Veterinary technicians can save the day by educating cat owners on the dangers of parasites and importance of prevention.” - Janet McConnell, CVT Julia Burke summarizes key points from Connell’s presentation 2023 American Veterinary Medical Association Convention. She shared common feline parasites and the key role veterinary technicians play in educating pet owners to prevent … [Read more...]
BVDV in wild hogs
Wild pigs can carry a number of infectious diseases including zoonotic diseases. A high seroprevalence rate of bovine diarrhea virus in wild pigs has been found in several U.S. states, according to a recent study by investigators at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in Auburn, Alabama. Cattle are known as the dominant source of BVDV infection for pigs. … [Read more...]
Integrative approach to treating Giardia lamblia infections
Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA, CVJ, and Brian Herrin, DVM, PhD, DACVM, share the challenges of treating Giardia lambia infections caused by the environmental protozoal parasite which is spread through fecal-contaminated water, soil and food. The infection from G. lambia is often referred to as beaver fever. To completely clear animals of G. lamblia, the best approach is coupling … [Read more...]
Dealing with no-shows
Wendy Myers, CVJ, gives host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, four things veterinary practices can implement to help get clients in the door and reduce no-show rates. Myers says the average no-show rate is approximately 11 percent which calculates to around $60,000 in lost revenue potential per full-time veterinarian. She also emphasizes missed opportunities to help animals in … [Read more...]
We are the advocates
Acknowledging the challenges veterinarians face, Marc Rosenberg, VMD, shares a fictitious story based on real occurrences where a veterinarian had to step in, set aside fears of client alienation and address an animal’s needs head-on. His story is about animal abuse and it underscores the role of veterinarians, veterinary teams and animal health pros as animal health … [Read more...]
Battling the equine sarcoid
Sarcoids are the most common tumor in equids worldwide. However, no perfect treatment exists, writes Elizabeth Collar, DVM, PhD, DACVS-LA. She reviews possible treatment options for the wide range of variables that are present with each tumor. The article includes pictures that demonstrate tumors, treatments and treatment complications. Source: DVM 360, May 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Study finds lifetime cost of horse can be 4 times higher than expected
On an annual basis, the all-in costs for owning a horse range from around $8,600 to $26,000, not including events or operating expenses, according to a Synchrony study. It estimates the lifetime costs range from $300,000 to $924,000. Source: DVM 360, April 26, 2023. Link. Helping horse owners clearly understand the full financial commitment and the financing options they … [Read more...]
A closer look at the world of organized dentistry
Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, FAVD, shares the history and development of organized dentistry. He outlines the bodies behind it that serve veterinarians, technicians and the public. Organized veterinary dentistry began in 1976 making it young compared to the 160-year-history of the American Dental Association. Source: DVM 360, April 2023. Link. Also see: … [Read more...]
3 videos feature insights for treating diabetic patients
DVM 360’s team shares some of the latest tips and tricks for better understanding, diagnosing and treating chronic diabetes in companion animals. They note diabetes affects about 1 in 300 adult dogs and 1 in 230 cats in the U.S. Source: DVM 360, February 24, 2023. Link. The diabetes videos referenced are: The connection between the endocrine pancreas and diabetes. Link. … [Read more...]
Topical therapies in veterinary dermatology
Citing the plethora of topical products for pets, Alexandra Gould, DVM, DACVD, says multiuse products are usually easiest to carry. She groups topical therapies around four main goals and shares the considerations and treatments used to achieve them: Treat infections and prevent their recurrence Decrease seborrhea or greasy skin texture Treat or prevent pruritus … [Read more...]
Identifying American foulbrood in honeybee colonies
American foulbrood is considered the most devastating honeybee disease, asserted Britteny R. Kyle, DVM, MSc, during her WVC session. She shared multiple factors that lead to colony collapse and a simple matchstick method of diagnosing AFB and what to do if it is discovered in a colony. She noted many states have regulations in place for exactly how to deal with AFB. Source: … [Read more...]
Ingredients to look for in dog food and treats
What do I feed my dog? This is one of the more routinely asked questions in veterinary clinics and retail. A well-balanced diet is vital to a dog’s health and well-being. Well balanced means matching nutrition and calories. Sydney Yankowicz shares perspective on helping clients make food decisions. . . . in general, pet owners can be advised to choose recognizable, whole-food … [Read more...]
Discussing the importance of puppy socialization with clients
Brie Blakeman, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, urges veterinary professionals to educate owners on the importance of adequate socialization for puppies so they learn what is safe and not safe when interacting with humans and other animals. Proper socialization helps to prevent unwanted behaviors like fearfulness, anxiety, and aggression which are not easily modified. Source: DVM 360, … [Read more...]
What to know about cats, chocolate toxicity and candy
Even if Valentine’s Day candy is gone by now, Easter candy is not far away. Cats do not have a taste sensor for sweets but two components in chocolate are dangerous to cats and dogs alike. The short answer is, “Yes chocolate is toxic to cats.” Different than dogs, at no point should you try to make your cat vomit.” Source: Catster, February 9, 2023. Link. Err on the side … [Read more...]
