AAHA publication promotes preventive careSeptember 9, 2019Veterinarians looking for ways to enhance their preventive care protocols are in luck, thanks to a new resource from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
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Arbutus Medical donates orthopedic tools to charitable groupsSeptember 6, 2019Arbutus Medical has awarded free orthopedic power tool systems to two charitable organizations through its Vets for Safe Surgery charitable partner program.
Heartworm prevention: Clients can't comply if they don't know that they shouldSeptember 5, 2019Canin heartworm is a devastating disease, but it is also preventable. So why are so many dog owners choosing to leave their pets unprotected?
Human Salmonella cases linked to pig ears climb to 143August 30, 2019Cases of salmonellosis in humans connected to contact with pig ear treats continue to rise and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising pet owners to take precautions to avoid illness.
Zoetis, Purina, Merck team up for diabetes campaignAugust 30, 2019November is Pet Diabetes Month, and the Diabetes Pet Care Alliance is once again encouraging veterinarians to enroll their clinics in their program.
IVAPM kicks off Animal Pain Awareness MonthAugust 29, 2019Animals are very good at hiding pain, which is why it's important for veterinarians to educate clients on tell-tale signs that all is not well with their pet. September is Animal Pain Awareness Month and the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) is helping raise awareness on how to recognize and manage pain in animals. The annual initiative coincides with human medicine's Pain Awareness Month and includes outreach and information campaigns aimed at helping veterinarians educate consumers on how to recognize and manage chronic and acute pain through traditional and complementary treatments. "It's often very hard to know when an animal is suffering. Their signs of pain are subtle and it's also part of their survival instinct to hide pain," says IVAPM president-elect Jennifer Johnson, VMD, CVPP. "That's why it is so important for veterinarians to conduct pain assessment exams at least annually and certainly as part of regular exams. We know chronic pain can have significant detrimental effects on lifespan and quality of life. By spotting pain early, veterinarians can better treat and manage pain." According to IVAPM, more than 45 million household pets suffer from chronic or acute pain, but unlike their human counterparts, they cannot tell …
New training initiative to focus on better communication skillsAugust 29, 2019The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and CareCredit are working together to help veterinarians develop advanced communication skills to improve the quality of care for pets and their families. Launching in 2020, the Advanced Clinician-Client Dynamics training initiative comprises workshops and courses to help veterinarians identify and address medical topics and concerns between clinicians, other veterinary team members, and clients early by recognizing pet owners' perspectives and goals. The goal of the three-year strategic partnership is to help participants use their knowledge to build greater trust with the pet owner, with the intended result of acceptance and follow through on medical recommendations, follow-up visits, and pursuit of advanced medical care for improved outcomes for the pet and family. By effectively connecting with team members and pet owners, veterinarians can work toward decreasing job-related stress and avoid burnout. "Traditionally, residency programs have focused on training for technical skills," says current ACVIM president-elect and incoming chief executive officer, Linda Fineman, DVM, DACVIM (oncology). "Along with a shifting demographic in our college, with many more ACVIM specialists working in private practice, there is greater recognition of the importance of professional skills in achieving better medical and business outcomes." The training initiative …
Kitten classes: The cat's meowAugust 28, 2019Some would argue (and I’m one of them) that kitten socialization classes are the most unrecognized program out there for cats. In fact, by running them, clinics may even save cat lives by increasing feline veterinary visits.
Tips to help prep clients and pets for road tripsAugust 28, 2019Family road trips are fun, but making sure a pet is comfortable and safe is a big part of that. With summer winding down, families will be hitting the road to make the most of what's left of the season. To help keep stress levels down for pets and owners alike, advise clients to do a little prep work ahead of time. "Preparing for the journey is just as important as knowing what pet-friendly amenities and accommodations are available at your destination," says Jennifer Freeman, DVM, PetSmart's resident veterinarian and pet care expert. "Be sure to pack plenty of food, water, and a few familiar objects like their bed, blanket, or toys. I also recommend pet parents take their pet to the veterinarian prior to the trip to ensure their pet is up for travel." Here are some travel tips you can offer pet owners: Get a dog safety harness for the car to help keep the pet in place in case of an abrupt stop. Most harnesses clip into the car's seat belt system so they're easy to use Protect car seats with a bench seat cover, allowing the pet to stretch and relax for a comfortable ride while …
BluePearl,UT collaborate on field learning for veterinary social workersAugust 28, 2019BluePearl and the University of Tennessee (UT) College of Veterinary Medicine are partnering up to train social workers for careers in specialty and emergency veterinary medicine. As part of UT's Postgraduate Veterinary Social Work Certificate Program (VSWCP), students will gain hands-on experience in veterinary hospitals across the U.S., with a focus on four key areas: the link between human and animal violence; animal-related grief and bereavement; animal-assisted interactions; and compassion fatigue and conflict management. Students must complete a keystone project requiring at least 250 hours of field learning. The collaboration makes BluePearl the first private practice in the country to offer field placements for students enrolled in this program. "This exciting collaboration serves two functions," explains Lori C. Harbert, LCSW program manager, veterinary social work at BluePearl. "Students will benefit from having access to advanced training, working closely with veterinarians and clients in a large, 24/7 specialty and emergency pet hospital, and BluePearl associates will benefit by having some level of in-house support and wellness training. "Bringing in these students doesn't solve all the industry's problems, but it certainly says to BluePearl staff that we care about you, and says to the veterinary social work community that you matter, you …
