Sponsored Content Our readership of the data security tips from Clint Latham, JD, indicates how challenging digital security is for animal health pros in the office, on mobile connections and at home. This week Clint offers perspectives on password management. As he explains, the challenges remain, but with some planning, risk can be mitigated. Source: Lucca Veterinary … [Read more...]
Archives for October 2020
Table Talk to provide information about canine genomic testing in veterinary practice
Complimentary content DNA testing options are continuously being developed for dogs and adoption of the technology is on the rise. Veterinarians can now use genomic testing to screen for common, actionable disorders to anticipate health issues and enable preventative care. Join Lindsey Kock, DVM, and Lauren Thorne of Neogen® for a free RACE CE approved Table Talk: … [Read more...]
Petco launches Vital Care Wellness Plan
"Petco's Vital Care Wellness Plan is the latest offering in our mission to improve the lives of pets and pet parents. With Vital Care we are offering critical, everyday services, from nail trims and teeth brushing to vet care, in a way that has never been done before - all in one accessible destination." - Ron Coughlin, Petco CEO. Source: Rural Marketing News, October 12, … [Read more...]
How men can confront other men about sexist behavior
W. Brad Johnson and David G. Smith tackle becoming courageous watchdogs for equity, dignity, respect and fairness in the workplace. They share the essential need for active confrontation of other men for sexism, bias, harassment and all inappropriate behavior. Public allyship, they say, may be the toughest part of male allyship. Allyship is hard work. Excellent allies have … [Read more...]
4 tips to encourage employees to get a flu vaccination
Chaz Hinkle reminds us of the importance of annual influenza vaccinations and the flu’s annual pressure on healthcare facilities and workers. The ongoing coronavirus challenge adds to the importance of getting everyone vaccinated. Source: Human Resource Executive, September 29, 2020. Link. Studies show that getting vaccinated can reduce flu illness, doctors’ visits, missed … [Read more...]
Leadership is often not pretty
Many consider leadership an art and sometimes that art is imperfect. The market changed and you did not see it coming. That new hire turned out to be all style and little substance. Regardless of the specifics, mistakes happen, and Jason Aten’s article may help you manage them. Source: INC, October 10, 2020. Link. One of the most challenging parts (of leadership) is that you … [Read more...]
Impediments to empowerment
OPINION National Veterinary Technician’s Week was filled with celebrations, acknowledgment and for me, discovery. Participating in two virtual roundtables encompassing virtual care and veterinary technician use, common threads became apparent as I listened: Veterinary teams are taxed and running on fumes Workflow and staffing models are in continual flux, including … [Read more...]
Farm women face extra risks
More than 30 percent of U.S. farm operators are women, and there are many more performing daily farm tasks. Lindley Reilly, DVM, shares four areas where women could be at a heightened risk for injury and should take appropriate precautions: Equipment Animals Hormones Mental health Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, October 5, 2020. Link. Safety should be a part of … [Read more...]
SAD: turn toward the light
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), seasonal depression or winter depression usually starts in the fall when daylight hours decrease and less temperate weather drives us inside. The American Psychiatric Association explains that SAD may arise from a biochemical imbalance in the brain prompted by fewer hours of daylight and less sunlight, which can shift the biological internal … [Read more...]
Why you’re always late, but it is not your fault
Research shows that 20 percent of the population finds it hard to be punctual. Time seems to work differently for us. We bend time; sometimes it stretches and sometimes it shrinks,” shares Grace Pacie, author and time bender. She writes about how time benders think, fit-in and offers ideas to mitigate the behaviors. Source: Fast Company, October 5, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Take a 2-minute reset before the next meeting
. . . interruptions between tasks, as opposed to within them, are vital to your overall functioning. Research has shown that even brief diversions improve focus. Taking a break, even a quick one, right before a meeting can make it much more productive. Kate Morgan shares the two-minute psychological buffer zone as the ultimate gear-switching tool. It’s a quick, but powerful … [Read more...]
Your pandemic meltdown has an upside if you allow it
If the least inconvenience or someone’s action sent you into an uncharacteristic fit, a bawl fest, a rant or even silence lately, you’ve probably experienced your version of a pandemic meltdown. Yet, meltdowns can have an upside. They let us release tension. Once it’s released, we can think more clearly because we’re not spending the energy to hold things together. The author … [Read more...]
Writing advice for science types and using an editor is important
Scholarly writing has a reputation for obscurity and obfuscation, says Josh Jones, who shares novelist Cormac McCarthy’s editing advice. His straightforward counsel is an invitation for writers of all kinds to remind themselves of the fundamental principles of clear, compelling and communicative prose. Scientific papers also rely heavily on jargon, overly long, … [Read more...]
