Biomarker Development and Where We’re at with Veterinary Biomarkers

A cancer biomarker can be broadly defined as a molecule that indicates the presence of cancer or provides information about the likely future behavior of the cancer, which may include response to therapy.

From Herding Cats to Leading Teams: Practicing Self-Leadership for Success

Does your team fear failure? Do they struggle to navigate setbacks, disruptions, and plateaus in their progress? Do they talk openly about what’s not working without blaming or shaming each other?

Who’s Really Buying Veterinary Practices Right Now? A Look at Who’s on the Other Side of the Three Doors

The veterinary acquisition market has transformed more in the last decade than it did in the previous thirty years combined. Private equity discovered the profession. Corporate consolidators went from a novelty to a dominant force.

President’s Message – Robert Swinger, DVM, DACVO

As the warmth of summer begins to give way to the energy of fall, I find myself pausing to reflect on the extraordinary privilege it is to serve as your president.

Florida’s Future Veterinary Professionals Step Into the Field

Veterinary students entering the profession in 2026 are more than replacements for a rapidly retiring workforce. They are stepping into the field with a fresh perspective, broadening the vision for what veterinary medicine can become: a field defined by innovation, accessibility and deeper community connection.

Conservative Management of Cruciate Disease: Part 1 & Part 2

We will discuss cruciate ligament grading and how it can help inform the best treatment approach for your patient, whether conservative or surgical. This article will also cover rehabilitation modalities, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and physical rehabilitation exercises. WHAT IS CRUCIATE DISEASE? Cruciate disease is the most common cause of pelvic limb lameness, costing more than $1.3...

The Sweet Spot: Application of Continuous Interstitial Glucose Monitoring

The primary management goals for the diabetic canine or feline patient include improving clinical signs (i.e., polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia), maintaining body weight, and avoiding clinical hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. Traditional options for assessing glycemic control include evaluation of body weight, clinical signs, and either serum fructosamine concentration or blood glucose curves.

Disaster Response and Relief: Knowing Your Role and Your Resources

The instinct to help is more than a desire; it is innately instilled into our biology as human beings. For veterinary professionals, that instinct is driven by compassion for animals, their owners, and their communities.

St. Francis Vet Care is Leading the Charge in Accessible Veterinary Medicine

A new veterinary bill is on its way to the governor’s desk. HB 89 would require Florida veterinarians to clearly inform and educate clients about their choice in where their pet’s prescriptions are filled.

President’s Message – Robert Swinger, DVM, DACVO

As I begin my term, I want to share a bit more about the journey that brought me to this moment, the values that guide my work every day and the vision I hold for our association in the year ahead.

Only 2 Days Left: Download Your Mandatory HB 89 Veterinary Compliance Kit

Florida’s new prescription disclosure rules under House Bill 89 go into full effect this Wednesday, July 1, 2026. If you haven't yet prepared your clinic for these legislative changes, there is no need to panic. The FVMA has done the heavy lifting to ensure your practice remains fully compliant without losing valuable clinical time to legal drafting or graphic design.

Dealing With the Damaged Tooth: From Chips to Avulsions

Teeth take the brunt of force in normal activities such as playing, working, and even normal mastication. Due to their relative inelasticity, in many cases, teeth are fractured or otherwise traumatized. The extent of the fracture can vary in every instance and from a clinical standpoint, may be as minor as requiring no treatment to...

Don’t Just Clean Teeth: Steps to a Comprehensive Oral and Radiographic Evaluation (CORE)

Veterinary dentistry is not just about cleaning teeth or eliminating bad breath. Periodontal disease is the most common condition diagnosed in both dogs and cats, with 80% of pets over the age of three affected. Dental procedures are an important component of well-rounded veterinary care and should be treated with the same priority and precision...

Nominate an Everyday Hero & Support Wellbeing

When considering the relationship between mental health and work, one phrase often comes to mind: work-life balance.

Veterinarians First: A Family at Simmons & Associates

Doyle Watson, DVM, has eyes full of mirth as he recalls how his daughter, Carly Watson Tobler, came to work alongside him at Simmons & Associates, a south Georgia-based veterinary practice broker.

