To decrease the risk of accidental human injection and other potential routes of exposure, Micotil 300 is now packaged inside a tamper-proof shroud. Access to the product requires a quick-connect device, which is provided with a tube-fed safety syringe by Elanco or its distributors. Safe use and handling instructions are attached to the shroud so that the user can review … [Read more...]
FDA releases 2021 report on antimicrobial use in livestock
The FDA instituted elements of veterinary oversight of antimicrobials in 2017. The recent 2021 Summary Report on Antimicrobials Sold or Distributed for Use in Food-Producing Animals shows that compared to 2015 (peak year of sales), 2021 sales decreased 38 percent. Sales in 2021 versus 2020 decreased by less than 1 percent between 2020 and 2021. Source: National Hog … [Read more...]
Nearly 100 U.S. horses suspected ill with botulism, 45 have died
Horse owners are being asked to not feed Top of the Rockies alfalfa cubes as U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with state departments of agriculture in Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas, continue to investigate the illness and deaths of horses suspected to have contracted botulism from it. Source: The Paulick Report, December 16, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Excess vitamin D may be to blame for feline tooth resorption
The resorption-vitamin connection is only a hypothesis about feline tooth resorption. There may be other environmental factors that prove to be the triggers. The best way to handle a resorbing tooth is to extract it as soon as it’s noticed.” Source: Tufts Catnip, November 14, 2022. Link. Also see: Search results for: tooth resorption, AHD. Link. There are three types of … [Read more...]
Some dogs need a flu shot
Dogs can get the flu just like we can, and it spreads easily like our own strains says Kaitlyn Tullio, LVT, who told the dodo canine flu is highly contagious. She shared information about viral transfer risks, symptoms and vaccination. . . . for dogs social with other dogs, up to date flu vaccination could help keep them healthy and safe, especially during flu … [Read more...]
Manuka honey and silver in animal wellness and wound care
Commercial Content included It is common for pet owners to use over-the-counter antibiotic creams when their pet has a skin infection or a wound which often leads to overuse of antimicrobials. Lucas Pantaleon, DVM, MS, DACVIM, MBA, shares ways medical-grade manuka honey and silver are used as a first line defense for treating skin microbiome issues. Source: Pet Age, … [Read more...]
Key ingredients to look for in dog food and treats
Nutritional problems occur most often when dogs are fed imbalanced homemade diets or certain human foods. Dog foods or homemade diets derived from a single food item are inadequate to an overall balanced diet Source: DVM 360, August 25, 2022. Link. The 6 basic nutrients needed for a canine diet include water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.” – VCA … [Read more...]
Effective ways to treat pet behavior problems
Regardless of a pet’s age, the holidays have potential for behavior issues. Many of them can be avoided with consistent human behavior and proactive training. We’ve curated seven behavior articles from professional and lay sources that can be used to refresh knowledge of and approaches to behavior issues. The sudden onset of a new behavior or worsening of a previously … [Read more...]
Cannabinoids in veterinary medicine (video)
Complimentary Content For those who did not join live, The Bridge Club’s in-depth conversation with experts from across the profession addressed questions it has about cannabinoids. Cheryl Good, DVM, moderated conversation with guests: Mark Cushing, J.D. CEO, of Animal Policy Group Jeffery Pollard, DVM, DABVP, from the advocacy committee, Veterinary Cannabis … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 19, 2022
Testing the pet market’s recession-proof reputation, 2022 trends in small business funding, wearables as part of proactive pet care, how dog boarding supports domestic violence survivors and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, December 19, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Gen Z, more connected than any generation, all about authenticity
Generation Z Vectors by Vecteezy"> Last week we shared “Gen Z speaks, writes differently than their bosses,” <Link> referencing an article from The Washington Post. In a related article, Melanie Gaboriault asserts Gen Z really is all about authenticity. Based on her experiences as a mom of three 15- to 18-year-olds, she says they prioritize social channels … [Read more...]
Creating an honest workplace
When leaders are confident enough to solicit and reward feedback, it encourages employees to say what they really think and to be willing to hear the opinions of others in return. Source: Fast Company, November 22, 2022. Link. Workplace candor is open and honest dialogue." INSIGHTS: When leaders are proactive and set the stage ,people feel psychologically safe to recover … [Read more...]
2023 vet med hiring and retention trends
What does 2023 hold for the veterinary profession in terms of hiring and retention?” Stacy Purcell answers with five veterinarian hiring and retention trends. Source: AAHA Newstat, December 18, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Helping animals in Ukraine: Galaxy Vets Foundation’s year in review
Complimentary Content The war in Ukraine caused a massive animal welfare crisis and limited access to veterinary care for millions of pets. Galaxy Vets Foundation’s first initiative, Animal Help Ukraine, was launched in spring 2022 in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Key facts: 275 veterinarians and techs/nurses from the U.S. and the world signed up to … [Read more...]
Middle managers are exhausted. Top teams need to listen.
Recent challenges required managers to stretch beyond the leadership skill sets that many possess or were trained for, says Denise Hamilton. . . . the past few years have been tumultuous and overwhelming for just about everyone, but middle managers have faced extraordinary challenges as businesses have gone from crisis to crisis . . . “ Source: MITSloan, December 16, 2022. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 15, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – The top pet products of 2022. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 8, 2022. Link. ====================================================== When coyotes attacked, a dog killed 8 of them, saving a flock of sheep Source: The Washington Post, December 9, 2022. Link. John Weirwille sprang out of bed early … [Read more...]
