Virbac Launches Spay and Neuter Diets
Virbac has jumped into the U.S. therapeutic pet food market with Veterinary HPM Spay and Neuter Diets for sterilized cats and dogs.
Sold through veterinary practices and on Virbac’s iVet.com website, the six diets are formulated to support the health of spayed and neutered pets.
“Spaying and neutering can cause the basal metabolic rate to decrease by up to 30%, while appetite can increase up to 60%,” the company reported. “It is common for an animal’s energy needs to lessen, while feelings of hunger often increase, placing the animal at significant risk for obesity.”
The six formulas are:
- Veterinary HPM Spay and Neuter Junior Cat Food
- Veterinary HPM Spay and Neuter Adult Cat Food
- Veterinary HPM Spay and Neuter Small & Toy Junior Dog Food
- Veterinary HPM Spay and Neuter Small & Toy Adult Dog Food
- Veterinary HPM Spay and Neuter Large and Medium Junior Dog Food
- Veterinary HPM Spay and Neuter Large & Medium Adult Dog Food
The diets were launched previously in Europe with “remarkable success,” said François Fournier, CEO and president of Virbac North America.
CareVet Doctors Get Free Vacation Stays
CareVet, which operates veterinary hospitals in more than 30 states, has introduced an anti-burnout perk for veterinarians: free luxury vacation lodging.
The new Carebnb program encourages CareVet veterinarians to book annual stays nationwide, “from a cozy cabin in the mountains to a beachside condo,” the St. Louis company reported.
“For those veterinarians who would prefer to stay local, Carebnb offers staycation experiences including a … wine from home package, backyard cinema package and more.”
CareVet called Carebnb a response to “industrywide burnout and compassion fatigue.”
A nationwide shortage of veterinarians has employers promoting a range of incentives. Among CareVet’s other enticements are a $100,000 minimum base salary, signing bonuses, paid parental leave, adoption assistance and student loan support.
Co-founder Kent Thornberry, DVM, said Carebnb “was designed with our veterinarians in mind — the veterinarian that shows up to the hospital and the person that exists outside of work.”
For other team members, CareVet’s fringe benefits include revenue sharing and education support.
Shepherd PIMS Finds Missed Charges
Shepherd Veterinary Software has enhanced its practice management information system to capture more missed charges, a problem that costs clinics as much as $60,000 a year per veterinarian, according to the company.
“Automating the invoicing process based on treatment and other actions in the medical record seemed like a no-brainer and an easy way to capture those missed charges,” said Shepherd founder Cindy Barnes, DVM, CVSMT.
Shepherd reported that the upgrade “pulls treatment and dosage calculations directly from the medical record upon discharge, ensuring that all charges are collected. … Discharge instructions automatically get prepared based on diagnosis and the treatment plan, including what medication to give the pet and how best to manage the recovery process.”
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