Sabrina Starling, PhD, asks an interesting question worth thoughtful consideration. She says “Payroll is an expense if team members are unaware of the importance of the business they work for being profitable and their ability to impact profitability. When they understand why it should matter to them that the business is profitable and how they can impact profit, payroll … [Read more...]
The customer experience is the sales experience
Twenty-five percent of the purchasing decision is determined by the overall sales experience, writes Scott K. Edinger citing a McKinsey study. He reminds us that frontline sales and customer-contact professionals are in a position to directly affect decisions about services and products. And, they may be the only one if the customer does not perceive value in the … [Read more...]
Not all NDAs are equal
Nondisclosure agreements are common between animal health pros and the companies with which they work. Peter H. Tanella, Esq, shares important perspectives on protecting critical information about a business or services from being shared to the business’ detriment. His recommendations to incorporate a nondisparagement clause are important considerations between employers and … [Read more...]
FDA approves first treatment for Giardia duodenalis in any animal species
Ayradia (metronidazole oral suspension) has been approved for the treatment of Giardia duodenalis infection in dogs. Ayradia is the first FDA-approved treatment for Giardia duodenalis for any animal species. <the> approval means there is an approved product for dogs that has known safety and effectiveness for this species and is manufactured to quality … [Read more...]
Yelloh, formerly Schwanns, to offer frozen pet food delivery
Carnivore Meat Company’s Vital Essentials brand partnership with Yelloh! will provide pet owners with options to buy high-quality, premium butcher-cut protein for their pets. Yelloh and Vital Essentials share the same commitment to superior food quality and safety standards. Source: Vital Essentials, October 16, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
MWI Animal Health completes integration with Shepherd Veterinary Software
Industry News MWI Animal Health, part of Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen), today announced that Shepherd Veterinary Software, which offers a veterinary practice information management software, is now fully integrated with MWI’s AllyDVM client engagement platform. Shepherd users can now take advantage of AllyDVM’s expansive service offerings including robust client … [Read more...]
Heel flies and cattle grubs are still a problem
In some regions of the U.S., cattle grubs are making a comeback. Cattle grubs are the larval form of heel flies that resemble honeybees in size and shape but are colored like a bumblebee. Heel flies pester cattle, hovering and darting around their legs. Two species parasitize cattle: Hypoderma bovis and H. lineatum. Control of adult heel flies is nearly impossible as they … [Read more...]
Today’s calves need more animal husbandry
Commentary There is a lot to think about in Kevin Shultz’s article shared here. The beef industry has long been focused on pounds produced and at what cost. He shares reasons beef producers need to shift gears on calf health. . . . nothing trumps good old animal husbandry.” Selective breeding that optimizes genetics, improvements in pharmaceuticals as health management … [Read more...]
Rebound gastric hyperacidity in horses after discontinuing omeprazole
Omeprazole is often used to treat equine gastric ulcer syndrome and is effective when the horse is being dosed daily. Once treatment stops, the ulcers may recur rapidly. Glandular ulcers may recur as rapidly as within three days. Tapering the medication dose is unlikely to minimize this rebound effect as previously thought. Australian researchers found gastrin production in … [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...]
Webinar: An introduction to regenerative medicine: PRP and PRF
Sponsored Content A recent post <Link> shared how PRP and PRF therapy are expanding options for veterinarians as one of multiple physical medicine approaches to treatment and recovery. AHD sponsor, Jorgensen Laboratories partnered with Enso Discoveries to provide Platelet-Rich Plasma and Platelet-Rich Fibrin kits branded as Rebound PRP/PRF kits. Having watched … [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...]
OnePoll research, pet care more stressful than being a parent
Most people think that taking care of a pet is more stressful than being a parent, according to a new study of 2,000 pet owners. Over half think their fur pals are also experiencing stress. Source: New York Post, October 3, 2023. Link. Pet parents’ top stressors: My finances – 54 percent My job/career – 49 percent My ability to take care of my pet – 42 percent … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Worth a Glance – October 12, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 5, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 5th AHD Bulletin – Could one Walmart store change the entire pet industry? Link. Self-evaluation. Link. These habits can cut the risk of depression in half; study/recording. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Thoughts worth repeating from the 2023 Leman Swine Conference
The annual Leman Swine Conference remains an important opportunity for swine production professionals to exchange experiences, challenges and views. Jennifer Shike shares an overview of key points and quotes that represent what’s on the industry’s minds. Biosecurity is more than just controlling what is coming into a herd – don’t forget what is coming out.” – Karine Talbot, … [Read more...]
Prevalence of GI ulcers in dogs treated with long-term NSAIDs
The prevalence of chronic GI injury associated with NSAID administration in dogs is unknown, therefore regular recheck examinations are needed for dogs receiving chronic NSAID therapy, writes Sue Hudson Duran, RPh, MS, PhD, DICVP, FSVHP, FACVP. She emphasizes educating owners about NSAID risks and only prescribing NSAIDs specifically labeled for use in dogs. Source: … [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...]
Pet owners delay veterinary care but may spend $700M on Halloween
Commentary An NRF survey shows $700M is projected in pet Halloween spending this month, yet last week we shared a report that found 72 percent of veterinary service providers are seeing owners delay pet care due to ongoing economic concerns <Link>. The juxtaposition of economic commitments is bizarre, not surprising, but mind-boggling.” Additionally, it is National … [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...]
Colostrum may be beneficial in treating scours
A recent research paper authored by a team of world-renowned calf researchers stated there is evidence that supports the use of colostrum as an early treatment of scours in young calves, shares Maureen Hanson. Effectively treating calves for scours could be as easy as feeding them something that virtually every dairy farm has on hand: colostrum.” Source: Dairy Herd … [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...]