Swine barn workers should get vaccinated to protect pigs from the flu
Susan Detmer, DVM, PhD, is an advocate of human flu vaccination as a way to reduce human-to-pig transfer of influenza virus. Some of what is circulating of H1N1 in pigs is from years ago, but almost half of what Detmer sees annually comes directly from people into pigs. So, what’s circulating in the human population of that H1N1 gets into pigs yearly.” Source: Prairie Hog … [Read more...]
RHDV: what clinicians need to know
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus and RHDV2 are caused by rabbit caliciviruses in the genus Lagovirus. It affects domestic and wild rabbits, leading to sudden death, liver failure, neurological signs and bleeding from the nose and genitourinary tract, writes Ingrid Taylor, DVM. She discusses diagnoses, treatment and prevention, including guidance on an emergency use … [Read more...]
How cold is too cold?
Depicting the differences in cold tolerance for different sized dogs, this infographic, along with the articles below, will make good content for social media, newsletters and for local media. Source: Pet Plan. Link. Also see: How cold is too cold? Daily Paws, February 24, 2022. Link. NOTE: This article contains an infographic, When is it too cold or too hot? … [Read more...]
Narcolepsy in pets: what you need to know
Sponsored Content Annette Louviere, DVM, shares what is known about narcolepsy in pets and how to deal with it to keep them safe. Narcoleptic episodes often occur during moments of excitement or over-stimulation. If you’ve seen a dog running at the park and then suddenly collapse into a heap for a quick snooze, it’s possible that pup has narcolepsy.” Source: Wisdom Panel™, … [Read more...]
Environmental toxins and their impact on dogs
Dogs are affected by environmental toxins just like people are, says Lauren Trepanier, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVCP. She shares research about lymphoma and bladder cancer and how toxic chemicals in homes and yards contribute to risk. Animals can help us detect environmental dangers to people.” Source: Morris Animal Foundation, TedXMileHigh, October 21, 2022. Link. (21 … [Read more...]
Animal shelters facing a potentially fatal pet adoption crisis
Daniel De Vise’ provides a situation analysis of the pet shelter market, confusing data and trends. Source: The Hill, December 9, 2022. Link. Overflowing shelters have fed a national narrative of fickle owners returning pandemic pets. That is neither entirely true nor particularly fair, animal rights advocates say.” … [Read more...]
Understanding obesity and weight loss in dogs and cats
New scientific evidence points to fat tissue as being biologically active and not in a good way. Obesity is a major health crisis for companion animals and it’s often overlooked. About 56 percent of dogs and 60 percent of cats are overweight or obese. Plus, it is estimated 30 percent of horses are now considered obese. Obesity now is generally thought of as a chronic, … [Read more...]
Disgusting companions with no anuses. Demodex sp.
Commentary We found a set of interesting articles related to the intersection of animals and humans. Whether wild animals in our backyards, pet-to-human or human-to-pet interactions carry risks that need to be understood. In this case the yuk-factor is preeminent. Say Demodex to most animal health pros and images of mange or localized alopecia on a puppy’s face come … [Read more...]
Signs of decision fatigue and tips to manage it
Decision fatigue can affect anyone. It is different than indecisiveness. It is the result of the volume of decisions, small or large, we make daily and further compounded by having so many choices. Elizabeth Yuko, PhD, says decision fatigue is mental energy depletion that sets in after making a series of decisions in a fixed time. She shares ways to manage it. Source: … [Read more...]
Gen Z speaks, writes differently than their bosses
If you are perplexed by young employees’ writing and conversation, chances are they’re just as confused by yours. Those born between 1997 and 2012 are bringing their own style of communication to work. In multigenerational workplaces, this new style can create confusion and angst. This article offers examples of how new and traditional styles of communication can help bridge … [Read more...]
Happiness and meetings
One of the more straightforward paths to happiness at work is to fight against the scourge of time-consuming, unproductive meetings at every opportunity. Source: The Atlantic, November 17, 2022. Link. The average full-time white-collar professional in the United States spends 21.5 hours a week in meetings. INSIGHTS: Set a goal (desired outcome) for every meeting. By the … [Read more...]
15 more groups added to North American consolidator listing
The December 7th update of veterinary clinic consolidations provides a snapshot of market consolidation. Based on the open-access data, at least 661 veterinary hospitals have been consolidated during 2022, including acquisitions of corporately owned practices by other consolidators. Source: Veterinary Integration Solutions, December 7, 2022. Link. The report features updated … [Read more...]
In a downturn, focus on existing customers not potential ones
You Mon Tsang shares strategies that can translate to veterinary hospitals and retailers in the animal health market. Companies that relentlessly focus on existing customers can ride through uncertain times with the least disruption. Not only is retention less vulnerable than acquisition to the short-term swings of a bad economy, but the rule of thumb that it costs five times … [Read more...]
VetWatch® Commentary for Week 48 thru December 7th
Opinion The numerical trends in the VetWatch updates can appear to be minimal. However, considering the average annual value of a cat at about $400 and the average annual value of a dog is at least $900, retaining and engaging clients is critical to long-term practice revenue, healthier pets and happier clients. Simple math shows a veterinarian with 4000 active clients of … [Read more...]