California Regulators Approve Trupanion Rate Hike
The California Department of Insurance granted Trupanion pet health insurance a 29% rate increase, effective in late July. The Seattle-based company received a 12% rate increase in June 2023. “The rising cost of veterinary care amplifies the need for Trupanion to price correctly,” the company stated. “Given the financial impact inflation has had on veterinary practices in California since 2022, this new rate will bring California residents more in line with those rising costs.”
Former Hill’s Leader Takes Over at Dechra
Jesper Nordengaard was named the CEO of Dechra Pharmaceuticals in advance of the June 10 retirement of current leader Ian Page. Nordengaard’s previous jobs included North American president for Colgate-Palmolive and president and CEO of Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
Wisconsin Practice Gets Hallmarq’s Helium-Free MRI
Wisconsin Veterinary Neurology and Surgical Center is the first U.S. user of Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging’s zero-helium small animal 1.5T MRI machine. The “departure from a reliance on helium is not only environmentally friendly but brings significant cost savings,” the British company reported. “There is no requirement to source and purchase a finite resource and no risk of a system quench.”
Antelligence Updates Enterprise Practice Directory
Antelligence LLC released to Fountain Report subscribers the second-quarter update of the Enterprise Practice Directory. The web-based resource allows users to search for practices and filter by ownership structure, parent company and practice type. A downloadable PDF is available at bit.ly/3K7zUYz.
Parnell Unveils 2 Sedation Products
Drug maker Parnell released two sedation products: Contrased (atipamezole hydrochloride) for dogs and Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Injection for dogs and cats. According to Parnell, the injection “can be used as a pre-medicant to anesthetic events,” while Contrased “rapidly and reliably reverses the effects of Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Injection to reduce sedation time in dogs.”
Shepherd Software Includes Evette Staffing Solutions
Evette relief staffing services are now available through an integration with Shepherd Veterinary Software. Evette was formerly known as VetIQ Staffing.
Tennessee Professor Wins AVMA’s Bustad Award
Dr. Zenithson Ng, a clinical assistant professor of community practice at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, is the 2024 recipient of the Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award. The award, presented annually by the American Veterinary Medical Association, honors the late Dr. Leo K. Bustad and recognizes veterinarians working to protect and promote the human-animal bond.
VetSkribe Offers 30-Day Free Trial
VetSkribe, a new veterinary virtual scribing service, is offering a 30-day free trial for veterinarians. VetSkribe’s features include ambient listening and dictation modes, veterinary medical artificial intelligence, and visit summaries for pet owners.
New From VMG: Economic Data Dashboard
Veterinary Management Groups launched the Economic Data Dashboard for insights into the economic health of the veterinary industry. Available at bit.ly/4ayIoCC, the dashboard shows key macroeconomic trends on inflation and expenditures in veterinary services. The VMG Veterinary Economic Barometer is a comprehensive measure of the overall health of the veterinary economy and is based on a monthly survey of VMG members.
Roo Plans Rapid U.S. Expansion
The veterinary relief staffing company Roo now offers services in 30 U.S. markets after its introduction in Nashville, Tennessee. The San Francisco company aims to operate in more than 40 U.S. cities by the end of 2024.