“Best
22 September

Report from the State Veterinarian

wsvma   |   State Regulatory

West Nile Virus Update – (from Dr. Thomas Gilliom) – The West Nile Virus (WNV) has been confirmed in nine horses by mid-September in our state.  Spokane County has recorded six cases, one in Benton County, one in Lincoln County, and one in Kittitas County. The virus infects birds which are the natural reservoir.  An interesting side note is that we found WNV this year in a pheasant and a gyrfalcon. WNV is spread by mosquitoes that have fed on infected...

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22 September

World Rabies Day

wsvma   |   One Health

At Washington State University, scientists in the Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health are working toward an ambitious goal: no human rabies deaths by 2030. On September 28, World Rabies Day, they and global partners across the world will come together to raise awareness for the deadliest zoonotic disease on the planet. “Eliminating human deaths due to rabies, 99 percent of which are due to bites from rabid dogs, is for the first time in history within our...

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22 September

This WEek’s Helpful Links

wsvma   |   Uncategorized

Local startup is raising funds to build a telehealth service — for the family pet - Geekwire Labor union for veterinary workforce makes national push – VIN News Service Laboratory Service Agreements – Know the nuances behind your signature – Simmons and Associates Pets are more than just cute and cuddly – new research shows they’re actually making us healthier – The Pet Effect People with Sick Pets Have More Anxiety and Depression – Time.com...

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15 September

VBOG considers requiring notification of risks associated with certain drugs, including NSAIDs

wsvma   |   State Regulatory

The Veterinary Board of Governors (VBOG) is considering rulemaking to require veterinarians to provide counseling and/or Client Information Sheets (CIS) when dispensing or administering certain drugs, including NSAIDs. In June, VBOG received a petition from a pet owner who lost his dog due to complications from NSAIDs. The veterinarian had not provided any information to the pet owner about possible risks or side effects from their dog taking the drug. The pet owner’s petition asked VBOG to add specific language in WAC...

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15 September

Forward Booking Annual/Semi-Annual Checkups is a Best Practice for Your Practice

wsvma   |   Practice Management

Forward Booking is scheduling ALL patients’ next appointments before they leave your practice, regardless of the reason for their current visit. Many veterinary practices do a great job of this when it comes to medical rechecks. However, the veterinary profession falls short when it comes to forward booking preventive healthcare checkups. According to the 2014 Veterinary Hospital Managers Association Insiders’ Insights Report and the 2013 American Animal Hospital Association State of the Industry Report, less than 3% of practices “always”...

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