VPN Plus+ ExclusiveWhen summer ends, heartworm doesn'tOctober 10, 2024This trend of increasing incidence and regional spread is the confluence of a perfect storm — including a shift in the way pet owners acquire and care for their pets, a lack of awareness of how easily and efficiently heartworm infections are spread, and a lack of urgency regarding the growing nationwide risk of heartworm infection by pet owners.
SPONSORED CONTENTHill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Weight + j/dNutrition clinically shown to improve cats’ mobility in as little as 1 month and stimulate metabolism to help burn fat and lose weight. + Learn More
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveSupplemental insight on melatoninOctober 4, 2024It is important for doctors to have a basic knowledge of natural supplements (or at least have a colleague to whom they can refer for help in this area). With these thoughts in mind, I want to share some basic information about melatonin, a supplement clients often inquire about (likely because many of them are taking it, as well).
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveID 'poo-pourri': Emerging and Evolving Infectious Disease in Dogs and CatsOctober 2, 2024In this session: In dogs and cats, infectious diseases are emerging and evolving rapidly. These changes, and new research findings, bring various One Health (animal, human, environment) and antimicrobial resistance and stewardship challenges to the forefront for veterinarians and vet teams. Michelle Evason, BSc, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), MRCVS, addresses these concerns specific to gastro-intestinal (GI) parasites and wellness screening and provides practical resources to aid clinical management and pet-owner communication.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveTech Talk: Leveraging veterinary technician specialists in practice September 27, 2024By Jamie Rauscher, LVTThe veterinary profession recognizes technicians who have obtained a VTS as having greater veterinary medical knowledge and having mastered advanced technical skills. Many technicians who have reached VTS status report an increased sense of job satisfaction and an increased level of respect among their colleagues.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveClearing up the confusion with aerosol disease transmissionSeptember 19, 2024Aerosol disease transmission, including droplet nuclei travel, is often a misunderstood and underestimated mode of disease transmission. As a result, veterinarians and veterinary infection control plans frequently fail to recognize measures aimed at this modality of spread. If we take steps to limit aerosol disease transmission, we can protect our patients, humans, and the environment, protecting the human-animal bond and ensuring a One Health infection control plan.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveOctober pet- and vet-related holidaysSeptember 18, 2024Maybe this month should be dubbed Petober! There are five days just for dogs and cats, along recognition for reptiles and farm animals. Then, of course, there is a whole week just for our industry! (Get creative and recognize everyone throughout the year, of course!). Looking for social media post ideas or in-clinic promotions for your clinic? October holidays can mean a toys promotion on the 19th or consider a fun costume contest on the 31st. Spooktacular!
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveChallenging Euthanasias: Case review and Preventing DysthanasiaSeptember 18, 2024In this session: Kathleen Cooney, DVM, CHPV, CCFP, DACAW, explores euthanasia cases and looks at how pet owners and veterinarians define a good death experience. She discusses what is ideal compared to what is considered a dysthanasia, the opposite of a good death. The presentation then looks at determining how best to address dysthanasias when they happen, aiming to protect the mental health of pet owners and the veterinary team.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveCDC dog importation rulesSeptember 13, 2024Whether they are planning a trip out of the country with their dog or adopting one from overseas, clients need to know the latest importation rules, which changed this summer, from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This infographic can save you time explaining the issue, as well as clients from being unprepared.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveA Peaceful Passing: Best Practices for In Home Pet EuthanasiaSeptember 12, 2024In this session: This presentation helps explain why families choose euthanasia over natural death. Faith Banks, DVM, CHPV, CCRT, looks at setting expectations and how to communicate the process to pet owners. The presentation covers pre-euthanasia sedation, euthanasia injection techniques, and aftercare, including memorialization options. Lastly, it discusses supporting pet owners through grief with resources and ongoing emotional support. This presentation helps the veterinarian and practice team perform in-home pet euthanasia compassionately and professionally.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveKhuly sold to a corporation!September 5, 2024By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBAI’m still getting used to this strange bedfellow of ours. What’s more, I’m not quite sure what to make of the fact I can’t manage to despise it yet. Never in a million years would I have predicted the relative equanimity I’ve experienced throughout this process. After all, as anyone who has caught any part of my decades-long writing career can attest, I’ve carefully nurtured a poisonous aversion to corporate takeovers in veterinary medicine.