Rodents are one of the major taxa most likely to carry zoonotic diseases, harboring more than 85 unique zoonotic pathogens. The paper referenced here focuses on the unique opportunity zoo personnel have to be at the forefront of the early detection and identification of novel hosts and geographic ranges of rodent-borne pathogens with high impact on endangered species and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 3, 2021
Last week’s most read posts – these two posts tied for most read These 8 expressions can make you sound insensitive at work: Source: Animal Health Digest, May 25, 2021. Link. Flexible workforces in veterinary practices might include aging boomers: Source: Animal Health Digest, May 25, 2021. Link. Best dog bones for tough chewers Source: Puppies and Pooches, … [Read more...]
Feed or sell cull cows? (with video)
Beef and dairy producers need decision support when deciding to feed or sell cull cows. Steve Boyles, PhD, presents the considerations necessary for making the decision to feed cull cows and sell them into a more profitable time slot. Source: BEEF, May 27, 2021. Link. You Tube video. Link. Non-fed beef makes up approximately 25 percent of all beef consumed in the … [Read more...]
Most-read companion animal posts of April and May 2021
What you read helps us prioritize topics most interesting to animal health pros. It is the most important feedback we receive. The links below share the most-read posts from April and May in ranked order. Source: Animal Health Digest. April, May 2021. The best dog names of 2021. 500 names by category. How Petco is increasingly a stealthy competitor to clinics … [Read more...]
Telemedicine is as old as the telephone. Getting paid IS NEW!
Opinion We’re referencing four complementary sources in this post. Virtual veterinary care is advancing at warp speed. Still, some veterinary clinics struggle with moving from a courtesy service approach to charging for telemedicine services as clients embrace the convenience. Creating clear boundaries between “courtesy services” and what is considered a "paid service" is … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 27, 2021
Last week’s most read post No, people aren’t giving up pandemic pets because they’re bored Source: Animal Health Digest, May 18, 2021. Link. Two words for an instant dose of empathy Source: Forge, May 3, 2021. Link. Try mirroring the other person’s struggle with the words “of course” to validate their challenges or … [Read more...]
AAFP releases new end-of-life toolkit
AAFP’s new End of Life Educational Toolkit provides information to help facilitate a peaceful and painless transition for a cat at the end of their life. This digital toolkit aids veterinary professionals in preparing a well-planned process to honor the life of the cat by offering guidance and valuable information. Source: American Association of Feline Practitioners. May … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 13, 2021
NOTE: When it is time to catch up on your reading or recall something you scanned, try the AHD Archives on the right side of the AHD website. Such as: Archives for April 2021. Link. Last week’s top post Eating less meat won’t save the planet. Here’s why. Source: Animal Health Digest, May 4, 2021. Link. What my Mother’s death taught … [Read more...]
Decoding the guaranteed analysis on cat food labels
No wonder cat food labels are confusing! When pet foods became common, the template just got moved over from livestock and never really got adjusted. It’s a lot different from what we are used to seeing on “Nutrition Facts” labels for human foods.” - Cailin R. Heinze, VMD, MS, DACVN To clear up some of the confusion, the authors provide a guaranteed analysis … [Read more...]
PI calves: A devastating threat you might not even see
Complimentary Commercial Content from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Despite 70 years of information and education on bovine viral diarrhea virus, the disease continues to tear at herd health and profits. Persistently infected calves are one of the greatest threats facing the cattle industry, yet many producers don’t know they’re in the herd. A PI calf is an animal that … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 6, 2021
Last week’s top post Beyond wellness plans, bundling can work Source: Animal Health Digest. April 20, 2021. Link. Tractor Supply, over 5 million chickens sold to new customers in 2020 Source: Morning Brew, April 28, 2021. Link. TSC credits strong Q1 earnings to millennials moving to suburban and rural areas. There’s a name … [Read more...]
AHD welcomes new contributors from EVT
Beginning this month, Alyssa Mages, BS, CVT, and Caitlin Keat, BS, MS, will contribute their perspectives from their work with veterinary teams. Throughout the pandemic and through their business, Empowering Veterinary Teams (EVT), Mages and Keat have worked to support and inspire veterinary team members taxed with myriad changes in how work and life are transpiring. We’re … [Read more...]
Equine influenza virus – a review
EIV is rarely fatal, it is highly contagious and can lead to significant performance impairment and economic loss when outbreaks occur. Similar to influenza in other species, EIV is spread primarily via the respiratory route. The AAEP considers equine influenza virus a risk-based disease, meaning it is not necessarily warranted for every horse. For horses considered at risk, … [Read more...]
Let’s review NSAIDs
NSAIDs are commonly used in veterinary practice. Like most routine behaviors, it is good to routinely review the why and. Natalie Smith, DVM, and Claire L. Fellman, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVCP, provide their top five situations for judicious NSAID use, along with important considerations for patient safety. Source: Clinician’s Brief, March 2021. Link. NSAIDs are important … [Read more...]
Why it’s vital to say “please” and “thank you”
There are those who were never taught basic etiquette and are ignorant to proper manners. Others have adopted bad habits and don’t even realize how they come across to people. And yes, some folks are rude and ungrateful; all they think about is themselves. While you may think that saying “please” and “thank you” is a mere nicety, failing to do so is more significant than you … [Read more...]
Feeding cats. Enough or too much?
