From the Desert to the Exam Room: Our Recap of WVC 2026
Last month, Dr. Walter and Dr. Holly Merker traded the clinic for the bright lights of Las Vegas—not for the slots, but for the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) 2026.
WVC is one of the world's premier stages for veterinary medical advancement. We returned to Orange Grove Animal Hospital with suitcases full of new ideas and a vision for the future of your pets' care. Here’s how we are upgrading our local veterinary services:
The Rise of "Vet-Specific" AI for Faster Diagnoses
You’ve likely heard of ChatGPT, but in the medical world, general AI isn't enough. We spent time exploring specialized veterinary AI software designed to improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Holly is currently test-driving SOFIE, an AI tool that acts like a "super-librarian" for veterinary medicine. By searching only peer-reviewed journals and textbooks, it provides:
Instant Research: Quick data on rare medical cases.
Precision Calculators: Accurate fluid rates and complex medication dosages.
More Face-Time: Faster answers mean more time for us to talk with you during your appointment.
Expert Rabbit & Rodent Dentistry in Tucson, AZ
As a leading exotic pet vet, we see a lot of bunnies and rodents! Their dental health is incredibly complex. Dr. Walter attended specialized lectures on the latest in rabbit dentistry, and we have ordered new endoscopes and specialized dental tools.
Why advanced dental tools matter for your pet:
Faster Procedures: Less time under anesthesia for your rabbit or guinea pig.
Safer Care: More precision with tiny, delicate teeth.
Quicker Recovery: Getting your pets back to their hay and veggies sooner!
Crystal Clear Imaging: Advanced Pet Ultrasound Technology
We’ve always been proud of our diagnostic tools, but we’re upgrading our pet ultrasound technology. We met with our partners at Oncura to review a new machine featuring a significantly more sensitive probe.
A more sensitive probe allows our veterinarians to see finer details in internal organs. This leads to more precise diagnoses for everything from pet heart murmurs to abdominal discomfort.
The Bottom Line
Whether it's a more sensitive ultrasound probe or a smarter way to calculate medicine, all this "high-tech" talk boils down to one thing: giving your pets the best possible outcome. We’re excited to implement these new tools and techniques to keep Orange Grove at the forefront of veterinary medicine in 2026 and beyond.
Have questions about our new tech or need to schedule a dental check-up for your rabbit? Give us a call at the clinic!