Veterinary Voices

Burr in the side of practice management software

When a veterinarian told colleagues that his practice data was being "held hostage" by a practice management software company, they voiced concern, but no one expressed shock.

This story was published in print on Sept. 19, 2024.

Veterinarians in Australia hit by IV fluid drought

An extended shortage of intravenous fluids in Australia is prompting veterinarians to ration supplies and delay some elective procedures amid expectations that it could take until 2025 for availability to return to normal.

This story was published in print on Sept. 13, 2024.

Bill would extend US tax break to veterinary care

Tax-advantaged savings accounts in the United States that help people pay for health care would be extended to cover veterinary fees and pet insurance, under a proposed federal law.

This story was published in print on Sept. 11, 2024.

Extreme weather is risky for veterinary drugs, too

With consumers turning more to mail delivery of medications even as shifts in climate drive weather extremes, the risk of exposing drugs to harsh environments is gaining attention.

The article on which this episode is based was published in print on Sept. 5, 2024.

Show notes:

The New York Times article cited is Hot summer threatens efficacy of mail-order medications.

The scientific study cited is Evaluation of temperature excursions from USP <659> recommendations during mail transit.

US state eases access for foreign-trained veterinarians

Targeting a veterinarian shortage in their state, New Hampshire lawmakers are looking to an untapped resource: foreign-trained veterinarians stuck in an overburdened licensing pipeline.

This article was published in print on Sept. 3, 2024.

Light bulb ban threatens reptile, amphibian welfare

When Dr. La'Toya Latney first met Chamillionaire, the youngster was suffering from serious bone damage.

This article was published in print on Aug. 29, 2024.

Voters could create first midlevel veterinary role in US

The creation of a midlevel professional in veterinary medicine has moved a step closer to reality and, in a novel twist, its fate rests on a public vote.

This article was published in print on Aug. 28, 2024.

Side effects raise questions on NexGard Combo parasiticide

Reports of serious, sometimes deadly, neurologic problems in cats given certain parasite-control treatments are drawing scrutiny to NexGard Combo, a topical medication introduced in the United States last year.

This article was published in print on July 16, 2024.

Pet insurance in the US: a 'failure'?

To read the North American pet insurance trade group's latest state of the industry report, one might think all is well: More dogs and cats are covered each year and sales revenue continues to trend upward.

At least three veterinarians who have followed the industry for years have a different view. 

This article was published in print on Aug. 19, 2024.

PetIQ shuts practices, lays off scores of veterinarians

Pet medication distributor PetIQ has all but ended a brief foray into veterinary practice with the closure of 133 clinics that will see scores of veterinarians and support staff lose their jobs.

This article was published in print on Aug. 15, 2024.