The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) approved seven resolutions on January 11 during its regular winter session. Association policies were updated including those on biosecurity, pet ownership, velveting, and integrative veterinary medicine. The delegates deferred action on cellular agriculture policies. Source: AVMA, January 28, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Gender and appearance bias exacerbates equine DVM shortage
A study published in Equine Veterinary Journal shared results of a focus group study of current and former equine veterinarians to learn what stressors led to, or could lead to, them leaving the profession. Beyond compensation, student loan debt and work-life balance, discrimination was an overall challenge. Seventy-six percent of participants reported experiencing some form of … [Read more...]
Storm clouds on the horizon evident in next generation of students
Commentary The slide show here was disturbing because it confirms discussions with educators. Industry colleagues have previously shared their challenges with integrating Gen Z early adults in the workplace, and it seems apparent the next generation will be even more challenging. While there are obvious human resource and selection criteria issues to plan for, the role … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 23, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January, 16, 2024. Link. Most read posts from January 16, 2025 AHD Bulletin Managing your own expectations. Link. Reminder: Wood sugar, birch sugar, birch bark are the same as xylitol. Link. Cost of cow-calf production significantly influenced by operation size. … [Read more...]
200 weeks and counting . . . the bull run continues
When it comes to beef demand, consumers ARE the business and they’re the market makers, writes Nevil Speer, MBA, PhD. Most producers are feeling (very) positive about the business, he says in his market analysis. Source: BEEF, January 9, 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: When cattle producers have confidence in the market opportunities, they are often willing to advance their animal … [Read more...]
NAVC’s 2024 VETTY Awards® recognize marketing excellence in animal health care
The 2024 VETTY Awards® winners represent the best in animal health care marketing worldwide. The winners will be recognized at the 42nd annual Veterinary Meeting and Expo, which takes place January 25-29 in Orlando, Florida. Source: PR Newswire, NAVC, January 20, 2025. Link. To view a complete list of winners, visit TheVETTYs.com/winners/2024-winners. … [Read more...]
FDA asks for veterinarians’ comments on cannabis-derived products
The FDA released a request for information soliciting comments from practicing veterinarians on the use of CDPs in animals. The focus of the request for information is on cannabidiol products and other products derived from hemp. The Federal Register notice that shares the RFI includes specific questions for veterinarians <Link>. Source: AVMA, January 16, 2025. … [Read more...]
Johne’s disease no longer just a dairy disease
Johne’s is a disease that veterinarians, animal scientists and cow-calf producers should start discussing before consumer confidence in the food we produce decreases and the pressure from outside sources to instill more regulation on the beef industry intensifies, writes Gregg Hanzlicek, DVM, PhD. While veterinarians have discussed Johne’s with dairy farmers for decades, … [Read more...]
Deciphering farrier credentials
Steve Kraus, BS, CJF, reviews different types of certifications and accreditations horse owners encounter when shopping for a sport horse or pleasure horse farrier. In the United States, there is no legal framework governing farriery work and no unified system for certifying farriers. He explains differences between a farrier school diploma, a certificate and a full-fledged … [Read more...]
A horse owner’s most difficult decisions
Animal health pros will appreciate Louann Chaudier’s perspectives on dealing with four difficult situations, doing the right thing and determining the most viable set of actions. Economics plays a big role in these decisions, along with any health issues the horse may develop. The article is a good resource for veterinary teams who get brought into a decision-making … [Read more...]
DVM, home flea remedies are ineffective
We were pleased to see this article and its guidance. Karyn Kanowski BVSc MRCVS, addresses home remedies and ways to reduce flea exposure, including the reason monthly flea prevention is so important. Use this article to reinforce the “whys” of flea control and prevention in clinic communications. 90 percent of the flea population in the environment exists in the form of eggs, … [Read more...]
Behavior modification program proving cats can be trained
The Oregon Humane Society is finding success using a behavior modification program specifically designed for cats that require specialized training and care before they are ready for adoption. Every cat entering the program receives a customized plan tailored to its specific needs. We are changing views about feline behavior and training which is showing that cats have an … [Read more...]
Why cats love tuna
Scientists seeking to understand taste preferences in cats have discovered cat taste bud receptors are uniquely tuned to molecules found at high concentrations in tuna, revealing why they seem to prefer this delicacy over all others. Different than dogs that can taste sweets and umami, cats don’t taste sweets and crave the molecules found in umami. Source: Science, August … [Read more...]
Study: Dogs are an overlooked risk for antimicrobial-resistant salmonella spread
Pennsylvania State University researchers indicate household dogs are an overlooked transmission source for zoonotic pathogens like nontyphoidal Salmonella and pose a zoonotic risk for spreading antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella. Source: DVM 360, January 14, 2025. Link. A greater awareness of the risks pet dogs pose in spreading antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella, as … [Read more...]
FDA’s raw pet diet directive
Responding to multiple cases of H5N1 avian influenza in domestic and wild cats fed contaminated raw diets containing poultry, the FDA has issued a directive to pet food producers to ensure that their food safety plans address H5N1 influenza contamination issues. Scott Weese, DVM, discusses the directive and how to address pet owners who are inflexible about avoiding raw … [Read more...]
