For some, it's not always possible to take a midday hike or a break in the park during the workday. But there’s good news. Studies show that just looking at pictures or videos of nature can boost our health and happiness. The effects aren't as strong as the outdoors, but a few positive cognitive benefits are better than none. Haley Goldberg rounded up eight relaxing nature … [Read more...]
Archives for April 2018
Learning a little may be dangerous
Alexander Pope was right when he said that a little learning is a dangerous thing. In research on overconfidence in beginners, Carmen Sanchez and David Dunning discovered perspectives that animal health pros can apply when working with new employees or learning new procedures. They describe a beginner’s bubble of overconfidence that can be related to the challenges of … [Read more...]
New calf killer in town
Salmonella Heidelberg, a disease identified fewer than two years ago, can quickly claim the lives of dairy calves. The disease is a risk for any dairy and has become a multi-state risk due to the frequent transport of dairy animals across the U.S. Additionally, S. Heidleberg is resistant to antibiotics and was linked to human cases in 15 states. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, … [Read more...]
30-plus years of pork industry milestones, issues
Neil Dierks, CEO of the National Pork Producers Council, reflects on the development of the pork industry. He highlights these issues as the most memorable: Mandatory pork checkoff Pseudorabies eradication program H1N1 flu pandemic of 2009 Application of technology Animal ID/premise ID Growth of exports Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome … [Read more...]
How do antibiotics impact gut health?
This article was part of last week’s The view from the gut that featured the Blueprint issue of National Hog Farmer (Link). James Lowe, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, i-Learning Center, director shares the work his group has done understand the factors that drive the development of the microbiome of the pig’s intestine. Source: National Hog Farmer, … [Read more...]
What dogs eat matters
The folks at Reader’s Digest talked to a few veterinarians to come up with eight recommendations veterinarians are apt to tell clients about what they feed their dogs. This quick read will affirm what clinic teams recommend daily. Source: Reader’s Digest, April 2018, Link. More important than the ‘natural’ claim is whether or not the food is nutritionally completed and … [Read more...]
Quiz: Implementing wellness plans
Test your knowledge with this quiz on the key elements of a successful wellness plan, as well as some common misconceptions. Consider engaging your entire staff to take this quiz. Questions 9 and 10 may be revealing. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, January/February 2018, Link. Wellness plans are not only beneficial for pet owners and pets, they also provide veterinary … [Read more...]
Warm-up exercises for horses
Traci Johnting shares warm-up exercises she uses for to get a horse soft and supple before a show. These exercise disciplines apply to any horse we intend to ride. After all, the minute a rider mounts, the animal is asked to perform athletically. Source: The American Quarter Horse Journal, April 18, 2018, Link. I like these exercises because you don’t need any special … [Read more...]
Dog and cat people have much in common
Karen B. London, PhD, shares the results of a 1,000-person survey that reveals similarities and differences between cat and dog people. “We are more alike than we are different,” she writes. “That’s not just a fact, it’s a perspective on life, and it applies to people with pets.” Source: The Bark, April 2018, Link. Although studies comparing cat people and dog people … [Read more...]
Night owls may die early, study says
The early bird gets the worm and may also be healthier than night owls whose biological clocks prefer late nights and wee morning hours. Research by Knutson and von Shantz shows night owls’ behavior is associated with a range of health problems that include obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and early death. Source: The Conversation, April 12, 2018, … [Read more...]
Baby bison may save Siberian permafrost
To avoid releasing billions of tons of carbon from warming permafrost, scientists in the Pleistocene Park, in the wilds of Siberia, are attempting to reestablish the ecosystem as it was 20,000 years ago. They believe the actions of grazing animals can help keep the ground from thawing. Bison from Alaska will soon join other grazing animals there. Source: Fast Company, April … [Read more...]
Red wolf puppies born in North Carolina (videos)
In what appears to be a repeat performance, a new litter of red wolf cubs was born at The Museum of Life and Science in Durham, North Carolina. This litter appears to be half the size of the one reported last year. (Link) Nonetheless, these add to the limited population of these animals remaining. Source: WRAL-TV via AVMA SmartBrief, April 24, 2018, Link. The first 30 days … [Read more...]
Pet foxes; now what?
Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, and Olivia Petritz, DVM, share different perspectives on all things pet fox with Sarah Wooten, DVM. There are different kinds of domesticated foxes that people buy. Chatfield shares, “It’s not our job to judge whether it’s right or not for a client to have a pet fox. It is our job to provide adequate healthcare and education to that client. With the … [Read more...]
Research for biomarkers and slow-kill protocol for heartworm disease summarized
Animal health pros frequently challenge the status quo. In the face of a heartworm infection, melarsomine has received the American Heartworm Society recommendations along with steroid and antithrombotic agents, as needed. But melarsomine sometimes has limited availability or is unavailable in many countries. Thus, many slow-kill protocols have been circulated as possible … [Read more...]
Annual screening for dogs’ exposure to infected ticks is vital
Melissa Beall, DVM, PhD, reinforces that dogs don’t always show clinical signs of tick exposure. Therefore, annual screening is critical to discovery of tick-borne diseases. Pet-side test kits and research reinforce her assertions. Source: Veterinary Practice News, April 18, 2018, Link. The study, found at idexx.com/tickrisk, showed two key findings: dogs with Ehrlichia … [Read more...]
