Commentary Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise, is estimated to be 190 years old and the world’s oldest land animal, according to Guinness. The giant tortoise is blind and can’t smell, but his hearing is great. He lives a pampered life on St. Helena Island, a British overseas territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean which lies about 1,200 miles west of the … [Read more...]
What pet owners think about using CBD
Includes Commercial Content Responses from 1448 pet owners to a Leafreport survey revealed 50 percent had tried CBD for their cat or dog. Other key metrics are: 38 percent gave their pet CBD because their vet recommended it. 44 percent gave their pet CBD to help ease their anxiety or stress. Pet edibles were by far the most popular delivery format Source: … [Read more...]
5 keys to modern radiation protection
Complimentary Commercial Content It’s become easier to establish and maintain safety standards for staff who conduct imaging procedures, writes Deborah Cameron. She identifies five key tools or processes for modern radiation protection. Using them means that safety steps are more likely to be taken on a daily and weekly basis, so practices are alerted to small concerns … [Read more...]
Archives help animal health pros catch up on their reading
There are plenty of demands on animal health pros during fall and holiday periods. It is easy to get behind on reading. The Animal Health Digest archives offer a quick way to scroll through posts. We’ve provided links to the posts for August through November here: Archives for August 2022 <Link> Archives for September 2022 <Link> Archives for October 2022 … [Read more...]
“Letters to Chewy Claus” promises food and product donations (video)
Complimentary Commercial Content The “Letters to Chewy Claus” program will give extra love and care to some of the most vulnerable pets living in shelters and rescues this holiday season with the help of Greater Good Charities. For every letter submitted to Chewy Claus before December 15, Chewy will donate one pound of food to one of their non-profit partners, up to … [Read more...]
Vetsource unveils new brand reflecting company’s growth
Complimentary Commercial Content Following the acquisitions of Vet2Pet and VetSuccess, the new Vetsource brand marks an inclusive start for its expanded portfolio of veterinary business solutions. It represents a singular brand that encompasses client engagement (formerly Vet2Pet), and data and insights (formerly VetSuccess), as well as prescription management. Source: … [Read more...]
Keep your eye on the coconut . . . oil
Includes Commercial Information Jackie Jurchenko, MSc, shares information about using coconut oil with pets in this article and infographic. She explains the different types of coconut oil, their properties and potential uses such as: Is coconut oil safe for dogs' skin? Coconut oil for dogs' itchy skin. Coconut oil for dogs' skin allergies. Source: Top Dog … [Read more...]
Top 10 pet toxins: in the Chatroom with the Chatfields
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Jen the vet and Dr. Jason Chatfield are joined by Dr. Renee Schmid from the Pet Poison Helpline and Safety Call International to chat about the top 10 toxins in pets in 2021. Includes V’s view from vet school. The Pet Poison Hotline is available for anyone concerned an animal has ingested or been exposed to a potential toxin. Animals are … [Read more...]
The pros and cons of orthobiologics in horses
Orthobiologics* appear to be key tools in improving equine health and welfare, writes Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc, summarizing a presentation at the September Northeast Association of Equine Practitioners Convention. All orthobiologics use the body’s natural physiologic processes to reduce inflammation and facilitate the repair of injured tissues. Oke shares key concepts … [Read more...]
Mutt mail: Top subscription boxes for dogs
Contains Commercial Content There are a growing number of pet-focused subscription boxes positioned as curated by fellow pet lovers. Boxes of toys, goodies, treats and accessories are shipped directly to the pet owners’ homes. We’re including the article and a link to a deeper subscription service list so animal health pros are aware of these services and which ones are … [Read more...]
QSM Diagnostics and Mella Pet Care integrate platforms for infection testing
Complimentary Commercial Content Mella and QSM Diagnostics have unveiled the addition of the QSM OTTER eQ instrument platform in the Mella Desktop Application. The test improves antibiotic stewardship for veterinarians by increasing the accuracy of identifying bacterial infections. The integration with Mella reduces duplication and allows for the test results to be sent … [Read more...]
Sticky work environments retain veterinary professionals
Sponsored Content Wendy Hauser, DVM and founder of Peak Veterinary Consulting, provides perspective and potential solutions to the challenges of retention and talent shortages many veterinary hospitals are experiencing. Private practice is often a stagnant career path . . . where, as tenure advances the perception that individual’s efforts make a difference decrease, job … [Read more...]
Smart device syncs pet food formulation with dog behavior
Complimentary Commercial Content Artificial intelligence may be able to suggest what pet food formulations match a dog’s behaviors. A collaboration between two Mars divisions, IAMS dog food brand and Whistle pet activity trackers, resulted in a system that uses data on a dog’s behaviors to determine what diet may be best for that pet specifically. Source: PETFOOD Industry, … [Read more...]
Newest Chats with the Chatfields
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dog trainer Kathy Santo joins the Chatfields to share tips for dining out with dogs. They also share a recording of their keynote from the recent 2022 IBPSA FLOW annual conference. Note the discussion of pathogen risks, behavioral concerns, managing what dogs find under tables and possible liabilities in the dining out episode. Source: … [Read more...]
WHY Animal Health Digest exists
Commentary A recent discussion emphasized the WHY of Animal Health Digest. A semi-retired sales and marketing colleague inquired about writing part-time. As much as this person would like to contribute to AHD, it became apparent the realities of schedules, family and personal care would interfere. Time IS a precious commodity.” Responding to this inquiry I offered, … [Read more...]
