As mainstay treatment for osteoarthritis, NSAIDs inhibit one or more steps in arachidonic acid metabolism, including inhibition of prostaglandins by cyclooxygenase (COX). Sales representatives and veterinary teams will find this review of drugs and supplements valuable. Consider using it to lead a discussion in a veterinary team meeting or during a lunch and learn … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Multimodal approach needed in heartworm prevention
Phase 2 of a groundbreaking study by John McCall, MS, PhD, demonstrates a great need to change the approach to fighting the rising incidence of heartworm infection in dogs. New data shows that blocking transmission from dogs to mosquitoes and from mosquitoes to dogs, using repellents/insecticides and macrocyclic lactone preventives are part of a multimodal approach. McCall's … [Read more...]
Canine carrier crash testing
The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) tested crates and small-dog carriers. Some have been sold as crash-tested, even though you can see from CPS’s videos that the products clearly could not have PASSED any crash test. Source: Whole Dog Journal, July 27, 2017. Only one crate for large dogs survived the crash tests intact, and only a few carriers for small dogs kept the small-dog … [Read more...]
Reduce fear aggression in dogs
Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, discusses dog aggression in the context of fear. She shares ways to reduce a dog’s fear and adjust the resulting aggressive behavior. Fear related aggression frequently appears as a young dog matures, between eight and 18 months. These behaviors get unwittingly reinforced as humans (the most common scary stimulus) back off. Source: Whole Dog … [Read more...]
The routine exam video
Videos help set expectations for clients and educate new staff members. Consider this one for websites, blogs and newsletters. Link to it for new clients coming to your practice or use it during school or group presentations. Source: AVMA SmartBrief, July 27, 2016. Preventive care visits are an important part of keeping your pet happy and healthy. But what does a … [Read more...]
Research results, nothing to spit at
You just have to love our industry! Researchers recently shared the results of a meta-analysis to establish a reference range for dog salivary cortisol and to explore the relationship between cortisol and a variety of dog, experimental and environmental parameters. Source: Scientific American, July 27, 2016. (via AVMA Animal Health SmartBrief, July 29, 2016) This … [Read more...]
Vaccines and pets: What clients need to know
Richard Ford, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVPM (Hon.), explains the importance of vaccination, addresses the challenges of over-vaccination and the resulting compliance difficulties. Source: AAHA Pets Matter, July 29, 2016. The core vaccines are the really, really important ones because the diseases that are prevented by the core vaccines are really serious diseases and they can … [Read more...]
5 dog illnesses that nutrition affects
There’s no argument that well-balanced diets are fundamental to canine health. This piece offers basics for client reinforcement, good clinic website material and a quick reminder for dog owners to not skimp on food quality. Source: Pet MD. Here are just a few canine health problems seen in dogs that are directly affected by their diet. … [Read more...]
Staph: old problem, new threat
Staphylococcal infections have gained national media attention recently because of growing resistance to antibiotics. This lecture reviews the basics of staphylococcal pyoderma in dogs and cats. Resistance mechanisms are also discussed. Source: VetFolio, July 26, 2016. Broadcast Dates: August 1 - 14, 2016 (On Demand). Suggestions regarding how to answer your clients’ most … [Read more...]
Basic care videos are great educational tools
These client-friendly posts can be used as educational tools and for social media postings. We enjoyed the brushing and the nail trimming videos shared in this collection. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, July 2016. Many clients wanted to be veterinary team members at one time. Post behind the scenes content and satisfy their curiosity as vet-voyeurs. INSIGHTS: Sales … [Read more...]
Breed-standard surgeries influence how humans see dogs, study finds
Cosmetic ear cropping and tail docking "are not medically indicated nor of benefit to the patient," according to the AVMA. Plus, these practices may hinder dogs' ability to communicate. Such modifications also affect human perception, according to research published in PLOS One. It found people see surgically altered dogs of certain breeds as more aggressive and in many cases … [Read more...]
Functional dog, cat food and pet treat trends
As pet food manufacturers cater more to consumers’ desires to meet the individual needs of their pets, functional ingredients are more of a trend than ever. The infographic featured here shows consumer choice trends in an easy to understand visual. Animal health professionals at all levels will benefit from understanding how function is driving demand in the pet food … [Read more...]
Isolate when canine flu hits
If you're seeing canine influenza in your practice, recent findings show it's best to suggest a 21-day isolation period. A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association that tested shelter dogs with H3N2 canine influenza found that the virus was shed intermittently for up to 24 days after the initial positive test. Source: DVM 360, July 18, … [Read more...]
The truth about thyroid disorders and vaccines
W. Jean Dodds, DVM, felt compelled to write about two legends that persist about thyroid disorders and vaccines. She presents this as myth versus truth. Source: Veterinary Practice News, June 23, 2016. As the thyroid gland regulates metabolism of all body cellular functions, reduced thyroid function can produce a wide range of clinical manifestations, many mimicking those … [Read more...]
International Assistance Dog Week is August 7 – 13
August 7 – 13 has been noted to honor all the hardworking assistance dogs that help individuals with their disability related limitations. Free materials to promote International Assistance Dog Week are available at assistancedogweek.org. They include a news release, fact sheet, event ideas, web banner ads and a radio public service announcement. Source: … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Add mosquito control to heartworm protocol
In this special insert, veterinarians and parasite researchers discuss heartworm disease and a new multimodal approach that may help solve it. The research and roundtable were sponsored by CEVA, a supporting sponsor of Animal Health Digest. Source: DVM 360, July 2016. We still have to administer the preventative – that is foundational and critical – but we can also reduce … [Read more...]
