We often find that to make progress on our most important and difficult challenges, we need to work with people whose perspectives and positions are different from ours, writes Adam Kahane referencing his book, Collaborating with the Enemy. Working with diverse others doesn’t have to mean compromising your values. But if you just can’t do it, there are other ways to solve … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2018
Harvard, 6 things that make people live longer, happier lives
The Study of Adult Development is a rarity in medicine. Quite deliberately it set out to study the lives of the well, not the sick. In so doing it has integrated three cohorts of elderly men and women - all of whom have been studied continuously for six to eight decades. Whether we live to a vigorous old age lies not so much in our stars or our genes as in ourselves. Source: … [Read more...]
Screens kill your eyeballs and now we know how
Here’s the latest information on blue light’s rap sheet. Beyond messing with circadian rhythms, it can kill photoreceptor cells, according to a new experiment. We believe all of us need to stay informed on this topic. Source: Popular Science, August 10, 2018. Link. Physicians have drawn attention to the relationship between our favorite devices and eye problems, ranging … [Read more...]
Salmonella is helpful to poultry intestinal health
The consumer pressure to reduce or eliminate antibiotic use in poultry has resulted in an increase in intestinal disease, writes Charles L. Hofacre, DVM. In a recent US survey, veterinarians reported a significant increase in the number of broiler flocks that are experiencing intestinal disease associated with a higher incidence of coccidiosis. At the same time, the public … [Read more...]
Manage chicken coop smell to keep neighbors happy
Smell issues go with chickens as much as poop-filled yards go with big dogs. Jeremy Chartier discussed why chicken coops smell and how to reduce the problem before neighbors complain. . . . the most likely culprit is ammonia. Ammonia is a natural byproduct found in poultry manure and when in vapor form, smells incredibly strong and foul. Consider this article for posts, … [Read more...]
Some vegetables are good for dogs
Vegetables can be a great addition to your dog’s diet if you stick to those that are safe and hand out an appropriate amount writes Wendy Newell. As omnivores, dogs can digest plants as well as meat. Source: Whole Dog Journal, August 13, 2018. Link. Newell discusses which vegetables are good and not good for dogs: Good: Leafy greens Root vegetables Stalks … [Read more...]
Hand rub and chlorhexidine gluconate scrub equally reduce bacterial population on dogs’ skin
This white paper proved interesting. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of application of an alcohol-based antiseptic (80% ethyl alcohol) hand rub (ABAHR) with that of a 2% chlorhexidine gluconate scrub (CGS2) for immediate reduction of the bacterial population on the skin of dogs. Source: AVJR, September 2018. Link. (abstract only) Application of both products significantly … [Read more...]
Vetfolio podcast series: Treating bacterial dermatitis
Vetfolio launched an educational podcast series that details treatment strategies for a variety of diagnosis scenarios veterinary teams face daily. The series is sponsored by Dechra and includes: Episode 1: Why Topicals are Important for Your Practice Episode 2: Trouble Shooting Chronic Otic Cases Episode 3: How to Incorporate Supplements in to Your Dermatology … [Read more...]
Top 5 gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary antibiotics
Treatment options include more than metronidazole, writes Craig B. Webb, PhD, DVM, DACVIM. She reviews five antibiotics that address gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders: Enrofloxacin Metronidazole Tylosin Amoxicillin–clavulanic acid Neomycin Source: Clinician’s Brief, March 2018. Link. Webb considers enrofloxacin, metronidazole, and tylosin to be … [Read more...]
Equine shipping fever may indicate something more serious
Travel is stressful for horses. A horse’s environment during transport may not be dustier than his home barn, but if he can’t readily lower his head, airborne particles may take a greater toll on his health. If horses get a respiratory infection after transport, like people with colds, they usually just get over it. Sometimes, however, a fever and cough that start soon after … [Read more...]
How to end your four most common work conversations
Too often we hesitate when it comes to the “ask.” We let our words hang in the air–and hope that our listeners pursue the next steps. Source: Fast Company, August 17, 2018. Link. Judith Humphrey shares how to tell your listeners how you want your message to be acted upon. She covers the call to action in the following scenarios: Networking conversation Corridor chat … [Read more...]
Grit: the power of passion and perseverance (includes video)
We know very little about developing grit, says Angela Lee Duckworth. “What if your ability to do well in school and life depends on much more than your ability to learn easily and quickly?” she asked. “IQ was not the only difference between my best and worst students.” In all those different contexts, one characteristic emerged as significant predictor of success: It was … [Read more...]
Survey shows digital-native Gen Z prefers in-person interaction with brands
Just when we thought we were catching up, research shows Gen-Z actually has a complex relationship with technology. And the lesson not to rely on generalities hold true. Some that marketers associate with millennials are not true for Gen-Zers. Research . . . reveals Gen Z’s paradoxical relationship with social media. As the latest survey shows, they don’t overshare and are … [Read more...]
Pet medical insurance is growing, group says
Whether as a member of a veterinary team or as a pet owner, pet insurance is becoming a more prevalent consideration in managing both life quality and financial risk when owning a pet. The number of insured pets increased climbing to 1.83 million last year, up about 16% from the previous year. That’s only 1% of dogs and cats, but insurers expect the expansion to … [Read more...]
Key items that make a successful lunch and learn
Whether working to advance team skills or increase knowledge about a topic, engaging team members is critical. An effective Lunch & Learn involves more than an introduction and a demonstration over lunch. No team member will leave lunch feeling confident about performing a new skill without actually performing the skill him- or herself. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, … [Read more...]
