State of Pet Health 2016 Report · State of Pet Health 2016 Report. IN THIS ISSUE: Prescription Drugs. Hall of Veterinary Health. And More … magazine of the . NEW YORK STATE VETERINARY

State of Pet Health 2016 Report

IN THIS ISSUE: Prescription Drugs And More …Hall of Veterinary Health

magazine of the NEW YORK STATE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY

issue 16.05| Sept.-Oct


magazine of the NEW YORK STATE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY

ISSN 2333-3375 • USPS 407-350100 Great Oaks Blvd., Suite 127, Albany NY 12203

Tel. (800) 876-9867 • Fax (518) 869-7868 • Email [email protected] • Web www.nysvms.org

Connections is published bimonthly by the New York State Veterinary Medical Society Inc., 100 Great Oaks Blvd., Suite 127, Albany NY 12203. Subscriptions are $1/year to members as part of their annual dues, $25/year to subscribers and $50/year to nonmember veterinarians in New York State. Opinions expressed in articles and editorials of Connections are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society Inc. Second-class postage paid at Albany, N.Y.

Postmaster: Send address changes to: NYSVMS, 100 Great Oaks Blvd., Suite 127, Albany NY 12203.

issue 16.05 | Sept.-Oct. 2016

Executive DirectorJennifer J. Mauer, CAE

Communications Specialist

Stephanie Quirini

Education/Conference Specialist

Dory Fisk, CMP

Legal/Legislative Counsel Alexander Betke, Esq.

Frank FanshaweJackson Lewis P.C.

Membership AssistantJennifer Hill

NYSVMS OFFICERSPresident

Susan Wylegala, DVM

President-electMargret “Meg” S. Thompson, DVM, DACVR

Past PresidentDean M. Snyder, DVM

TreasurerAllan P. Bregman, DVM

AVMA DelegateWalter K. McCarthy, DVM

AMVA Alternate Delegate Eric Bregman, VMD

REGIONAL OFFICERSCapital DistrictMark E. Will, DVM

Catskill MountainDavid C. Leahy, DVM

Central New York Victoria Bentley, DVM

Finger LakesRobert Hamilton, DVM

Genesee ValleyCharles A. Fleming, DVM

Hudson ValleyJoseph D’Abbraccio, DVM

Long IslandSurinder S. Wadyal, DVM

New York CityAllan P. Bregman, DVM

Northern New YorkJessica Scillieri Smith, DVM

Southern TierDaniel Fletcher, DVM, DACVECC

Westchester/RocklandRobert J. Weiner, VMD

Western New YorkJeanne E. Best, DVM

2 September-October 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS

5 President’s Message

6 Legal

21 In Memoriam

22 Classified Ads

INDUSTRY

14 5 Tips to Sell Your Small Town Practice

16 Cornell Model Helps Identify

Drugs to Treat FHV-1

ASSOCIATION

17 NYSVMS Hall of Veterinary

Health Receives a Facelift

19 Latest News from AVMA

page 8



September-October 2016 5 5

NYSVMS UPDATEPresident’s Message

Susan Wylegala, DVM

T he AVMA Convention and House of Delegates meeting in San Antonio in August was a

great experience. First of all, San Antonio was a beautiful, welcoming city albeit a wee bit warm! The conference was full of exciting and timely continuing education covering a myriad of topics. The exhibit hall presented veterinarians with an array of available products, technology and equipment. I always come back to my practice with a lengthy wish list! I can’t imagine practicing without continually updating my practice and knowledge base with available continuing education opportunities.

For the first time, the AVMA held an informational forum during the opening day of the House of Delegates meeting. This presented HOD members an opportunity to discuss issues relevant to veterinarians and the profession. Cyberbullying, student debt and the AVMA

support for the large animal practitioner were the topics open for discussion. I commend the AVMA for providing a forum for members and leaders to discuss, connect, analyze, and more importantly act on issues impacting the profession today. Each subject was assigned to a reference committee for further analysis and formation of an action item to be addressed by the House of Delegates in January 2017.

The AVMA and NYSVMS are making wellness concerns for their members a top priority. Margret Thompson, DVM, President-elect and myself signed the AVMA Wellness Pledge at the AVMA convention on behalf of NYSVMS. We recognize it’s imperative to foster a supportive professional culture in our practices. Maintaining personal and team wellness is critical for creating a fulfilling veterinary work environment. We have to recognize and create programs to address issues such as compassion fatigue, cyberbullying, depression and our profession’s high suicide rate.

I also extend my congratulations to Dr. Janet Donlin as the first female Executive Vice President/CEO of the AVMA. Dr. Donlin is exceptionally qualified to lead the AVMA into the future. It seems appropriate and long overdue that a woman be chosen as the CEO of a profession dominated by female veterinarians. However, as I looked around the floor of the AVMA House of Delegates, I realize women are still very much

under-represented in the AVMA leadership. I hope the AVMA will continue to make strides in developing female leaders and foster an organization more representative of its members.

There are many significant changes occurring within our own veterinary profession in New York. I have been following one of those changes within my own Western New York veterinary community. In the last several years, many local veterinary practices have been sold to veterinary corporations. I have to ponder how this will change the face of the profession in the future. Although I see a definite place for corporate practice, I still see the value of individually owned practices. We must find a way to strike a balance between corporate and private practice medicine. How will corporate practice affect our ability as an association to represent our members? Will this affect our ability to adequately lobby on behalf of our membership? NYSVMS is evaluating these changes to be certain that all New York State veterinarians’ needs are represented and protected.

Once again, I volunteered at the Hall of Veterinary Health at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse. As the largest public presence of NYSVMS, the Hall of Veterinary Health is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our profession. Many of you might not realize we have one of the oldest running exhibits at the Fair – 46 years and counting! NYSVMS utilized

the AVMA Our Oath in Action grant, awarded in April 2016, to revitalize our exhibit displays. There is a comparative anatomy exhibit, prepare your pet for your vet visit, dress like a surgeon exhibit, Teddy Bear ER and a journey through imaging exhibit. If you have the opportunity to either volunteer at the exhibit or attend the fair in the future, I urge you to get involved!

And finally I attended NYS-VC Fall at Cornell CVM September 30–October 2. It was exciting to visually see the transformation of the veterinary college as the capital campaign unfolds. The weekend was filled with opportunities to engage our colleagues at the welcome reception and annual Celebration awards dinner, as well as attending a robust continuing education program.

The vastness of NYS doesn’t always allow me the opportunities to meet with all of you in person and listen to how you are fairing both personally and professionally. This magazine allows me to share with you what I have learned so far in my tenure as president. It’s fitting that this magazine is called Connections. Connect with me anytime, any day of the year. I urge you to email me via NYSVMS ([email protected]) with questions, comments, stories, compliments, ideas and anything else that can enlighten me to your successes and challenges as a veterinary professional. I welcome the discourse and the chance to connect! •


LEGAL

Prescription Drugs: Potential Pitfalls and Disposal

A key component of any veterinary practice is the ability to prescribe, fill and dispense

prescription drugs for the animals they treat. However, the privilege of prescription comes with great responsibility. This article will highlight two (2) potential pitfalls for the savvy veterinarian: (1) filling prescriptions, and (2) disposal of unwanted medications.

You receive a call from an established client, informing you that their dog is limping. You ask that the client bring their dog in for examination to determine the cause of the limping and hopefully identify a cure for the ailment. Later that afternoon, you fully examine the dog and determine the root of the limping is the dog’s left hind leg. You recommend and prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug and a pain medication, which is a controlled substance to help the dog tolerate the ailment. Great news, you have the pain medication in stock and are able to fill the prescription yourself. Unfortunately, your veterinary technician informs you that the prescribed anti-inflammatory drug is out of stock. You inform the client of the situation and advise that you will fill the prescription yourself in the coming days. Your proposal for delayed pain management is unacceptable and the client gets frustrated. You make a call and determine that your friend, who owns a competing veterinary practice in the next town over, is fully stocked with the anti-inflammatory drug your client desires. Your veterinarian

friend has never seen or treated this dog, but offers to fill the prescription as a courtesy. Can you write a prescription and have your veterinarian friend fill it from their supply? Can they write the prescription for the drug and fill the prescription for your client without examining the dog?

While tempting, the answers are a resounding No. A veterinarian cannot fill prescriptions from other veterinarians. The Practice Guidelines provide that a veterinarian shall only prescribe, deliver, or have delivered, prescription drugs where a veterinary client/patient relationship (VCPR) has been established with the animal and the veterinarian has determined that the prescription drug is therapeutically indicated for the health and/or well-being of the animal. Here, as the other veterinarian has no relationship with the dog, they cannot dispense the prescribed drug to the client nor can they write a prescription for the drug themselves.

Luckily, your client understands your predicament and you are able to fill the anti-inflammatory prescription and dispense the required drug the next day. With the aid of the prescribed drugs, the dog becomes better and the client discontinues the use of the drugs before exhausting the supply dispensed to her. At the dogs next vet appointment, the client asks you to take back the unused drugs and dispose of them for her. Do you have to oblige? If you take the drugs back, what disposal requirements do you have? Where can you dispose of your unused and/or drugs?

While you may take back the unused prescription drugs, it can only be for the limited purpose of disposal. It is unprofessional conduct to accept the pills for the purpose of placing them back in stock. If you accept the pills, you would be required to dispose of them properly and maintain any necessary records.

The particular prescription that the client wants to return is a controlled substance. The New York State Department of Health provides for limited means of disposing of deteriorated, obsolete, unwanted or unnecessary controlled substances, which include detail recordkeeping.

