The 2013 National Research Council comprehensive study of current and future workforce needs in the veterinary profession concluded there was little evidence of workforce shortages in most areas of the profession. Today however, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate a projected increase of 15,000 veterinarian positions will be needed between 2016 and 2026. While it’s very … [Read more...]
Reexamining the early spay-neuter paradigm in dogs
Veterinarians must always be open minded and ready to challenge the status quo when new information challenges how we practice, writes Mark Goldstein, DVM. Goldstein and Michael Petty, DVM, CVPP, CVMA, CCRT, CAAPM, respectfully discuss their disagreements about the medical and societal need for early spays and neuters in America's pets. In the end, it really falls on the … [Read more...]
CAPC initiative aims to spread heartworm awareness, action
The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) now offers the Top 10 Cities Heartworm Report, a monthly compilation of the U.S. metropolitan areas that have experienced the highest percent increases in positive heartworm tests that month. The group <link> expects this new report, in conjunction with its monthly parasite forecast maps < link >, will spark conversations in … [Read more...]
The future is female
Adrienne Wagner provides a celebration of women in veterinary medicine through a collection of thoughts and advice from female DVMs. The professionals were asked how they would answer this question: What one message do you have for the women of veterinary medicine? Loving animals isn’t enough to be a good veterinarian. You have to also love the people and the business. –Dani … [Read more...]
Time to focus on heartworm
Spring is six days away. With it the mosquito populations will build as will heartworm disease risks for pets. DVM 360 gathered a selection of articles, tips, tools and resources to help renew heartworm knowledge with team members. Consider these resources as you educate dog and cat owners on the importance of year-round heartworm prevention. Source: DVM 360, March 2, 2019. … [Read more...]
Firm dental recommendations nearly tripled compliance
John Jeffreys, RVT, CVPM, < link> took the initiative to adjust how dental recommendations were being presented. By moving from low-pressure suggestions to a more needs-based dialogue, the practice grew dental revenue in a short time. . . . it is our job to educate the client and make a firm recommendation for what their pet needs. Source: DVM 360, January 10, 2019. … [Read more...]
Animal health industry poised for growth
Increased pet adoption, livestock ownership plus milk and meat consumption fuel the growth of the animal healthcare market, according to an abstract from Open PR. In the U.S., the AVMA’s November 2018 Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook spotlights shifting patterns of pet ownership and points to unmet healthcare needs among America’s pets. There are near-unlimited … [Read more...]
Educational debt is common for DVMs (infographic)
The 2018 dvm360 Student Debt Survey results showed that student debt loads are common through the years. The survey also sought to understand how DVMs are managing this debt and how they feel about it. Source: DVM 360, November 8, 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: Take a few minutes to understand the colors in legend. A significant number of DVMs are pinching pennies, not saving for … [Read more...]
An upside to a disturbing canine blood donor story
Beyond the negative press about a canine blood supply company is a significant community-based opportunity. The public exposure of housing conditions for donor dogs prompted Dr. Nicholas Dodman to ask dog lovers to consider the best practices for blood donation. Veterinarians can encourage their clients to volunteer large, healthy dogs occasionally to have their blood drawn … [Read more...]
6 tips for managing canine and feline diabetes
Even though diabetes is treatable, pet owners are asked to do a lot to manage their pet's disease, making communication with the veterinary team essential, writes David Bruyette, DVM, DACVIM. He shares six ways you can help your clients manage their insulin-challenged pets. Source: DVM 360, November 18, 2018. Link. Explain the goals of therapy for diabetic pets. Go … [Read more...]
Human nurses take exception to using ‘nurse’ in veterinary medicine
The debate about the veterinary nurse initiative continues. Rachael Zimlich explains some of the objections from the human nurse perspective. We are not suggesting any pet owner will confuse a staff member in a veterinary clinic or hospital as a human healthcare practitioner. The issue at hand is the title 'nurse' and the connotations and respect that come with that … [Read more...]
A look at Amazon in the pet consumables market
Zak Watts and Mike Bassani, director and consumables lead for Amazon Pets respectively, joined presenters during the inaugural NAVC E-Commerce Summit that took place September 19 in Kansas City. Amazon defines consumables as food and healthcare products such as parasite prevention and litter will be Amazon’s focus. Other pet items are available, but will not be critical. The … [Read more...]
Veterinary management service agreements can be torture
The legalization of veterinary management agreements operated by veterinary management organizations allows non-veterinarians a way to sidestep laws prohibiting lay ownership of professional practices, writes Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD. The MSA/MSO structure has been widely adopted as acceptable and legal. . . but is anybody checking to see whether the required separation … [Read more...]
Rx for cyberbullying in veterinary practice (includes videos)
Communication is a key element to managing cyberbullying preventatively and reactively. The first line of defense is a knowledgeable team trained to respond appropriately if and when a social media storm blows in. The first thing to do is to make sure that everyone on your team is aware of the situation and that you have all the information and all the facts before making a … [Read more...]
AAFP releases first cat-specific anesthesia guidelines
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has released the profession’s first feline-specific anesthesia guidelines. According to the AAFP, a standardized, evidence-based approach for administering anesthesia helps ensure a patient’s safe and predictable perioperative response and recovery. Empirical evidence shows that cats undergoing anesthesia have a higher … [Read more...]
