August 7 – 13 has been noted to honor all the hardworking assistance dogs that help individuals with their disability related limitations. Free materials to promote International Assistance Dog Week are available at assistancedogweek.org. They include a news release, fact sheet, event ideas, web banner ads and a radio public service announcement. Source: … [Read more...]
Archives for July 2016
Beware the beetle
Blister beetle poisoning is a rare but deadly threat. Blister beetles carry cantharidin, a toxic defense chemical that is a blistering agent. They are found in alfalfa hay with blooms or that contains other insects, especially grasshoppers, since blister beetles are attracted to both. There are several varieties, so the appearance of the beetles depends on the species, which … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Add mosquito control to heartworm protocol
In this special insert, veterinarians and parasite researchers discuss heartworm disease and a new multimodal approach that may help solve it. The research and roundtable were sponsored by CEVA, a supporting sponsor of Animal Health Digest. Source: DVM 360, July 2016. We still have to administer the preventative – that is foundational and critical – but we can also reduce … [Read more...]
A validation of technologies monitoring dairy cow feeding, ruminating, and lying behaviors
Dairy personnel work constantly to improve management processes to maximize output while managing cow comfort and inputs. A recent study evaluated commercially available precision dairy technologies against direct visual observations of feeding, rumination and lying behaviors. Results show that the evaluated precision dairy monitoring technologies accurately monitored dairy … [Read more...]
Warriors of the West
Mustangs (wild horses) garner divergent attention now throughout range country. Brick Imerman and photographer Sheila Thompson provide an insightful pictorial on these remarkable animals that focuses on stallions. Source: Horse Illustrated, August 2016, page 52. (link unavailable). Nowhere is the hierarchy of the herd more evident than at the water hole. Stallions often … [Read more...]
AVMA persuades Petco to adjust ad’s messaging
Representing concerned members, the AVMA recently worked with Petco to clarify messaging about its “7-Point Pet Care Check” performed by groomers. Source: Pet Product News, July 13, 2016. Petco has assured us that appropriate and timely referral for veterinary services is a key pillar of training for their grooming staff in implementing Petco’s new 7-Point Pet Care Check,” … [Read more...]
Drones dispense M&Ms to help endangered ferrets
The U.S. government is set to unleash drones that fire vaccine-covered M&Ms in a bid to save the endangered black-footed ferret. It faces a plague epidemic across America’s great plains. Both black-footed ferrets and prairie dogs are susceptible to the sylvatic plague, a flea-borne disease spread from rats that were introduced from ships arriving in California in the … [Read more...]
Journal of Dairy Science
The amount of research going on in animal health at any given point in time is amazing. It points to how much work goes into keeping animals healthy which creates a safer food supply chain. For your convenience, we have linked to the table of contents from the latest issue of the Journal of Dairy Science. Source: Journal of Dairy Science, August 2016, Volume 99, Issue 8, … [Read more...]
Sheep view of Faroa Islands
One of our friends at AAHA sent this to us. We’re passing it along for fun! Enjoy the views. Source: Innovations and business of veterinary practice, July 13, 2016. Cameras are being fitted on sheep in Faroe Islands to create Google Street View. The project dubbed Sheep View 360 ,a team with the help of a local shepherd and engineer to build a harness, have been capturing … [Read more...]
Focused on felines
Roxanne Hawn investigates the challenges and opportunities of being a Cat Friendly Practice. In addition to a mindset adjustment, making changes to discussions with clients and the human behaviors while with feline patients are critical components. Source: AAHA Trends, July 2016. It’s going to take practice-wide, profession-wide efforts to get the quality of feline visits … [Read more...]
Expect success
Strategy, skill and execution are important factors in achieving success in most businesses. However, too often the mental side of the challenge is overlooked in leading your team to the ultimate goal and success. There are some things you can do to help your business team prepare mentally to reach and exceed expectations. Source: Harvard Business Review June 9, … [Read more...]
Felines are aging healthfully
Cats now live longer than ever before, with one-fifth of U.S. cats being at least 11 years old. Many live beyond 15 years old and even into their 20s. Veterinarians should consider the normal, physiological changes that occur with age and the appropriate monitoring of them. Source: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, July 2016. This issue is dedicated to the issues of … [Read more...]
Practice management hacks: Advice to a new manager on standards of care
The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) shared exclusive data with Veterinary Economics which shares a series of practice management "hacks" or best-kept secrets from VHMA members. Source: Veterinary Economics, July 7, 2016. VHMA members spill their best kept secrets for better patient care. Treat your technician staff well and value their input. Tell them … [Read more...]
Backyard Chickens 101: A quick guide for small-animal veterinarians
Backyard poultry raising is increasing in suburban and urban areas. As a result, veterinarians may be asked to provide veterinary care for chickens. This may present challenges for those who have rarely worked with them or have not dealt with them since veterinary school. Source: AVMA, July 13, 2016. (via AVMA SMARTBrief). To help veterinarians in these situations, the AVMA … [Read more...]
Consumers dazed and confused by food labels
According to a national survey released recently by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, consumers don’t know the true meaning of phrases such as “free-range” and “grass-fed,” but their perceptions of the terms can have a major influence on animal agriculture and the practices used. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, July 13, 2016. The article … [Read more...]
