Veterinary School Proposed in Montana
Rocky Vista University is moving ahead with plans to open a college of veterinary medicine in Billings, Montana. “RVU has been working on this project for the past 18 months, and while this new program is still in the process of becoming accredited, it has the potential of helping to solve the critical veterinary care shortage in Montana and the Mountain West region,” the private, for-profit university stated. A Council on Education consultative site visit is expected in mid-2024. The founding dean is Dr. Robert Murtaugh, a former executive with the Pathway Vet Alliance and Thrive Pet Healthcare networks and the current chair of the National Academies of Practice’s Veterinary Medicine Academy.
Gallant Closes $15 Million Funding Round
Gallant Therapeutics, a developer of stem cell therapies for pets, secured over $15 million in Series A financing. The near-term focus is on achieving conditional FDA approval for a therapeutic candidate targeting feline chronic gingivostomatitis. “Beyond FCGS, Gallant is advancing a pipeline that targets osteoarthritis, chronic kidney disease and atopic dermatitis,” the company reported.
MWI and NAVC Support Hound Recruiting Software
MWI Animal Health and the North American Veterinary Community partnered with Hound, whose software assists veterinary practices with staff recruiting, relief and retention. MWI and NAVC, the publisher of Today’s Veterinary Business, will promote Hound software to customers and veterinary professionals.
Vetscan Imagyst Tests Urine Sediment
Vetscan Imagyst, a Zoetis Inc. point-of-care diagnostics platform, now offers urine sediment analysis powered by artificial intelligence. Among the device’s other diagnostic tests are AI Fecal, AI Blood Smear, AI Dermatology and digital cytology.
TVC Members Get Special Deals From Bionote USA
Bionote USA is offering members of The Veterinary Cooperative (TVC) exclusive pricing and rebates on the company’s Vcheck line. In-clinic Vcheck analyzers serve canine, feline and equine patients and feature tests such as canine and feline quantitative NT-proBNP, canine and feline troponin (TnI) and canine cortisol.
Walkin’ Pets Unveils Veterinary-Only Products
Walkin’ Pets launched a veterinary-exclusive line of pet mobility solutions. The products include the Walkin’ Fit Adjustable Splint, No-Knuckle Training Socks, Walkin’ Wrist Hugger and Walkin’ Hock Hugger.
New From SignalPET: SignalSTAT
Veterinary radiology company SignalPET introduced SignalSTAT. According to the company, the X-ray interpretation tool “can assess the most critical, urgent cases with both advanced AI technology and expert human oversight with a guaranteed 45-minute turnaround time.”
Neogen Unleashes Canine Flea and Tick Collar
Neogen Corp. launched the Provecta Pro Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs. Containing the active ingredients deltamethrin and methoprene, the collar provides six months of protection for dogs at least 12 weeks old.
Nationwide Executives Address Cost of Care
The newly released “Veterinary Clinics of North America,” published by Elsevier, includes a book chapter titled “Cost of Care, Access to Care and Payment Options in Veterinary Practice.” The co-authors are two Nationwide pet insurance executives: Dr. Jules Benson, the chief veterinary officer and vice president of pet health, and Dr. Emily M. Tincher, the senior director of pet health.
Apply Now for AAFP Scholarships
The American Association of Feline Practitioners and the EveryCat Health Foundation are offering two $2,500 scholarships for U.S. or Canadian veterinary students interested in careers in feline medicine or clinical feline research. The application deadline is March 18, 2024. Details are at bit.ly/47rGSkl.
Covetrus CVO Expands His Role
Dr. Link Welborn, the chief veterinary officer at Covetrus, is taking on additional responsibilities: creating and leading the company’s veterinary advisory board, serving on the newly formed product development committee and helping develop “a refined approach to public affairs,” according to the company. “He will continue as CEO of Veterinary Study Groups, the umbrella organization for the more than 60 Veterinary Management Groups,” Covetrus added.
Ceva Hires Senior VP for North America
Ceva Animal Health appointed Brad McCollum as the senior vice president for North America. He previously served as the senior vice president of pet care for Zoetis Inc.’s U.S. business.
Delmarva 2000 Gets a New Owner
MAI Animal Health acquired Delmarva 2000, a supplier of veterinary radiosurgery and dental tools. Terms were not disclosed. “Adding Delmarva 2000 to MAI Animal Health’s portfolio brings our dental offerings full circle,” said MAI founder Dr. Mark Anderson. “We are able to bring veterinarians a comprehensive suite of products for dental and surgical procedures across many different species.”