Owners of pets with allergic pruritus can often encounter confusion and frustration. It’s important to tackle the issue from the first appointment and develop a dependable treatment plan that keeps the needs of both patient and owner in mind. Source: DVM 360, via AAHA NEWStat, August 29, 2021. Link. To navigate these conversations with clients, Ashley S. Bourgeois, DVM, … [Read more...]
VO2 Max, the secret to canine field performance
Kurt Venator, DVM, PhD, talks about getting peak performance out of working dogs. “The key thing is to define what VO2 Max is,” Venator said. “It’s not some odd scientific term. It’s simply the rate of maximum oxygen use. And obviously that’s important because oxygen is going to fuel endurance, performance, and energy. That’s both in dogs and in humans. . . . the higher that … [Read more...]
Select the right food and dietary plan for cats with urinary issues
Any cat at any age can develop urinary stones or crystals, urinary infections and blockages. Catster writers reached out to two of the nation’s leading authorities on cats and feline nutrition to help cat caregivers come up with a food game plan to keep felines healthy. Source: Catster, March 2021. Link. No single diet and no individual pet food company makes the best food … [Read more...]
New study adds evidence for canine “‘theory of mind”’
Researchers studying the cognitive ability known as theory of mind in dogs believe dogs have some insight into what we’re thinking. Their findings indicate dogs can figure out whether we’re doing something on purpose or by accident. Source: Science, September 2, 2021. Link. Also see: New study examines whether dogs understand intent, Treehugger, September 2, 2021. … [Read more...]
GlobalVetLink introduces the Pet TravelPass™ for international pet travel
Complimentary A new tool from GlobalVetLink promises to save veterinarians time and worries when clients want to travel internationally with their pets. GVL Pet TravelPass is available now at http://www.globalvetlink.comand offers an easy sign-up and get-started process, with no subscription fee or monthly minimums. Source: GlobalVetLink, August 7, 2021. Link. The GVL … [Read more...]
Martha Stewart discusses pet CBD, Canopy Growth partnership
Stewart entered the CBD market in 2019 when she collaborated with Canopy Growth to develop a line of CBD-infused gummies, soft gels and tinctures for people. This partnership now also includes a line of CBD pet products that launched early in 2021. Source: Pet Age, September 1, 2021. Link. Based on Stewart’s business savvy and passion for pets, combined with Canopy Growth’s … [Read more...]
Be interested
Often when I suggest that it would be more effective “to be interested rather than trying to be interesting,” I am met with a blank stare. My advice sounds good, but many people need help in asking the right questions. This column from five years ago may help. Source: Vet Advantage, December 2016. Link. Do not worry about sounding nosey. Leaders are naturally inquisitive, … [Read more...]
Onboarding processes critical to VCPR successes
Opinion Our industry has appropriately migrated to more individualized health and risk assessments for dogs, cats and horses based on their expected lifestyles. In recent posts we asserted how onboarding communication processes can extend the level of client-veterinary team interactions beyond the next vaccination or blood test and improve perceptions of veterinary … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 2, 2021
Last week’s most read post Communicating without words, Link. Last week’s Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 26, 2021. Link. On my worst mental health days, my 3 dogs get me out of bed Source: The Lily, June 27, 2021. Link. Gemma Correll shares a pictorial story of how her dogs help to improve her mental and physical health every … [Read more...]
Dairy market cows NOT cull cows
Dairy producers need to should change their vocabulary when referring to a cull cow. Cows sent to slaughter could add $60,000 to $100,00 a year to a 250-cow dairy. “Cull” means to remove something inferior or worthless. Instead, these animals should be considered market cows, something with value.” Source: Farm Progress, August 23, 2021. Link. Dairy producers must recognize … [Read more...]
How drought is affecting beef and beyond
Historic drought covers the West and most of the northern plains. One estimate shows that 32 percent of all cattle in the U.S. are under drought level conditions. A panel of experts discussed the current state of the drought during Farm Journal Field Days. These conditions cause severe disruption for ranchers and will have a lasting impact on America’s cattle industry.” – Greg … [Read more...]
Migration Alert: high intensity bird migration in progress
Large numbers of birds are migrating over the central U.S. Some nights have more migratory birds passing through than others. To protect migratory birds, turn off all unnecessary lighting between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The strong yellow and pink in the map illustrates high intensity. Source: BirdCast, September 1, 2021. Link. Bird migration forecasts show predicted … [Read more...]
Horse heaves: symptoms and treatment
Lung health is a common health topic as wildfires, smoke and dry, dusty drought conditions blanket parts of the country. Heaves is an allergic-based disease that compromises a horse's ability to breathe, similar to the way asthma affects humans writes, Barb Crabbe, DVM. Horse heaves is chronic and can threaten a horse's long-term health and performance.” – Barb Crabbe, … [Read more...]
A buyers guide to horse halters
All halters perform the same basic function to provide a means of controlling horses' movements during handling. However, all halters don't serve all control needs equally well and there are hundreds to choose from. Joanne Meszoly reviews the types of halters and reminds us that the horse's safety and comfort come first, followed by a handler’s control and convenience. … [Read more...]
Tips for caregivers of skinny horses
Knowledge continues to increase about affects that obesity and emaciation have on animal health. This makes it important to strive to keep horses at an optimum body condition including how to body condition score (BCS) them. The authors share photos and tips to help horses with a BCS of 4 gain weight. Think about calories first!” Source: The Horse, January 28, 2019. … [Read more...]