In light of the regimented rules for disposing of controlled substances, you decide to decline to dispose of the drugs for the client. The client understands, but asks what can she do? You advise her that the DEA often sponsors take back events, where she can drop off unwanted prescription medications for disposal. She exclaims, “that seems easy,” but appears miffed you are unwilling to return the prescription drugs for her since there is a take back event scheduled down the street from your office next week. Maybe you should reconsider? Can you, the veterinarian, take advantage of this simplified disposal process? The Answer is No. The take-back event is only for prescription holders, end users, and clients to drop off unwanted prescription medications. Veterinarians and other DEA registrants are not allowed to dispose of their controlled substances inventory or expired stock through

the take-back programs, and must instead continue to follow the DEA registrant drug disposal regulations.

Navigating the world of prescription drugs can be tricky and time consuming, but essential to maintaining a compliant and successful veterinarian practice. As a member of NYSVMS you receive a wealth of knowledge geared at improving your practice and compliance. Membership not only gives you access to a network of similarly situated providers who help you navigate the complexity of managing a successful veterinarian practice, but also to legal updates on emerging and complex areas of law impacting the practitioner. Most recently NYSVMS prepared a Q&A concerning prescription drugs and the Official New York State Prescription Program. •Caitlin Donovan, Esq. Jackson Lewis Albany, N.Y. (formerly Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman and Dicker, NYSVMS legal counsel)

This article is brought to you by NYSVMS legal counsel, a signature member benefit only for NYSVMS members.

September-October 2016 7

O n August 11, NYSVMS sent a news alert about new legislation signed

by Governor Cuomo which addressed the ongoing heroin and opioid abuse problem currently being experienced in New York. While most of the package applies only to practitioners of human medicine, there is one provision applying to both human practitioners and licensed veterinarians. This provision became effective on July 22, 2016.

As of this publishing, the New York State Department of Health has not written, nor issued, any guidance in the form of regulations as to how this new law will be implemented. However, one provision does apply to licensed veterinarians. Subsequent to our email news alert, several members contacted NYSVMS with very specific questions, which we will address here in more detail.

NYSVMS, through its new lobby firm Jackson Lewis, is at the forefront of all discussions related to this law. Our team of lobbyists are already opening dialogues with these regulatory agencies to determine how this law might impact the veterinary medicine profession. This is an excellent example of how we are putting your dues investment directly to work for you.

Pursuant to §3331 of the Public Health Law, practitioners (including veterinarians), are limited to prescribing a maximum of a seven-day supply of Schedule II, II, or IV opiates upon an initial consultation or

treatment for acute pain to an ultimate user, which includes a person legally possessing the medication as prescribed for an animal owned by or in the custody of the ultimate user. During subsequent consultations for the same pain, practitioners may issue renewals/ refills/ new prescriptions for an opioid for up to 30-days, or a time limit defined in state regulations (capped at 90-days).

A new, specific definition of acute pain was added only for the purpose of the new seven-day opiate supply limit for the first treatment/consultation for acute pain. That definition is as follows: “acute pain” shall mean pain, whether resulting from disease, accidental or intentional trauma, or other cause, that the practitioner reasonably expects to last only a short period of time. Such term shall not include chronic pain, pain being treated as part of cancer care, hospice or other end-of-life care, or pain being treated as part of palliative care practices.

This new law does apply to drugs such as tramadol, but not phenobarbital. Tramadol is an opiate and a Schedule IV drug, so if it is being used to treat acute pain, then it would be covered by the law change. Phenobarbital is a Schedule IV drug, but it is non-opiate, therefore the law does not apply. Since the NYS Department of Health has not amended their regulations to date, we don’t have any further guidance on specific application of the law.

Controlled substance prescriptions are limited to a 30-day supply except that up

to a three-month supply may be prescribed for treatment of certain conditions: panic disorders (code A); attention deficit disorder (code B); convulsive disorders (code C); relief of pain in patients suffering from diseases known to be chronic and incurable (code D); narcolepsy (code E); and certain other deficiencies, conditions and illnesses (code F). None of these conditions address acute pain, and are not affected by the new law.

A member asked if a seven-day prescription for phenobarbital for seizure control, writing “code C – for seizure control” on the prescription, must be written first, and then a three-month prescription can be written? The new law does not apply in this case because phenobarbital is a non-opiate.

Questions arose about refill prescriptions. As an example, a three-month prescription may be refilled once, and a 30-day supply prescription may be refilled five times, with limits on Tramadol

refills to five. The legislation does not address refill regulations. However, if being used to treat acute pain at an initial consultation or initial treatment, a veterinarian must first prescribe a maximum seven-day supply of a schedule II, III, or IV opiate, which Tramadol is a Schedule IV, before issuing a 30-day supply.

No changes have occurred with respect to the basic VCPR regulations and the timely examination of the patient. Also, no changes have occurred with respect to the maintenance of patient and controlled substance recordkeeping.

Please continue to contact NYSVMS with other specific questions, or unique situations, in which you are unsure as to the applicability of this new law. This dialogue will be instrumental for our legislative and legal team in any discussions held about NYSDOH regulations. •Jackson Lewis Albany, N.Y. (NYSVMS legal counsel)

Update on 7-day Limit Opiate Legislation

LEGAL


FEATURE



B anfield Pet Hospital’s released the State of Pet Health® 2016 Report— the

first-of-its-kind to capture and analyze the medical data from 2.5 million dogs and 500,000 cats. Banfield is the world’s largest veterinary practice currently operating more than 925 hospitals in 42 states, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico with more than 2,900 licensed veterinarians. The inaugural State of Pet Health Report (2011) analyzed five-year trends of common diseases, finding that many were on the rise. This year, these diseases were revisited and 10-year trends were analyzed. Data from the 2011 report act as a benchmark, giving a unique perspective to explore how disease prevalence has changed across the United States. Another enhancement this year is there is adequate data from the hospitals in Puerto Rico to include in the report.

Disease prevalence is constantly changing—there are several key conditions that are increasing in prevalence and negatively affecting the health of our pet population. Similarly, there are a handful of common diseases that are decreasing in prevalence, indicating pet owners are doing a better job of partnering with their veterinarian on proactive disease management.

Below is an overview of significant findings from this year’s report:

DiabetesIn 2011, there was a 32 percent increase in canine diabetes and a 16 percent increase in feline diabetes since 2006. Unfortunately, diabetes continues to grow in prevalence among dogs. Canine diabetes has increased by 79.7 percent since 2006, while, in felines,

Otitis externaIn the five years since the 2011 publication, there has been a 6.4 percent decrease in prevalence of otitis externa (inflammation of the ear) among dogs to 12.9 cases per 100. The prevalence among cats has remained unchanged at 6.6 cases per 100 cats. While otitis externa has decreased in dogs, it remains very common in certain breeds, particularly Golden Retrievers with 1 in 4 affected and Labrador Retrievers with 1 in 5 receiving the diagnosis.

Fleas and ticksSince 2011, flea infestations in dogs have decreased in prevalence by 8.3 percent and have remained unchanged in cats. The abundance of fleas is dependent upon, among other factors, the use of a flea preventive, geographic location within the United States and local weather patterns. The prevalence of fleas in cats (10.9 cases per 100) is almost twice that of dogs (5.9 cases per 100), indicating the need for greater education about flea control in the feline population. Ticks have decreased over the past 10 years for dogs (11.3 percent decrease). Ticks are uncommon for cats, and over the past 10 years there has been a 9.9 percent decrease.

Internal parasitesOver the last five years, there has been a reduction of roundworms, whipworms and tapeworms in dogs, though the prevalence of hookworms has remained relatively unchanged. In cats, there has been a reduction of roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Increased use of flea prevention in dogs and cats, and increased use of heartworm prevention in dogs may explain some of these changes. Tapeworm remains the most common parasite in cats (4.9 cases per 100), which is greater than twice the prevalence seen in dogs (2.2 cases per 100). Since tapeworm infection is initiated by the ingestion of fleas, this suggests that more cats need to be on flea prevention year-round. It is encouraging that preventive care has helped decrease several common diseases over the past decade, but there is still a lot of work to be done.

The following pages contain graphics for four categories which include the statistics for New York State. To read the entire State of Pet Health 2016 Report, go to: http://www.banfield.com/Banfield/media/PDF/Downloads/soph/Banfield-State-of-Pet-Health-Report-2016.pdf. •

the prevalence of diabetes has increased 18.1 percent over the same time frame.

Heartworm diseaseHeartworm continues to be one of the top three health risks for dogs in the Southern United States. Since 2011, there has been a 33.1 percent decrease in cases, which is likely due to improved heartworm preventive compliance. Data over the past two years show that there has been a 12 percent increase in the use of heartworm preventives by dogs seen at Banfield hospitals—a step in the right direction.

Dental diseaseThe most common disease in dogs and cats continues to be dental disease, affecting 68 percent of cats and 76 percent of dogs. Dental disease has increased by 8 percent in dogs and 9.6 percent in cats since our initial report five years ago. Banfield saw an increase in the number of pets receiving dental cleanings in 2015, likely due to a better understanding by pet owners of the importance of dental health in pets. In this report, you will also find information on tooth resorption, a painful condition affecting nearly 1 out of 100 cats. This is a sharp rise of 1,587 percent over the past 10 years. The cause for this increase remains unknown and warrants further research in this area.

