Sandy Stuttgen reviews the changes when the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine plan for supporting veterinary antimicrobial stewardship will be fully implemented. As of January 1, 2023, all remaining over-the-counter antibiotics are switched to prescription-only status. The VCPR is the key that unlocks the medicine cabinet. Source: Swineweb, December 2, 2022. Link. Under … [Read more...]
Defining water quality in swine barns
Understanding water quality and how to interpret water test results is valuable for producers, managers and consultants. A new publication from the Iowa Pork Industry center highlights the parameters pork producers should focus on when testing drinking water in pig barns: Water Quality in Swine Barns – How Do We Define It? <Link> Source: National Hog Farmer, November … [Read more...]
Updates on equine anesthesia safety (video)
Bryce Dooley, DVM, MS, DACVAA, explains the categories considered as the latest advancements in technology, equipment and ways to ensure horses recover successfully from anesthesia. Source: DVM 360, December 3, 2022. Link. (2:48 minute video) … [Read more...]
Let’s review: Drugs used to prevent heartworm in dogs and cats
Lindsay A. Starkey, DVM, PhD, DACVM, tackles what has become a plethora of drugs available to prevent heartworm. She reviews the macrocyclic lactone-based drugs the Food and Drug Administration approved for prevention of heartworm disease and Environmental Protection Agency approved mosquito repellents. Source: Clinician’s Brief, October 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: We recently … [Read more...]
The top pet products of 2022
Pet Business’ annual Industry Recognition Awards highlights the products and vendors that drove innovation in the pet industry over the past year. In addition to new beds, leashes, treats and CBD/hemp products, here are examples we noted: Animo GPS - Merck Animal Health; an activity monitor for dogs with GPS tracking Recovery Double Sleeves - Suitical International … [Read more...]
Jonathan the tortoise celebrates 190th birthday
Commentary Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise, is estimated to be 190 years old and the world’s oldest land animal, according to Guinness. The giant tortoise is blind and can’t smell, but his hearing is great. He lives a pampered life on St. Helena Island, a British overseas territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean which lies about 1,200 miles west of the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 5, 2022
Pet spending growth increased $8.65B in 2021 to $23.81B, says John Gibbons; interactive toy opportunities, pet care on capitol hill, cross-promotion marketing tips and more Companies in a cross-promotion partnership need to be on the same page with clearly defined, common goals including when to end the arrangement.” Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, December 5, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Small companies, big discoveries
Kristi Fender covers the expanding landscape of new advancements in animal health from startups and partnerships in a variety of developing categories, describing it as an innovation explosion. She highlights differences in the people now working in biotech and the need for a commitment to standards. Source: Vet Advantage, December 2022. Link. Only a handful of animal health … [Read more...]
Micro-thin “smart bandage” monitors wound healing while repairing tissue
Commentary Our curation sometimes uncovers advances on the human side that we may see or hope come to animal health. The smart bandage developed by researchers at Stanford University, now in proof-of-concept, represents a promising possibility for medical communities and managing chronic wounds. When administered to a patient, the bandage monitors temperature as well as … [Read more...]
Research trend: Outcomes research in animal health and veterinary medicine
Outcomes research is becoming more prevalent in animal health circles. An outcomes research approach considers an element of value along with an outcome of interest which sets it apart from traditional research approaches. It is an approach that evaluates more than the benefits of practices and interventions for veterinary patients. Value can be measured by many … [Read more...]
Compounding webinar outlines FDA final guidance #256
Regulatory education FDA Veterinarian Amber McCoig examines the policies included in this guidance and what they mean for veterinarians and their teams in the webinar. She also discusses how the agency’s final guidance tries to balance the risks of compounding animal drugs from bulk substances when there is no FDA-approved drug available, and why the FDA can’t assure the … [Read more...]
Rapid growth in hookworm prevalence and resistance
Hookworm prevalence has increased from 4 percent in 2018 to almost 50 percent three years later, according to a study published in Clinician’s Brief in August 2020 <Link>. Kim Campbell Thornton shares a troubling situational perspective on prevalence across the U.S. and the challenges of growing drug resistance for all three major classes of dewormers. We recommend ALL … [Read more...]
What pet owners think about using CBD
Includes Commercial Content Responses from 1448 pet owners to a Leafreport survey revealed 50 percent had tried CBD for their cat or dog. Other key metrics are: 38 percent gave their pet CBD because their vet recommended it. 44 percent gave their pet CBD to help ease their anxiety or stress. Pet edibles were by far the most popular delivery format Source: … [Read more...]
Four factors that will shape 2023
Mark Kalaygian looks into his crystal ball for the 2023 pet retail business citing: The return of innovation Global Pet Expo returning to full strength Mergers and acquisitions NO clear difference-making product trend . . . the growing focus on pet health care should be considered <as a prominent trend>, but it is a complex category that requires much … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 28, 2022
IBPSA Fast Bites is back this week with more news for those working in pet care and boarding, pet walkers and sitters, trainers, holistic pet care providers and veterinarians. The industry is evolving to meet the needs of modern pet ownership, resulting in a shift toward more convenient and tech-forward services, as well as more sustainable and environmentally friendly … [Read more...]
