Jimmy E. Sharp shares a list of cleansers to use on your phones. You don’t have to be paranoid or a hygiene freak to realize how close your hands, mouth and eyes are to your phones’ surfaces. . . . whatever you use to sanitize your phone . . . USE SOMETHING!” Source: Habits and Routines, July 17, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Archives for July 2020
Looking ahead with The Bridge Club
Now three years old, The Bridge Club continues to gain momentum, popularity and fill gaps in our social and professional networks. Animal health pros rely on each other’s experiences and perspectives. The Bridge Club virtual events have evolved to emulate discussions often had over lunch or at the watering hole during on-site industry conventions. Source: The Bridge Club. … [Read more...]
Rev up replacement heifers
Patsy Houghton, president and general manager of Heartland Cattle Co., McCook, Nebraska, gave advice for developing heifers in fall 2020, spring 2021 and beyond in a recent Angus University webinar. She offered seven challenges to help commercial cattlemen improve their replacement heifers: Place selection pressure on fertility Enhance your calf crop value Improve … [Read more...]
Preg-check beef cows early
Identifying reproductive issues, managing input costs, more efficient culling along various preg-checking methods are presented in this article. Producers have a variety of options for managing nonpregnant cows and heifers.” Source: Bovine Veterinarian, July 10, 2020. Link. Current cattle markets, weather outlooks and feed availability are all factors that should be … [Read more...]
5 steps to decrease somatic cell counts (infographic)
Like you and me, cows are physically more stressed when it is hot. Somatic cell counts in milking dairy cows are a signal to dairy producers that an immune response is occurring. Add the influence of stress hormones and changes in cow behavior, the result is often an increase in environmental mastitis. It’s important to keep stalls clean, provide good fly control and provide … [Read more...]
Preconditioning, premiums and the real value of vaccines
Cow doc Jake Geis, DVM, discusses preconditioning calves, getting a better return on your vaccine and parasite control investment in the entire herd, not just calves. Cattle buyers place the most preference in a preconditioning program for the number of days weaned. . . because they know it means the cow-calf producer took on the risk of doing the actual job of weaning and … [Read more...]
9 Florida horses confirmed to have EEE
Speaking of the mosquito-borne diseases, Florida officials confirmed the state’s ninth case of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis. The serious viral disease affects horses, birds and humans. Vaccination, supported by two to three boosters per year, can help prevent EEE. Source: University of Florida Extension, July 24, 2020. Link. “EEE is a serious and often fatal injection in … [Read more...]
Quarantined farm kids captured on video
A great deal of what we see in media coverage deals with all the challenges of urban parents and their children. Farm kids have been affected by Covid-19 confines as well. Like some of their city kid friends, they add some creativity to their lives on the farm and the human animal bond is also apparent. Holly Spangler shares the fourth installment of farm kids in quarantine … [Read more...]
Cats can make you sick or even kill you
Just as our industry is getting more clients to bring cats to clinics, become better educated on prevention and improve the human-animal bonds cats empower, we get these warnings. Cat lover Richard O’Brien, MD, uses a scary title to outline slight risks and big risks when sharing space with cats. . . . don’t test a cat’s limits of composure. Protect your pet, yourself and your … [Read more...]
Leptospirosis Cliff notes: Screen, test and treat leptospirosis better (webcast)
Complimentary commercial content from VETgirl and Merck Animal Health Natalie Marks, DVM, reviews common and uncommon presentations of leptospirosis in general practice, lab abnormalities not to miss and keys to successful therapy. The review includes clinical signs of leptospirosis in dogs, signalment, what treatment is, and how to diagnose it. Also included is a brief … [Read more...]
Parvovirus cases spike
BluePearl, which operates 90 specialty and emergency pet hospitals in 21 states, has experienced a 70 percent increase in parvovirus cases. They relate the spike to the pandemic. AAHA’s Tony McReynolds dug into the situation and offers ways for practices to prepare. Source: AAHA NEWStat, July 23, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Neutering study lays out guidelines for 35 dog breeds
Our industry has struggled to answer questions about when or if to consider neutering for dogs because of great disparity between breeds. A new, 10-year study by researchers at the University of California – Davis, examined 35 dog breeds and found vulnerability from neutering varies greatly depending on the breed, size and sex. Source: UC Davis, July 15, 2020. Link. “We … [Read more...]
Like us, vampire bats self-isolate when they feel bad
Vampire bats are social beings like we are. They like to groom each other and share food. But, when they feel bad, they call out less frequently and have fewer interactions with fellow bats. Researchers say it’s instinctual, not voluntary, and is similar to the lethargy we feel when we’re sick. Source: New York Times, July 22, 2020. Link. So, they concluded that it is more … [Read more...]
Pigs used to save human lungs
Here’s an exceptional extension to the human animal bond. While still in early development, using pigs to revive damaged human lungs is promising. By hooking up lungs that had been rejected for transplant to the pigs, research scientists were able to revive the lungs in 24 hours.” Researchers indicate there are two possible applications for this research. Pigs could be used … [Read more...]
Getting to the bottom of goosebumps
Scientists have found the same cell types that cause goosebumps are also important for regulating stem cells that regenerate the hair follicle and hair. In this study, we identified an interesting dual-component niche that not only regulates the stem cells under steady state, but also modulates stem cell behaviors according to temperature changes outside.” - Ya-Chieh … [Read more...]
