Cleaning and sanitation of calf-feeding equipment is a primary management subset that matters advised Don Sockett, DVM, PhD. Equipment must be cleaned first, disinfected second to help reduce the potential for spreading illness between calves. Sockett shared two main things he sees during farm visits: 1) the use of weak or ineffective soap and 2) wash brushes not dried … [Read more...]
From mixed practice to swine specialist, Randy Jones, DVM (podcast)
Randy Jones, DVM, is an icon in swine practice and production. He shares his journey from a mixed veterinary practice to specializing in pigs, the pig industry’s evolution to specialization in farm management and veterinary roles. Source: Popular Pig Podcast, March 28, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Get cows bred earlier using estrus sync
The main constraints for producers considering adopting a synchronization protocol are labor, facilities and costs. Still, the main advantage of implementing synchronization technology is an added opportunity for more females to conceive in the first 21 days of the breeding season. The authors present benefits of estrus synchronization for beef cows in natural breeding … [Read more...]
Banfield survey reveals heartworm prevention rates are declining
Despite mosquitoes that transmit disease being present in all 50 U.S. states and increases in heartworm incidence in cats and dogs, a Banfield survey reveals nearly 40 percent of pet owners don’t believe their pet is at risk for heartworm disease and almost 30 percent have not put their pet on a preventive medication. Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, April 8, 2024. … [Read more...]
Nebraska Range Short Course, NBLC Grazing School might offer DVMs time with clients
Commentary Quality time coupled with advancing learning could benefit DVMs and key clients. While fishing and golf might sound fun, the 2024 Nebraska Range Short Course combined with the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition Grazing School is an opportunity for veterinarians to participate alongside their producer clients. It’s something to consider especially if next-generation … [Read more...]
Focus on heifers to improve reproduction success, costs
The main reproduction challenge on dairies now lies in the heifer herd, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Paul M. Fricke, PhD. He said, “Now that we’re raising fewer heifers, it’s more important to be better with them.” Fricke believes attention to reproduction is an important element in lowering the cost to raise a heifer to calving. Source: Hoard’s … [Read more...]
Sedating horses for hoof care
Commercial Content Dr. Holly Helbig, a Zoetis veterinarian, detailed how to administer Dormosedan Gel orally for minor, non-painful procedures to be done on an anxious horse during the recent Zoetis Hoof-Care Product Knowledge Clinic. Some of the common uses of Dorm Gel besides shoeing are sheath cleaning, mane pulling, body clipping, hair trimming, bandage changes or … [Read more...]
Veterinarian discusses cannabinoid use in horses (audio recording)
Holistic veterinarian Joyce Harman, DVM, shares where hemp-derived cannabinoids may have benefits in horses. She indicates horse owners have found CBD products help to calm horses and show promise for treating chronic pain in them. Therapies incorporating CBD may be beneficial for treating a variety of equine conditions but Harmon says it is currently most often used to … [Read more...]
Excess weight NOT a foregone conclusion with feline spays, neuters
Kitten season is routinely followed by decisions about spaying and neutering, including future concerns about weight gain. The loss of sex hormones when a cat’s ovaries or testicles are removed can make it less likely to engage in physical activity and therefore less likely to burn as many calories moving around. The author calls the spay or neuter a nutritional inflection … [Read more...]
Cats with MDR1 mutation at risk of severe reactions to popular medication
Katrina L. Mealey, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM, DACVCP, and her team have identified cats with the MDR1 genetic mutation are at risk of severe adverse reactions to the active ingredient in some top-selling parasite preventatives for felines. The ingredient, eprinomectin, appears safe and effective for most cats except those with the MDR1 gene mutation. Genetic testing is the only … [Read more...]
Must-have apps for pet parents
ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance recently shared a list of must-have apps designed for digitally savvy pet owners. They may help reduce scrolling, simplify life and aid in keeping pets happy and healthy. Consider sharing the link in social media posts or newsletters. Source: ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance. Link. … [Read more...]
Taking cats outside responsibly
Colleen Grablick shares her experiences with training her cat to go outside on a leash and discusses the reasoning behind managing the predatory instincts often associated with outdoor time. She shares the AVMA recommendation to use a catio or leash for outdoor time, asserts the need for a training harness and leash training, as well as supervision during outdoor … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 8, 2024
Pets getting too expensive, cats on leads, knowing the coming wave of Gen Z workers, influencer marketing and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 8, 2024. Link. According to the Newsweek article shared about rising pet costs dog owners spend more on their pet (about $1,400 a year) than cat owners ($1,200) considering all possible expenses: vaccinations, bed, food, … [Read more...]
The veterinary nurse’s role in heartworm testing and treatment
Veterinary nurses are the front line when it comes to discussing the frequency and necessity of heartworm testing, writes Jordan Porter RVT, VTS (SAIM). She reviews the heartworm life cycle, treating heartworm-positive patients and supporting veterinarians and practice communications. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Spring 2023. Link. Educating pet owners is a role a … [Read more...]
Words are important
There are strong words and weak words. There are resisting words and accepting words. The words you choose are a vital component to your success and these four tips will help you pick the right words. Source: BIG Think, March 27, 2024. Link. When the conversation is positive . . . using the pronoun “you” increases engagement . . . but, avoid “you” when the … [Read more...]
