More than 100 veterinary hospital managers provided information to create the feedback data for the July 2022 VHMA Insider’s Insights. The data confirms many of the now routine industry reports that note staffing issues, pressure to see more patients and longer hours. 63 percent believe their DVMs are significantly or somewhat more productive 31 percent said their DVMs … [Read more...]
Pet safety concerns with sunscreens
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center gets regular calls about sunscreen in the summer. Salicylates and zinc oxide are two primary ingredients in sunscreens that can cause issues with pets. Plus, the bottles and tubes complete with their exotic butters, oils and scents peak pet curiosities making them an ingestion risk on their own. Source: APSCA®pro via AAHA NEWStat. … [Read more...]
Study finds dog and human cognition similar
A study published in Animal Cognition identified six key markers of executive function in dogs, many of which overlap with the structures associated with human cognition. These include the ability to follow instructions, control physical impulses and use working memory. The study also found that dogs from breeders had higher levels of executive function than those from … [Read more...]
Making parasite prevention personal: Tips every veterinary nurse can use today.
Complimentary Commercial Content Dr. Cassi and Dr. Joel Sailor discuss strategies for consistent parasite prevention. The discussion of adherence versus compliance is an important perspective to consider. Source: vet2vet, July 18, 2022. Link. The doctors discuss the value of online pharmacies and keeping the Rx close to the clinic. … [Read more...]
World Emoji Day 2022: how emoticons changed the way people communicate
World Emoji Day falls on every July 17 and is observed to celebrate emojis or how their inclusion in digital interactions has made communication easier. Source: The Economic Times, July 17, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Over 3,500 emojis are currently available as part of commonly used hardware, software, and online services. See the most used emojis here <Link>. … [Read more...]
Amazing performance: 2019 FCE Dog Dancing World Championship Freestyle Final
This YouTube video from the Federation Cynologique Internationale caught our attention. Beyond anything ever seen on historic Ed Sullivan shows, the lady dancer and her dog perform reflecting each other’s moves. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did. It is also on Facebook at the link below. Source: YouTube. Link. (5.5 minutes) Source: Facebook, Dogz Devotion Academy. … [Read more...]
Top 5 ways to prevent dental disease in dogs and cats
Commercial Content included August will be six months since our industry promoted the annual National Pet Dental Month. Making in-home oral health a priority for every pet has consistently been part of Animal Health Digest posts. We’re outspoken about oral care at home first and Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) in the clinic. Link. Dental exams are … [Read more...]
7 habits to maximize learning time
Opinion Without learning, life is stale. My grandfather often asked me, “What did you learn this week?” during frequent family visits to their home. He understood the importance of stretching our minds, seeing new ways of doing things and avoiding becoming narrow minded. Author Scott H. Young believes learning is the key to living well. He offers seven practices that can … [Read more...]
Your future self?
When we think of our future selves, our brain lights up the same as it would when we think of Natalie Portman or Matt Damon who are strangers with whom we are somewhat familiar. According to our brains, us in the future is not us.” Source: LinkedIn Pulse, June 28, 2022. Link. Start by thinking of 10 things right now that you don’t want to repeat, 10 things in your past that … [Read more...]
Coronavirus in the U.S.: Where cases are growing and declining.
Ugh! Right? It isn’t over until it’s over, so we are sharing this article on how Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants are sweeping through the United States. A recent study found that, compared to the previously dominant Omicron version BA.2.12, these more contagious subvariants are four times more resistant to Covid-19 vaccines and are more likely to cause breakthrough … [Read more...]
No friends at work can affect performance
More than six in 10 people don't socialize with colleagues outside of work and 43 percent don't feel any alliance with coworkers. That can affect performance and retention, according to research by BetterUp Labs. Workplace relationships play an important part in our lives.” - Carole Robin Source: Fast Company, July 15, 2022. Link. Simple, effective ways to foster more … [Read more...]
988 mental health hotline is live. Here’s what to know.
The primary goal of the new 988 number is to make it easier for people to call for mental health help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will connect people to the existing network of more than 200 local crisis call centers around the country. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's 1-800-273-8255 number will remain active, but calls will be routed to 988. People who … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 14, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – four posts qualify as most read in the June 30thAHD Bulletin Guide to medical professionals who specialize in caring for pets. Link. The complaint department. Link. Pet food inflation hits new high, with many reasons why. Link. Grass-fed versus grain-fed ground beef. Does it matter? Link. Previous AHD Bulletin - Animal … [Read more...]
A video trip inside a farrowing barn
Complimentary Content Biosecurity protocols appropriately restrict access to modern swine production facilities. But that also means there are fewer persons who experience what goes on in these production units. Educational programs like Dr. Dorman Asks seek to inform the public and provide a look at how pigs are produced for the animal protein market. In a recent edition … [Read more...]
Cattle producers are behind in biosecurity planning
State veterinarians, the NCBA, USDA and others are working together to educate and encourage beef producers to create a biosecurity plan. Free online templates are available to walk farmers through biosecurity questions to develop a farm plan. Currently, biosecurity plans are voluntary in the beef industry. What might move the needle toward more cattle producers having a plan … [Read more...]
