The most recent updates to the AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccine Guidelines have adjusted how veterinarians and cat owners approach vaccination and disease prevention. Now pet owner clients are included as essential members of their cats’ healthcare teams, cats have been defined into five populations and lifestyle has been taken into consideration. The result is a much more … [Read more...]
Clients with new pets need more time with vets: Part 2
Opinion In last week’s AHD Bulletin, we urged veterinary teams to consider spending more time with new and existing clients presenting new pets. We asserted the need for onboarding processes or guidelines as paramount to developing long-term relationships with pet owners, the health of pets and the revenue that flows from interactions with happy, engaged clients. AAHA’s … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 26, 2021
Last week’s most read post Is half of your staff planning to quit? AHD, August 17, 2021. Link. Congratulations Dr. Janice Trumpeter on your AAHA Lifetime Achievement Award Source: AAHA, August 20, 2021. Link. Uh-oh! Study finds antibiotic-resistant bacteria common in veterinary staff Source: My Vet Candy, August 24, 2021. Link. New research . . . … [Read more...]
Death and other client kindnesses
Opinion Referring to veterinary hospice and euthanasia client communications, Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, says it's time we do better by our clients and empower them to implement an end-of-life plan that offers comfort, peace and reassurance. To be clear, the advancements of especially the last decade addressing patient and client care at the end-of-life and euthanasia … [Read more...]
AAHA and AAFP release updated feline life stage guidelines to the veterinary community
Our industry guidelines require updating as we understand more about the animals we live with and provide with care. New updates for individual felines are found in the 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines. The Guidelines are provided jointly by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). The new updates … [Read more...]
2021 AAHA/AVMA Telehealth Guidelines for Small-Animal Practice
These jointly produced guidelines are designed to support the AVMA’s Guidelines for the Use of Telehealth in Veterinary Practice. Developed by a joint task force the result is a how-to resource offering step-by-step, ready-to-implement recommendations to better integrate Connected Care (telehealth) into small-animal practice. Throughout, references are made to components of … [Read more...]
Infection control. Back to basics.
Commentary What? Again? Yes, absolutely! The topic of infection control and disinfection products, protocols and methods dominated media and discussions starting in February 2020. Medical and veterinary hospitals hurried to update protocols, train staff and implement checks and balances to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. Through all the confusion, animal health … [Read more...]
Practical preventive care profitability detailed in resource
A new AAHA resource explores how veterinarians can up their profits while also offering optimal care. It builds on two previous documents, Implementing Preventive Care Protocols, published in 2019, and Promoting Preventive Care Protocols: Evidence, Enactment, and Economics, released in 2018. Preventive Care Protocols and Practice Economics < link > explores potential … [Read more...]
AAHA/AAFP introduce new feline vaccination guidelines
Consensus is a challenging part of scientific work, let alone developing guidelines to cover all the possible needs of any animal. Working together, the AAHA and AAFP tackled the collective needs of felines by updating the feline vaccination guidelines to serve the cat population and account for individualized vaccination protocols. It’s no longer just indoor cats versus … [Read more...]
AAHA releases employee handbook guidelines, including Covid-19 resources
The AAHA Guide to Creating an Employee Handbook is now available with new and updated sample policies covering the most recent developments in federal law and human resource management. It includes up to date information on the best employment policies for your practice, from scheduling and pay periods to workplace safety and care of facility to vacations and leave. Access … [Read more...]
Rabies vaccinations essential! Lyme, Lepto, FELV situational.
Michael J. Watts, DVM speaks to vaccinations and their essential status during the pandemic. His comments about rabies vaccines are spot on. Backyard pets frequently encounter wildlife, so leptospirosis, Lyme and feline leukemia vaccines may be essential for some pets. Kennel cough vaccines are important to keep current for pets being boarded. Source: Culpeper Star-Exponent, … [Read more...]
AAHA releases Implementing Preventive Care Protocols publication
AAHA’s newest publication will help more practices learn how they can increase benefits for clients, patients and themselves by implementing preventive care protocols, according to Janice Trumpeter, DVM and AAHA Deputy CEO. Developed with an educational grant from Idexx, the expanded set of preventive care protocols includes using routine diagnostic screenings. Expanding the … [Read more...]
