Spring! Pastures and hayfields are greening up. Lush stands of grass push skyward after a nice rain. A few seed heads start to develop and our noses get ready for that smell of the first cutting of hay. But wait . . . upon closer inspection, “oh no, ergot [ur-guht]!” Ergot is a fungus (Claviceps purpurea) that contaminates rye and wheat and produces substances called … [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...]
Akorn drugs must be discarded due to bankruptcy
Akorn Operating Company LLC filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on February 23, 2023. The Akorn Trustee is initiating a voluntary recall of various within-expiry human and animal products as a result of the closures and discontinuation of the quality activities of these marketed products. There are nine veterinary-specific drugs on Akorn's recall list while another 75 drugs … [Read more...]
PANOQUELL®-CA1 (fuzapladib sodium for injection) is now available in the U.S.
Complimentary Commercial Content Ceva Animal Health U.S. announced PANOQUELL®-CA1 is now available in the U.S. It is the first and only drug conditionally approved by the FDA for management of the symptoms associated with acute onset of canine pancreatitis. The drug will address the inflammation associated with acute onset of canine pancreatitis, an important, unmet … [Read more...]
Veterinary Care Logistics announces inaugural Inventory Manager Appreciation Day
Complimentary Content Nominations for the first Inventory Manager of the Year award open on June 7, 2023. Help Nicole spread the word to celebrate the work done by veterinary inventory managers. Inventory management is a crucial element of running a successful veterinary practice and the people in this role deserve a day to be celebrated!” – Nicole Clausen, CSSGB, CCFP, … [Read more...]
What approval of Librela™ (bedinvetmab injection) for canine OA treatment means for dogs
Complimentary Commercial Content The availability of an effective, non-NSAID monthly treatment for canine osteoarthritis pain is an exciting advance for everyone who cares about improving quality of life for dogs, owners and veterinary professionals, writes Kristen Green Seymour. She provides perspective on the significance of the approval Zoetis received for Librela™ … [Read more...]
5 pet food brands being talked about
Includes Commercial Content Surveys of independent pet store owners revealed the top pet food brands they say are doing well in their stores: Fromm Family Foods Stella & Chewy’s Primal Pet Foods Zignature Northwest Naturals Goat milk received an honorable mention. Source: Pet Product News, May 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Pet food questions are … [Read more...]
Brazil detects HPAI in wild sea shore birds. USDA okays vaccination for endangered condors.
Commentary Southern Brazil seems miles away but the discovery of H5N1 avian flu in terns and a brown booby punctuates the imminent risk of managing biosecurity where wildlife, domestic animals and humans intersect. A review of the migratory bird flyways underscores the potential for the viral spread we’ve witnessed in recent months. Lisa Schnirring shares the situation … [Read more...]
Large-scale data breaches can compromise veterinary practices
Complimentary Content Cybersecurity is an ongoing process and not a one-time fix says Clint Latham, JD. He explains how data breaches in other sectors could affect security for veterinarians. The ripple effect of large-scale data breaches poses a significant yet often overlooked threat to the veterinary sector.” – Clint Latham, JD Source: LinkedIn, May 15, 2023. … [Read more...]
Research: Female leaders not likely to recommend their own company
Linkage, a women’s leadership development firm, reported findings collected from a survey of more than 3,000 women. It showed that women who ascend to director or senior director are less likely than they were earlier in their career to recommend their employer as "a great place for women leaders to work." To better support women, organizations can support female workers in … [Read more...]
Gene-editing technology produces first calf resistant to BVDV
Scientists have collaborated to produce the first gene-edited calf with resistance to bovine viral diarrhea virus. Maribel Alonso postulates this proof-of-concept study demonstrates the possibility of reducing the burden of BVDV-associated diseases in cattle by gene editing which may also reduce the need for antimicrobials. Source: Drovers, May 9, 2023. Link. The study was … [Read more...]
Freemartins and Peter Pan heifers
Commentary Occasionally we run across terminology that is foreign to us. In the articles here, we share two such terms: freemartin and Peter Pan heifers. Source: FEEDLOT, June 21, 2022. Link. Twins calves can be a challenge. But when one is a bull calf and the other a heifer often the heifer is a freemartin. Freemartin heifers are females with an improperly developed … [Read more...]
Horse arena footing facts
Our recent post on the pros and cons of training horses in deep sand <Link> attracted considerable attention. In this article, Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA, shares what equine scientists are learning about footing and its connection to lameness and other health issues. Source: The Horse, July 13, 2022. Link. As studies on surfaces continue, we’re finding that the … [Read more...]
How to trim nails on a dog that gives you a hard time
Commentary As a dog owner, articles like this remind me of the importance of routinely keeping my dog’s nails trimmed to avoid issues with muscles, joints or injuries. He’s only a 16 pound Morkie but Li’l Buddy does not like anyone trimming his nails.” Despite using all the tips and tricks, nail trimming is not a fun exercise at our house. Thankfully, we have a local nail … [Read more...]
Cats, laser pointers and more satisfying ways to play
Cats’ prey drive makes chasing a laser’s red light a thrill for them and their owners. But, because there’s no way to reward the hunt, some cats get frustrated and can change the attack to the closest thing available, says Samantha Bell. Ending laser time by pointing the dot to a wand toy helps complete the predation cycle. Experts recommend following playtime with mealtime … [Read more...]
