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Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing and complex One Health concern worldwide, threatening the practice of human and veterinary medicine. Although dogs are a potential reservoir of multidrug-resistant bacteria, there are very few surveillance studies on AMR from the canine population in the United States. Here, we assessed the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, identified temporal resistance and minimum inhibitory concentration trends, and described associations between resistance phenotypes among canine clinical enterococci in the northeastern United States. Methods: Through a large-scale retrospective study design, we collected species identification, minimum inhibitory concentration, and clinical data from 3,659 canine enterococci isolated at the Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center between 2007 and 2020. We used the Mann-Kendall test, Sen's slope, multivariable logistic regression, and survival analysis models to detect the presence of a significant trend in resistance over the study period. Results: Enterococcus faecalis was the most prevalent species (67.1% of isolates), followed by Enterococcus faecium (20.4%). We found high levels of AMR among enterococci to almost all the tested antimicrobials, particularly E. faecium. The lowest percentage of resistance was to vancomycin and chloramphenicol. Multidrug resistance was common (80% of E. faecium and 33% of E. faecalis) and 31 isolates were extensively drug resistant. Multidrug resistance among E. faecium increased over time, but not in E. faecalis. Resistance to penicillins, enrofloxacin, and rifampin increased during the study period, but resistance to tetracyclines is on a downward trajectory compared to AMR data from the last decade. Emerging vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis (0.3%) and E. faecium (0.8%) infections in the canine population are of great concern to both human and animal health. One E. faecium isolate with acquired vancomycin resistance was identified in 2017 and four vancomycinresistant enterococci isolates were identified in 2020. Conclusion: There is a crucial need to make rational prescribing decisions on the prudent use of antimicrobials and improve the quality of care for patients, especially when empirical antimicrobial treatment for enterococcal infection is common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the operation of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Family in 2017. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) aims to develop resources to advance the science and practice of veterinary medicine. The association offers scholarships to students and support for animal health research. The AVMA Political Action Committee (AVMA PAC) engages with members of the U.S. Congress.

The article discusses various approaches to help reduce veterinarians' educational debt, minimize the cost of borrowing and improve financial literary. Other topics mentioned include the debt-to-income ratio among veterinary graduates in the U.S. in 2015, criticisms against increased financial education programming, and initiatives highlighted by the American Veterinary Medical Association during its annual summit.

The article focuses on the significance of veterinary medicine basics of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to veterinarians. Topics discussed include the veterinary basics of AVMA, the provision of medical care to animals, the maintenance of profitability among veterinarians, and the need for veterinarians to understand price sensitivity.

Objective--To evaluate the prevalence of suicide risk factors, attitudes toward mental illness, and practice-related stressors among US veterinarians. Design--Cross-sectional survey. Sample--11,627 US veterinarians. Procedures--Between July 1 and October 20, 2014, a Web-based questionnaire was made available through the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), VIN News Service, JAVMA News, and email messages to US veterinarians sent by a veterinary medical association, agriculture or livestock department, or health department of each state (except Maine) and Puerto Rico. Results--Of 11,627 respondents, 3,628 (31%) were male. Modal age category was 30 to 39 years, and modal range for years practicing veterinary medicine was 10 to 19 years. There were 7,460 (64%) respondents who primarily practiced small animal medicine, and 4,224 (36%) who were practice owners. There were 1,077 (9%) respondents with current serious psychological distress. Since leaving veterinary school, 3,655 (31 %) respondents experienced depressive episodes, 1,952 (17%) experienced suicidal ideation, and 157 (1 %) attempted suicide. Currently, 2,228 (19%) respondents were receiving treatment for a mental health condition. Only 3,250 of 10,220 (32%) respondents somewhat or strongly agreed that people are sympathetic toward persons with mental illness. The most commonly reported practice-related stressor was demands of practice. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--In this survey, approximately 1 in 11 veterinarians had serious psychological distress and 1 in 6 experienced suicidal ideation since leaving veterinary school. Implementing measures to help veterinarians cope with practice-related stressors and reducing barriers veterinarians face in seeking mental health treatment might reduce the risk for suicide among veterinarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Large animal veterinarians carry drugs in their practice vehicles in storage areas that are not typically refrigerated. The most common upper limits of manufacturers' storage temperatures for United States (U.S.)-approved non-refrigerated drugs are 25 or 30 °C. Because ambient temperatures in many locations in the U.S. exceed these temperatures during the summer, we measured storage area temperatures over 4 months in the summer of 2013 to evaluate the extent to which labeled storage temperatures are exceeded. Methods: A convenience sample of 12 vehicles from 5 central Texas practices and 12 vehicles from 4 south central Nebraska practices was used. Temperatures were recorded in one drug storage compartment in each vehicle from May 15 - September 16, 2013, at 15-minute intervals using a self-contained, battery operated temperature recording device. Results: The highest temperatures recorded in a storage unit were 54.4 and 47.7 °C in Texas and Nebraska, respectively. The mean temperature recorded across all 24 storage units was 29.1 °C, with a mean of 26.9 °C in Nebraska and 31.4 °C in Texas. In Nebraska, at least one temperature over 25 °C was recorded on a mean of 111/124 days and a mean of 63 % of total logger readings. In Texas, temperatures over 25 °C were recorded on a mean of 123/124 days and a mean of 95 % of total logger readings. Conclusions: Temperatures in storage units in participating veterinary practice vehicles exceeded labeled drug storage temperatures a significant portion of the summer of 2013. More research is needed to determine whether these excursions above the manufacturers' recommended storage temperatures alter efficacy of stored drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the Remote Online Veterinary Record (ROVR), a web-based application to support the U.S> Army Veterinary Service (VS). Topics include the benefits of the ROVR, the role of the Daniel E. Holland MWD Hospital in Texas as the Department of Defense (DoD) veterinary care facility, and anticipated issues of the ROVR, such as poor connectivity.

