A scientist in Pakistan recently shared study results that indicate using platelet-rich plasma can be a safe, effective approach to hastening wound healing in horses. Muhammad Talha Sajjad, DVM, MPhil, PhD, found PRP gel encourages re-epithelialization and accelerates skin wound healing by promoting wound contraction and stabilization of the collagen fiber arrangement. … [Read more...]
Skipping rocks and back to basics
Commentary . . . contains commercial content Every week our AHD team reviews hundreds of media items. Much of the content is about new, progressive trends or the personality of the month. When reading some recent pieces, I was reminded of helping my grandson learn how to skip rocks. The basic lesson starts with finding a flat rock, not too big, not too little . . . then … [Read more...]
Identifying and controlling the hidden costs of veterinary inventory
Complimentary Commercial Content Beyond a good explanation of ABC inventory groupings, this article identifies two hidden inventory costs: ordering costs and holding costs. Ways to use an online pharmacy to help control costs and service clients using home delivery are also presented. Source: Vetsource. Link. INSIGHTS: Inventory management is an important role for … [Read more...]
Dewormer classes for small ruminants
The Maryland Extension Small Ruminant Program offers a variety of resources for the growing number of people raising goats and sheep. The links shared here provide infographics on dewormers and include various brands. Source: Maryland Extension Small Ruminant Program, Facebook. Link. Dewormer classes for small ruminants. <Link-1>, <Link-2>. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Petco presents: The Ultimate Dog(g)
Commentary Veterinary teams in private or corporate practices need to be aware of this ad campaign and consider what it is telling dog owners. It is disappointing to see the less money theme perpetuated at a time when many veterinary practices are still dealing with staffing challenges, appointment availability and levels of services. It takes a Dogg to know a dog. And … [Read more...]
Is a dog’s mouth cleaner than a human’s?
Well-intentioned dog kisses are sometimes hard to resist, but Leslie Bass, DVM, suggests it is best to avoid them. She also emphasized the importance of oral care and suggests we treat our own wounds instead of letting dogs lick them. Source: Daily Paws, December 22, 2023. Link. One family of bacteria that we have in common is Porphyromonas, which causes periodontal disease. … [Read more...]
NAVC Announces “Show of Shows” theme for VMX 2024
Complimentary Commercial Content VMX is the world’s largest and most comprehensive global veterinary education conference. As the first veterinary conference of the year, it sets direction for the industry and is the forum for veterinary education, new innovation, patents and product introductions. The North American Veterinary Community announced the theme for the 41st … [Read more...]
Zoetis commemorates Apoquel® (oclacitinib tablet) milestone with donation to 10 pet shelters across the country
Complimentary Commercial Content To commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Apoquel, Zoetis announced an Apoquel grant program for pet shelters across the country. The program will enable 10 shelters enrolled in Zoetis For Shelters to provide allergic itch relief to as many as 100 dogs in each of their communities awaiting their forever homes. . . . veterinarians have … [Read more...]
Surgical instrument selection and care
Includes Sponsored Content* There are more than 8,000 surgical instruments and the number is growing, writes Michael C. Petty, DVM. This article is to help you choose the right instruments for your needs, and how to properly use and care for them. Including personal preferences, the daunting range of choices is influenced by various surgeries. The right tool makes for a … [Read more...]
Stop wasting money on biodegradable dog poop bags
Includes Commercial References Picture this, writes Kristin Hostetter: one thousand football fields lined up in a row, each one filled with dog feces a foot deep. It’s not a pleasant thought, but that’s how much waste our canine pets create each year in the U.S. Painting a disturbing picture of dog excrement as a waste dilemma, she shares various choices and shares her … [Read more...]
What approval of Librela™ (bedinvetmab injection) for canine OA treatment means for dogs
Complimentary Commercial Content The availability of an effective, non-NSAID monthly treatment for canine osteoarthritis pain is an exciting advance for everyone who cares about improving quality of life for dogs, owners and veterinary professionals, writes Kristen Green Seymour. She provides perspective on the significance of the approval Zoetis received for Librela™ … [Read more...]
5 pet food brands being talked about
Includes Commercial Content Surveys of independent pet store owners revealed the top pet food brands they say are doing well in their stores: Fromm Family Foods Stella & Chewy’s Primal Pet Foods Zignature Northwest Naturals Goat milk received an honorable mention. Source: Pet Product News, May 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Pet food questions are … [Read more...]
Beyond CBD: the ingredients driving sales of pet supplements
Contains Commercial Content Pet owners are turning to supplements for a variety of reasons, writes Lindsay Getz. She interviewed several supplement providers for their take on supplement demand. Source: Pet Product News, April 2023. Link. Pet owners need to be sure that they’re very educated in the supplements themselves, and then fact check them with many sources. Trust … [Read more...]
Making trailers a fly free zone
Complimentary Commercial Content Trailered animals can’t get away from those pesky flies. The author discusses precautions to minimize flies in trailers and allow horses to travel in comfort. The tips apply to trailering goats, calves and other animals as well. Source: Horse and Rider, April 10, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
New test strip quickly detects periodontal disease before it is visible
Complimentary Commercial Content OraStripdxTM, a revolutionary rapid test, was launched at VMX 2023 by PDX BIOTECH LLC. It was created to detect active periodontal disease in dogs and cats with no anesthesia or sedation required. In peer-reviewed studies, OraStripdx was found to be significantly more effective than visual awake exams in detecting active periodontal disease. … [Read more...]