Buckle down on biosecurity: HPAI, BIAV
Mindy Ward’s title says it all, “Buckle down on biosecurity!” We’ve assembled a group of articles referencing emerging HPAI infections in non-bird species. Most notable is AABP’s renaming of the emerging cattle disease as Bovine Influenza A Virus versus HPAI followed by assertions to keep pets away from birds. There’s significant media coverage but, as we’ve learned before, … [Read more...]
Navigating the new pet care landscape
Asserting that the modern pet owner demands a more engaged, transparent and responsive veterinary experience, Aaron Massecar MA, PhD, and Kelly O’Brien share perspectives about practicing veterinary medicine in this digital and advancing technology age. They cite a study indicating online searches can strengthen the veterinary-client relationship and share the importance of a … [Read more...]
DuOtic® (terbinafine and betamethasone acetate otic gel) now part of Dechra’s otitis external product range
DuOtic® (terbinafine and betamethasone acetate otic gel) is the first FDA-approved animal drug intended to treat yeast-only otitis externa in dogs. It is also the first otic drug intended to treat otitis externa that does not contain an antibiotic <Link>. DuOtic is indicated for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs, associated with susceptible strains of yeast … [Read more...]
MSD Animal Health commits to rabies elimination, donates vaccine to Mission Rabies
MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., announced a continued commitment to rabies elimination through a donation of NOBIVAC® rabies vaccines. The donations to the Mission Rabies program will continue over the next five years and support the full annual rabies vaccine requirements of this non-profit organization. Source: MSD Animal Health, March 18, 2024. … [Read more...]
The 5 Ps of biosecurity
The recent discoveries of HPAI in goats and cows have caused escalating discussions of biosecurity in livestock production. Swine and poultry producers have been dealing with this need for some time, but compliance to biosecurity measures remains challenging. Ann Hess shares some of the challenges and survey results she discussed with Pipestone’s Rachel Stika Jensen, … [Read more...]
Deworming calves pre-weaning improves weight gain, adds value
A recent Arkansas study showed deworming calves about two months before weaning improved weight gain and added value for producers, writes John Lovett. We know the why, the when and the how, but getting producers to change behaviors to realize the value is still a barrier. Sharing this article might help. Source: Drovers, April 1, 2024. Link. The weight gain from … [Read more...]
How certified veterinary support personnel improve equine practices
Some equine veterinary practices thrive by strategically deploying crucial support provided by veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. Haylie Kerstetter shares takeaways from a panel discussion about it at the 2023 AAEP convention. Source: The Horse, March 29, 2024. Link. Veterinarians should create relationships with clients and establish their technicians as … [Read more...]
A bad sample is worse than no sample
Sponsored Content According to Ohio State’s William (Bill) P. Weiss, PhD, “A bad sample is worse than no sample.” He was speaking about accuracy when analyzing feed, but he could have been referencing the collection of samples to be sent to diagnostic laboratories to identify pinkeye strains from cattle showing signs of it. Addison Laboratory’s Karlin Yaeger and I spoke … [Read more...]
Study shows talking about dental care increases brushing frequency
Research intending to compare the effects of motivational interviewing compared to traditional counseling approaches found slim variances between the two approach styles. What was evident is that regular veterinary communication appears to have a positive influence on dog owner adherence to veterinary recommendations concerning dental care in dogs. Communication with the … [Read more...]
Lyme vaccine. What dog owners may be reading.
As a veterinarian and dog owner, writes Jennifer Bailey, DVM, “I feel strongly that the canine Lyme vaccine is safe and effective enough for dogs who live in areas that are endemic for Lyme disease.” Sharing considerable history, the lack of full support by veterinarians, and the potential for side effects, she emphasizes vaccination based on lifestyle, geographic location and … [Read more...]
The latest trends in canine fashion
Canine fashion has rapidly evolved over the past few years, writes Anderson Cox. He reviews the latest trends and categories of what’s fashionable for dogs. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. INSIGHTS: Traditional, functional or frilly, dogs dressed in apparel almost always make us look. … [Read more...]
Technology, sustainability and new food formats topped trends at Global Pet Expo
Sharing his perspectives from the Global Pet Expo, Mark Kalaygian says product innovations seemed to reflect three key areas: technology, sustainability and new food formats. Source: Pet Business, April 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
1 in 5 pet owners indicate pet separation anxiety got worse last year
Working to quantify the level of separation anxiety, TrustedHousesitters surveyed pet owners on their pet-sitting platform. They found: 46 percent of those surveyed said their pet has separation anxiety 25 percent of respondents reveal they won't travel because of their pet’s anxiety 17 percent revealed they worry about missing out on social and career opportunities … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 1, 2024
Millennials with pets finding challenges, Chewy opening physical spaces, industry experts seeking more oversight of pet food, FabFitFun acquires PetCo’s PupBox, Veterinary surgeon appeals to breeders of brachycephalic dogs and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 1, 2024. Link. Adam Christman, DVM, MBA has been selected as the keynote speaker for the 2024 IBPSA Flow … [Read more...]
Let’s stop calling them soft skills. They’re interpersonal skills. Leadership skills.
American author and former dot com business executive Seth Godin, says organizations pay less attention to soft skills when hiring because we’ve persuaded ourselves that vocational skills are impersonal and easier to measure. He asserts we stop referring to soft skills and use real skills instead. Godin says real skills can’t replace vocational skills but what they can do is … [Read more...]