The article discusses the drug and alcohol abuses prevalent at the workplace in the U.S. and drug testing in a veterinary practice. Topics discussed include behavior of substance users at the workplace, pre-employment substance testing, during-employment substance testing, perceived benefits of a drug-free practice including employee benefit discounts and better attendance, reasons because of which testing are not suitable at the workplace.

An essay is presented about veterinarians of food animals in the U.S. It offers information on the history of veterinary medicine, its practice and the veterinary schools in the country. It mentions the changes made to the veterinary education in response to the economic, social and demographic change sin society. Moreover, it cites the shift of practices of veterinary graduates from agricultural- to companion animal-based practices.

The article focuses on the plan of the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition to have access to at-risk pets in the U.S. Topics discussed include an overview of the coalition, the collaboration of animal welfare, social services and veterinary professionals, and the development and promotion of veterinary care provision.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the letter "Troubling economic landscape in rural practice," by David M. Lane in the 2016 issue.

The author focuses on the role of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in improving the veterinary profession. Topics include the commitment of the association to build a strong and sustainable partnership across the profession, the association management services provided by the organization to the Veterinary Medical Association Executives and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), and the creation of the umbrella insurance trust for members.

The author reflects on the important role of the U.S. veterinary profession in upgrading veterinary education in a global scale, improving veterinary public health systems in other countries, and helping modernize primary veterinary services. Topics covered include the important achievements for the U.S. veterinary profession, the world-class infrastructure of the university system in the U.S., and global agencies and organizations that support livestock development.

The article discusses some concerns raised by Ted Cohn, incoming president of the American Veterinary and Medical Association (AVMA), during the Candidates' Introductory Breakfast held on July 25, 2014. These include the rising cost of veterinary education, the low veterinary salaries, and the lack of diversity within the AVMA leadership and profession. Also mentioned are Cohn's suggestions to promote the veterinary profession.

The article discusses the highlights of the 5th Annual American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)/Student AVMA Legislative Visit held on March 4-5, 2013. Veterinary students are encouraged by this event to participate politically, as well as to influence fellow students in becoming involved in the legislative process. Mark Lutschaunig, director of the AVMA Government Relations Division (GRD), explains the threat posed by political apathy to the veterinary medicine practice.

The article announces the election of Dr. James Roth to the U.S. National Academy of Medicine. Topics discussed include the membership of Roth to the National Academy of Medicine, an overview of the academy, the career development of Roth as a professor in veterinary medicine, and his research on animal diseases.

The article reports on the veterinary program Catalyst Connection, which aims to integrate pet adopters with private practitioners in the U.S.

The article presents of the American Veterinary Medical Association's report indicating optimism and opportunities on the market for veterinarians in 2016.

The article reports that the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME) is encouraging U.S. veterinarians to respond to its practice analysis survey, which will be sent in March 2016.

The author mentions the decision of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to coordinate and host a veterinary profession wellness roundtable in March 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. Topics cited include the demands of the veterinary profession and its effect on practitioners, the importance of wellness programs serving the veterinary community, and the plan of AVMA to host a wellness session at the 2016 AVMA Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

The author comments on an article about the dilemma faced by veterinarians in practicing their profession. He reflects on the roles of different professionals within the veterinary setting. He also cites the emergence of a new field of veterinary social work in the U.S. where social workers trained to work in the veterinary setting.

The article focuses on a 2013 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) report which cites an increase in the median income of full-time private veterinary practitioners in the U.S. during the period of 2009 to 2011. The median income of veterinarians in public and corporate practice rose from 109,000 U.S. dollars in 2009 to 124,000 U.S. dollars in 2011. Women veterinarians generally earn less than male veterinarians regardless of experience.

The article discusses the fluctuations in pet demographics in the U.S. as per a study by American Veterinary Medical Association. It mentions that in spite of increased veterinary spending, number of pets in the U.S. has decreased since the time of the last study that was conducted in the year 2007. As mentioned, the number of households owning cats has declined 6.2 percent and the number owning dogs fell by 1.9 percent.