Ugh! Right? It isn’t over until it’s over, so we are sharing this article on how Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants are sweeping through the United States. A recent study found that, compared to the previously dominant Omicron version BA.2.12, these more contagious subvariants are four times more resistant to Covid-19 vaccines and are more likely to cause breakthrough … [Read more...]
Petflation: Inflation’s impact on pet industry
Inflation is strong in the pet market says John Gibbons. The Consumer Price Index has shown four straight months of double-digit, year-over-year monthly percentage increases. These are the first increases of more than 10 percent since 1981. We’re sharing quotes from two sources that present economic trends in the animal health industry. Inflation historically affects pet … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 18, 2022
Survey from Elanco reminds us of high percentage of pets unprotected from Leptospirosis sp. and Lyme disease, new 1099-K reporting rules, pet food mergers to date, using multi-factor authentication is smart for small business cyber-security, TikTok launches Follow Me for Small Business Users and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 18, 2022. Link. Current Flow Business … [Read more...]
Get a handle on controlled veterinary substances
Rules governing controlled substances handling have been in place for decades. Not having the proper protocols in place can leave veterinary clinics subject to fines and fees. Jennifer Ryan shares information from Nicole Clausen, CSSGB, CCFP, Founder of Veterinary Care Logistics, on ways clinics can manage their controlled substances with simple inventory management … [Read more...]
3G sunset may affect sensors and alarms in animal production, systems, safety
Complimentary Commercial Content Many have already upgraded smartphones as the FCC opened more bandwidth to service 4G and 5G devices. However, there still may be 3G devices used daily that are greatly affected, such as various alarms on water systems, feed flows, ventilation systems and overflow alarms. An educational packet from BarnTools™ caught our attention. Animal … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 14, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – four posts qualify as most read in the June 30thAHD Bulletin Guide to medical professionals who specialize in caring for pets. Link. The complaint department. Link. Pet food inflation hits new high, with many reasons why. Link. Grass-fed versus grain-fed ground beef. Does it matter? Link. Previous AHD Bulletin - Animal … [Read more...]
A video trip inside a farrowing barn
Complimentary Content Biosecurity protocols appropriately restrict access to modern swine production facilities. But that also means there are fewer persons who experience what goes on in these production units. Educational programs like Dr. Dorman Asks seek to inform the public and provide a look at how pigs are produced for the animal protein market. In a recent edition … [Read more...]
Cattle producers are behind in biosecurity planning
State veterinarians, the NCBA, USDA and others are working together to educate and encourage beef producers to create a biosecurity plan. Free online templates are available to walk farmers through biosecurity questions to develop a farm plan. Currently, biosecurity plans are voluntary in the beef industry. What might move the needle toward more cattle producers having a plan … [Read more...]
Canine aggression, treatments, when to refer
Sharing results from a study on canine aggression treatment protocols, Bonnie V. Beaver, DVM, MS, DSc (Hon), DPNAP, DACVB, DACAW, shares the importance of asking pet owners about possible behavior problems during routine examinations. She highlights data from the study showing dogs seen by a clinician were diagnosed with a contributing medical condition. These data raise … [Read more...]
WDJ criteria to identify good-quality dry dog foods
Foods for pets may contain wildly varying levels of vitamins, minerals and macronutrients, and yet all can be called complete and balanced, writes Nancy Kerns. She shares the Whole Dog Journal’s criteria used to identify good-quality dry dog foods. AAFCO establishes the nutrient levels that legally constitute “complete and balanced” diets for our pets. But, unlike the human … [Read more...]
Obese owner is the most important factor in dog obesity
Just as vigorous people tend to choose active lifestyles for their pets, overweight and obese individuals may pass their eating patterns onto their pets. Physicians and veterinarians collaborated to use a One Health approach to study pet obesity emphasizing the importance of nutrition as one aspect of health. Being an overweight dog owner was found to be the most important … [Read more...]
Up next from The Bridge Club
Complimentary Sponsored Content The Bridge Club™ continues to grow in the veterinary sector with virtual and live opportunities to network with other veterinarians and individuals serving this segment. Launched in 2022, Bridge Club Practice Conversations events were made available for individual veterinary hospitals wishing to interact with their own client base … [Read more...]
NAVC opens 2023 registration for 40th veterinary conference
Complimentary Content Registration is now open for VMX 2023 to take place January 14th through the 18th, 2023, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, and virtually. This year’s fees will reflect the registration costs of the 1983 inaugural conference year. Early registration is $125. We are pleased to mark our 40th anniversary of hosting the veterinary … [Read more...]
Dog breeds with the most Westminster Dog Show wins
The winners podium at the Westminster Dog Show today looks different than it did a century ago. More breeds can compete than ever before, which gives underdogs like a bloodhound named Trumpet, this year’s winner, a better shot at earning the Best in Show title. Terriers are the best-performing dogs by far; they've secured nearly a third of all the Best in Show prizes awarded … [Read more...]
Most recent IBPSA Fast Bites
Clear the Shelters campaign returns for 8th year, owners of non-traditional pets at increased zoonotic risk, government regulation of small businesses, new directory of pet hospice and euthanasia providers, largest genetic screening studies of cats and dogs published, heavy metals in pet foods, dealing with mounting inflation, pandemic pets are returning to shelters and more . … [Read more...]