AVMA persuades Petco to adjust ad’s messaging
Representing concerned members, the AVMA recently worked with Petco to clarify messaging about its “7-Point Pet Care Check” performed by groomers. Source: Pet Product News, July 13, 2016. Petco has assured us that appropriate and timely referral for veterinary services is a key pillar of training for their grooming staff in implementing Petco’s new 7-Point Pet Care Check,” … [Read more...]
Focused on felines
Roxanne Hawn investigates the challenges and opportunities of being a Cat Friendly Practice. In addition to a mindset adjustment, making changes to discussions with clients and the human behaviors while with feline patients are critical components. Source: AAHA Trends, July 2016. It’s going to take practice-wide, profession-wide efforts to get the quality of feline visits … [Read more...]
Felines are aging healthfully
Cats now live longer than ever before, with one-fifth of U.S. cats being at least 11 years old. Many live beyond 15 years old and even into their 20s. Veterinarians should consider the normal, physiological changes that occur with age and the appropriate monitoring of them. Source: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, July 2016. This issue is dedicated to the issues of … [Read more...]
NAVTA, Merial expand CE for vet technicians
In addition to heartworm disease, the Merial Tech Champions program now includes intestinal parasites, dental health and flea/tick CE courses. These additional courses will debut at the upcoming AVMA convention in San Antonio, August 5 -9 , 2016. Source: NAVTA, July 14, 2016. CE course attendees can expect informative and thought-provoking content from some of the … [Read more...]
5 parasites that cross the placenta
Parasites that infect the fetus transplacentally in dogs may cause life-threatening disease in the fetus and newborn. Review these parasites and management approaches for each: Toxocara canis Neospora caninum Babesiosis Leishmaniasis Dirofilarial microfilariae Source: Clinician’s Brief, July 2016. Transplacental transmission also allows vector-borne … [Read more...]
Train kids and dogs
Sometimes the biggest challenge to training dogs is to prevent a well-meaning family member from sabotaging the process. Source: AKC Family Dog, July/August 2016. It is important to include children in every step of the process and to make sure everyone is following the rules in regards to training. The reality is that the humans in the equation need training as well. If … [Read more...]
Pet owners spend big on pest control
Research publisher Packaged Facts of Rockville, MD, recently published the study Pet Medications in the US, 4th Edition.. It analyzes the market for prescription and over-the-counter medications for dogs and cats with a particular focus on brand-name products and antiparasitics. Source: Pet Product News, July 2016, page 16. From and availability standpoint, the market for … [Read more...]
CPR: It’s not just for humans
The AVMA has a family friendly video to demonstrate CPR. Janet Olson, veterinary cardiologist, involves her children to demonstrate and cover everything pet owners need to know to administer CPR to a pet. Veterinary clinics can use this video for websites, social media or blog posts. It is also a worthwhile addition for making presentations in schools and with new pet … [Read more...]
9 abilities show how smart dogs are
Dogs have been domesticated for at least 32,000 years. They’re one of the more popular pets in the U.S. and are in about 44 percent of all households. We all think that our dog is unique. Dr. Brian Hare, professor of cognitive neuroscience at Duke University, shares his observations in his book, “The Genius of Dogs” and as host of the new DogSmarts podcast. Source: Business … [Read more...]
CAPC; Lyme, heartworm risk expanding
Animal health professionals must stay current on the disease risks from lyme, heartworm, Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. Client education in regions where disease risk has been low is critical to disease prevention. Source: JAVMA, June 15, 2016. A forecast published this spring warns that ticks transmitting Lyme disease have expanded their range, increasing the disease … [Read more...]
Canine life jackets tested
Summer activities find dog owners and their pets in boats, at beaches and near other water bodies. Finding the right personal flotation device (PDF) for canines can be confusing. Stephanie Colman shares the results of Whole Dog Journal’s tests of the best-selling PFDs for dogs. Source: Whole Dog Journal, July 2016, page 6. (partial link) A good canine life jacket should … [Read more...]
“Finding Dory” comes with a warning
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) is concerned that the new Disney film “Finding Dory” could encourage impulse online purchases of the fish without people conducting proper research and preparation necessary for caring for such a pet. The OATA is the U.K. trade body that represents the ornamental aquatic industry. Source: Pet Product News, June 22, 2016. The … [Read more...]
Differential use of the left and right nostril in dogs
Karen B. London, PhD, is a certified applied animal behaviorist and certified professional dog trainer whose clinical work over the last 17 years has focused on the evaluation and treatment of serious behavioral problems in dogs, especially aggression. A recent study titled “The dog nose “KNOWS” fear: Asymmetric nostril use during sniffing at canine and human emotional … [Read more...]
It’s the what, not the why
Cesar Millan reminds us when a dog acts out in a way that’s completely out of character, rule out a physical cause first. Then, skip the “Why is my dog doing this?” question and ask, “What could have changed to cause it?” Source: Cesar’s Way, June 26, 2016. Big life changes can have huge effects. Illness, divorce, financial trouble, death of a family member outside of the … [Read more...]