A better approach to networking
In the next five weeks, many animal health pros will start the convention attendance gauntlet. Networking is one of the benefits of industry gatherings. Still, meeting strangers is uncomfortable for most people especially in the context of work. Christie Hunter Arscott shares the importance of: Focusing on what you’re going to ask, not what you’re going to say Moving … [Read more...]
Gifts that cost little to nothing
Most of us care more about thought than monetary value. And there are a slew of gifts that cost little to nothing, says Erica Pandey. Holiday shopping is worrying people, especially as inflation is driving up the cost of holiday gifts. What most gift-givers don't realize is that it really is the thought that counts.” Pandey shares a list of gifts you can give that rank high … [Read more...]
WHO cites antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 threats to humanity
Reinforcing the messaging of the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week the senior animal health officer for FAO, discusses the impact antimicrobial resistance is having on animal health. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobial drugs in human medicine, veterinary medicine, and food production have put our future at risk.” Source: News Medical, November 24, 2022. Link. Responsible and … [Read more...]
Outbreaks are inevitable, but pandemics are optional (video)
Experts suggest a new era of zoonoses and elevated risks demands new thinking and approaches, shares Krissa Welshans referencing “Zoonotic Diseases in Animal Agriculture and Beyond: A One Health Perspective,” a new paper from the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology. It focuses on zoonotic diseases and the importance of One Health. Source: FEEDSTUFFS, November 23, … [Read more...]
Distributors can help customers mitigate inflation, shortages
Distributors and their customers are navigating a difficult and unexpected world. Conditions are unpredictable, but distributors can become more proactive as procurement leaders. Using Michael Wilson’s assertions, animal health distributors can help customers in these primary areas: End quarterly briefings: Move to monthly, bi-monthly reviews and include supply chain … [Read more...]
Students turning meat processing co-products into potential pet treats
Graduate students at Auburn University have been conducting research to study various aspects of developing treats from poultry co-products such as wing tips, broiler carcass frames, woody breasts and organs, in addition to organs and other parts from beef and swine. Palatability and sensory trials along with economic production models will follow. Upcycling parts of livestock … [Read more...]
Old cats: 3 vet visits each year
Tufts Catnip staff reviews updates to the 2021 Feline Senior Care Guidelines including moving cats over 15 years of age to three visits annually. Senior cats 11 through the age of 15 should continue having vet visits twice a year. Source: Tufts Catnip, September 14, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Peace of mind medicine: The importance of telehealth and virtual care in veterinary medicine
Complimentary Content Guest Jessica Trimble, DVM, explains the importance of offering virtual services, and how they can affect both clients and staff in this edition of The Vet Blast Podcast. She discusses benefits and challenges of implementing virtual care and telehealth. Source: The Vet Blast Podcast, DVM 360 , November 17, 2022. Link. (18 … [Read more...]
Snoop Dogg enters the pet apparel and accessories business
Complimentary Commercial Content Snoop Dogg has introduced Snoop Doggie Doggs, a new pet accessory line inviting dogs and cats to live like royalty with his news line of apparel, toys and accessories. The product range was created in partnership with SMAC Entertainment and Little Earth Productions, Inc. Source: Cision, November 21, 2022. Link. Positioned as a fun and … [Read more...]
Most read AHD posts
These posts meet our criteria for high readership. They reflect our readers’ interests, challenges and opportunities. Source: Animal Health Digest. Some most read posts from recent AHD Bulletins include: Confronting your biases (video) <Link> African swine fever . . . catching up <Link> Need to vent? <Link> Veterinarians shouldn’t do it all … [Read more...]
Archives help animal health pros catch up on their reading
There are plenty of demands on animal health pros during fall and holiday periods. It is easy to get behind on reading. The Animal Health Digest archives offer a quick way to scroll through posts. We’ve provided links to the posts for August through November here: Archives for August 2022 <Link> Archives for September 2022 <Link> Archives for October 2022 … [Read more...]
Seek consent, not consensus; accelerate decisions
Researchers share how to make effective decisions across teams of different sizes, experiences, locations and with varying amounts of data. Identifying the type of decision helps calm fears. Clarity on the outcome is foundational to effective decision-making.” Source: Fast Company, November 18, 2022. Link. Majority approval often leads to minority decisions. Achieving … [Read more...]
The power of questions
One of the most effective ways to make others happy is simple and easy: ask questions. Source: AXIOS, November 8, 2022. Link. We don't realize just how powerful questions can be.” INSIGHTS: Be interested instead of trying to be interesting. NOTE: Listening skills are referenced in these AHD archive posts by Patrick T Malone: The hard conversation. Link. Be … [Read more...]
Antibiotic versus antimicrobial: What’s in a name?
Acknowledging World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, Scott Weese, DVM, shares his perspective on when to say antimicrobial versus antibiotic, noting they are pretty much interchangeable. . . . antibiotics are a subset of antimicrobials.” Source: Worms and Germs Blog, November 21, 2022. Link. Weese shares generalized definitions: Antimicrobials: substances that inhibit or … [Read more...]
The power of 15 minutes of focus
“Small habits done repeatedly truly do add up.” Sara Shafer shares culture building tips from Eric Termuende applicable to any workplace team. A healthy, vibrant culture is the new competitive advantage. Your biggest opportunity to fuel business growth likely has to do with creating a great culture.” – Eric Termuende Source: PORK, November 11, 2022. Link. Also see: Follow … [Read more...]