Changes in 2016 Set the Stage for Exciting 2017

We end this year faced with the uncertainties of a future with new government and what this will mean for the veterinary profession. At first blush, it looks like small businesses will benefit as a result of proposed tax cuts and a repeal of mandated healthcare coverage from the Affordable Care Act.

We have seen advances such as the American Veterinary Medication Association (AVMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics adopting a joint statement, “The Value of Professional Collaboration in Protecting the Health of People and Animals,” on November 3 in honor of the inaugural One Health Day, which “outlines potential opportunities for collaboration that would benefit patients, families, and communities.”¹

In addition, with a nod towards the One Health Initiative, we will see the adoption of a new Veterinary Feed Directive, that will take effect on January 1, 2017. The directive will regulate the administration of medically important human antibiotics in animal feed and drinking water, requiring veterinary oversite for the administration of these medications in food animals, even those that are not intended for food production. It is a reminder to all veterinarians, not just those working with large and food animals, to practice antibiotic stewardship in an effort to keep all animals (human and other) safe.

In this issue, we feature a primer on using innovative therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy in your practice. Extra attention has been given to the business and practice management sections to help you prepare for the new year with articles on how to build client loyalty, as well as stay connected with your practice staff. As you finish up your annual books, we provide insights into how to deal with delinquent clients. The therapeutic value of how therapy animals used in cancer therapies is highlighted in an article from one of our esteemed human healthcare sister journals, Cure, for our focus on cancer and pain management, and as it is the breeding season for our equine friends, we have included an article that focuses on barriers to reproductive success in mares. Our canine health article showcases what you need to know for successful dental extractions, while we focus on how cranial cruciate ligament injuries impact gait patterns and behavior in cats in our feline focus section. Canine socialization and flea management round out our behavioral health and client education sections, and highlights from AVMA Conference 2016, Wild West Veterinary Conference 2016, Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference 2016, and the San Diego Central Veterinary Conference 2016, complete this issue.

I hope that 2017 will prove to be a fruitful year with positive changes in store for the country and veterinary professionals.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season and have a happy new year!

Charlotte Lacroix, DVM, JD

Editor-in-Chief

Reference:

• AVMA, pediatrics academy collaborate toward one health. American Veterinary Medical Association website. https://www.avma.org/News/JAVMANews/Pages/161215c.aspx. Accessed December 6, 2016.