Photo courtesy Dr. Ross Massimiano The new year is a time to take stock, catch up with new developments, and plan for the future. Legislation, veterinary education, and changes and advances in care and practice management will all play a role in shaping—and reshaping—veterinary medicine in the coming year. We asked experts what to watch for. New and proposed laws Animal-related legislation can affect veterinarians in general practice, shelter medicine, and research. Several recently passed or newly proposed laws can potentially change how veterinarians practice. A shelter-related humane law slated to go into effect in December 2025 is the state of New York’s Companion Animal Care Standards Act, which introduces new requirements for animal shelter facilities. The section on veterinary care includes the following: Protocols for administering medications, vaccinations, and parasite treatments Surgical protocols for spaying and neutering Provision of veterinary assessment and timely humane care either in-house or at off-site locations Detailed requirements for intake assessments and examinations, emergency medical plans, and treatment of acute and chronic pain In Massachusetts, Ollie’s Law, signed in October by Gov. Maura Healey, establishes state oversight of daycare and boarding facilities and licensing requirements for kennels, including veterinary boarding kennels. The Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association supported it. Legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in October would prohibit federal funds from being made available to institutions of higher education that conduct or fund painful research on dogs or cats. The Higher Education Loses Payments for Painful Experiments, Tests and Studies Act, or HELP PETS Act, exempts clinical veterinary research. That is defined as research on a dog or cat with a naturally occurring disease or injury that is conducted for the benefit of the dog or cat or with the intention of studying the effect of a procedure, device, or treatment protocol. Also exempted is any physical exam, training program, or study relating to service or military animals. “This may be somewhat controversial, but I think we have reached a point where painful research on dogs or cats is no longer necessary,” says Martha Smith-Blackmore, DVM, faculty fellow at the Center for Animals and Public Policy at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University. A proposed bill Dr. Smith-Blackmore would like to see passed is the Protecting America’s Working Dogs Act of 2024. Introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last May, the bill would create a grant program to ensure veterinary care for retired federal working dogs. “It is only fair that if we ask dogs to work for us and with us, at their own peril, that we should care for them in their golden years,” she tells Veterinary Practice News. At the state level, in October, Delaware Gov. John Carney signed into law a requirement that “an owner be reimbursed up to $1,500 annually for veterinary expenses paid by the owner for the care of a law-enforcement canine retired from a police department” in the state. Timing of spay/neuter For decades, conventional wisdom has been that puppies and kittens should be spayed or neutered at six to nine months of age, but the one-size-fits-all advice has been replaced by a more individualized approach. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has issued new guidelines1 for reproductive control in dogs and cats, published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice in 2024. Recommendations include the following: Ovariectomy instead of ovariohysterectomy for dogs and cats Laparoscopic sterilization for female dogs, especially small-breed dogs Vasectomy for males and hysterectomy for females Considering species, sex, breed, purpose and lifestyle of the animal, and financial constraints in consultation with clients to determine the best age for gonadectomy Ovariectomy uses a smaller incision, requires less time to perform, and is associated with fewer potential complications. Laparoscopic sterilization2 is less painful and offers quicker recovery. Vasectomy and ovary-sparing spay maintain gonadal hormones in dogs and are associated with fewer general health problems, fewer problematic and nuisance behaviors, and longer lifespan. In large and giant breeds, some studies have shown delaying gonadectomy may reduce the risk of orthopedic, behavioral, endocrine, and neoplastic conditions.3 The WSAVA guidelines state: “There is some evidence that gonadectomy increases the risk for osteosarcomas in both female and male dogs of large-size breeds. The relative risk to develop osteosarcoma was described to be twofold among gonadectomized compared to intact dogs.” Guidelines are not mandates, but clients are thinking about these topics. Be familiar with the evidence to answer questions and address concerns thoroughly and effectively. The coming year could also be a good time to learn unfamiliar surgical techniques, such as laparoscopic ovariectomy or vasectomy if you have clients who may wish to pursue those procedures for their animals. New treatments Clients whose cats have ingested any part of a lily may have heard about a study at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) School of Veterinary Medicine. The study found outpatient management with owner-administered subcutaneous fluids could be a viable option for care.4 “Treating cats who have been exposed to renal-toxic lilies with intravenous fluids continues to be the most ideal care for a positive outcome,” says Renee D. Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, director of veterinary medicine at Pet Poison Helpline. “Subcutaneous fluids should be considered as an alternative for patients that are not able to tolerate intravenous fluids; if there are financial constraints prohibiting in-hospital care; or limited veterinary care available through a clinic. Timing of initiating care is also extremely critical, as it is rare to see renal damage in cats who have care initiated within the first few hours after ingestion, including decontamination and fluid therapy.” Expect to see more monoclonal antibody-based pharmaceuticals, says Tamara Grubb, DVM, PhD, DACVAA. With more than 100 in use in human medicine and only five in veterinary medicine, there’s lots of room for growth. “Monoclonal antibodies have the advantages of being produced for a specific target, thus reducing off-target adverse effects and potentially increasing efficacy,” Dr. Grubb says. “Additional safety factors include the fact that monoclonal antibodies are proteins that don’t require hepatic or renal metabolism and don’t utilize carriers like p-glycoprotein.” A new pandemic? If the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus were to mutate to allow efficient human-to-human transmission and merge with seasonal flu strains, it could lead to a pandemic more severe than COVID-19, warns Ross Massimiano, DVM, regional talent director for Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG). “Wastewater surveillance in some communities, including areas in California, suggests the virus may be more widespread than previously thought,” says Dr. Massimiano. “This potential threat highlights the importance of vigilance in epidemiology, virology, and public health. The veterinary community plays a crucial role in monitoring and managing zoonotic diseases, and we must be prepared for such scenarios. Enhanced surveillance, research, and collaboration with public health agencies will be essential to mitigate this risk.” Fighting FIP outbreak in Cyprus EveryCat Health Foundation (EHF) and Morris Animal Foundation are collaborating on an urgent emerging crisis in Cyprus involving the devastating effect of feline infectious peritonitis on the country’s community cat population. “This funding partnership is prepared to provide multiple years of support for the cats and cat care teams in the region,” says Maggie Placer, DVM, veterinary science program manager for EHF. “In an effort to understand, triage and treat this outbreak, it is hoped that we will refine and improve our tools for diagnosing and treating any cat facing FIP.” Easing the shortage The pandemic spotlighted the severe shortage of veterinarians and access to veterinary care. Clinics are struggling to recruit and retain associate veterinarians. Food-animal producers are also facing a shortage of veterinarians. Many animals are not receiving the care they need, whether pets or livestock. Additional veterinary schools in various stages of development are in the works to help increase the numbers of veterinary professionals needed to meet the demand for care and services. They are expected to open their doors in Arkansas (at both Arkansas State University and Lyon College), Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and Utah. “There is a demand for veterinary education by qualified applicants that exceeds the seats available in current veterinary schools,” says Texas A&M University professor emerita and dean emerita of veterinary medicine Eleanor Green, DVM, who will lead the proposed veterinary school at Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas. “Existing veterinary schools cannot expand their class sizes to meet this need.” AI also aids in interpreting radiology scans. There are AI software that analyze images and generate reports within minutes, enabling rapid development of treatment plans. Photo courtesy Dr. Ross Massimiano Artificial intelligence (AI) Massimiano says emerging technologies are poised to transform veterinary education. These include AI-powered personalized tutoring and virtual, augmented, and extended reality (VR/AR/XR). “AI tutors can provide personalized learning paths, offer instant feedback on complex topics, and simulate clinical scenarios for practice and decision-making,” he says. “Platforms like Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest are being developed as educational tools. These technologies offer immersive training environments, allowing students to practice procedures and diagnose cases in simulated settings. This hands-on experience enhances skills before working with live animals, potentially improving patient outcomes.” Changing the workload Recordkeeping and administrative tasks are not why most veterinarians enter the field, but high caseloads and frequent staff shortages mean typing notes from patient exams can take up a couple of hours every day. Advances in AI are assisting veterinarians with tasks such as SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) documentation and scribing so they can get back to what they want to do most: care for patients. “Companies like VetRec and ScribbleVet are developing exciting new technologies that can streamline record keeping and reduce administrative burdens,” Massimiano says. With scribe tools, veterinarians can record appointments and have notes ready for review within seconds, says Rohan Relan, founder and CEO of ScribbleVet. Benefits include time savings, accuracy, ease of use, improved patient care and better client communications, he adds. “If 2024 was the year AI entered the veterinary zeitgeist, 2025 will be the year usage explodes and the tools are refined.” Those refinements include building in-house expertise and capability to reduce error rates on veterinary terms, decreasing occurrences of “hallucinations” (which occur when a model fabricates words that weren’t said), developing models that recognize whether a statement was made by an owner or the veterinarian, allowing veterinarians to customize note taking to match their own style, and generating email summaries to clients. “By significantly improving accuracy and reducing hallucinations, veterinarians can spend less time editing their notes and more time with their next patient,” Relan says. “Our vets have reported increased client understanding and satisfaction.” Introducing the mid-level practitioner The recent passage of Proposition 129 in Colorado, creating the new veterinary professional associate (VPA) role, represents a significant shift in the veterinary workforce landscape. This development has sparked both excitement and concern within the veterinary community. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has opposed the proposition, stating it “will jeopardize the safety of Colorado’s pets, the security of our food supply, public health, and the future of the veterinary care.”5 “We are disappointed with the outcome of Proposition 129 on the ballot in Colorado; however, rest assured that now, more than ever, we will continue our work to ensure the health and safety of Colorado’s animals are protected,” says Sandra Faeh, DVM, AVMA president, in a statement.6 “This includes pursuing all options to ensure that pets and other animals receive high-quality care led and delivered by comprehensively educated, proficient, and licensed veterinarians. We look forward to working collaboratively with stakeholders in pursuit of a regulatory framework that will protect Colorado’s animals, their owners, our food supply, and public health.” Supporters emphasize this “landmark” measure will help address the veterinary shortage by expanding the workforce with highly trained professionals in Colorado clinics and shelters. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has favored the outcome in a recent statement: “Colorado voters have given animals a chance to live longer, healthier, happier lives. It’s time to celebrate this win and every action animal advocates took to help get out the vote.”7 3 potential benefits: Expanded access to care. The VPA position aims to address the shortage of veterinary services, especially in rural and underserved areas. Career advancement. It provides new opportunities for veterinary technicians and related professionals to take on expanded responsibilities. Cost reduction. There is potential for reduced costs of veterinary services, making care more accessible. 3 concerns: Liability and oversight. Increased liability for supervising veterinarians is a significant concern. Clear guidelines on supervision and responsibility are necessary to ensure patient safety. Quality of care. Potential for poor patient outcomes due to less extensive training compared to veterinarians. Regulatory uncertainty. The long-term impact on the veterinary profession and how this role integrates into existing practice models remain to be seen. How this development will ultimately impact the industry has yet to be determined. The veterinary community is closely watching to see whether this change will benefit or harm the profession and animal welfare. Practices can expect new uses and integration of artificial intelligence (AI), including applications for administrative tasks, recordkeeping, diagnostics, and treatment plans. Photo courtesy Patterson Veterinary Better diagnostics and client communication Besides streamlining documentation, AI-powered tools may soon help provide diagnostic support. “I envision that by the end of next year, we’ll have AI systems with intelligence comparable to PhD or DVM levels available to professionals in the veterinary field,” Massimiano says. “These systems could serve as virtual veterinary assistants, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning by analyzing vast amounts of data and recognizing patterns that may not be immediately apparent to clinicians.” An early use of AI in veterinary medicine was assisting with the reading and interpreting radiology scans. AI software reviews images and returns a report within minutes, allowing treatment plans to be put in place quickly. “It’s a great solution that helps solve the current issue of oversupply of imaging scans and undersupply of trained radiologists,” says Staci Thorne, RVT, senior manager of products and partnerships at Patterson Veterinary. Expect to see other potential uses of AI. “The possibilities are endless,” says Lisa Jones, senior product owner, Patterson Veterinary. “In the next year I would expect to see repetitive tasks automated; a chat bot that can schedule appointments or take refill requests to be forwarded to staff for review and fill; and enhanced client engagement beyond ‘Your pet is due for services’ that includes why those services are vital to the health of the patient.” Kim Campbell Thornton has been writing about dogs, cats, wildlife, and marine life since 1985, and is a recipient of multiple awards for her articles and books from the Cat Writers Association, Dog Writers Association of America, and American Society of Journalists and Authors. References https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/reproduction-guidelines/ https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/minimally-invasive-less/ Vasectomy and ovary-sparing spay in dogs: comparison of health and behavior outcomes with gonadectomized and sexually intact dogs. Zink, C, Delgado, M, Stella, J. Journal of the AVMA. Jan. 19, 2023, Vol. 261, Issue 3. https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/261/3/ Prevalence of acute kidney injury and outcome in cats treated as inpatients versus outpatients following lily exposure. Lam, J, Hess, R, Reineke, E. Journal of the AVMA, Oct. 16, 2024. https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/aop/javma.24.05.0355/javma.24.05.0355.xml https://www.avma.org/advocacy/workforce-what-best-safe-quality-animal-care/colorados-proposed-vpa https://www.avma.org/news/midlevel-practitioner-proposal-secures-enough-votes-colorado#:~:text=Colorado%20voters%20have%20approved%20a,ballot%20measure%20called%20Proposition%20129. https://www.aspca.org/news/victory-people-pets-and-vets-colorado-passes-prop-129
