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...]
Fireside Chat with AVMA CEO Dr. Janet Donlin (video)
ICYMI. Discussing the next 40 years of veterinary medicine, Janet Donlin, DVM, and Sean Callanan, MVB, MRCVS, CertVR, Ph.D., DipECVP, FRCPath, cover wide-ranging opportunities for those entering the veterinary profession. Source: Adtalem Global Education, July 5, 2023. Link. (9:27) … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 10, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 3, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from August 3rd AHD Bulletin – Weight stigma infiltrates work. Link. Addressing relentless licking by dogs. Link. Covetrus® expands GreatPetCare™. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Yes, animal chiropractic is a thing
Commentary Having a conversation* with Dr. O (William Ormston, DVM) is mind-expanding. He is a veterinarian with a passion for exploring, learning, teaching and sharing the benefits of animal chiropractic, a branch of physical medicine. We are pleased to share this recent article. For a four-legged animal to move correctly, it requires every bone, muscle, ligament, tendon … [Read more...]
New antibiotic regulation shines a light on the need for veterinarians
It has been almost 60 days since USDA’s GFI #263 rule on over-the-counter antibiotics was implemented. The key elements are establishing a VCPR and obtaining a prescription. Courtney Love interviewed two veterinarians to see how the rules change has impacted their practices noting the need for rural veterinarians. Source: Successful Farming, July 28, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
What employers need to know about the new I-9 form
Citizenship and Immigration Services has a new Form I-9 that employers should use beginning on August 1 when it will be available to download. It has been streamlined. Concurrently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule that allows the agency to create a framework under which employers can implement alternative document examination procedures, such as … [Read more...]
Veterinarians, nutritionists find value when working together
Swine production practices have advanced considerably in the last two decades. The historical large divide between veterinarians and nutritionists is progressively closing. AMVC swine veterinarian, Jason Hocker, and swine nutritionist, Trey Kellner, shared perspectives on finding value at the intersection of veterinary medicine and swine nutrition in pork production during the … [Read more...]
What is a veterinary nutritionist?
Pet food choices seem to expand exponentially each year and cause confusion for pet owners and animal health pros. In this article, experts weigh in on the role of veterinary nutritionists, how they can help pet owners, and how to spot and stay away from unqualified nutritionists. A veterinary nutritionist is the best source of information on animal nutrition because of their … [Read more...]
States outlaw noncompete agreements
Some states are banning noncompete agreements which leaves employers to grapple with a patchwork of state-level requirements, as well as pending federal rule changes. Leah Shepherd shares what companies need to do now and considerations for the future to protect trade secrets. Source: SHRM, July 10, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
A new federal pregnancy law is now in effect; what HR needs to know
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act went into effect on June 27, requiring employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” to pregnant workers from pregnancy through the postpartum period, including time off to recover . . . unless such accommodations would lead to an “undue hardship” on the part of the employer. Employees no longer must prove they should be accommodated. … [Read more...]
How to charge for technician appointments
When your practice uses technicians like physician assistants, technicians will work at the top of their licenses, improving job satisfaction and employee retention, says Wendy Myers, CVJ. She shares ideas on reallocating types of appointments from veterinarians to technicians and assistants. Of course, checking state guidelines on licensed technician and veterinary assistant … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 22, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 15th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 15th AHD Bulletin – Dealing with no-shows. Link. Appearance and animal owner perception. Link. Sympathy versus empathy. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. ========================================== … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Rabies vaccination programs contribute to human and animal welfare
Kim Campbell Thornton shares the experiences of Arnold Plotnick, DVM, whose Mission Rabies work is a reminder to us how important rabies vaccination and prevention efforts are domestically and abroad. In addition to protecting animals from disease, vaccination programs can open up opportunities for domestic dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered.” Source: Veterinary Practice … [Read more...]
National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility holds ribbon-cutting ceremony (video)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate dedicated the long-anticipated National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility on May 24th. This new 48-acre facility at the northern edge of the Kansas State University campus will be one of the top laboratories in the world to study and diagnose animal diseases. The … [Read more...]
The June deadline is here!
More than 100 products will no longer be labeled OTC after June 11. They will then require a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. The majority are labeled for use in food animals. Sixteen are labeled for food and companion animals, and two are specific to companion animals, according to the FDA. The FDA states that "veterinarians are generally not required to examine … [Read more...]
Pay transparency laws: What small businesses need to know
Eight states have adopted pay transparency laws, writes Olivia Chen. Employer requirements vary based on number of employees in those states. As it currently stands, companies subject to pay transparency laws must post a "good faith" salary range, meaning a range that they reasonably expect they will pay for the role. However, that can still be negotiated in either direction … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 18, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 11th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from May 11th AHD Bulletin – Apologize properly when something goes wrong. Link. Cope wth work stress appropriately. Link. Your manners may need a makeover. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Have you tried it … [Read more...]
Akorn drugs must be discarded due to bankruptcy
Akorn Operating Company LLC filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on February 23, 2023. The Akorn Trustee is initiating a voluntary recall of various within-expiry human and animal products as a result of the closures and discontinuation of the quality activities of these marketed products. There are nine veterinary-specific drugs on Akorn's recall list while another 75 drugs … [Read more...]
Pet Business Special Report: The latest science behind CBD and hemp
Contains Commercial Content Nora Caley reviews the cannabidiol pet market segment sharing information from manufacturers who are conducting research to understand and support empirical evidence relative to the benefits and safety of the various products and plant sources. She also discusses some of the marketing challenges and methods used to promote CBD. Source: Pet … [Read more...]