New From Dechra: DuOtic for Dogs
Dechra Veterinary Products launched DuOtic (terbinafine and betamethasone acetate otic gel) for the in-clinic treatment of canine otitis externa. One single-dose tube is used for each affected ear and is administered again seven days later. “The product will be available for veterinarians to purchase through select veterinary distributors in the near future,” Dechra reported.
Covetrus Releases vRxPro Prescription Tool
Covetrus introduced the vRxPro prescription management platform, a component of the cloud-based VetSuite practice management software. “vRxPro allows for easy task tracking and managing new prescription requests,” according to the company. “These improvements empower practices to maintain organized workflows and ensure timely responses to prescription-related tasks.”
VetCT Founder Is Entrepreneur of the Year
Dr. Victoria Johnson, CEO of the veterinary teleradiology company VetCT, was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Bupa everywoman in Technology Awards. Dr. Johnson founded the U.K.-based company in 2009.
UC Davis Plans New San Diego Hospital
The University of California, Davis, will expand its veterinary services with the 2025 opening of the Janice K. Hobbs UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center Southern California. The San Diego hospital will provide emergency, critical care and specialty care. UC Davis now operates the UC Veterinary Medical Center in San Diego and a second location in suburban San Marcos, both of which will be folded into the new facility.
Texas A&M Professor Wins Bourgelat Award
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association selected Texas A&M University Professor Dr. Nicholas Jeffery as the 2024 recipient of the Bourgelat Award. According to Texas A&M, the award “recognizes unsung heroes of the veterinary profession. … As an internationally recognized veterinary neurologist, surgeon and scientist, Jeffery is both an ideal candidate and deserving recipient of the highest honor bestowed to just one veterinarian each year by the BSAVA.”
University of Wisconsin Selects a New Dean
Dr. Jonathan Levine, a professor of veterinary neurology and the head of small animal clinical sciences at Texas A&M University, was appointed dean of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Levine will start his new job on Aug. 1, replacing Dr. Mark D. Markel.
PetIQ Shutters 149 In-Store Clinics
VIN News Service reported that “a tight labor market for veterinarians” led PetIQ to close 149 veterinary practices inside retail stores in the second half of 2023. Following the shutdowns, PetIQ was left with 133 clinics, the company stated in its annual financial results, posted at bit.ly/4cBASsX.
Chewy Awards $300,000 in Scholarships
Fifteen third-year veterinary students will receive a $20,000 scholarship under the 2024-2025 Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program Cohort. The program, sponsored by Chewy Health and administered by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, aims to increase the number of veterinary professions from underserved groups and communities. The recipients were revealed at bit.ly/3VZIXSz.
MinXray Supports Tree Kangaroo Study
MinXray, a manufacturer of imaging products in veterinary and human medicine, contributed an Impact Wireless X-ray system to assist researchers in Papua New Guinea. “During this time, they spent 10 days at a high-elevation research camp to image, study and help conserve the Matschie’s tree kangaroo population, an endangered species endemic to the country,” MinXray stated.