What’s good for GM may be good for you
Everyone in all General Motors offices is banned from walking and talking or texting. This includes CEO Mary Barra. There’s no looking at a phone en route to a meeting, taking calls on the way to the bathroom nor checking email when getting coffee. Safety is one reason, but awareness is another. Source: Fast Company, August 23, 2018. Link. For GM, the smartphone concern is … [Read more...]
Strong sales managers coach well
A friend who is a sales manager recently sent me an article titled, “There are too many bad salespeople,” with the suggestion that this could serve as an inspiration for a future column. My friend will be pleased to discover that it worked, but perhaps not in the way she intended. Source: Vet-Advantage – Companion Edition, August, 2018. Link. Real coaching occurs when … [Read more...]
The numbers are clear: weaned calves bring a premium
New research provides important insight to the long-debated value of weaning and preconditioning programs. Bottom line: Data from Superior Livestock Auction show that calf buyers will pay premiums for calves that have been weaned at least 45 days, even after accounting for differences in preconditioning programs. Source: BEEF, August 23, 2018. Link. When calves arrive at the … [Read more...]
Healthy cows start with healthy people
For livestock veterinarians, maintaining the health of a herd, as well as a good relationship with their owner is an important aspect of the job. Bovine Veterinarian has three white papers available that are full of tips to help DVMs ensure a long-lasting relationship with farmers and ranchers. The topics are: Foreign-disease prevention Monitoring human health … [Read more...]
8 uncomfortable questions for dairies
Dennis Halladay speaks to consumer questions saying, “Animal welfare is turning up on dairy conference programs with rapidly growing frequency these days, often asking questions that may be uncomfortable.” He shares the toughest six questions he has heard this year and adds the last two to consider: Are dairy cattle cared for with compassion? Do they have feelings … [Read more...]
Mad cow disease discovered in Florida cow
The U.S. Department of Agriculture personnel have discovered a cow in Florida infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease. Agri-Pulse first reported this news Tuesday evening, August 28. Drovers reported it shortly thereafter Source: Drovers, August 28, 2018. Link. The infected Florida cow was not slaughtered for human consumption … [Read more...]
Opinion – Human hospitals will be required to post their prices online
I have no political agenda in posting this. However, I believe it is important for animal health pros to see this legal action and consider how it might play out in animal health. One thing for sure, the ability to differentiate services, skills and value-adds may become further homogenized in this environment. The rule, finalized Thursday by the Centers for Medicare and … [Read more...]
Understand your market, but set your own price points
Kara Perez offers realistic guidance on establishing price points with knowledge of but independent of competition. Focusing too much on the competition can prove to be a distraction. Source: DUE, August 19, 2018. Link. Knowing your market rate is powerful knowledge, but only to a point. If you base your prices off of someone else’s business model and someone else’s work, … [Read more...]
33 dos and don’ts for equine colic
“Any horse has the ability to experience colic,” states Dr. Michael N. Fugaro. “The disorder is indiscriminate of age, sex, breed, occupation, or environment.” The term “colic” refers to abdominal pain rather than a specific disorder. Conditions that commonly cause colic include gas, impaction, grain overload, sand ingestion, and parasite infection. Marcia King offers dos and … [Read more...]
Teaching calves to eat: 5 benefits of creep feeding
Calves encounter a variety of challenges throughout life. Cody Schneider offers perspectives on using creep feeding to help calves prepare for what’s next. He says there are five benefits: Post-weaning performance Fewer health problems post-weaning Control coccidiosis Increase weaning weight Insurance for consistency Much like preconditioning, creep feeding … [Read more...]
Pinkeye challenges NC region
Cattle in Catawba County, North Carolina, are experiencing the worst year for pinkeye ever, according to North Carolina State University Extension agent Glenn Detweiler. He references late rains and fly populations as part of a perfect storm for pinkeye infections. Source: Hickory Record, August 17, 2018. Link. The group called face flies seem harmless since they do not … [Read more...]
September at The Bridge Club
Brenda and Catherine recently sought topic feedback from all-access members and past participants. The result is a robust set of topics for upcoming months. Here’s a look at what’s coming. August 30th, Noon MST, VMAE Member Exclusive Event: Momentum Book Club – Part 1. This is a closed event for VMAE Members. For more information, contact Catherine Haskins @ … [Read more...]
VHMA annual meeting and conference kicks off October 18
VHMA principles are finalizing the 2018 VHMA annual meeting and conference, “Discovering, Transforming, and Progressing Together.” It will take place October 18 – 20 in Baltimore, Maryland. Great managers understand that progress is dependent on a thorough and deliberate process. At VHMA 2018...discover the practices that the best practice managers rely on to thrive! Note … [Read more...]
Opinion – Chew on this blast from the past
AHD editor, Rick Purnell, found a dental care brochure in a media kit from 2007. See the images of the Hartz® brochure at the link below. While the graphics show how far we’ve come in presenting products in the last 10 plus years, the messages are alarmingly similar. A Google search for the study referenced indicates its results have been referenced by as many as 20 or more … [Read more...]
Keep dogs from getting carsick
Labor Day is almost here and folks are rushing to take the last road trips of the season. If taking the dog along, it helps to ensure you and he are prepared for the possibility of motion sickness. The exact mechanism of motion sickness it not well understood, but it is likely linked to the centers of the brain that control balance and process motion, according to Daniel Edge, … [Read more...]