Purina's charitable giving in 2023 focused on key areas that included connecting pets with youth to support mental health, and funding programs designed to keep people and pets together in times of crisis. Source: Pet Business, February 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Unraveling patterns of swine pathogen co-infections
Pig health is continually challenged and conditions vary from farm to farm. Multiple pathogens influence effective prevention strategies frustrating producers and veterinarians. To evaluate co-infections and their impact on farms and to better understand the consequences of pathogen challenges, a collaborative project of Iowa State University and Boehringer Ingelheim studied … [Read more...]
Overcoming the Stress Response Cascade to get more productive cows
Includes Commercial Content This article explains the results of stressors on cows and a trio of negative effects including reduced feed intake, development of leaky gut and systemic inflammation. It offers perspective on proactively using additives to reduce stress effects. Source: Feedstuffs, March 1, 2024. Link. With proper use, additives can be an effective and … [Read more...]
Pros and cons of vaccinating a horse against EHV-1
The debate continues about the validity of equine herpes virus vaccines despite consensus that vaccination is an important tool for reducing EHV-1 spread and the severity of clinical signs. Dr. Klaus Osterrieder shares the history, challenges and concerns about EHV-1. Source: The Horse, January 18, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Osterrieder urges researchers to continue working … [Read more...]
So much drivel ! – How brachycephalic health issues are discussed on social media.
COMMENTARY We had to share this research paper. Something new? NO. Still, a published paper on the influences of social media groups discussing the health issues, real or perceived, that challenge brachycephalic dogs seems important to highlight. Misinformation continues to rule these narratives and emphasizes the need for professional education for pet … [Read more...]
How big of a deal are student loans?
Includes Commercial References Student loan debt hovers over veterinary professionals and is an underlying element as new graduates come into the marketplace. CJ Burnett, CExP, proposes loan advisors need to deal with student loans as individualized and situational to help graduates manage them intentionally. Source: DVM360, February 29, 2024. Link. . . . student loans … [Read more...]
PetIQ adds telehealth service for NextStar® customers seeking help with flea and tick prevention
Purchasers of the OTC flea and tick prevention brand NextStar® will now have 24/7 telehealth support available from PetIQ to address any flea, tick or parasite-related concerns and questions. Industry telehealth professionals <Link> will provide further education on year-long prevention and infestation solutions to NextStar customers at the time of … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 7, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 29, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 29th AHD Bulletin – Tax benefits of hiring your children, plus IRS rules to follow. Link. Are veterinarians obligated to discuss pet insurance? (podcast). Link. Managing online reviews. … [Read more...]
Show off your dog’s athletic prowess on the same app you use
Last month, Strava announced a partnership with the dog collar brand, Fi. Fi collars have built-in satellite positioning systems like sports watches. They monitor basic health metrics and help find lost pets. The same technology can be used to log exercise online. Source: Outside, March 4, 2024. Link. The new partnership allows Strava to log distance traveled and number of … [Read more...]
Boehringer Ingelheim, Sleip to leverage AI-tech to detect lameness in horses
Changes in gait and signs of lameness can be less pronounced at first and difficult to detect. The Sleip app can help make a real difference. The commercial partnership between Boehringer Ingelheim and Sleip will expand access to AI to enhance detection, diagnosis and treatment of lameness in horses. Source: Boehringer-Ingelheim, February 19, 2024. Link. Veterinarians can … [Read more...]
Mella Pet Care secures investment from Shark Tank’s Mark Cuban
Congratulations to the Mella Pet Care team for the success on ABC’s Shark Tank, televised on March 1st. Source: Mella Pet Care, March 4, 2024. Link. Watch a clip from the episode here <Link>. … [Read more...]
Veterinary profession heading in right direction with mental health
Findings from the fourth edition of Merck's wellbeing study indicate the stigma around mental health issues has lessened, more people who need it are seeking help, and more resources are available to create psychologically safe workplaces. Topics covered by the Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study IV included well-being, burnout, and mental health; the role of … [Read more...]
Driving the narrative in swine production
A considerable number of swine operations remain with fewer than 1,000 pigs, according to the NAHMS Swine 2021 Part III: Reference of Management Practices on Small-Enterprise Swine Operations in the United States <Link>. While the contributions of the largest operations far exceed the small operators, there are reasons to focus on these operators for biosecurity, herd … [Read more...]
The devil is in the details: Proper semen handling
Rick Ellerbrock shares the importance of proper semen handling and refers to the training of new technicians, including a list of procedures and protocols. Those who create good habits for semen handling are the ones who often garner the highest conception rates. Source: Progressive Dairy, February 16, 2024. Link. Errors in semen handling can reduce conception rates by as … [Read more...]
Survey: Producers still need parasite education.
Parasite prevention plans are important year-round and require continual reinforcement, assessments and planning. Results of a national survey of beef producers and beef veterinarians exposed gaps in knowledge and, maybe more importantly, a lack of urgency. We noted references resembling the adage “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” mindsets instead of best planning and … [Read more...]
