AAFP Cat Friendly Practice endorsements promote programSeptember 6, 2017The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has announced endorsements of the Cat Friendly Practice (CFP) Program by CATalyst Council, Cat Healthy, and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. The program is a global initiative designed to elevate care for felines by reducing stress for the cat, their caregiver, and the entire veterinary team, according to the AAFP. The CFP program, launched in 2012, currently includes more than 1,100 clinics in North and South America. It provides tools to integrate the feline perspective into clinics' physical environments and the delivery of medical care, focuses on increasing the standard of feline care, educating practices about feline patients' needs, decreasing the stress of veterinary visits, and ensuring each cat receives the highest quality, according to the association. To earn the CFP designation, veterinary clinics must meet specific criteria, such as embracing gentle and respectful handling of all cats, providing adjusted procedures to make veterinary visits less stressful for cats and their caregivers, and training staff to understand the individualized needs of cats. "Visiting the veterinarian can be stressful for both cats and their caregivers," said Elizabeth Colleran, DVM, MS, DABVP (Feline), co‐chair of the CFP committee. "So often regular check-ups …
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Food as medicine messagingAugust 25, 2017Therapeutic diets, increasingly part of pets’ health care regimens, are good tools at veterinarians’ disposal when addressing specific ailments. A problem surrounding these diets, however, isn’t whether they work; it’s discussing their benefits with clients.
Four reasons veterinary clients avoid regular checkups for their cats—and what you can do about itAugust 17, 2017In a recent survey, 92 percent of cat owners say their cat’s health is important to them, but why are only half of all American cats taken to the veterinarian by their caretakers on a regular basis.
The amazing grace of senior petsAugust 17, 2017I think the dilemma for a lot of veterinarians is the healthy pet,” said Steven Marks, BVSc, MS, MRCVS, Dipl. ACVIM, but he wasn’t trying to be humorous in his assessment.
Support veterinary clients' supplemental endeavorsAugust 16, 2017As pet owners become increasing proactive when it comes to their pets’ health, one category that surfaces regularly during veterinary exam room discussions is supplements.
AAFP releases two new client brochures for feline veterinariansJuly 31, 2017Feline veterinarians have some new literature to give to their cat-owning clients.
Why intratesticular blocks are simple, low cost and effectiveJuly 27, 2017Although many colleagues use local blocks routinely, one body part is all too often neglected—the testicle. Yet, intratesticular blocks are easy, cheap and effective.
Orofacial manifestations of lymphoma in petsJuly 27, 2017The disease covered in this month’s column qualifies as rare. Each year, I see perhaps only two or three cases. However, it’s important to understand, as it can mimic other less serious diseases, often delaying diagnosis. One retrospective study noted that median time between onset and diagnosis was five months.
The trends to watch for in the veterinary worldJuly 27, 2017Trend watching is must for those who run any type of business—and veterinary practices are no different. Some up-and-coming concepts and upstarts might seem disruptive and intimidating, but it’s better to be at the front end of the knowledge curve.
Beyond the Belly: The health consequences of pet obesityJuly 27, 2017During the past 20 years, I’ve heard all the clever wordplay: “Pet obesity is a huge problem!” “The number of overweight pets is growing!” “Obesity rates continue to expand!” “Weight-related medical bills are stretching pet owners’ budgets!”
