Equine influenza virus can spread through an entire herd in a matter of days. We can no longer assume that older horses are immune. This feature covers the virus, viral mutation, pathways and recovery. Veterinary teams, dealer associates and sales representatives will appreciate the fresh resources on this ugly virus. Source: EQUUS, June 2016. (direct link … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2016
JAAHA contents
For your convenience, we have linked to the table of contents in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. Source: JAAHA, May/June 2016. … [Read more...]
More on VFD
The veterinary feed directive gets more explanation in two articles in this issue. The dynamics of veterinarian and nutritionist interactions are presented along with veterinarians’ perspectives on continuing industry progress. Source: Beef Vet, Summer 2016. With a consumer base that’s increasing removed from food production, yet relentlessly interested in it, the VFD could … [Read more...]
10 ways to keep pets safe on Memorial Day
The kickoff to summer is almost here. Memorial Day weekend starts the season of picnics and all sorts of great outdoor activities. Here are 10 common-sense tips to help keep pets safe during the festive times. Source: Pet Health Network Our pets love summer just as much as we do! It’s the best time of year to be out and about, enjoying all that the season has to offer, … [Read more...]
Dogs bite year-round
This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week® which focuses on educating people about preventing dog bites. Dog bites happen year-round. The resources at this site can be used all year long, too. They include photos and social media support. Source: American Veterinary Medical Association With an estimated population of 70 million dogs living in U.S. households, millions … [Read more...]
When your boss is terrible at leading meetings
Our AHD team likes the perspective that everyone in a meeting is responsible for making it valuable. We have all wasted time in poorly organized meetings. This article has something for anyone who attends meetings. Source: Harvard Business Review, May 16, 2016. Three broad perspectives are available to you in every meeting: You can offer to do things to support your … [Read more...]
It’s time to demand less food waste
Whether it is portion size, harvesting and storage issues or cosmetic perfection for packaging, we waste nearly half of all food produced, says JoAnn Alumbaugh, editor. She gives all of us compelling information to consider as we seek to feed the world. Source: Pork Network, May 16, 2016. Do the basic math: If we can feed 6 billion people on 2 billion to 2.8 billion tons of … [Read more...]
Flea control toolkit available
Death to the devil’s jumping beans! sets the tone of the flea control toolkit featured in this issue. A series of articles covers client issues, selling products, handling client objections, how fleas got here, infestations and script examples. Source: DVM360, May 2016. What do you tell the client who, three weeks ago, started the flea control you recommended and now sees … [Read more...]
Jerky treats sicken, kill dogs
More than 1,140 dogs have died after eating jerky pet treats, out of 6,200 cases of jerky related canine illness reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from 2007 to December 31, 2015. The agency released these numbers this week in an update on in its ongoing investigation into animal illnesses and death related to jerky treats. Source: Petfood Industry, May 17, … [Read more...]
4 ways to protect against ransomware
Ransomware can strike anyone and any business. The experts at InfoGPS wrote about it in March and April for AHD. While backing up is the most important aspect of maintaining data, restoring it after an attack isn’t painless. It could take a week or more and an untold amount of staff time to get things back to normal. Here are four ways to keep it at bay. Source: Wired, May … [Read more...]
Improve self-acceptance for better well-being
More than one in six veterinarians have considered suicide since graduation, according to a 2014 study by the Centers for Disease Control, as reported by JAVMAnews. It is important to maintain mental health and sound well-being, no matter what role you fill in the animal health business. Srini Pillay, MD, notes that self-acceptance, or lack of it, affects your physical and … [Read more...]
Xylitol can kill or poison dogs
Xylitol, a common sweetener in chewing gum, mints and other products can kill or severely poison dogs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued, ‘Xylitol and Your Dog: Danger, Paws Off,’ May 12 after a surge in death and several illnesses from dogs that had accidentally ingest Xylitol, according to pet poison-control centers. Source: The Wall Street Journal, May 12, … [Read more...]
Pseudorabies discovered on Missouri hog farm
Officials destroyed about 100 hogs on a Callaway County, Missouri hog farm after the herd tested positive for pseudorabies. Feral hogs are suspected to have exposed the herd to the disease, which affects a pig’s central nervous system. Source: Pork Network, May 13, 2016. In this particular herd, testing came back as serologically positive and the decision was made to … [Read more...]
12 things that make us sound dumb
Consistently communicating clearly is hard. Yet, how we communicate with others helps keep projects moving, builds relationships and keeps careers advancing. Dumping these 12 words and phrases will help us sound as smart as we are. Source: Business Insider, May 12, 2016. Your verbal communications can make or break your relationship with your boss, team, clients, business … [Read more...]
Nat’l FFA organization and foundation name new CEO
Mark Poeschl of Brookville, Ohio, will become the new chief executive officer of both organizations effective Aug. 1, 2016. Poeschl, a former FFA member and past state FFA president from Nebraska, brings strong business, customer service, financial, IT and global perspectives to the organization. He currently serves as vice president, group director, stakeholder engagement at … [Read more...]
