Billions of cicadas from two broods will emerge from the ground weeks after the April total solar eclipse across large swaths of the U.S. Chances are good pets will run into the bugs. It will be the first time in 221 years that both broods are above ground simultaneously. The AVMA’s Rena Carlson, DVM, addressed potential pet concerns with the likely cicada … [Read more...]
Annual leptospirosis vaccination NOW recommended by ACVIM
Leptospirosis sp. is a zoonotic risk in humans and other mammals. Leptospirosis is most frequently recognized in cattle, swine, dogs, horses and wildlife. Cats are also being considered as more investigation takes place. Modern canine vaccines offer four serovars of lepto to help protect dogs and the infection risks are not restricted to large-breed dogs, male dogs, or dogs … [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...]
AVMA, AAEP release veterinary team, client relationship resource for equine practitioners
The newly released Effective Equine Care Guide outlines and describes complementary behaviors veterinary teams and clients can expect from one another to drive mutual trust and respect by building an inclusive environment for the best care of horses. Setting clear expectations on both sides, the single-page guide outlines matching expectations for veterinary teams and … [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...]
AHS resource for heartworm prevention
Animal health pros need to keep beating the drums about preventing heartworm. Prevention nonadherence remains prevalent in the U.S. The incidence of heartworm disease has continued to rise in previously known hot spots, but also in unexpected locations with previously low heartworm rates <Link>. Short articles like this one from the American Heartworm Society make good … [Read more...]
Discussing pet insurance with pet owners
Includes Complimentary Commercial content An AVMA policy encourages proactive pet insurance education, writes Ricky Walther, DVM. As more research is published on how the overall quality of pet care is enabled, practice teams need to be better prepared to get clients on board. In the articles below, Walther, the chief medical officer at Pawlicy Advisor, shares ways to … [Read more...]
Heartworm prevention nonadherence prevalent in the U.S., study finds
Commentary Some articles are painful to read. Despite at least 40 years of pushing compliance, myriad options for heartworm prevention, educational TV, online and print advertising and efforts by veterinary clinics, these compliance metrics represented are distressing. Maybe it is time to quit mincing words or images and portray heartworm infection realistically with … [Read more...]
October is National Pet Wellness Month
Pet health is important enough that the American Veterinary Medical Association and countless other organizations promote October with events and specials. Depending on your segment of the industry, there’s likely a site with resources for your specialty to help you communicate the importance of pet health with pet owners. Sources: AVMA. Link. National Today. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 20, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 13th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from July 13th AHD Bulletin – A new federal pregnancy law is now in effect; what HR needs to know. Link. States outlaw noncompete agreements. Link. You’re capable of courage. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Straight talk about veterinary workforce issues
Dr. Lori Teller, AVMA president, addressed some of the major issues affecting the veterinary workforce during the AVMA convention. The article here provides a summary of her comments, including perspectives on what is termed as an abundance of misinformation currently driving conversations about veterinary supply and demand. Teller notably mentioned: Normalizing trends … [Read more...]
Rabies vaccination programs contribute to human and animal welfare
Kim Campbell Thornton shares the experiences of Arnold Plotnick, DVM, whose Mission Rabies work is a reminder to us how important rabies vaccination and prevention efforts are domestically and abroad. In addition to protecting animals from disease, vaccination programs can open up opportunities for domestic dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered.” Source: Veterinary Practice … [Read more...]
Don’t let hot asphalt burn Fido’s paws
It’s the time of year when things get hot, especially asphalt. Even when the air temperature is a relatively low 77° F, asphalt can hit 125° F and can burn dogs’ feet. This timeless advice from FOUR PAWS International includes a chart, burn symptons and burn treatment recommendations. Source: FOUR PAWS International, June 28, 2019. Link. There is a simple test which you can … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 3, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 27th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from April 27th AHD Bulletin – Trust lost. Link. Preparing for behavioral interview questions. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Compliance is a 5 letter word Source: Vetsource, Link. PRAP is an … [Read more...]
Positive Pet Care Guide seeks to define, strengthen the veterinary team-client partnership
Commentary Setting expectations for team members and animal owners is basic to positive experiences and better animal health. The tenets of this new guide are relevant and appropriate for this period in our animal health industry. The key will be for veterinary teams of alll species to adopt and sustain the discussion of expectations internally and externally with animal … [Read more...]
Managing compassion fatigue
The reality for most people working in the animal healthcare industry is that you will get compassion fatigue. The only question is do you manage it or allow it to control you? Source: AVMA. Link. . . . build a self-care plan that charts the path you think is best designed to help bring your life back into balance.” INSIGHT: Be compassionate with yourself first. Then your … [Read more...]