10 September-October 201610 20 2120

Section Three: Dental Disease

WY

SDID

OR

WA

CAUT

CO

AZNM

OK

KS

TX54 75

74

71

80

73

76

79

6876

77

8080

60

77

7279

78

80

7880

72

79

79 7377

76

80

68

75

70

MO

AR

IL

WI

OH

WV

MI

IN

PA

NY

TN

MS AL GA

SC

NC

VA

LA

FL

NH

MD

NDMT

VT

ME79

72

MA72

RI60

CT56

DE74

NJ69

Dental Disease

MN

NE82

85

82IA

High RiskMedium RiskLow RiskNo Ban�eld HospitalStates with Highest Prevalence

Risk Level

72KY

NV82

PR 53

DC72

2015 Dental Disease | Dog Cases (per 100)


Risk Level

WY

ID

OR

CAUT

CO

AZNM

OK

KS

NE

TX42

66

63

74

63

66

68

4865

69

7375

73

69

6675

75

73

72

67

70

70 6169

68

62

72

58

69

57

MO

AR

IL OH

WV

MI

IN

PA

NY

KY

TN

MS GA

SC

NC

VA

LA

FL

NH

MD

NDMT

VT

ME

59

MA70

RI53

CT45

DE72

NJ60

Dental Disease

SD45

71IA

64AL

MN

NV80

79

78WI

PR 39

DC68

WA76

2015 Dental Disease | Cat Cases (per 100)

There are two dental conditions affecting cats that have seen very significant increases in prevalence over the past 10 years that are worth noting: tooth resorption and stomatitis. Although we can’t say for certain why these diseases are on the rise, we do know that a thorough oral exam as part of a professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia is necessary to identify the extent of these disease conditions. Appropriate treatment may also be provided at this time.

Tooth resorption is a painful condition in cats where the tooth is broken down by the body beginning at or below the gum line. It is most easily identified during a dental cleaning under general anesthesia and is treated by extraction of the affected tooth. Tooth resorption has increased dramatically in cats from 5.4 cases per 10,000 in 2006 to 91.6 cases per 10,000 in 2015—a 1,587 percent increase. It is uncertain why such a dramatic increase in this condition has been observed.

Stomatitis in cats is generalized inflammation and ulceration of the oral cavity. The disease is treated with a partial or full mouth tooth extraction and, if needed, anti-inflammatory medications. Although this condition can occur in any cat, it has been linked with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and certain bacterial infections. Stomatitis in cats has increased by 68.8 percent from 37.7 cases per 10,000 in 2006 to 63.7 cases per 10,000 in 2015.

Cats do not always show outward signs of oral pain, making it difficult for owners to know there is a problem. The exact cause of tooth resorption and stomatitis is not well understood. Therefore, it is difficult to know the best preventive measures for these diseases. Regular professional dental cleanings with a thorough oral exam is warranted to detect these diseases early and provide appropriate therapy.

What would be the impact on cat health if periodontal disease were eliminated?

Did you know?

There is a link between periodontal disease and chronic kidney disease in cats?

Periodontal disease in cats, dogs and humans has been associated with increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease, a severe and debilitating illness.

BARK research has shown that if periodontal disease were eliminated, there could be up to 15,000 fewer cases of chronic kidney disease in cats nationwide.

September-October 2016 11 1120 2120

Section Three: Dental Disease

WY

SDID

OR

WA

CAUT

CO

AZNM

OK

KS

TX54 75

74

71

80

73

76

79

6876

77

8080

60

77

7279

78

80

7880

72

79

79 7377

76

80

68

75

70

MO

AR

IL

WI

OH

WV

MI

IN

PA

NY

TN

MS AL GA

SC

NC

VA

LA

FL

NH

MD

NDMT

VT

ME79

72

MA72

RI60

CT56

DE74

NJ69

Dental Disease

MN

NE82

85

82IA


Risk Level

72KY

NV82

PR 53

DC72

2015 Dental Disease | Dog Cases (per 100)


Risk Level

WY

ID

OR

CAUT

CO

AZNM

OK

KS

NE

TX42

66

63

74

63

66

68

4865

69

7375

73

69

6675

75

73

72

67

70

70 6169

68

62

72

58

69

57

MO

AR

IL OH

WV

MI

IN

PA

NY

KY

TN

MS GA

SC

NC

VA

LA

FL

NH

MD

NDMT

VT

ME

59

MA70

RI53

CT45

DE72

NJ60

Dental Disease

SD45

71IA

64AL

MN

NV80

79

78WI

PR 39

DC68

WA76

2015 Dental Disease | Cat Cases (per 100)

There are two dental conditions affecting cats that have seen very significant increases in prevalence over the past 10 years that are worth noting: tooth resorption and stomatitis. Although we can’t say for certain why these diseases are on the rise, we do know that a thorough oral exam as part of a professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia is necessary to identify the extent of these disease conditions. Appropriate treatment may also be provided at this time.

Tooth resorption is a painful condition in cats where the tooth is broken down by the body beginning at or below the gum line. It is most easily identified during a dental cleaning under general anesthesia and is treated by extraction of the affected tooth. Tooth resorption has increased dramatically in cats from 5.4 cases per 10,000 in 2006 to 91.6 cases per 10,000 in 2015—a 1,587 percent increase. It is uncertain why such a dramatic increase in this condition has been observed.

Stomatitis in cats is generalized inflammation and ulceration of the oral cavity. The disease is treated with a partial or full mouth tooth extraction and, if needed, anti-inflammatory medications. Although this condition can occur in any cat, it has been linked with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and certain bacterial infections. Stomatitis in cats has increased by 68.8 percent from 37.7 cases per 10,000 in 2006 to 63.7 cases per 10,000 in 2015.

Cats do not always show outward signs of oral pain, making it difficult for owners to know there is a problem. The exact cause of tooth resorption and stomatitis is not well understood. Therefore, it is difficult to know the best preventive measures for these diseases. Regular professional dental cleanings with a thorough oral exam is warranted to detect these diseases early and provide appropriate therapy.

What would be the impact on cat health if periodontal disease were eliminated?

Did you know?

There is a link between periodontal disease and chronic kidney disease in cats?

Periodontal disease in cats, dogs and humans has been associated with increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease, a severe and debilitating illness.

BARK research has shown that if periodontal disease were eliminated, there could be up to 15,000 fewer cases of chronic kidney disease in cats nationwide.

28 2928

Section Five: Flea & Tick

MN

WY

SDID

OR

WA

CAUT

CO

AZ OK

KS

NE

662

758

409

665

884

1,003

952

60145

23

155

33

75227

852

43

102

242

98

577

44

195 450562

318

469

323

304

397

943

IA

MO

AR

IL

WI

OH

WV

MI

IN

PA

NY

KY

TN

MS GA

NC

VA

FL

NH

MD

NDMT

VT

ME868

289

MA228

RI285

CT236

DE429

NJ287

NV

NM

TX861

40

88

Fleas

1,018

1,097

1,062

AL

SC

LA


Risk Level

PR 692

DC188

2015 Fleas | Dog Cases (per 10,000)

MN

WY

SDID

CO

AZNM

KS

NE

TX1,164

1,298

696

1,214

1,420

1,215

82432

0

245

55

0

82

423

120

210

985

113

4211,110

633

735

791

930

934

IA

MO

AR

IL

WI

OH

WV

MI

PA

NY

TN

MS GA

NC

VA

NH

MD

NDMT

VT

ME

711

MA669

RI726

CT706

DE886

NJ637

752KY

CA

NV

OK1,350

1,460

53UT

1,643

26 971IN

SC

Fleas

1,841

1,871

AL

FL


Risk Level

PR 1,541

DC101

1,665LA

OR1,796

WA1,947

2015 Fleas | Cat Cases (per 10,000)

Key takeaway: Ticks remain an uncommon problem in cats and have decreased 9.9 percent over the last 10 years.

Key takeaway: Since 2006, tick prevalence has decreased by 11.3 percent.

Tick | Cat | 10-Year Trend (2006-2015) Cases (per 10,000)

02006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 20152006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

60

70

80

50

40

30

20

10

0

30

35

40

25

20

15

10

5

02006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Case

s (p

er 1

0,00

0)

Tick | Dog | 10-Year Trend (2006-2015) Cases (per 10,000)

02006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 20152006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

60

70

80

50

40

30

20

10

0

120

140

160

100

80

60

40

20

02006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Case

s (p

er 1

0,00

0)

Year

Year

12 September-October 201612 30 3130


MN

WY

SDID

OR

WA

CAUT

CO

AZ

KS

NE

57 130

76

101

129

107

128

49

9814

31

65

124

758

36

14

31

26

46

104

66

45 3134

100

54

18

88

129IA

MO

IL

WI

OH

WV

MI

IN

PA

NY

KY

MS AL GA

SC

NC

VA

LA

FL

NH

MD

NDMT

VT

ME29

63

MA137

RI91

CT76

DE85

NJ117

NV

NM

TX74

18

101

Ticks

140AR


Risk Level

PR 1,594

DC47

OK203

141TN

2015 Ticks | Dog Cases (per 10,000)

MN

WY

SDID

OR

WA

CO

AZNM

KS

NE

TX0 29

36

48

44

24

16

219

142

0

5

4

5

12

0

27

0

5

25

14

710

43

6

38

IA

MO

IL

WI

OH

WV

MI

NY

TN

MS AL GA

NC

VA

LA

FL

NH

MD

NDMT

VT

ME3

46RI29

CT46

DE48

NJ37

9KY

CA

NV

OK47

4

2UT

20

0 13IN

SC

Ticks

67

82AR

PA

MA78


Risk Level

PR 98

DC0

2015 Ticks | Cat Cases (per 10,000)

Section Six: Internal Parasites

Internal parasites are important to diagnose as they can cause vomiting, diarrhea and poor absorption of nutrients from the food pets eat. Additionally, some of the most common internal parasites carry a zoonotic risk because they can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Roundworms and hookwormsRoundworms and hookworms are zoonotic parasites that inhabit the intestinal tract of dogs and cats. While most common in puppies and kittens, infection can occur in dogs and cats of all ages. The mouthparts of hookworms attach to the pet’s small intestine allowing them to feed on the pet’s blood. Roundworms and hookworms can cause mild to extreme illness in pets and even death in some cases.

