Includes Commercial References Questions mount as the popularity of raw diets grows. Andrew Dickens posed some key questions to We Feed Raw’s Amy Zalneraitis. The article reveals how perception, processing and handling affect the quality and safety of commercially produced raw diets. Source: Dog Food Advisor, February 23, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Summer temperatures … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 17, 2024
Fusing science and affection*, motion needed in websites, engagement culture, 82 percent of HR pros believe pets help mental health, connecting brand and demand**, and more. * Scritches used in this context refers to a scratching motion versus a harsh sound. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 17, 2024. Link. Note the NEW IBPSA Master Business Academy, a cutting-edge program … [Read more...]
June heat wave enveloping the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast
A hot day or two is normal, but the National Weather Service says a near-record strong heat dome will bring record-breaking high temperatures and sultry, uncomfortable nights during the next two weeks. The inherent risks to people are no surprise especially when temperatures remain high during the night. For animal health pros, reminding animal owners to keep their animals … [Read more...]
Clear The Shelters celebrates 10 years
Celebrating 10 years and more than one million adoptions, Clear the Shelters is recruiting veterinary clinic participation to fulfill its mission. Sign up to receive a supporter kit including access to the social media toolbox and improve pet adoption. Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Link. … [Read more...]
Keeping cats safe from bird flu
Ann Hohenhaus DVM, DACVIM, says the high-path Asian influenza strain H5N1 is particularly virulent in cats and appears to have a high mortality rate. The solution to the feline bird flu problem is simple: keep your cat indoors away, from birds, cows and un-pasteurized milk.” Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, June 12, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Compounded, DVM Rx treatment for FIP now available in United States and Canada AHD Staff
Stokes Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy, started selling a compounded prescription treatment for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) on June 1. This allows veterinarians to prescribe medication for their patients and hopefully carry small amounts of the compounded drug on their shelves so that their sick patients can start treatment immediately. Source: AAHA NEWStat, June 5, … [Read more...]
CVT shares how she advocates for pet insurance including her own experiences (part 3)
Sponsored Content Certified veterinary technician Sarah Walsh is a strong advocate for pet insurance at Wignall Animal Hospital in Belvidere, Vermont. Her experiences with her own animals reinforce the benefits pet owners can expect when insuring their pets against illness, accidents and disease. Summarizing, Walsh shares these simple points: Why ASPCA® Pet Health … [Read more...]
Noise from stainless steel kennels ‘detrimental’ to patient health, survey shows
Includes Commercial Content A recent CASCO Pet survey reveals how noise can pose challenges to staff and patients. Clanging, resonant and disruptive, stainless steel kennels can significantly exacerbate fear, stress and anxiety and impact recovery. Source: Veterinary Practice News, June 10, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 10, 2024
Speakers list for September FLOW Business conference, Envigo RMS LLC fined for cruelty after rescue of 4000 beagles in 2022, Meals on Wheels distributes 13 millionth pet meal, using AI for pricing, Bill Walton’s mark on pet industry, small business marketing and more. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 10, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
IDEXX expands test menu for the Catalyst Platform for diagnosing pancreatitis
IDEXX announced the Catalyst® Pancreatic Lipase Test, a new in-clinic quantitative assay that measures pancreatic lipase in dogs and cats suspected of pancreatitis in less than 10 minutes. Diagnosing pancreatitis can be difficult due to its nonspecific symptoms and subtle clinical signs, including vomiting and weight loss, which are among the 10 most frequently recorded … [Read more...]
Are pet dogs and cats the weak link in bird flu surveillance?
Some epidemiologists, food safety experts and veterinarians worry that pets could provide a potential springboard for H5N1 bird flu to evolve into a human threat. They are warning pet owners against feeding their animals raw food. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 30, 2024. Link. When researchers talk about their biggest bird flu fears, one that typically comes up involves and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 3, 2024
CPR-AED Awareness Week and training, nanoparticle vaccine possibilities, creating stronger customer connections, Bark Air lifts off with dogs-first approach to flight and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 3, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Could dogs and cats be passing superbugs to owners?
New research presented at the recent ESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona, Spain, suggests dogs and cats play important roles in the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The focus was on bacteria resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems, which are considered the last line of defense when other antibiotics have failed. Understanding and addressing the … [Read more...]
12 complications when dental health is ignored
Dental month ended but educating pet owners about oral health and dental disease requires an everyday effort from animal health pros. James Rhys Clarke presents the consequences of neglected dental health in this article complete with photos. Consider sharing it on social media and in newsletters including products you know work to improve oral health. Source: Top Dog Tips, … [Read more...]
Veterinary team advocacy helps pet owners choose pet insurance (part 2)
Sponsored Content Last week we introduced the first post in a series to show how some veterinary teams position and present pet insurance in ways that fit well with their current practice routines and protocols <Link>. While a 2022 survey showed more than 90 percent of veterinary practices wished that more of their clients were covered by pet insurance, only about … [Read more...]
