AVMA, AAVMC summit to address veterinary well-being cultureFebruary 19, 2018This spring, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, and Zoetis will present the Veterinary Wellbeing Summit 2018, Apr. 15-17 in Chicago to bring about well-being changes in the pforession. At this year's meeting, leaders within the veterinary medical community and other health professionals will gather to focus on strategies and resources for establishing a culture of well-being throughout the profession, according to the AAVMC. "The health and wellness challenges we face in veterinary medicine are real, they are serious, and they require a united and decisive response," said Andrew T. Maccabe, DVM, JD, MPH, AAVMC CEO. "We're gratified to see so many people and organizations working together to address this threat to our profession and the people and animals it serves." For more information or to register, click here.
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Veterinarians are mentally well but experience poor well-beingFebruary 17, 2018Veterinarians as a group don't experience psychological distress at significantly higher rates than the general population, according to a new mental health and well-being study by Brakke Consulting and Merck Animal Health. The Merck Animal Health Wellbeing Study, designed to definitively quantify the prevalence of mental illness and stress in the veterinary profession, compared findings to previous studies and to the U.S. population in general. The survey, which polled 3,540 American Veterinary Medical Association members (from a random sample of 20,000), is the first to measure well-being of such a large veterinary sample using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, which is widely used in assessing psychological distress among general and clinical populations. "This survey is unique in that, for the first time, a nationally representative sample of veterinarians in the U.S. were asked about their well-being, which is a broader measure of happiness and life satisfaction than mental health alone," said study investigator Linda Lord, Ph.D., DVM, academic and allied industry liaison lead for Merck Animal Health. One big takeaway is that 5 percent, or 1 in 20, of veterinarians struggle with serious psychological distress (roughly that of the employed general population). "The …
Pentobarbital discovery prompts J.M. Smucker dog food recallFebruary 16, 2018J.M. Smucker Co. is recalling some of its dog food products after traces of pentobarbital, a euthanasia drug, were discovered in samples from a range of the company's brands. The company announced that it would withdraw shipments of wet canned dog food from Gravy Train, Kibbles 'n Bits, Ol' Roy, and Skippy. The drug was discovered through an independent investigation by ABC7, which partnered with Ellipse Analytics, a lab specializing in food testing, to test the products. Sixty-two samples of wet dog food, from more than 24 brands, were tested over a period of several months. Only one brand, Gravy Train, repeatedly tested positive for trace amounts of pentobarbital, according to the investigation. Of the 15 cans of Gravy Train tested, 60 percent were positive for the euthanasia drug. Gravy Train is made by Big Heart Pet Foods, which is owned by Smucker. Other Big Heart Pet Foods brands include Meow Mix, Milk Bone, Kibbles 'n Bits, 9 Lives, Natural Balance, Pup-Peroni, Nature's Recipe, Canine Carry Outs and Jerky Treats. "Veterinarians and animal nutrition specialists, as well as the FDA, have confirmed that extremely low levels of pentobarbital, like the levels reported to …
Cummings vet med center earns large AAHA referral accreditationFebruary 15, 2018The Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University recently earned referral accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) in 15 areas of specialty veterinary medicine. Foster Hospital is one of only a few facilities in the country to receive AAHA referral accreditation for such a large number of specialties, according to Tufts. The accreditation followed a rigorous review of the hospital's practice protocols, medical equipment, facility, and client service. Foster Hospital is one of seven academic teaching hospitals and clinics that comprise Cummings Veterinary Medical Center, located at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. The hospital, which treated nearly 35,000 patients in 2017, provides care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets, offering consultation, referral, and 24-hour emergency veterinary services. Board-certified veterinarians across a range of specialties diagnose and treat complex conditions using advanced veterinary tools and procedures. As part of the accreditation, Foster Hospital was evaluated for the following specialties: Anesthesia Avian Behavior Emergency & Critical Care Exotic Companion Mammal Internal Medicine – Cardiology Internal Medicine – Neurology Internal Medicine – Oncology Internal Medicine – Small Animal Nutrition Ophthalmology Radiology Radiology – Radiation Oncology Surgery Zoology Unlike human …
Veterinary Emerging Topics Report for 2018 focuses on AMRFebruary 15, 2018Banfield Pet Hospital and the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) have published the second annual Veterinary Emerging Topics (VET) Report. This year's report focuses on feline antimicrobial usage and the mounting public health issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), expanding the 2017 conversation that discussed canine patients. "Our second annual VET Report enables Banfield to continue its commitment to advancing pet health," said Daniel Aja, DVM, chief medical officer, Banfield Pet Hospital. " … Our … goal is to give veterinarians around the world information they need to provide the best care possible to feline patients, while also educating pet owners and the general public on the issue of AMR in companion animals." A lack of awareness around existing guidelines for antimicrobial usage in veterinary medicine has contributed to discordance between usage patterns and ideal treatments, according to the report. The 2018 publication highlights these guidelines and places a special focus on prescription patterns in common feline infections, considering the unique challenges cat owners face treating their feline companions, such as hiding behavior and defense mechanisms, the report stated. Research examined the treatment of upper respiratory infections and urinary tract infections in feline patients. Key findings include: 40 percent of …