Senior pet diets warrant serious conversations
While every dog or cat that enters a veterinary or retail facility needs a pet diet, animal health pros may shy away from a discussion of individual pet diet needs. Especially true as pets age, nutritional recommendations are important at all stages of pets’ lives, but they’re critical as pets age. Animal owners are bombarded with marketing messages about pet diets. They need … [Read more...]
May is National Arthritis Month; remember pets, too
May is recognized annually as National Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis affects more than 50 million Americans, making it the number-one cause of disability in the country. Osteoarthritis is a very common problem in small animals, as well. It has been estimated that around 20 percent of dogs and 40 percent of cats will be affected by osteoarthritis at some point in their … [Read more...]
Shadowing veterinary technician reveals skill, passion and dedication
Jen Reeder was floored by the passion, knowledge, and dedication of Jessica Krafthefer, CVT, whom she shadowed to better understand the role and challenges of veterinary technicians. It was a simple assignment that turned into one of the more eye-opening experiences of her life. It’s hard work, but at the end of the day, when I go home exhausted, I still want to come back,” … [Read more...]
AAHA announces pet insurance plan and new board of directors
Congratulations to the new AAHA board members whose leadership began following the inaugural Connexity conference. AAHA also announced The AAHA Pet Health Insurance Program, offered by Petplan. The AAHA plan seeks to provide more options for pet owners seeking to manage the cost of veterinary care and is specifically designed to help clients pay for unexpected expenses for … [Read more...]
AAHA releases new publication promoting preventive care protocols
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is pleased to announce a new publication, developed with the support of an educational grant from IDEXX, Promoting Preventive Care Protocols: Evidence, Enactment, and Economics. Veterinary practices are rapidly shifting from firefighting to attentive monitoring, so disease can be caught and addressed as early as possible. … [Read more...]
The blunt truth about sharps safety
People are still getting stuck with sharps in spite years of safety standards. Part of that is due to shortcomings in safety technology. But, human factors remain part of the issue. Amber Hogan Mitchell, DrPH, MPH, CPH, president and executive director of the International Safety Center, visited with Repertoire about the issues for medical professionals. Things are getting … [Read more...]
Canine flu risks affected by lifestyle
Southwest Airlines’ tagline, “You’re now free to move about the country,” may represent the reality of canine influenza risks. Catherine Ashe, DVM, shares her perspectives on diagnosing, testing, treatment, transmission and vaccine decisions. She reinforces the AVMA’s lifestyle vaccination designations. Source: Whole Dog Journal, July 2018. Link. Overall, while canine … [Read more...]
AAHA recognizes 2018 veterinary students for excellence in primary care
AAHA has announced the 2018 recipients of the AAHA Awards for Proficiency in Primary Care. Our team at Animal Health Digest congratulates these students who have shown outstanding clinical proficiency in primary care. Source: AAHA. June 19, 2018. Link. “Primary care is the foundation of excellent veterinary medicine. The AAHA Awards for Proficiency in Primary Care … [Read more...]
17 tips for camping with dogs
It’s the time of year when folks head to campgrounds all over the country. Fido is often in tow, which can make for a great camping experience. Writer Jen Reeder shares basic tips to help ensure fun camping trips that include dogs. Source: AAHA. Link. Here are some suggestions to help create an outstanding experience: Let your dog check out the gear. Visit the … [Read more...]
AAHA, Coffman Organization partner to improve veterinary practice cultures
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and management consulting firm The Coffman Organization (TCO), announced a collaboration to study and build stronger, healthier workplaces within the veterinary profession. AAHA and TCO are committed to bring meaningful, lasting improvements to veterinary workplace culture and enhance the overall well-being of veterinary … [Read more...]
AAHA accreditation IS a BIG deal
AAHA accreditation serves two purposes. First, it recognizes and objectively certifies great veterinary practices. Second, it helps good veterinary hospitals become great ones by coaching their teams and bringing out the maximum potential and value of the practices. Since 1933, the association has charted the course for approximately 3,700 practices to achieve accreditation. … [Read more...]
Veterinary Medicine Essentials: diabetes mellitus
By assembling articles on cat and dog diabetes, the dvm360 team provides a package that covers diagnostic steps and treatment plan guidance. Along with the latest updates, they offer resources to share with your veterinary team and clients. Source: Veterinary Medicine, February 15, 2018. The package includes tips on which insulin to use, how to best monitor glucose … [Read more...]