AAHA, VetFolio and the Fear Free™ advisory panel have created a groundbreaking certification program intended to change handling approaches in veterinary hospitals. This initiative may be the largest, most important transformation in the history of companion animal practice, according to its advocates. Simply put, Fear Free™ is an experience management initiative to benefit … [Read more...]
Backyard chickens and the VFD
A subscriber sent us this article about the chicken debate in Irving, Texas. This discussion represents issues in all American cities, suburbs and rural developments. VFD regulations apply to these animals as much as they do to those in a feedlot. Veterinarians who don’t plan to practice food animal medicine, must be well-versed in the VFD regulations. The law allows any … [Read more...]
DVMs share the best advice they received from a mentor
Steve Pearson, DVM, captures mentor advice received by a broad cross-section of 14 veterinarians. Much of the advice they received applies to any animal health professional’s role. Whether you read this casually or more thoughtfully, there is something here for nearly everyone. Source: Veterinary Practice News, April 6, 2016. Applying wisdom from mentors helps these … [Read more...]
Cats and dogs now playing computer games
Computer games for pets are the latest in the continuing trend of dogs and cats being elevated from family pet to furry babies. Source: The Age, April 9, 2016 via APPA SmartBrief. I don't think people spend enough time with their pets. Anything that encourages people to interact with their cats, so they're not living such a sedentary lifestyle, is good," Dr. Bronwen Slack, … [Read more...]
5 tips help with pet travel
Vacation season is almost here. In fact, Memorial Day weekend, the traditional kick-off to summer, is just seven weeks away. For those traveling with pets, five considerations will help make traveling with pets as stress-free as possible. Source: American Red Cross A common concern of people who travel with their pets is that the animals will get sick, hurt or lost during … [Read more...]
Scoping in motion: Dynamic endoscope improves diagnosis of breathing problems
Because upper respiratory abnormalities lead to poor performance, predominantly in racing thoroughbreds, but also in show and sport horses; technology has evolved to help properly diagnose these issues. Changing from resting endoscopy to dynamic versions help veterinarians better evaluate and diagnose a performance horse with airway issues. This technology has evolved from use … [Read more...]
Is pet insurance worth it?
Consumer Reports analyzed policies from three providers to determine whether pet insurance was a good deal. The analysis was done using one dog and one cat. Source: Consumer Reports, May 2016. The insurance trade group says that accident and illness coverage per year averaged $473 for dogs and $285 for cats in 2014. Accident-only policies ran $158 and $132, … [Read more...]
Feline FIP tops concerns
A 2015 survey of cat owners indicated Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) as the most urgent disease of concern, followed by heart disease and chronic kidney disease. Definitive diagnostics and treatments remain elusive, although great strides have been made in viral genetics and pathobiology. Veterinary teams, sales representatives and marketers will appreciate the perspective … [Read more...]
Text from your computer
Texting is rapidly becoming the primary way of communicating. Working in an email environment creates challenges for sending links or messages to someone’s cell phone. We found this handy listing for simple ways of sending text messages from the internet or from your computer to phones. These email addresses act as direct links to a carriers’ SMS gateways. Source: Martin … [Read more...]
Canine influenza confirmed in felines
The first confirmed report of multiple cats testing positive for H3N2 canine influenza virus in the U.S. shows the virus can affect cats. Researchers hope that infections and illness in felines will be rare. An H3N2 vaccine is now available for dogs, but no vaccine is currently approved or recommended for cats. Source: AAHA NewStat, April 7, 2016. Suspicions of an outbreak … [Read more...]
Customers’ needs and perceptions changing
The impact of online marketing in the business-to-consumers arena now applies to the business-to-business world. Whether you've noticed or not, your customers' preferences, needs and perceptions are changing. They are looking for a different buying experience in 2016. It's time to adapt to their changing needs, wants and perceptions, says Bridget McCrea. This article signals … [Read more...]
Rabies Vaccinosis
This article is one that pushes against career-long paradigms for many of us. Sometimes it is hard to remain neutral after thirty some years of animal health training and experiences. Our team at Animal Health Digest remains tasked to expose animal health pros to information found in print or digital formats in periodicals, digital media and related sources. So, we share this … [Read more...]
Wiggle with Wendy Myers
Wendy Myers addresses wiggle words in the context of heartworm compliance and dental care. She presents the case for being more confident instead of wishy-washy. Source: Animal Health Solutions, April 2016. (complimentary access) Are you letting clients wiggle out of heartworm prevention? and Avoid wiggle words that kill dental compliance both address how veterinary team … [Read more...]
You gotta’ be kitten me
This issue of Catster is dedicated to kittens. Marty Becker, DVM, sounds off on flea and tick prevention. Susan Logan-McCracken guides readers through 22 distinct needs and attributes of kittens. Catherine Holm proposes Maybe not everyone should have a cat. The publication is filled with tidbits, splashy photos and catchy ideas sure to garner the attention of … [Read more...]
Fact or fiction – hind gut ulcers in horses
Disturbances of the hind gut/large intestine definitely exist but the correct treatment is to find the cause and correct it. “Hind gut ulcers” is not a real disease, says Eleanor Kellon, VMD. In her opinion, there is no such thing as “hindgut ulcer syndrome” that is a correlate of gastric ulcer syndrome, and certainly no cause that a supplement would correctly treat. Source: … [Read more...]
