Mary Berg, RVT, RLATG, VTS (Dentistry), demonstrates her preferred method of obtaining these types of images. She has been teaching veterinary technicians how to take dental radiographs for more than 20 years. Her proven techniques are shared and discussed in this article and video. Source: Firstline, January 18, 2017. Berg’s simplified positioning methods eliminate the … [Read more...]
Support for Leptospirosis vaccination increasing
Not every DVM is on board with the need for a leptospirosis vaccine, but the numbers are growing. The FIRSTLINE staff finds consensus among some DVMs that lepto vaccination should not be ignored. Source: Firstline, January 18, 2017. Some vets used to try to keep vaccine frequencies lower for small-breed dogs. But general-practice Dr. Jeff Rothstein says that's less of a … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding is doable in a veterinary practice
Abigail Fishaw, LVT ,says, “You don't need to sacrifice your personal breastfeeding goals at the hands of your career. Work and motherhood can coexist smoothly with the right support from your employer.” Source: Firstline, January 10, 2017. As veterinary professionals we're often natural nurturers who feel drawn to having our own bundles of joy. But balancing the demands of … [Read more...]
Animal health pros positive about the future of veterinary medicine
Pointed questions were asked of veterinarians, practice managers and team members about the future of veterinary practices in the recent DVM 360 Future of Veterinary Medicine survey. The results show potential shifts in progress on the horizon. The results are presented in infographics that are easy to understand. Source: Firstline, November 29, 2016. Exclusive data points … [Read more...]
Why wellness plans?
"Use a picture. It's worth a thousand words.” That’s all that’s needed to introduce how a wellness plan program transformed Dr. Brandy Fraser’s practice. DVM 360 staffers turned her experience into a flowchart. Source: Firstline, November 30, 2016. Premier Veterinary Alliance veterinarian Brandy Fraser shared a wellness plan program that has changed the way they practice. … [Read more...]
The evolving role of practice manager
Christine Shupe, executive director of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, shares her organization’s predictions of how the top trends in veterinary medicine influence the evolving role of practice manager. Source: Firstline, October 28, 2016. The VMHA surveyed industry leaders to gain insight into industry trends that influence the roles managers will play. Three … [Read more...]
Quiz: What horse breed are you?
Just for fun! We often hear of anthropomorphism, the assignment of human qualities to animals. But in this quiz you can apply animal qualities to your human self. It’s known as zoomorphism. Source: Firstline, August 16, 2016. Are you the strong, athletic type? Or are you more of a versatile, hardworking person? Take this quiz to discover which breed of horse your … [Read more...]
The social (media) sweet spot
A busy infographic from a 2015 study shows how veterinary team members use social media. 78% say they use Facebook for both personal and professional reasons. 60% believe they are using social media to educate and connect with veterinary clinics. Source: Firstline, August 2016, page 20. INSIGHTS: Information such as this is important to study and monitor. Facebook and … [Read more...]
Get a handle on cats
Funded by a grant from Zoetis, this toolkit provides a multi-topic review of key elements in feline care that range from pain to premise. Veterinary team leaders can use it to create a team exercise. Assign team members the task to read through the toolkit and identify at least one positive thing currently done in the practice and one strategy or tactic that could be … [Read more...]
Strange but true facts about parasites
It is thought that parasites make up more than 80 percent of the life forms on the planet. More organisms are identified every day. Animal health professionals will appreciate the information in these two articles as review or clarification. Source: Firstline, June 8, 2016. Parasites have not previously been included on the food chain, but in reality every ecosystem is … [Read more...]
Ticks, ticks, ticks and more
Ticks are second only to mosquitoes in the number of diseases they transmit. With tick populations growing and their proclivity to carry and transmit disease, it is critical to prevent them from feeding on pets and people. The information in this series of articles is comprehensive and understandable. All animal health pros can benefit from a deeper knowledge of ticks, … [Read more...]
5 ways to start brushing canine teeth
Even as industry professionals, our own dogs don’t always get the best dental care. Two articles address pet dental care. The handout offers some great ways to start brushing. Source: Firstline, April 21, 2016. Print this and give it to clients for something wonderful to chew on to teach some good dog tooth brushing techniques. See also: Vetted, April 27, 2016. “Do as I … [Read more...]
Tough talk on titers
“Do your veterinary team members know how to respond when pet owners ask about titers?,” asks Brian Stewart, DVM, medical director at Woodstock Veterinary Clinic in Woodstock, Illinois. He discusses the pros and cons of using titers as a good way of establishing protection against disease. Source: Firstline, April 25, 2016. Titers can have a place in veterinary medicine. … [Read more...]
Pet insurance important to revenue
Pet insurance is often considered as revenue insurance for veterinary hospitals. It cushions perceived high costs and may actually improve compliance. This article reviews how one practice saw nearly a five-fold increase in the number of clients with pet insurance. We’ve also included a comprehensive story from AAHA Trends, Veterinary Preventive Care Plans. Source: … [Read more...]