Cost of Care Wheel is now 24/7 digital resource
Sponsored Content The popular veterinary practice-based Cost of Care Wheel tool from the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program is now available in an enhanced client-based online version that can be used anytime, anywhere. Discussing money is never easy but it is important to educate and urge pet owners prepare for their pet’s future health care needs, and how to pay for … [Read more...]
AskVet™ Launches VERA, the world’s first “Answer Engine for Animal Health”
Complimentary Commercial Content Move over Dr. Google! Search is old hat . . . VERA has answers VERA which stands for Virtual Engagement and Relationship Agent is powered by AI, ChatGPT and AskVet's database of over 1.5 million digitized conversations between veterinarians and pet parents. Developed to use natural language, the vetbot objectives are: to help pet parents … [Read more...]
Dental month considerations
Commentary Animal Health Digest actively promotes oral care, including dentistry as an important client education and animal health topic. We believe dental month is an opportunity for animal health pros to refresh their messages and educational efforts on the importance of oral care. The animal health message is not the only message on oral care each February. Use all the … [Read more...]
Keeping ahead of laminitis
Complimentary Commercial Content HAYGAIN® is sharing an informational leaflet horse enthusiasts can download. It reviews scientific literature and best practices in managing equine laminitis including: The laminitic foot Sugar and obesity Early warning signs of laminitis Balancing diet and welfare in laminitis cases Easing laminitic foot pain Source: … [Read more...]
Chatfield’s review their top articles from 2022
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Jen the vet and Jason Chatfield, DVM discuss five articles from 2022 in this episode of Chat’s with the Chatfields. American Foulbrood bee vaccine. Link. Fascinating way to immunize the hive through feeding the queen bee. Smart bandage heals wounds 25% faster. Link. Star Trek-like technology is on its way to communicate healing … [Read more...]
“Pets Age Faster Than People” facility poster available
Complimentary Commercial Content The importance of preventive health care exams is the core message of this new poster from the AVMA. The poster shows age in cats and dogs and correlates those ages to human years. Source: AVMA Animal Health SmartBrief, January 20, 2023. Link. Download the poster free as a PDF in a 8.5"x11" format or purchase the 18” x 24” poster … [Read more...]
Managing equine osteoarthritis during cold weather
Complimentary Commercial Content With winter progressing, horses with osteoarthritis often experience pain, deformity, loss of motion and decreased function. OA can affect any joint especially the carpus, fetlock, hock and stifles. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health U.S. shares tips on recognizing OA, keeping horses moving, general winter practices and the option of using … [Read more...]
Let’s get INTEGRATED! What is integrated medicine?
Complimentary Sponsored Content Drs. Jenifer and Jason Chatfield discuss integrated medicine with Michele Broadhurst, DC*, in the Chatroom. We noted the conversation at 30:40 about combining common prescription pain inhibition with animal-specific physical movement and adjunct treatments. . . . so would it be fair to say the prescription approach hides the pain where … [Read more...]
Oral care; a New Year’s resolution for veterinary teams, pet owners
Opinion and Sponsored Content Asserting the importance of oral care is as important as discussing vaccines and flea, tick and heartworm prevention. Pet oral care is a critical component of healthy pet stewardship. Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) remains an opportunity for veterinary clinics to educate pet owners on the importance of oral care at … [Read more...]
Lifescient, Inc., developing long-acting injectable drug delivery platform
Complimentary Commercial Content Seeking to relieve the challenges of daily dosing of prescription medications, Kamalesh Rao and his team at Lifescient have developed a promising drug delivery platform to administer medication via a long-acting injectable for companion animals. LAIs will offer: Freedom from the stress and commitment required of daily dosing … [Read more...]
A better way to calculate a dog’s age in human years
Complimentary Content The long standing 7 to 1 ratio for calculating dog age in human years is flawed, writes Brooke Bundy. She shares some variables for making age comparisons and a new dog age calculator to understand the different stages of a dog's life. The tool also provides insights like average life expectancy, weight and height for more than 100 dog breeds. Try … [Read more...]
BuddyID™ announces a Partnership with FirstVet & the launch of BuddyID™ collar tag
Complimentary Commercial Content Microchip ID Systems, a leader in the animal microchip and companion pet registry industry, is announcing its partnership with FirstVet. FirstVet will provide telehealth services to Microchip ID Systems customers that register their companion animals to the BuddyID™ registry and sign up with FirstVet. The company is launching a … [Read more...]
Limited-ingredient diets, beyond food allergies and sensitivities
Commercial references included The health benefits of limited-ingredient products go beyond pinpointing food allergies and sensitivities, writes Pamela Mills-Senn. She recommends pet specialty retailers strive to emphasize other benefits from limited-ingredient diets. Source: Pet Business, December 1, 2022. Link. Pet specialty retailers need to scrutinize the ingredients … [Read more...]
Manuka honey and silver in animal wellness and wound care
Commercial Content included It is common for pet owners to use over-the-counter antibiotic creams when their pet has a skin infection or a wound which often leads to overuse of antimicrobials. Lucas Pantaleon, DVM, MS, DACVIM, MBA, shares ways medical-grade manuka honey and silver are used as a first line defense for treating skin microbiome issues. Source: Pet Age, … [Read more...]
Cannabinoids in veterinary medicine (video)
Complimentary Content For those who did not join live, The Bridge Club’s in-depth conversation with experts from across the profession addressed questions it has about cannabinoids. Cheryl Good, DVM, moderated conversation with guests: Mark Cushing, J.D. CEO, of Animal Policy Group Jeffery Pollard, DVM, DABVP, from the advocacy committee, Veterinary Cannabis … [Read more...]