New regulations about the use of antimicrobial drugs for animals are now in place requiring animal owners to obtain prescriptions from veterinarians to get the drugs. William Flynn, DVM, MS, discussed the concerted effort across all sectors where antimicrobials are being used on NPR’s Weekend Edition. Source: NPR, June 10, 2023. Link. (4:02) INSIGHTS: A few animal owners … [Read more...]
Dealing with no-shows
Wendy Myers, CVJ, gives host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, four things veterinary practices can implement to help get clients in the door and reduce no-show rates. Myers says the average no-show rate is approximately 11 percent which calculates to around $60,000 in lost revenue potential per full-time veterinarian. She also emphasizes missed opportunities to help animals in … [Read more...]
Legislative updates, progress and the status of VCPR
The Bridge Club hosted a panel* to provide an update following legislative decisions in Arizona and California that have eased restrictions on virtual VCPR. The discussion included experiences from panel practitioners and members of the VVCA. Mark Cushing shared legislative experiences and offered perspective on which states are likely to move forward with a virtual … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 8, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 1st, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 1st AHD Bulletin – The June deadline is here! Link Building trust. Link. Puppy break! 30 dog breeds that have the cutest puppies. Link Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
New product tour at World Pork Expo to use Shark Tank virtual format (slideshow)
During the Global Hog Industry Virtual Conference, a panel of pork industry experts review products, keeping in mind how each would benefit producers and the industry. Respective company representatives present a two-minute video or sales pitch to the panel of judges, after which the judges ask questions about the product in the style of TV's Shark Tank. Online voting for … [Read more...]
Cattle heat stress reminders
There are only 13 days until summer. But, even now cattle heat stress is a major consideration for dairy and beef producers. It can negatively affect milk production and overall herd health. Once cattle start to pant, some heat stress has occurred. Understanding heat stress, preparing for it and looking at options to alleviate it will help keep production steady as summer … [Read more...]
Steak is getting more expensive. Here’s why.
Hamburgers and steaks, already near record-level prices, are set to get more expensive, writes Patrick Thomas, who shares the consequences of a shrinking cow herd and rising supply chain costs. When you’re talking about the ultimate price of beef to a consumer, the whole supply chain is under inflationary pressures. Every step along the way is more expensive.” - Tom Windish, … [Read more...]
The horse owner’s role in fighting gastric ulcer syndrome
With treatment and care information given in different forms yearly, it's assumed most owners will follow prescribed actions to help their horses battle their gastric ulcers. But, it requires owners to make adjustments to their daily routines. Ideally, the ulcer medication omeprazole needs to be given to horses on an empty stomach to allow the stomach to thoroughly absorb … [Read more...]
Understanding proud flesh
As a horse’s wound begins to heal, pinkish granulation tissue fills in the gaps between soft tissues. Granulation tissue normally stops forming as the skin edges grow together to close the wound. But when healing doesn’t go according to plan, the granulation tissue becomes exuberant. It keeps growing until it bulges above skin level keeping newly formed skin from growing over … [Read more...]
Exploring fluorescent light energy as a management option for canine superficial bacterial folliculitis
The study results from work at the University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy, provide evidence that FLE may represent an effective therapeutical modality for superficial bacterial folliculitis in dogs, accelerating the time to clinical resolution and consequently reducing the duration of, or need for, systemic antibiotic treatment. Source: Frontiers Veterinary Science, June 2, … [Read more...]
Freeze-drying doesn’t kill bacteria in raw meat treats
Instead of killing harmful bacteria, freeze-drying preserves bacteria in raw meats and organs. Contrary to many recommendations, freeze-dried raw treats should not be given to dogs alone or mixed with kibble, according to Lee Pickett, VMD. Source: Arkansas Democrat Gazette via AVMA Animal Health SmartBrief, June 5, 2023. Link. Freeze-drying is one of the best ways to … [Read more...]
How to keep pets safe from wildfire smoke
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is blanketing the east coast and parts of the southern United States. Jerry Klein, DVM, and Lori M. Teller, DVM, DABVP, CVJ, provide guidance for pet owners in this article. The guidance that goes for humans also applies to pets: When the air is intensely polluted, limit the time your pet is outside.” Source: New York Times, June 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 5, 2023
Rising demand for dog daycare, pet luxury market growing, biggest challenges for small business in 2023, new pet care startups, PetCo’s Union Square pet center in NYC, more on CBD safety, Collar seeking to reshape the future of petcare. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 5, 2023. Link. Collar provides a suite of features to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement. … [Read more...]
How to deal with an angry client
Since you’re in business to serve your customers, you’ll likely encounter rude or angry individuals at one time or another. While this article suggests sympathy, I suggest it means empathy . . . an enormous difference. Source: Forbes, August 2, 2013. Link. After the situation has been resolved and the customer is on her way, it is helpful for you to take your own … [Read more...]
Walmart offering free telehealth to Walmart+ subscribers
Walmart has partnered with Pawp to offer Walmart+ subscribers one year of free pet telehealth services. Through the program, pet owners receive unlimited access to veterinary professionals via video or text. NOTE: Although the limited-time offer began on May 23, with Walmart+ subscribers having until November 19th to opt in, our AHD team was unable to get opt-in access … [Read more...]