An Introduction to Veterinary Radiography

Dental radiographs are essential for the proper diagnosis of oral pathology in our dog and cat patients. Many oral and dental diseases cause inflammation and discomfort for our patients, even if they do show outward signs. Most of the pathology is below the gingival margin, making it difficult or impossible to see on an oral examination alone.

Proteinuria: What’s New in the Management of this Silent Killer?

Proteinuria is a commonly encountered problem in primary care veterinary medicine. Persistent renal proteinuria is a risk factor for progression of chronic kidney disease and increased morbidity and mortality in dogs and cats.

Want to Future-proof Your Veterinary Practice? Start with Tech Upgrades

Technology upgrades often fall to the bottom of the priority list in established veterinary practices.

President’s Message – Dr. Thomas Hester 

I hope you all enjoyed a restful and productive few months. The FVMA has been hard at work advocating for our profession, and I am pleased to share several important updates.

FVMA Veterinary News: Legislative Update

As 2025 draws to a close, we wanted to share critical updates on the legislative front. The FVMA spent 2025 working hard to advocate on your behalf and to prepare for 2026. Dispensing of Compunded Medication We held discussions with the Florida Board of Pharmacy to modify rule 64B16-27.700 (Veterinary Office Use Compounding) to remove...

Dispensing Compounded Medication and Xylazine Update 

The FVMA has an important update regarding compounding pharmacy agreements.

FVMA Foundation, Frankie’s Friends Announce Partnership

The Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) Foundation and the non-profit foundation Frankie’s Friends have partnered together to help save pets’ lives. 

Dr. Thomas Hester – President’s Message

Greetings, I hope this message finds you well and that you’re enjoying a restful and fulfilling summer. The FVMA has remained active and engaged on behalf of our members throughout the season. Over the past few months, our Legislative Committee has held numerous meetings with lawmakers across Florida in preparation for the upcoming legislative session,...

Spectrum of Cardiology Care: When Referral is Not an Option

There are many indications for referral of patients with heart disease to a veterinary cardiologist, but there are also numerous scenarios that veterinarians encounter where referral is not a feasible option for pet owners. It is important to remember the goal when deciding how to approach a clinical situation where finances or other factors dictate...

Wellbeing Champions: Let’s Take the Initiative Together

What brings veterinary professionals together? It’s simple: each other. Every veterinarian, veterinary technician and veterinary staff member can play an essential role in achieving mental wellbeing in their practice. From caring for animals to caring for each other, it takes all of us to create fulfilling and emotionally safe work environments. Th is goes far...

As Florida Enters Another Hurricane Season, Veterinary Professionals Must Be Ready

As Florida enters another hurricane season, state veterinary professionals should do everything in their power to stay ahead of the impact. The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, is predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to be above average in terms of activity, with a 60%...

Board of Pharmacy Rule – Update on Amended Rule 64B16-27 700

Board of Pharmacy rule change As you are probably aware, veterinarians are now required to sign a written agreement with your compounding pharmacy stating you will only administer “for office-use” compounded medications in house and will not dispense it to a patient or any other person or entity. This came about in a rule change...

Dr. Thomas Hester – President’s Message

I want to thank our members, our executive board and the staff of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association for entrusting me to become the FVMA’s 97th president. It is the honor of a lifetime, as our profession continues to evolve, bringing new challenges and opportunities that demand our resilience, adaptability and dedication. One of our...

Legislative Update: 2025 Session Wrap-Up and What’s Ahead for the FVMA

Florida’s 2025 formal legislative session ended May 2, bringing with it no major changes to veterinary medicine. This session presented both threats and opportunities, and while several critical issues were not passed and others were successfully held at bay, the work is far from over. As the Florida Veterinary Medical Association remains committed to protecting...

Embrace in Place? Overcoming Common Facility Roadblocks to Selling Your Practice

Whether you own or lease the real estate, your facility could become the main factor in determining your practice salability. In addition to the practice financial situation, potential buyers will scrutinize facility operational efficiency, growth potential and physical infrastructure. Several challenges, such as limited space, inadequate parking, and other structural or logistical constraints, can impact...

“Inspire by FVMA”: Where Will Your Journey Lead?

Veterinary medicine opens many doors: Meaningful work, sense of community, lifelong learning, enhanced animal welfare, commitment to public health, the list goes on. But down the hallway stands another door—and nearly 10 percent of veterinarians and up to 20 percent of veterinary staff will pay a visit at some point in their career. What’s on...

