While animals do nothing but be themselves, where we believe an animal belongs is what provides context to its existence. Bethany Brookshire shares the labels we apply freely to some problem animals but not others, even though in some cases, our solutions are to eradicate them. Brookshire’s article will prompt some thought about our existence with animals and how we judge … [Read more...]
Making the case for clinical obesity versus obesity in veterinary medicine
Veterinary medicine has the opportunity to avoid many mistakes human obesity medicine has encountered over the past three decades, including those related to nomenclature and communication strategies, writes Ernie Ward, DVM. By adding the modifier "clinical," healthcare professionals can also distinguish "obesity" from "fatness" and other stigmatizing terms. Source: Ernie … [Read more...]
Does bacteremia always need to be addressed in dentistry?
This article from Samuel G. Babbitt, DVM, DAVDC, is timely as National Pet Dental Month starts next week. He shares the results of a small study aimed to assess whether transient bacteremia developed after dental scaling, root planing and dental extractions, as well as whether the amount of bacteremia warranted antibiotics. The study authors concluded perioperative use of … [Read more...]
Employee detachment threatens customer satisfaction
When employees disengage, customers feel it. Customer centricity is a competitive advantage and worth investing time and effort to ensure stronger alignments between employees and customers. Source: Gallup, January 28, 2005. Link. Employee pride in the quality of products and services is declining.” INSIGHTS: For small businesses, a simple phone call as follow-up may … [Read more...]
Should owning pets be considered a privilege?
Only 10 percent of dogs born in the U.S. will find a permanent home <Link>. Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, discuss the nuances, challenges and inequities of pet ownership. The discussion is as relevant today as when they recorded the podcast. Source: Clinician’s Brief, December 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 27, 2025
OSHA 300A summary form reminder, pet gifts based on personality, teaching pets to clean up, managing obesity, what pets see on TV, raw pet food as bird flu risk and more . . . Source: IBPSA, January 27, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
People buy benefits. Does your website share them?
Commentary Patrick Malone consistently coaches, “No one ever paid a dollar for a feature or function . . . they buy the benefit and what it will give to them.” Another way this can be expressed is we need to provide a “what’s in it for them” explanation. The results of a study published in JAVMA recently suggest that opportunities exist to increase communication of the … [Read more...]
Leadership advice
Note: Mr. Malone’s post here provides good follow-up to his post from last week <Link> on managing stress. We also created a PDF of Jeff Zientz’s leadership tips from the article Malone shares here <Link>. It can be used as a bulletin board reminder for all staff. You may not be the Practice Leader, but the practice and its clients benefit when everyone is … [Read more...]
Delegates approve, update new polices on biosecurity, license by endorsement and more
The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) approved seven resolutions on January 11 during its regular winter session. Association policies were updated including those on biosecurity, pet ownership, velveting, and integrative veterinary medicine. The delegates deferred action on cellular agriculture policies. Source: AVMA, January 28, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Gender and appearance bias exacerbates equine DVM shortage
A study published in Equine Veterinary Journal shared results of a focus group study of current and former equine veterinarians to learn what stressors led to, or could lead to, them leaving the profession. Beyond compensation, student loan debt and work-life balance, discrimination was an overall challenge. Seventy-six percent of participants reported experiencing some form of … [Read more...]
Storm clouds on the horizon evident in next generation of students
Commentary The slide show here was disturbing because it confirms discussions with educators. Industry colleagues have previously shared their challenges with integrating Gen Z early adults in the workplace, and it seems apparent the next generation will be even more challenging. While there are obvious human resource and selection criteria issues to plan for, the role … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 23, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January, 16, 2024. Link. Most read posts from January 16, 2025 AHD Bulletin Managing your own expectations. Link. Reminder: Wood sugar, birch sugar, birch bark are the same as xylitol. Link. Cost of cow-calf production significantly influenced by operation size. … [Read more...]
NAVC’s 2024 VETTY Awards® recognize marketing excellence in animal health care
The 2024 VETTY Awards® winners represent the best in animal health care marketing worldwide. The winners will be recognized at the 42nd annual Veterinary Meeting and Expo, which takes place January 25-29 in Orlando, Florida. Source: PR Newswire, NAVC, January 20, 2025. Link. To view a complete list of winners, visit TheVETTYs.com/winners/2024-winners. … [Read more...]
FDA asks for veterinarians’ comments on cannabis-derived products
The FDA released a request for information soliciting comments from practicing veterinarians on the use of CDPs in animals. The focus of the request for information is on cannabidiol products and other products derived from hemp. The Federal Register notice that shares the RFI includes specific questions for veterinarians <Link>. Source: AVMA, January 16, 2025. … [Read more...]
Deciphering farrier credentials
Steve Kraus, BS, CJF, reviews different types of certifications and accreditations horse owners encounter when shopping for a sport horse or pleasure horse farrier. In the United States, there is no legal framework governing farriery work and no unified system for certifying farriers. He explains differences between a farrier school diploma, a certificate and a full-fledged … [Read more...]