Many clinical trials need patients; here’s how you can help
Clinical trials are critical to discover new treatments and deepen our understanding of diseases. The AVMA Animal Health Studies database connects you with veterinary clinical trials reported by researchers. There are a wide variety of opportunities to contribute as a veterinarian or as an animal owner with veterinarian support. Source: AVMA. Link. … [Read more...]
The modern pet telehealth industry is improving veterinary practices
Vetster’s Cerys Goodall writes about the benefits and opportunities for veterinary telehealth in the article linked here. For veterinary teams who have yet to fully use telehealth, it makes a good backdrop for a team discussion. Goodall says telehealth provides unique solutions for consumers and veterinarians while filling in the gaps of in-person clinics. She adds that … [Read more...]
Pet toxicology experts release state-specific top 20 toxins list in new Toxin Trends
March is Pet Poison Prevention Month. Using five years of proprietary call data, Pet Poison Helpline released the next version of Toxin Trends. This online resource helps consumers and veterinary professionals research harmful and potentially deadly toxins in their area. Source: CISION, March 1, 2023. Link. We wanted to share our proprietary data to help educate pet lovers … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 2, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 26, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from January 26th AHD Bulletin – Habits that annoy coworkers and ways to mitigate them. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. KC Corridor’s Emily McVey wins 40 Under 40 in Economic Development Award Source: … [Read more...]
AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month
The AVMA shares dental health is a critical part of pet’s overall health, noting dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Check out the AVMA dental care resources on the AVMA website which promote home care, share what to expect at the veterinary clinic, support anesthesia and urge pet owners to have their pets’ mouth checked annually. Source: AVMA. … [Read more...]
Dogs’ social lives and disease risks – Tips for canine and human safety
Dog parks, doggie day cares, boarding, competitions, retail stores and training classes all create environments where dogs with varied and unknown health histories interact. These situations create risk for dogs and owners alike. Consider these resources from the AVMA for social media and newsletters to help inform pet owners. Source: AVMA. Link. … [Read more...]
AVMA House of Delegates rejects midlevel practitioner idea, favors support for CVTs
The AVMA House of Delegates’ Veterinary Information Forum addressed the topic, The veterinary healthcare team—Is there a need for a mid-level position? during the AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference, January 5-7 in Chicago. The consensus from conversations was that a mid-level practitioner would not be a smart solution to workforce or access-to-care concerns. Rather, time … [Read more...]
Compounding webinar outlines FDA final guidance #256
Regulatory education FDA Veterinarian Amber McCoig examines the policies included in this guidance and what they mean for veterinarians and their teams in the webinar. She also discusses how the agency’s final guidance tries to balance the risks of compounding animal drugs from bulk substances when there is no FDA-approved drug available, and why the FDA can’t assure the … [Read more...]
AVMA Humane Slaughter Guidelines now available for comment
Dr. Robert Meyer says expanded guidelines have been made more user-friendly via organization by species, rather than by techniques. More species are also cited. This includes the slaughter of animals not primarily designated for the food chain, such as animals raised for fur. Every stage of the slaughter process is addressed, from an animal’s arrival at a facility, when … [Read more...]
Tail docking . . . the debate continues
Jennifer Bailey, DVM, shares information about tail docking and its pros and cons. Tail docking is generally done only to meet breed standards for some purebred dogs. AAHA and the AVMA have issued statements that oppose tail docking: AAHA statement, updated June 2021. Link. AVMA statement. Link. Article, 2008. Link. Source: Whole Dog Journal, November 4, 2022. … [Read more...]
Campaign seeks to make November senior pet month
Senior Pet Advocates is recognizing November as Senior Pet Health Month. The group believes it is important to emphasize senior pets require additional care, such as more frequent examinations and diagnostics. Plus, their owners may need nutritional and behavioral counseling. Source: AVMA, October 18, 2022. Link. Senior Pet Advocates plans on growing support for the … [Read more...]
National Vet Technician Week – October 16-22, 2022
Don’t forget to celebrate and promote the valuable contributions veterinary technicians make to the veterinary profession and society. The AVMA and NAVTA have resources available to assist with social media, in-clinic or local media promotion of these important team members. Sources: AVMA. Link NAVTA. Link … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 4, 2022
Last week’s most read posts The oral microbiome, new in the clinical practice of dentistry. Link. Grief balloon ends up scaring a pony. Link. The all-important pre-purchase exam of a horse. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, July 28, 2022. Link. ========================================= AVMA delegates pass policies … [Read more...]
Coalition of veterinary groups launches telehealth initiative
The Coalition for Connected Veterinary Care launched this morning at AVMA Convention 2022 in Philadelphia. The founding members are the AVMA, Veterinary Study Groups and Merck Animal Health, along with more than 30 veterinary organizations and companies that have signed on so far. The coalition will develop education and resources to help veterinarians integrate telehealth … [Read more...]