Recognizing and Managing Euglycemic DKA in Cats on SGLT2 Inhibitors: A Guide for Early Intervention

In 2022 and 2023, two sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) – Bexacat™ (bexagliflozin) and Senvelgo™ (velagliflozin) – were FDA-approved for treatment of newly diagnosed cats with diabetes mellitus (DM) that have never been treated with insulin in the U.S. Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (eDKA) is an emerging condition in veterinary medicine that was not observed until...

FVMA Legislative Update

The Florida Veterinary Medical Association is committed to protecting the quality and integrity of veterinary medicine through legislative advocacy. This past March, FVMA staff, board members, and members of the Political Action Committee traveled to Tallahassee to meet with representatives about four high-priority bills. Here is a recap of those bills and the FVMA’s position on each.

Navigating Cardiac and Respiratory Diseases in Small Animals: A Comprehensive and Practical Approach to Cardiac and Respiratory Diseases at 360º

Cardiac and respiratory diseases represent some of the most intricate challenges in small-animal veterinary medicine. In dogs and cats, recognition and differentiation of these conditions are a nuanced process, as they often overlap in their clinical presentation.

Practice Pulse

The latest issue of "Practice Pulse" covers important legal and regulatory updates for veterinarians, including guidance on issuing rabies certificates under Florida's new rabies vaccination law, treating animals that are not up to date on rabies vaccines, emailing prescriptions to clients, and handling DEA license changes when leaving a practice.

Introducing “Inspire by FVMA”

The "Inspire by FVMA" program is a well-being initiative designed to support veterinary professionals in Florida by providing mental health resources, including up to three free therapy sessions, access to licensed counselors, and workshops to address workplace stress and burnout.

Which Cape Would You Choose

The article "Which Cape Would You Choose?" from FVMA contrasts two approaches in veterinary medicine: the Red Cape, which tackles problems like burnout, and the Green Cape, which enhances positive aspects like joy and fulfillment.

Intravenous Crystalloid Solutions – The Essentials

Fluid therapy in clinical medicine is used to fulfill the following objectives: (1) replace dehydration deficits (2) maintain normal hydration, (3) replace essential electrolytes and nutrients, and (4) serve as a vehicle for infusing of certain intravenous medications. The methods used to provide fluids often influence the eventual outcome of the case. Therefore, the clinician...

Maximize Your Technicians and Increase Profitability

Veterinary technicians are vital members of every veterinary team. The role of the credentialed veterinary technician is varied and includes everything from anesthesia induction and monitoring, client education, and cleaning surgical instruments to maintaining hospital cleanliness, managing inventory, and providing patient nursing care. As we continue to navigate a worldwide pandemic and increased caseloads, veterinary...

What We’ve Done, What’s Happening Now, and What We’re Going to Do

At the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA), we take pride in our role as the foremost advocate for animal welfare in the state. In this capacity, we strive to protect and support animals with the same dedication and commitment as our individual veterinary professionals, including bolstering crucial lobbying initiatives that impact our members, their patients,...

DVM Moms: Balancing Vet Careers and Motherhood

Their days start before the sun is up, preparing themselves and their kids for the day ahead. Packing lunches, filling water bottles, giving comforting hugs, and saying “I love you” when they are in the school carline. This is just the beginning of the action-packed day that awaits a DVM mom. “We work so hard,...

Practice Pulse

Have a legal or regulatory question? The FVMA can help. QUESTION: When can a signature stamp be used on written scripts? A: A signature stamp is OK for anything except a Schedule II prescription. Having said that, the DEA’s position is that any prescription for a controlled substance must be manually signed. Also, using a...

Practice Pulse

Keeping you updated on regulatory and legislative changes affecting veterinary medicine.

Practice Pulse

Have a legal or regulatory question? The FVMA can help. QUESTION: What limitations does a new graduate working under a current doctor’s license while awaiting state test results have? Can they administer a rabies vaccine?  The new veterinarian can practice veterinary medicine under immediate (on premises, not over the shoulder) supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Under...

Navigating the Myths of Business Financing

Finding financing and partnering with the right lender can be a challenge for even the most experienced business owner. Veterinaryloans.com provides a simple, one-step process that connects you to industry-leading veterinary lenders and simplifies the lending application process. Our main goal is to help veterinarians quickly connect with a nationwide network of veterinary specialty lenders.Veterinaryloans.com...