Most pets infected with roundworms and hookworms show no signs of infection. Some pets, especially puppies or kittens, become noticeably ill from roundworms and hookworms. Clinical signs most commonly observed in pets severely infected with roundworms and hookworms include: vomiting, severe weight loss, loss of appetite, distended abdomen, severe anemia and even death.

TapewormsTapeworms are long, flat, segmented parasites that live in the small intestines of dogs, cats, domestic animals and wildlife. Tapeworms do not have a mouth; instead, they attach to the inside of the intestines with suckers. Some also have hooks to aid attachment. Pets infected with tapeworms may not show any clinical signs; pet owners usually notice tapeworm segments around the anal area or on the surface of the stool. The segments may move or appear as grains of rice caught in the hair around the rectum. They may also be found in places where infected pets rest and sleep.

WhipwormsWhipworms live in the intestines of dogs, coyotes and wolves. Cats may also become infected with whipworms, but it is more common in dogs. Adult whipworms are shaped very thin at the front and become wider toward the rear. As with roundworms and hookworms, many pets infected with whipworms will initially show no sign of infection. However, whipworms can cause mild to extreme illness in pets and, in some cases, lead to death. Whipworm infection can lead to bloody diarrhea, severe weight loss, dehydration and severe anemia.

Whipworms can cause disease in humans; however, there is no evidence that they are transmitted from animals to humans.

Who in the family is at risk?All human family members are potentially at risk from zoonotic parasites. The presence of dogs in a household, especially puppies, increases this risk due to their soiling habits.

Cats can also transmit zoonotic parasites, but due to their tendency to defecate in one area and bury their feces, exposure is less likely. Children run a higher risk of contracting a parasite due to their play habits, attraction to pets and pica (eating dirt, most commonly). In addition to regular deworming of pets, proper hygiene (such as handwashing after handling stool) is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases.

14 1514

Section Two: Heartworm DiseaseSection One: Diabetes Mellitus

MN

WY

SDID

OR

WA

CAUT

CO

AZ OK

KS

NE

19 31

37

25

33

37

30

37

38

36

3448

31

36

46

3444

42

4749

33

32

35 4134

40

14

26

40

39

MO

AR

IL

WI

OH

WV

MI

IN

PA

NY

TN

MS AL GA

SC

NC

VA

LA

FL

NH

MD

NDVT

ME32

44

MA32

RI33

CT25

DE31

DC31

NJ37

NM

TX31

45

Diabetes Mellitus

58

56IA

MT

NV59


Risk Level

PR 14

49KY

2015 Diabetes Mellitus | Dog Cases (per 10,000)

MN

WY

SDID

OR

WA

CO

AZ

KS

NE

TX70 90

75

94

63

88

98

6287

113116

0

90

118

90

119

72

123

131

115

8582

108

79

68

101IA

MO

IL OH

WV

MI

PA

NY

TN

MS AL GA

NC

VA

LA

FL

NH

MD

NDMT

VT

ME97

83

MA115

RI76

CT87

NJ93

75KY

CA

NV

OK57

85

131UT

103

116 71IN

SC

Diabetes Mellitus

NM

149

164 137AR

WI

DE164


Risk Level

PR 14

DC152

2015 Diabetes Mellitus | Cat Cases (per 10,000)

Heartworm disease is a serious but preventable condition caused by Dirofilaria immitis—long, slender parasitic worms that can reach up to 12 inches in length. Heartworm disease affects dogs, cats and ferrets, and is potentially fatal. Dirofilaria immitis is transmitted from one pet to another by mosquitoes. Both indoor and outdoor pets are at risk for heartworm disease.

After infection, heartworms migrate to the blood vessels of the lungs and to the right side of the heart. Heartworms are capable of causing permanent damage to the heart and lungs before a pet shows any signs of disease. While there are treatment options for heartworm disease in dogs, there is currently no safe treatment for heartworm disease in cats or ferrets.

Clinical signs most commonly observed in pets with heartworm disease include coughing, lethargy, difficulty breathing and sometimes hemoptysis (coughing up blood). Sudden death occurs rarely in dogs, but occurs more commonly in cats. Treatment for heartworm disease is neither simple nor risk free. The most common post-treatment complication is the development of pulmonary thromboembolism (clots within the lungs), caused by a combination of inflammation in the blood vessels, an increased ability to form blood clots and the die-off of worms. Some degree of pulmonary thromboembolism will occur whenever heartworm disease is treated. Widespread blockage of pulmonary arteries can occur when worms die in great numbers.

Exercise after treatment can increase the chances of complications due to pulmonary thromboemboli, which is why exercise restriction is so important during and after treatment.

Bottom line: Heartworm disease shows a distinct geographic trend, with states in the Southeast having the highest prevalence of positive tests. In 2015, 4.1 percent of heartworm tests performed in Mississippi were positive; 3.9 percent in Louisiana; 3.6 percent in Arkansas and 1.6 percent in Puerto Rico and Alabama.

Based on our data, the odds of a dog contracting heartworm disease in Mississippi are 171 times those of contracting the disease in Nevada, the state with the lowest prevalence of the disease. This is followed by Lousiana, where the odds are 165 times greater than those of contracting heartworm in Nevada.

The prevalence of heartworm disease in dogs has decreased from 92.6 cases per 10,000 tests in 2006 to 54.2 cases per 10,000 tests in 2015— a 41.5 percent decrease. This decrease is likely due to increased heartworm preventive administration. Over the past two years at Banfield, there has been a corresponding 12 percent increase in heartworm preventive administration.

Although heartworm disease is more common during the warmer months, it is a year-round condition and has been diagnosed in every month and every state where Banfield has a hospital.*

*The American Heartworm Society reports that dogs testing positive for heartworm disease have been identified in all 50 states.

Did you know?Companion pets are not the only animals susceptible to heartworm disease. Certain wild animals can become infected as well, providing other potential sources through which mosquitoes might transmit heartworms to pets.

Preventive recommendations: Heartworm tests for dogs, including dogs receiving year- round preventive medication, should be performed annually.

Year-round preventives should be given as either a monthly medication (topical or pill) or twice-yearly injection for dogs. Cats in heartworm-endemic areas should receive a monthly preventive medication.



MN

WY

SDID

OR

WA

CAUT

CO

AZ

KS

NE

57 130

76

101

129

107

128

49

9814

31

65

124

758

36

14

31

26

46

104

66

45 3134

100

54

18

88

129IA

MO

IL

WI

OH

WV

MI

IN

PA

NY

KY

MS AL GA

SC

NC

VA

LA

FL

NH

MD

NDMT

VT

ME29

63

MA137

RI91

CT76

DE85

NJ117

NV

NM

TX74

18

101

Ticks

140AR


Risk Level

PR 1,594

DC47

OK203

141TN

2015 Ticks | Dog Cases (per 10,000)

MN

WY

SDID

OR

WA

CO

AZNM

KS

NE

TX0 29

36

48

44

24

16

219

142

0

5

4

5

12

0

27

0

5

25

14

710

43

6

38

IA

MO

IL

WI

OH

WV

MI

NY

TN

MS AL GA

NC

VA

LA

FL

NH

MD

NDMT

VT

ME3

46RI29

CT46

DE48

NJ37

9KY

CA

NV

OK47

4

2UT

20

0 13IN

SC

Ticks

67

82AR

PA

MA78


Risk Level

PR 98

DC0

2015 Ticks | Cat Cases (per 10,000)

Section Six: Internal Parasites

Internal parasites are important to diagnose as they can cause vomiting, diarrhea and poor absorption of nutrients from the food pets eat. Additionally, some of the most common internal parasites carry a zoonotic risk because they can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Roundworms and hookwormsRoundworms and hookworms are zoonotic parasites that inhabit the intestinal tract of dogs and cats. While most common in puppies and kittens, infection can occur in dogs and cats of all ages. The mouthparts of hookworms attach to the pet’s small intestine allowing them to feed on the pet’s blood. Roundworms and hookworms can cause mild to extreme illness in pets and even death in some cases.

Most pets infected with roundworms and hookworms show no signs of infection. Some pets, especially puppies or kittens, become noticeably ill from roundworms and hookworms. Clinical signs most commonly observed in pets severely infected with roundworms and hookworms include: vomiting, severe weight loss, loss of appetite, distended abdomen, severe anemia and even death.

TapewormsTapeworms are long, flat, segmented parasites that live in the small intestines of dogs, cats, domestic animals and wildlife. Tapeworms do not have a mouth; instead, they attach to the inside of the intestines with suckers. Some also have hooks to aid attachment. Pets infected with tapeworms may not show any clinical signs; pet owners usually notice tapeworm segments around the anal area or on the surface of the stool. The segments may move or appear as grains of rice caught in the hair around the rectum. They may also be found in places where infected pets rest and sleep.