Advocate for dental health all year long
Oral pet care is no longer merely a revenue booster. It has become an important consideration in the overall health of pets. Marshall Beggs, DVM, asserts the need to include a detailed update on pets’ dental health with owners during exams and to assist with decision making. Source: Veterinary Practice News, February 9, 2023. Link. Seeing is believing, and nothing motivates … [Read more...]
Key ingredients to look for in dog food and treats
Nutritional problems occur most often when dogs are fed imbalanced homemade diets or certain human foods. Dog foods or homemade diets derived from a single food item are inadequate to an overall balanced diet Source: DVM 360, August 25, 2022. Link. The 6 basic nutrients needed for a canine diet include water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.” – VCA … [Read more...]
Effective ways to treat pet behavior problems
Regardless of a pet’s age, the holidays have potential for behavior issues. Many of them can be avoided with consistent human behavior and proactive training. We’ve curated seven behavior articles from professional and lay sources that can be used to refresh knowledge of and approaches to behavior issues. The sudden onset of a new behavior or worsening of a previously … [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...]
Updates on equine anesthesia safety (video)
Bryce Dooley, DVM, MS, DACVAA, explains the categories considered as the latest advancements in technology, equipment and ways to ensure horses recover successfully from anesthesia. Source: DVM 360, December 3, 2022. Link. (2:48 minute video) … [Read more...]
Peace of mind medicine: The importance of telehealth and virtual care in veterinary medicine
Complimentary Content Guest Jessica Trimble, DVM, explains the importance of offering virtual services, and how they can affect both clients and staff in this edition of The Vet Blast Podcast. She discusses benefits and challenges of implementing virtual care and telehealth. Source: The Vet Blast Podcast, DVM 360 , November 17, 2022. Link. (18 … [Read more...]
Factors that affect the decision whether to groom a cat . . . or not
Embracing various arguments about cat grooming, Ellen Carozza, LVT, VTS (CP-Feline), confirms that a cat’s physiology is built for self- grooming. There are cats that will need some help grooming regardless of coat length to keep them clean and comfortable, she says. Each cat’s grooming needs is case dependent . . . many cats need help due to comorbidities, age, and coat … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 10, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – Vaccinating unhealthy animals by Scott Weese, DVM. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, November 3, 2022. Link. 50 therapist-approved tips to stave off holiday stress Source: PARADE, December 6, 2021. Link. For many, the holiday season is particularly difficult. The pressure to show up a certain … [Read more...]
Hacks for locating difficult veins when drawing blood (video)
Karen Roach, RVT, VTS (ECC), outlined how veterinary technicians can use an individualized approach to locate tricky veins in an interview at the Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference. . . . one of the things we've kind of learned to do is kind of massage limbs that are edematous and just try to squeeze as much of the edema out as you can.” Source: DVM 360, October 11, 2022. … [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...]
Worth a Glance – September 15, 2022
Last week’s most read posts - Five metrics veterinary practices should track. Link. Touring a veterinary hospital with Temple Grandin, PhD, Marty Becker, DVM (video). Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 8, 2022. Link. Top recommended veterinary products Source: DVM 360®. Link. 748 companion animal … [Read more...]
The latest in diagnosis and management of Malassezia dermatitis
Skin conditions are always in the top 10 reasons dogs and cats see a veterinarian. The yeast genus Malassezia is always secondary to another skin disease, writes Paul Bloom, DVM, DACVD, DABVP. He shares his expertise in identifying and treating Malassezia when present with other skin diseases. Source: DVM 360, August 19, 2022. Link. Disorders that affect the barrier … [Read more...]
Client sticker shock (video series)
Complimentary Sponsored Content We’ve heard about sticker shock in the context of judging a client’s pocketbook for years. Recently, several sources have analyzed and shared cost of care information associated with pet ownership. The intent of these studies is to help veterinary teams understand the costs of caring for pets and to help them proactively discuss costs with pet … [Read more...]
The oral microbiome, new in the clinical practice of dentistry
Includes Complimentary Commercial Content The oral microbiome is an exciting and expanding field of research, writes Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, FAVD. He is looking to understand the role of the microbiome in the alteration of functional and metabolic pathways associated with the diseased states as results from Basepaws testing is analyzed. Basepaws Dental Health … [Read more...]
ElleVet Sciences’ research finds atopic dermatitis benefits from proprietary CBD+CBDA oil
Complimentary Commercial Content A study sought to identify ElleVet Sciences' CBD+CBDA oil as a possible treatment method for atopic dermatitis. The results revealed over 65% of the dogs participating in the study had a substantial improvement in skin itchiness. Source: DVM 360, June 6, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
3 veterinary careers that offer balance between professional growth and personal life
If you’re feeling stressed, you are not alone, says Jeff Horvath, MBA, SHRM-SCP. He writes about the opportunity to seek settings in which you practice and experience new types of cases without compromising your goals for a work-life balance. Those are: Urgent care Emergency medicine Veterinary hospice and palliative care Source: DVM 360, May 13, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]