This is one big boat! Learn about a new ship that can haul thousands of live cattle or sheep around the world. Will bigger really be better? Source: The Stock Exchange, April 28, 2016. The ninety million dollar (U.S.) vessel has the capacity to transport 20,000 cattle or 75,000 sheep or a combination of both, and is suited to trans-hemisphere routes. It has enough fuel to … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2016
Sponsored Content – Tick season is year-round
Year-round tick control, tick myths, discussing ticks with clients and even fleas are featured in this Vetfolio podcast. SimparicaTM (sarolaner) Chewables from Zoetis is presented as a solution. Source: VetFolio, May 8, 2016. Introducing safe monthly chewables that offer persistent protection from fleas and ticks. … [Read more...]
Lameness not inevitable in confined dairy cows
Cow comfort and well-being of animals in dairy production is a frequent topic. Some have suggested that cows in larger herds are more prone to injury and lameness. This study sheds some light on the topic. Source: Journal of Dairy Science, May 8,2016. (abstract only) Overall, physical well-being characteristics of this selection of high-producing, free stall-housed dairy … [Read more...]
Traditional vet practice models must change
The Changing Pet Ownership study offers insight into three generations of pet owners of multiple ethnicities. It also describe implications of market changes to veterinarians and the pet industry as a whole. Brakke Consulting and Trone Brand Energy joined forces to complete the study. Source: Brakke Consulting, May 6, 2016. Press release. This study points to a number of … [Read more...]
People prefer human interactions in customer service
It is not easy to reach someone in person when seeking customer service. According to Accenture Strategy’s latest Global Consumer Pulse Research, U.S. consumers say it is becoming harder to do so, even as companies work to be more accessible. Source: CRM.com, May 2016. As organizations invest in digital technologies and channels to support customer service, they have … [Read more...]
4 networking mistakes to stop making immediately, if not sooner
The old joke goes, “You can easily tell if a DVM is an introvert or extrovert. The extroverted DVM is the one who looks at YOUR shoes during a discussion.” Natural tendencies make networking difficult for some, whether they’re introverts or extroverts. This article provides sound considerations for networking. Source: Inc, May 4, 2016. In environments where you should be … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – 100 years of horse history
We found this content and video fun. It also offers a historical pictorial. Source: Horse Network, May 3, 2016. Look back at how the events, horses and Absorbine® products that shaped the way we live and ride today. … [Read more...]
Stressful stalls?
Summary: Even though horses may appear more comfortable in a stall than in a group setting, one study indicates that physiological stress indicators may tell a different story. This article presents what the best housing option might be. Source: The Horse. Individual stabling systems have developed partially out of convenience and partially out of a mistaken understanding … [Read more...]
Should I vaccinate my horse in the fall?
Summary: Vaccinations are important to help prevent disease. While it is always best to listen to your veterinarian’s recommendations, there are certainly cases when it is ideal to vaccinate for certain diseases twice a year to ensure protection. Source: Horse Talk. Vaccinations protect your horse against a host of contagious diseases. The specific vaccinations necessary … [Read more...]
EPM-causing parasites more common that thought
Summary: The parasites causing equine protozoal myeloencephalitis are ubiquitous in U.S. horses, yet fewer than one percent of the horses that carry one or both of the parasites develop clinical symptoms of EPM. Find out more about these parasites and which horses may be more predisposed to EPM. Source: The Horse. Horses cannot catch EPM from each other; rather, they’re … [Read more...]
Prepurchase exams: What to expect.
Summary: Prepurchase exams are common when horses are sold. They help buyers feel confident that the horse they are considering will be up to the task(s) they intend to use them for. Just remember, these exams do not guarantee future soundness. They are snapshots of the horses’ condition at the current time. This article highlights what goes into proper prepurchase … [Read more...]
5 ways to start brushing canine teeth
Even as industry professionals, our own dogs don’t always get the best dental care. Two articles address pet dental care. The handout offers some great ways to start brushing. Source: Firstline, April 21, 2016. Print this and give it to clients for something wonderful to chew on to teach some good dog tooth brushing techniques. See also: Vetted, April 27, 2016. “Do as I … [Read more...]
Meat Institute releases Temple Grandin-narrated ‘Glass Walls’ video
The North American Meat Institute released a new Dr. Temple Grandin-narrated "Glass Walls" video shot in a lamb processing plant. The video is the latest in a series of videos that seeks to shine a light on animal care and handling processes used in meat packing plants. Other "Glass Walls" videos focus on beef, pork and turkey plants. The series has generated more than a 1.2 … [Read more...]
Keep backyard chickens healthy
A backyard chicken boom is in full swing. Just like large-scale operations, disease prevention is critical to keep chickens and their human keepers healthy. Most veterinarians aren’t familiar with chicken care. VFD regulations affect treatment options in small flocks just as they do in larger ones. In both instances, preventing disease is a best practice. Source: The Poultry … [Read more...]
Feline hyperthyroidism guidelines released
AAFP has issued new guidelines for managing feline hyperthyroidism. They include: Distill current research into simple, testing sequence recommendations to avoid misdiagnosis. Organize a FHT diagnosis into six clinical categories with associated strategies. Outline the currently available disease treatments. Explain how to monitor the patient to minimize co-morbid … [Read more...]
