Shawn Wilkie and Ivan Zak, DVM, began Veterinary Innovation Podcasts in July 2019. Since then, they have produced more than 150 podcast episodes featuring innovations and topics our industry is working to address. Podcasts from the last 30 days include: The power of AI in veterinary medicine. Link. Effective pet owner education. Link. Building high-performing … [Read more...]
Chewy expands CarePlus insurance and wellness offerings
Commercial News Item As B2C commercial offerings expand, animal health pros need to understand what is available to pet owners and what may influence decisions about preventative care and treatments. “ – Kirk Augustine Chewy recently announced the availability of CarePlus insurance and wellness offerings that feature expanded coverage options and prices from two providers, … [Read more...]
Study: PRP gel accelerates skin wound healing in horses
A scientist in Pakistan recently shared study results that indicate using platelet-rich plasma can be a safe, effective approach to hastening wound healing in horses. Muhammad Talha Sajjad, DVM, MPhil, PhD, found PRP gel encourages re-epithelialization and accelerates skin wound healing by promoting wound contraction and stabilization of the collagen fiber arrangement. … [Read more...]
How cats took over the world
Research on feline DNA clarifies our ancient relationship with cats. Some experts consider cats only "semi-domesticated" since they look and behave so much like their wild relatives. Cat DNA from archaeological sites across Europe, the Middle East and Africa shows cats lived with humans between 300 and 15,000 years ago. Population dispersal occurred with advances in agriculture … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 26, 2023
Pets and older adults, pet wellness’s effect on holistic approaches, software to manage pet businesses, a video discussion of pet trends and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 26, 2023. Link. In the video (10:03) Hunter Williams, Imke Wouters and Melissa Tischler discuss: The importance of pet nutrition Pet care beyond the basics The latest pet fashion … [Read more...]
Actor Michael Caine: Use the difficulty
Actor Sir Michael Caine shares some great perspectives in this short video clip. . . . when anything bad happens, you gotta' USE the difficulty.” – Micheal Caine Source: Aurelio Reis, Facebook reels. Link. INSIGHTS: Caine’s assertion resembles the proverbial phrase, “when life gives you lemons make lemonade.” … [Read more...]
The opposite of triggers, glimmers are all around us
A trigger is a person, place, thing or situation that elicits an intense or unexpected emotional response. Glimmers on the other hand are tiny micro-moments of joy that allow us to feel calm and give us a sense of inner peace. On the surface, glimmers may sound trivial says Deb Dana, LCSW, but they’re crucial to calming down our central nervous system. . . . glimmers can ease … [Read more...]
Agreement or commitment?
An agreement is a contract for mutual benefit. A commitment is deeper and more comprehensive. Commitments are worth the extra time and effort.” Source: gearsmagazine.com, March 5, 2021. Link. With commitment, there’s no going back – no limitation is recognized. It is the equivalent of the modern phrase, “I’m going all-in!” … [Read more...]
How to charge for technician appointments
When your practice uses technicians like physician assistants, technicians will work at the top of their licenses, improving job satisfaction and employee retention, says Wendy Myers, CVJ. She shares ideas on reallocating types of appointments from veterinarians to technicians and assistants. Of course, checking state guidelines on licensed technician and veterinary assistant … [Read more...]
AAHA announces 2023 AAHA Mentoring Guidelines
The July AAHA Trends provided the first look at the updated AAHA Mentoring Guidelines last published in 2008. “The 2023 guidelines present a modern blueprint to building a better culture for the profession,” according to Jessica Vogelsang, DVM. Now available on the AAHA website, the 2023 Mentoring Guidelines materials include a single page Guidelines at a Glance … [Read more...]
The cost of dying: Supporting employees through grief, despair and moving on
Grief and loss are part of our human condition and their effect differs between individuals. As a society, we are hesitant to talk about death and loss let alone address it in the workplace. One resource indicates as many as 31 percent of employers would welcome help on how to support bereaved employees, especially when it comes to making the first move. Unsupported grief in … [Read more...]
Skipping rocks and back to basics
Commentary . . . contains commercial content Every week our AHD team reviews hundreds of media items. Much of the content is about new, progressive trends or the personality of the month. When reading some recent pieces, I was reminded of helping my grandson learn how to skip rocks. The basic lesson starts with finding a flat rock, not too big, not too little . . . then … [Read more...]
Concerns rise as drought reduces hay supply
Early-season drought conditions across much of the country have affected the hay supply. Beyond basic availability, there are concerns about nutritional value, dependability of the hay source and what is in hay bought from an outside source. Whether buying hay for horses or cattle, there are important considerations to get the quality and value animals need. The five … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 22, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 15th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 15th AHD Bulletin – Dealing with no-shows. Link. Appearance and animal owner perception. Link. Sympathy versus empathy. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. ========================================== … [Read more...]
