As African swine fever (ASF) spreads to more Asian countries, it increases the chance that it will make it into the U.S., Canada or Mexico. One of the key things U.S. producers can do now is to work with their local veterinarian to gather the data and paperwork the state veterinarian will need, if there is a U.S. outbreak that would allow for continued pig movement. Other top … [Read more...]
Archives for October 2019
Hoof abscesses from A to Z
Hoof abscesses are an inevitable consequence of owning horses. When one shows up, swift and proper attention helps the horse fully recover. The most important aspect of treating any abscess is draining it.” – Grant Myhre, DVM Source: Equine Journal, September 2019, page 44. Link. INSIGHTS: Share this article with horse owners on social media and in newsletters. … [Read more...]
Key points on leptospirosis to share with animal owners
At the intersection of animals and humans, zoonotic diseases are public health concerns. Among them are multiple Leptospira species that can infect dogs, cats or human. These bacteria have worldwide distribution. The organisms are commonly shed in urine. Lepto infections are often initiated after ingestion of contaminated water. In one study, it was estimated that … [Read more...]
Top 5 keys to successful management of otitis externa
Ear conditions are usually listed in the top 10 reasons pets visit veterinarians < link >. Otitis externa is a common inflammatory condition that affects 15 percent to 20 percent of dogs and 4 percent to 7 percent of cats. Erin E. Aufox, DVM, and Elizabeth R. May, DVM, DACVD, explain their five steps to it: Classification Treatment Monitoring Maintenance … [Read more...]
Tighten up your bandaging skills (photo slides)
Tisha A. Harper, DVM, DACVS, discusses common complications associated with external coaptation*, and how can their occurrence be minimized. Along with general guidelines, she reviews common bandaging problems and complications. She also includes resources for educating clients about at-home bandage care. *External coaptation refers to the use of casts, splints, bandages, … [Read more...]
Embracing alternate sources for veterinary Rx
“We are not penalizing clients,” says Rebecca Kuester, LVT and practice manager, concerning writing prescriptions to be filled outside the clinic. Instead, clients receive education on counterfeit drugs, substitutions, product guarantees and online pharmacy options. Source: DVM 360, September 23, 2019. Link. . . . we put a special stamp on all our prescriptions heading out … [Read more...]
Technician use measured by VHMA
The VHMA’s September Insiders’ Insight Report < link > looks at how VHMA member practices use their technician staff; both credentialed technicians and non-credentialed veterinary assistants. Lack of training is the biggest barrier identified as to why these staff members are not fully used DVM resistance is identified by 36 percent of the respondents Most … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club discussion on the veterinary shortage
In the October 17 Bridge Club conversation, Mark Cushing, Animal Policy Group founder and Jim Lloyd, DVM, PhD, former University of Florida dean, will share new data and lead an insights-filled discussion about the near-term future of supply and demand, and what the profession can do answer the need. Source: The Bridge Club. Registration < link > Thursday, October 17, … [Read more...]
Failure is a step to success
Failure simply means that I set an intention that I was not able to live up to or a goal that I did not achieve. The only sure-fire way I know to completely avoid failure is to never set intentions and never state your goals. Source: Forbes, September 27, 2019. Link. A life without failure is a life without striving. Of course, no one (knowingly) strives for failure. We … [Read more...]
Interruptions tops the list of time management challenges
The clear winner in time management challenges is the dreaded interruption, shares Mike Figliuolo. Once someone breaks your concentration, it takes 5 to 15 minutes to get back on track. Source: SmartBrief, August 7, 2019. Link. If you don’t protect your time, no one else will do it for you. Reader poll question (nonscientific, n=240,000) What is the biggest challenge … [Read more...]
Commercial content: Antech launching AI-powered veterinary diagnostic
Antech Diagnostics will soon offer its RenalTech test across the VCA North American network of veterinary clinics and hospitals. The product will be the veterinary industry's first artificial intelligence-driven predictive diagnostic tool for companion animals, according to David Eaton, director of product development. RenalTech allows users to predict CKD (chronic kidney … [Read more...]
Dealing with pressing industry issues, Banfield Industry Summit (video)
Banfield Pet Hospital invites leaders in the animal care industry to come together and explore the industry’s most pressing issues every year. The SPARK video provides a look at the Summit and the issues discussed. Source: SPARK, September 27, 2019. Link. Here is a sampling of issues discussed at the Summit: 60 million pets not receiving regular veterinary care Vet … [Read more...]
Biosecurity in the spotlight
Without effective infection control, prevention and biosecurity (AAHA Infection Control, Prevention, and Biosecurity Guidelines) implemented in the veterinary primary care and referral settings, the clinician’s efforts at disease prevention and treatment are compromised and sometimes nullified. Practices struggle on several fronts, from identifying infectious animals before … [Read more...]
Adverse vaccine reactions in veterinary medicine: an update
Natalie Stilwell, DVM, MS, PhD, provides a review of the latest “need-to-know” adverse reactions information about vaccines for canine and feline patients. She reminds us that many cases are associated with either misuse of the vaccine or over-vaccination. Source: DVM 360, September 19, 2019. Link. Stilwell reviews a paper on the current understanding of adverse vaccine … [Read more...]
PHP reminder program successful in reactivating inactive clients
Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together? Focusing on the bond between the practice, the pets and their owners, instead of the services a practice provides, has proven successful. Two years ago, the Partners for Healthy Pets Inactive Client Program, a client-centric email reminder program was initiated. 1612 practices enrolled 126,576 previously inactive … [Read more...]
Plan now for Veterinary Technician Week (October 13-19, 2019)
Veterinary technicians are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices and they play vital roles in preserving animal health and welfare, according to the AVMA. Consider using the materials offered by the AVMA and NAVTA to promote the role and importance of this group of animal health pros. Use the images in social media and newsletters. Consider involving … [Read more...]
October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month
National Animal Safety and Protection Month reminds us of the responsibilities that come with ALL domesticated animals and pets. It us an opportunity to provide tips and tools to animal owners so they can be better prepared in the event of an emergency, illness or weather event. New smart home technologies can help keep dogs, cats and other domestic animals safe. Source: … [Read more...]