Henry Schein Animal Health and Vets First Choice join to create Vets First Corp.
Consolidation continues writes Edie Lau as he details the newest animal health company. Parallel but synergistic competencies seem to be the common denominator in the vision for this spin-off and merger. Lau provides a solid historical view of the two companies, their capacities and stated objectives as they move toward 2019. Source: VIN News Service, April 23, … [Read more...]
Puppies and kittens with diarrhea can be biohazards
Puppies and kittens can be fuzzy little biohazards, writes Maureen Anderson, DVM. It’s a paradoxical picture. She outlines different roles and responsibilities, sharing what each team member should and should not do to help control the spread of infection when handling diarrhea cases. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, April 2018, Link. Veterinary practices should have an … [Read more...]
Scam alert: Beware of callers impersonating the DEA
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) reports that some registrants are getting calls and emails from con artists. According to the agency, “The impersonators inform their victims that purchasing drugs over the internet or by telephone is illegal, and that enforcement action will be taken against them unless they pay a fine. If victims refuse to send money, the impersonators often … [Read more...]
AVMA board working hard
With over 91,000 members representing 75 percent of U.S. veterinarians, the AVMA board of directors has plenty of work ahead. The board recently shared achievements and growth plans to serve the needs of our entire diverse profession. Source: AVMA@Work, April 13, 2018, Link. Here are some meeting highlights focused on actions taken to better serve the veterinary … [Read more...]
Cornell research: moderate cost for no antibiotics in dairy
A new Cornell University study pinpoints the financial toll that eliminating antibiotic use would have on dairy farms. The team took a systems approach that involves researchers in epidemiology, development sociology, and agricultural and health economics. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 19, 2018, Link. To examine the effect of limiting the use of antibiotics in dairy … [Read more...]
Labs still atop U.S. dog breeds
Labrador Retrievers have captured American’s hearts for 27 years and continue to reign in the latest breed rankings from the American Kennel Club. Source: Quartz, April 24, 2018, Link. There are 196 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club in total. For a full list of how they all stack up click here. … [Read more...]
Value your people so they do their best
Your people need more than a salary and fulfilling work to be their best. They need to know that you see the value in them as individuals and from the results they deliver. These nine suggestions should be an automatic part of your management style. Source: Forbes, November 8, 2017, Link. . . . delivering the tough information – can be a challenge. Nonetheless, it’s one of … [Read more...]
May at The Bridge Club
The Bridge Club continues to broaden perspectives by sharing personal, professional and industry knowledge in its unique virtual community setting. May online events include: Spectrum of Leadership, a two-part series; May 2nd and 3rd at 3:30 CDT Generation Z: learn who they are and why we need to care now; May 22nd at 10am CST/11am EST. VCPRs: what this means for … [Read more...]
Heed new pinkeye management protocols
Articles from AHD sponsor Addison Biological Laboratories provide information about how we should now manage pinkeye. Starting with a historical perspective helps. This is what we know: Pinkeye is a painful cattle disease that can reduce weaning weights as much as 17 lbs. to 65 lbs. per animal. Pinkeye is a multifactor disease. Once it begins to spread through a … [Read more...]
Look for AHD friends in the media
There is ongoing news about AHD supporters and friends in various animal health media outlets this month. Be sure to look for details about AHD Founder’s Circle member, Innovetive Pet Care, and its spring leadership summit. Also, be on the lookout for the lowdown on UTid+™, a new companion animal in-clinic culture system to help diagnose common bacteria and fungi associated … [Read more...]
April is De-Stress Your Pet Month
Hiding, scratching, crying or chewing on chairs by pets are likely signs of stress. And, they’re natural reactions to stress. Most pet owners don’t know it. This is one reason why AHD sponsor Ceva Animal Health and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists have teamed up to create De-Stress Your Pet Month in April. Look for this news in industry media, local newspapers … [Read more...]
National Park Week is next week
National Park Week runs April 21 through 29 and Earth Day is Sunday, April 22. Parks across the country will host special programs and events, including a fee-free day, Saturday April 21. Take some time to enjoy what our park system has to offer. Source: National Park Service. (Link) The theme for National Park Week is “Park Stars,” celebrating everything from starry skies … [Read more...]
Rampant incivility plagues most companies
Ninety eight percent of workers have experienced rude behavior and 99 percent have witnessed it in the past 20 years. This is according to research completed by Christine Porath. Based on her findings, she presents the case to develop a civility code. Her process includes these categories: Model the right behavior Articulate values and set expectations Define … [Read more...]
Email can be less stressful and time-consuming
Dorie Clark tackles email challenges, its distracting presence and offers ideas for time management and prioritization. Source: Harvard Business Review, April 9, 2018. (Link) Focus on the few emails that are actually high priority, says Clark. What counts as an important email? She suggests that the truly essential ones are client communication and inquiries about potential … [Read more...]
Cows love brushing (includes video)
Brian Murphy and his family installed automated brushes to improve cow comfort. The cows love the brushes and compete for position to take turns. Source: Dairy Herd Management, March 29, 2018. (Link) The brushes really help to keep the cows clean, especially this time of year when they are getting rid of their hair coat,” Murphy says. “The cows love to stand and rub against … [Read more...]