Top e-collars for dogs
Often controversial, e-collars are used as training aids. The author reviews e-collar pros and cons for various brands. Dog trainers sometimes train dogs with e-collars to try and remedy unwanted behaviors. Some trainers say e-collars can be valuable to get dogs to obey when they are off leash, help keep them safe and locate a dog that is out of sight. Source: Puppies and … [Read more...]
Drug-resistant hookworms spreading in dogs, parasitologists warn
Veterinary parasitologists warn that multidrug-resistant hookworms are spreading in the U.S. and veterinarians should watch for persistent infections. Antoinette Marsh, PhD, cited study results that indicate dogs with suspected or confirmed drug-resistant hookworms are becoming widespread in the Southeast, and they have been documented in the Northeast and California. She said … [Read more...]
Smart cat scat is now here
Complimentary Commercial Content Health monitoring technology is now available in cats’ litter boxes and by monthly subscription. It promises to provide cat owners a visible health monitoring opportunity which is important as cats instinctively hide any illnesses. The company has engaged Martha Stewart as a Pretty Litter brand ambassador. It has been featured in media such … [Read more...]
Petabyte to partner with NVA to transform pet care experience for doctors, patients and their families
Complimentary Commercial Content The newly formed Petabyte consortium and partnership with National Veterinary Associates’ veterinary community of 1,200 independently managed veterinary hospitals and more than 100 pet resorts allows for software development collaboration. Petabyte smooths patient management for veterinary hospitals through its software, … [Read more...]
Make-a-Wish, Addie is ‘veterinarian for a day’ at OSU
You've gotta' watch the video! Addie, an 8-year-old cancer patient from Tulsa, Oklahoma, dreams of being a veterinarian. Thanks to Make-a-Wish Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, she’s one step closer to realizing that dream. Last April, Addie spent a day with faculty, staff and students at OSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. From a … [Read more...]
New report: pet caregivers anticipate their largest expenses in the next 12 months
Most pet owners anticipate necessities like food and healthcare will rule their budgets next year, according to a recent report. Results show 84 percent of dog and cat owners expect to spend the most on food. Most pet parents will spend that on standard dry or wet food, with 80 percent confirming this is what they already feed their pets. 17 percent said that they cook for … [Read more...]
Usage rates for non-medical pet care services show positive trends
Complimentary Content Dog grooming is the marquee non-medical pet care service. Its usage rates rose from 25 percent in 2012/2013 to 41 percent in 2018/2019, dipping only slightly in the wake of Covid. Among dog owners overall, usage rates for nonmedical services edged up from 44 percent in 2012/2013 to 50 percent in 2019/2020, before dipping slightly due to the … [Read more...]
Clients with new pets need more time with vets: Part 2
Opinion In last week’s AHD Bulletin, we urged veterinary teams to consider spending more time with new and existing clients presenting new pets. We asserted the need for onboarding processes or guidelines as paramount to developing long-term relationships with pet owners, the health of pets and the revenue that flows from interactions with happy, engaged clients. AAHA’s … [Read more...]
Thoughts from the Veterinary Innovation Summit + NAVC Media eCommerce Summit
Opinion Among myriad thoughts captured during the Veterinary Innovation Summit, these present the most opportunity and challenges for veterinary teams in the next three to five years. Some are trends we see routinely as we curate content, but others are coming faster than previously perceived: Pet caregivers will drive how they wish to interact with veterinary clinics . … [Read more...]
You’re out of something. Get used to it.
Just-in-time inventory management was a great concept, even a great practice – until it wasn’t. Wasn’t IS now. Delays, product shortages and increasing costs continue to frustrate businesses of all sizes. The Great Supply Chain Disruption is a reality and it’s here. A Harvard Business School expert doesn’t see it getting better this year. Source: New York Times, August 30, … [Read more...]
Why working women need a ‘culture of inclusion’ right now
A study by McKinsey at the height of the pandemic found that one in three mothers were considering leaving the workforce or downshifting their careers to better handle childcare responsibilities resulting from the Covid-19 crisis. Now the Delta variant challenges the return to school for millions of children and their working mothers, and indeed all parents, writes Rebecca … [Read more...]
Fall alfalfa decisions have repercussions
Drought continues to be a concern for farmers and livestock producers. Forage availability and quality are integral to sustaining herd numbers and health. Kim Cassida shares alfalfa management tips. For animal health pros working directly with producers, consider using this article to open new discussions about nutrition and herd health decisions. You might find a local … [Read more...]
Have a horse? Prepare for the inevitable.
Sponsored Content Olympic equestrians faced tough challenges, including having to fly horses into Tokyo from pre-export quarantine in Europe. But the biggest challenges arose when the horses spooked or refused during performances because of sumo statues. Also, daruma dolls startled them and a horse got punched. These challenges underscore the health and behavior … [Read more...]
Protecting chickens from pododermatitis, bumble foot
Complimentary Content Stephanie Lamb shares the whats, whys, where and hows of bumblefoot, an inflammatory condition affecting a bird’s foot and common with backyard poultry. Bumblefoot has various levels of severity in chickens, ranging from mild redness and thinning of the scales to ulcerations and damage to underlying muscle, tendons and bone. Source: Chickens, August … [Read more...]
Leptospirosis: diagnosis & treatment
Leptospirosis is a thing, according to Dr. Jen the Vet. She says, “Every dog, EVERY dog is at risk for lepto. Every dog ought to be vaccinated for lepto.” <Link> But what needs to occur if a patient is presented with clinical signs consistent with leptospirosis? Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, provides a step-by-step guide to managing suspected leptospirosis … [Read more...]