It’s time again for Easter chicks and to urge animal health pros to reinforce the zoonotic risks associated with them. The CDC warns, “Don’t kiss or snuggle backyard poultry, and don’t eat or drink around them. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick <Link>.” As part of a series, Isabelle Louge, DVM, encourages owners to first find and contact … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2023
Fighting foot funk
Heather Smith Thomas shares the importance of regular hoof care. Mud and moisture can soften and impair the hoof’s structural integrity, making it vulnerable to hoof infections like thrush, white line disease and abscesses she says. Source: The Horse, March 13, 2023. Link. Keeping the hoof clean and dry is important, rather than just using various hoof-strengthening paints … [Read more...]
Domestication of cats and why they are like us
Recent experiments suggest that cats are more socially intelligent and attuned to familiar humans than we realize. These studies even indicate that cats like us. . . . there is no reason to suppose that humans deliberately domesticated cats . . . if anything, cats domesticated themselves.” - Danijela Popovic, PhD Source: New Scientist, March 7, 2023. Link. Also see: Why … [Read more...]
Dogs, special brownies and more
“What to do if your dog eats marijuana,” by Jennifer Bailey, DVM, addresses a growing issue in homes with pets. Whether edibles, weed or vape cartridges, many of these familiar options are also attractive to dogs. Marijuana was ranked 9th in top Toxin Trends <Link>. Consider this article for social media posts and newsletters to keep pet owners informed of the safety … [Read more...]
A primer on mastitis in small animals
Mastitis can have a dramatic effect on the quality of life of any animal. It is painful, can become a more serious systemic infection and can challenge owners to care for young animals unable to nurse effectively. Don Vaughan shares how mastitis presents in small animals along with diagnosis, treatment and effects. Client education can go a long way toward preventing mastitis … [Read more...]
Demand for pet groomers, grooming remains high
The demand for grooming is outpacing the number of groomers available, according to Paula Hendrickson. She discussed the situation with grooming industry peers in the article linked here. Burnout is a concern as professional skills specialization and certification advance customer expectations and groomer economics. Source: Pet Product News, March 8, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 13, 2023
Safety tips for traveling with pets, increasing demand for pet-friendly workplaces, types of YouTube videos that grow business, more legislation limiting retail pet sales, trends in pet nutrition and more. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 13, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Association for Veterinary Informatics requesting survey input
The Association for Veterinary Informatics is seeking feedback from stakeholders and interested parties with a vested interest in sharing and creating common data standards within the veterinary profession. The Interoperability Committee of the AVI will be facilitating and promoting the development of standards, protocols and implementations that improve the interchange, … [Read more...]
Social media management in 1 to 3 hours per week
Cheyanne Flerx took on the job of social media in addition to her duties as a veterinary assistant. She shares a few tips to help work within a limited time frame. Social media doesn't have to be a chore . . . but it does take planning ahead.” Source: AAHA NEWStat, February 23, 2023. Link. Flerx’s basic tips are: Plan ahead and be proactive Work in task batches … [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...]
Pets can teach us about love, grief, life and death
Karen Fine, DVM, wrote the recently released book, “The Other Family Doctor.” The book’s subtitle, “A veterinarian explores what animals can teach us about love, life, and mortality,” aptly describes Fine’s observations. She shares these experiences and how they relate to the realities of veterinary practice today with Fresh Air’s Dave Davies. The half-hour interview ranges … [Read more...]
The right stuff for success
The right stuff works across industries, professions and occupations. Source: Veterinary Advantage, February 2023. Link. Their focus is on the problem, not the person involved. INSIGHTS: High performance attitudes, characteristics and skills are universal. … [Read more...]
How (and why) social media is affecting healthcare providers
This article discusses the evolution of online communities for medical information sharing, their credibility and trends among healthcare practitioners. For the first time, data from a recent survey showed that content from social media influences human practitioners' perceptions and prescribing behavior. This trend in human medicine raises concerns, as well as exposes … [Read more...]
3rd annual burnout study released by Galaxy Vets
Results from the third Galaxy Vet burnout study indicate an overwhelming majority of veterinary professionals don’t feel support from peers, supervisors or hospital owners. Not being heard had a direct correlation with the burnout rate. Galaxy Vets shared these key findings summary with AHD: Burnout returned to pre-pandemic level Practice managers, CSRs, assistants … [Read more...]
Last-mile delivery race is a losing proposition
Commentary The Forbes article linked here provides context for animal health pros as our industry deals with growing resupply costs while holding margins in line to service animal owners. By land or drone, the retail industry is waging big money on last-mile delivery timelines. The prospect of a return on investment seems murky at best, shares Greg Petro. He describes the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 9, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 2, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from March 2nd AHD Bulletin – Vet Watch Insight Report. 8.5 percent YTD practice revenue growth, other improvements. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. 10 most popular articles of 2022 from HBR’s Working Knowledge … [Read more...]
