Steve Pearson, DVM, captures mentor advice received by a broad cross-section of 14 veterinarians. Much of the advice they received applies to any animal health professional’s role. Whether you read this casually or more thoughtfully, there is something here for nearly everyone. Source: Veterinary Practice News, April 6, 2016. Applying wisdom from mentors helps these … [Read more...]
Promote good canine behavior
Veterinary teams and retail associates will find this article helpful to help clients get the support they need for their animals. increases in pet adoptions are yielding a high probability of behavioral issues in rescue dogs. There are no quick fixes, so setting a plan is critical. Source: Veterinary Practice News, March 18, 2016. The number one issue in any study that’s … [Read more...]
Book forward to increase income
Setting future appointments has measurable revenue growth potential, according to Wendy S. Myers. Clients expect forward booking from their dentists and optometrists. Veterinary receptionists can set similar expectations in veterinary practices, resulting in as much as $40,000 in added revenue. Source: Veterinary Practice News, March 24, 2016. The 2013 AAHA State of the … [Read more...]
Equine dentistry tips for the mixed animal practice
Equine oral health can be challenging for veterinary teams whose time is dominated by dogs and cats. This article features useful information for practices and equine retailers about managing dental care in horses. Source: Veterinary Practice News, February 16, 2016. Not all horses need to be floated annually,” Erika Wierman, DVM said. “The other thing is that horses on … [Read more...]
Make slow times profitable with callbacks
Wendy Myers, DVM, presents a pragmatic use of the slower times in veterinary practice schedules. Beyond goodwill, prescription stewardship and compliance, calling clients is a convenient and inexpensive way to improve the overall customer experience. Source: Veterinary Practice News, March 15, 2016. Veterinary technicians, assistants, receptionists and doctors need to start … [Read more...]
Seven qualities of a good veterinary assistant
According to the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA): “While every position within the veterinary practice team is important, veterinary assistants play a pivotal role, literally ... In the course of a single day, an assistant provides help to veterinarians and veterinary technicians, which in turn allows those team members to perform the tasks and … [Read more...]
ED hits horses, too
I was stopped in my tracks by this article. Stallions may lose interest in breeding or have trouble impregnating mares. Foaling season is underway so breeding season is about to start. David Ramey, DVM, walks readers through broad categories of stallion problems in this article. Source: Veterinary Practice News, January 2016, page 55. Things to think about if it appears … [Read more...]
Help stop canine brucellosis
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is urging veterinarians to play a major role to help stop the spread of canine brucellosis, a contagious and incurable bacterial infection most often found in breeding kennels. The agency’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service released best practices for veterinarians and kennel operators who may encounter the disease, which causes … [Read more...]
NAVC notes
The 33rd annual NAVC Conference drew 17,328 attendees setting a new attendance record. The 2017 conference will take place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, February 4 – 8. Source: Inside NAVC, January 19, 2016. INSIDE NAVC is the official newspaper of the NAVC Conference. This tabloid, published on-site and distributed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday … [Read more...]
WSAVA updates vaccination guidelines
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association guideline changes reflect the growing attitude that a one-size-fits-all approach is impractical. The guidelines redefine core vaccines from a global perspective and supports an adjustment to boosters based on scientific evidence, such as maternal anti-bodies. Source: Veterinary Practice News, January 12, 2016. . Compared with … [Read more...]
What we’re learning about new canine flu
Emerging diseases confound animal health professionals. Staying abreast of current information is critical to disease recognition and prevention. Learn about a recent canine flu study, the dogs most likely to be infected and actions taken by DVMs to avoid spreading the disease. Source: Veterinary Practice News, December 16, 2016. Middle-aged dogs, not puppies or the … [Read more...]
What you need to know about Parvo
Canine parvo virus has been with us since the mid-1970s. Still considered a relatively new disease, it continues to be a risk for pets whose vaccinations were given too early or not finished. This article is a solid review of risk, treatment and prevention, including hygiene for owners, personnel and premises. Source: Veterinary Practice News, November 2015. Because parvo … [Read more...]
Thinking about going mobile?
For equine and livestock practitioners, mobile practice is a reality. It is also an option for a segment of small animal veterinarians. David Ramey, DVM, discusses some of the nuances and challenges of ambulatory practice. Source: Veterinary Practice News, December 2015, page 1, continued on page 38. Mobile practices allow DVMs to practice high-quality medicine and surgery … [Read more...]
Ups and downs of DIY wellness plans
When considering adding wellness plans to expand practice products and services, do-it-yourself (DIY) plans are frequently discussed by veterinarians and practice managers. While a DIY plans feel like an extension of independent practices, Don Jergler exposes pros and cons in this read. Source: Veterinary Practice News, December 2015, page 28. The popularity and upside of … [Read more...]
Industry-wide standards approved for pet grooming
New standards for professional groomers and stylists will affect the grooming business in practices and private locations over time. First aid, housing, safety and emergency veterinary care top the list of standards. Source: Veterinary Practice News, November 2015 page 27. Professional groomers and stylists must keep a pet first aid kit nearby and know where to find an … [Read more...]
The Education Center: Laser therapy nears a new horizon
Laser therapy is becoming one of the hot topics in the veterinary industry … the positive reports and clinical studies continue to grow while the applications of laser therapy are expanding. Source: Veterinary Practice News, October 2015 page 40. The science behind positive analgesic, inflammatory modulating and enhanced healing effects are well established and becoming … [Read more...]
Popular approaches to treating CHF in dogs
Congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs is a growing category of pet care as the average age of pets increases. Better technologies and increased understanding of cardiac failure provides more opportunities for earlier diagnosis and preemptive care. Yet, the treatment options are varied by condition, by individual dog and by veterinarian experience. New options for treatment are … [Read more...]
ViewPoint: Better medicine, but we’re still inefficient
“The quality of medical care we practice has improved drastically. But we need to stop seeing our patients the same way we did in 1965”, says Dennis M. McCurnin, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS in his ViewPoint article for VPN. He references the progress and developments in human and dental medicine especially around staffing and cost of service differences. His article calls for better … [Read more...]