Weekly Companion Animal News: November 18, 2024

Fidelis announces label expansion for Ethiqa XR

Fidelis Animal Health Inc. has received notification from the FDA that Ethiqa XR (buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension) 1.3 mg/mL is now indicated for the control of post-procedural pain in captive rodents and laboratory rabbits. With Ethiqa XR, veterinarians are said to have an FDA-indexed, pharmaceutical grade, cGMP extended-release buprenorphine for use in mice, naked mole rats, gerbils, hamsters, rats, chinchillas, guinea pigs, prairie dogs, ferrets, laboratory rabbits, and non-human primates.

Petco names Joe Venezia chief revenue office

Petco Health and Wellness Company Inc. announced Joe Venezia will join the company as chief revenue officer, reporting to CEO Joel Anderson. In this newly created role, he will oversee areas which Petco believes will contribute to growth, including pet care centers, pet and veterinary services, real estate and customer success capabilities. He brings more than 25 years of retail experience to Petco and most recently served as the COO of stores at Michaels.

Average pay for new DVMs Is $130,000

The starting pay for new veterinary school graduates who accepted a full-time job averaged about $130,000 in 2024 and established veterinarians earned a mean salary of about $150,000. The American Veterinary Medical Association also reported that among new graduates, 60.4% entered into full-time employment, 27.9% into advanced education (internship, residencies, advanced degree), and 6.1% had no offers. The figures are among those to be published in the 2025 State of the Profession Report.

More Michigan pet owners could access virtual vet under new bill

More pet owners in Michigan could get vet care from their home under a proposal to expand veterinary telemedicine. The bill, introduced by Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, would remove the current requirement that pets need one in-person examination with the vet prior to any virtual visits. The bill was moved to consideration by the full Michigan House by a 10-3 vote.

Amazon to unite online and physical stores

Amazon will bring together its online and physical (Whole Foods and Amazon “locker” locations) more seamlessly in an attempt to compete with the likes of Walmart, Target and Kroger, according to the Wall Street Journal. The company reportedly wants to expand its slice of the approximately $1.3 trillion in U.S. sales the grocery sector saw in 2023.

Innocan to focus on injectable treatment for chronic pain

Israel-based Innocan Pharma Corporation announced that it will focus its development resources on advancing its Liposome Platform Technology-Cannabidiol (LPT-CBD), a monthly injectable treatment for chronic pain in both animals and humans. This decision follows encouraging progress with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the company says.

Zoetis names Brannan chief commercial officer

Zeotis announced the appointment of Jamie Brannan to the newly created role of chief commercial officer, overseeing all commercial markets across the globe. Brannan has served as executive vice president and group president international operations, aquaculture and global diagnostics.

ACVIM and IDEXX to provide free educational offerings for ACVIM residents

The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine announced its first-ever endorsed partnership in which complimentary resident-focused educational resources will be offered through the IDEXX SpringBoard program. The SpringBoard veterinary resident training program has grown to support over 250 residents globally.