What to expect from an OSHA inspection
The most important reason to achieve and maintain compliance is not to avoid an OSHA fine, but is instead to create a safe and healthful working environment for you and your veterinary team. Source: Animal Health Solutions, May 2016, page 8. Inspections may be conducted with or without advanced notice and are often conducted based upon a current or former employee’s … [Read more...]
Editorial – Invest your energy wisely
I answered “busy” when asked about my schedule recently, but when asked if I was being productive, I hesitated and finally answered “hope so.” Many of us might respond the same way. Consider the five tenants of strategic energy application in this thought-provoking article where Peter Bregman suggests 89 percent of us are operating without much to spare. Source: Harvard … [Read more...]
Meeting job struggles
There are some pretty direct and candid posts in this week’s newsletter from Dr. Andy Roark in addition to a chuckle and a smile or two. Source: Dr. Andy Roark, May 5, 2016. The grass isn’t always grass on the other side, Sarah Boston, DVM, DVSC, DIPL ACVS: a frank discussion of working challenges with some colorful language to boot. Top 5 ways veterinary technicians … [Read more...]
She’s an angel, she’s a devil, she’s a mare
Barb Crabbe, DVM, shares steps to help manage inevitable moodiness in mares. She references methods to maximize the influence of progesterone and minimize the influence of estrogen. Source: Horse and Rider, May 2016. (direct link unavailable) Control methods fall into three distinct categories that influence (a mare’s) cycle in three different ways. (The article) discusses … [Read more...]
Vet Set Go offers a roadmap for kids who dream of vet medicine
Chris Carpenter, DVM, is guiding tweens with a quick-start guide to a career working with animals. His website, new book and videos help children learn about being a veterinarian. Source: AKC Family Dog, May/June 2016, page 42. (direct link unavailable) Vet Set Go is the first and only web community designed for aspiring veterinarians. … [Read more...]
Don’t hug the dog
Behaviorists have cautioned people for years about hugging dogs because dogs don’t like it, says Karen B. London, PhD. It is common for dogs to dislike being hugged, and for people to love hugging them. It should be no surprise that members of two different species have different preferences. Source: Bark, May 2, 2016. A recent post by Stanley Coren, Ph.D, called The Data … [Read more...]
Clinical picture of canine Lyme disease CE available
Vetfolio, the joint education platform from NAVC and AAHA, is broadcasting a free CE-accredited web conference May 9 through May 22, 2016 (On Demand). The conference covers Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, disease vectors, geographic expansion of the disease and its various forms. Source: Vetfolio News. Speaker Carrie White, DVM, DACVIM, will … [Read more...]
Gene differences in fat Labradors
Labrador retrievers have a tendency to get fat. Studies indicate 50 percent to 60 percent of labs are classified as overweight or obese. Overeating is possibly in Labs’ genes according to a newly published study. Source: Washington Post, May 3, 2016. What we’ve found in the study is that there really is a hard-wired reason for some Labradors to be completely obsessed by … [Read more...]
Practice like you are being sued
Nicole Palumbo, DVM, offers perspective after reviewing information following a colleague’s death. She shares 10 disciplines for communication and record-keeping that can help should a suit arise. Source: Dr. Andy Roark, April 23, 2016. I didn’t want to become a paranoid veterinarian, but I did want to use that feeling of being under investigation to better myself. These … [Read more...]
Top 10 pet food brands sold online
It’s a changing landscape for what brand of pet food is sold and also the source from which it is acquired. Note the increases in home delivery percentages in the top two retailers. Source: Petfood Industry, April 28, 2016. Consumers have really embraced the subscription model when it comes to purchasing pet food online. It’s a product that is much more convenient to have … [Read more...]
Tough talk on titers
“Do your veterinary team members know how to respond when pet owners ask about titers?,” asks Brian Stewart, DVM, medical director at Woodstock Veterinary Clinic in Woodstock, Illinois. He discusses the pros and cons of using titers as a good way of establishing protection against disease. Source: Firstline, April 25, 2016. Titers can have a place in veterinary medicine. … [Read more...]
New ATVs to consider in 2016
Animal health professionals enjoy their ATVs. Customers do, too. Whether you drive one or simply need to have a topic to discuss, this article lets you know what’s new with 2016 ATVs. Source: Beef, April 26, 2016. Lots of agricultural work doesn’t require a full-size pickup. When it comes to getting around the ranch quickly and inexpensively, light-duty vehicles are the … [Read more...]
Cat scratching explained
Cats aren’t trying to be destructive when they scratch things, despite how it appears. Cat guru Tony Buffington, DVM, offers reasoning for why cats scratch like they do. Source: Huffington Post, May 2, 2016. Don’t be offended if your cat scratches your brand-new couch to shreds. She’s just following the way of her ancestors. INSIGHTS: This article features a TED-Ed video … [Read more...]
Over-supplementing horses can cause problems
Horses get all of the minerals they need from good quality forage and/or a balanced commercial ration. Over-supplementing them can cause a lack of absorption of necessary nutrients in the small intestine. It should be avoided. Source: The Horse Over-supplementation can lead to problems with proper absorption and nutrient balance. Good quality forage contains many essential … [Read more...]
Are corticosteroid injections ethical?
Corticosteroid joint injections have long been used to treat joint pain and inflammation in horses. Recently, there have been questions regarding their ethical usage, predominantly in the racing industry. While many professionals use the drugs in moderation and as a last resort, some still use them to keep potentially unsound horses racing. Several states have tightened … [Read more...]