Keep more flea and tick preventive purchases in-clinicMarch 20, 2019When pet owners needed to purchase parasite control products, they traditionally went to their local veterinarian. However, the influx of retail businesses (both online and brick and mortar) competing in this market has created a financial feasting frenzy on clinic profits. "We have moved from having a near monopoly on the sale of flea/tick products to the current situation where less than half of clients are now purchasing their flea/tick products from their veterinarian," says Lowell Ackerman, DVM, DACVD, an independent consultant, author, and lecturer. In most veterinary hospitals, pharmaceuticals represent 25 to 30 percent of revenue, according to Dr. Ackerman. As the bulk of that revenue comes from the sale of parasite control products, this "erosion" of sales is both significant and troubling. Reel 'em back in Reasons as to why pet owners have strayed beyond home base varies. Cost, convenience, and just not knowing the benefits of purchasing from their veterinarian are examples. When it comes to product pricing, veterinarians need to be competitive, but they don't need to be the low-price leader, according to Ackerman. "Clients see most noninjectable parasite control products as commodities, and it is easy for them to compare prices across different sources," …
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Four Kansas State University veterinary students receive $1,000 AVMA scholarshipsMarch 7, 2019Four Kansas State University veterinary students have each been awarded $1,000 by the Auxiliary to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Legacy Endowed Scholarship. The awards are given to students at 32 AVMA-accredited veterinary colleges in the U.S., the Atlantic Veterinary College in Canada, and St. George's University and Ross University in the Caribbean to support their education. This year, the scholarships went to third-year veterinary medicine students, Danielle Pickering and Katelyn Guill-Sanchez, and second-year veterinary medicine students, Rebecca Tomasek and Katya Luckenbach. "This scholarship will help me relieve some of the financial burden of veterinary school, as I pursue a career in small animal or mixed medicine, and eventually a doctorate," Pickering says. "As a veterinary student who is interested in public health and international veterinary medicine, I am always looking for educational opportunities to travel to other countries to experience what the field of veterinary medicine is like in them," Luckenbach says. "Being an out-of-state student, it is hard to justify borrowing extra money for electives involving international travel, so having the privilege of being awarded this scholarship will help to fund my upcoming international veterinary tours elective." "I am so excited to receive this award for the …
AVMA urges Congress to act on horse abuseFebruary 8, 2019The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is asking Congress to pass the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, which would help end the cruel and inhumane practice of soring horses. AVMA says soring continues to be a pervasive issue, especially in Tennessee's walking horse industry, where deliberate pain is inflicted to exaggerate a horse's gait and gain advantage in horse shows. "From a veterinary viewpoint, it's indisputable that soring causes horses an unacceptable and unnecessary level of pain," said AVMA president John de Jon, DVM. "Unfortunately, soring practitioners have become experts at hiding evidence and even working with horse show inspectors to avoid detection. The PAST Act would provide the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with the resources and enforcement mechanisms necessary to finally end this cruel and inhumane practice." Soring methods include the long-term application of harsh chemicals to horses' legs, the grinding of their soles to expose sensitive tissue, the insertion of hard objects such as nails between horses' shoes or pads and their soles, and the use of chains or other "action devices." Although soring was made illegal in the 1970s, AVMA reports violations often go undetected because trainers and owners are able to exploit loopholes in …
AVMA offers cold weather safety advice for petsJanuary 22, 2019With winter in full swing, pet owners are being urged to take precaution to protect their animals from injuries caused by ice and de-icers.
NAVTA and AVMA to continue partnership through 2019January 15, 2019The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) will continue to provide association management and other support services for the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
AVMA LIFE Trust to return in 2019January 14, 2019The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) will once more offer health insurance to members.
AVMA revamps AVMF board of directorsJanuary 7, 2019The AVMA has formed a new board of directors for the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) to help advance its mission, services, and programs.
AVMA and AAC release statements commending the 2018 Farm BillDecember 25, 2018The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Animal Agriculture Coalition (AAC) have both released statements commending the government’s 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report.
Santa Claus' official veterinarian seeks team to tend to reindeerDecember 14, 2018Santa Claus’ reindeer are in need of a valiant team of veterinarians to ensure they stay healthy and on schedule on Christmas Eve.
AVMA seeks public participation in accreditation reviewDecember 11, 2018The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) council on education (COE) is inviting anyone interested in the future of animal health care to complete a survey reviewing its accreditation regulations.
