Includes Commercial References Newport Laboratories’ Jason Anderson, DVM, writes about Mycoplasma bovis, calling it problematic, insidious and hard to control. M. bovis is found in many different disease presentations. Affected cattle may display nasal discharge, cough, labored breathing, drooped ear, head tilt, head shaking, difficulty moving, swollen joints, inflamed … [Read more...]
Court rules USDA exceeds its authority in Horse Protection Act amendments
A U.S. District judge ruled the U.S. Department of Agriculture exceeded its authority in its final rule to amend the Horse Protection Act. Four of the five provisions contested were granted summary judgments. The four provisions are the prohibition of action devices and pads, the prohibition of substances, the dermatologic conditions indicative of soring, and the pre- and … [Read more...]
Opportunities for retailers who focus on oral care products
Includes Commercial Content What’s that old saying? “It takes a community . . . “ Glenn Polyn shares ideas for pet retailers in this article. He notes the oral health retail sector has grown with innovative and easy-to-use products designed to help address dental health in dogs and cats. Polyn mentions cross-merchandising opportunities and the importance of training store … [Read more...]
Time to review vaccine reactions
With the holidays eight weeks in the rearview mirror, those Christmas puppies are ready for vaccine boosters and rabies vaccination. Veterinary teams need to be prepared to discuss why undesirable post-vaccination reactions or complications may occur. Refreshing team knowledge from the 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines (2024 Update), Theresa Entriken, DVM, highlights … [Read more...]
Pet dental cleanings: What to expect (video)
Last week we asserted that client education was the main objective of National Pet Dental Month <Link>. Consider this video from the AVMA to support COHAT, help orient pet owners to the dental exam and treatment processes and reinforce the benefits of routine oral care in the home. Share it in social media posts or newsletters along with your own Dental Month message or … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 10, 2025
Latest in grooming tools, Red Cross pet liaisons, H5N1 risks in cats, salmonella risks, warnings about unlicensed pet boarding and more . . . Source: IBPSA, February 10, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
How multitasking drains your brain
Whether applied to machines or human brains, “multitasking” is a misnomer, writes Richard E. Cytowic, MD, MFA. He debunks the myth that we only use 10 percent of our brain stating, “We do use 100 percent of our brain, just not all of it at the same instant.” He explains the energy requirements of today’s rich social environments, saying that keeping ourselves alert and … [Read more...]
Embracing AI: Are you a Doomer, Gloomer, Zoomer, or Bloomer? (video)
Erika James, PhD, hosted Reid Hoffman in a discussion during a lecture series at The Wharton School about the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence. Hoffman believes that when AI is deployed correctly, it has the power to change society for the better, much like the printing press, the gasoline engine, computers, the internet and all the previous inventions that … [Read more...]
Tips to help introverts survive in extroverted jobs
Introverts bring a lot to an extroverted workplace, like deep focus and creative problem-solving, but only if they get time to recharge, writes Dan Lee. He offers tips on how to succeed in a job that seems geared toward extroverts. Source: Introvert Dear. Link. … [Read more...]
Building talent through delegation
Using a clinic’s professional staff to deploy their full educational training remains an everyday topic in veterinary medicine. Effective delegation is one of the most effective ways to develop the existing talent in your practice and free up your time to (fill in your top priority). The article shares 10 steps for successful delegation. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, … [Read more...]
Survey says unruly customers take a toll on frontline workers
Whether in person or on a call, customer impatience and retaliatory behaviors create difficulties for frontline employees and affect positive customer experiences. A survey by Perceptyx found more than half of public-facing workers have recently encountered customers who were verbally abusive, threatening or otherwise unruly. The report shares how frontline personnel are … [Read more...]
Could we be headed to a ‘manager crash’ in 2025?
Commentary Although sometimes suspect as subtle promotions for consulting groups, articles like this and the data they share are worth considering. The pandemic upset the proverbial apple cart and increased the need for excellent juggling skills at all levels of the animal health business, regardless of staff size and sophistication. A declining number of middle managers did … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 6, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 30, 2024. Link. Most read posts from January 30, 2025 AHD Bulletin Making the case for clinical obesity vs. obesity in veterinary medicine. Link. Storm clouds on the horizon evident in next generation of students. Link. Leadership advice. Link. Bird flu enters a new phase . . . the … [Read more...]
Librela® (bedinvetmab injection) label update submitted to FDA by Zoetis
Zoetis has submitted a supplement to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to update the Librela label, incorporating post-approval experience since its launch in the U.S. in October 2023. The label has been updated to provide current information on real-world drug experience reporting. Source: Zoetis, February 4, 2025. Link. The updates to the label include: A … [Read more...]
Louisianna DVM named as Westminster’s 2025 Veterinarian of the Year
Launched in 2022, Sara K. Lyle, DVM, MS, PhD, DACT, was chosen as the fourth Westminster Kennel Club’s veterinarian of the year. The award celebrates veterinarians and also addresses the mental health challenges the veterinary community faces regularly in partnership with Not One More Vet. Source: Daily Paws, January 28, 20254. Link. … [Read more...]
