This article is one that pushes against career-long paradigms for many of us. Sometimes it is hard to remain neutral after thirty some years of animal health training and experiences. Our team at Animal Health Digest remains tasked to expose animal health pros to information found in print or digital formats in periodicals, digital media and related sources. So, we share this … [Read more...]
Wiggle with Wendy Myers
Wendy Myers addresses wiggle words in the context of heartworm compliance and dental care. She presents the case for being more confident instead of wishy-washy. Source: Animal Health Solutions, April 2016. (complimentary access) Are you letting clients wiggle out of heartworm prevention? and Avoid wiggle words that kill dental compliance both address how veterinary team … [Read more...]
You gotta’ be kitten me
This issue of Catster is dedicated to kittens. Marty Becker, DVM, sounds off on flea and tick prevention. Susan Logan-McCracken guides readers through 22 distinct needs and attributes of kittens. Catherine Holm proposes Maybe not everyone should have a cat. The publication is filled with tidbits, splashy photos and catchy ideas sure to garner the attention of … [Read more...]
Promote good canine behavior
Veterinary teams and retail associates will find this article helpful to help clients get the support they need for their animals. increases in pet adoptions are yielding a high probability of behavioral issues in rescue dogs. There are no quick fixes, so setting a plan is critical. Source: Veterinary Practice News, March 18, 2016. The number one issue in any study that’s … [Read more...]
Expanding Xylitol use risky for dogs
Stop! Don’t put that peanut butter in the Kong toy until you read the ingredient label. Eric Barchas, DVM, warns about the dangers of xylitol. It is frequently found in gums, candies, and even peanut butter. Consider his warning for websites, newsletters and blogs to help dog owners avoid potential risk. A podcast offered from the ASPCA Poison Control Center about Xylitol is … [Read more...]
Editorial – Don’t ignore this take on canine health and wellness
The information on canine health and wellness in this issue falls short. Even the website references miss the basics of urban dog care. Published for specific cities, the articles do not cover basic vaccines, endo- or ecto-parasite control, dental tips or pain management. Information on the website is hardly a primer on canine wellness. Source: CityDog Magazine, Spring … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe during July 4th celebration
July 4th and its accompanying fireworks will be here soon. Help clients get ready for the noisy celebrations that often scare pets. The specialists at the VPI Pet HealthZone offer sound tips about dealing with noise, food toxicity and lost pets. Source: July 4th Pet Safety Tips, Veterinary Pet Insurance™, a Nationwide Insurance® company. If you include your pets at a 4th of … [Read more...]
What’s up with pet food?
The Global Pet Expo offers a look at what’s new, different or trendy. Debbie Phillips-Donaldson, editor-in-chief, of Petfood Industry, shares what she experienced at the expo in this article. Topics include: innovation enhanced kibble freeze-dried, raw and baked pet foods and treats cat focus natural pet food and treat claims ingredient transparency Source: … [Read more...]
Vetfolio – New product podcast
Onsior® (robenacoxib) injection is reviewed for its value in feline pain management in this Vetfolio Product Showcase podcast. VetFolio is a joint program of NAVC and AAHA, non-profit organizations committed to the veterinary profession. These two groups have partnered to provide online continuing education for veterinary professionals. Source: Vetfolio News, March 28, … [Read more...]
Does this make my pet look fat?
About every third client you see is likely overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When you tell someone their pet is overweight, you might as well rub their own weight problem in their face. Weight is personal. Yet, when it comes to a pet’s health, veterinarians are obligated to deliver the news effectively. Source: DVM 360, March … [Read more...]
Home remedies are no guarantee for flea control
Veterinary teams and representatives who service them need to be prepared to answer questions from animal owners about home remedies and product safety. In addition to print circulation readers, consider the Facebook following which includes 760,000 “likes”. Source: Dogs Naturally, March 18, 2016. You know those spot-on flea and tick products are bad for your dog, right? … [Read more...]
Tap water may endanger dogs
“Could your dog’s water give him joint disease?” is the question posed by this article. It presents correlations between the findings of a 2014 research study (Neurobehavioural Effects of Developmental Toxicity) published in The Lancet, one of the world’s most distinguished medical journals. The study added fluoride to a group of developmental neurotoxins such as arsenic, lead … [Read more...]
Feline leukemia recommendations reviewed
Veterinary teams can use this article to discuss their knowledge and practice recommendations about feline leukemia. Without prevention, the life expectancy of any cat that contracts FeLV is short. Source: Tufts Catnip, April 2016. (partial link) The incidence of feline leukemia has declined significantly since the introduction several decades ago of a vaccine designed to … [Read more...]
Stem cell therapy promising for feline chronic gingivostomatitis
Stem cells and their regenerative abilities are intriguing to veterinarians and university researchers. They have potential to be useful in everything from healing wounds in dolphins to easing arthritis in pigs and horses. Source: Tufts Catnip, April 2016. (partial link) In a clinical trial led by Dr. Boaz Arzi — a dental surgeon and researcher with the UC Davis School of … [Read more...]
Canine calming products reviewed
There is a plethora of items positioned as solutions for the barking, quaking, biting, and cowering some dogs exhibit. But just like humans, dogs are individuals with their own genetic make-up and experiences that play a part in their reactions. Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM, Tufts Cummings School’s Animal Behavior Clinic, addresses issues, perceptions and products that target … [Read more...]