Petplan announces 2018 Veterinary Excellence AwardsFebruary 14, 2018 Petplan pet insurance hosted its annual Veterinary Excellence Awards dinner early this month, naming six veterinary professionals and one exemplary pet parent 2018's winners. The awards event was held in tandem with the Veterinary Meeting & Expo in Orlando, Fla. This year's winners: Practice of the Year: Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Fort Collins, Colo. Veterinarian of the Year: Thomas Newland, DVM, Adobe Animal Hospital, Scottsdale, Ariz. Practice Manager of the Year: Amanda Inman, Pet Care Clinic of Kokomo, Inc., Kokomo, Ind. Veterinary Technician of the Year: Jamie Rauscher, Animal Hospital of Towne Lake, Woodstock, Ga. Receptionist of the Year: Rebecca May, Town N' Country Animal Hospital, Burlington, N.C. Pet Parent of the Year: Danny Shelton, Cleveland Browns Defensive Lineman and Animal Health Advocate Nominees in each category were submitted by both professional peers and clients; then, each completed a rigorous application process to accept their candidacy and advance to the semifinalist and finalist rounds. The judging panel included veterinary professionals, several of whom are past award winners. "I'd like to extend a warm congratulations to each of this year's winners," said Natasha Ashton, Petplan co-founder and co-CEO. "It is an honor for all of us to witness …
Boehringer Ingelheim, Merial launch Recombitek Oral BordetellaFebruary 14, 2018Merial, now part of Boehringer Ingelheim, has launched Recombitek Oral Bordetella, an oral vaccine shown to be effective against canine infectious tracheobronchitis caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, the company reported. Clinical studies suggest that as a mucosal vaccine, it offers dogs a robust immune response after a single dose, according to the manufacturer. B. bronchiseptica, one of the primary pathogens responsible for canine infectious respiratory disease complex, is unique in its ability to evade the immune system for weeks to months. During this time, a dog that appears clinically normal could be exposing other dogs. "For many dogs, oral delivery may mean a less stressful experience without the unpleasant sneeze backs of alternative vaccines delivered through the nose," said Zach Mills, DVM, executive director of Boehringer Ingelheim's U.S. Pet Vet Veterinary Professional Services. "The packaging's flip-top vial cap allows for easy opening by veterinary staff, and the safe, needle-free pipette simplifies the vaccination process while reducing risk of injury." Recombitek Oral Bordetella is administered into the dog's buccal cavity. Recombitek vaccines are backed by the Pet Vaccines Customer Satisfaction Guarantee. Visit boehringer-ingelheim.com for more information.
Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital ranked No. 1 in CalPro Research surveyFebruary 14, 2018The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine's Veterinary Teaching Hospital ranked highest among 26 participating companion veterinary teaching hospitals across North America in the most recent CalPro Research Referring Veterinarian Survey. The national survey evaluates veterinary teaching hospitals on the basis of referring veterinarians' feedback concerning such categories as responsiveness, communication, client and patient experience, and quality of medicine. Referring veterinarians described the high quality of medicine and the clarity of instructions for follow-up care as defining features of the Purdue's patient services. The hospital was ranked above average in almost every specialty service category surveyed. "The survey results are a reflection of the consistent effort by dedicated faculty and staff, said Duncan Hockley, DVM, director of the Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital. "I am proud of our veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and supporting staff who work tirelessly to provide high-quality, compassionate care to our patients and clients," he said. "We are pleased that our referring veterinarians appreciate our work." The study has been conducted annually since 2012, with more than 11,000 primary care veterinarians providing feedback for the teaching hospitals of veterinary colleges in the U.S. CalPro Research professional services company provides customer service metrics …
Zoetis offers high-volume veterinary chemistry testingFebruary 13, 2018Zoetis has launched Carysta HVC (high volume chemistry), a standalone, chemistry diagnostic instrument designed to bring reference-lab quality testing to high-volume veterinary practices. Carysta HVC offers a menu of 37 routine and specialty parameters, available as singly selected tests or fully customizable panels, all on one system. The instrument, specifically designed for those veterinary practices conducting the highest volume of diagnostic tests, offers veterinarians greater operational flexibility than current instrument solutions, while improving quality, productivity, and reducing clinic costs of testing, according to the company. Carysta HVC is based on liquid reagent technology ideally suited for veterinary clinics, reference laboratories, and shelters that need greater throughput and test selection flexibility. The system runs multiple patient samples simultaneously with minimal sample volumes, enabling high-volume veterinary clinics to practice cost-effective medicine based on patient needs and allowing customized test selection based on veterinary requirements, and allows veterinarians the to add urgent samples with no work flow interruption. The product will be distributed through an exclusive partnership with DiaSys Diagnostic Systems USA LLC. Availability of Carysta HVC is expected in March. For more information, visit carysta.com.
Human behaviors may increase dog bite risk, study findsFebruary 13, 2018In an observational survey study of almost 700 individuals in the U.K., those who experience greater levels of anxiety, irritability, and depression may be at greater risk of being bitten by either a strange dog or one in the home. The findings were published online this month in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. Previous research has shown that most bites come from dogs that are familiar; 55 percent of the bites in this study came from unfamiliar dogs. According to lead author Carri Westgarth, Ph.D., Department of Epidemiology and Population Health at the University of Liverpool, Cheshire, U.K., although the latter finding was surprising, the real significance lies in the personality finding. "This has never been reported before, and I wasn't even really looking for that," said Westgarth. "But to me, how we behave regarding our health is likely to be influenced by our personality." More research is needed to see whether the results can be replicated using "a more detailed measure of personality," she added. Annually, about 9,500 U.S. citizens are hospitalized due to dog bite injuries, according to "Emergency Department Visits and Inpatient Stays Involvind Dog Bites," Laurel Holmquist, M.A. and Anne Elixhauser, Ph.D., …
