Pet Poison Helpline Fields Fewer Marijuana Calls
Calls to the Pet Poison Helpline regarding marijuana exposure dropped by 25% from 2023 to 2024. “We’ve done a significant amount of educational outreach around the dangers of THC exposure, so I’d like to think our efforts helped move the needle in the right direction,” said the organization’s director of veterinary medicine, Dr. Renee Schmid. Pet Poison Helpline identified the top threats in 2024 as chocolate (dogs) and lilies (cats). Additional details are at bit.ly/3DWoyqn.
Apply Now for Emerging Companies Event
Early-stage companies seeking $500,000 to $20 million in funding or strategic partnerships are invited to present their ideas at the 20th annual Animal Health Summit. The event, organized by the KC Animal Health Corridor, will occur on Aug. 25 and 26 in Kansas City, Missouri. Apply by April 1 at bit.ly/4gS59pd.
Former AVMA President Joins GuardianVets
The telehealth company GuardianVets has hired Dr. Lori Teller as chief veterinary officer. Dr. Teller is a clinical professor of telehealth at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and a former president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Chewy Awards $300,000 in Student Scholarships
Fifteen second-year veterinary students from underserved communities have received $20,000 scholarships under the Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program. Partnering with Chewy was the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. The scholarship winners are listed at bit.ly/4fWj2kV.
VEG Names First-Ever Chief Quality Officer
Dr. Meredith Daly has been appointed chief quality officer for the 90-hospital Veterinary Emergency Group. VEG called her job the first of its kind in veterinary medicine. “In her new role, Daly oversees a team of quality leaders and regional medical directors responsible for medical strategy, medical leadership development, clinical excellence, quality and patient safety, and medical initiative implementation,” VEG stated.
CityVet Doubles Down on Oklahoma City
CityVet, a network of 56 veterinarian-owned practices, will open its second clinic in Oklahoma City on Jan. 20. CityVet-West Moore will be led and owned by Dr. Jaime Cowdrey.
Scholarships Available for Feline-Focused Students
The Feline Veterinary Medical Association and the EveryCat Health Foundation are offering two $5,000 scholarships to veterinary students interested in pursuing careers in feline medicine or clinical scientific research related to felines. The application deadline is March 21. Learn more at bit.ly/42dVOU6.
PetVivo Signs Distribution Agreements
PetVivo Holdings Inc. has reached distribution partnerships with Vedco Inc. and Clipper Distributing. PetVivo makes Spryng, an intra-articular injectable veterinary medical device designed to promote the management of joint pain caused by the loss of cartilage or tissue-bone mechanical malfunction.
Another Eye Care for Animals Debuts in Houston
Eye Care for Animals has opened a second Houston-area ophthalmology clinic in Pearland. Leading the practice, part of the Thrive Pet Healthcare network, is Dr. Demitrius Washington, a resident in veterinary ophthalmology.
AVMA Seeks Advice on Vet Tech School Standards
The AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities is accepting public comments on proposed changes to educational standards for accredited veterinary technology education programs. Comments are due by March 15 at bit.ly/40cQZb8.
Parnell Releases PropofolVet Multidose
Kansas-based Parnell has launched PropofolVet Multidose, an injectable anesthetic designed for veterinary practices. The company described the product as the first generic propofol injectable emulsion for dogs.
Texas A&M Celebrates Nation’s Best Pass Rate
The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences led the nation in 2024, with 99% of its 2024 class passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination. According to Texas A&M, the average pass rate was 88% among all accredited U.S. institutions. The Aggie program also scored a national high of 99% in 2023.