John R. Lewis, VMD, DAVDC, discusses the phenomenon of tooth resorption in cats and dogs. Investigative studies indicate 20 percent to 70 percent of cats experience resorption. TR can be classified as internal resorption or external resorption. Source: Veterinary Practice News, August 11, 2022. Link. Know there is a staging system developed to describe the severity of the … [Read more...]
Pit viper envenomation in a dog
A venomous bite is called an envenomation. Venomous snakes found in the U.S. include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasins and coral snakes. Each year, an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S., and about five of those people die <Link>. According to the Morris Animal Foundation, approximately 150,000 dogs and cats in … [Read more...]
Ask for what you need at work
Cold requests are difficult in our careers and relationships. Deborah Grayson Riegel covers four strategies to get the most out of the early days of a new relationship: Apply the magic 5:1 ratio of healthy relationships. Make requests, not demands. Get curious about what “no” means so you can get to a “yes” Cultivate a positive affect Source: Harvard Business … [Read more...]
10 veterinary trends worthy of attention
Bob Lester, DVM, shares trends in the veterinary profession he is watching. He outlines 10 of the galvanizing issues facing veterinary medicine: The workforce shortage The rise of the connected pet Regulatory The bond Veterinary education Consolidation Work-Life Segmentation Preventive care Team health care delivery Source: Today’s Veterinary … [Read more...]
VHMA Insiders’ Insight KPI – August 2022
Noting revenue growth in July 2022 declined compared to July 2021, this month’s Insiders’ Insight addresses some key factors in veterinary practices. Revenue per client increased against dramatically declining new client numbers and increases in lapsing clients. It’s still not clear where the “veterinary economy” is going but I think it is definitely softening and practices … [Read more...]
Reasons for optimism in the animal health market
Based on recent industry figures, things are looking up for the animal health market, says Graham Garrison, who shares industry figures and estimates that bolster confidence in the pet care segment. <factors contributing to U.S. pet industry growth> include a heightened focus on pet health and wellness among pet owners in closer contact with their pets, a ramped-up … [Read more...]
Best ways to help overweight dogs lose weight
Opinion The last paragraph of this article makes it shareworthy. The tips on ways to address obesity in dogs are good and worth reinforcing. There’s little doubt that a large percentage of U.S. dogs are overweight. Final words: It’s the responsibility of us to help our dogs maintain a healthy weight. It’s up to pet owners to feed nutritious and healthy foods and treats and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 11, 2022
Last week’s most read posts Potentially deadly bacteria been found in U.S. soil and water for first time. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, August 4, 2022. Link. =================================== AAVMC statement on workforce; July 2022 Source: American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, July 2022. Link. The AAVMC … [Read more...]
Are these Zombie pigs or dead pigs?
Researchers have restored circulation and cellular activity in the vital organs of pigs, such as the heart and brain, one hour after the animals died. The findings aren’t yet clinically relevant, but the research raises ethical questions about the definition of death. Source: Nature, August 3, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Animal research continues to search for ways to improve … [Read more...]
Tips for controlling flies in livestock herds
Includes Commercial References Flies are a problem wherever you find them. For beef producers, there are four types that impact livestock herd health and productivity: houseflies, horn flies, stable flies and face flies. These are the same flies drawn to garbage, pet feces, roadkill, compost bins, backyard chicken coops and our outdoor activities that include food. Kansas … [Read more...]
Health and comfort for the aging horse
Aging isn’t a disease process. Many conditions associated with older horses are simply natural changes. Christine Barakat writes about the five health attributes most affected by age and how to prepare for them: Weight loss Arthritis Weakened immune system Loss of fitness Dental troubles Source: EQUUS, May 27, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Share this with owners … [Read more...]
Understanding cats: a review
Learning why cats act as they do and how to adjust handling and management techniques can make all the difference between a positive experience and a negative one for everyone involved. We’ve come a long way since Ellen M. Carozza, LVT NOVA, wrote this article about cats in a clinical setting. She reviews body language and then provides guidance for veterinary team members in … [Read more...]
Free – Level Up: Pain Management virtual summit August 16th
Complimentary Content Veterinary professionals will have the opportunity to learn the most up-to-date and effective methods of pain management at NAVC’s Level Up: Pain Management Summit Tuesday, August 16, 2022. The summit features three, hour long sessions hosted on VetFolio at no charge. Participants will learn the most up-to-date and effective methods of pain … [Read more...]
Otitis externa cheat sheet
Complimentary Sponsored Content from Dechra U.S. Ear problems are frequently in the top 10 reasons pet owners see a veterinarian. Darin Dell, DVM, DACVD, created a handy guide full of useful information for examination, cytology and treatment options for dealing with otitis externa. Source: Dechra U.S. Download here <Link> … [Read more...]
Diabetes is not a death sentence
Complimentary Sponsored Content Richard Stone DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), returns to the Chatfield Show to discuss diabetes in pets. The conversation covers information for pet owners who need to know about their diabetic pet and the differences between dogs and cats. Source: Chats with the Chatfields, YouTube, May 11, 2022. Link. (47 minutes) Diabetes in dogs and cats is … [Read more...]
