CVMA (Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association)

01/24/2025

Dogs who were surrendered to shelters due to having too much energy - an ideal trait for search and rescue - are rescued and trained by the Search Dog Foundation in Ventura County and deployed nationwide to assist in disasters. Last week, as wildfires spread rapidly across California, these dogs brought their expertise to their own backyard, becoming rescuers themselves. You can read more in the full article here:
https://ktla.com/news/california/wildfires/former-shelter-dogs-on-the-front-lines-of-los-angeles-wildfire-search-efforts/

01/23/2025

CVMA will be hosting an open conversation on large animal veterinary medicine and the shortage of practitioners. Please join us on Zoom February 10, 2025 at 7pm EST. You can join via the QR code.

Please share your comments in the survey (by February 1st) to help us better understand the current conditions of large animal practice: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6Z3N77T

01/23/2025

CVMA's Emerging Leader, Dr. Alex Uden, attended the Veterinary Leadership Conference. Read about her experience below.

"The Veterinary Leadership Conference, which I attended as the CVMA’s Emerging Leader, was the most valuable Professional Development experience of my career. Particularly valuable was the opportunity to network: I was able to connect with practicing veterinarians working within my areas of interest and those in separate fields, I also got to meet and learn from leaders of various professional organizations within vet med. These latter interactions, combined with watching the House of Delegates convene, sparked in me an interest in organized veterinary medicine I couldn’t have predicted. The conference sessions were informative and useful, offering practical advice that I can bring back to my work immediately. In short, attending the VLC offered opportunities to improve my current practice, connect with colleagues nation-wide, and expand my professional interests in ways not possible had I not attended."

01/21/2025

Call for Comments!

AVMA invites members to comment on the draft Model Veterinary Practice Act (MVPA). Please read through the draft MVPA, then complete a short form to suggest any specific changes you would like to see and why.

Comments must be submitted by 12:59 AM Wednesday, Eastern Time (ET) on February 15, 2025.

Read the draft:https://www.avma.org/system/files/2024-11/2025_MVPA-Draft-2024-10-25-Line-Numbered.pdf

Submit comments: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6Z3N77T"

01/16/2025

Using dimmed lights and soothing sounds, a pilot program called Operation Snooze attempts to relax and regulate dog's moods at a shelter in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Dogs are encouraged to rest for an hour each day during nap time. You can read more in the full article here: https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/nap-time-pilot-program-for-dogs-launches-at-dartmouth-spca-1.7170032

01/13/2025

Connect with your local veterinary community and thrive with the CVMA by your side! Join the CVMA today and make the most of our available benefits. 🐾

- Advocacy support with a dedicated lobbyist
- Early registration & discounts on CE programs
- New Employee Assistance Program
- Networking with the Connecticut Veterinary Meetup Group
- Career Center with FREE job postings!
- Exclusive discounts from Industry Partners
- And so much more!

Check your email for renewal instructions, or learn more and join via https://ctvet.org/page/join-cvma

01/10/2025

According to AVMA President-elect Dr. Michael Bailey, cats aren't necessarily more susceptible to contracting Avian Influenza (H5N1), but their behavioral patterns and their lifestyles at home may mean that they have more exposure to the virus.

Exposure to raw foods and wild birds should be limited as we see an increase in cases in the US. Keep your pets inside when you can, and keep a close eye on them outdoors to ensure they don't touch sick or dead animals or animal droppings. If your cat displays symptoms, call a veterinarian immediately.

The same precautions for cats should also be taken for dogs, according to the FDA. Bird flu has not been found in dogs in the U.S. yet, but they are able to contract it.

Read the article here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/12/27/cats-bird-flu-risk-humans/77236773007/

01/09/2025

The Eaton Fire Emergency has left many animals in need of medical care and shelter. Pasadena Humane is finding shelter space for more than 300 animals and providing pet food, other necessities, and veterinary treatment to displaced families. You can find information to donate below.

Update on Eaton Fire Emergency:
We have taken in over 300 animals due to evacuations and have staff and volunteers working nonstop to help with their care. We are starting to see many animals coming in with burns and injuries. These animals are being treated in our ICU. We are providing them with pain medications, wound care, fluid, and oxygen as needed.

We’re working with shelters across the state who have offered to take in the animals that were already in our care so that we can focus on providing resources to the displaced animals. A huge thank you to the shelters throughout California who are offering assistance, as well as all people in our community reaching out to volunteer or donate. Our biggest need right now is for monetary donations to help provide emergency resources to animals affected by the wildfires.

If you are being evacuated and can go somewhere with your pets–such as a friend or family member’s home–that is ideal. If you are evacuating, please take your animals with you. We are very thankful that the Pasadena Civic Center has allowed people to stay with their pets. We are helping in any way that we can–providing them with resources such as food and leashes for the displaced families. We also have pet food available at the shelter for those who need it. If you cannot go somewhere that allows your pet to stay with you, you can bring your animals to the shelter where we are offering emergency boarding.