FVMA Annual Conference 2024 Recap

Special Events Evening of Excellence

Update from the FVMA Disaster Preparedness Committee Chair

As the chair of the FVMA Disaster Preparedness Committee, I am proud to share our significant achievements from the past year and outline our ambitious plans for the future. Our commitment to safeguarding Florida’s animal population through preparedness, response, and recovery efforts has never been stronger. I also extend a heartfelt invitation to our community...

From Farm to Table: Life as a Food Animal Veterinarian

Amidst the sweltering heat and the occasional afternoon storm in the heart of South Florida’s agriculture land, Dusti Small, DVM, MS, navigates her days with a blend of grit and compassion. As part of the 3.6% of veterinarians focused on the health of livestock in the United States, her story provides insight into the challenges...

Immune-mediated Polyarthritis: An Overview of Pathology and Treatment from a Technician’s Perspective

Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) can be described as “chronic synovial inflammation in two or more joints, failure to isolate an organism from the joint fluid, and a positive response to immunosuppressive therapy.” It occurs when immune complexes are stimulated to enter the synovial fluid (a hypersensitivity reaction) and this draws neutrophils and sometimes T-cells.  IMPA is...

Using Cardiac Biomarkers in Clinical Practice

Cardiac biomarkers are increasingly being used to screen dogs and cats for heart disease and can add information regarding severity, prognosis, and response to treatment.   Cardiac biomarkers are substances that can be measured as indicators of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or a response to therapeutic intervention. The most studied cardiac biomarkers in veterinary...

Meet the President: Scott Richardson, DVM

As of April 20, the FVMA is proud to welcome Scott Richardson, DVM, as president for this year.  Dr. Richardson was born and raised in an agriculture community in Western Kentucky and was around horses and cattle his entire childhood. When he was five years old, he met Dr. Lorren Waggoner when he came to...

Continuing Education Requirements After SB 382

Starting July 1, 2024, veterinarians licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) who have held an active license for at least 10 years and have had no disciplinary actions will be exempt from current CE requirements. Despite this, the FVMA strongly recommends you continue fulfilling your CE requirements as you always have.

Introducing SaniTrax: A New Benefit for FVMA Members

At the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA), we’re always looking for ways to add value to your membership and help your practice thrive. We’re excited to share a new partnership that does just that. Please meet SaniTrax, our latest member benefit. A leader in biomedical waste management, SaniTrax is ready to make your day-to-day operations...

Practice Pulse

Have a legal or regulatory question? The FVMA can help. QUESTION: We have had one of our veterinary clinics in Florida reach out to our compliance department and state that they were informed that the clinic must have a veterinarian onsite during operating hours. Is this accurate? I have discussed the matter with FL DBPR and...

Intravenous Catheters: Which, Where, Why, and How?

As veterinary technicians, one of the most common procedures that we perform is placement and maintenance of intravenous catheters. They are often thought of as a benign intervention but can be a potential source of infection and require special care. In addition, utilization of different catheter types can be beneficial for different patients. Use of...

Potential Reasons Your Ad is Not Working: Tips for Writing an Effective Job Ad

In today’s world, finding the right person for a job is more important than ever. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving job market trends have significantly altered what prospective employees seek in new opportunities.  A few short sentences stating what you’re looking for, the primary job duties, and a few benefits is not...

“V” is for Vital Pulp Therapy

Vital pulp therapy is a dental procedure used to preserve pulpal tissues that has been acutely traumatized (less than 48 hours), resulting in pulp exposure, or chosen for crown reduction and restoration for orthodontic care to prevent palatal trauma. It serves as an alternative to root canal therapy or extraction.  Vital pulp therapy includes partial...

Veterinary Practice Financial Fitness

It is that time of year when many people assess their personal and professional lives and expectations, set goals, and decide what to focus on to be healthy, happy, and successful in the year ahead.  As with your personal health, an owner or manager of a veterinary practice should conduct periodic examinations. Is the business...

