EQUUS' 7-question survey can help determine a horse's chances of developing colic and provides ideas for what can be done to protect its health. The survey score will provide a rough estimate of colic risk and the content shares some management changes that may help reduce colic risks. Source: EQUUS, April 10, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Tools like this survey can improve the … [Read more...]
Essential nutrients cats need in their diets
We often hear, “a cat is not a small dog.” That phrase is especially meaningful when delivering the main things cats need in their diets. Rachel Giordano shares six vet-verified, nutrient essentials cats need in their diets, what they do and where they are found: Animal protein Fat Carbohydrates Water Vitamins Minerals Source: Catster, April 12, 2024. … [Read more...]
American Heartworm Society updates heartworm guidelines
After thoroughly reviewing the latest research, the American Heartworm Society has updated its canine heartworm guidelines on heartworm prevention, diagnosis and treatment AND added a new section with "spectrum of care" information. Source: American Heartworm Society. Link. Download the summary here <Link>. AHS recommends annual antigen and microfilaria testing as well … [Read more...]
The AAFP and ISFM release new guidelines on the long-term use of NSAIDs in cats
The 2024 ISFM and AAFP Consensus Guidelines on the Long-term Use of NSAIDs in Cats from the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society of Feline Medicine supports practitioners with decision-making around prescribing NSAIDs in situations of chronic pain to minimize adverse effects and optimize pain management for their feline patients. The … [Read more...]
It is important to count dogs’ teeth
Michael Jennings, VMD, DAVDC, writes about dentigerous cysts which are often seen in young brachycephalic dogs. They develop around an unerupted tooth when the epithelial lining covering the enamel produces fluid, causing expansion and destruction of surrounding bone. Jennings shares the importance of counting teeth, determining if a tooth is missing or unerupted and … [Read more...]
Vet technician shares honest thoughts on French Bulldogs
Frenchies are adorable, hilarious and highly social dogs, so their popularity is no surprise. But the health problems associated with the breed are discouraging, writes Jenna Stregowski, RVT. She shares pros and cons of the breed. The high demand for Frenchies means that more people are breeding them. Unfortunately, some lack the knowledge and experience to do so ethically and … [Read more...]
Title protection for vet techs, next week on The Bridge Club
For veterinary technicians and our industry, titles are confusing state by state. Join Heather Prendergast, RVT, CVPM, SPHR; Beckie Mossor, RVT; Sam Geiling, RVT and Shannon Nowak, LVT, RVT, to discuss the state of title protection for veterinary technicians April 24th in a Bridge Club virtual discussion on Zoom. Registration is free. Source: The Bridge Club. Link. … [Read more...]
Addressing vaccine hesitancy with animal owners
Providing a commentary on vaccine hesitancy, Lori Kogan, PhD, shares research-backed cognitive biases that can affect pet owners’ vaccine decisions. Beyond the analytics, she reminds animal health pros vaccine-reluctant pet owners are not stupid; they simply make poor choices based on their fears and biases. She recommends veterinary teams learn to adapt their vaccine messages … [Read more...]
Amazon Pet Day is back to celebrate National Pet Month
Amazon Pet Day will return for its third year in celebration of National Pet Month with 48 hours of deals on pet products and supplies. The two-day sales event will take place on Tuesday, May 7th and Wednesday May 8th. Pet owners can start saving early, with deals beginning on April 23 including savings on pet-loved brands. Source: Pet Business, April 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Working past retirement age is not easy
Americans over 75 are the fastest-growing age group in the workforce, more than quadrupling in size since 1964, according to the Pew Research Center. Forecasters expect that cohort of older, working Americans to double over the next decade. Source: CNN, April 14, 2024. Link. As more people than ever need to work longer to support themselves, workplaces will need to begin to … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 15, 2024
Shelter crowding causes moratorium on dog breeding licenses in L.A., Gen Z impact on pet business being felt, minimum wages not a growth factor for small businesses, ways to combat feeling overwhelmed in business and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 15, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
The hidden risk of letting AI decide – losing the skills to choose for ourselves (video)
Sharing dangers of outsourcing decisions to AI, Joe Árvai, PhD, says AI is mere keystrokes away from making people even less disciplined and skilled when it comes to thoughtful decisions. He recognizes the potential benefits in cybersecurity, health care and finance, where complex models and massive amounts of data need to be analyzed routinely and quickly. Still, Árvai warns … [Read more...]
Americans sleeping less, more stressed
Highlighting disturbing sleep and stress trends, Gallup shares Americans are sleeping less and are less satisfied with the amount they sleep. Gallup polling and other research show a strong connection between sleep, stress and overall health. The decline in sleep and the increase in stress levels in the U.S. are consistently worse for younger women than for men and older … [Read more...]
How to make better career decisions
Timothy Yen offers a practical, five-step framework to focus on what’s important when making big career decisions. He emphasizes feelings and values, what matters most to yourself and other people, objectively considering realities versus assumptions and then shares how to put it all together. Source: HBR Ascend, May 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
6 common habits that fuel anxiety, therapists say
Anxiety, while normal, is somewhat like a smoke alarm, a sign to seek support and develop tools to navigate a stress response. Jillian Wilson shares six habits experts say fuel anxiety and ways to address anxiety-inducing habits. People pleasing, catastrophizing and seeking external reassurance all contribute to feelings of anxiety.” Source: Huffpost, September 14, 2023. … [Read more...]