Millenials: the job-hopping generation
Data supports the thinking that those born between 1980 and 1996 move from company to company more than any previous generation. 60 percent of millennials open to a new job opportunity Millennials most likely generation to switch jobs Millennials are the least engaged generation in the workplace Source: Gallup Business Journal, May 12, 2016. Why are millennials … [Read more...]
Canine and feline preventive healthcare guidelines now available
Partners for Healthy Pets, an alliance of more than 100 veterinary associations, veterinary colleges and animal health companies focused on preventive care led by AAHA and the American Veterinary Medical Association, is offering complimentary canine and feline preventive healthcare guidelines. Source: AAHA NewStat, May 11, 2016. A one-page, double-sided, easy to use set of … [Read more...]
Improve Compliance Messaging
For more years than I can count, compliance has ranked as one of the top challenges facing the veterinary industry. When I saw this article on resiliency I thought it could easily be retitled, “Five Ways to improve your Compliance Messaging.” But, this only applies if everyone from the front desk, to the technicians, to the practice managers, to the DVMs, to the owners, to the … [Read more...]
Free hot dog lesson plan available
Kids are often responsible for pet care year-round. A free lesson plan to help them learn how to deal with the problem of dogs left in cars in hot weather is available from Red Rover. It works to strengthen the bond between people and animals. Simply request the plan via email. Source: Red Rover. Students will enjoy applying concepts in physics, biology and mathematics to a … [Read more...]
Keep your dog cool
Temperatures in the Southwest are already hitting 100º and up. The rest of the country will soon follow. All too often, we read and hear about dogs dying from being left too long in cars in the sun. Fortunately, there are tips galore, posters, signs and even a Cool Dog Pledge at My Dog Is Cool. Source: My Dog is Cool. Leaving your dog in a car for “just a minute” may be too … [Read more...]
Keep the weed from Fido
A Denver-area emergency animal hospital is treating at least five dogs a day for marijuana ingestion. Clinics are seeing increases, too. Fox Hollow Animal Hospital used to see it once or twice a year, but now see it once or twice a month since pot became legal in Colorado in 2014. Source: KDVR, May 9, 2016. It was just so terrifying, infuriating and sad. I felt so helpless … [Read more...]
Outsmart angry outbursts
So much of our communication is transactional — a word here, a sentence there — that we forget that at its essence, communications is relational. It sounds simple, but in reality there is nothing simple about communicating, especially when emotions are involved, says Peter Bregman. Source: Harvard Business Review, May 6, 2016. The problem with most communication is that … [Read more...]
Colostrum valuable at transition
The benefits of mom’s milk, in promoting long-term health and optimal physiological development, do not end with the first feeding of colostrum, says Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell University professor of animal science. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 29, 2016. Van Amburgh advised the following colostrum delivery regimen for the first four days of life: First-milking … [Read more...]
Home exercises for dogs takes commitment, patience
Home exercises can help manage pain for some dogs. Micheal Petty, DVM, reminds pet owners be sure their dogs get accurate diagnoses and to discuss home exercises for dogs with their veterinarian before beginning an exercise regimen. Veterinary teams will find this information good for a team discussion. Also consider using article reprints as handouts or as a link on … [Read more...]
Education important for success with novel proteins
Education will be a critical component of adding novel proteins to pet diets according to Mark Mendal, with the consulting firm Pet Proteins. He spoke during Petfood Forum 2016 on April 19, 2016. Supply challenges may also be an issue. Source: Petfood Industry, April 19, 2016. Increasing the role of novel proteins in pet foods and treats allows manufacturers to expand the … [Read more...]
First impressions matter
Whether you are a sales rep, on hospital staff or a DVM, there is never a second chance to make a first impression. Some people seem to have a knack for creating a positive first impression with everyone they meet. Just like there are no overnight successes, no one is born with this ability. They work at it. And these people who create positive first impressions aren’t just … [Read more...]
Petcube is Skype for Fido and Fluff
The stress of being stuck in traffic or working late while one’s dog or cat waits at home may be eased with Petcube, a new smart camera. Paired with a smartphone app, it lets users watch, talk and play with pets in real time time using a laser pointer. Source: Sacramento Bee, May 4, 2016. It’s basically like Skype for you and your pet, but your pet doesn’t have to pick up … [Read more...]
Ticks, ticks, ticks and more
Ticks are second only to mosquitoes in the number of diseases they transmit. With tick populations growing and their proclivity to carry and transmit disease, it is critical to prevent them from feeding on pets and people. The information in this series of articles is comprehensive and understandable. All animal health pros can benefit from a deeper knowledge of ticks, … [Read more...]
Mixed messages diminish preventive care value
Consistent messages from each staff member that preventive care is fundamental to pets’ health is critical for preventive care successes. Consistency starts with setting and maintaining standards. The more veterinarians in a practice, the more important standards are as each vet may have his or her ideas and recommendations. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, April 2016. The … [Read more...]
Rumen drinking harmful to calves
Rumen drinking is caused by failure of the reticular groove reflex and results in rumen acidosis in calves on a liquid diet. Source: American Dairyman, May 2016, page 13. There are a number of conditions that can make calves more susceptible to rumen drinking caused by failure of esophageal groove closure including: Neonatal diarrhea Irregular feeding times … [Read more...]