Possible connection between Lyme disease and Alzheimer’s
Commentary In 2022 we’ve shared the advancing movement of ticks <Link>, that Lyme-carrying ticks live longer <Link> and have seen articles indicating tick-borne diseases and illnesses are on the rise <Link>. While the latest Vetwatch® report shows parasite product growth at 1.4 percent year over year, one might conclude that tick risks are more prevalent … [Read more...]
The AAFP and AAHA release the 2022 Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines
The 2022 AAFP/AAHA Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines <Link> present evidence-guided strategies that veterinarians and their teams can use in choosing appropriate antimicrobial therapy to best serve their patients and minimize the development of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial stewardship is one of the most important public health issues facing the profession.” … [Read more...]
Arizona bill addresses veterinarian shortage with incentives
A bill put forward by the Arizona Humane Society and Humane Society of Southern Arizona, sponsored by Senator T.J. Shope has been signed into law as part of the state’s budget next year. The bill creates a new Arizona Veterinary Loan Assistance Program that will provide student loan reimbursement up to $100,000 to veterinarians who graduate from school after January 1, 2023. To … [Read more...]
The great veterinary shortage
There are not enough humans to take care of all the animals, writes Sarah Zhang. While not new information, she has done her research making this an article to efficiently frame the profession’s ongoing challenges in providing care for animals. By 2030, the U.S. will need nearly 41,000 additional veterinarians and nearly 133,000 more credentialed vet techs, according to a … [Read more...]
Consolidation trends of veterinary practices acquired by corporate groups are important to observe
Note: Articles like this one are must-reads for animal health pros. Consolidations by merger/acquisition, vertical integration, alliances and more affect how we do business and as important, how animal owners are influenced and guided. Graham Garrison examines the trends of corporate group acquisitions of veterinary practices and shares perspectives from several practice … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 30, 2022
Last week’s most read posts Vaccine guide is helpful for newbies and pros. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, June 23, 2022. Link. =================================== If we love our pets so much, why do we treat their veterinarians so poorly? Source: Boston Globe, February 15, 2022. Link. “They give their all to our … [Read more...]
Breeding cattle for fly resistance. Could it be?
Doug Colwell, PhD, reminds us of the general rule in parasitology that states “in all breeds of cattle about 80 percent of the flies are on 20 percent of the animals.” Citing consumer concerns, he says non-chemical fly control is currently being researched. Horn flies are extra difficult to control. Insecticide ear tag use is common but often results in resistance in as few as … [Read more...]
Beef cow slaughter continues unabated
Economist Darrell Peel presents how the U.S. beef cow herd numbers are shrinking year to date and how weather, drought and agriculture practices have contributed to beef cow slaughter trends. The current level of beef cow slaughter suggests a culling rate more than 13 percent this year and a potential beef cow herd decline of one million head or more.” Source: BEEF, June 13, … [Read more...]
Boehringer-Ingelheim shares music track designed to help relieve stress in horses
Complimentary Commercial Content This is a music track, but not just any music track. It’s specially designed to help relieve stress in horses. The Relax Trax audio is also available for download at https://equinerelaxtrax.buzzsprout.co... Source: Boehringer Ingelheim US: Equine Health, You Tube, June 23, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Chill protocol manages aggressive and fearful dogs
When a dog needs to be seen for veterinary care, reducing fear, anxiety and aggressive behavior facilitates a safer visit for the dog, owner and veterinary team. The Chill Protocol described by Renata S. Costa, DVM, MPhil, MANZCVS, GradDipEd, DACVAA, can be prescribed to healthy patients that are known to be aggressive, fearful or anxious during hospital visits. Source: … [Read more...]
Identifying and caring for tick bites on dogs
Victoria Arnold shares information about identifying and caring for tick bites on dogs. The article includes links to Companion Animal Parasite Council and other helpful resources. Tick bites should not make your dog itch.” Source: Dogster, June 3, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media and newsletters to reinforce tick risk education efforts. … [Read more...]
Colic. What a pain in the gut!
Sponsored Content Colic is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in horses whose specialized digestive tract is easily thrown out of balance. Experts say 4 percent to 10 percent of all horses will experience at least one episode of colic in their lifetime. While most cases are resolved on the farm with medical treatment, approximately 10 percent to 15 percent of cases … [Read more...]
Keeping fit with pets
Adam Christman, DVM, shares the chat room with Drs. Jen and Jason Chatfield to discuss pet obesity and ways to keep pets in shape. Exercise and activities are not a one size fits all for every pet or human . . . work up to it!” NOTE: This episode is certified to provide 1 hr of PACCC CEU’s! The unique code CE code is delivered during the episode. Pet lovers can get more … [Read more...]
Rawhide. Good? Bad? What’s the alternative?
Veterinary team members are often asked if rawhide chews are ok for their dogs. Austin Cannon shares the pros and cons as well as some alternatives to rawhide. . . . dogs can find themselves sick and in pain if they eat too much rawhide or ingest pieces that are too big . . .” Source: Daily Paws, June 3, 2022. Link. The primary fear with rawhide is that dogs might bite off a … [Read more...]
10 commandments of dog ownership
This list of 10 provides dog owners the basic needs for a dog to live a happy and healthy life. Lists like this have been published many times. Still, it is important to routinely reinforce the responsibilities of pet ownership. Consider this article for social media, newsletters and new pet packs. Source: Puppies and Pooches, June 20, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]