Therapeutic Diets: Improving Pets’ Quality Of LifeMarch 6, 2012 Even before people labeled themselves pet owners, they provided scraps of food for dogs and cats. But it wasn’t until pet food manufacturing for U.S. dogs started in 1890 and for cats in the 1930s that the initiative for improving animal health through nutrition began. Pet food has since evolved in ways that amaze even veterinarians. Therapeutic diets today are created specifically to prevent or delay onset of many medical conditions and help …
NAVC Expeditions – Veterinary Learning Around The WorldNovember 21, 2011 In a quest to be the first veterinary group to offer veterinary continuing education credit on every continent, the North American Veterinary Conference started “Expeditions” in February 2008. The program’s motto is, “The destination is your classroom, and nature is your teacher.” The idea behind Expeditions is to help promote the One Health concept: Human Health – Animal Health – World Health. The Expeditions program pairs veterinarians with veterinary experts, biologists and …
Maximize Technicians’ Potential As Client CommunicatorsOctober 28, 2011 When technicians excel in the medical and communication components of their jobs, they can maximize revenue and encourage a more efficient practice. Consultants say, however, that many veterinarians aren’t delegating enough responsibility to technicians. Training is the biggest hurdle that keeps practitioners from using technicians fully, experts say, noting that members of a practice’s team should share responsibility for client communications. Technicians are often viewed by clients as easier to approach, perhaps less …
Could Your Practice Use A CWO?October 1, 2011Until recently, there were: The CEO, or Chief Executive Officer; The CFO, or Chief Financial Officer; The CIO, or Chief Information Officer; The CTO, or Chief Technology Officer; And a few others (CSO, CCO and CKO anybody*?) I recently heard of the CWO, aka Chief WOW Officer, aka Director of WOW, as Nido Qubein calls it. The businessman and motivational speaker is currently the President of High Point University, an amazing …
In Wake Of EHV-1 Outbreak, Some Say Better Biosecurity Measures Are NeededSeptember 19, 2011 The equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) outbreak traced to an April National Cutting Horse Association event in Ogden, Utah, is over, according to a June 23 U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) situation report. Ninety cases of EHV-1, or equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM), were confirmed in nine states. Of the 90 cases, 54 were present at the Utah event. Thirteen horses linked to the incident died or were euthanized. …
Lewis Sees Exciting Times For Pfizer Animal Health, Despite UncertaintyAugust 23, 2011 Ever since Pfizer Inc. hired J.P. Morgan in July to evaluate strategic options for its animal health business, the unit has faced increased scrutiny and speculation. The parent company is considering divesting the unit to focus more on its core human health care business and please shareholders. Animal health contributed about $3.6 billion to Pfizer’s $68 billion in total revenues in 2010. In an interview with Veterinary Practice News, Clint Lewis, president of …
Physical Rehab, Integrative Medicine As Growth OpportunitiesJuly 18, 2011 These are difficult times for many small businesses, and veterinary practices are no exception. Prior to the recession, industry reports indicated a declining trend in several metrics, including patient visits, transactions and new clients. Confirmation of this decline came earlier this year with the release of the Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study. This study compiled industry data, extensively surveyed pet owners and presented it in a format that left little room for interpretation. …
Websites Offer A Window Into The PracticeMay 23, 2011 According to Nielson Net-Ratings, 85 percent of consumers say a quality website is fundamental to earning trust. More than 77 percent said they were more likely to make a purchase from an unfamiliar business with a quality website than a poor website from a known business. Some website developers say veterinarians can expect 30 new clients per month, but a more typical outcome is six to 12 new clients a month. The increased …
Vets Can Add To Bottom Line With Pet Retail ProductsMarch 31, 2011 Despite a serious downturn in the economy, pet ownership and spending continue to grow. But competition within the pet market is also growing. On one side is the growth of big-box pet outlets while on the other are retailers increasing the number of pet and pet-related products they sell. For example, even Home Depot is increasing its pet product selections and in some cases is actively promoting these products. Even smaller local retailers …
The Big 5February 18, 2011 You probably still lure in some new clients with the old standby marketing method commonly known as “word of mouth.” Yet, you probably are becoming increasingly aware that this once-reliable strategy is not nearly as effective as it used to be. Blame the economic climate or the information superhighway: Certainly there are many factors at play. What’s most important, however, is understanding that even a great reputation and location can’t guarantee your …
