Veterinary Voices

Extreme weather is risky for veterinary drugs, too

With consumers turning more to mail delivery of medications even as shifts in climate drive weather extremes, the risk of exposing drugs to harsh environments is gaining attention.

The article on which this episode is based was published in print on Sept. 5, 2024.

Show notes:

The New York Times article cited is Hot summer threatens efficacy of mail-order medications.

The scientific study cited is Evaluation of temperature excursions from USP <659> recommendations during mail transit.

US state eases access for foreign-trained veterinarians

Targeting a veterinarian shortage in their state, New Hampshire lawmakers are looking to an untapped resource: foreign-trained veterinarians stuck in an overburdened licensing pipeline.

This article was published in print on Sept. 3, 2024.

Light bulb ban threatens reptile, amphibian welfare

When Dr. La'Toya Latney first met Chamillionaire, the youngster was suffering from serious bone damage.

This article was published in print on Aug. 29, 2024.

Voters could create first midlevel veterinary role in US

The creation of a midlevel professional in veterinary medicine has moved a step closer to reality and, in a novel twist, its fate rests on a public vote.

This article was published in print on Aug. 28, 2024.

Side effects raise questions on NexGard Combo parasiticide

Reports of serious, sometimes deadly, neurologic problems in cats given certain parasite-control treatments are drawing scrutiny to NexGard Combo, a topical medication introduced in the United States last year.

This article was published in print on July 16, 2024.

Pet insurance in the US: a 'failure'?

To read the North American pet insurance trade group's latest state of the industry report, one might think all is well: More dogs and cats are covered each year and sales revenue continues to trend upward.

At least three veterinarians who have followed the industry for years have a different view. 

This article was published in print on Aug. 19, 2024.

PetIQ shuts practices, lays off scores of veterinarians

Pet medication distributor PetIQ has all but ended a brief foray into veterinary practice with the closure of 133 clinics that will see scores of veterinarians and support staff lose their jobs.

This article was published in print on Aug. 15, 2024.

New exotic pet medicine group rattles establishment

Frustration is simmering among some veterinary specialists over a new organization that began in 2022 to certify veterinarians as diplomates in "exotic pet medicine," bypassing established credentialing programs.

New exotic pet medicine group rattles establishment was published Aug. 12, 2024

Veterinary chains Mission, Southern plan merger

Mission Veterinary Partners and Southern Veterinary Partners are planning a merger that would create one of the largest owners of veterinary practices in the United States.

Veterinary chains Mission, Southern plan merger was published Aug. 7, 2024.

Meet the lawyer working to reshape the veterinary landscape

Two decades ago, a lawyer named Mark Cushing received a call that spurred his ascent as one of the veterinary community's most formidable — and, some would say, polarizing — political strategists.

Meet the lawyer working to reshape the veterinary landscape was published on July 30, 2024.