Promote good canine behavior
Veterinary teams and retail associates will find this article helpful to help clients get the support they need for their animals. increases in pet adoptions are yielding a high probability of behavioral issues in rescue dogs. There are no quick fixes, so setting a plan is critical. Source: Veterinary Practice News, March 18, 2016. The number one issue in any study that’s … [Read more...]
Expanding Xylitol use risky for dogs
Stop! Don’t put that peanut butter in the Kong toy until you read the ingredient label. Eric Barchas, DVM, warns about the dangers of xylitol. It is frequently found in gums, candies, and even peanut butter. Consider his warning for websites, newsletters and blogs to help dog owners avoid potential risk. A podcast offered from the ASPCA Poison Control Center about Xylitol is … [Read more...]
Understanding different cultures
The cultural origins of the U.S. population constantly fluctuate. The result is a growing cross-cultural challenge as we service different cultures in veterinary practices, retail stores and livestock production facilities. As your customers and communities evolve, this article offers a perspective on servicing the U.S. melting pot. Source: MindTools, March 4, … [Read more...]
Bullying, aggression prevalent in the veterinary profession
Destructive behavior, a complex combination of relational aggression, horizontal violence, or bullying, appears to be prevalent in the medical field, says Justin Lee, DVM, DACVECC, DABT VetGirl, St. Paul, Minnesota. Lee references studies from the medical field and relates the results to veterinary hospital team dynamics. Strong, proactive leadership is critical, she … [Read more...]
Keep office conflicts in control
No work environment is perfect. Author Silvia Lafiar takes on loose lips, blame and annoyances to help manage the inevitable in our workplaces. Source: Inc., March 30, 2016 as featured in AVMA SmartBrief, 4, 2016. The mantra in most work places sounds like a robust cheer of "his fault, her fault, their fault." The article discusses 5 ways for you to help change the … [Read more...]
Editorial – Don’t ignore this take on canine health and wellness
The information on canine health and wellness in this issue falls short. Even the website references miss the basics of urban dog care. Published for specific cities, the articles do not cover basic vaccines, endo- or ecto-parasite control, dental tips or pain management. Information on the website is hardly a primer on canine wellness. Source: CityDog Magazine, Spring … [Read more...]
4 ways to determine if a horse is overweight
Just as humans are, horses are also affected by obesity. Multiple systems have been developed to help owners keep an eye on their horses’ weight and work towards an ideal scale reading. Source: The Paulick Report, March 28, 2016. As is true for humans, this added weight comes a host of potential damaging health issues. For horses, these health issues can include laminitis, … [Read more...]
Dental health dictates overall horse health
Horses require regular dental care, just like humans. Because of the way domestic horses are fed, they need annual, or sometimes semi-annual, checkups and floats by veterinarians or equine dentists. Floating prevents sharp points from forming on the edges of their teeth. Source: The Paulick Report, March 28, 2016 Horses get sharp points or unevenness on their teeth when … [Read more...]
Thwart thrush in 3 steps
Thrush is a bacterial infection of the hoof and frog* that is caused by constantly standing in wet muddy ground. This prevents hooves from drying out and firming up, which leads to infection. Read on to discover three ways to prevent thrush. Source: The Paulick Report, March 29, 2016 Thrush, which thrives in wet, unsanitary conditions, affects the frog of the horse's hoof. … [Read more...]
7 steps to better two-legged care
Mike Paul, DVM reminds veterinary hospital teams to remember the needs of the animal owners in this reminder article. Source: DVM 360, March 2016, page 44. Pets don’t walk themselves into your veterinary hospital. Check to make sure you’re doing these seven things to make your practice a success with clients. INSIGHTS: Representatives might take a cue or two from Dr. … [Read more...]
Darned dermatophytes
Dermatophytosis is most frequently associated with the zoonotic ringworm infection. However, those circular areas of hair loss can signal more than just ringworm. These articles address the need for proper diagnosis and include a discussion about the origins of the infections. Source: DVM 360, March 2016, page M4. Three species of fungi most commonly cause dermatophytosis: … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe during July 4th celebration
July 4th and its accompanying fireworks will be here soon. Help clients get ready for the noisy celebrations that often scare pets. The specialists at the VPI Pet HealthZone offer sound tips about dealing with noise, food toxicity and lost pets. Source: July 4th Pet Safety Tips, Veterinary Pet Insurance™, a Nationwide Insurance® company. If you include your pets at a 4th of … [Read more...]
The importance of trust
Adam Little, DVM reviews technology and explores the importance of trust in this set of posts. Source: Exponential Vet, March 29, 2016. Veterinarians have been labelled as resistant to change, traditionalists, or worse when it comes to adopting new technologies. However, from my experience, I think that’s terminology thrown around to excuse poor product development and … [Read more...]
What’s up with pet food?
The Global Pet Expo offers a look at what’s new, different or trendy. Debbie Phillips-Donaldson, editor-in-chief, of Petfood Industry, shares what she experienced at the expo in this article. Topics include: innovation enhanced kibble freeze-dried, raw and baked pet foods and treats cat focus natural pet food and treat claims ingredient transparency Source: … [Read more...]
Animalytix shares 2015 industry trends at WVC executive forum
The Animalytix Senior Executive Forum covers a variety of topics for industry stakeholders. The results this year included a unique price volume analysis reflecting the performance of nearly 500 brands since 2014. Trends indicate growth in the industry overall. Source: Vet Advantage, March 2016, page 24. The formal program included an overview of 2015 Results for the U.S. … [Read more...]