Regardless of how long they’ve owned them, cat owners often wonder if they are feeding their cats enough or too much. They also inquire about what brand to feed, wet versus dry feed and when to feed it. The Catster editors answer these questions in the article below. Source: Catster, March 18, 2021. Link. Also see: Optimal nutrition calculators for cats and dogs, Animal … [Read more...]
Manage calf pain during disbudding and dehorning
Research shows that calves experience pain from disbudding and dehorning, so including pain management is critical to their health. It’s up to producers, but veterinarians need to educate them about the importance of pain management. Source: The Bullvine, March 15, 2021. Link. Every farm should have a standard operating procedure for these animal health practices, so that … [Read more...]
Raising capable and empowered pet parents
The efforts to educate and raise capabilities in animal owners are as important as building capabilities in employees. In this context. compliance takes on a new, more appropriate meaning. Kudos to the MWI Animal Health team for providing this thoughtful article. Teach clients how to be better partners in their pet’s health care and THANK THEM!” Source: MWI Messenger Focus - … [Read more...]
Managing parasite resistance; ‘set it and forget it’ no more
Ron Popeil popularized the 'set it and forget it' phrase in TV infomercials. The phrase could have been used to describe parasite control methods from past decades. Cattlemen and those who work with and educate them can no longer trust a one-and-done parasite control plan. Not unlike antibiotics, our industry needs to use parasite control products judiciously as a component … [Read more...]
Don’t play chicken with your health
The new influx of chicken flocks has put humans, as well as the poultry they care for, at risk of salmonella sickness. It is alarming that 28 percent of the reported salmonella infections are from children younger than 5 years of age. Seventy four percent of reported salmonella cases involved contact with poultry. Source: Hobby Farms, March 3, 2021. Link. The primary key to … [Read more...]
The nose really knows! A personal experience with a new pup.
Opinion includes Complimentary Commercial Content Ceva Animal Health U.S. was a founding sustaining sponsor during Animal Health Digest’s early years. Back then, we offered AHD readers resources on semiochemicals and pheromones, including the vomeronasal organ, and how pheromone science can provide options to reduce the negative effects of emotional responses in our … [Read more...]
VVCA inaugural Lunch and Learn deemed a success
VVCA Board member, Aaron Smiley, DVM, was the featured speaker during the inaugural Lunch and Learn series for VVCA Community members. Smiley brought his well-known enthusiasm to the group as he shared step-by-step use of telemedicine, client interactions and veterinary nurse involvement in two cases from his practice in Indiana. He also demonstrated how he monetizes virtual … [Read more...]
5 ways to promote kidney health in dogs or cats
Some foods, herbs and supplements can benefit dogs and cats in need of extra kidney support. Barbara Royal, DVM, CVA, shares five ways to use them: Prioritize hydration and circulation Feed appropriate food Provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support Keep micronutrients in balance Don’t forget about the microbiome Source: Animal Wellness, January 15, … [Read more...]
The dentistry gap
Dawn Singleton-Olson reinforces the importance of comprehensive oral healthcare assessment and treatment (COHAT) to address the nearly 70 percent of cats and 80 percent of dogs over the age of 3 have some form of periodontal disease. “Pet owners truly want what is best for their animals, but often don’t understand how critical dental care is to the overall health of their pet … [Read more...]
4 strategies to overcoming pet obesity
Laurren Zimmerman shares experiences gained as a certified canine athlete specialist and multi-time national finalist and winner across multiple organizations. She shares four important strategies pet owners can use to help their dog safely lose weight: Rule out underlying health conditions with primary veterinarian* Strength training with flexibility work Clean … [Read more...]
Not all scents safely make sense
The holiday season brings new visual stimuli to our environments. It also is commonly accompanied by a variety of seasonal smells in diffusors, candles and sprays. Some of these are toxic to pets. Source: Catnip, November 19, 2020. Link. Common essential oils that could prove toxic in the wrong dose include: Tea tree, citrus, pine, pennyroyal, eucalyptus, peppermint, sweet … [Read more...]
Discuss treatment plans to avoid surprises
Emily Shiver, practice manager, CVPM, CCFP, shares proven tips to help present treatment plans and their financial components. Note the physical alignment, transparency, empathy, outcomes and acknowledgement elements she highlights. Presenting treatment plans with empathy and compassion helps to eliminate some of the stress of this delicate discussion. It also potentially … [Read more...]
Steve Dale: Rats! They are everywhere!
Steve Dale helps explain the expanding issues with rats, their propensity to disperse leptospirosis and the priority of protecting dogs with lepto vaccines. Consider sharing his post on social media or in newsletters. Source: Steve Dale Pet World, November 28, 2020. Link. . . . this is the time of year when young rats born just a few months ago are seeking food competing … [Read more...]
Other small pets, an important segment to monitor
Pet ownership beyond cats and dogs may make up a small part of the industry’s focus, but trends in small pets mirror what’s happening in the marketplace. The popularity of reptiles and amphibians within the pet trade is simply on fire right now. . . ” - John Mack. founder and CEO of Reptiles by Mack Source: Petfood Industry, October 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Watch any two … [Read more...]
Mark Five episode 5: the role of vet technicians, vet nurses in telemedicine
Complimentary content from VVCA Mark Cushing, JD, addresses the empowerment or restriction of veterinary technicians or vet nurses as telemedicine grows in veterinary practice. Although it is an area that has been widely debated, he clarifies areas to consider: The 3 NOs for vet techs/nurses Types of supervision of vet techs, vet nurses by DVMs Use of these … [Read more...]