Call summary feature new to Talkatoo app
Visit VMX booth 1433. Talkatoo <Link> makes the day-to-day lives of veterinary professionals better with technology to create an affordable, intelligent medical dictation solution. Talkatoo listens, transcribes and writes your medical notes for you and now offers a call summary feature through the Talkatoo app <Link> … [Read more...]
Ask Jorvet about the latest in veterinary equipment
Visit VMX booth 2805. Jorgensen Laboratories Inc. <Link> is recognized in the United States and globally as a premier source for veterinary instruments and equipment. Ask about the latest innovations in veterinary equipment for the progressive veterinary practitioner and team members. … [Read more...]
ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance and Promoboxx offer social media service
Visit VMX booth 1906, ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance <Link>. Learn how to better engage with your clients even with minimal time to spare. The ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program has partnered with Promoboxx to help you capitalize on the opportunities social media offers to your clients. In just One Click. you can register and automate our social media posts to reach new … [Read more...]
Improve oral health with Maxi/Guard
Visit VMX booth 3304. Addison Biological Laboratory, Inc. <Link> is a leader in zinc-based oral care. Learn how to help pet owners improve daily oral care compliance, discuss your dermatological skin and otic approaches and see what’s new in animal-print ties and scarves. … [Read more...]
Protecting patients from Ozempic exposure
The Pet Poison Helpline is warning clients of the dangers Ozempic and other semaglutide weight loss medications can have on pets. Reports indicate autoinjectors for pet insulin and semaglutide weight loss medications are similar and can be mixed up, resulting in giving the wrong product to a pet. It is important to store the injectors separately. Source: DVM 360, January 15, … [Read more...]
Address three root causes of procrastination
Elizabeth Grace Saunders offers ways to move beyond the reasons for procrastination. She shares the importance of practicing starting and starting again with consistent, persistent action to move beyond the tendency to avoid dealing with something that needs to be done. Source: Fast Company, January 16, 2025. Link. The key to overcoming your procrastination is identifying … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 20, 2025
Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in household dogs, cats, bird flu, raw diets, human food trends effect pet food choices, members-only dog clubs, rescued shelter dogs helping rescuers in California fire region and more . . . Source: IBPSA, January 20, 2025. Link. Note these member benefits: New employee onboarding package Webinar: Comfort-driven enrichment for pet … [Read more...]
7 home maintenance tasks everyone forgets to do
Commentary Household trouble always seemed to come just as I left for a convention or business event. Colleagues often joked about it as they took a few minutes to call home and see what had happened, broken or was falling apart. Jeff Somers offers good advice for maintenance tasks often forgotten or ignored in this article. Some of them apply to veterinary hospitals … [Read more...]
The wisdom is in the questions
Questioning skills are critical to success in life, and as my grandfather coached, “The wisdom is in the questions.” Refreshing questioning skills will provide better experiences, outcomes and opportunities as animal health pros attend the upcoming national conventions and team meetings. In this article, Leonardo Capita shares the importance of open-ended questions and says … [Read more...]
Managing your stress
Animal healthcare is attractive, seductive and fulfilling, but it comes with responsibilities that produce stress. It is against the backdrop of normalcy that these stress pressures can stay well hidden, ready to strike when you least expect it. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, January 2025. Link. Every team member in a practice is a leader responsible for producing … [Read more...]
Indeed, veterinarian is the new “it” job
Veterinarians are ranked Number 1 on this year’s Best Jobs of 2025 report from Indeed. Sales representative was ranked second. Gen Z surpasses other generations in spending on their pets, whose presence seems to supplant having children. Plus, having a pet is associated with upsides for their own well-being. Source: Yahoo! News, January 15, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Vaccine hesitancy among pet owners is growing
From a public health perspective, low vaccination rates for pets are equally concerning as those for humans, writes Simon F. Haeder, PhD. He reviews key elements of attitudinal research he published in 2024 <Link> that reveal pet owner sentiments about vaccination carry over to their inoculation decisions for their pets. More than half of pet owners question the … [Read more...]
Zoetis: Latest FDA approvals broaden protection for dogs and cats
FDA has approved new indications for Simparica Trio® (sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel chewable tablets), Simparica® (sarolaner) Chewables, and Revolution® Plus (selamectin and sarolaner topical solution). Simparica received approval for the treatment and control of infestations with Haemaphysalis longicornis (Asian longhorned tick) in dogs 6 months of age and older weighing … [Read more...]
KCAHC applications open for 2025 Animal Health Summit Emerging Company presentations
The KC Animal Health Corridor is passionate about driving innovation in the animal health industry. The platform has helped past participants raise more than $500 million in funding, showcase innovative solutions, connect with industry leader, and capture investment opportunities. Source: KCAHC. Link. The 2025 Animal Health Summit will take place in-person August 25-26, … [Read more...]
AAVMC, Chewy Health announce the 2025 Chewy Veterinary Leaders Cohort
The 2025 Chewy Veterinary Leaders Cohort program combines financial assistance, professional development resources and mentorship opportunities to empower underrepresented veterinary students to thrive as future leaders. Fifteen selected second-year veterinary students receive a $20,000 scholarship each, as well as peer support sessions, leadership training and early-career … [Read more...]