Complete with a mascot, infographic and guidelines-at-a-glance poster, the newly published 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines will help veterinarians and their teams create personalized and comprehensive vaccination plans for individual patients. The guidelines contain updates on recommended vaccination protocols based on age, lifestyle, and the increasing prevalence of … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 25, 2022
Last week’s most read post Confronting your biases (video). Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, August 18, 2022. Link. =================================== Help bring the dairy farm into the classroom Source: Discover Dairy. Link. The Adopt-a-Cow opportunity for this year closes on September 15th so there’s still time to let … [Read more...]
Outdoor cats’ hunting instincts may increase risk of Tularemia
Russ Daly, DVM, MS, DACVPM, shares how the hunting and maternal instincts of outdoor cats could increase the risk of Francisella tularensis, the bacteria that causes Tularemia. Rabbits and rodents can be infected with the bacteria, as can ticks. He shares the symptoms and advocates for tick prevention, careful handling of cats appearing ill and increasing risk awareness of … [Read more...]
The latest in diagnosis and management of Malassezia dermatitis
Skin conditions are always in the top 10 reasons dogs and cats see a veterinarian. The yeast genus Malassezia is always secondary to another skin disease, writes Paul Bloom, DVM, DACVD, DABVP. He shares his expertise in identifying and treating Malassezia when present with other skin diseases. Source: DVM 360, August 19, 2022. Link. Disorders that affect the barrier … [Read more...]
Unidentified parvo-like virus killing dogs in Michigan
All animal health pros need to be aware of this situation. The unidentified virus affects puppies and older dogs. When the animals are tested by veterinarians, the initial test for parvo is negative. Usually, the dogs die within three to five days. Dogs have been sent to The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for necropsy, which did show parvo. The … [Read more...]
What pet owners need to know about vital signs
Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM, Oncology), reviews recent research about vital signs and explains how pet owners can help their veterinarian obtain accurate vital sign measurements including home blood pressure, temperature and overcoming fears. Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center via AAHA NEWStat, August 17, 2022. Link. Tactile assessment of nose temperature is … [Read more...]
Why thinking hard exhausts you and what can be done about it
Should you keep pushing yourself when your mind is telling you to slow down? Scientists believe they’ve found what’s happening in your brain after a hard day of thinking <Link>. What is happening, writes Jason Feifer, is not pretty. It's not an energy problem. It's a brain problem. They are not computers that work forever . . . our minds need a rest.” When our brains … [Read more...]
Mandatory vacations may be in order
Despite their elevated stress levels, more than 50 percent of American workers end up leaving paid vacation days unused. Source: BBC, July 31, 2022. Link. The goal of mandatory time off is to foster a working culture that encourages rest, removing barriers – both perceived and overt – that prevent workers from leaving the office. In this way, companies hope they can … [Read more...]
Stop the high turnover in the front office (video)
Author, speaker and advocate Amy Newfield, VTS (ECC), wants to stop the ongoing turnover of the front office heroes in veterinary practices. These positions have the highest turnover rates in hospitals. Most veterinary receptionists are treated poorly. They aren't paid well. There is limited to no career path for them. They take on the stress of clients, veterinarians and … [Read more...]
Client sticker shock (video series)
Complimentary Sponsored Content We’ve heard about sticker shock in the context of judging a client’s pocketbook for years. Recently, several sources have analyzed and shared cost of care information associated with pet ownership. The intent of these studies is to help veterinary teams understand the costs of caring for pets and to help them proactively discuss costs with pet … [Read more...]
Client trust, human-animal bond and meeting client concerns
The last article in a three-part series from Wendy Hauser, DVM, pulls together the challenges veterinary teams face when dealing with clients’ expectations and paradigms. Twenty four percent of dog owners and 35 percent of cat owners don’t seek regular health care for their pets according to the AVMA. The primary reasons were the expense and the lack of the perceived value … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 18, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – 10 years and counting elevating care for cats. Link. Get ready! All livestock antibiotics will be prescription-only in 2023. Link. Changes coming to compounded animal health medication. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, August 11, 2022. Link. =================================== Dog … [Read more...]
Allen D. Leman Swine Conference slated for September 17-20.
The 2022 Leman Conference will feature sessions covering everything from foreign animal disease and biosecurity to Prop 12 and gene editing for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. Internationally acclaimed for bringing science-driven solutions to the complex challenges facing the industry, the event garners hundreds of participants from over 20 countries each … [Read more...]
2nd Annual IPVA Summit kicks off ahead of Fetch KC August 25th
Independent veterinarians represent a large portion of the animal health marketplace, are frequently multi-species practices and are supported by the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association. The association has scheduled a day of learning to help independent veterinary hospital owners and managers improve efficiencies, leverage technology to their advantage and improve … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club to discuss ending the puppy mill battle
TBC live event on Zoom: August 24th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CDT. Register here <Link>. Professionals in veterinary practices often see firsthand both inhumane and humane operations. This conversation with Mark Cushing, JD ,is about ending the puppy mill battles and why they can’t all be humane, along with what the future holds for puppy mills. Source: The Bridge … [Read more...]