Our Animal Control Officers have been on the ground helping animals in the community. While they are not going into the active fire areas, we are preparing to get in many injured animals that will need our help in those areas once the fires are cleared. If you find injured wildlife, please text our wildlife helpline at 626.344.1129. If you find any other animal, including dogs and cats, please call Animal Control at 626.792.7151 ext. 970.

We anticipate getting in even more animals who are in need of emergency medical care as the fires continue. If you are able to donate, please visit https://give.pasadenahumane.org/give/654134/ #!/donation/checkout

01/09/2025

January is Walk Your Pet Month! Walking your dog is a great way to stay active and bond, but it’s important to stay safe!

You can read more about Walk Your Pet Month, the rewards of a walking plan, and safety tips from the AVMA: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/walking-your-pet

01/08/2025

Librela, a popular drug for dogs with arthritis, may be associated with a variety of potentially severe neurological effects according to a recent review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which approved the drug last year.

The FDA has alerted veterinarians to the adverse events that may be associated with Librela and recommended that the drug’s label be updated to include them.

You can read more here: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/product-safety-information/dear-veterinarian-letter-notifying-veterinarians-about-adverse-events-reported-dogs-treated-librela

01/07/2025

Blue Ridge Beef is recalling 1,350 lbs. of their 2 1b log Kitten Mix. On 01/03/2025 the firm was notified by the FDA that the product tested positive for Salmonella.

The products were distributed between July 18, 2024 to July 26, 2024. The product is packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in retail stores located in the states of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. An image of the food label is included.

If you use this brand, read more from the FDA here: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blue-ridge-beef-recalls-blue-ridge-beef-kitten-mix-due-salmonella-contamination

01/07/2025

The 8 dimensions of wellness, introduced by Dr. Peggy Swarbrick in the 1990s, emphasize treating the whole individual based on essential human needs. Dr. Swarbrick defines wellness as intentionally cultivating habits and increasing awareness in each dimension.

For this exercise, reflect on these questions for each dimension of your life:

How do I rate my health in this area on a scale of 1-10?
Do I need to do more research or learn more about this specific topic?
Do I already have practices in place here? If not, what can I implement to improve this area of my life?
What can I do to enrich and reach my full potential in this area?
Who or what can I turn to for help or resources in this area of my life?

VMA has partnered with CorpCare to provide a Member Assistance Program (MAP) and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to CVMA members and member practices. As part of your membership benefits, you have free access to confidential and voluntary short-term counseling and support for your wellbeing. This includes personal or work-related challenges like stress, family issues, substance abuse, or mental health concerns, as well as a 24/7 confidential support hotline.

You can read more here: https://corpcareeap.com/the-eight-dimensions-of-wellness/

01/06/2025

The 2025 CVMA Industry Partners Program has launched! This new program offers enhanced visibility and engagement with the Connecticut veterinary community through a featured presence on the CVMA website and discounted opportunities to network with veterinary professionals at CVMA CE events.

If you're interested in joining, you can learn more here: https://ctvet.org/page/industry-partners

01/02/2025

January is Train Your Dog Month! 🐾🎓 Whether it’s teaching basic commands or working on socialization, training helps keep your dog happy, healthy, and well-behaved.

It's the perfect time to ensure your dog gets the guidance they deserve in 2025! 🐶💙

01/01/2025

Avian influenza (H5N1) poses a serious risk to cats, often leading to severe illness or death. The virus can be contracted through raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy, or exposure to infected birds. To prevent infection, keep cats indoors, avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy, and limit contact with wildlife. If you suspect your cat has H5N1, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Learn more from the AVMA: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-h5n1-cats

01/01/2025

🐾✨ Wishing all a happy and healthy 2025 from the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association!

12/31/2024

There's still time to make your year-end gift to CVMF! The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Foundation has been fortunate to significantly grow our programming over the past year.

The Companion Assistance Program offers low-income Connecticut residents vouchers of up to $125 to assist with the cost of veterinary care. The number of vouchers issued per month has increased from 2-3 in 2022 to 40 in 2024.

Demand is also increasing for our Companions In Crisis program, which provides temporary, safe shelter for animals affected by domestic violence-related relocations or other emergency situations. We work with local animal hospitals to board these pets in a secure and confidential manner.

Donations to CVMF help us continue to administer these programs and make CT a better place for pets and people.

We are thankful for your support. You can make your gift here: https://petsafetyct.org/annual-appeal/

12/30/2024

AVMA Call for Research Participants: Veterinary Technicians Utilization and Veterinary Burnout!

New opportunities are available for veterinary practices to participate in AVMA-funded trials addressing veterinarian burnout and how to engage veterinary technicians.

Both studies offer significant benefits to participating practices. Participation closes 12/31 for the veterinary technician study, while the veterinary burnout study will continue through early January. You can learn more here: https://www.avma.org/blog/deadline-extended-engage-your-veterinary-technicians?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=test%20of%20mailing%204323751%20on%2012%2F04%2F2024%2013%3A30%3A58&utm_id=8175893&dlv-emuid=ee493c62-ad86-4870-9b32-50026fc7e41c&dlv-mlid=8175893