Gen Z’s nonchalance infiltrates the workplace
Often depicted as difficult to work with, Zoomers are making it clear that their sole purpose in the workplace is to get in, do the job and get out. Rather than forming emotional attachments to their roles, they prioritize a work-life balance over everything. Young workers are not lazy, entitled or keen on slacking off. They're simply choosing to reject some of the practices … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 1, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 25th, 2023. Link. Most read post from May 25th AHD Bulletin – Don’t be afraid to ask the sensitive questions. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. ========================================== Biosecurity doesn’t have to be a big-ticket item Source: … [Read more...]
World Pork Expo starts June 7th
The World Pork Expo returns to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, June 7-9. Presented by the National Pork Producers Council, this year's Expo will give attendees a packed schedule of events, including an expansive tradeshow, educational seminars and networking events. As we celebrate 35 years of the show the World Pork Expo will continue offering opportunities to … [Read more...]
How a farrier cares for pigs (video)
We ran across this pig farrier video during our curation. We dug deeper into the pet pig topic having never heard of a pig farrier. “Who knew, right?” We discovered there is a North American Pet Pig Association whose website is full of resources to educate pet pig owners. The USDA estimates 250,000 to 1 million potbellied pigs are kept as pets <Link>. These pets are … [Read more...]
Recap of 2023 Animal Care & Handling Conference
Conference sessions touched on everything from advances in stunning methods to concerns for animal transportation to regulatory updates during the recent conference held in Kansas City, Missouri May 25th – 26th. Source: Meat+Poultry, May 30, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Monitoring information on high/low stocking densities in livestock transport trailers should interest … [Read more...]
Sheep as urban lawn mowers touted to improve environmental and human health (video)
Besides keeping lawns neatly trimmed, sheep have proven to be a powerful mood boost for students, staff, faculty and visitors on the campus of the University of California at Davis. Sheepmowers provide environmentally-friendly and cost-effective landscape maintenance, while also reducing stress and promoting human mental health and well-being” Source: Medium, May 24, 2023. … [Read more...]
Springtime skin problems
Warmer, wetter weather puts horses at greater risk of several skin conditions, writes Heather Smith-Thomas. She reviews four equine skin problems that are common in the springtime months and what to do about them: Allergies to insect bites Pollen allergies Pastern dermatitis (“scratches”) Rainrot Source: EQUUS, June 2018. Link. Horses can develop allergies, … [Read more...]
Managing horse wounds, bandage or not?
Researchers are working to determine whether bandaging is the best option and in what circumstances. Marcio Costa, DVM, PhD, and colleagues evaluated the wound-healing process in four study horses, with and without bandaging, as well as the types of bacteria colonizing those wounds. All the wounds developed bacteria colonies, but the kinds and amounts of bacteria varied … [Read more...]
Study confirms a way to communicate with cats
Research from 2020 has shown people can communicate better with cats by smiling at them more. But not in the human tooth-baring way but the cat way, by narrowing your eyes and blinking slowly. The study results showed that cats are more likely to slow-blink at their humans after their humans have slow–blinked at them, compared to the no–interaction condition. It even worked … [Read more...]
Sociability is key to a healthier dog’s life
Data from the Dog Aging project has identified the effect of sociability on the quality of life for dogs. Researchers say dogs benefit from having social support around, in the form of people and dogs. One surprise finding showed more time with children was linked to poorer dog health. The pack is the thing: Dogs with positive social interactions live healthier … [Read more...]
Zoetis commemorates Apoquel® (oclacitinib tablet) milestone with donation to 10 pet shelters across the country
Complimentary Commercial Content To commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Apoquel, Zoetis announced an Apoquel grant program for pet shelters across the country. The program will enable 10 shelters enrolled in Zoetis For Shelters to provide allergic itch relief to as many as 100 dogs in each of their communities awaiting their forever homes. . . . veterinarians have … [Read more...]
Pet food labeling. Who has the consumer’s ear?
Communication of pet food ingredients on labels is becoming more complex and marketing and regulatory pros must work together. It is much easier to communicate ingredient stories than nutrition and health when marketing pet food. Words matter and extra words add to the confusion, explains George Collings, PhD. If the goal in labeling is to help the consumer, all of us are … [Read more...]
Tips for cleaning cat messes and accidents
Cat Expert Franny Syufy shares some ways to deal with pee, poop, stains, vomit and more. Consider using this on social media or in newsletters. When cats suddenly start making mistakes, it's up to us humans to investigate and correct the cause.” Source: The Spruce Pets, June 2011, Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 29, 2023
Walmart, Pawp offer free telehealth, recognizing email scams, how AI is transforming pet care industry, hotels ready for traveling dogs, AI tips for small business, measuring ROI of onboarding, responsible use guide for cannabis and CBD and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 29, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Rabies vaccination programs contribute to human and animal welfare
Kim Campbell Thornton shares the experiences of Arnold Plotnick, DVM, whose Mission Rabies work is a reminder to us how important rabies vaccination and prevention efforts are domestically and abroad. In addition to protecting animals from disease, vaccination programs can open up opportunities for domestic dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered.” Source: Veterinary Practice … [Read more...]