Industry News Marking the 30th anniversary of Veterinary Technician Week, Covetrus is collaborating with the American Veterinary Medical Association and Pets Best to provide mentoring scholarships for 35 veterinary technicians through MentorVet Tech. Source: Covetrus®, October 16, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health, novel canine oncology therapy now available to board-certified veterinary oncologists
Industry News Gilvetmab, which previously received conditional license approval for the treatment of dogs with mast cell tumors and for treatment of dogs with melanoma, is now available to board-certified veterinary oncologists across the United States. Gilvetmab is a caninized monoclonal antibody used to treat dogs with MCTs and melanomas. It is an ideal systemic … [Read more...]
Study: Grain-free diets had no negative impact on canine heart health, didn’t lead to DCM
With so many new pet diet approaches, researchers are investigating whether new or limited-ingredient diets increase specific health risks. A 7-month study of grain-free diets conducted by veterinarians and nutritionists found no dietary correlation to dilated cardiomyopathy. Source: Frontiers in Animal Science, October 6, 2023. Link. . . . we encourage our peers to perform … [Read more...]
AAFP releases 2023 Feline Palliative Care Guidelines
The guidelines provide a comprehensive summary of how to approach and support cats’ and caregivers’ needs. They emphasize the need for empathy, kindness and understanding during what is a challenging time for cats and their human caregivers. Source: Today’s Veterinary Business, October 16, 2023. Link. The guidelines resulted from collaboration between the American … [Read more...]
Catster, Dogster media brands acquired by Pangolia
Pangolia, a digital media and e-commerce startup, has announced an all-cash acquisition of the Catster and Dogster brands from Belvoir Media Group. Pangolia is a digital-first content producer, which allows them to keep costs low and talk to pet families in places they wouldn't otherwise be able to reach. Acquisitions like this mean beloved brands can be sustainable for … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 16, 2023
FLOW conference post-mortem, social media bundle, best places to work in pet industry, small business tips, pet care more stressful than parenting, MARS to help with veterinary shortage, scaling small business and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 16, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
The benefits of continuous education for career advancement: A perspective for adults
Updating skills and knowledge is a key factor noted by human resource leaders, especially as technology advancements are imbedded in how business is done. Investing in continuous education is investing in yourself. In a rapidly changing work environment, your commitment to learning can be your most valuable asset, providing benefits that resonate throughout your career and … [Read more...]
Teens spend average of 4.8 hours on social media per day
Social media scrolling is a growing problem for all ages but especially teens. The need to put the phones down is also consistent with Forbes’ article on time blindness <Link>. Gallup’s data is consistent with the literature on digital addiction. It shows that teens who spend more time on social media rate themselves as being less conscientious. A second, upcoming part … [Read more...]
Signs of time blindness and how to cope with it
Some people have difficulties accurately perceiving passing time. Those challenged with regulating their internal clock may have what psychologists refer to as time blindness. Although usually a common indicator of ADHD, studies show that our perception of time is closely related to our well-being and emotional states, and changes in these can influence how we perceive how time … [Read more...]
Get to the point
The most popular and fastest-growing type of meeting is the brief and efficient 15-minute block. Source: AXIOS, October 2023. Link. 90 percent of people admit to daydreaming during long meetings, and 75 percent say they are doing other work.” – Harvard Business Review INSIGHTS: Be ruthless with starting and finishing on time. … [Read more...]
Employers say they value their own older workers, but overlook older applicants
There is plenty of evidence that workers aged 45 years old and older can thrive in the workplace. Employers can fill needed roles and boost organizational performance by changing hiring practices to embrace candidates of all ages. But hiring managers seem to ignore how well older workers perform, learn and stay with a company*. . . . about 89 percent of employers said their … [Read more...]
Veterinary forensics comes of age; veterinarians not prepared to handle animal abuse
Florida International University's master’s degree program in veterinary forensic science investigation is the second degree program of its type. Veterinary forensics deploys veterinary medicine to investigate possible crimes against animals, such as abuse and neglect. Animal violence is often linked to domestic violence and abuse. VIN’s two-part series on veterinary … [Read more...]
3 takeaways from the Veterinary Innovation Summit
The annual Veterinary Innovation Summit, organized by NAVC, took place October 9th to 11th in Kansas City, Missouri. Animal Health Digest asked industry veteran Brendan Howard to attend on our behalf and to share takeaways from the presentations. We’re all in the same boat. Excited and wondering. Fearful and anxious. Exhausted at the speed of change and uncomfortable with the … [Read more...]
National Veterinary Technician Week turns 30 (video)
National Veterinary Technician Week is October 15 through 21 and it’s the 30th anniversary of the event. All next week, veterinary technicians will be celebrated for their continued contribution to veterinary medicine and the veterinary team. Vicky Ograin, MBA, RVT, VTS, shares the origins and meaning of vet tech week and this year’s theme, Pearls of Wisdom … [Read more...]
Stop giving advice
Have you ever given someone the best advice and they completely ignored it, or they got defensive and angry with you? Advice requires permission . . . and aggressive listening.” – Suzie Price Source: LinkedIn Pulse, September 18, 2023. Link. Through the art of asking questions, you develop and strengthen the relationship. INSIGHTS: Seek first to understand. … [Read more...]