WhipwormsWhipworms live in the intestines of dogs, coyotes and wolves. Cats may also become infected with whipworms, but it is more common in dogs. Adult whipworms are shaped very thin at the front and become wider toward the rear. As with roundworms and hookworms, many pets infected with whipworms will initially show no sign of infection. However, whipworms can cause mild to extreme illness in pets and, in some cases, lead to death. Whipworm infection can lead to bloody diarrhea, severe weight loss, dehydration and severe anemia.

Whipworms can cause disease in humans; however, there is no evidence that they are transmitted from animals to humans.

Who in the family is at risk?All human family members are potentially at risk from zoonotic parasites. The presence of dogs in a household, especially puppies, increases this risk due to their soiling habits.

Cats can also transmit zoonotic parasites, but due to their tendency to defecate in one area and bury their feces, exposure is less likely. Children run a higher risk of contracting a parasite due to their play habits, attraction to pets and pica (eating dirt, most commonly). In addition to regular deworming of pets, proper hygiene (such as handwashing after handling stool) is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases.

14 1514

Section Two: Heartworm DiseaseSection One: Diabetes Mellitus

MN

WY

SDID

OR

WA

CAUT

CO

AZ OK

KS

NE

19 31

37

25

33

37

30

37

38

36

3448

31

36

46

3444

42

4749

33

32

35 4134

40

14

26

40

39

MO

AR

IL

WI

OH

WV

MI

IN

PA

NY

TN

MS AL GA

SC

NC

VA

LA

FL

NH

MD

NDVT

ME32

44

MA32

RI33

CT25

DE31

DC31

NJ37

NM

TX31

45

Diabetes Mellitus

58

56IA

MT

NV59


Risk Level

PR 14

49KY

2015 Diabetes Mellitus | Dog Cases (per 10,000)

MN

WY

SDID

OR

WA

CO

AZ

KS

NE

TX70 90

75

94

63

88

98

6287

113116

0

90

118

90

119

72

123

131

115

8582

108

79

68

101IA

MO

IL OH

WV

MI

PA

NY

TN

MS AL GA

NC

VA

LA

FL

NH

MD

NDMT

VT

ME97

83

MA115

RI76

CT87

NJ93

75KY

CA

NV

OK57

85

131UT

103

116 71IN

SC

Diabetes Mellitus

NM

149

164 137AR

WI

DE164


Risk Level

PR 14

DC152

2015 Diabetes Mellitus | Cat Cases (per 10,000)

Heartworm disease is a serious but preventable condition caused by Dirofilaria immitis—long, slender parasitic worms that can reach up to 12 inches in length. Heartworm disease affects dogs, cats and ferrets, and is potentially fatal. Dirofilaria immitis is transmitted from one pet to another by mosquitoes. Both indoor and outdoor pets are at risk for heartworm disease.

After infection, heartworms migrate to the blood vessels of the lungs and to the right side of the heart. Heartworms are capable of causing permanent damage to the heart and lungs before a pet shows any signs of disease. While there are treatment options for heartworm disease in dogs, there is currently no safe treatment for heartworm disease in cats or ferrets.

Clinical signs most commonly observed in pets with heartworm disease include coughing, lethargy, difficulty breathing and sometimes hemoptysis (coughing up blood). Sudden death occurs rarely in dogs, but occurs more commonly in cats. Treatment for heartworm disease is neither simple nor risk free. The most common post-treatment complication is the development of pulmonary thromboembolism (clots within the lungs), caused by a combination of inflammation in the blood vessels, an increased ability to form blood clots and the die-off of worms. Some degree of pulmonary thromboembolism will occur whenever heartworm disease is treated. Widespread blockage of pulmonary arteries can occur when worms die in great numbers.

Exercise after treatment can increase the chances of complications due to pulmonary thromboemboli, which is why exercise restriction is so important during and after treatment.

Bottom line: Heartworm disease shows a distinct geographic trend, with states in the Southeast having the highest prevalence of positive tests. In 2015, 4.1 percent of heartworm tests performed in Mississippi were positive; 3.9 percent in Louisiana; 3.6 percent in Arkansas and 1.6 percent in Puerto Rico and Alabama.

Based on our data, the odds of a dog contracting heartworm disease in Mississippi are 171 times those of contracting the disease in Nevada, the state with the lowest prevalence of the disease. This is followed by Lousiana, where the odds are 165 times greater than those of contracting heartworm in Nevada.

The prevalence of heartworm disease in dogs has decreased from 92.6 cases per 10,000 tests in 2006 to 54.2 cases per 10,000 tests in 2015— a 41.5 percent decrease. This decrease is likely due to increased heartworm preventive administration. Over the past two years at Banfield, there has been a corresponding 12 percent increase in heartworm preventive administration.

Although heartworm disease is more common during the warmer months, it is a year-round condition and has been diagnosed in every month and every state where Banfield has a hospital.*

*The American Heartworm Society reports that dogs testing positive for heartworm disease have been identified in all 50 states.

Did you know?Companion pets are not the only animals susceptible to heartworm disease. Certain wild animals can become infected as well, providing other potential sources through which mosquitoes might transmit heartworms to pets.

Preventive recommendations: Heartworm tests for dogs, including dogs receiving year- round preventive medication, should be performed annually.

Year-round preventives should be given as either a monthly medication (topical or pill) or twice-yearly injection for dogs. Cats in heartworm-endemic areas should receive a monthly preventive medication.


INDUSTRY

A s a veterinary broker and appraiser, I have discussed an important issue

with both NYSVMS and the Dean of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine - the challenge of selling small town practices. The iconic small town in America has been idealized in the media for years, but that coexists with this harsh reality—young people leave and don’t return. The U.S. has been urbanizing steadily for decades. Fortunately, not all is lost. You can, and I often do, sell small town practices, but it takes hard work. Here are some tips to help set you apart in a tiny buyer pool.

Know and manage your cash flow When you sell a business, you’re selling a cash flow. Your highest priority when building an enticing practice is to manage your cash flow and understand how that relates to value. Having a business valuation every three to five years will help you understand what your practice is actually worth, its growth, and how to improve your cash flow. If the cash flow is unable to support the acquisition debt, pay a new owner a fair market salary and still leave some money to reinvest in the practice, it becomes much harder to sell. Cash flow drives value, and even once your practice is appropriately priced based on that, it drives demand.

Although you won’t know how much your practice is worth without a valuation, there are a few key signs of trouble. An increasing gross

every year, even small, always looks better than stagnant or a decrease. If you start to wind down, partially retiring before you sell, don’t expect much. You can’t sell your practice based on past performance.

If you have been reducing hours, you likely aren’t managing the practice as tightly as before. Not only does gross go down, the percentage of that gross on major expenses likely goes up. That results in buyers paying a lower percentage of gross for your practice.

Cash flow is the most important indicator of value and salability, but spending can also hint at how you’ll do in the veterinary practice sales marketplace. If your practice is grossing under $500,000 it will be difficult to realize the efficiencies necessary to have a good cash flow to entice a new buyer.

You can track your large expenses such as staff and cost of goods sold, through a business valuation, or roughly through data the AVMA, AAHA and other sources provide. Once you start to understand your cash flow and spending, you can do what it takes to sell a practice in a small area.

Make a flexible planGood cash flow is a start, but to secure a buyer, you need a concrete plan and patience. The pool of buyers is often tiny.

For the small town veterinarian, your exit strategy should start with a flexible timeline. We generally recommend planning to sell your practice for at least ten years before you’re ready. If you’re in a small area, you

have to build into that timeline the possibility of an additional five years. That means when planning to retire, you should have your practice ready to market, but be prepared to work hard between three more months to five more years. It’s crucial to cast a wide marketing net, make your practice as enticing as possible, and wait to find the right buyer.

TimingTiming is your best friend in a sale. Figure out the right time to sell by what the market is doing, including your peers, learn how your practice is performing financially, and getting real about how long you can go before burn out.

The marketplace is great for sellers right now. Interest rates are still extremely low, making it easy for buyers to get funding. We are seeing more people asking for exit strategy valuations than ever before. You may have heard that a mass amount of baby boomers will be retiring, and I’m here to tell you it is happening. You can work to make your practice as enticing as possible, but your chances to sell are higher if all of your competition isn’t also for sale. If you feel you are ready to retire, consider getting your practice appraised. If you can, and your practice is doing well, now is the time to sell. If you can’t, now is the time to make a plan so that your practice stands out.

By knowing what your practice is worth, your financial strengths and weaknesses and having a plan to improve and groom your practice, you’ll significantly improve the odds of selling.

If you want a good price for your practice, you should be ready to work harder as you approach retirement. If you’re not ready to retire yet, or your cash flow needs work, you have time to think about how and when to reinvest in your practice.

Modernize purposefully Chasing rapidly advancing and changing standards of technology is a dangerous game with dire consequences for the value of the small town practice, but ignoring technology standards could seriously affect the value of your practice and, once you do find a buyer, the negotiation process.

Equipment reinvestment is dangerous because it’s easy to overspend. If you spend too much on equipment, you ruin your cash flow and drive your value down. Too little, you hold yourself back and make your practice harder to sell. The key is to give yourself enough time after major equipment purchases before you sell. Five years is a good buffer between major purchases and when you can expect to see a good return.

Buyers are usually realistic and aren’t looking for cutting edge technology. What they are looking for is a computer system and a digital x-ray system. I still sell practices without either, but it’s getting harder to convince the buyers not to ask for serious concessions. They aren’t looking for fully digital records, but if your transactions aren’t

5 Tips to Sell Your Small Town Practice


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computerized and your cash flow isn’t tracked by veterinary management software, you won’t be competitive in the marketplace.

