Featuring a mix of original and contributed content, plus news aggregated from a variety of sources, Voice of Sustainable Pork aims to bring the global pork industry together to more effectively balance the needs of pigs, pork, people and planet — now, and for generations to come. The website is sponsored by Zoetis. Source: Voice of Sustainable Pork, email March 29, … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2016
Beef cattle parasite control now part of VCPR
VCPR is associated with the VFD initiative and references to antibiotics and feed additives today. However, in a roundtable discussion organized by Merial and Bovine Veterinarian, five DVMs from across the U.S. used the VCPR term in conjunction with parasite control programs. The consensus was to include parasite control programs as part of the whole herd management program to … [Read more...]
Animalytix shares 2015 industry trends at WVC executive forum
The Animalytix Senior Executive Forum covers a variety of topics for industry stakeholders. The results this year included a unique price volume analysis reflecting the performance of nearly 500 brands since 2014. Trends indicate growth in the industry overall. Source: Vet Advantage, March 2016, page 24. The formal program included an overview of 2015 Results for the U.S. … [Read more...]
From snowstorm to firestorm
Areas the east of winter storm Goliath’s worst impact are being scorched by the Anderson Creek wildfire. The combination of the two events in the past 90 days means much of the South Central region, where livestock grazing dominates, faces more challenges. This area has been hit by severe drought in recent years, as well. Source: Associated Press, March 28, 2016. The fire … [Read more...]
Book forward to increase income
Setting future appointments has measurable revenue growth potential, according to Wendy S. Myers. Clients expect forward booking from their dentists and optometrists. Veterinary receptionists can set similar expectations in veterinary practices, resulting in as much as $40,000 in added revenue. Source: Veterinary Practice News, March 24, 2016. The 2013 AAHA State of the … [Read more...]
Equine dentistry tips for the mixed animal practice
Equine oral health can be challenging for veterinary teams whose time is dominated by dogs and cats. This article features useful information for practices and equine retailers about managing dental care in horses. Source: Veterinary Practice News, February 16, 2016. Not all horses need to be floated annually,” Erika Wierman, DVM said. “The other thing is that horses on … [Read more...]
Coaching for millennials about boomers
Much is offered to boomers about millennials’ needs in the workplace. In a similar spirit, this op-ed offers millennials tips for working in a boomer environment. Tolerance is the rule. Source: Los Angeles Times, March 25, 2016. Millennials may find that baby boomer self-esteem has declined precipitously in response to rapid societal change. It's difficult to deal with that … [Read more...]
3 tips for swine production success
Tim Loula, DVM, highlights three management practices for pig producers to be successful in the new parameters being placed upon the industry. He was one of four speakers at a Hubbard Feeds Swine Production Seminar in Okoboji, Iowa. Source: National Hog Farmer, March 24, 2016. Tim Loula, DVM, says it is imperative to get ahead of the curve. He outlined the following three … [Read more...]
Make slow times profitable with callbacks
Wendy Myers, DVM, presents a pragmatic use of the slower times in veterinary practice schedules. Beyond goodwill, prescription stewardship and compliance, calling clients is a convenient and inexpensive way to improve the overall customer experience. Source: Veterinary Practice News, March 15, 2016. Veterinary technicians, assistants, receptionists and doctors need to start … [Read more...]
Vetfolio – New product podcast
Onsior® (robenacoxib) injection is reviewed for its value in feline pain management in this Vetfolio Product Showcase podcast. VetFolio is a joint program of NAVC and AAHA, non-profit organizations committed to the veterinary profession. These two groups have partnered to provide online continuing education for veterinary professionals. Source: Vetfolio News, March 28, … [Read more...]
Rabies increasing in North America
Rabies vaccination and prevention measures remain critical to our animal populations. Wild animals, even with population control measures in place, still spread the disease. Note the rabies variant distribution map among mesocarnivores and consider sharing this information with animal owners in the course of animal health discussions. Source: Journal of the American … [Read more...]
Does this make my pet look fat?
About every third client you see is likely overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When you tell someone their pet is overweight, you might as well rub their own weight problem in their face. Weight is personal. Yet, when it comes to a pet’s health, veterinarians are obligated to deliver the news effectively. Source: DVM 360, March … [Read more...]
Home remedies are no guarantee for flea control
Veterinary teams and representatives who service them need to be prepared to answer questions from animal owners about home remedies and product safety. In addition to print circulation readers, consider the Facebook following which includes 760,000 “likes”. Source: Dogs Naturally, March 18, 2016. You know those spot-on flea and tick products are bad for your dog, right? … [Read more...]
Technology improves equine lameness evaluation
Equine lameness exams have historically been performed by a clinician who assigns subjective lameness score value to what he or she observes. While this method has been somewhat effective, opinions and abilities to see a lameness can vary greatly between veterinarians. Tools now exist to provide for a more objective evaluations of lameness. Source: The Paulick Report, March … [Read more...]
Eliminate bottlenecks
Spinning too many plates or work with a perfectionist? Check out some good remedies for removing bottlenecks in personal, team and business productivity. Source: Harvard Business Review, March 23, 2016. Bottlenecking puts your career and reputation at risk and takes a significant emotional toll. Learn four root causes of it and their solutions: 1) plate-spinning; 2) people … [Read more...]
