AHD selects actionable articles from more than 250 media sources we continuously review. These include about 40 sources directed to veterinarians and veterinary staff, more than 150 sources that focus on animal owners and popular press, blogs and social media. Source: Animal Health Digest, Most-read posts, January 2019. Better ways to say, “You screwed up.” Link. … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2019
Top 10, most-read and best-of lists
Clicks count for media publishers. We learn what grabs readers’ attentions. Top article lists also help ensure the most interesting content is renewed for those who missed something earlier. Here are some best-of lists to peruse as you ramp up for 2020. Source: AHD, Search results for: most read. Link Source: DVM 360, Search results for: top stories. Includes the … [Read more...]
Opinion: A new decade begins
Our industry has experienced innumerable changes since the turn of the century. Some worth noting include: Resizing of major pharmaceutical companies and distributors through mergers and acquisitions Veterinary school graduates are now predominately female Expansion of corporate ownership of veterinary clinics Massive growth in the companion animal sectors … [Read more...]
Accept others and give yourself for Christmas
No matter how you celebrate this time of year, contributor Jim Whitt’s recollection of Doc Lunsford describes what’s really important every day of the year. Take two minutes to read it. You – and those around you – will be glad you did. Source: Purpose Unlimited: Giving what is most difficult to give. Link. … [Read more...]
Best wishes for the holidays
We wish you the best during this holiday season and for a fruitful 2020! We are privileged to provide a curation service for animal health pros. Our work spans four years of reading that generated over 4,000 individual posts. 2020 promises to be an exciting year to continue AHD for animal health pros. Animal Health Digest Bulletin is sent weekly by email to subscribers and … [Read more...]
Gallup; Top 10 articles of 2019
Consistent measurement and developing solutions are part of Gallup’s value proposition. Beyond metrics, articles about a challenge often include a program to address it. Here are Gallup’s top articles of 2019 that represent areas of improvement for small and corporate businesses. We are not endorsing any of the programs. Source: GALLUP, December 17, 2019. Link. Discover … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Quality acronyms and terms, Banfield-style
Leaders from Banfield review quality acronyms live on video. There’s a bit of memory prodding required while revealing the disciplines required to provide safety and best care for animals, clients and staffers. Source: Quality talk with Banfield leaders, YouTube, October 21, 2019. Link. Note the discussion of the five domains for quality and the focus on culturally competent … [Read more...]
Failure to decide is a decision
Many people believe that deflecting is a way to delay decisions they don’t wish to make. In the moment, this might work. But as time progresses failure to decide most frequently puts us in a reactive mode. Lisa Earle McLeod says the biggest challenges with decision-making are not the decisions we make, it’s the decision we don’t make. She calls it the default decision. It’s … [Read more...]
Myths about mental illness cause high rates of unemployment
Awareness of inequalities with respect to race, gender, age, sexuality, class and other related factors, as well as the benefits of diversity, is growing, but society has a long way to go with mental illness, writes Bandy X. Lee. She says, to dispel stigmas surrounding mental health in the workplace, we need first to tackle several myths: Everyone has different abilities … [Read more...]
Mental health resources for farmers and ranchers available. More on the way.
The holidays may add to everyday stress for some folks. Farmers and ranchers are no different. There is a great list of mental health and suicide prevention references with links. Keep it. It may come in handy one day. Source: Successful Farming, September 8, 2018. Link. If you need help or know someone who is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention … [Read more...]
Feral hogs are a northern problem, too
Imported as hunting livestock in the 1980s and 1990s, Eurasian boar mated with domestic pigs in Canada and have thrived. They’re heading south, too. Add the wild hogs that short-sighted, hunting enthusiasts transport from the southern U.S. and a likely invasion of the most destructive invasive species known is coming. State and federal agencies are monitoring the U.S./Canadian … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Alarm bells going off for African swine fever
Dr. Bob Rowland, co-executive director of the North American PRRS Symposium, reveals two big headlines from the recent conference. He also explains how the symposium has evolved to include all emerging diseases and offers an update on diagnosing challenging diseases. Source: The Pig Site, November 26, 2019. Link. “You can almost see the alarm bells going off in terms of … [Read more...]
Gates Foundations fund hub for livestock vaccines
Researchers from The Pirbright Institute in the U.K. have been awarded $5.5 million by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish a Livestock Antibody Hub aimed at improving animal and human health globally. The aim is to use Pirbright’s expertise in livestock viral diseases, cutting-edge technology and unique high-containment facilities to bring antibody discovery, … [Read more...]
Deep slumber as important for horses as for people
We know that restorative sleep is important to equine health, but mostly leave it up to the horse, writes Kim Mariette. Environments such as bustling modern barns, modern equine facilities and even nearby construction can be disruptive and make it difficult for horses to get REM sleep. Source: EQUUS, May 28, 2019. Link. To achieve REM sleep a horse must lie down in either … [Read more...]
Best hiking dog breeds and activities to share
Media advertising and images consistently weave in images of pets. Articles from an outdoor company share information about dog breeds suited for hiking and ideas about where to go play together. We noted there was no reference to disease protection or injury prevention in either article. Source: Best Dog Breeds for Hiking, The Outdoor Wear, December 11, 2019. … [Read more...]