New version of the H5N1 bird flu virus spills into Nevada dairy herds
Known as D1.1, a new version of H5N1 is circulating in wild birds countrywide and causing mass die-offs. It’s different than the one currently circulating in dairy cows and has caused only mild illness in humans and killed scores of domestic and wild cats. It is the latest surprise and reminder that his flu does not behave like a typical flu virus. This new finding suggests … [Read more...]
U.S. Equestrian Federation board adds to the prohibited substances list
The substance additions ban certain injectable medications and other potentially deadly substances from being used in competition and also from being brought onto show grounds. The list of substances includes formaldehyde, oxytocin and pentobarbital, with an exception for veterinarians to use the latter in euthanasia. Source: The Chronicle of the Horse, January 29, 2025. … [Read more...]
Veterinarian warns cat owners about H5N1 risks amid rising cases
“Vigilance is key in preventing further bird flu infections,” said Susan Nelson, DVM, discussing the detection of H5N1 in cats. The article offers preventive measures to minimize the risk of infection in cats and other animals, including up-to-date rabies vaccinations, keeping cats indoors and avoiding feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy products. Source: PHYS.ORG, … [Read more...]
Mental stimulation matters
Includes Commercial Content Ongoing research has exposed the needs of dogs beyond physical exercise and continues to share the benefits of mental stimulation. A recent AHD post <Link> shared how dogs associate words and use soundboards. Mental stimulation doesn’t require fancy buttons or technology. Rather, there are DIY activities dog owners can implement to tap into … [Read more...]
FDA warns six sellers of unapproved seizure drugs for animals
Six companies selling unapproved products claiming to treat and control seizures in dogs and cats have been warned. The products named in the warning letters are not FDA-approved or conditionally approved and are being sold on the firms’ websites, social media pages and Amazon shops without a prescription or other veterinary oversight. Source: FDA, January 7, 2025. Link. The … [Read more...]
High prevalence of veterinary drugs in birds’ nest materials
A study published in Science of the Total Environment found high levels of veterinary insecticides in the nests of British songbirds and associated it with increased mortality in their offspring. Fipronil, imidacloprid and permethrin were detected in 100 percent, 89.1 percent and 89.1 percent of the nest material samples, respectively. Source: Science Direct, February 10, … [Read more...]
Understanding Feng Shui and its impact on animal spaces
Applying Feng Shui principles in animal spaces offers veterinary teams a holistic approach to enhancing well-being. Focusing on location, element balance, comfort, stimulation, cleanliness and organization enables practitioners to create environments that support physical health and emotional stability. Source: IVC Journal, January 28, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 3, 2025
Iconic brands entering pet space, understanding today’s pet owners, AI and automation for pet care businesses, FDA urging pet food companies to revisit safety amid bird flu outbreaks, diabetic alert dog tracks five blocs to find child with low blood sugar and more - Source: IBPSA, February 3, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Your comfort zone
The ability to become comfortable in an uncomfortable situation will help when taking a giant leap into the unknown. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, January 6, 2025. Link. When employees face challenges confidently and courageously, a positive outcome is more likely than if they don’t.” INSIGHTS: Coaching to improve confidence and courage is focused on “do this” not “don’t … [Read more...]
30,000 from 86 countries, 2025 VMX celebrated the emotion, art behind veterinary science
As the dust settles for those who traveled to Orlando for VMX 2025, many animal health pros stayed behind to run practices and keep customers serviced. To get a taste of the event, review the news release here and note the video link as well. Congratulations to the NAVC for another record-breaking conference! Source: NAVC, January 30, 2025. Link. VMX 2025 was a … [Read more...]
Fear Free® launches Emergency & Urgent Care Practice Certification program
Fear Free’s new certification program bridges the gap between routine care and urgent or emergent scenarios, offering veterinary teams the training and resources necessary to implement Fear Free techniques in high-pressure environments. Detailed information about the Emergency & Urgent Care Practice Certification is here <Link> Source: Cision, January 27, 2025. … [Read more...]
6 strategies for navigating a multigenerational healthcare workforce
Jacob Kupietzky outlines strategies for leaders to successfully navigate the dynamics of their multigenerational teams so that all employees can thrive. His strategies apply to veterinary teams as they meet challenges and develop opportunities in animal medicine. Source: Fast Company, January 30, 2025. Link. Leaders who proactively address generational differences while … [Read more...]
Client education, the main objective of National Pet Dental Month
Commentary Sponsored by the AVMA, February is National Pet Dental Month. Our industry has presented and marketed dental care myriad ways over the past three decades. Foundationally, the dental market sought the "endorsement" of veterinary dental products <Link>. When the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Guidelines recommended pet dental care in 2017, … [Read more...]
6 ways to develop today’s managers to be tomorrow’s leaders
Commentary Employee development is an underlying theme in our animal health industry. Collectively, we are challenged to find enough veterinarians and technicians ready to provide full veterinary services. Beyond the science, we face challenges to identify aspects of professional roles and improve the ongoing need to cultivate opportunities for personal development and … [Read more...]
Bird flu enters a new phase, meanwhile, the environment cannot be sterilized
The latest data from the CDC and USDA shows the continued devastating effects of bird flu outbreaks across the United States. New York Times writer Apoorva Mandavilli provides a relevant and updated situation analysis in the second article shared here. Not yet a serious human threat, she shares the expanding discoveries in mammalian species, including cats both wild and … [Read more...]