Opinion – Experiencing dogs as economic animals
Portia Stewart, DVM 360 editor and team channel director, deserves respect for her initiative to see another side of the canine world at a dog auction. It is where the dogs are bought and sold like livestock without the fuss and prim that are part of family member paradigms. For some of us reared in rural areas, animal auctions are part of reality. For Portia, I’m pleased this … [Read more...]
DVM Management, mid-year check-up
In this edition of the monthly update, DVM Management discusses some mid-year tax planning strategies, including: checking your payroll withholding tips on the pass-through business deduction small business tips offers in compromise steps Source: DVM Management, August 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: Note the information on vehicle tax deductions and HSAs. … [Read more...]
Top 5 zoonotic disease concerns for dogs during hospital visits
In our post “Zoonotic knowledge poor in MDs and population,” December 20, 2017 <link> Sara Wooten, DVM, discussed the lack of zoonotic knowledge and the potential issues. . . . many MDs are uncomfortable discussing zoonotic disease and lack appropriate knowledge about the subject. Scott Weese, DVM, reiterates Wooten’s concerns and then empirically identifies the top 5 … [Read more...]
The harrowing tale of veterinary management service agreements
Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD, looks at the fine print in veterinary management agreements and raises concerns about governance and oversight. This is a must-read for all animal health pros to gain perspective on clinic ownership and the dynamics of MSAs. Source: DVM 360, July 10, 2018. Link. The MSA/MSO structure has been widely adopted as acceptable and legal in myriad … [Read more...]
B-Lyme-y! (infographic)
The DVM 360 staff put together an informative infographic that highlights findings from a new study conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Merck Animal Health. Data shows pets aren’t getting complete protection against fleas, ticks and Lyme disease. Source: DVM 360, June 22, 2018. Link. The good news: Pet parents of all ages want to protect their pets from parasites, with … [Read more...]
I have a wart on my fanny older than you
While attending AVMA 2018, the aspects of experience versus age were discussed several times. The only consensus seemed to be that changes are already here and they won’t be comfortable for most of us. Bo Brock, DVM, offers a realistic, but light perspective on newbies and calls for patience with new doctors. I would add that the newbies must also be patient with the … [Read more...]
Hot pavement burns paws (includes video)
Hot pavement can have gruesome and painful consequences for dogs’ paws. Sarah Schweig offers burnt paw information worth sharing with pet owners in social media, blogs and on websites. Source: the dodo, June 11, 2018. Link. Put the back of your hand on the pavement, and if you can't keep it there for five seconds, it's too hot for your pup's feet. Also see: 9 tips on how … [Read more...]
Hold tax records long enough for comfort
This article will help reduce what is often a closet full of old tax records. When you boil it all down, keeping tax returns to seven years after filing is good – generally. Source: DVM Management, June 19, 2018. Link. Important note: Although you can discard backup records, do not throw away the filed copies of any tax returns or W-2s. Often, these returns provide data … [Read more...]
Veterinary professionals share concerns in Veterinary Confessionals Project
The Veterinary Confessionals Project (Link) allows veterinary professionals to express themselves freely, without being judged, and encourages creativity and solidarity within the veterinary community. The DVM 360 staff assembled some of the secrets veterinarians and team members have shared via the project. Sometimes I feel like a way better vet than a mom or wife. :( Most … [Read more...]
Tooth resorption: Name it to tame it
There are three types of tooth resorption in cats and six types in dogs. And all of them are treated differently, says Dr. Mary Krakowski Volker, DVM, DAVDC. Treatment depends on the type of resorption present. She notes we don’t use the same names for dogs or cats. Source: Veterinary Medicine, DVM 360, May 23, 2018. Link. There are stages of tooth resorption in cats that … [Read more...]
June is National Pet Preparedness Month. Let’s get chippy!
Sarah Wooten, DVM, says it is time to target new clients and all clients in your database who don’t have a microchip on file with succinct, powerful communication that will cause them to take action. She offers a script to help animal health pros promote microchipping and motivate owners to act. Source: DVM 360, May 14, 2018. Link. Also see: Ready.gov. Link. The Pet … [Read more...]
Feline hypoadrenocorticism and hyperaldosteronism is underdiagnosed and underreported
David Bruyette, DVM, DACVIM, said that hypoadrenocorticism and hyperaldosteronism are so common that if you look for them, you will probably diagnose either disorder in the next month. Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, is seen in middle-aged cats, and there’s no sex predilection. In dogs, Addison’s is an autoimmune disease, but it is unknown if it is the same in … [Read more...]
Make routine dentals digestible
Making dental care easier to swallow for pet owners requires some modeling choices. Karen Felstad, DVM360 conference educator, speaks to bundling, economical basic pricing and more. For practice managers and clinic owners, his information presented is a worthwhile topic for discussion at a management meeting. Source: Veterinary Economics, April 18, 2018. Link. “A lot of … [Read more...]
Pet foxes; now what?
Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, and Olivia Petritz, DVM, share different perspectives on all things pet fox with Sarah Wooten, DVM. There are different kinds of domesticated foxes that people buy. Chatfield shares, “It’s not our job to judge whether it’s right or not for a client to have a pet fox. It is our job to provide adequate healthcare and education to that client. With the … [Read more...]
Rampant incivility plagues most companies
Ninety eight percent of workers have experienced rude behavior and 99 percent have witnessed it in the past 20 years. This is according to research completed by Christine Porath. Based on her findings, she presents the case to develop a civility code. Her process includes these categories: Model the right behavior Articulate values and set expectations Define … [Read more...]