Finally, quality of life outside of work is far more important to buyers now than when the previous generation was starting out. If there isn’t an emergency clinic close enough to refer clients out to, work with neighboring practices to develop an emergency rotation. Informed buyers will worry about the percentage of your income that comes from emergencies. If you have a good cash flow, relatively modern equipment, and don’t rely heavily on emergencies, you will be more competitive than a practice down the road or in a neighboring town that didn’t keep up.

Get involved in community planningThe biggest challenge for small town practices is that people rarely move there. For those who are thinking far enough

ahead, you may have some power to influence whether your small town is the type of place people do move to.

People look for walkable neighborhoods and support for small local businesses. I grew up in a small town in Maine and currently live in one in the Hudson Valley. I know how hard it can be to sway local politics and old traditions. But small local business incentives, downtown revitalization and sidewalks could tip a buyer in your town’s favor. These changes happen slowly, but they are possible. Get involved with local government and planning. Veterinarians are small business owners and well-connected members of the community. Tapping into those contacts could help you work with others to improve the community.

I have buyers looking for practices in bigger cities and suburbs. Selling a practice in a small town often means a

long, intensive process to find a single good buyer. That’s a tough reality to face after spending your lifetime building a practice, but the good news is you have some control.

You are accustomed to solving medical and small business problems, but most people only buy and sell a practice once in

their lifetime, so you shouldn’t expected to intuitively know how to solve this problem. With proper planning, expert advice and patience though, every practice can sell. •Joe Stephenson, MA

Valuation Development and Sales Manager Simmons Northeast


INDUSTRY

“We wanted to develop a model system that could predict whether an antiviral drug would work against FHV-1 in cats,” says Dr. Gerlinde Van de Walle.

On the surface of the cornea, cells infected with FHV-1 are green and the nuclei are blue. When the cornea is treated

with the antiviral drug raltegravir, the number of virus-infected green cells declines significantly.

V eterinarians see feline herpes virus 1 (FHV-1) all the time, and often it’s a source

of frustration. There aren’t many drugs to treat these infections, they must be applied multiple times a day and there is scant scientific evidence to support their use.

Now scientists at the Baker Institute for Animal Health at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine have developed a model system that can be used to test drugs for treating FHV-1. Early results have already pointed to a new drug that will soon head to clinical trials. Their work is reported in the Journal of General Virology.

“We wanted to develop a model system that could predict whether an antiviral drug would work against FHV-1 in cats,” says Dr. Gerlinde Van de Walle, who led

Cornell Model Helps Identify Drugs to Treat FHV-1

the study, along with graduate student Matthew Pennington. The Cornell team also wanted an easy tool for identifying drugs that could be given only once every 24 hours. As vets and owners know, smearing ointment in a cat’s eyes might be easy the first time, but after that she will most likely hide or fight.

Van de Walle and her team used donated corneas from cats that had died free of eye disease. To maintain the dome-shaped structure of the corneas under laboratory conditions, the team gently filled them with agarose, waited for it to firm up, then turned them over and kept them in a liquid medium. The model more closely resembles what happens in the eyes than a single layer of cells in a dish, so it is more predictive of what to expect in a live animal.

The team applied FHV-1 to some of the corneas, then

administered cidofovir to the infected corneas and acyclovir to the others. Both drugs cleared the infection when applied every 12 hours, but cidofovir was more effective.

Van de Walle and her team then used the model system to test the antiretroviral drug raltegravir, which is commonly used to treat humans with HIV. Although there is evidence that it could be effective against human herpes viruses, raltegravir had never been used to treat FHV-1 in cats before.

“We found that it is very effective against FHV-1,” says Van de Walle. “Raltegravir even worked when we applied it only once every 24 hours.” She hopes to see the drug tested in a well-controlled clinical trial soon.

Van de Walle’s research was supported by the Cornell Feline Health Center. •Claudia Wheatley Cornell University

Dr. Gerlinde Van de Walle


ASSOCIATION

NYSVMS Hall of Veterinary Health Receives a Facelift

T he NYSVMS Hall of Veterinary Health at the NYS Fair in Syracuse, held August 25-September 5,

offered daily live presentations, first aid demonstrations, and exhibits to educate families and their children on the practice of veterinary medicine. More than 15,000 attended this year’s Hall!

Did you know NYSVMS is a signature event in the history of the Great NYS Fair? The Fair began in 1841—this is its 175th birthday!! It was the first Fair in the United States. NYSVMS created the Hall of Veterinary Health in 1970, making it one of the oldest exhibits that still running today! This year the NYS Fair had record attendance of over 1,117,630.

NYSVMS received grant funding from the American Veterinary Medical Foundation’s Our Oath in Action program that, along with the generous support from regionals including: Capital District VMA, Catskill VMA, Central NY VMA, Genesee Valley VMA, Long Island VMA,VMA-NYC, Southern Tier VMA and Western NY VMA, jump-started the process of revitalizing and modernizing the Hall.

This funding allowed us to create new exhibits such as the Comparative Anatomy Exhibit, featuring eight animal skulls and a flip-board game with questions about skulls created by Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine students.

Other new exhibits included Dress Like a Surgeon, where children tried on gowns, shoe covers, gloves and caps and volunteers talked with them about germs. A Teddy Bear ER exhibit featured

veterinarians performing “surgery” on a stuffed teddy bear.

The largest exhibit, Journey Through Imaging, is an interactive imaging display using iPads to demonstrate how technology is used in veterinary practice, as well as demonstrations on an ultrasound machine, anesthesia machine, dental imaging machine, video otoscope and endoscope. This exhibit would not have been possible without the support of Universal Imaging, who loaned the ultrasound machine, Midmark who provided the anesthesia and dental imaging machines, and Cornell CVM for donating a display screen and two iPads.

Another new exhibit sponsored by Merial, Preparing Your Pet for a Vet Visit, included a three paneled display about vaccines, parasites and nutrition. This exhibit included crucial information that consumers need to know before heading to their veterinarian’s office. Thank you to Merial for making this exhibit possible!

Cornell CVM developed a brand new area highlighting career paths toward becoming a veterinarian and different career options. They also hosted a demonstration about animal CPR and a photo booth where children could take pictures with various signs and props.

The two weekends of the Hall featured a stuffed animal giveaway for children to bring their stuffed animal through each exhibit and learn how to care for their new pet. Upon exiting, they were given instructions to print, from the NYSVMS website, an adoption certificate they can share with their friends, classmates and their local veterinarian. On the

weekends, the Cornell CVM Veterinary Educators Club led children through a “build your own stethoscope” activity.

Veterinarian in training stickers were distributed to kids along with free giveaways donated by AVMF, Banfield, Ceva, Crouse Hospital, Hills Pet Nutrition, Merial, Patterson Veterinary Supply, Royal Canin and the VIN Foundation.

A live demonstration rounded out the Hall events, with the return of Joan Meyers and her

Many thanks to the 2016 Hall of Veterinary Health Volunteers:Jaylynn Boyce, LVT; Susan Clark, LVT; Andy Fleming, DVM; Molly Flaherty, DVM; Nancy Freeborough, DVM; Christopher Jank, DVM; Melissa Kirkconnell; Emily Lawson, LVT; Abby Loomis; Linda Meier, DVM; Suzanne Odre, DVM; Rebecca Reynolds, DVM; Eve Ryan, DVM; Maureen Saunders, DVM; John Sonne, VMD; Robin Sturtz, DVM; Jenni Sweredoski, LVT; and Maureen Walsh, DVM.

Cornell University CVM Students:Danielle Alleman; Elizabeth Balter; Mariah Beck; Bridget Bickers; Ari Boltax (President of CVM Vet Educator’s Club); Eva Quijano Carde; Kristina Ceres; Margaret Chu; Alyssa Cornelius; Stephie-Anne Duliepre; Jeremy Eule, Deirdre Halloran; Lancya Hutchison, Isabel Jimenez; Caitlin Hepps-Keeney; Erica Lachenauer; Mark Massaro; Amy Molitoris; Monique Obsharski; Cara Rosenbaum and Meagan Wheatley.

HVH Operations Manager: Laura Cook, DVM

Hall of Veterinary Health Committee Chair: Heather Lago, DVM

HVH Committee:Ari Boltax; Laura Cook, DVM; Daniel Fletcher, DVM; Robin Sturtz, DVM; John Sykes, DVM; Margret Thompson, DVM and Susan Wylegala, DVM.

canine companions teaching dog obedience and training skills. Cindy Page, from the Page Wildlife Center, brought a variety of non-releasable hawks, falcons, and owls. Personal Ponies, Ltd. did a live presentation with their UK Shetland Ponies. John Sykes, DVM, from the Bronx Zoo, taught kids how to care for sick animals at the zoo. Diana Sleiertin of MaxMan Reptile Rescue brought her variety of reptiles for display. Alicia Brown, DVM, a certified


veterinary acupuncturist, and Jennifer Cromp, DVM, a certified veterinary physical therapist, gave a demonstration of how physical therapy and acupuncture techniques can help your dog. Kathy Earnest-Koons, DVM, CUCVM, taught about veterinary career choices. Karyn Bischoff, DVM, CUCVM, discussed veterinary toxicology and animal poisonings. Finally, the NYS Association of LVTs, organized by Tina Lynch, LVT, discussed career and educational opportunities.

