News – March 12, 2019
JAB Holding Company purchased a $1.2 billion majority stake in Compassion-First Pet Hospitals. The purchase from Quad-C Management marks JAB’s entrance into the pet care realm. Compassion-First operates 41 hospitals and treatment facilities across 13 states, according to a press release from the companies. Veterinary service providers who are currently invested in the company will maintain a significant stake going forward, and Compassion-First’s founder and CEO, John Payne, will also play a role, the announcement said.
AAHA releases new dental guidelines
The American Animal Hospital Association released updated dental guidelines for dogs and cats. “Created with the goals of decreasing oral pain and improving the quality of life for companion animals, the 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats help veterinary practitioners expand upon their current client education efforts, so pet owners can better understand that periodontal disease can be prevented through regular dental examinations and proper home care, and that, if left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to chronic pain and suffering,” according to the AAHA. The announcement added that these guidelines help the veterinary health care team address with clients the fear of anesthesia and the risks associated with non-anesthetic dentistry.
Midmark names Jon Wells chief commercial officer
Midmark announced the promotion of Jon Wells to chief commercial officer at the company. In this role, Wells “will oversee the marketing and sales teams to drive commercial strategy that will enable Midmark to achieve long-term objectives,” according to the company. Wells was most recently vice president of marketing at Midmark, where he led a rebranding and streamlining initiative, “unifying the corporate marketing strategy to a single brand identity.”
IRS clarifies how tax code treats veterinary practices
The IRS issued final regulations to implement the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which makes new rules in pass-through deductions for 2018 tax filings. Draft regulations proposed last summer by the agency led to questions from the veterinary profession, Raphael Moore writes for VIN News Service. These final rules clarify or confirm many critical items, according to Moore.
Companion Animal Health launches new tools
Companion Animal Health announced the launch of three new tools: the Stance Analyzer; a smart handpiece; and the INsight System diagnostic platform. The Stance Analyzer “provides weight-bearing data that rivals that of a gait walkway without the huge footprint and expense” and can help diagnose conditions like lameness early on, according to the company. The smart handpiece, called the Empower IQ Delivery System, comes with Companion’s CTX-IQ laser and “offers both haptic and visual feedback that alert the user when they should adjust treatment speed.” The INsight platform “enables veterinarians to inspect the interior of joints with a small, mobile tablet-based technology.”
Virtual reality brings dog’s anatomy to life for veterinary students
The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine is using virtual reality technology to help students make a stronger connection between anatomy classes and physical exams. The VR experience shows students the organs inside the skeletal system of a mid-size dog and allows them to see layers of tissue and zoom in on certain organs, according to an article in Today’s Veterinary Practice. Read the full story.