Dog-friendly prepping for spring
Spring is here. Animal health pros know the dangers of pets returning to activities outdoors. Pet owners appreciate reminders. Share these common risks as spring activities begin via websites, blogs or newsletters. Source: The Bark, March 19, 2016. Spring comes with a few cautions for companion animal owners. Areas to note: In the house, in the driveway, in the yard, new … [Read more...]
15 signs a dog is in pain
Pain and pain management remains a significant topic in animal health. Clients have received immeasurable amounts of information over the years. Still, new is often perceived as better. Here’s a blurb with 15 pain symptoms from Dr. Petty’s Pain Relief for Dogs. Source: Modern Dog, Spring 2016. (direct link unavailable). Pet owners are urged to see their veterinarian if they … [Read more...]
Shy and boisterous dogs warrant attention
This pair of articles will catch dog owners’ eyes. Thus, both are important to animal health pros who service dog owners, offer behavior training or support training classes. Chronic timidity limits a dog’s life quality and can become dangerous for others if the dog acts out of aggression. Incessant barking, jumping up and destructive chewing are on the other end of the dog … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Hit heartworm with a one-two punch
Heartworm incidence in pets is increasing. John McCall, MS, PhD, Department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, says it’s time for a new approach – fight the vector, or mosquitoes, as well as heartworms. Ceva Animal Health began an extensive campaign to educate the veterinarian community on McCall’s groundbreaking research … [Read more...]
Clipper blade contamination studied
Infections acquired during a hospital visit (nosocomial infections) and the objects that are contaminated with infectious organisms and serve in their transmission (fomites) led researchers to study clipper blades. Contaminated clipper blades have been cited as potential fomites in veterinary and human medicine. The study also reviewed cleaning, disinfection and storage … [Read more...]
Flexible endoscopy useful in some dogs
Scientists researched flexible endoscopy in awake dogs to determine if the instrument is effective, safe and tolerated in dogs with swallowing problems. Note the study used large and giant breed dogs. Source: American Journal of Veterinary Research, March 2016. Page 294-299. (direct link unavailable) Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: FEES appeared to be a feasible … [Read more...]
Internet dog food myths debunked
Recent pet food recalls have caused significant chatter around the worldwide web. Caroline Coile, PhD, addresses eight common topics where misinformation dominates. Source: AKC Family Dog, March/April 2016, Page 14. (direct link unavailable) While the internet can be a great source of information, using trustworthy sources backed with scientific research is important. Here … [Read more...]
Pet insurance important to revenue
Pet insurance is often considered as revenue insurance for veterinary hospitals. It cushions perceived high costs and may actually improve compliance. This article reviews how one practice saw nearly a five-fold increase in the number of clients with pet insurance. We’ve also included a comprehensive story from AAHA Trends, Veterinary Preventive Care Plans. Source: … [Read more...]
4 gifts from veterinary medicine
It takes time to see where Dr. Andy Roark is going with this metaphor. Considering we’re nearing the end of the first quarter of 2016, we need to see how well we have been taking care of our dog team. All animal health pros should heed the wisdom here and consider if it is time to rotate our dogs. Source: Dr. Andy Roark, September 15, 2015. On your first day working with … [Read more...]
Thyroid treatment shake-up
The first brand of veterinary levothyroxine sodium to receive FDA approval has created a shake-up in long-standing treatment protocols for hypothyroidism in dogs. Nine out of 10 brands of levothyroxine sodium can no longer be manufactured or distributed due to a federal initiative to lower the number of unapproved animal drugs on the market. Acknowledging this disruption, FDA … [Read more...]
Why do dogs groan when they lie down?
I never would I have thought to share my dog’s lying-down habits when asked about any changes in his behavior. However, his groaning may signal something. Veterinary hospital teams can use this article to discuss expanding patient intake questions to reflect potential behaviors that indicate discomfort or other issues. Source: Dogster, March 1, 2016. Groans, moans, sighs, … [Read more...]
Train dogs to look at you
Celebrity trainer, Cesar Millan shares that besides housebreaking, training dogs to look at you or their owner may be the most important lesson to teach them. It can be immensely helpful at home, as well in public, as gaining attention is very important for a dog’s safety. Source: Cesar’s Way, March 9, 2016. Follow these steps to get your dog to look at you on cue: … [Read more...]
Use best nutritional practices for liver disease patients
Liver disease affects animals differently. Jennifer L. Garcia, DVM, discusses common clinical signs associated with liver disease and individualized dietary plans to consider. Senior veterinarians can use this article when mentoring associate DVMs and technicians. Source: DVM 360, March 7, 2016. Patients with liver disease will require special dietary considerations, but … [Read more...]
Undiluted essential oils can be dangerous for dogs
Rita Hogan, co-founder of Farm Dog Naturals, calls the use of essential oils a movement among pet owners. There is no regulatory system in place for essential oil standards. Veterinary hospital teams can use this information proactively in blogs, websites, social media and newsletters. Source: Dogs Naturally, March 11, 2016. Good intentions, marketing and misinformation … [Read more...]
Feline anesthesia and analgesia: recent developments
Products approved by the FDA for use in felines are historically sparse. Recently, there have been a few new approvals. Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, March/April 2016, page 20. In this peer-reviewed article, Kristen Messenger, DVM, North Carolina State University, reviews current and new options for our feline friends. … [Read more...]