National Dog Day is August 26
There is still time to promote National Dog Day. The National Today website offers fun facts about dogs and their owners. Source: National Today. Link. Scroll down to see the top 3 Dog Day survey insights. … [Read more...]
National Cat2VetDay is August 22
National Take your Cat to the Vet Day is promoted annually to help remind cat owners of the importance of veterinary care for their felines. Support the AAFP’s Cat Friendly Homes efforts by sharing #Cat2VetDay on social media, in newsletters and client communications. Also consider an interview or article with local media. Source: Cat Friendly Homes, August 11, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
U.S. hog production: Rising output and changing trends in productivity growth
Opinion Consider a quick scan of the latest hog production report from USDA’s Economic Research Service. Beyond reading the simple summary <Link>, scan the full report introduction and conclusions <Link> to better understand how this animal health segment has met challenges and continued to thrive. The report shows productivity growth and structural change, … [Read more...]
Pit viper envenomation in a dog
A venomous bite is called an envenomation. Venomous snakes found in the U.S. include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasins and coral snakes. Each year, an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S., and about five of those people die <Link>. According to the Morris Animal Foundation, approximately 150,000 dogs and cats in … [Read more...]
The three most common and preventable canine maladies
With simple observation and proactive management, dog owners can prevent the three conditions that most frequently compromise dogs' quality of life, writes Nancy Kerns. She says many dogs will suffer from one of these common disorders: Obesity Dental disease Over-long nails Source: Whole Dog Journal, August 9, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Note the cutlines under the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 15, 2022
Home Again celebrates 3 million lost pets being reunited, Hands2Paws app aims to match owners with their perfect dog breed, pet app engagement jumps 73 percent over previous year, Pets at Home sees omnichannel and subscription sales rise, Chewy expands insurance offering with launch of CarePlus and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, August 15, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
10 veterinary trends worthy of attention
Bob Lester, DVM, shares trends in the veterinary profession he is watching. He outlines 10 of the galvanizing issues facing veterinary medicine: The workforce shortage The rise of the connected pet Regulatory The bond Veterinary education Consolidation Work-Life Segmentation Preventive care Team health care delivery Source: Today’s Veterinary … [Read more...]
VHMA Insiders’ Insight KPI – August 2022
Noting revenue growth in July 2022 declined compared to July 2021, this month’s Insiders’ Insight addresses some key factors in veterinary practices. Revenue per client increased against dramatically declining new client numbers and increases in lapsing clients. It’s still not clear where the “veterinary economy” is going but I think it is definitely softening and practices … [Read more...]
Reasons for optimism in the animal health market
Based on recent industry figures, things are looking up for the animal health market, says Graham Garrison, who shares industry figures and estimates that bolster confidence in the pet care segment. <factors contributing to U.S. pet industry growth> include a heightened focus on pet health and wellness among pet owners in closer contact with their pets, a ramped-up … [Read more...]
Free webinar: Secrets for optimizing inventory and reducing inventory costs
Complimentary Commercial Content Inventory is one of the top expenses in veterinary medicine. Managed and replenished frequently it is an asset. Manage it poorly and it becomes a liability.” – Kirk Augustine Veterinary Care Logistics’ founder Nicole Clausen is ready to share some secrets for optimizing veterinary hospital inventory and reducing inventory costs. She’ll … [Read more...]
Best ways to help overweight dogs lose weight
Opinion The last paragraph of this article makes it shareworthy. The tips on ways to address obesity in dogs are good and worth reinforcing. There’s little doubt that a large percentage of U.S. dogs are overweight. Final words: It’s the responsibility of us to help our dogs maintain a healthy weight. It’s up to pet owners to feed nutritious and healthy foods and treats and … [Read more...]
Health and comfort for the aging horse
Aging isn’t a disease process. Many conditions associated with older horses are simply natural changes. Christine Barakat writes about the five health attributes most affected by age and how to prepare for them: Weight loss Arthritis Weakened immune system Loss of fitness Dental troubles Source: EQUUS, May 27, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Share this with owners … [Read more...]
Free – Level Up: Pain Management virtual summit August 16th
Complimentary Content Veterinary professionals will have the opportunity to learn the most up-to-date and effective methods of pain management at NAVC’s Level Up: Pain Management Summit Tuesday, August 16, 2022. The summit features three, hour long sessions hosted on VetFolio at no charge. Participants will learn the most up-to-date and effective methods of pain … [Read more...]
Otitis externa cheat sheet
Complimentary Sponsored Content from Dechra U.S. Ear problems are frequently in the top 10 reasons pet owners see a veterinarian. Darin Dell, DVM, DACVD, created a handy guide full of useful information for examination, cytology and treatment options for dealing with otitis externa. Source: Dechra U.S. Download here <Link> … [Read more...]
Diabetes is not a death sentence
Complimentary Sponsored Content Richard Stone DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), returns to the Chatfield Show to discuss diabetes in pets. The conversation covers information for pet owners who need to know about their diabetic pet and the differences between dogs and cats. Source: Chats with the Chatfields, YouTube, May 11, 2022. Link. (47 minutes) Diabetes in dogs and cats is … [Read more...]