Solitude
Being lonely and being alone isn't the same. There are real health benefits to spending time by yourself. Source: AXIOS, March 26, 2024. Link. Solitude can relieve stress, boost confidence, and teach us something new about ourselves.” INSIGHTS: Sometimes you need expert advice. Listen to your inner voice. … [Read more...]
RESPONSIBLE pet imagery in marketing, advertising and outreach is important
The authors of this piece urge animal health pros to be vigilant in how we portray pets and their owners. They emphasize the need to do it in a positive and healthy environment. Using more responsible imagery to connect and engage with your pet-loving audience can go a long way toward influencing and changing behaviors for the better — improving safety and 'norms,' and helping … [Read more...]
USDA grant to help fund KSU scholarships to develop rural vets
The KSU CVM recently received a $250,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture to create the Rural and Underrepresented Scholarship for Hopeful Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Students program. Source: AAHA NEWStat, April 16, 2024. Link. Students from underrepresented groups and applicants from rural backgrounds … [Read more...]
Veterinarian says a receptionist has the hardest job in a hospital
The receptionist at a veterinary clinic has the most difficult job, writes Harris Fitzgerel, DVM, BS. They are the first face clients see when entering the clinic, the first voice they hear when calling, and the liaison between the back and the front of the hospital. Source: DVM 360, April 15, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Fitzgerel’s perspective is echoed by the recent launch of … [Read more...]
Chewy CEO on new technology in new veterinarian clinic care clinics (video)
Chewy CEO Sumit Singh discusses the launch of Chewy’s first veterinarian clinic, how it’ll help Chewy’s finances and more. He shares his perspective on veterinarian demand and matching DVM and customer experiences at scale. His comments about the effects of the pandemic on demand and the transition to e-commerce are notable. Animal healthcare is a new frontier . . . we’ve … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 11, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 4, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the April 4th AHD Bulletin – Let’s stop calling them soft skills. They’re interpersonal skills. Leadership skills. Link. Finding joy. Link. The role of vehicle movement in swine disease transmission. Link. ===================================== Smells … [Read more...]
AAFP’s Spring into Feline Medicine eConference starts April 21st
The AAFP is bringing back its three-day virtual live CE event: Spring into Feline Medicine. Expert speakers will present a variety of feline topics in a live format with 13 RACE-approved CE credits over three days. The meeting days are on different days of the week to allow for flexibility in the schedule. Sessions will air live and will be available on-demand through … [Read more...]
Equine Network Foundation established by Equine Network
The Equine Network has established the Equine Network Foundation, a non-profit organization with its first program focused on supporting equine welfare and rescue. Source: Equine Network, March 20, 2024. Link. To learn more about the Equine Network Foundation visit equinenetworkfoundation.org. … [Read more...]
whiskerDocs® announces second patent: Integrated animal health records
Processes outlined in a new patent can significantly improve providing health care for animals by leveraging advanced technologies in data analysis and machine learning. The systems and processes patent expands the assessment and management of pet health by utilizing new technology that supports personalized medicine, predictive modeling, early intervention and unique insights … [Read more...]
Insects on farm animal menus
Sharing her fascination for livestock innovations, Phibro’s Leah Dorman, DVM, writes about how insects may provide an alternate, sustainable protein source in livestock diets especially where soy is not easily grown. Source: Explore Animal Health, March 23, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Dorman is referencing controlled and mass-scaled production of insects for protein. Hobby … [Read more...]
Video game teaches cow handling
Mooving Cows is a 3D isometric mobile game that’s changing the way dairy farm employees understand and interact with cattle. University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Jennifer Van Os, PhD, developed the game with feedback from Wisconsin dairy farmers, including Spanish- and English-speaking staff on farms. It provides an alternative to traditional animal handling training … [Read more...]
Resource: Basic biosecurity practices for sheep and goats
Collaborating with USDA, the staff at the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners developed a biosecurity toolkit for use by DVMs and producers. The toolkit consists of six flyers, as well as a main poster. It’s free to download and can be used for client education. Source: AASRP. Link. … [Read more...]
5 steps to super-sanitation for calf equipment
Cleaning and sanitation of calf-feeding equipment is a primary management subset that matters advised Don Sockett, DVM, PhD. Equipment must be cleaned first, disinfected second to help reduce the potential for spreading illness between calves. Sockett shared two main things he sees during farm visits: 1) the use of weak or ineffective soap and 2) wash brushes not dried … [Read more...]
From mixed practice to swine specialist, Randy Jones, DVM (podcast)
Randy Jones, DVM, is an icon in swine practice and production. He shares his journey from a mixed veterinary practice to specializing in pigs, the pig industry’s evolution to specialization in farm management and veterinary roles. Source: Popular Pig Podcast, March 28, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Get cows bred earlier using estrus sync
The main constraints for producers considering adopting a synchronization protocol are labor, facilities and costs. Still, the main advantage of implementing synchronization technology is an added opportunity for more females to conceive in the first 21 days of the breeding season. The authors present benefits of estrus synchronization for beef cows in natural breeding … [Read more...]