Cold weather brings out the space heaters and heat lamps in many animal housing locations. Karen Kopf shares safety measures for barns that also apply to coops, kennels and other animal enclosures. She says permanent use of extension cords is not advised for safety reasons. Source: Backyard Goats, November 27, 2022. Link. Cords usually fail in one of these ways: … [Read more...]
The importance of intake protocols
Complimentary Content It takes a community of advocates to ensure individual pets and pet populations are given the best protection options. A unified message of prevention, risk identification and consistent questioning during intakes is essential for managing risk. Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, DACZM, DACVPM, shares the importance of intake protocols focusing on opportunities … [Read more...]
Etiquette guide will improve your email communication
Speaking of email, here is help you can use. Since the pandemic, we now regularly video conference, use instant messaging and text. Still, email is the primary tool for connecting, often for the first time. Like it or not, it’s important. Three experts offer tips for getting the most from office email. Source: The Washington Post, November 1, 2023. Link. Take a few seconds … [Read more...]
The top 10 passive-aggressive workplace email phrases (infographic)
Face-to-face chatter with coworkers in the break room is often replaced today by streams of emails and instant messages. From these, a new form of language has emerged, one that can drastically impact our work environment; passive-aggressive communication. Sound familiar? Ayaz Nanji shares email phrases that are considered untoward. Source: Marketing Profs, August 29, 2023. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 26, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 19, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 19th AHD Bulletin – Study: Grain-free diets, no negative impact on canine heart health, DCM. Link. 3 takeaways from the Veterinary Innovation Summit. Link. MWI Animal Health’s integration with Shepherd Veterinary Software. Link. … [Read more...]
Equine boots and wraps revisited
Applying leg protection during exercise remains a risk versus reward situation, says Luke Brock. His study team from Middle Tennessee State University measured temperature increases in limbs during exercise where horses were equipped with a variety of common leg protection. <Study> results support the hypothesis that convection cooling is impaired by boots and wraps … [Read more...]
A perspective on telehealth from medical
As telehealth grows in animal health, the perspectives from human health implementations can provide perspective. Telehealth has proven its value and is clearly here to stay. However delivering healthcare digitally has many nuances and challenges, especially for medical coding professionals, writes Angela Comfort, MBA, RHIA, CDIP, CCS, CCS-P. Source: ICD10monitor, October … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 19, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 12, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 12th AHD Bulletin – Pet owners delay veterinary care . . . may spend $700M on Halloween. Link. Stop giving advice. Link. National Veterinary Technician Week turns 30 (video). Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
MWI Animal Health completes integration with Shepherd Veterinary Software
Industry News MWI Animal Health, part of Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen), today announced that Shepherd Veterinary Software, which offers a veterinary practice information management software, is now fully integrated with MWI’s AllyDVM client engagement platform. Shepherd users can now take advantage of AllyDVM’s expansive service offerings including robust client … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health, novel canine oncology therapy now available to board-certified veterinary oncologists
Industry News Gilvetmab, which previously received conditional license approval for the treatment of dogs with mast cell tumors and for treatment of dogs with melanoma, is now available to board-certified veterinary oncologists across the United States. Gilvetmab is a caninized monoclonal antibody used to treat dogs with MCTs and melanomas. It is an ideal systemic … [Read more...]
Today’s calves need more animal husbandry
Commentary There is a lot to think about in Kevin Shultz’s article shared here. The beef industry has long been focused on pounds produced and at what cost. He shares reasons beef producers need to shift gears on calf health. . . . nothing trumps good old animal husbandry.” Selective breeding that optimizes genetics, improvements in pharmaceuticals as health management … [Read more...]
K-State nanotechnology takes a bite out of mosquitoes
Kansas State University entomologists have developed a way to couple silver, an antimicrobial, with zein, an agricultural waste product to kill mosquito larvae. If nanotechnology can be employed to control pests, it will greatly reduce the use of pesticides in the environment. And if researchers can find the right carriers for these nano-insecticides such as products that may … [Read more...]
Webinar: An introduction to regenerative medicine: PRP and PRF
Sponsored Content A recent post <Link> shared how PRP and PRF therapy are expanding options for veterinarians as one of multiple physical medicine approaches to treatment and recovery. AHD sponsor, Jorgensen Laboratories partnered with Enso Discoveries to provide Platelet-Rich Plasma and Platelet-Rich Fibrin kits branded as Rebound PRP/PRF kits. Having watched … [Read more...]
