AAHA releases 2019 Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and CatsMarch 7, 2019The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has updated its dental care guidelines with the goal of decreasing oral pain and improving the quality of life for dogs and cats. While not always apparent to pet owners, by the age of three, dogs and cats have some level of periodontal disease. Updated from the 2013 edition, the 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats are designed to help veterinary professionals expand their current client education efforts, so pet owners understand periodontal disease can be avoided through regular dental checkups and proper home care. The new guidelines also help veterinary practitioners address the fear of anesthesia among pet owners, as it is the most common reason for declining dental procedures. "Regular dental care is one of the most powerful ways we can improve the quality of life of our patients," said AAHA chief executive officer, Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, DABVP (emeritus). "AAHA continues to support the use of general anesthesia in dental procedures to promote appropriate diagnostic capabilities and decrease patient stress, injury, and risk of aspiration. Because home care is crucial in the support of a healthy, pain-free mouth, client communication and education remain central to these guidelines." Detailed …
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Feline medicine scholarship now availableFebruary 4, 2019A new scholarship by Winn Feline Foundation and the AAFP, created to support future veterinarians and advance feline medicine, is now available.
Couple alleges clinic killed their cat with incorrect doseJanuary 31, 2019A couple is suing a Queens-based veterinary clinic for allegedly prescribing a high dose of medication to a cat by mistake, causing it to pass away.
Pet obesity rates continue to rise in the U.S.January 3, 2019Pet obesity has increased in the U.S. for the eighth consecutive year, according to pet insurance provider Nationwide.
What's the deal with CBD?July 16, 2018Perplexed or annoyed by the consideration of medical marijuana in veterinary medicine? I was. As a veterinarian who finds controlled substances a total pain to manage, I was put out by the prospect of one more item I had to oversee meticulously.
Using soft tissue surgical lasersJuly 14, 2018The key to the success of soft tissue surgical lasers is their ability to vaporize and coagulate the soft tissue at the same time, which makes many soft tissue procedures much simpler and far more enjoyable for practitioners.
Giving oral health a stronger biteJuly 13, 2018Over the past few decades, growing awareness among both veterinarians and pet owners alike about the importance of good oral health for companion animals—combined with clinical advances, better dental instruments, and more home dental care options—is brightening the dental health outlook for companion animals.
Supporting the aging petJuly 12, 2018The last 10 percent of a pet’s lifespan is when they struggle the most with different ailments that come with aging. Of course, not only are these animals struggling—their dedicated owners also are struggling.
How to reduce surgical site infectionsJuly 11, 2018Considering the emergence of resistant bacteria, having a solid plan to decrease infection risk becomes increasingly important. A surgical site infection (SSI) is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an infection occurring at the surgical site within 30 days following a procedure, or within one year of placing an implant. You can significantly decrease risk in your practice by scrutinizing four factors that contribute to SSI incidence: patients, environmental and human factors, and miscellaneous risks.
What is a placebo?July 10, 2018There is no consensus definition of a placebo or of the placebo effect. It is generally accepted that a placebo is an inert treatment with no direct physiologic effect on a patient’s disease or symptoms. Placebo effects, then, are effects associated with the administration of an inert treatment that are perceived as beneficial by the patient or that of observers.