Properly test water sources before turnout
Producers need to check water sources for total dissolved solids and levels of sulfates, pH and nitrates before turning cattle out this spring. Routine testing is advised as water quality fluctuates throughout the growing season. Drifting snow and topsoil during winter also affect water quality. Low-quality water can reduce animal health and productivity, while high-quality … [Read more...]
Vaccines need a boost, especially for calves
Commentary Seen through animal health pros’ eyes, Abby Bauer’s article is basic. However, seen through a younger producer’s first experiences, it is a reminder and a reinforcement of the importance of vaccine booster timing especially since producers often do their own vaccinations. Boosters should be administered one to two months after the initial vaccination to build … [Read more...]
Animal health efforts DO reduce need for antibiotics
Animal health and nutrition companies are constantly working on ways to improve animal health and provide antibiotic-free alternatives for use in animal feed. Global sales of antibiotics for veterinary use are down nearly one-third since 2011, according to the World Organization for Animal Health with some major livestock-producing countries in Europe, as well as the United … [Read more...]
Camel cloning is big business in Dubai
Fascinating! Nisar Ahmad Wani, scientific director at the Reproductive Biotechnology Centre in Dubai, first cloned a camel in 2009. Now he and his team research and develop new cloning techniques and maintain cell banks to produce dozens of cloned dromedary camel calves each year. Source: CNN, March 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Risk of laminitis after corticosteroid joint injections may have been overstated
Researchers have concluded that intra-articular corticosteroids injections are only weakly associated with laminitis, so long as the horse doesn't have additional risk factors or a history of laminitis. The overall incidence of laminitis due to IA corticosteroid injection might be lower than many believe.” Source: The Paulick Report, February 4, 2023. Link. The researchers … [Read more...]
There’s no “easy button” as HPAI shifts from outbreak to new reality
With spring bird migrations underway and no vaccine available, experts on highly pathogenic avian influenza believe the virus is evolving and poultry raisers need to redouble biosecurity efforts. A lot of activity leading to biosecurity breaches occurs at night as wild birds will often come in and look for food at night. So, one thing we tell producers or backyard folks is … [Read more...]
Stop doing these 7 things that annoy cats
Cat behaviorist Mieshelle Nagelschneider shares seven ways cat owners annoy their cats and what to do instead: Putting all their toys in one basket Wiggling toys in their face Expecting cats to obey Not giving enough attention Giving too much attention Reprimanding the cat Old-school feeding and water methods Source: Modern Cat. Link. Cats can be the … [Read more...]
Why does a well-fed cat kill small animals and birds?
John Woolf, a self-proclaimed cat whisperer, addresses the basic instincts cats have for hunting even when well-fed and living indoors. He shares the story of when Mr. Whiskers becomes Dr. Hyde and along the way shares some facts about cats and their lives. . . . even the Garfields of the world can’t overcome instinct.” Source: LinkedIn Pulse, February 27, 2023. Link. Three … [Read more...]
Top 50 best dog poop bags, plus a pollution reality
Commercial Content Included Picking the right dog waste bags is vital. Without the right bag to prevent pollution, non-biodegradable and non-environmentally friendly poop bags can create even more issues. America's 83 million pet dogs produce some 10.6 million tons of poop every year.” – OnEarth.org Source: Top Dog Tips, January 5, 2023. Link. There are 23 million coliform … [Read more...]
3 videos feature insights for treating diabetic patients
DVM 360’s team shares some of the latest tips and tricks for better understanding, diagnosing and treating chronic diabetes in companion animals. They note diabetes affects about 1 in 300 adult dogs and 1 in 230 cats in the U.S. Source: DVM 360, February 24, 2023. Link. The diabetes videos referenced are: The connection between the endocrine pancreas and diabetes. Link. … [Read more...]
Topical therapies in veterinary dermatology
Citing the plethora of topical products for pets, Alexandra Gould, DVM, DACVD, says multiuse products are usually easiest to carry. She groups topical therapies around four main goals and shares the considerations and treatments used to achieve them: Treat infections and prevent their recurrence Decrease seborrhea or greasy skin texture Treat or prevent pruritus … [Read more...]
Florida veterinary technician demonstrates MAXI/GUARD® Oral Cleansing Wipes
Sponsored Content Oral Cleansing Wipes are a fabulous choice for in-between brushings and/or for hard-to-brush mouths, shares Vet Tech Sara from Deerwood Animal Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida. Source: Addison Biological Laboratory. Link. … [Read more...]
Does dog park = cesspool? How to safely enjoy it!
Complimentary Sponsored Content Warmer weather, melting snow, greening grass all invite dog owners outside. Many will decide to take their dogs to dog parks. But are the dogs prepared for the inherent risks? Dawn Martin DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, and the Chatfields discuss the challenges of safely enjoying some of the benefits of a dog park. Note the discussion of risk assessment … [Read more...]
The best way to store dog food may surprise you
In recent dog food recall announcements, we noted comments about how dog food is stored. Storage information is not readily found on several brands’ websites. After a bit of digging here’s what we found. Key points: store dog food inside in original bags for best results, refresh monthly.” We reviewed packaging and labels from more than 12 brands for storage instructions, … [Read more...]