A horse owner’s most difficult decisions
Animal health pros will appreciate Louann Chaudier’s perspectives on dealing with four difficult situations, doing the right thing and determining the most viable set of actions. Economics plays a big role in these decisions, along with any health issues the horse may develop. The article is a good resource for veterinary teams who get brought into a decision-making … [Read more...]
DVM, home flea remedies are ineffective
We were pleased to see this article and its guidance. Karyn Kanowski BVSc MRCVS, addresses home remedies and ways to reduce flea exposure, including the reason monthly flea prevention is so important. Use this article to reinforce the “whys” of flea control and prevention in clinic communications. 90 percent of the flea population in the environment exists in the form of eggs, … [Read more...]
Behavior modification program proving cats can be trained
The Oregon Humane Society is finding success using a behavior modification program specifically designed for cats that require specialized training and care before they are ready for adoption. Every cat entering the program receives a customized plan tailored to its specific needs. We are changing views about feline behavior and training which is showing that cats have an … [Read more...]
Why cats love tuna
Scientists seeking to understand taste preferences in cats have discovered cat taste bud receptors are uniquely tuned to molecules found at high concentrations in tuna, revealing why they seem to prefer this delicacy over all others. Different than dogs that can taste sweets and umami, cats don’t taste sweets and crave the molecules found in umami. Source: Science, August … [Read more...]
Study: Dogs are an overlooked risk for antimicrobial-resistant salmonella spread
Pennsylvania State University researchers indicate household dogs are an overlooked transmission source for zoonotic pathogens like nontyphoidal Salmonella and pose a zoonotic risk for spreading antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella. Source: DVM 360, January 14, 2025. Link. A greater awareness of the risks pet dogs pose in spreading antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella, as … [Read more...]
FDA’s raw pet diet directive
Responding to multiple cases of H5N1 avian influenza in domestic and wild cats fed contaminated raw diets containing poultry, the FDA has issued a directive to pet food producers to ensure that their food safety plans address H5N1 influenza contamination issues. Scott Weese, DVM, discusses the directive and how to address pet owners who are inflexible about avoiding raw … [Read more...]
Call summary feature new to Talkatoo app
Visit VMX booth 1433. Talkatoo <Link> makes the day-to-day lives of veterinary professionals better with technology to create an affordable, intelligent medical dictation solution. Talkatoo listens, transcribes and writes your medical notes for you and now offers a call summary feature through the Talkatoo app <Link> … [Read more...]
Ask Jorvet about the latest in veterinary equipment
Visit VMX booth 2805. Jorgensen Laboratories Inc. <Link> is recognized in the United States and globally as a premier source for veterinary instruments and equipment. Ask about the latest innovations in veterinary equipment for the progressive veterinary practitioner and team members. … [Read more...]
ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance and Promoboxx offer social media service
Visit VMX booth 1906, ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance <Link>. Learn how to better engage with your clients even with minimal time to spare. The ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program has partnered with Promoboxx to help you capitalize on the opportunities social media offers to your clients. In just One Click. you can register and automate our social media posts to reach new … [Read more...]
Improve oral health with Maxi/Guard
Visit VMX booth 3304. Addison Biological Laboratory, Inc. <Link> is a leader in zinc-based oral care. Learn how to help pet owners improve daily oral care compliance, discuss your dermatological skin and otic approaches and see what’s new in animal-print ties and scarves. … [Read more...]
Protecting patients from Ozempic exposure
The Pet Poison Helpline is warning clients of the dangers Ozempic and other semaglutide weight loss medications can have on pets. Reports indicate autoinjectors for pet insulin and semaglutide weight loss medications are similar and can be mixed up, resulting in giving the wrong product to a pet. It is important to store the injectors separately. Source: DVM 360, January 15, … [Read more...]
Address three root causes of procrastination
Elizabeth Grace Saunders offers ways to move beyond the reasons for procrastination. She shares the importance of practicing starting and starting again with consistent, persistent action to move beyond the tendency to avoid dealing with something that needs to be done. Source: Fast Company, January 16, 2025. Link. The key to overcoming your procrastination is identifying … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 20, 2025
Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in household dogs, cats, bird flu, raw diets, human food trends effect pet food choices, members-only dog clubs, rescued shelter dogs helping rescuers in California fire region and more . . . Source: IBPSA, January 20, 2025. Link. Note these member benefits: New employee onboarding package Webinar: Comfort-driven enrichment for pet … [Read more...]
7 home maintenance tasks everyone forgets to do
Commentary Household trouble always seemed to come just as I left for a convention or business event. Colleagues often joked about it as they took a few minutes to call home and see what had happened, broken or was falling apart. Jeff Somers offers good advice for maintenance tasks often forgotten or ignored in this article. Some of them apply to veterinary hospitals … [Read more...]
The wisdom is in the questions
Questioning skills are critical to success in life, and as my grandfather coached, “The wisdom is in the questions.” Refreshing questioning skills will provide better experiences, outcomes and opportunities as animal health pros attend the upcoming national conventions and team meetings. In this article, Leonardo Capita shares the importance of open-ended questions and says … [Read more...]