BetterHelp coming to the GVMA Compass Program We are pleased to announce Compass, the GVMA Member Assistance Program, will include access to BetterHelp, a leading provider of online counseling and therapy services, beginning May 1st, 2023! BetterHelp offers a comprehensive online platform to access virtual counseling through chat, phone, and video. This partnership also further expands the robust provider network to ensure accessibility and diversity. Effective May 1, 2023, BetterHelp will be accessible to GVMA Members through the COMPASS Program at no additional cost. You do not need to enroll or purchase. Your...

How will Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) change the veterinary industry? What is Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)? Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) refers to the ability of AI to perform any intellectual task that humans can, and it has the potential to revolutionize industries like healthcare and transportation, bringing significant advancements to society. What is ChatGPT? ChatGPT is an advanced computer program that can understand human language and generate human-like responses. It is a powerful tool that can enable veterinarians to interact with clients in natural and engaging ways and can benefit the veterinary industry...

What You Need to Know FDA's GFI #263 aims to combat antimicrobial resistance, which threatens animal and public health. AMR arises from antimicrobial use in humans, animals, and horticulture. Slowing down AMR development requires judicious use of antimicrobials across all settings. This will be effective June 1, 2023. Why is this happening? In the U.S., more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur each year.  What is antimicrobial resistance? Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. That means the germs are not killed and...

Cardiac disease in the performance horse: Atrial Fibrillation and Equine Valvular Disease  Erin M Beasley DVM, PhD, DACVIM-LAIMUniversity of Georgia, Large Animal Medicine Objectives  This article will review common cardiac conditions that affect the performance horse. The impact of each cardiac problem on athletic performance as well as recommendations for treatment, management and prognosis for future athletic performance will be discussed.  Cardiac disease in the performance horse  The prevalence of cardiac conditions in the performance horse appears to vary with breed and discipline. In one study investigating a variety of horse breeds and disciplines in...

Tornadoes: Georgia's #1 Weather-Related Killer With tornado season underway, we've compiled some resources for disaster preparedness and recovery. Tornadoes can strike quickly and without warning, leaving little time to evacuate and protect animals. In this blog post, we'll discuss some important steps to take in order to prepare for tornado season, including resources from OSHA and other organizations that can help ensure the safety and recovery of both animals and humans. Tornado Watch vs Warning A tornado watch means weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. A tornado warning means either a tornado is occurring or...

View Employee Newsletter (april 2023) View Supervisor Newsletter (april 2023) Complimentary Online Seminar Guiding Your Family to Greener Living In this session, we will explore the steps towards greener living and how to guide your family to living more sustainably. We can help you connect intentions with actions for better mental wellbeing. Available on demand starting April 18 through the GVMA Compass. ACCESS THE GVMA Compass, A Member assistance PROGRAM ...

Compounding guidance is tightening up. Even though the FDA will not come into veterinary hospitals, ordering compounded substances may become more challenging. How will this affect your patients and their prescriptions? When does GFI #256 apply? This guidance applies when ordering compounded animal drugs made from bulk substances for office stock. Additionally, it applies to prescriptions for food-producing species and free-range wildlife, regardless of whether your request is for a patient-specific prescription or office stock. What can be ordered for office stock: Medications ordered for office stock must be listed on the relevant FDA List...

Written by Christina Restrepo, DVM, DACVD Animal Specialty Hospital of Florida, Naples, FL, USA Introduction Otitis externa (OE) is the inflammation of the external ear canal lining, which can also involve the pinna(e). It is one of the most common conditions seen by small animal veterinarians, representing as much as 10 to 20% of canine cases and 2-8% in feline patients.OE results from a combination of factors that alter the physical and microbiological state of the ear canal such that inflammation and infection occur in a somewhat vicious cycle.The underlying cause [ie. predisposing...

Pictured, left to right: Dr. Karen Wylie, Dr. Denise Funk, Dr. Doris Miller Women of GVMA: Women's History Month Back in November, we welcomed Dr. Elizabeth Mackey to her term as 2023 GVMA President. Prior to becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Mackey worked 15 years as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and educator specializing in raptors. Dr. Mackey is a 2006 graduate of University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, where she also completed an internship in Exotic, Wildlife and Zoological medicine in 2008. She is the previous owner of Mackey Exotic Animal Clinic, where...

Pictured, left to right: Dr. Karen Wylie, Dr. Denise Funk, Dr. Doris Miller Women of GVMA: Women's History Month Travel back in time with us to the year 2000, when Dr. Doris Miller was elected as the first GVMA President that identified as a woman. Since then, GVMA has grown to better represent the Georgia veterinary community, with more women than ever in leadership roles. Currently, the GVMA is headed up by three women: Dr. Keri Riddick - Executive Director, Susan Blevins - Director of Operations, and Dr. Elizabeth Mackey - the...

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