Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, 2023. Link. Most read posts from the December 7th AHD Bulletin – Pay attention to others. They’re not thinking of you. Link. Lapsing client numbers increasing. Link. The average pet owner has 72 “pet panics” per year. Link. ============================================ Top 10 veterinary … [Read more...]
Underutilized and underappreciated
Editor’s note. It is common to get a call from Wendy Hauser, DVM, to discuss a recent experience or something that has been on her mind. Using vet clinic staff to the fullest is often a part of those discussions. Improving the use of veterinary technicians requires helping them work at the top of their credentials, BUT without hospital leaders advocating for, cultivating … [Read more...]
Weese: Paxlovid use in dogs? No evidence, many concerns.
Scott Weese, DVM, responded quickly to media rumors about Paxlovid used to cure a dog with respiratory disease. Paxlovid is an antiviral that we know basically nothing about in dogs. We don’t have dosing or safety info, don’t have evidence that the respiratory disease we’re encountering in dogs is caused by a virus that’s susceptible to Paxlovid. So, I don’t see its use being … [Read more...]
Workplace violence on the rise and so are regulations
OSHA is placing greater emphasis on employers’ efforts to prevent workplace violence. OSHA defines workplace violence as “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site.” It can range from threats and verbal abuse to serious incidents like physical assault and homicide. In addition to … [Read more...]
Build relationships with local pharmacies
Using community pharmacies may offer cost and convenience benefits to animal owners, writes Kate Boatwright, VMD. However, many veterinarians resist using external sources for pet medications. The two major factors contributing to this concern include frustrations in communicating with pharmacies and concern for prescription errors. Alternate sources of pet prescriptions are … [Read more...]
USDA, only 6 strains of African swine fever virus
Accurate classification of viruses is paramount for epidemiological investigations and the development of cost-effective countermeasures, including designing vaccines for unique strains of ASFV. Researchers have reclassified the number of African swine fever virus strains from 25 to only six unique genotypes. Reclassifying ASFV from 25 to 6 genotypes is important . . . it may … [Read more...]
Copper sulfate use by farriers raises concerns
While there is no ban on the use of copper sulfate in the farrier industry, a professional and educated approach should be used as the common thrush treatment can be dangerous to farriers, horses and the environment. Source: American Farriers Journal, September 19, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
How to register a dog as an emotional support animal
An emotional support animal is any critter that provides comfort, companionship and relief for a person who has an emotional or mental condition. Emotional support animals are not registered in any database, no specific training is required and are not the same as service dogs. Emotional support dog certification must come from a human licensed mental health … [Read more...]
USDA strengthens animal welfare requirements for organic label
ICYMI - Livestock and poultry farmers will face new animal welfare requirements to qualify for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “organic” label. Once published, producers will need to be in compliance within 60 days. New standards require animals to have year-round outdoor access, and shelter must allow livestock to lie down, stand up and turn around. Producers must also … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Medical waste can be risky business
Managing medical waste is the entire team’s responsibility. Team members should be aware of and follow specific guidelines when dealing with infectious waste, biohazardous waste and anatomical or pathological waste, writes Sandy Walsh, RVT, CVPM. She shares what constitutes hazardous waste, how to handle, store and dispose of it, liabilities and various resources available on … [Read more...]
ICYMI – FDA releases new 5-year antimicrobial stewardship plan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine new five-year plan kicked off October 1st. It is intended to build upon the progress of the previous plan for FY 2019-2023 and advance the FDA’s three main veterinary stewardship goals: Align antimicrobial drug product use with the principles of antimicrobial stewardship Foster stewardship of … [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...]
ICYMI – The Bridge Club discussion about new vet schools (video)
Addressing the shortage of veterinarians remains a topic of discussion. The Bridge Club held a virtual conversation about it and new schools. Some animal health pros have pushed to provide veterinary educational opportunities, including modified models for streamlining and modernizing the way veterinary students receive learn and gain expertise. Guests included Mark Cushing, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 26, 2023
Pet food market export growth, India's pet care sector growing with innovation and adaptability, ESG in small business, YouTube SEO, recycling efforts, small gestures employees appreciate and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 26, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
7th Veterinary Innovation Summit seeks to collaborate and advance human, veterinary medicine
Registration is still open for the 7th annual Veterinary Innovation Summit. Sponsored by the North American Veterinary Community and the Veterinary Innovation Council, the event will focus on the future of animal healthcare and how breakthroughs in human medicine can be adapted to advance animal healthcare and vice versa. Source: NAVC, September 20, 2023. Link. We have … [Read more...]