Coyotes roaming the streets wins 2022 Urban Wildlife Photography Award
Some urban areas saw upticks in wildlife activity during the pandemic. <Link> And, it’s likely photographers have had more time to capture wild critters in their neighborhoods and submit the photos. Contests like this create a record of the intersection of wildlife and humans for us to enjoy. Source: PetaPixel, June 27, 2022. Link. The full finalists and winners’ … [Read more...]
Straight talk about colic and post-colic care
Our June 28 AHD Bulletin presented resources available for equine practitioners and their clients from ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance <Link>. In the first of two articles linked here, Anthony Blikslager, DVM, PhD, shares experiences from his 20 or more years of specializing in colic. His main motivation remains to find ways to “shorten horses’ hospital visits, reduce … [Read more...]
Gauging cat happiness
Cats thrive on comfort and safety, according to Sally E. Bahner. She shares information based on a research article <Link> indicating cats are more affectionate when they can call the shots on where they want to be petted. The researchers used the acronym C.A.T.: C = provide the cat with choice and control A = pay attention to the cat’s behavior and body … [Read more...]
Up next from The Bridge Club
Complimentary Sponsored Content The Bridge Club™ continues to grow in the veterinary sector with virtual and live opportunities to network with other veterinarians and individuals serving this segment. Launched in 2022, Bridge Club Practice Conversations events were made available for individual veterinary hospitals wishing to interact with their own client base … [Read more...]
NAVC opens 2023 registration for 40th veterinary conference
Complimentary Content Registration is now open for VMX 2023 to take place January 14th through the 18th, 2023, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, and virtually. This year’s fees will reflect the registration costs of the 1983 inaugural conference year. Early registration is $125. We are pleased to mark our 40th anniversary of hosting the veterinary … [Read more...]
Dog breeds with the most Westminster Dog Show wins
The winners podium at the Westminster Dog Show today looks different than it did a century ago. More breeds can compete than ever before, which gives underdogs like a bloodhound named Trumpet, this year’s winner, a better shot at earning the Best in Show title. Terriers are the best-performing dogs by far; they've secured nearly a third of all the Best in Show prizes awarded … [Read more...]
5 steps to put aside the dread and find joy
Resilience is a muscle we can develop by adapting and finding our way through challenging experiences, writes Kristin Hendrix. She says redirecting our energy to good things going on in our life, and taking positive action to move us forward, are great ways to interrupt feelings of dread. Hendrix shares small steps to move back to joy during times of dread in this article … [Read more...]
32 mindfulness activities to find calm at any age
Incorporating mindfulness activities into your routine can be incredibly simple, no matter what your age, according to Crystal Hoshaw. Mindfulness activities can involve almost anything you do in your day-to-day life. <Mindfulness> is not meant to be separate from reality, but to be an integral and enriching part of it.” Hoshaw shares activities for adults, kids, teens, … [Read more...]
Motivation – beyond the poster
It is Monday: Eight more hours and four more days until the week is over. Can you change the way you feel and find fulfillment? Source: LinkedIn, June 16, 2022. Link. It’s important to take a step back to be able to dive back into your work, feeling motivated again, because you can't pour from an empty cup.” INSIGHTS: Both the employer and the employee have … [Read more...]
The AAFP and AAHA release the 2022 Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines
The 2022 AAFP/AAHA Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines <Link> present evidence-guided strategies that veterinarians and their teams can use in choosing appropriate antimicrobial therapy to best serve their patients and minimize the development of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial stewardship is one of the most important public health issues facing the profession.” … [Read more...]
Arizona bill addresses veterinarian shortage with incentives
A bill put forward by the Arizona Humane Society and Humane Society of Southern Arizona, sponsored by Senator T.J. Shope has been signed into law as part of the state’s budget next year. The bill creates a new Arizona Veterinary Loan Assistance Program that will provide student loan reimbursement up to $100,000 to veterinarians who graduate from school after January 1, 2023. To … [Read more...]
The great veterinary shortage
There are not enough humans to take care of all the animals, writes Sarah Zhang. While not new information, she has done her research making this an article to efficiently frame the profession’s ongoing challenges in providing care for animals. By 2030, the U.S. will need nearly 41,000 additional veterinarians and nearly 133,000 more credentialed vet techs, according to a … [Read more...]
Destructive, formidable, invasive: How is the U.S. managing the feral hog population?
. . . the feral hog is one of the most destructive, formidable invasive species in the U.S.” - U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service" Some 6 million feral hogs exist in the U.S. causing damages estimated at up to $2.5 billion. Beyond damages, the bigger concerns are zoonotic risks and the threat of African swine fever infecting the feral … [Read more...]
Grass-fed versus grain-fed ground beef. Does it matter?
Good news for burger lovers! Researchers in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University have published the only two research studies that compared the effects of ground beef from grass-fed cattle and traditional, grain-fed cattle on risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes in men. There is no scientific evidence to support … [Read more...]
Colic. What a pain in the gut!
Sponsored Content Colic is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in horses whose specialized digestive tract is easily thrown out of balance. Experts say 4 percent to 10 percent of all horses will experience at least one episode of colic in their lifetime. While most cases are resolved on the farm with medical treatment, approximately 10 percent to 15 percent of cases … [Read more...]