Make sure employees have a life outside work
Long workdays, extended after-hours time for patient care, customer events and emergency visits tax personal time for animal health pros. Yet, research shows that improving personal time improves work results. The authors of this article offer suggestions for managing in a more friendly and balanced environment. Source: Harvard Business Review, March 25, 2016. We are … [Read more...]
Tap water may endanger dogs
“Could your dog’s water give him joint disease?” is the question posed by this article. It presents correlations between the findings of a 2014 research study (Neurobehavioural Effects of Developmental Toxicity) published in The Lancet, one of the world’s most distinguished medical journals. The study added fluoride to a group of developmental neurotoxins such as arsenic, lead … [Read more...]
Inflammatory biomarkers: horses’ early warning system?
Developing research into equine soft tissue damage and biomarker identification could help veterinarians and trainers identify or prevent these injuries. While research is still ongoing, there have been important discoveries about Serum Amyloid A (SAA), a protein released from the liver at the early stage of inflammation. Currently, this is more of a method to ensure that a … [Read more...]
5 myths about colic debunked
There are many common “understandings” about causes and treatments surrounding the most common medical condition of the horse: colic. Some of these “understandings” developed logically, but most simply aren't based on facts. David Ramey, DVM, presents a better understanding of these common myths and the facts, or lack thereof, on which they are based. Source: Horse … [Read more...]
8 things to know about ransomware
Ransomware attacks are more common than we think. Hackers are becoming more aggressive than before. When launched, ransomware encrypts your data and makes it unusable until you pay a ransom to hackers who may or may not release a key to your files. The basics of ransomware and eight ways to protect against it were presented this week during the radio program Air … [Read more...]
California foal survives type A botulism
A 10-day old California foal originally suspected of having a fractured vertebrae was diagnosed with a type A Clostridium botulinum toxicoinfection. Treatment with plasma containing antibodies to C. botulinum type B and C toxins and subsequently types A, B and C2, along with supportive therapies, allowed the foal to be discharged after a 30-day stay in the clinic. Source: … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Only data security mitigates system breaches
Data breaches don’t happen quickly says Paul Hugenberg. They take weeks and months. Hackers are patient and spend all the time they need to get the data they want. They know 80 percent of your data is outside the view of existing controls. Applying proper classification to sensitive data can help you put proper controls around it to reduce risks. Source: InfoGPS Networks, … [Read more...]
‘Super worms’ a new threat to equine health.
Commonly used equine deworming practices are changing. While it is still important to deworm foals on a bi-monthly basis due to their lack of immune development, it may no longer be necessary to follow longtime-used bi-monthly deworming practices for all adult pasture horses. All adult horses are still susceptible to the damage caused by red worms and tape worms thus, all … [Read more...]
Younger generations like to learn from videos
See how Gen Z and millennials consume media in this infographic taken from the annual Acumen Report from Defy Media. "The results prove younger audiences' increasing appetite for video that's satisfying a diverse set of needs, and the importance of understanding preferences or risk being easily tuned out,” Andy Tu, Defy Media executive vice president of marketing, … [Read more...]
Feline leukemia recommendations reviewed
Veterinary teams can use this article to discuss their knowledge and practice recommendations about feline leukemia. Without prevention, the life expectancy of any cat that contracts FeLV is short. Source: Tufts Catnip, April 2016. (partial link) The incidence of feline leukemia has declined significantly since the introduction several decades ago of a vaccine designed to … [Read more...]
Stem cell therapy promising for feline chronic gingivostomatitis
Stem cells and their regenerative abilities are intriguing to veterinarians and university researchers. They have potential to be useful in everything from healing wounds in dolphins to easing arthritis in pigs and horses. Source: Tufts Catnip, April 2016. (partial link) In a clinical trial led by Dr. Boaz Arzi — a dental surgeon and researcher with the UC Davis School of … [Read more...]
Canine calming products reviewed
There is a plethora of items positioned as solutions for the barking, quaking, biting, and cowering some dogs exhibit. But just like humans, dogs are individuals with their own genetic make-up and experiences that play a part in their reactions. Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM, Tufts Cummings School’s Animal Behavior Clinic, addresses issues, perceptions and products that target … [Read more...]
Dog-friendly prepping for spring
Spring is here. Animal health pros know the dangers of pets returning to activities outdoors. Pet owners appreciate reminders. Share these common risks as spring activities begin via websites, blogs or newsletters. Source: The Bark, March 19, 2016. Spring comes with a few cautions for companion animal owners. Areas to note: In the house, in the driveway, in the yard, new … [Read more...]
Buckets can endanger horses
Bucket handles can be dangerous. The vivid photos and short text explain how horses get eye and nostril injuries from buckets. Anyone dealing with horse owners needs to see this information. Including a “bucket check” reminder in annual checkups or farm visits is a good practice for veterinary teams. Source: Stable Management, March 7, 2016. Lurking in every barn is a … [Read more...]
NAHMS wants input for upcoming cow-calf study
The National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), a part of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, is seeking input from cow-calf producers and stakeholders in preparation for an upcoming survey. “We plan to represent at least 70 percent of the beef cows and 70 percent of the beef operations in the U.S. with this study,” says Dave Dargatz, a veterinarian and one … [Read more...]