The AVMF Our Oath in Action program began in 2008 when the AVMA Annual Convention was held in New Orleans and support

Funding provided by:

was needed to continue the veterinarian profession’s response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina. To assist in recovery efforts, the AVMF organized volunteers including veterinarians, their staff, family and friends, to clean, repair and reopen animal shelters. Banfield is a key sponsor of Our Oath in Action and provided the HVH with giveaways, medical supplies and brochures on pet health.

For more photos from this year’s Hall of Veterinary Health, check out the HVH Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/NYSHVH/. •

A new exhibit, Preparing Your Pet for a Vet Visit included a three-paneled exhibit on vaccines, parasites and nutrition and was sponsored by Merial.

The Journey Through Imaging exhibit gave kids the opportunity to use iPads in a new interactive imaging display.

Kids performed “surgery” on a stuffed teddy bear.Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s exhibit included a new photo booth.

Kids learned how to dress like a surgeon.

Photo credit: Photography With TLC.


ASSOCIATION

Latest News from AVMA

A VMA has been hard at work on several new initiatives to improve member communication

and the overall operation.

AVMA initiated an all-member email effort earlier this year that allows District 1 AVMA voting members to comment on two proposed resolutions at the House of Delegates (HOD) meeting sent from AVMA NY Delegate, Walter McCarthy, DVM, and Eric Bregman, VMD, Alternate Delegate. Several members have responded that they loved being able to connect with them and have a dialogue to discuss these important issues.

Held in August in San Antonio before the AVMA Annual Convention, the HOD acted on these two resolutions:

Resolution 3-2016: Revised policy on free-roaming, owned cats was approved with 93 percent of the vote. The policy encourages veterinarians to educate clients and the public about the risks associated with allowing cats free-roam access to the outdoors. The revised policy is posted on the AVMA website.

The HOD also amended and approved Resolution 4-2016: Request for the Council on Education to Adopt a Standard on Financial Literacy with 93 percent of the vote. The amended resolution states that the AVMA COE support the process of adding a new student financial literacy and wellness standard to its standards of accreditation as initiated by the Student AVMA.

Thanks to great member interest, the AVMA HOD conducted a successful, first-ever Veterinary

Information Forum (VIF) during the summer meeting.

The HOD-wide forum provided an opportunity for open discussion of issues brought forth by the delegates and their constituents. Through outreach to AVMA members, the HOD was able to assess which topics deserved discussion during the forum so that ideas could be shared and rapid response provided to the issues if needed.

The three topics discussed during the VIF were cyberbullying, student debt and AVMA efforts to support large-animal veterinarians. After extensive discussion of each topic on the House floor, the topics were referred to HOD Reference Committees, where recommendations were formulated and then presented to the House later in the day.

The topic of cyberbullying resulted in an approved recommendation calling for the AVMA Board of Directors to elevate on its priority list with specific emphasis on continuing education, member awareness, crisis management and collaboration with PLIT on reputation management tools. The recommendation also asks the Board to consider as an option a hotline or rapid telephone support for veterinarians experiencing cyberbullying. The AVMA has online resources to help members manage their online reputation and mitigate cyberbullying, and the Board and staff will discuss additional efforts to assist members.

The student debt issue discussions resulted in a successful recommendation vote on a proposal for HOD members

to support the recommendations of the Economics of Veterinary Education Summit and urged every House member to disseminate the information on the summit to their colleagues and constituents to raise awareness.

In response to discussions held regarding AVMA efforts to support large-animal veterinarians, the House approved a recommendation calling for numerous action items, including:

• Providing to AVMA members the professional bios and areas of expertise of all AVMA staff who hold a position of assistant director and above.

• Prioritize updating the large-animal information on the AVMA website.

• Providing HOD Reference Committee 5 with historic information regarding AVMA Convention programs, including the number of CE hours by specific species, attendance figures of each program and the amount spent on each species’ programs.

• Consideration of a review of the Veterinarian’s Oath to include a reference to agriculture or livestock.

The Council on Education (COE) held a listening session during the AVMA Annual Convention. To provide greater transparency, the COE provided a “year in review” update to attendees prior to the listening session.

• Standards 10 and 11 were revised in September 2015, after in-depth review and consideration of stakeholder input. Revisions provide more clarity to colleges as to

the Council’s expectations regarding Research Programs and Outcomes Assessment. Per COE policy regarding assessment of revised standards, assessment of schools based on these revised standards will begin in October 2016.

• Comments were solicited regarding proposed changes to Standards 3, 4, 5 and 6 in early 2016 as part of the in-depth annual review of each standard. The revisions require colleges to include outcomes to demonstrate compliance. Assessment of schools based on these revised standards will begin in April 2017.

Walter McCarthy, DVMAVMA Delegate

Eric Bregman, VMDAVMA Alternate Delegate

Kids performed “surgery” on a stuffed teddy bear.

Photo credit: Photography With TLC.


• A working group was established to review the COE Guidelines for Implementation of a Distributive Veterinary Clinical Education Model. The group will provide its report to the full COE for consideration this Fall.

• As a result of stakeholder input, the COE convened the working groups, who are charged with providing recommendations, if any, on changes to the standards regarding diversity and student finances. Their report also will be presented to the full COE in September, and public comment will be sought and considered prior to final approval by the COE.

• As a part of the ongoing cyclical review process, the COE will review Standards 7 (Admission), 8 (Faculty) and 9 (Curriculum) at its September

meeting. Public comment will be sought and considered prior to final approval by the COE for any proposed change.

During the listening session, attendees were invited to provide feedback and comments about the accreditation process and related issues. The comments will be presented to the full Council on Education for consideration and response as appropriate. An audio recording of the session is available at: https://www.avma.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/Education/Accreditation/Colleges/Documents/COE-Listening-session-transcript-August-7-2016.pdf.

The HOD elected Dr. Stacy Pritt to the office of AVMA vice president. Dr. Pritt, who ran unopposed, is director of the institutional animal care and use committee in the Research Administration department at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical

Center. The AVMA vice president serves a two-year term as the association’s liaison to the Student AVMA and student chapters, and is also a voting member of the AVMA Board.

Dr. Michael Topper, the immediate past chair of the HOD House Advisory Committee and a member of the HOD since 2008, was elected AVMA president-elect. Dr. Topper is a veteran of the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, and he currently serves as director of clinical pathology and immunology for Merck Research Laboratories.

Dr. Janet Donlin has been named executive vice president/chief executive officer of the AVMA. Donlin will succeed Dr. Ron DeHaven, who is retiring after nine years of service to the AVMA. She has served as chief executive officer of the AVMA Professional Liability Insurance Trust (AVMA PLIT) since April 2013.

Dr. Andrew Clark, DVM, MBA, has been named interim chief executive officer of AVMA PLIT succeeding Dr. Donlin. Dr. Clark is well known and highly respected in the veterinary community as an experienced Equine practitioner. He has served on the PLIT Board of Trustees for over 12 years and most recently served as the Chair of the Trust. •

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Dr. William “Bill” Herbert Baker ’57William “Bill” Herbert Baker died May 21, 2016, following a brief illness. Bill was born Feb. 14, 1932, in Buffalo, N.Y. He earned his degree in veterinary medicine from Cornell University in 1957. Following graduation, he and his family moved to Virginia where he established the Warrenton Veterinary Clinic. In the early 1970s his love of sailing led him to the Outward Bound School at Hurricane Island, Maine, as a sailing instructor and course director. In 1973, he captained a 40-foot sailboat and, along with his wife and two crew members, sailed from Norfolk, Va., to Cadiz, Spain, fulfilling his dream to complete a nonstop transatlantic trip. In the years following, the ships became increasingly larger as he captained small freighters around the world. He later traded his sea legs and returned to land settling in Costa Rica and Florida, as a business consultant, photographer and graphic designer.

Bill was a dedicated community advocate. He was a strong supporter of Northwest College and was past president of the Rotary Club of Powell. In 2012, Bill helped form the Powell

Health Care Coalition board of directors and devoted himself to bringing affordable healthcare to the underserved in the Big Horn Basin. His inspired efforts helped to officially establish Heritage Health Center in Powell as a Federally Qualified Community Health Center in 2015.

Dr. Jon D. Krause ’73Jon Krause passed quietly on June 2, 2016 at age 76. Predeceased by his brother, Lee C. Krause, he is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Barbara Krause; son, Mark Krause; daughter, Jody Krause-Francis; grandsons, Josh and Jake Krause and Matthew Francis; brother, Carl R. (Carol) Krause; sister-in-law, Carol Dietzsch; many loving nieces and nephews.

Jon was born on June 18, 1939 in Scranton, Pa. to the late Carl and Benedith Krause. He was a graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Jon was the proud owner of Palmyra Animal Hospital until 2004. Doc’s passions included fly fishing, hunting, shooting competitive trap and attending his grandsons sporting events and musical activities. He was an accomplished chip carver. Jon will

IN MEMORIAM

Colleagues Who Will Be Missed

be missed by many friends, both four legged and two legged.

Dr. Harold C. Edinger ’81Harold C. Edinger died April 24, 2016, age 64, of complications following surgery. Chuck was born March 19, 1952 in Evans City, PA. to Harold and June Edinger. His family moved to Palmyra in 1964. He graduated from Pal-Mac in 1970, attended SUNY Cortland; served two years in the Marine Corps, transferred to Cornell University, and graduated from Cornell Veterinary Medical School in 1981. Chuck worked in both large and small animal practices throughout his career.

Dr. Maria Laurendeau ‘84Maria Laurendeau of Campbell Hall, N.Y., passed away on July 29, 2016 at the age of 54.