Catster, Dogster media brands acquired by Pangolia
Pangolia, a digital media and e-commerce startup, has announced an all-cash acquisition of the Catster and Dogster brands from Belvoir Media Group. Pangolia is a digital-first content producer, which allows them to keep costs low and talk to pet families in places they wouldn't otherwise be able to reach. Acquisitions like this mean beloved brands can be sustainable for … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 16, 2023
FLOW conference post-mortem, social media bundle, best places to work in pet industry, small business tips, pet care more stressful than parenting, MARS to help with veterinary shortage, scaling small business and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 16, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
The benefits of continuous education for career advancement: A perspective for adults
Updating skills and knowledge is a key factor noted by human resource leaders, especially as technology advancements are imbedded in how business is done. Investing in continuous education is investing in yourself. In a rapidly changing work environment, your commitment to learning can be your most valuable asset, providing benefits that resonate throughout your career and … [Read more...]
Teens spend average of 4.8 hours on social media per day
Social media scrolling is a growing problem for all ages but especially teens. The need to put the phones down is also consistent with Forbes’ article on time blindness <Link>. Gallup’s data is consistent with the literature on digital addiction. It shows that teens who spend more time on social media rate themselves as being less conscientious. A second, upcoming part … [Read more...]
Signs of time blindness and how to cope with it
Some people have difficulties accurately perceiving passing time. Those challenged with regulating their internal clock may have what psychologists refer to as time blindness. Although usually a common indicator of ADHD, studies show that our perception of time is closely related to our well-being and emotional states, and changes in these can influence how we perceive how time … [Read more...]
Veterinary forensics comes of age; veterinarians not prepared to handle animal abuse
Florida International University's master’s degree program in veterinary forensic science investigation is the second degree program of its type. Veterinary forensics deploys veterinary medicine to investigate possible crimes against animals, such as abuse and neglect. Animal violence is often linked to domestic violence and abuse. VIN’s two-part series on veterinary … [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...]
Worth a Glance – October 12, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 5, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 5th AHD Bulletin – Could one Walmart store change the entire pet industry? Link. Self-evaluation. Link. These habits can cut the risk of depression in half; study/recording. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Thoughts worth repeating from the 2023 Leman Swine Conference
The annual Leman Swine Conference remains an important opportunity for swine production professionals to exchange experiences, challenges and views. Jennifer Shike shares an overview of key points and quotes that represent what’s on the industry’s minds. Biosecurity is more than just controlling what is coming into a herd – don’t forget what is coming out.” – Karine Talbot, … [Read more...]
Danish entry systems: What steps are we skipping?
In a recent study, Abby E Schuft, PhD, and her team evaluated three educational methods to teach protocols for a biosecure barn entry and exit. They evaluated the number of errors, length of time to complete and how the education method affected compliance over time. Biosecurity takes constant training, continual reminding and frequent auditing to reduce errors. Source: … [Read more...]
Equine vet, emphasis on laminitis treatment is misplaced
The exact cause of laminitis remains unknown and once the pathological progression is in process, it doesn’t matter what caused it, shares Dallas O. Goble, DVM, DACVS. He admits it is impossible to prevent all cases of laminitis, but believes that attention to certain factors can greatly reduce the number of cases including these areas: Hoof care Exercise Nutrition … [Read more...]
Prevalence of GI ulcers in dogs treated with long-term NSAIDs
The prevalence of chronic GI injury associated with NSAID administration in dogs is unknown, therefore regular recheck examinations are needed for dogs receiving chronic NSAID therapy, writes Sue Hudson Duran, RPh, MS, PhD, DICVP, FSVHP, FACVP. She emphasizes educating owners about NSAID risks and only prescribing NSAIDs specifically labeled for use in dogs. Source: … [Read more...]
Chewy’s PetMD launches symptom checker
Complimentary Commercial Content Chewy launched Symptom Checker, a free digital tool that helps pet parents get answers to some of the most common questions related to pet health symptoms. The goal is two-fold: deliver expert veterinary advice simply and quickly, alleviating pet parents’ stress and panic during times of need help better educate pet parents so they … [Read more...]
Zoetis innovations to improve canine OA, ease of administration of pruritus treatment
Complimentary Commercial Content Zoetis has announced the recent U.S. commercial launches of Librela™ (bedinvetmab injection) and Apoquel® Chewable (oclacitinib chewable tablet). The products are the first and only FDA-approved treatment formulations in their respective categories and address individualized care and health needs of dogs with specific and diverse … [Read more...]
Comedy Pet Photo winners announced
“A Llfe Changing Event,” a snapshot of rescue kittens Alex and Max, won first place in this year’s Comedy Pet Photography Awards. The worldwide event celebrates the positive role pets play in our lives. Take a look. You’ll smile. Source: People, August 16, 2023. Link. Also see: Comedy Pet Pet Photography Awards. 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...]