3 values tell more about U.S. pet owners than demographics
Commentary Asserting that traditional demographics can be misleading, David Allison urged marketers to consider common values among pet owners. Three values provide more common ground than pet owners’ demographics and can reveal more meaningful ways to appeal to dog, cat and other pet owners: Personal responsibility Trustworthiness Experiences Source: PETFOOD … [Read more...]
After the first visit, 4 opportunities to talk about pet insurance
Sponsored Content from ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Increasing the number of clients with pet insurance in a veterinary practice frequently results in increased clinic revenue through more frequent visits, and more services accessed per visit while reducing the struggle of financing veterinary procedures. Jennifer Sperry, BSc, DVM, shares life stage opportunities and some … [Read more...]
Apologize properly when something goes wrong
Mistakes happen. We are human after all. Tim Riesterer shares how to deal with mistakes and the importance of an apology message and intentionally delivering it to the customer. When delivered well, an apology message can improve the customer relationship to the point where it is stronger than if the mistake had never happened, a phenomenon known as the service recovery … [Read more...]
Pelvic bone stress and fatigue fractures in endurance horses
There are pros and cons of training horses in deep sand. Researchers investigated how footing affects equine athletes. While muscles adapt to the sand environments their findings show endurance horses training and competing in deep sand are at risk of pelvic fractures or bone stress injuries. Source: EquiManagement, May 1, 2023. Link. An endurance horse that works in deep … [Read more...]
Top 6 conditions found during canine rectal exams
Christopher Lea, DVM, DABVP, shares the importance of rectal exams to detect possible clinical diseases and subclinical disorders. He says this is increasingly important as dogs age. In a related video, Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT, demonstrates how to perform a rectal examination in a dog. Sources: Clinician’s Brief, January 2023. Link. VETgirl Veterinary … [Read more...]
A few drops of blue-green algae can kill a dog
Blue-green algae are not algae at all, but types of bacteria called cyanobacteria. They often begin to affect a dog almost immediately. Symptoms usually develop within 30 to 60 minutes. Many dogs get sick on the way home usually with vomiting and diarrhea. Note: The National Centers for Environmental Information provides an online Harmful Algae BoomS Observing System that … [Read more...]
Study finds H3N2 canine influenza virus moving closer to infecting humans
Scientists at the China Agricultural University indicate the dog flu virus is mutating, stabilizing and adapting to better recognize human-like receptors. Virologists say the study calls for continuous surveillance and risk assessments related to the canine flu, citing no pre-existing human immunity. Source: Popular Mechanics, May 1, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Animal health … [Read more...]
Desensitization and counterconditioning canine behaviors
Fans of Cesar Millan’s new show, Better Human Better Dog, may recognize these training methods that may help dogs overcome reactivity and negative feelings toward certain people, animals or other triggers. Behavior modification takes patience, consistency, practice and time.” Source: The Spruce Pets, April 18, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Millan’s new show focuses on redirecting … [Read more...]
APHIS, USDA issue new regulations affecting pet birds
Commentary MyRightBird compiled an overview to help shed light on the new USDA/APHIS regulations that has ruffled feathers in the pet bird industry. They cite vague descriptions as one of the problems. The new rules seek to apply the standards of the Animal Welfare Act to ensure birds will be raised and cared for in conditions that protect their health and … [Read more...]
Shaping the onboarding experience
Trial by fire is no longer acceptable when bringing new employees on board. Regardless of the size of the business, new hires need to feel supported from day one including opportunities to offer and receive feedback as onboarding takes place. A primary objective of onboarding is to reduce the time it takes for a new hire to become fully productive in their role” Source: … [Read more...]
Tips on marketing to owners of senior pets
Veterinarians should be seeing many more patients in their advanced-age life stage than ever, writes Mary Gardner, DVM, citing metrics that show 44 percent of practice patients are seniors. She shares tips on communicating with owners of senior pets similar to how puppy and early stage education is done. Source: AAHA Trends, February 2023. Link. We can do so much to manage … [Read more...]
Canine cancer research startup helps treatment in humans
One Health’s FidoCure is using genomics and AI technology to develop precision oncological treatments, and the work is benefiting human cancer research, writes Jenni Spinner. Source: Outsourcing Pharma, April 19, 2023. Link. NOTE: In February 2020, FidoCure’s CEO Christina Kelly Lopes was interviewed on FOX Business Live <Link> where she spoke about cancer in dogs, … [Read more...]
Worms without borders
Complimentary Commercial Content When cattle move about the country so do the worms and germs they carry. Boehringer Ingelheim’s David Shirbroun, DVM, shares the challenges of worm management and how extended release dewormers can benefit producers with cattle pastured more than a month. One thing producers might not realize is that the peak level of larvae in the pasture … [Read more...]
Possibilities for veterinary technicians to provide in-home euthanasia discussed
Guest contributor - Catherine Haskins of The Bridge Club Nearly 100 animal health professionals joined for a virtual discussion of the opportunities, challenges and limitations veterinary technicians and the practices for which they work face providing in-home euthanasia for clients’ animals. In a survey conducted by The Bridge Club, 76 percent of the industry is in favor of … [Read more...]
Cushing, veterinary future so near, so far
“The only thing holding back the pet health care industry might be a fear of where the answers lead, and that’s understandable,” says Mark Cushing, JD. He discusses what he calls an “interesting” juncture in pet health care and shares areas of top priority: Younger generations Rules and regulations License portability Public policy Utilization of veterinary … [Read more...]