Weekly Veterinary Industry Review #5

It’s Friday, August 28th, 2020. Welcome to round five of the Weekly Veterinary Industry Review, brought to you by GeniusVets. This week we discuss the financial uncertainty and high suicide rate among veterinarians but, don't worry, we counter that with hopeful stories, helpful information on virtual care, and the many ways in which veterinarians can support their own. So let's get to it...

 

Veterinary Business News

Keeping you at the forefront of veterinary news regarding products, personnel, and conferences...

 

Key Figure at the AVMA Predicts Financial Uncertainty in the Veterinary Field

  • This piece about the Director of the AVMA Veterinary Economics Division, Matthew J. Salois, PhD, warning of economic challenges in the field is timely. Our Webinar Wednesday guest this week, Terry O’Neil, warned of the same thing despite the current boom. Watch Terry O'Neil's replay here.
  • The article notes that Salois “stresses that he doesn’t know what economic changes will come, but he urges caution. He sees signs of a continuing recession and recommends that veterinarians maintain savings, delay unnecessary large expenses, and improve efficiency.”
  • Another recommendation Salois makes is that veterinarians should also stock additional personal protective equipment (PPE) in case of a rise in COVID-19 infections.
  • Article posted by AVMA.org

 

A Virtual Summit on Virtual Veterinary Care? Check and Check

  • The Veterinary Virtual Care Association (VVCA) just launched a new website and also announced its virtual care summit.
  • If you missed the summit, you can still access the content and available CE for 90 days at www.virtualcaresummit.vet.
  • Article posted by the VVCA

 

AVMA President Douglas Kratt talks COVID and Cannabis

  • New AVMA president Dr. Douglas Kratt talked to Austin’s Fox 7 about connected care during COVID as well as the very slight risk for animals being carriers.
  • He also discussed being on the front end of the research of cannabis in treating pet illnesses as well as the negatives (toxicity and pets getting into edibles), drug interactions, and whether it is problematic or beneficial for animals with kidney disease which is still TBD.
  • Although he discussed these topics in regards to the AVMA virtual convention that just happened about a week ago, this video is worth a watch to hear his take on COVID and cannabis.
  • Article posted by the Austin's FOX 7

 

Veterinary Suicide Numbers Are Staggering, But There is Hope

  • The most recent data from this article by TodaysVeterinaryPractice.com show that, depending on gender, veterinarians are 1.6 to 2.4 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population and veterinary nurses are 2.3 to 5 times more likely.
  • As the article notes, “Many have asked why this increased risk exists. Theories have included easy access to lethal drugs, the emotional stress caused by regular exposure to death, and the financial stress of a high debt-to-income ratio. In truth, the issue is multifactorial and likely involves each of these things and more.”
  • The article touches on Dr. Andy Roark’s “4-Eyes” program that works to limit access to life-ending drugs as well as how to find support within and outside of the community, strategies to improve well-being, and what comes next in the fight against veterinary suicide.
  • Article posted TodaysVeterinaryPractice.com

     

Pet Business News

Topical stories your clients will want to hear...

A San Francisco Support Group Helps Those Mourning the Loss of a Pet

  • In light of the upcoming Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day and our accompanying blog post on euthanasia, we thought it was appropriate to share an article on just how tough the grieving process can be after losing a fur baby.
  • This article is about a San Francisco group for those mourning these losses, noting that “Support for grieving pet owners is growing especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
  • Kevin Ringstaff - who, interestingly enough, is a certified pet grief counselor and a pet chaplain - has led weekly bereavement sessions for four years from his Bay Area home, drawing participants from around the country and world.
  • “We can’t go out and get hugs from our friends and family,” he said. “Some of my clients, the only thing they have or had in their whole house was their pets and their pets died.”
  • Article posted by CBS San Francisco

 

Let’s Talk Wrinkles—Wrinkly Face Doggos, That Is

  • Owners of breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Shar Peis, Mastiffs, Pekingese, and Bloodhounds often times need a crucial reminder that their dogs are predisposed to getting infections in their skin folds, hyperkeratosis of the nose and/or paw pads, and other breed-related issues.
  • The article points out the need for veterinarians to get a preemptive jump on discussing this with their clients to avoid rehoming due to frustrations.
  • As the article notes, “If possible, make owners aware of this before any problems arise. When these breeds are in for wellness visits mention that the owner should monitor the appearance of the skin folds and nose. That way if they notice any early signs of irritation in the folds or crusting on the nose, they can seek early treatment.”
  • Article posted by the My Vet Candy Blog

     

Veterinary Tech and Toys

The latest innovations to keep pets happy and healthy...

9 Boredom-Busting Toys Your Clients Will Love

  • We’ve seen a lot of articles on the inevitable separation anxiety some pets will feel as their previously remote working parents return to their onsite positions.
  • This is a fun article by Bustle on some fun toys that can solve the problems for cats and dogs. The mazes and super circuit rollers are amazing, but the Trixie Cat Activity Fun Board will blow your mind.
  • Article posted by Bustle

     

Not-So-Human-Interest

Lighter pet stories to provide much-needed cheer in difficult times...

Rad Rides For Roofus

  • We always end our weekly review with some feel-good news, and is there anything that makes you feel better than seeing a happy dog with the wind in their hair as they hang their head out a car window?
  • This is especially true during COVID, as car rides, daily walks, and naps are pretty much the extent of a dog’s life these days.
  • The article shares an adorable photo of Jim Morrison’s rescue dogs, Daisy and Turbo, happily hanging out on the seats of his Jeep as they bask in the afternoon sun. Morrison is the head of the Jeep brand for FCA-North America.
  • Check out the article for the other nine car brands that are recommended to make your dog’s road trip more enjoyable. Of course, one of them is today's most coveted car, Tesla, which actually comes with special technology to accommodate dogs.
  • Article posted by Detroit Free Press

     

Have something newsworthy in the veterinary field? Reach out to us at [email protected]. Enjoy our weekly veterinary industry review, coming to you each Friday afternoon.