Veterinary hospital teams are often asked to help decide when it is time to euthanize. This reference includes a useful handout to help pet owners sift through choices. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, October 2014. When evaluating quality of life, personalized patient and client information is needed to reach an educated, informed, and supported choice that fits not only the … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2016
5 diseases you can catch from pets
Zoonotic transfer from dogs and cats are rare, according to Jason Stull, PhD, with The Ohio State University. His research exposed the five most frequent pet-to-human disease transfers. Have this resource available for pet owners in veterinary hospitals, hospital websites or newsletters. Complete with photos, it is also good information for veterinarians and veterinary … [Read more...]
Proud flesh tips
Equine veterinary teams need to see what equine owners receive via email. The information presented here, including the linked material, makes good content for a clinic website or newsletter. Source: Equine Network, February 2, 2016. As a horse's wound begins to heal, pinkish granulation tissue fills in the gaps between soft tissues. Granulation tissue normally stops … [Read more...]
High-intensity emotions affect our work
For most workers the physical effort we exert in our day jobs does not warrant the fatigue we feel at day’s end. Learn how high-intensity emotions affect our energy in this informative article. Source: Harvard Business Review, Managing Yourself, February 1, 2016. Whether you’re getting amped up with anxiety or with excitement, you are draining yourself of your most … [Read more...]
Natural pet food claims becoming complicated
Labeling challenges, key word definitions and regulatory oversight challenges the natural pet food market, as well as our human food markets. This quick read will provide some insight as veterinary teams and sales representatives discuss this food category, including treats. Source: Petfood Industry, February 1, 2016. Managing marketing claims on pet food packaging and in … [Read more...]
100 years of cattle numbers
The cattle inventory is experiencing the highest increase in U.S. cattle inventory in 35 years. This retrospective of 100 years of history lends perspective to the ups and downs of the cattle industry. Source: Cattle Trader Center, January 31, 2016. The cattle inventory reached 100 million head for the first time in 1962. It remained over 100 million for 26 years until … [Read more...]
Editorial – There are no food activists in blizzards
Jennifer Latzke occasionally sounds off in her editorials and blogs. This post is one of those. You’ll appreciate the pragmatic view she presents. Source: High Plains Journal, February 1, 2016. If photos of empty grocery shelves in towns up and down the East Coast are any proof, there must not be that many food activists in blizzards. Empty milk cases, naked produce … [Read more...]
Become a fantastic listener
Active listening is a challenge for most animal health professionals. Our attention and intentions are frequently distractions from truly hearing what another person has to say. This article offers guidance for becoming a better listener. Source: Lead Change Group, February 1, 2016. Most of us think that we are average to good listeners. Unfortunately, that is the status we … [Read more...]
Weather looks good
Art Douglas, PhD, professor emeritus, Creighton University, presented his annual analysis of the U.S. weather outlook for the coming growing season. It looks pretty good. He’s presented his long-term forecasts during the CattleFax Conference for 40 years. This quick read will help you be ready for the next discussion at the local gathering spot. Source: Drovers … [Read more...]
CE and job satisfaction connected for vet techs
The current veterinary technician turnover rate is 35 percent and the average term of employment is 12 years, according to metrics in this article. Practice managers and veterinary hospital owners will find the information valuable as they seek to retain veterinary technicians as vet tech positions are projected to continue growing. Source: The NAVTA Journal, Dec/Jan 2016, … [Read more...]
Livestock wearables now reality
The art of reading a cow is being augmented by actual measurements from wearable digital technology. Herdsmen with cellphone technology can monitor body temperatures, heat cycles, rumen conditions, GPS locations and more. Source: Modern Farmer, January 28, 2016. The market for wearable technology for animals is expected to grow from around $1 billion currently to $2.5 … [Read more...]
Biosecurity vigilance urged as PED immunity dissipates
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus is still circulating in the U.S., according to Paul Sundberg, DVM, executive director of the Swine Health Information Center. Noting lowered incidence, he says improved biosecurity and a buildup of natural immunity by exposed herds have helped reduce the level of PED. This natural immunity may be short lived, however. Source: The Pig Site, … [Read more...]
Help producers prep for VFD implementation
During last week’s Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show, Kerry Keffaber, DVM, advisor for scientific affairs at Elanco Animal Health, shared four ways producers can get ready to implement the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). Presented to members of the Livestock Publications Council, you’ll soon see more information in livestock media. There is opportunity in each of the … [Read more...]