Stricter Leishmaniasis Testing Pet Import Rules Spreading

Countries worldwide are toughening pet immigration rules to stop diseases from spreading among animals, according to Air Animal Pet Movers. “That’s happening because more people are moving around with their fur babies, and stronger rules protect everyone. The latest expansion is testing dogs for leishmaniasis,” said Walter M. Woolf, Air Animal Pet Movers founding veterinarian...

Practice Pulse

Keeping you updated on regulatory and legislative changes affecting veterinary medicine. QUESTION: I recently completed the FVMA’s courses about laws and rules. I have a follow-up question regarding DEA licensure. At the end, the lecture notes stated, “Do all practitioners in a group practice need to be DEA registered? No, a veterinarian who is an agent...

Caring About the Caregivers

“The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it is as unrealistic as expecting to walk through water without getting wet. This sort of denial is no small matter. The way we deal with loss shapes our capacity to be present in life more than anything...

What have we been up to in 2023?

Take a behind-the-scenes look and delve into the key moments of the FVMA’s 2023! We’ve uncovered the various achievements, initiatives, and programs that have defined our year, shedding light on the contributions of our dedicated members, the impactful work of the FVMA Foundation, our commitment to students, our ongoing legislative advocacy, and the diverse range...

What Ails the Paws and Claws

Mites Mites (especially Demodex mites) and dermatophytosis can also cause pododermatitis. Demodicosis is typically diagnosed via deep skin scrapings/hair plucks. Dermatophytosis can be diagnosed via ringworm culture and/or PCR. Histopathology may also be helpful in diagnosing demodicosis and dermatophytosis. More recently, isoxazolines have been the mainstay for treating demodicosis. Given the high success rate of...

Icteric Cats: More Than Just Hepatic Lipidosis

Although hepatic lipidosis is reported to be one of the most common causes of icterus in cats, several other differentials need to be considered. A review of 50 icteric cats seen in the author’s practice revealed that only 30% had hepatic lipidosis. Cholangitis was responsible for 20%, and lymphoma was diagnosed in another 20%. Pancreatitis...

Hurricane Preparedness Kit for Pet Owners

Hurricane season has begun in Florida, and preparing for these storms is a song and dance many Floridians have become familiar with each year. With many hurricanes over recent years having grown in severity, it is as essential as ever to remain aware and prepared for—though not afraid of—what lies ahead. When lives are altered...

Pain Management in the Dental Patient

Objectives: Pathophysiology: When it comes to sensation, the key sensory tissue for the tooth is the pulp and gingival soft tissue with surrounding alveolar bone. Noxious stimuli to the pulp only results in one sensation: pain. The pulp is innervated with alpha (acute pain) and C-delta (chronic pain) fibers that respond to any stimuli with...

Fluorescence Photobiomodulation

Photobiomodulation is the use of visible to near-infrared light waves to create therapeutic changes in the skin. Fluorescence photobiomodulation is a subset of this and has been used to treat cutaneous infections, inflammatory conditions, and wounds. It has a favorable safety profile and offers another option in the treatment of dermatologic diseases in veterinary species....

Nutrition for the Hospitalized Veterinary Patient

Introduction Nutrition is vitally important to the hospitalized patient. Unfortunately, the nutritional needs of hospitalized patients are often overlooked. Doctors’ orders might not include specific feeding instructions. Patients may be unwilling or unable to eat or may not be consuming adequate calories to meet their energy requirements. Whatever the reason, as patient advocates, veterinary nurses...

A Veterinarian’s Guide to Preparing For a Hurricane

Veterinarians play a critical role in safeguarding animals during hurricanes. This guide emphasizes the importance of assessing practice vulnerabilities, developing comprehensive evacuation plans, and ensuring the availability of essential supplies to protect both animals and staff during such natural disasters.

Member Spotlight: Dr. Elizabeth Chosa

Dr. Elizabeth Chosa was born and raised in Johnson City, TN, and decided to be a veterinarian at age three. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and her DVM from the University of Georgia. She then served on active duty in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps for five years. Her first duty station was Fort...

In Memorial: Past President Dr. Jerry P. Shank

Dr. Jerry P. Shank, past president of the FVMA, passed away on July 15, 2023, at the age of 79. A dedicated veterinarian and founder of Shank Animal Hospital, Dr. Shank was known for his contributions to veterinary education and his compassionate care for animals. He is remembered fondly by his family, colleagues, and the community he served for over 40 years.