You may be genetically programmed to work with animals
Empathy for animals could be hardwired into your DNA, according to a study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute and Scotland’s Rural College. The 2018 study, published in the journal Animals, showed that people who display a greater-than-average compassion for animals are genetically different than those who don’t. This is the first study to show … [Read more...]
Customer education is an important competitive differentiator
Commentary We routinely see articles promoting BtoC engagement and education in the retail sector. Veterinary teams can benefit from similar activities and from engaging those who are actively educating pet owners. Working with active influencers can help promote the importance of regular veterinary care and improve education efforts by those advocates engaging animal owners … [Read more...]
Changes coming to compounded animal health medication
Complimentary Content Thank you, Nicole Clausen, Veterinary Care Logistics, for bringing this to our attention. FDA's Guidance for Industry (GFI 256) will affect how you order and prescribe compounded medications, according to Wedgewood Pharmacy. We noted these statements in its document: Veterinarians are responsible for understanding all applicable state regulations … [Read more...]
Get ready! All livestock antibiotics will be prescription-only in 2023.
The clock is ticking. Start now to educate producers ahead of this important transition to livestock antibiotics being available by prescription-only status. The new rule covers injectable tylosin, injectable and intramammary penicillin, injectable and oral tetracycline, sulfadimethoxine and sulfamethazine, and cephapirin and cephapirin benzathine intramammary tubes. Also, … [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...]
Anthrax confirmed in Colorado
The Colorado State Veterinarian's office has confirmed the first cases of anthrax in cattle in Colorado since 2012. The herds were located in Sedgwick County in the northeast corner of the state. Anthrax can occur naturally in Colorado's soil. Bacterial spores can lie dormant in the ground for decades and can emerge in greater concentrations after rainstorms, flooding or … [Read more...]
Protecting the swine herd
Complimentary Commercial Content Companies serving the swine industry take pig health as seriously as producers. The resources and industry support they collectively provide is important to animal health, production profitability, food safety as well as many One Health concerns. We’re sharing a recent YouTube video from Boehringer Ingelheim Swine Health, U.S. We believe … [Read more...]
Anaplasmosis: not “if” but “when” in some cattle herds
Anaplasmosis is a common disease with worldwide distribution in cattle. It is transmitted through tick and fly bites , as well as blood contaminated instruments like needles, tattoo tools, castration equipment and dehorning instruments. Once an animal becomes infected, it is infected for life. Successful antibiotic therapy curing the clinical signs of infection results in a … [Read more...]
Destroy a dairy cow in three months
A dairy cow can be destroyed in three months with worn or incorrect milking system liners and poor hygiene. Aging liners are the single biggest cause of chronic mastitis in herds. Multiple studies prove if dairy farmers use old liners on fresh cows, the damage to teat-ends starts immediately.” Source: The Bullvine, August 2, 2022. Link. The liner is the interface between the … [Read more...]
Why horses kick
Horses kick to deliver different messages to their herd mates, writes Jennifer Williams, PhD. She shares what a horse's kicking means and what can be done to deal with this potentially dangerous behavior. Source: EQUUS, July 23, 2022. Link. Some situations will compel practically any horse to lash out–to protect himself or to relieve pain. Yet in other cases kicking is a bad … [Read more...]
Improving the narrative on pet food
Pet food is deeply personal for many cat and dog owners and their choices are compounded by the explosion of choices. Raw, organic, fresh, frozen and nearly any other human food trend you can imagine make pet food choices challenging. Ernie Ward DVM, CVFT, says, “to successfully educate and avoid offending clients, veterinary professionals need to have a communication strategy, … [Read more...]
Workflow resource leverages PiMS automation features
Complimentary Commercial Content These FREE workflows relieve some of the burden of inventory management by leveraging the automation features in your PiMS including ordering, receiving and dispensing items. Our FREE resource is for inventory managers, practice owners, and anyone who is struggling with their in-house inventory.” – Nicole Clausen, CSSGB, CCFP, CVBL Source: … [Read more...]
Universal PiMS integration and building an ecosystem using the Mella desktop app
Complimentary Commercial Content During this online event that takes place August 9, learn how the Mella thermometer integrates with PiMS systems. This empowers veterinary staff to include temperature screening with each exam and get that information into the PiMs records. Register here: Link. Source: Mella Pet Care, Linked In, July 25, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
More on blue-green algae: When in doubt, keep out!
Toxic cyanobacteria or, blue-green algae is primarily a concern during the summer months, when it can be found in small lakes or ponds. Dogs can be exposed while swimming in lakes, ponds and pools of water caused by seasonal flooding and standing water, like that in abandoned swimming pools. Dogs are exposed by drinking or licking toxic water. Drinking directly from a pond, … [Read more...]
Reptile- and feeder rodent-associated Salmonellosis: Alberta
Reptile contact is a very well-known risk factor for acquiring Salmonella, especially in kids. Scott Weese, DVM, shares the challenges of feeder rodent-associated Salmonella sp. outbreaks as a reminder for reptile owners and handlers. Weese shares some important basic preventive measures when it comes to Salmonella sp. including: Feeder rodents should be handled like … [Read more...]