The U.S. beef cow herd is at the lowest level since 1962 <Link>. For cow-calf producers who understand and can leverage a heifer’s value potential, steers are great for providing income, but heifers can be used to generate wealth. Heifer calves provide more options and opportunities than a bull calf.” - Aaron Berger Source: BEEF, June 9, 2023. Link. Heifer calves … [Read more...]
Dewormer classes for small ruminants
The Maryland Extension Small Ruminant Program offers a variety of resources for the growing number of people raising goats and sheep. The links shared here provide infographics on dewormers and include various brands. Source: Maryland Extension Small Ruminant Program, Facebook. Link. Dewormer classes for small ruminants. <Link-1>, <Link-2>. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Petco presents: The Ultimate Dog(g)
Commentary Veterinary teams in private or corporate practices need to be aware of this ad campaign and consider what it is telling dog owners. It is disappointing to see the less money theme perpetuated at a time when many veterinary practices are still dealing with staffing challenges, appointment availability and levels of services. It takes a Dogg to know a dog. And … [Read more...]
Aquamation as an alternative to cremation
The aggregate effects of cremating the remains of pets and humans have a significant environmental effect due to the carbon dioxide cremation chambers release. Aquamation, by contrast, is compact and efficient, and generates no direct emissions of its own making it one of the greenest means of final disposition, writes Eleanor Cummins. The aquamation process is simple. Over … [Read more...]
Is a dog’s mouth cleaner than a human’s?
Well-intentioned dog kisses are sometimes hard to resist, but Leslie Bass, DVM, suggests it is best to avoid them. She also emphasized the importance of oral care and suggests we treat our own wounds instead of letting dogs lick them. Source: Daily Paws, December 22, 2023. Link. One family of bacteria that we have in common is Porphyromonas, which causes periodontal disease. … [Read more...]
What we do to make our pets happy
Complimentary Sponsored Content Elanco’s Wag Stats infographic shares research on the ins and outs of our relationships with our pets and how we care for them. We noted: 36 percent share food with their pets 21 percent kiss their pets on the lips 69 percent have no idea if leptospirosis is prevalent in their area 36 percent don’t know if Lyme disease is … [Read more...]
How the veterinary shortage affects groomers
Addressing the opportunities groomers may have due to the veterinary shortage and advancing treatment options, Cliff Faver, DVM, reminds groomers to know what is acceptable and what is not for a groomer to do in their state of residence. Owners and veterinarians may expect groomers to express anal glands, treat ears and even scale teeth routinely, but some procedures are not … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 13, 2023
Vet telemedicine, Dechra takeover, APOP evaluation of therapeutic obesity diets plus small business automation, financing and website tips and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 13, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Chiropractic care for companion animals
Mobility problems affect the quality of life for 10 percent of dogs, says Marie Barling, DVM. She also notes that figure may be understated since 20 percent of dogs have arthritis. In this article, Barling share the opportunity to extend care beyond prescriptive medicine to include elements of physical medicine including laser, acupuncture and manual therapy, including … [Read more...]
Sympathy versus empathy
Last week I suggested there is an enormous difference between these two words. Based on your feedback, I believe it is important to understand that difference. Simply put, sympathy is feeling for someone, while empathy is feeling with someone. Source: SimplyPsychology, May 4, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Empathy requires your respect for another’s point of view at that … [Read more...]
Appearance and animal owner perception
During a recent National Geographic Wild episode, a veterinarian purposely changed clothes between patients after a sick parrot decorated his scrub top. It reminded me of a post from 2021 that is worth repeating. . . . appearance influences animal owners’ first impressions of animal health professionals.” Source: Animal Health Digest, November 16, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Why the FDA tightened rules around antimicrobial medications for animals
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...]
2022 National Beef Quality Audit shows increase in quality and efficiency
Findings from the 2022 NBQA indicate producers are working to meet the demand for quality and efficiency while maintaining the need to keep safety a top priority. Conducted every five years, the latest results show that over time, attributes have been added to NBQA standards such as food safety, sustainability, animal welfare and the connection between producers and … [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...]
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...]
NAVC Announces “Show of Shows” theme for VMX 2024
Complimentary Commercial Content VMX is the world’s largest and most comprehensive global veterinary education conference. As the first veterinary conference of the year, it sets direction for the industry and is the forum for veterinary education, new innovation, patents and product introductions. The North American Veterinary Community announced the theme for the 41st … [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...]
Working with media helps veterinarians
We frequently remind animal health pros to consider interacting with local media and community organizations. Veterinarians make credible sources for reporters and animal topics are usually favored content. If you missed her article in AAHA’s Trends, Jen Reeder provides multiple perspectives on the opportunity to contribute through media. . . . there’s no reason why a … [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...]
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...]