Includes Sponsored Content* There are more than 8,000 surgical instruments and the number is growing, writes Michael C. Petty, DVM. This article is to help you choose the right instruments for your needs, and how to properly use and care for them. Including personal preferences, the daunting range of choices is influenced by various surgeries. The right tool makes for a … [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...]
Worth a Glance – May 25, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 18th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from May 18th AHD Bulletin – Make it clear! Link. The most dog-loving states in America. Link. The Bridge Club to discuss affect of new VCPR legislative efforts. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Atypical mad cow disease detected in South Carolina cow
An atypical case of bovine spongiform Encephalopathy was found in an older beef cow at a slaughter plant in South Carolina. It is the seventh case identified in the U.S. The animal never entered slaughter channels and at no time presented a risk to the food supply or human health in the United States. Atypical BSE generally occurs in older cattle and rarely and spontaneously … [Read more...]
Regional swine disease warning tool now available
The Early Regional Occurrence Warning project was launched with the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project in September 2022. Funded by the Swine Health Information Center, the effort aims to increase swine disease awareness, prevention and preparedness. The first TEROW report was sent May 9th and will be released weekly. The TEROW report notifies participants if a swine … [Read more...]
Handling horse wounds from sterilization to stitches
When an injury is found on a horse communicating with a veterinarian is a priority and the sooner the better. Alexandra Tracey, DVM, Dipl. ACVS-LA, and Dean Hendrickson, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, weigh in on the dos and don’ts of wound care, from discovery to recovery. Before choosing a wait-and-see approach horse owners should be encouraged to relay as much information as possible … [Read more...]
Exploring the benefits of mucosal vaccine technology
Complimentary Sponsored Content Amy Stone, DVM, PhD, joins Chats with the Chatfields to explore mucosal vaccines and their impact on veterinary and human medicine. Discussing applications in protecting pets and humans alike, Stone and the Chatfields review the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for mucosal vaccines, the future of vaccine research and potential in … [Read more...]
Instacart delivery data reveals pet-related purchase data
We found this to be a unique look at pet food and pet treats brands sold via Instacart’s home delivery service. They also share other pet items they deliver, including hay for small animals and bird food. Source: Instacart, May 23, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Your life partner is the biggest career choice you’ll ever make. How to get it right.
Commentary A family member recently shared some of the reasons for changes in her career choices. On a fast track at the time she married her husband, 80- and 90-hour work weeks were normal. Dates for the couple took place on the way to and from work, or during breaks in her work events. The pandemic abruptly ended the work gauntlet and allowed the couple to find each … [Read more...]
Don’t be afraid to ask the sensitive questions
Commentary The ability to ask questions is not reserved for interviewers or leaders. Questioning is a way we can understand another point of view other than our own. We asked Patrick T. Malone to review and comment on Benjamin Kessler’s article which shares information from research done by Einav Hart, BA, MA, PhD. Malone’s comments and Kessler’s article are linked … [Read more...]
We are the advocates
Acknowledging the challenges veterinarians face, Marc Rosenberg, VMD, shares a fictitious story based on real occurrences where a veterinarian had to step in, set aside fears of client alienation and address an animal’s needs head-on. His story is about animal abuse and it underscores the role of veterinarians, veterinary teams and animal health pros as animal health … [Read more...]
More is not always better
Managing individual herd health requires thought and diligence from producers and the veterinarians who advise them. Mark Hilton, DVM, shares a thought-provoking perspective on optimizing herd health processes, as it relates to vaccination, antibiotics and deworming. The key takeaway? Include the veterinarian before making a change. . . . if something needs to be eliminated or … [Read more...]
And the green grass grows all around . . . but wait!
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...]