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...]
At 25,000 bites per day improving forage management can improve cattle health
Animal health pros understand the importance of having healthy animals when implementing preventive vaccines and pharmaceuticals. After water, the quality of nutrition available is a precursor to successful animal health practices. Sarah Flack shared her definition of improved grazing during the Grassfed Exchange. She explained how each tool in a grazier’s toolbox can boost … [Read more...]
New lidocaine-infused band reduces castration pain, discomfort
Complimentary Commercial Content Lidoband, from Solvet offers veterinarians and producers a new way to reduce associated pain and discomfort when using banding to castrate calves. Each band is infused with 80 milligrams of lidocaine and stops the pain and discomfort associated with banding. It's a slow-release product that doesn’t go systemic; it stays in the local tissue … [Read more...]
Half of candidates back out after accepting a job offer. Vet Assist seeks to improve this.
Sponsored Content A recent survey <Link>* found that 50 percent of candidates who accepted a job offer between May 2022 and May 2023, backed out, then started working for another employer. Among nearly 2,000 respondents who recently started new jobs, 47 percent said they were still open to other job offers, and 42 percent believed they could find a better job if they … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 2, 2023
IBPSA Pet Care Business Excellence Awards, storing employee information safely, small business grant for women, AI tools for better graphics and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 2, 2023. Link. Images from the 2023 IBPSA FLOW business conference are available in the Facebook group International Boarding and Pet Services Association members <Link>. … [Read more...]
Catching up with Veterinary Innovation Podcasts
Ivan Zak, DVM, and Shawn Wilkie remain dedicated to having good discussions with industry innovators. Their podcast series now exceeds 200 episodes and is an excellent library to monitor and gain insights about industry people and a cornucopia of new ideas, solutions and their motives. Recent podcasts covered: Hospitality as a discipline for animal health teams How … [Read more...]
NAVC shares 2024 VMX educational direction and World’s Fair style event plans
Complimentary content NAVC will host its 41st annual conference January 13 through 17, 2024 in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center and everywhere virtually. The first global veterinary conference of the year, VMX empowers the direction for the animal healthcare industry. Key continuing education session highlights include: Technology’s impact on … [Read more...]
Winner selected in X-Ray contest, People’s Choice voting opens
The judges have selected an overall winner in 2023 They Ate What?! X-ray Contest. However, the fun is not over as voting is open for the People’s Choice through November 30th. X-rays revealed a Nerf bullet, a child’s toy, earbuds, an adult sex toy, a holiday tree lightbulb, a snake in snake and more . . . Source: Veterinary Practice News, October 1, 2023. Link. Take a few … [Read more...]