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> Articles by: Christpina

Author: Christpina

Behind the Decision: How California Veterinary Practices Are Evaluated and Represented

One of the most common questions we hear from new insurance applicants at Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC) is, “Why do you need all of this information?” It’s a fair question. Insurance applications today are more detailed than ever, especially here in California. Once we hit “submit,” your application doesn’t simply get priced and approved. It enters a structured underwriting process shaped by carrier appetite, actuarial data, catastrophe modeling, and guidelines filed with the California Department of Insurance (CDI). Understanding that process provides clarity—and leverage. When our carrier partners review a submission, they evaluate risk from multiple angles.

2026 CVMA Award Recipient

Each year, the CVMA recognizes individuals and organizations that have contributed to organized veterinary medicine through their participation in CVMA activities and improving the human-animal bond. These individuals represent the very best of the veterinary profession in California. Congratulations to this year’s CVMA award recipient! We will spotlight her achievements in an upcoming issue of the California Veterinarian magazine.

Compliance Corner: Clarifying CURES

There is ongoing confusion in the veterinary community about the registration and reporting obligations related to the Controlled Drug Utilization Review and Evaluation System/Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (CURES/PDMP). This system is overseen by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to curb diversion of Schedule II through V controlled substances. Many veterinarians have questions regarding CURES/PDMP. Some of the most common questions are answered in this article.

NEW CVMA MEMBER BENEFIT: Learn How to Navigate Your Student Loans

In response to member requests, CVMA is pleased to introduce student loan consulting as a new member benefit. As a veterinary professional in California, you’ve dedicated years of education to your craft—but that education often comes with a significant price tag. Student Loan Planner is the nation’s leading expert in student loan repayment strategy, and they understand the unique financial pressures facing veterinary professionals. Their team of CFP®, CFA®, and CSLP® certified consultants has helped over 22,000 clients navigate more than $5.1 billion in student debt, identifying personalized repayment strategies that have collectively saved borrowers over $1.8 billion in projected savings.

Spontaneous Chronic Corneal Defect (SCCED) Ulcers in Dogs

Corneal ulcers represent one of the most common ocular abnormalities presenting to the general practitioner. It is useful to think about ulcers in two broad categories: complicated and uncomplicated. Under the umbrella of complicated corneal ulcers is a specific type of ulcer called a Spontaneous Chronic Corneal Epithelial Defect (SCCED), sometimes also referred to as an indolent ulcer or Boxer ulcer. Like all ulcers, SCCEDs are painful and can be frustrating to treat, especially because they are frequently misdiagnosed at initial presentation as a routine, uncomplicated corneal ulcer. Unfortunately, client frustration with many weeks of treatment and failure of their dog’s eye to heal often leads to loss of the established client veterinarian relationship and revenue.

Journey to VTS: Arica Cayton, RVT, VTS (Clinical Practice, C/F)​

After graduating from school and obtaining my CVT (I started my career in Colorado), I worked in the anesthesia department of a specialty practice. To this day, I can distinctly remember all of us gathering for a huge celebration held in honor of a colleague who had just earned her VTS in emergency and critical care (ECC). While she was already an incredible leader, teacher, and mentor, the accomplishment of her earning her VTS seemed to solidify what we all already knew: she was, after all, revered for her breadth and wealth of knowledge. We all looked up to her, and she was my inspiration. I knew, even at that early stage in my career, that I wanted to become the type of teacher/leader/mentor that she was.

CVMA’s 2026 California Emerging Leader, Dr. Katelyn DeVore

Students from the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine and the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine will bring their research to the Vet Expo floor at the Pacific Veterinary Conference in Sacramento! Visit the students as they present their research and answer questions at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center during the lunch and afternoon breaks on June 19 and 20, 2026.

Why Emergency Response Planning Matters for Veterinary Practices

California veterinary practices operate amid an unusually wide range of natural and human caused hazards—including earthquakes, wildfires, floods, chemical exposures, and civil threats—while also managing clinical risks inherent to animal care. A strong Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that integrates Cal/OSHA requirements with veterinary specific best practices protects staff, clients, and patients while ensuring business continuity when disruption strikes. This article provides a comprehensive, California-specific framework you can use to strengthen your emergency preparedness and response systems.

Meet the Student Poster Presenters at PacVet 2026!

Students from the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine and the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine will bring their research to the Vet Expo floor at the Pacific Veterinary Conference in Sacramento! Visit the students as they present their research and answer questions at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center during the lunch and afternoon breaks on June 19 and 20, 2026.

Unique Insights from an RVT in Learning and Development

Veterinary nursing is a profession built on skill, resilience, and a deep commitment to patient care. Over the course of my career, I’ve learned that supporting those skills—helping others grow, gain confidence, and reach their potential—can be just as impactful as hands-on clinical work. My path into Learning and Development (L&D) has allowed me to continue contributing to veterinary medicine in a way that strengthens teams, improves patient outcomes, and creates sustainable career growth for veterinary professionals.

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