From the Field

As veterinary professionals, we know all too well that the signs of osteoarthritis (OA) can be missed or misinterpreted by pet owners. Many times, the subtler clinical signs associated with osteoarthritis are thought to be normal age-related changes. Because this leads to underdiagnosis of OA, we focused Banfield Pet Hospital’s 2019 State of Pet Health® Report on osteoarthritis, including how the condition is linked to excess weight.

Student debt is among the most critical issues facing veterinarians—and we can all do something to help.

Mental and emotional health is becoming less taboo in the veterinary world as compassion fatigue, cyberbullying, and more escalate. Banfield is realizing the importance of transparency and assistance.

Managing osteoarthritis, particularly in pets with excess weight, is not new to the veterinary profession; however, we found several opportunities exist to improve the care these affected pets receive. Quality medical management of OA requires a multi-faceted diagnostic and treatment plan—a combination of diagnostic testing, multi-modal pain management, and weight management must be considered to most effectively improve patient outcomes.

Banfield is invested in supporting credentialed veterinary technicians. In addition to increasing hourly pay and continuing education funding for all our veterinary technicians in 2018, Banfield is supporting the Veterinary Nurse Initiative.

Banfield Pet Hospital’s 2018 State of Pet Health® Report focused on the 3 common allergic dermatitis conditions found in pet patients: food, flea, and atopy.

From the Field shares insights from Banfield Pet Hospital veterinary team members. Drawing from the nationwide practice’s extensive research, as well as findings from its electronic veterinary medical records database and more than 8 million annual pet visits, this column is intended to explore topics and spark conversations relevant to veterinary practices that ultimately help …

Banfield launched a new anesthesia program, including Anesthesia and Analgesia for the Veterinary Practitioner: Canine and Feline and the introduction of Anesthesia Medical Quality Standards. Guidelines, protocols and Clinical Essentials have been developed from an evaluation of the current literature, consensus of board-certified veterinary specialists and align with other professional standards, whenever possible.

Compassion fatigue will never have a one-size-fits-all solution, but it’s imperative that we do the right things for ourselves and our profession by talking about and making our mental health and wellbeing a priority. For us to be the best veterinary professionals we can be, we must first take care of ourselves.