Backyard visitors spell RISK for pets, people
Opinion Omnivores for the most part, wild animals are opportunistic eaters. Pet food left or put out for them is akin to a free drive-in restaurant. Yet, their human-provided takeout represents less than 20 percent* of their caloric needs. Foxes, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, skunks, deer and rodents are reservoirs for zoonoses and contribute to the number of … [Read more...]
Industry’s commitment to CE increases value of animal care
Commentary The animal health industry is generous with support resources. Thank you! I’ve lost count of the continuing education credit opportunities offered in the veterinary market. My last look showed 25 new programs were offered in September. This doesn’t include innumerable podcasts and YouTube videos being promoted, nor does it account for myriad free CE programs … [Read more...]
Consumer education critical in retail
Opinion Writing about the need to help pet consumers make product choices, Kathleen Sturgeon notes that CBD and hemp products are now in most pet stores. Despite all the claims, it is hard for pet owners to know which products will help their pets. Helping them understand the science behind the products will help. This also applies to the plethora of items offered in any OTC … [Read more...]
Risk, revolution and preventive medicine
Preventive veterinary medicine may not be the newest clinical approach, it has surely stood the test of time better than any other, writes Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM. She shares the progression of veterinary medicine and the integration of preventive measures which are expanding in the current context. Chatfield urges veterinarians to consider, “putting … [Read more...]
Simmons: Animals are the solution to the world’s problems (video)
Speaking at the 2022 Ag Outlook Forum, Elanco’s Jeffrey Simmons shared his vision for a better future by 2030, environmentally, economically and nutritionally. He believes more sustainable livestock production should be considered as a contributor to solutions, not as a problem. Animals are the connecting link between the three major global issues; the health crisis, food … [Read more...]
Please stop flushing live goldfish down the toilet
Here’s an example where consumer education is needed. Goldfish finding their way into bodies of freshwater, accidentally or on purpose, is no new phenomenon. These fish are not native to North America but come from eastern Asia and have no natural predators here to curb their growth. Goldfish and lots of other things should never be flushed into the sewer systems. Source: … [Read more...]
Annual Comedy Pet Photo Awards sure to bring a chuckle
There’s no better group than animal health pros with whom to share these images. Our dedication to animal owners and the health of their animals deserves a few minutes to enjoy the images captured for this year’s Comedy Pet Photo Awards. Source: Treehugger, September 22, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health awards bovine vet scholarship
Complimentary Commercial Content Merck Animal Health awarded $90,000 in scholarships to 18 bovine veterinary students. The students received their American Association of Bovine Practitioners Bovine Veterinary Student Recognition Award and a $5,000 scholarship during the 2022 AABP Annual Conference that took place in Long Beach, California, September 22 through … [Read more...]
Vetoquinol announces 5 new Flexadin® products
Vetoquinol USA’s five new Flexadin® products will provide research-proven joint support ingredients to dogs and cats of all ages and life stages. The expanded line of products will be available October 1, 2022. The full line of Flexadin products makes it easy to find a supplement that matches the needs of pets. We now know that glucosamine and chondroitin are ingredients that … [Read more...]
Zoetis announced the U.S. commercial launch of Solensia™ (Frunevetmab injection) as the first and only monoclonal antibody treatment to control osteoarthritis pain in cats approved in the U.S.
Complimentary Commercial Content Zoetis has researched pain progression in cats and now knows that a protein known as Nerve Growth Factor is a key driver of OA pain. By targeting NGF, Solensia controls cats’ OA pain, helping them to regain their quality of life by increasing their mobility and improving their overall comfort. Source: Zoetis, September 26, 2022. Link. To … [Read more...]
Resources for communicating with clients and each other
National Pet Insurance month often exposes reluctance from clients when veterinary teams assert the benefits of pet insurance coverage. Knowing how to get on the same page more efficiently can truly provide a win-win-win result. ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance offers continuing education courses to help veterinary teams improve their communication skills. Two such courses are … [Read more...]
September is National Pet Insurance Month! Pet insurance makes sense for pets, pet owners, practices and veterinary teams
Sponsored Content In a recent survey of veterinarians*, the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program measured attitudes about pet insurance in their practices. Here are a few of the survey findings: 94.2 percent of veterinary teams believe that pet insurance is a beneficial way to help clients manage the lifetime cost of veterinary care 9 out of 10 veterinarians wish more … [Read more...]
Meeting the needs of the elder horse
Includes Sponsored Content In this issue of EQUUS Extra, seven key management challenges presented by advancing horse age are discussed. The intention is to increase the chances of an aging horse enjoying a longer, healthy and productive life. The key is to remain vigilant to subtle changes in their demeanor and condition and to catch developing issues before they grow out … [Read more...]
Horse tail issues easy to miss
Despite routine grooming, the underside of a horse’s tail is easy to miss. It’s a target area for ticks, skin irritations as well as melanoma tumors. Even if a horse’s tail appears healthy, look at the underside occasionally to look for ticks <or irritation>. – EQUUS editors Source: EQUUS, June 20, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Concise articles like this one are good content … [Read more...]
Drs. Chatfield welcome back Millie Rosales, DVM, DACVD, to talk about ear infections
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Millie Rosales, DVM, DACVD, joins Dr. Jen the Vet and Dr. Jason in the Chat Room to share pearls of wisdom for pet owners about some of the reasons for ear infections in dogs and cats too. Otis externa affects up to 20 percent of dogs.” Source: Chats with the Chatfields, September 10, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]