, the chief veterinary officer in NVA’s General Practice business.
AVMA Pays Tribute to Industry Veterans
Dr. Willie Reed, dean of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, was among several individuals honored by the American Veterinary Medical Association at its convention in Denver. Dr. Reed received the first Frederick Douglass Patterson Award for his lifetime contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion. In addition, former AVMA president Dr. Joseph Kinnarney won the 2023 AVMA Award for his contributions to organized veterinary medicine. Dr. Phillip Nelson, the former dean at the Western University College of Veterinary Medicine, took home the 2023 AVMA Meritorious Service Award. Former AVMA President Dr. James Nave was selected for the 2023 AVMA Advocacy Award. Certified animal behavior consultant and author Amy Shojai received the 2023 AVMA Steve Dale Excellence in Veterinary Media Award.
Clemson Veterinary College Has a Founding Dean
Clemson University’s planned College of Veterinary Medicine now has a dean: Dr. Steven Marks, an associate dean, director of veterinary medical services and a clinical professor of emergency and internal medicine at North Carolina State University. “Marks will ensure an inaugural 2026 College of Veterinary Medicine cohort by initiating American Veterinary Medical Association provisional accreditation, recruiting exceptional foundational faculty and developing a rigorous doctor of veterinary medicine curriculum over the next year,” Clemson reported. Dr. Marks previously held professor or clinical instructor roles at the University of Illinois, Louisiana State University, Colorado State University and Washington State University.
GreatPetCare Does Even More
Covetrus has expanded GreatPetCare, a platform containing educational content and tools for pet owners and clinic team members. “GreatPetCare is also now fully integrated with Covetrus online pharmacies, giving pet parents a convenient online option to easily renew or refill approved prescriptions directly from their veterinarian,” the company stated. “In addition, GreatPetCare gives veterinary practices an easy way to seamlessly communicate with pet parents for appointment and medication reminders, information about Covetrus Care Plans, and personalized recommendations to better care for their pets.”
Out: Brief Media; In: VetMedux
Brief Media, the publisher of Clinician’s Brief and Plumb’s, changed its name to VetMedux. “We became a different company a long time ago,” founder and CEO Elizabeth Green said. “Now, our ambitions are wider: To embed deeply in every practitioner’s workflow so we can help you make the critical — and at times exhausting and scary — decisions you make all day long. Our evolution isn’t over.”
PetVivo’s Spryng Achieves a Milestone
Spryng with OsteoCushion, a therapeutic medical device from Minneapolis-based PetVivo Holdings Inc., is now in 500 veterinary clinics. The injectable, intra-articular product consists of sterilized, extra-cellular matrix microparticles for use in managing lameness and other joint afflictions.
AVES Adopts One Health Name
The American Veterinary Epidemiology Society has rebranded itself as the American Veterinary One Health Society. “The change … reflects consensus among board members that One Health encompasses far more than epidemiology,” said president-elect Dr. Karen Becker. “(Founder Dr. Jim Steele) would have fully approved of the name change as a progressive and visionary leader who loved change, especially when it was wholly justified.”
VetCT Advice Is Unlimited in Chronic Cases
Teleconsulting provider VetCT now offers unlimited access to specialist advice in chronic cases. “Follow-up advice had previously been capped at two weeks, but this has been extended to unlimited ongoing access for each case/clinical complaint,” the company reported.
VetCor Looks to Canada for Expansion
Veterinary hospital consolidator VetCor is expanding into Canada. “By leveraging our existing team members with knowledge of Canadian hospitals, VetCor is well-positioned to provide valuable insights and guidance to the newly acquired hospitals,” the company stated. “This ensures a seamless integration and smooth transition into VetCor’s best-in-class support system.” VetCor operates more than 800 U.S. veterinary clinics.
Veterinary Industry Giving Tree Receives $10,000
A networking event hosted by The Bridge Club in partnership with Chewy Health and Vetcetera raised more than $10,000 for Veterinary Industry Giving Tree. The nonprofit organization provides financial assistance to veterinary professionals and their families during tough times. The fundraising was held during the American Veterinary Medical Association convention in Denver.
SignalPET Partners With Covetrus
Covetrus will distribute SignalPET’s instant radiograph interpretation technology to U.S. veterinary practices. SignalPET software uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze radiographs using existing equipment.
Coming in September: Mentoring App Chirp
Chirp, a peer-to-peer mentoring app for early career veterinarians, will launch in September and carry a monthly subscription fee. “Available by voice or video on any mobile device, Chirp was created to provide instant answers and assistance from qualified, seasoned veterinarians,” the startup company reported. “Chirp allows a veterinarian to immediately connect with an experienced mentor who can walk them through just about any problem they may be facing, from interpreting test results and creating treatment plans to managing time and communicating with clients.” Details are at chirp.vet. The company founder is veterinarian Dr. Diane Levitan.