Quiz: Proper use of gastroprotectants
Gastroprotectants, which include antacids and acid suppressants, are one of the most widely used classes of medications in veterinary medicine. Because acid suppressants and antacids are inexpensive and readily available over the counter, inappropriate use of these drugs is of great concern. Source: Clinician’s Brief, November 2019. Link. Emily Nissa Gould, DVM, MS, DACVIM … [Read more...]
Cat Friendly column celebrates first year of content
2019 was the inaugural year for the Cat Friendly Column produced by the American Association of Feline Practitioners to compliment the Cat Friendly Practice effort. The December issue is dedicated to the most popular articles from 2019. What can I catch from my cat? Link. How to feed a cat. Link Cats should love their carriers. Link. Feline poison prevention. … [Read more...]
As seen in AAHA NEWStat
With a focus on accredited practices, AAHA’s NEWStat is a reliable source for practices and the animal health pros who work in them or with them. The following links share recent sponsored content and a feature on how big-box veterinary clinics are redefining consumers’ concept of pet healthcare. Source: Big-box veterinary clinics redefining consumers’ concept of pet … [Read more...]
New course teaches how to run a no-kill shelter
Learning how to set up and run no-kill shelters for cats and dogs is the goal of a new certificate program at Southern Utah University. In partnership with the Best Friends Animal Society <link>, the program will be offered mostly online, so students anywhere can sign up for the courses. Source: Salt Lake Tribune, December 10, 2019. Link. The credits earned will … [Read more...]
Veterinary medicine; whitest profession in America
The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges’ director, Lisa Greenhill, MBA, EdD, shared information and corrective steps to address a history of discrimination and marginalization within the veterinary profession. At the current rate of change, black women will achieve pay equity in 100 years. For Latinx women, it will be 125 years until the wage gap … [Read more...]
Telehealth: 2019 regulations set the stage for increased access and use
Jeff Lagasse says 2019 was an interesting year for human telehealth. A framework is starting to emerge, and while it's not fully mature, it is no longer the nascent healthcare delivery approach it once was. Understanding and monitoring the human telemedicine developments is important for animal health companies. The technology infrastructures will be similar and resolutions … [Read more...]
North American Veterinary Anesthesia Society focuses on team education
The American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia along with the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia identified a need to elevate standards of care and practice for veterinary anesthesia and analgesia, as well as support those providing anesthesia and analgesia to animal patients. The NAVAS was created as a non-profit to engage anyone … [Read more...]
Organic label doesn’t guarantee that holiday ham came from a happy pig
There’s an assumption that certified organically raised animals live happier, more natural lives. The reality, writes Michael Haedicke, is more complicated. Government regulations for organic farming contain few specific protections for pigs, poultry and other animals raised for human consumption. So, conditions on organic farms may not actually be all that different from … [Read more...]
Dressing cows for the holidays
Dressing in this case refers to garments designed for a Jersey cow herd for the Christmas holiday. Farmer Becky Houzé’s Jerseys are making history as the first herd to wear matching Christmas jumpers. You’ll smile when you see these cows in holiday attire. Source: The Bullvine, December 11, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
4 tips to limit party liability
Still have a holiday party to attend? With the potential for great fun and bonding with colleagues, comes the opportunity for some missteps, as well. Lisa Nagele-Piazza, JD, SHRM-SCP suggests four tips to limit party liability. One is to carefully plan the day and time of the event. Setting a timeframe helps maintain control. Another is to manage alcohol consumption for … [Read more...]
Take the stress out of work and the holidays
Everyone is affected by stress and the holidays only seem to add to the level of it. Stephanie Sarkis offers tips for managing this increased stress level. Source: Forbes, November 19, 2019. Link. If you’re feeling stressed out, don’t take on new assignments. You may be concerned that it will reflect poorly on you, but your health is the most important thing. If you aren’t … [Read more...]
Habits that push friends away
Genuine relationships require intentional effort and maintenance. Christine Carter, PhD, shares ways we drive wedges between ourselves and friends: You overdo it on social media You try to fix a friend’s problems instead of simply listening You’re “too busy” You don’t offer any new stimulation You make presumptions about your friend’s feelings You don’t show … [Read more...]
Opinion: Poo smell in Kansas City blamed on rare weather event
The greater Kansas City, Missouri, area had a stinky experience in early November. We monitored media to see if animal health pros might add some thoughts about it. To date we’ve seen nothing, but questions remain. If smells from hog operations, cattle feedlots, poultry operations and ethanol plants can be trapped in a low, fast moving front and transferred over 300 miles, … [Read more...]
Rats, cats and feral hogs invading national parks
A new study published in the Biological Invasions journal says our national parks are under a deep and immediate threat from invasive, non-native species. The researchers are urging the National Park Service to create and implement a systemwide approach that involves everybody from National Park Service leadership to their staff and park visitors. Source: CNN, December 4, … [Read more...]
2019’s top news stories from DVM360
For publishers, what readers click on is like taking blood pressure and pulse metrics. DVM360’s top news stories from 2019 is no exception. From spay/neuter age debates through 12-month heartworm protection to shortages of veterinary associates, it shares the top stories. Source: DVM 360, December 6, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: For marketers and sales reps, top 10 lists help … [Read more...]