Guiness’ smallest bull in the world (video)
Humphrey is a miniature Zebu Bull who is about 26.6 inches tall and weighs around 85 pounds. He lives at a farm outside of Kalona, Iowa, and has been the Guinness Book of Records world record holder for five years. Source: Power 96, June 19, 2023. Link. Also see: Interest in miniature cattle continues to surge, AHD, April 11, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Demand for Yaks growing
With producer grant funds from Southern Sustainable Research and Education, Yak production education and artificial insemination methods are being developed. Yaks require less forage, are easier to manage than bison, while providing a leaner meat and possibilities for fiber similar to cashmere.” Source: Acreage Life, July 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
The effect of day-only versus day-plus-night cooling of dairy cows
We shared cattle heat stress reminders in a recent post <Link>. The results of a recent study showed the benefits of enhanced day+night cooling versus day-only cooling of dairy cows. Over the duration of the study, enhanced day+night cooling cows produced more milk, had lower rumen temperatures and reduced panting compared with day-only cooling cows. When temperatures … [Read more...]
35th World Pork Expo draws more than 10,000 people
Reports from three swine publications indicate the 2023 World Pork Expo was a success. Authors cite camaraderie, concerns about personal and professional health and touch on the top issues covered in seminars and presentations. Prop 12, labor, input costs, biosecurity, market opportunities and new technologies were topics of high interest, as were world-class BBQ and … [Read more...]
Tighten the calving window
To achieve more uniform calves, producers can use tighter calving windows to maximize the number of pregnancies early in the breeding season. Getting most of the cows and heifers bred early in the breeding period improves herd performance. Investing time and resources to tighten the calving window is beneficial, regardless of the size of operation or the breed of … [Read more...]
Study shows elephants enjoy presence of zoo visitors
Researchers have identified that species show varied responses to people in zoos. Some cope well, others not so well. Elephants particularly enjoy the presence of zoo visitors, a new study in the United Kingdom suggests. In elephants and birds it was encouraging to see a reduction in <negative> repetitive behaviors towards something more positive in the presence of … [Read more...]
How horses heat up and cool down varies considerably
To better understand how horses’ body temperatures increase during exercise, researchers used a smart thermometer horses swallow as a pill. They confirmed that horses cool down at different rates, suggesting generalized protocols for avoiding heat stroke might not be ideal for all horses. Source: The Horse, April 19, 2023. Link. The gastrointestinal pill has been a reliable … [Read more...]
How horse wounds heal (infographic)
Complimentary Sponsored Content Consider this visual guide to educate horse owners about the four stages of wound repair and the steps required to help horse wounds heal. Source: The Horse, June 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
4 summer foods dogs should never eat
Summer is in full swing and with it come backyard parties, grilling and campfire cooking. Veterinarian Joanna Woodnut, MRCVS, warns United Kingdom pet owners to avoid letting dogs have these barbecue items. Her advice works on this side of the pond. Onions and garlic Corn on the cob Bones Skewer sticks Source: HuffPost, June 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
AAHA discusses new guidelines for endocrinology diagnosis, treatment for dogs and cats
The American Animal Hospital Association recently published the 2023 AAHA Selected Endocrinopathies of Dogs and Cats Guidelines. These guidelines help practitioners identify and treat common endocrine diseases while effectively communicating with clients and the health care team. Liza Rudolph, BAS, RVT, VTS (CP-CF, SAIM), discussed the guidelines and how a team-based approach … [Read more...]
Best to know what dog owners are reading about metronidazole
Commentary The Whole Dog Journal headline reads, “Metronidazole Works Like Magic in Dogs.” While the information Eileen Fatcheric, DVM, shares about diarrhea and how veterinarians approach resolution is informative, publishing this information in a pet owner publication may be an editorial faux pas. Source: Whole Dog Journal, June 1, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: We cannot … [Read more...]
Traumatized cat symptoms and how to deal with them
While cats can’t talk, they can still express their feelings through their body language and behavior, writes Judith McCain. She identifies 15 of the most common traumatized cat symptoms and writes about ways to address them, including contacting a veterinarian. Source: Happy Whisker, June 16, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article to provide context along with … [Read more...]
Brushing a cat: It’s for his health, not just his looks.
Self-grooming only goes so far, especially as a cat ages and can’t reach around to body parts as well. The author shares the benefits of brushing a cat, brush types and tricks for short- and long-haired cats. Source: Tufts Catnip, January 21, 2021. Link. Brushing will remove dirt, grease, and dead hair from his coat and cut down on hairballs. Plus it will help remove … [Read more...]
11 signs a cat needs to see a veterinarian immediately
Cat owners need to be aware of the signs and symptoms that indicate a medical emergency in your feline friend. Eleanor Flynn, BSc DVM MANZCVS MRCVS, shares 11 scenarios where cat owners should immediately take their cat to the vet. Source: Modern Cat. Link. INSIGHTS: Cats are good at masking anything abnormal. Consider this article for social media or newsletters to help … [Read more...]
Identifying and controlling the hidden costs of veterinary inventory
Complimentary Commercial Content Beyond a good explanation of ABC inventory groupings, this article identifies two hidden inventory costs: ordering costs and holding costs. Ways to use an online pharmacy to help control costs and service clients using home delivery are also presented. Source: Vetsource. Link. INSIGHTS: Inventory management is an important role for … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen the Vet talks about artificial intelligence in pet care
AKC TV welcomed Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, to discuss artificial intelligence being used in veterinary practices, in homes and other settings. She shares how AI could help improve care in the future. AI can reduce perception bias when reviewing tests and diagnostic results.” Source: AKC TV, June 14, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]