Perceived role of the veterinarian in promoting dairy cattle welfare
A recently completed study by Canadian veterinary researchers considered how to improve the lives of animals in agricultural systems. Using dairy cattle, dairy veterinarians and veterinary students, the study focused on minimizing negative experiences, according to study authors who set out to see where veterinarians influence the promotion of positive welfare experiences for … [Read more...]
Hercules, Yeager Airport’s working Border Collie
Working and service dogs come in all shapes and sizes. In this video, Hercules and his dual roles at Yeager Airport in Charleston, West Virginia, are featured. He and his handler patrol the runways and taxiways to chase wildlife away and take time to greet passengers. Enjoy! Source: MotionMasters, YouTube, April 11, 2019. Link. (2:45) … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 4, 2024
Petflation outpacing national inflation rate, Door Dash to deliver pet supplies, nurturing vendor relationships for growth, little things that count, AI in small business and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 4, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
9 pet companies listed as fastest-growing U.S. private companies by region
Inc. magazine’s 2024 Regionals list honors the fastest-growing privately held U.S. companies by region over a two-year period which includes emerging veterinary hospitals, pet franchises, pet insurance and other product manufacturers. Source: Pet Product News, March 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
2023’s top 25 pet retailers
Rising competition from online and non-specialty retailers companies on the 2023 list added more than 200 stores to top retail competitors. Store conversions and acquisitions along with organic growth helped them avoid contraction and optimize economies of scale. NOTE: Consider reading the comments from four top growth companies who share their experiences in managing for … [Read more...]
Fire doesn’t discriminate. Neither do these vets.
Dr. Deb Zoran, a veterinarian and leader of Texas A&M’s Veterinary Emergency Team, faces long days and short nights as the Texas wildfires rage on. Originally on a narrow mission to aid the search dog sent with A&M’s search and rescue team, Shelton and other volunteers heeded officials’ pleas for help from more veterinarians. They’re still there. The veterinarians … [Read more...]
Home delivery, autoship important offerings for veterinary clients
ICYMI. Ordering online is rapidly becoming an expectation. Already, convenience is table stakes. Malinda Larkin shares takeaways from survey results presented by Brakke Consulting. The survey looked at consumer preferences and behaviors in pet medicine purchasing, customer satisfaction with different channels and service expectations, and the competitive landscape versus major … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 29, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 22, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 22nd AHD Bulletin – And, “What else?” Link. 8 restaurant etiquette tips, explained. Link. Skipping the dog walk IS a big deal. Link. ============================================ A major solar storm could be devastating to our … [Read more...]
TSCRA urges donations amid devastating Texas and Oklahoma wildfires
As wildfires continue to rage in the Texas panhandle and Western Oklahoma, the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is urging donors to give to the TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund. Donations will to aid victims of the ongoing natural disasters. The TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides support for cattle raisers in Texas and Oklahoma who … [Read more...]
Are veterinarians obligated to discuss pet insurance? (podcast)
Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, debate the role of the veterinary team when it comes to pet owner education and discuss if pet insurance is an obligation. Their consensus: Pet insurance is not an obligation. Educating pet owners on the lifetime costs of veterinary pet care is important. Source: Veterinary Breakroom, Clinician’s Brief. February 2024. … [Read more...]
The latest from GARC
The work continues to eliminate human deaths from dog rabies by 2030. Learn about GARC's surveillance tools, advocacy and the latest free, downloadable resources on GARC's website. Source: Rabid Bytes, GARC, February 2024. Link. GARC's mission is to prevent human deaths from dog-mediated rabies and relieve the burden of rabies in other animal populations, especially dogs. … [Read more...]
Veterinarians launch pet treats and chews certification program
In an industry where pet owners seek the best for their furry companions, VetEvaluated aims to be a trusted authority, offering a rigorous certification process that involves expert evaluation by experienced veterinarians. Current certification is available for consumable pet treats and chews at this time. VetEvaluated Certification assessments cover: Digestibility … [Read more...]
Webinar to address cutaneous adverse food reactions
AAHA and Hills will offer a free CE webinar to update veterinary teams confronting skin issues from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. MDT, March 14, 2024. Presenter Sara Hoff, DVM, MPH, Dip. ACVD, expects to cover novel proteins plus: Latest data on CAFR prevalence and risk factors Advanced diagnostic techniques for accurate identification Proven strategies for managing … [Read more...]
Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Assistant Scribe programs launched to enhance pet care
The American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group introduces the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Assistant Scribe online training programs. They are designed prepare learners for careers in veterinary medicine. Participants will gain insights about the care of animals as well as how to recognize signs of illness and disease in a variety of animals from common pets … [Read more...]
Reminder: Watch Mella Pet Care on Shark Tank Friday, March 1st
Mella Pet Care’s pitch to the sharks will air on @sharktankabc on Friday, March 1st. Tune in to @abcnetwork at 8:00 p.m. Eastern/7:00 p.m. Central to see if any sharks bite. Source: Mella Pet Care, Facebook. Link. … [Read more...]