Navigating reasonable accommodations for disabled employees
A recent court of appeals decision involving a disability discrimination and retaliation charge against Costco Wholesale Corp. is a reminder to HR professionals to be cautious when determining reasonable accommodations for disabled workers. At the end of the day, what's most important really isn't what the condition is, it’s what are the work restrictions, and can we … [Read more...]
ER doctor: What AI startups are getting wrong about ChatGPT for telehealth
Commentary This article offers perspective as telehealth and virtual care become more prevalent in veterinary medicine and AI tools are being further developed. We noted the doctor’s considerable experiences with virtual medicine, the (missing) need for setting patient expectations, plus challenges when there is no doctor-patient relationship. All too often, I’ve cared for … [Read more...]
Call to action: Educate the public about the cost of pet ownership
Commentary Veterinary teams are consistently criticized about basic pet care costs. Sadly, those same people rarely complain about the cost of new toys or treats and have no idea what basic care for pets costs annually. Pets provide joy and companionship, but costs can add up quickly, especially for first-time owners who don’t know what to expect.” – Adriana Morga Every … [Read more...]
Expanding veterinary schools: Will they solve the veterinary shortage?
During the past decade, the conversation about opening new veterinary schools has been top on the list to solve our veterinary shortage challenges. The Bridge Club is hosting a conversation to better understand how new schools may address the veterinary shortage, the way DVMs are educated and any affect on veterinary technicians. The panel for this discussion includes: Dr. … [Read more...]
CBD and THC use in cats
Dawn McClusky, DVM, shares an article by Lisa Sams Ebner, DVM, MS, DACVAA, CVA, referencing a study to determine the safety and palatability of cannabinoids. In the study the most common adverse effects included vomiting, lethargy, and ataxia. The study was funded by Canopy Animal Health. Source: Clinician’s Brief, March 2022. Link. Ebner reminds veterinarians that … [Read more...]
KCAHC Summit emerging companies, 2023 Innovation Award recipient
Akston Biosciences, which specializes in bringing protein therapeutics through major phases of development, was selected as the 2023 Innovation Award recipient. Animal health pros who are curious about future services and advancements will find plenty to consider from the 13 companies selected to present and seek investments during the Summit. Coaches from KCAHC companies … [Read more...]
Fabian Kausche, M.S., Dr.med.vet. awarded the 2023 KCAHC Iron Paw Award
The Iron Paw award is given to an individual from research, academia, industry or government regardless of title or years of service who has provided a significant impact on or contribution to the global animal health industry. Dr. Fabian Kausche is no exception although many animal health pros may not be aware of how his leadership has driven culture, diversity, inclusion and … [Read more...]
KCAHC Summit 2023 key takeaways
In the press release linked here, the KC Corridor’s supporting team provides a summary of the #AHSummit23 including the emerging companies presentation results, the Iron Paw award, as well as key takeaways from the Insights from Top Leaders panel. The vision to develop industry potential was unscored by a focus on the health and welfare of our industry’s people. Animal health … [Read more...]
Everything’s up to date in Kansas City!
Commentary A line in the 1955 lyrics from Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s stage show Oklahoma says, “They’ve gone about as fer as they c’n go!” They were wrong. Each year, a few more animal health pros are missing from the original group of about 100 of us that met in 2003 in a fall gathering sponsored by the Kansas City Area Development Council. From those SmartCities … [Read more...]
One Health central to Senate Veterinary Medicine Caucus
ICYMI. The U.S. Senate has established a bipartisan Veterinary Medicine Caucus, aimed at educating lawmakers and their staffs about the challenges facing the profession and advancing legislation that benefits the veterinary community. The group will serve to represent the vital role veterinary medicine plays in research, public health, food safety and the … [Read more...]