Danish entry systems: What steps are we skipping?
In a recent study, Abby E Schuft, PhD, and her team evaluated three educational methods to teach protocols for a biosecure barn entry and exit. They evaluated the number of errors, length of time to complete and how the education method affected compliance over time. Biosecurity takes constant training, continual reminding and frequent auditing to reduce errors. Source: … [Read more...]
Bird flu is back among commercial poultry flocks in U.S.
We shared concerns about the potential for highly pathogenic avian influenza infections to return as this fall’s bird migration began <Link>. It appears HPAI took a summer break but has returned to commercial turkey flocks in South Dakota and Utah. Fears are mounting that HPAI may possibly become a regular seasonal event. The virus may be present in wild birds and … [Read more...]
Is CBD a better option than NSAIDs?
Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, CRPM, FAAMA, presents evidence that indicates CBD is safer and demonstrates a more diverse spectrum of beneficial mechanisms than some of its pharmaceutical counterparts. In short, dogs and cats do not die from CBD and generally do not develop other common side effects that can happen with NSAIDs and corticosteroids. Source: Veterinary … [Read more...]
Chewy’s PetMD launches symptom checker
Complimentary Commercial Content Chewy launched Symptom Checker, a free digital tool that helps pet parents get answers to some of the most common questions related to pet health symptoms. The goal is two-fold: deliver expert veterinary advice simply and quickly, alleviating pet parents’ stress and panic during times of need help better educate pet parents so they … [Read more...]
Zoetis innovations to improve canine OA, ease of administration of pruritus treatment
Complimentary Commercial Content Zoetis has announced the recent U.S. commercial launches of Librela™ (bedinvetmab injection) and Apoquel® Chewable (oclacitinib chewable tablet). The products are the first and only FDA-approved treatment formulations in their respective categories and address individualized care and health needs of dogs with specific and diverse … [Read more...]
PPN announces product finalists for Editor’s Choice Awards
Commentary Fifity six pet products are running to win Pet Product News’ Editors’ Choice Awards. For animal health pros, these products offer opportunities to see what retailers are selling and promoting through OTC channels. Some of these products may generate questions from pet owners. Source: Pet Product News, October 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: We noted 50 percent of the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 9, 2023
Prepping for the holidays, traditional ads versus social media, micro influencers, hidden small business costs, law seeks to regulate boarding facilities and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 9, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
California Governor signs Assembly Bill 1399 to expand access to veterinary telehealth
A new law empowering licensed veterinarians in California to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship through video technology will take effect on January 1, 2024. AB 1399 will help address the critical veterinary shortage happening nationwide by providing greater access to veterinary care for California pet owners. Source: ASPCA®, October 10, 2023. Link. While … [Read more...]
Medical waste can be risky business
Managing medical waste is the entire team’s responsibility. Team members should be aware of and follow specific guidelines when dealing with infectious waste, biohazardous waste and anatomical or pathological waste, writes Sandy Walsh, RVT, CVPM. She shares what constitutes hazardous waste, how to handle, store and dispose of it, liabilities and various resources available on … [Read more...]
How some employers are showing support as student loan payments resume
Student loan debt is an important consideration for the animal health industry. It has been identified as a factor in veterinary suicides as well. After a three-year moratorium, student loan payments are resuming. A new study shows more employers are providing student loan repayment support in an effort to attract and retain workers. Dawn Kawamoto shares pros, cons and risks … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 5, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 28, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the September 28th AHD Bulletin – Top 5 severe adverse effects of antimicrobials. Link. The 7 repro mistakes dairy producers can’t afford to make. Link. Emotional intelligence and teams. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
New lidocaine-infused band reduces castration pain, discomfort
Complimentary Commercial Content Lidoband, from Solvet offers veterinarians and producers a new way to reduce associated pain and discomfort when using banding to castrate calves. Each band is infused with 80 milligrams of lidocaine and stops the pain and discomfort associated with banding. It's a slow-release product that doesn’t go systemic; it stays in the local tissue … [Read more...]
ICYMI – FDA releases new 5-year antimicrobial stewardship plan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine new five-year plan kicked off October 1st. It is intended to build upon the progress of the previous plan for FY 2019-2023 and advance the FDA’s three main veterinary stewardship goals: Align antimicrobial drug product use with the principles of antimicrobial stewardship Foster stewardship of … [Read more...]
Walnuts are poisonous
Walnut trees naturally produce a chemical called jugalone. It’s in the wood, fruits, leaves, roots and bark, although most heavily concentrated in the roots and fruits. Walnut: is harmful to animals; dogs, horses, cows cannot be used as mulch is poisonous sawdust is toxic can cause a rash or reaction on people’s skin Sources: Ghost Logging LLC, Facebook, … [Read more...]
A better understanding of rabies laws and regulations
Richard B. Ford, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVPM, reviews important considerations when dealing with rabies laws or a rabies-related issue for an individual patient. Confusion and challenges resulting from the state-to-state variation of rabies laws can negatively affect patient management decisions required in clinical practice. Source: DVM 360, September 30, 2023. Link. See … [Read more...]