Maria was born on July 21, 1962 in Springfield, Mass. In 1970, the family relocated to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where Maria attended Arlington schools. At the age of nine, Maria took riding lessons at Joe Bellino’s farm. This event began her life-long commitment to the care and comfort of horses. During her high school days, Maria was active in 4-H Horse Clubs and was the NYS

Horse Bowl Champion. The 4-H program loaned a horse to Maria which she cared for and took to competitions. In 1980, Maria graduated from Arlington High School.

Maria attended Cornell University and graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree.

From August 1984 to June 1985, she attended Westmoreland Davis Equestrian Institute in Loudon County, Va. While there, she wrote a procedure manual on the correct running of a stable in addition to improving her riding technique.

Maria worked as a stable manager in Massachusetts, while attending classes at Harvard University night school to prepare for acceptance to the Tufts University Veterinary Program.

Maria received a Doctorate of Veterinary Science from Tufts University in 1992. After graduation, Maria worked as an equine veterinarian for Dr. Linda Mittel and subsequently for Dr. Brian McNamara before starting her own practice. On March 4, 1995, Maria married the love of her life, Robert A. Breckel. •

Practices for SaleWhen buying or selling a veterinary practice, rely on the expertise of total Practice Solutions Group. See our display ad this issue. Contact Dr. Kurt Liljeberg for a free consultation. (800) 380-6872 or [email protected].

Western New YorkAfter 40 years in business, the doctor is moving on. This completely equipped veterinary hospital includes 4 exam rooms, 2 surgical rooms, offices, waiting room, storage, kennel area and observation room. Also includes rental of building’s dog grooming wing. Constructed in 1991, the facility is 8,468 sq. ft. on 1.3 acres. List price is $499,000 for practice, equipment and building at 9332 Warsaw Road, LeRoy, N.Y. Contact Tim Clark, (585) 506 -8417, [email protected].

Practices for SaleVT – Windsor County *NEW* MA – Middlesex County MA – Middlesex County NH – Merrimack County NH – Lake Sunapee Area NY – Genesee County NY – Franklin County NY – Westchester County ME – York County ME – York County PA – Huntington County CT – New London County. Visit Nate Lynch & Associates at www.natelynch.com for the latest listings. Contact us via email at [email protected], or give us a call at (800) 567-1264.

Capital DistrictNY178. Grossing $975k, one doctor. This small animal practice is busting at the seams with growth potential. Lake George Region of the Adirondacks. Practice, real estate and attached house: $970k. Simmons N.Y. For more information, please contact Joe Stephenson at

(845) 943-4998, [email protected] or go to our website, www.simmonsinc.com, to fill out a confidentiality agreement and learn more about the practice.

Finger LakesNY181. Very profitable! Grossing $1.2 million. About two full-time equivalent doctors. Growing community in Finger Lakes region. Practice and real estate for sale. $1.72 million for the package. For more information, please contact Joe Stephenson at (845) 943-4998, [email protected] or go to our website, www.simmonsinc.com, to fill out a confidentiality agreement and learn more about the practice.

Hudson ValleyNY164. Satellite practice near up and coming city in Ulster County. No competition in town. Little competition nearby. Great opportunity to jump start a practice in the area. Asking $325,000 for practice and real estate. For more information, please contact Joe Stephenson at (845) 943-4998, [email protected] or go to our website, www.simmonsinc.com, to fill out a confidentiality agreement and learn more about the practice.

NY179. State of the art facility. Rapidly growing part of Sullivan County. One doctor grossing close to $1,100,000. Practice and real estate, including a well-kept house: $1.3 million. For more information, please contact Joe Stephenson at (845) 943-4998, [email protected] or go to our website, www.simmonsinc.com, to fill out a confidentiality agreement and learn more about the practice.

New York CityNY182. One-doctor, small animal practice in Queens. Grossing just under $300,000. At an

asking price of $155,000 this is an easy way to get into practice ownership in an area with few practices for sale. For more information, please contact Joe Stephenson at (845) 943-4998, [email protected] or go to our website, www.simmonsinc.com, to fill out a confidentiality agreement and learn more about the practice.

Southern TierNY177. One-doctor, small animal practice near Ithaca. Recent gross about $630k. Practice, real estate, rental house: $779,000. Practices in Ithaca are hard to find and quick to sell. For more information, please contact Joe Stephenson at (845) 943-4998, [email protected] or go to our website, www.simmonsinc.com, to fill out a confidentiality agreement and learn more about the practice.

WestchesterNY180. Great growth opportunity in a high demand market! One-doctor, cat practice. 30 minutes outside of Manhattan, NYC. Grossing $530,000 with reduced owner hours. Asking $379,995. For more information, please contact Joe Stephenson at (845) 943-4998, [email protected] or go to our website, www.simmonsinc.com, to fill out a confidentiality agreement and learn more about the practice.

Portable Veterinary Equipment for SaleFor sale: 2005 Triple Crown Port-A-Vet unit for 8-foot pick-up bed. Excellent condition. Please contact for price and additional details. Email: [email protected] or call (845) 283-5585.

Veterinarians WantedCapital DistrictBrunswick Veterinary Hospital

seeks to add a part-time or full-time veterinarian. Beautiful, rapidly expanding, small animal hospital located in Brunswick, N.Y. If you would like to work in a comfortable atmosphere with a small staff, then this is your place! We also encourage learning and self-improvement and understand that a work-life balance is important. Benefits include: a competitive salary, career growth potential, a generous CE allowance including dues/membership fees, employee pet discount, training, vacation and sick time, and more. Submit a cover letter, resume, reference to: [email protected] or fax: (518) 244-3290.

Looking for full-time or part-time licensed veterinarian to join our two doctor hospital in Fulton County, N.Y. We are a busy, progressive, team oriented group providing high-quality care. Excellent support staff. Ample time off to enjoy your hobbies. If interested, please call Dr. Michael Tucci at (518) 883-6365.

Finger LakesMixed Animal Clinic in the Finger Lakes Region. Small animal office hours and surgery. Large animal calls include dairy, beef, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and camelids. We have a haul-in facility with squeeze shoot and stocks available. Shared emergencies. Our office staff works well together, so we need a team player. Salary dependent upon experience, additional benefits provided. Call Dr. Guy Hammond at (607) 769-7539 or email [email protected].

Genesee ValleyCompanion animal practice in the beautiful Genesee Valley looking for a full-time veterinary associate who would


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be interested in buying-in or buying-out. Great support staff. We strive for a small town personal approach with clients and patients. Please email [email protected] or call (585) 243-5100.

Long IslandPart-time (possibly full-time) veterinarian needed for a three doctor practice located in Stony Brook, N.Y. Experience preferred. Internship training is a plus. Contact Dr. John DeVerna at (631) 689-8877 or email [email protected].

New York CityOur ideal candidate is a veterinarian with at least three years of experience in a small animal general practice setting. Strong internal medicine, surgical, dentistry, and leadership skills are desired. Riverside Animal Hospital-South is a small, boutique hospital in the heart of the Upper West Side of NYC. We work with rescue groups and even run a small adoption center within our own practice. Our close-knit team works together with unmatched dedication. Open 6 days a week. Find more information at www.vetsnyc.com. To apply, email your CV to Heather Wright at [email protected] with “Riverside” as the email title.

Western New YorkFT/PT associate veterinarian needed at small-animal exclusive practice. Newly remodeled facility with three Licensed Veterinary Technicians on staff. Flexible schedule available with no after-hours emergencies. Ownership interest available. Please submit resume via email to Todd Myers, DVM at [email protected].

Eastern PennsylvaniaOley Valley Animal Clinic located in Oley, Pa. is seeking a full-time Associate Veterinarian to join our team! We are an exclusive small animal veterinary clinic that provides comprehensive progressive medical services to

pets. We are seeking a full-time associate veterinarian to join our practice. We offer a competitive salary, health, dental, and vision insurance, 401K, CE allowance, paid vacation and sick days, and licensing/professional dues. Find more information at: www.oleyvalleyanimalclinic.com. To apply, email CV/resume to Heather Wright, Recruiter at: [email protected]. No calls please.

Relief Veterinarian Available NYC/Surrounding AreasPer-diem work and steady part-time in NYC and surrounding metro areas. Available most Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Excellent people skills. Good practice builder. 35 years of clinical experience. Many references. Contact Dr. Tobias Jungreis at: (917) 378-8447.

Relief/Contract Veterinarian WantedVIP Petcare is the premier provider of pet vaccine and non-emergency veterinary clinics. We are currently expanding our service areas throughout New York State and are looking for engaging veterinarians like you! Qualifications: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Liability Insurance. Please contact Alaine Kalder to get started: [email protected]; (707) 620-2266.

Licensed Veterinary Technician WantedGenesee ValleyVery busy, fast-paced animal hospital looking for a team player. We also do exotics and wildlife. Must be reliable and dependable. Full-time schedule does include some nights and Saturdays. Salary based on experience. Applicants can send resume to: East Ridge Animal Hospital, 60 Dubelbeiss Lane, Rochester, NY 14622, Attn: Dr. Balonek •


Kurt Liljeberg

John Bryk

George Sikora

Bill Crank

When Selling or Buyinga Veterinary Practice

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Veterinary practice brokers focused on the financial success and growth of fellow veterinary professionals.

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John P. Bryk, DVM Eastern NY Representative


Bill Crank, DVMEastern NY Representative


George R. Sikora, DVM Eastern NY Representative


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