Commentary with references to sponsored content Oral health is one example of where groomers can have a significant positive impact, writes Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT VTS. We agree. In addition to groomers, boarding and daycare personnel have increased access to pets and pet owners to educate and reinforce the importance of regular oral care. Many progressive pet care pros now … [Read more...]
What scents are dangerous to cats and dogs?
Includes Commercial Content Many pet owners are not aware that some scents are toxic to animals until after a disturbing trip to the vet with an ill pet. Pets can become sick from essential oils due to compounds called phenols that are easily absorbed through the skin, nose and mouth. Toxic scents and essential oils to avoid include tea tree, clove, citrus, cinnamon, … [Read more...]
An overview of cannabis for pets
Includes Commercial Content* Ruth Fisher, PhD, covers topics that include the history of cannabis use in veterinary medicine, current laws on cannabis for pets, market size and segment, reported experiences from pet owners and veterinarians, and pet toxicology. The biggest threat cannabis poses for pets appears to be the same as that for children: unwitting consumption of … [Read more...]
Study: More Americans seeking preventive care. Can animal health capitalize on the trend?
Commentary Animal health pros are familiar with the transitions from treatment to prevention that occurred in dentistry <Link>. Driven in part by advancements in technology, a modern general practice dentist is heavily focused on healthy oral care and preventing dental decay. A Health Affairs study indicates human patients are seeking similar care from their primary … [Read more...]
NAVC’s Clinic Champion of 2023, Tammy Wynn, Angel’s Paws founder (video)
As a licensed independent social worker and therapist by trade, Wynn launched Angel’s Paws with the belief that end-of-life care should not only include medical support for the animal, but emotional support for the owners. Following a transformative experience dealing with the loss of her own pet, Wynn went back to school to become a registered veterinary technician before … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 9, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 2, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the November 2nd AHD Bulletin – Heartworm prevention nonadherence prevalent in U.S., study finds. Link. Want to move up? Link. Roundtable discussion: The performance impacts of cow gut health. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences … [Read more...]
Age-specific products for senior companion animals
Commercial Content included Animal health pros will want to understand what is being presented to pet owners and retailers to evaluate and address aging pets. Glenn Polyn shares an analysis of the most common health issues facing elderly pets and an overview of products. . . . it is not unusual for a pet retailer to take on the responsibility of offering guidance to pet … [Read more...]
Livestock-related products make life simpler (slide show)
Veterinary teams and representatives should take note of this new livestock products review. It includes everything from handling equipment to waterers and more. Farm Progress editors share new products suited to serious livestock producers in this article and slide show. Source: Farm Progress, November 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Roundtable discussion: The performance impacts of cow gut health
Sponsored Content Researchers in the dairy industry participated in a roundtable discussion on the impacts of gut health on overall cow performance. Key topics included how gut dysbiosis occurs, the negative ramifications of it and how feed additives can effectively restore gut health. It was noted that modes of action for feed additives vary depending on product type, dose, … [Read more...]
Ever persistent canine parvovirus. DVM 360 panel discussion.
Complimentary Commercial Content A panel of experts discusses the ongoing challenges when treating canine parvovirus including sharing how prevalent the disease remains and the emotional toil on staff members. The panel digs into parvo treatment options across the spectrum of veterinary medicine as well as their limitations. The discussion continues to introduce an … [Read more...]
Digging for secrets from the raccoon in your garbage
Commentary We have consistently urged animal health pros to consider the risks at the intersections of wildlife and our domestic animals. This post from October 2022 is one of many examples <Link>. In the article below, scientists are investigating what many of us have asserted for decades despite anthropomorphisms that diminish warnings about wildlife as … [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...]
For better results, focus on creating happiness
Commentary My first gut response to this article could be described as bah, hum-bug. Reading the context, I remembered some tough personal times when entering my workplace felt like a relief, a place where I was acknowledged and a place where something could happen almost predictably. Reflecting, I remain connected to some of the people from those past places and remember … [Read more...]
Heartworm prevention nonadherence prevalent in the U.S., study finds
Commentary Some articles are painful to read. Despite at least 40 years of pushing compliance, myriad options for heartworm prevention, educational TV, online and print advertising and efforts by veterinary clinics, these compliance metrics represented are distressing. Maybe it is time to quit mincing words or images and portray heartworm infection realistically with … [Read more...]
3 essential types of conversations for managers to have with their people
Grayson James shares what he believes are the three more important types of leadership conversations. He offers ways to ensure these conversations go well. Each of the three types of conversations has a different focus and a different outcome, along with common pitfalls to watch: The learning conversation The design conversation The fulfillment … [Read more...]
How to know when it’s time to switch jobs
Commentary Our industry is still dealing with ongoing shortages of available, qualified workers in clinics and pet services businesses. Last week we shared Zippia information about average tenure <Link> as it relates to older candidates <Link>. One dynamic of these labor challenges is creating places where people wish to stay and feel fulfilled. Lydia Dishman … [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...]
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...]
Covetrus® partnership with AVMA to provide scholarships for vet techs
Industry News Marking the 30th anniversary of Veterinary Technician Week, Covetrus is collaborating with the American Veterinary Medical Association and Pets Best to provide mentoring scholarships for 35 veterinary technicians through MentorVet Tech. Source: Covetrus®, October 16, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club names Kara Burns as 2024 ICON Honoree AHD Staff
Industry News Kara M. Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, CVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS Hon (Internal Medicine, Dentistry), is to be honored as the 2024 Bridge Club Industry ICON. Burns is the ninth ICON and the first veterinary technician/nurse to receive the honor. She will be formally honored during The Bridge Club ICON event on January 13 in Orlando, Florida. Source: The Bridge Club, … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Bedding basics and options
Commentary Farm and stable visits filmed for Nat Geo Wild veterinary shows often reveal less-than-ideal conditions for the animals being housed. Bedding is critical for individual animal comfort, environmental safety and general management of biological risks. Heather Smith Thomas and Christine Barakat present the pros and cons of various stall bedding options in this … [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...]
PPN announces product finalists for Editor’s Choice Awards
Commentary Fifity six pet products are running to win Pet Product News’ Editors’ Choice Awards. For animal health pros, these products offer opportunities to see what retailers are selling and promoting through OTC channels. Some of these products may generate questions from pet owners. Source: Pet Product News, October 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: We noted 50 percent of the … [Read more...]
Pet owners delay veterinary care but may spend $700M on Halloween
Commentary An NRF survey shows $700M is projected in pet Halloween spending this month, yet last week we shared a report that found 72 percent of veterinary service providers are seeing owners delay pet care due to ongoing economic concerns <Link>. The juxtaposition of economic commitments is bizarre, not surprising, but mind-boggling.” Additionally, it is National … [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...]