Is Colorado's New Veterinary Professional Associate Bill Undermining Voter Intent? The Debate Heats Up
A new bill aimed at implementing the veterinary professional associate (VPA) position in Colorado has sparked heated debate among veterinary advocates and critics alike. The bill, House Bill 1285, outlines the education, accreditation, and scope of practice for the newly created VPA role, a position established by Colorado voters through Proposition 129 in November 2023.
Riverside, Rhode Island’s Low-Income Veterinary Clinic to Close Amid Rising Costs and Economic Challenges
Pets in Need Veterinary Clinic, a vital resource for low-income pet owners, will close its doors at the end of April, the Potter League for Animals announced. The clinic, located in Riverside, has long been a lifeline for families in need of affordable veterinary care.
Education Department will no longer oversee student loans, 'special needs'
The U.S. federal student loan system, which currently manages about $1.6 trillion in loans for approximately 43 million borrowers, is facing a massive shift. Recently, the government announced that the management of this loan portfolio, along with other "special needs" programs, would be transferred out of the Department of Education, affecting borrowers nationwide, including veterinarians. This change could have significant implications for current veterinary students, recent graduates with student loan debt, and those considering veterinary school.
Revolutionary Cancer Treatment for Dogs Just Got USDA Approval—Here’s What It Means for Your Patients
A major breakthrough has occurred in the fight against canine cancer, thanks to Elias Animal Health, a Lenexa-based biotechnology firm. The company has recently received full regulatory approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for a revolutionary gene therapy treatment designed to target bone cancer in dogs, a condition that has traditionally been difficult to treat with existing therapies.
Drug found ‘remarkably’ effective in treating common canine oral cancer
Dogs that have oral squamous cell carcinomas often need surgeries that disfigure their jaws and lower their quality of life – and in 20% of dogs diagnosed, the cancer has metastasized to a point where surgery is no longer an option.
Research shows humans have a long way to go in understanding a dog’s emotions
Life with a dog is a matter of give and take. Especially when it comes to communication. With no common human-dog language, our ability to communicate relies on understanding and reading our pet, and vice versa. That process can seem seamless. You give your dog a treat, you look into her eyes and she says “I am delighted to have that cookie.” With a slight wag of her tail, she accepts the treat and romps off to another room to enjoy it. You feel connected to your dog.