10 fun facts about mosquitoes
Fun? Well maybe for an entomologist. ;-) Animal health pros are the perfect sources to CONFIDENTLY help animal owners decrease the risk from mosquito-borne diseases. But, products on the shelf or not discussed never repel or kill one of the pests. Talk about them. Mid-summer is the peak time for mosquitoes!” Source: The Outdoor Wear, July 16, 2020. Link. People with Type O … [Read more...]
Dictation platform built for veterinarians now available on Mac
Mac users are celebrating as Talkatoo announces it has finished production of its revolutionary dictation software in a version for macOS. Up until now, it was only possible to do so on Windows. Talkatoo’s voice dictation solution offers tremendous flexibility and convenience for vets everywhere, even on their personal laptops. . . Windows or Mac.” Source: Talkatoo. Link. … [Read more...]
4 tips for marketing to millennial pet parents
Ongoing studies demonstrate some millennials distrust advertising. MWI Animal Health shares four ways animal health pros can reach this group of potential or current clients. Build meaningful relationships Meet millennials where they are with high-tech communications Establish a strong social media presence Keep the conversation going Source: MWI Animal Health, … [Read more...]
The best advice? Ask more questions.
As a leadership mentor, I am often asked for advice about a wide range of business issues. The temptation is to immediately try to answer the questions. I have learned the best mentors slow down and ask a few of their own questions before trying to answer the questions they were asked. Source: Inc, July 19, 2020. Link. The Advice Giver is usually an established, busy person. … [Read more...]
Two types of toughness required for success
You can either experience baby steps as insulting frustrations or as small, precious achievements.” - Ross Ellenhorn, PhD Source: Forge, July 22, 2020. Link. Personal change is not about having one lovely nirvana-like moment of self-acceptance. It’s about accepting yourself where you are — and accepting the fact that, right where you are, you lack something you believe will … [Read more...]
Animal health businesses ripe for ransomware attacks
Complimentary commercial content from Lucca Veterinary Data Security We asked Clint Latham to provide AHD readers with guidance on ransomware and data security. He offers three easy ways to avoid a ransomware attack that apply to all of us. . . . ransomware attacks have increased over 400 percent during Covid-19 WFH guidance” – Clint Latham Source: Lucca Vet, July 27, … [Read more...]
Every horse on a farm is at risk
There are risk avoidance opportunities in health care for humans and animals. Even top-of-the-line biosecurity cannot prevent core disease sources from getting on a property and infecting horses. These diseases can lead to death, but vaccinations help avoid morbidity and mortality. Equine veterinarians discuss the five core diseases: Rabies West Nile virus (WNV), … [Read more...]
Equine wound management (podcast)
In this episode of Disease Du Jour, equine wound issues are presented by Earl Gaughan, DVM, DACVS, a technical services veterinarian with Merck Animal Health. Source: EquiManagement, June 18, 2020. Link. History and duration of wounding is important . . . there’s a difference between wounds that are acutely noticed versus one that has acutely occurred” – Earl Gaughan, DVM, … [Read more...]
First aid important to treat chicken and livestock eye problems
Commercial content with support from Vetericyn When our chickens and livestock get an eye injury, or any type of wound, Janet Garman grabs the first aid box. Every farm and home should have supplies ready when an injury happens. She shares a list of items for a first aid kit on the farm or acreage. In no way will first aid on the farm replace solid veterinary care for … [Read more...]
Toilet training cows?
What? YHTBKM, right? We had to share this one along with some tongue-in-cheek. Behavioral scientists’ research results concluded that cattle have the intelligence and neurophysiological foundations that make toilet training possible. The learning method of so-called operant conditioning, which is based on a reward for the desired behavior, has proven itself. Practical … [Read more...]
Don’t sweat it!
It is HOT! Heather Smith Thomas writes about heat’s impact on cattle and how shade makes a difference. She reminds us that planning is important. August and September frequently have periods of grueling hot weather across cattle country. Now, not later, is the time to establish shade to reduce heat stress. Source: Angus Beef Bulletin, July 7, 2020. Link. Cattle need some … [Read more...]
Purdue developing rapid BRD diagnostic tool
Purdue University researchers are developing technology designed to reduce diagnosis time for bovine respiratory disease. BRD is one of the more costly cattle diseases and accounts for half of all North American feedlot deaths and robs beef and dairy producers of about $900 million a year. The new test can diagnose BRD in about 30 minutes, compared to the four-plus days current … [Read more...]
Have you herd? Ruminants in a sustainable food system (AABP podcast).
Animal health pros are an important part of the front line to manage perceptions and truth about animals, animal stewardship and the impact of animals on our environment. Sara Place, PhD, discusses greenhouse gas emissions, how cattle are a solution to providing a sustainable food source for humans, and why the Food and Agriculture Organization’s report on GHG production … [Read more...]
True or false? Hormones and steroids are added to chickens.
Commentary During recent calls with a dozen animal health pros, I asked about hormones and chickens referring to marketing on packaging in supermarkets. Only four of the 12 knew a definite answer. Let’s get this right once and for all! Fact: federal regulations prohibit the use of added hormones and steroids in all poultry. The chicken that is labeled “Raised without … [Read more...]
Help cat owners recognize an emergency
Cats don’t come with warning labels, and a person who doesn’t know the symptoms can’t be expected to recognize them” – Eric Barchas, DVM Barchas begins with a tip about what healthy gums look like and then shares a list of more common and serious cat emergencies that includes: Difficulty breathing Sudden paralysis of the hind end Known (or likely) ingestion of … [Read more...]