NAVTA, Merial expand CE for vet technicians
In addition to heartworm disease, the Merial Tech Champions program now includes intestinal parasites, dental health and flea/tick CE courses. These additional courses will debut at the upcoming AVMA convention in San Antonio, August 5 -9 , 2016. Source: NAVTA, July 14, 2016. CE course attendees can expect informative and thought-provoking content from some of the … [Read more...]
5 parasites that cross the placenta
Parasites that infect the fetus transplacentally in dogs may cause life-threatening disease in the fetus and newborn. Review these parasites and management approaches for each: Toxocara canis Neospora caninum Babesiosis Leishmaniasis Dirofilarial microfilariae Source: Clinician’s Brief, July 2016. Transplacental transmission also allows vector-borne … [Read more...]
Create a veterinary office culture you’ll love
Steve Pearson, DVM, reminds us of the challenges of hiring new persons into the mix of current staff and cultures. While this information focuses on veterinary teams, the thinking can be applied to other teams, as well. He provides questions for the employer and candidate to consider during the hiring process. Source: Veterinary Practice News, July 7, 2016. It’s not enough … [Read more...]
What good listeners actually do
Researchers dug into what makes a great listener and grouped the qualities identified into four main findings along with identifying six levels of listening: Good listening is much more than being silent while the other person talks. Good listening included interactions that build a person’s self-esteem. Good listening was seen as a cooperative conversation. Good … [Read more...]
Train kids and dogs
Sometimes the biggest challenge to training dogs is to prevent a well-meaning family member from sabotaging the process. Source: AKC Family Dog, July/August 2016. It is important to include children in every step of the process and to make sure everyone is following the rules in regards to training. The reality is that the humans in the equation need training as well. If … [Read more...]
JAVMA contents
For your convenience, we have linked to the table of contents in the latest issues of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Source: JAVMA, July 1, 2016. … [Read more...]
Lab finds lead poisoning a problem in cattle
Gregg Hanzlicek, Kanas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab director, says lead poisoning is the number-one poisoning diagnosed in the lab. Lead poisoning is found most often in young calves. It is difficult to identify and is often fatal. He discusses prevention and treatment challenges. Source: High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal, July 13, 2016. “The most common sources … [Read more...]
Livestock need quality water
Cattle need plenty of water, especially during summer months when forages tend to dry out. When levels of dissolved solids, such as iron, sulfates and salts get too high, they can cause decreased water consumption. Performance can suffer. Chance Farmer, cattle consultant, offers ways of testing for dissolved solids in this article. Source: Purina Mills. This is not an issue … [Read more...]
Metabolic disorders hurt dairy cows
Garret Oetzel, a veterinary professor at the University of Wisconsin, reminds us that dairy cows are prone to six metabolic disorders that can knock them out of the game. This is due to the tremendous load on their metabolism to perform. Veterinary hospital teams and sales personnel who call on dairies will find this article to be a resource when working with dairy producers to … [Read more...]
5 noteworthy discussions from the World Pork Expo
Cheryl Day provides an overview of topics important to the swine industry. This information is a good answer to, “What did you learn at the WPX?” It provides insight into challenges swine producers face. Source: National Hog Farmer, July 2016, page 30. Day summarizes: Pork Quality Assurance Plus program 3.0 Pork, the Other White Meat lawsuit pending Waters of the … [Read more...]
Pet owners spend big on pest control
Research publisher Packaged Facts of Rockville, MD, recently published the study Pet Medications in the US, 4th Edition.. It analyzes the market for prescription and over-the-counter medications for dogs and cats with a particular focus on brand-name products and antiparasitics. Source: Pet Product News, July 2016, page 16. From and availability standpoint, the market for … [Read more...]
CPR: It’s not just for humans
The AVMA has a family friendly video to demonstrate CPR. Janet Olson, veterinary cardiologist, involves her children to demonstrate and cover everything pet owners need to know to administer CPR to a pet. Veterinary clinics can use this video for websites, social media or blog posts. It is also a worthwhile addition for making presentations in schools and with new pet … [Read more...]
What to do when you don’t know what to do
Michael Hyatt offers three steps to follow when you're tired of feeling uncertain. Forget about the ultimate outcome. Focus on the next right action. Do something now! Source: MichaelHyatt.com, via AVMA SmartBrief, July 11, 2016. Feelings of uncertainty can quickly transform into a sense of being overwhelmed, Hyatt writes. In those situations, try to forget the … [Read more...]
Help horse owners deworm effectively
Because of anthelmintic resistance, horses are now once again at risk for parasite-related diseases, such as colic, diarrhea, poor hair coat, ill thrift and poor performance. The main reason that chemical dewormers are no longer as effective as they once were is the practice of rotation deworming. Stacey Oke, DVM, MSC, reviews the three classes of dewormers, where resistance is … [Read more...]
Optimize calves’ welfare during dehorning
Using appropriate dehorning or disbudding procedures and minimizing the associated pain are essential for a well-managed calf program. Developing protocols for calf care and pain management can ensure that everyone caring for calves follows the same procedures on farms. Several changes being implemented in the National Dairy FARM program in January 2017 address best practices … [Read more...]