At age 87, Michelangelo famously stated, “I am still learning.” I love this quote, as I and many of my colleagues are lifelong learners. Learning keeps us young. I believe we should never stop learning because life never stops teaching. The science of medicine and the practice of nursing are always evolving, and each year finds our profession implementing innovative medical advances and nursing strategies to help strengthen the lives of our patients. In this issue of Today’s Veterinary Nurse, we see this evolution in our Trends in Veterinary Nursing article exploring alternative protein sources for companion animals. Our Q&A: Emerging Topics article outlines the use of radiation in osteoarthritis management. Additionally, in our feature article on the different imaging modalities used in emergent thoracic cases, we see the advancement of digital imaging for our patients. Wow—when I first started in veterinary medicine, ultrasonography was performed at veterinary teaching hospitals only, and even fewer had computed tomography (and radiographs were processed using dip tanks!). But the science of medicine moved forward and, as stated, lifelong learning keeps us young.
More from the NAVC
Continue your reading with this peer-reviewed article from Today’s Veterinary Practice.
Updates to Pet Food Labels and the Effect on Nutritional Evaluation
For the first time in decades, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) approved substantial amendments to its model pet food label regulations in 2023. These amendments are intended to help pet owners better understand what they are feeding their pets. AAFCO suggests a 6-year transition period for state regulatory bodies to implement and begin enforcement of the amended rules. During that period, companies will need to alter their labels to meet the requirements, and products with new labels will gradually appear in stores and online. This review in Today’s Veterinary Practice explains the implications and limitations of these major pet food label changes.
Find Your Roar
The new NAVC Find Your Roar skills assessment is a fun way to assess your knowledge and behaviors in your practice. Based on your results, you’ll receive a tailored list of resources to help you grow and improve. Plus, your quiz results help the NAVC understand the needs of the veterinary community, so it can create the best content to serve you. Visit go.navc.com/4cha4Op to take the quiz, and you can also access the NAVC’s current lineup of resources (like free CE articles, courses, and events) by signing up for emails at navc.com/subscribe.