Banfield launches telehealth service for on-demand veterinarian supportJune 5, 2019Banfield Pet Hospital is offering its Optimum Wellness Plan clients a new way to discuss their pet's health with a veterinarian. The company has launched a telehealth service on its app called Vet Chat, which offers clients on-demand access to pet care advice and support from a veterinarian anytime and anywhere. "At Banfield, we never take for granted being entrusted with the care of a beloved pet is to be invited into the emotional center of a person's life," says company president, Brian Garish. "To us, that means not only being with you throughout your pet's life—from puppyhood through the golden years––it also means being there during those unexpected, sometimes anxiety-ridden moments between visits. "Vet Chat marks the next chapter in the future of pet care, and we're thrilled to offer a service benefitting our clients, their pets, and our veterinary teams." In a pet owner telehealth survey, Banfield found 39 percent of respondents admit they sometimes struggle to decide when to call the veterinarian and nearly four in 10 say they prefer to consult the internet first. Ninety percent of veterinarians say they worry pet owners may unknowingly put their pet at more risk by taking bad advice …
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Midmark acquires Mason CompanyJune 5, 2019Midmark has acquired animal boarding and containment solutions, Mason Company. Located in Ohio and founded in 1892, Mason utilizes designs and materials to ensure its products are Fear Free certified, promoting quiet and calming environments through consideration of workflow and the acute senses of animal patients. "We are extremely excited to welcome Mason to the Midmark family," says the company's president and chief executive officer, John Baumann. "The expertise Mason brings to Midmark enhances our position to design better care environments for our customers. It also strengthens Midmark's position as a leader of the animal health space that continues to bring our customers innovative solutions and new ideas as they strive to improve the quality of care." The acquisition allows Midmark to be in on early discussions of new construction, pairing its stainless steel and proprietary offerings with Mason's designs to help create comfortable accommodations for long-term boarding of companion animals. "Being involved in the early stages of a project gives us the ideal platform to deliver solutions to our customers by bringing clinical spaces, comprehensive technologies, and workflows into harmony," adds Midmark chief commercial officer, Jon Wells.
Veterinarian develops platelet-rich fibrin kit for pets and equineMay 20, 2019There is now a new way to treat companion and equine animals with chronic and nonhealing wounds. Corey Orava, DVM, Enso Discoveries chief scientific officer, has developed a platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) kit for veterinary use. The procedure can be completed in less than 30 minutes and can help treat cases such as: acute/chronic/nonhealing wounds; draining tracts; graft stabilization; burns; dental surgery; and bone regeneration. "There has long been a need in the regenerative medicine space for improved products, which are cost-effective and have a focus on what is best for the animal and the practice," says Enso Discoveries chief executive officer, Patrick Farley. "Thanks to such new developments as our PRF kit, which uses our proprietary Expressate system, we have been able to help veterinarians around the country save multiple animals that were scheduled for amputation or euthanasia." PRF can also be used as a second-generation autologous blood product, which would remove the risk of rejection.
New bill would allow California veterinarians to recommend cannabisApril 22, 2019A new bill introduced to the California legislation could repeal an original ban on veterinarians recommending cannabis to their clients. The bill, SB 627, would allow licensed veterinarians to discuss the use of and recommend medicinal cannabis or related products on an animal patient for any condition for which these products provide relief. The bill would also prohibit a veterinarian who makes a recommendation under these provisions from being punished, or denied any right or privilege, for recommending these products. Currently, The Veterinary Medicine Practice Act authorizes the board to revoke or suspend the license of a person to practice veterinary medicine, or to assess a fine, for discussing medicinal cannabis with a client while the veterinarian is employed by or has an agreement with a Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) licensee and is distributing advertising for cannabis in California. Further, the bill would permit pet owners to purchase medicinal cannabis or medicinal cannabis products on a veterinarian's recommendation.
Nationwide members paid $119 million to treat their dogs and catsMarch 21, 2019Nationwide members spent $119 million in 2018 to treat their dogs and cats. The pet health insurance company analyzed its database of more than 725,000 insured pets to determine the top 10 most common conditions that prompted veterinary visits. "Pet owners are encouraged to schedule regular medical checkups as recommended by their veterinarians to prevent many common, yet problematic medical conditions," says Nationwide vice president and chief veterinary officer, Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA. "Early detection can be key. The majority of medical conditions on the top 10 list can be successfully managed if treated promptly by a veterinarian." The following conditions affect dogs and cats the most, according to Nationwide: Dogs 1) skin allergies 2) ear infection 3) noncancerous skin mass 4) diarrhea/intestinal upset 5) skin infection 6) vomiting/upset stomach 7) arthritis 8) dental disease 9) anal gland inflammation 10) bladder urinary tract disease Cats 1) bladder/urinary tract disease 2) dental disease 3) chronic kidney disease 4) vomiting/upset stomach 5) diarrhea/intestinal upset 6) excessive thyroid hormone 7) upper respiratory infection 8) skin allergies 9) diabetes 10) heart valve malfunction
Banfield Foundation commits $1 million to keep pets and domestic abuse victims togetherMarch 7, 2019The Banfield Foundation says it is investing $1 million in its Safer Together initiative to help victims of domestic violence and their pets find pet-friendly shelters. According to a recent study, up to 89 percent of pet-owning domestic violence victims report their abuser has threatened, injured, or killed the family pet. Further, about six to 10 percent of domestic violence shelters allow animals onsite. The Safe Together grant would allow qualifying nonprofit organizations to apply for funding as they increase their capacity to help people and pets escape domestic violence. "Through our work and the work of other outstanding organizations, we hope to create a world where victims never have to choose between their own safety and the safety of their loved ones, including their pets," says Banfield Foundation executive director, Kim Van Syoc. "Victims often remain in a dangerous environment because they do not have access to a pet-friendly shelter or program, and we believe saving the life of a pet can save the life of a human. Pets play an essential role in families, particularly during crises like domestic violence. Keeping pets safe and healthy helps ensure they remain a vital part of their …
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 …
U.S. and Canadian pet owners more likely buy pet insurance regardless of incomeJanuary 17, 2019More than half of pet owners in the U.S. and Canada are willing to purchase insurance for their animals regardless of their income.
Paw-protecting socks donated to pets injured in California firesDecember 18, 2018A California-based pet accessory brand is helping dogs and cats in need following the state’s devastating wildfires.
AVMA data shows pet ownership on the rise in the U.S.November 21, 2018Pet ownership is on the rise in the U.S., with dogs leading the way and large increases in the number of less traditional pets like poultry and lizards, according to recently released data from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