Trupanion’s 29 percent rate increase approved by California Department of Insurance
The rising cost of veterinary care amplifies the need for Trupanion to price correctly, bringing California residents more in line with those rising costs. The new rate goes into effect in July 2024 adding to the previous 12 percent rate increase in June 2023. Source: GlobeNewsWire, May 17, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Everfur launches Fur-Forward diagnostics kit: Advanced metabolomics to monitor pet health
With just a sample of a pet’s fur, Everfur analyzes its unique molecules to help determine fur quality, brain health, digestion, immunity, and potential disease risks. Everfur's proprietary approach leverages metabolomic science to provide comprehensive health assessments for dogs and cats by analyzing over 200 unique molecules within a pets' fur. Metabolomic testing offers … [Read more...]
Microbial metabolites in feline anal glands aid cat communication
Researchers have unraveled the role the microbiome plays in a form of feline communication using their anal glands. Unique glandular secretions can repel rivals, attract mates and mark territory. Researchers’ findings revealed diverse microbiomes within the anal glands of domestic cats that are uniquely individual and that vary with the age and weight of the feline … [Read more...]
Seeing allergies through a One Health lens
Calling for a bigger view of product and treatment choices, Erica Tramuta-Drobnis, VMD, MPH, CPH, urges veterinary teams to evaluate plans by the individual animal, consider the owner’s capacities and ensure proper antimicrobial stewardship practices. Ensuring we select appropriate therapies to manage dermatological manifestations of allergies and other skin conditions … [Read more...]
Glyphosate in dog food
Laura Ward, BSc, shares perspectives on bioaccumulation of chemicals in foods we and our pets eat. Specifically, she says glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide applied to the leaves to kill plants and grasses, is found in a vast amount of human and dog food. She notes glyphosate does not accumulate in meat from animals as it does in plants. Wards is not trying to cause … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 27, 2024
Strategies to remain customer-centric, unlocking exceptional service, McKinsey's top 28 AI business growth tools, Walmart adding pet telehealth to Walmart++ and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 27, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Beyond getting a yes, factors that restrict adherence
A recent pet experience allowed me to watch a dozen pet owners and their pets come and go from a veterinary office. Over half of the pet owners returned to their cars and sat in the parking lot for several minutes, displaying what could be described as a 1,000-yard stare. Others seemed to share the visit results with a passenger or via a phone call. THERE IS A LOT to process … [Read more...]
2024 Comedy Pet Photo Awards finalists gallery
Always a favorite of AHD Bulletin readers, the images in this year’s finalist gallery are sure to give you a smile or chuckle. Enjoy! Source: Comedy Pet Photography Awards. Link. … [Read more...]
A dog walk temperature chart for every season
Commentary Our temperatures in the Kansas City area reached the upper 80s last weekend. The changes in neighborhood dog behaviors were noticeable as they sought shade and were less active on walks. Beyond the normal concerns about dogs shut in cars and hot pavement burning pads, our recent post about the thermoneutral zone for cattle <Link> sparked digging to find such … [Read more...]
Whisker fatigue in cats: what it is and how to help (video)
Because a cat’s whiskers are constantly transmitting information, there’s a theory that this can lead to whisker fatigue, writes Sarah Wooten, DVM. She explains the situations that lead to whisker fatigue and behaviors that can indicate a cat is getting sensory overload. It is thought that contact with everyday items can lead to whisker fatigue, particularly food and water … [Read more...]
Hospital noise affects feline patients negatively
Findings from a recent study investigated the effects of hospital environment noise levels on cats undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy surgery and indicated a correlation between higher noise levels and increased stress in cats. The researchers asserted that respiratory rates are a reliable tool for assessing stress levels in cats. Minimizing noise levels is a key strategy … [Read more...]
Advocacy from Veterinary teams helps pet owners choose pet insurance
Sponsored Content For veterinary teams, pet insurance is a part of meeting the needs of today’s animal owners. A 2022 survey of veterinary professionals revealed: More than 90 percent of veterinary teams wish more of their clients had pet insurance. 2 percent of veterinary teams believe that pet insurance is a beneficial way to help clients manage the lifetime cost … [Read more...]
Microchip check station for lost pets (video)
What a great idea! The All Dogs Clinic in Rogers, Arkansas, now has a 24/7 microchip check station available on the outside of its building for anyone to use. Source: KNWA/KFTA, May 16, 2024. Link. (0:51) … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 16, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 9, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 9th AHD Bulletin – Advances in equine disease detection. Link. Differentiating mastitis from teat sealant residue at freshening. Link. Temple Grandin, PhD, joins Fear Free as director, animal well-being. Link. … [Read more...]
Biofilms affect animal health
Water bowls and drinkers that aren’t regularly scrubbed often develop bad-tasting biofilm that discourages drinking. Biofilms are part of the normal complement of microbes in many healthy animals. However, biofilms can be very harmful making them important to remove. The CDC estimates that up to 70 percent of human bacterial infections in the Western world are caused by … [Read more...]