Dreamer or doer?
Warren Buffett shares four life choices. Common sense, yes. But, to many of us, it is not common practice. That is, until we become believers than the principles work. All you need to do is act on them with positive intent. Source: Inc., September 24, 2020. Link. You will move in the direction of people you associate with. So, it is important to associate with those that are … [Read more...]
Speaking of herd immunity
The media has been full of references about herd immunity and its companion individual immunity. The two are inextricably linked, as Ellen Crawford writes. Her article is a good reminder and worth reviewing as it contains horse, human and cattle references. The three objectives of vaccination are to: Induce protection against disease Reduce susceptibility of an … [Read more...]
Biosecurity lessons learned from animal ag to fight COVID
It’s hard to take the lessons learned from animal ag and incorporate them into daily human life, writes Ann Reus. Even in the agri-food sector where biosecurity is almost second nature, companies are increasing their efforts to protect the health and safety of the animals and, by default, the health and safety of consumers. Source: Feed Strategy, September 24, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
But I have corn to harvest
Complimentary Content This beef producers’ excuse resonates across the corn belt this time of year when approached by livestock veterinarians wanting to schedule herd work, “. . . but I have corn to harvest!” W. Mark Hilton, DVM, PAS, DABVP, shares his experiences with delayed cattle work and the economics of working cattle ahead of harvest. The best day of the year to own … [Read more...]
Content for dog owners
Animal owners are full of questions. If you don’t believe it, monitor one of The Bridge Club Pets sessions or videos < link >. Our industry supports more than 150 publications targeting animal owners, all of which compete for their eyes and their dollars. The scope of social media has progressed considerably beyond Dr. Google. We share the following information for dog … [Read more...]
Metronidazole is not FDA-approved for dogs
Opinion Regardless of accuracy, it concerns me when articles and videos* like this one are published in consumer publications. Regardless of how frequently metronidazole is prescribed by veterinarians, it is not yet approved by the FDA for veterinary use. * The video features Jerry Klein, DVM, AKC’s chief veterinary officer Source: AKC, September 21, 2020. … [Read more...]
Debunking pet food myths and misconceptions
Ryan Yamka, PhD, challenges the World Small Animal Veterinary Association guidelines and pet food recommendations. He calls for an update to fill gaps and provide proper security for those recommending pet foods. This statement motivated posting Yamka’s article, “Based on WSAVA guidelines, a pet food company only needs to provide a complete nutrient analysis for one formula … [Read more...]
5 ways to optimize your pet’s health
Complimentary content Katie Woodley, BVSc, cVMA, GDVCHM, brings a collaborative mindset to integrative veterinary medicine. She combines western and eastern approaches to improving the quality of life for pets. A frequent guest on The Bridge Club Pets*, she anchors on food being the foundation for health. She asserts five steps to implement into pet's lives for optimal … [Read more...]
Hackers target webcams and cash flow
Sponsored Content Clint Latham, JD, addresses security issues in an effort to help the veterinary profession conquer the world of cyber security and ensure veterinary data remains secure. Two new posts cover webcam security and ransomware. Source: Lucca Veterinary Data Services. Link. 7 steps to determine if your webcam has been hacked, October 5, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen translates dog diarrhea and new puppy musts
Complimentary content Two new YouTube editions of Is this a Thing? are now available. Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, talks about new puppies and dealing with diarrhea in her initiative to help pet owners understand veterinary jargon and be more comfortable communicating with veterinarians. Source: Dr Jen the Vet, YouTube. Link to YouTube channel. … [Read more...]
How to start a fight with a client
Louis Dunn turns customer experience training upside down from what to do to what not to do. She shares phrases staff members use that can kill your client service and make a client feel as if you are trying to make them angry and start a fight: Our policy is . . . We have been really busy . . . Press 1 for…Press 2 for…Press 9 to repeat these choices . . . … [Read more...]
The future of veterinary telemedicine
Complimentary Content Roger Redman, DVM, and president of American Association of Veterinary State Boards shares his perspectives on telemedicine. He believes telemedicine isn’t just a part of the veterinary future, but that it guarantees the profession has one. He discusses VCPR, the expanded use of telemedicine platforms to facilitate access and the potential for dedicated … [Read more...]
Disinfecting or just cleaning? Contact time MATTERS!
Commentary With news media reporting a resurgence of Covid-19 infections this fall, it is time to revisit contact time. Best practices say to remove dirt then disinfect. But if the disinfectant used does not remain wet for the duration of its contact time, we are essentially just cleaning. Considerations in your community Conversations this week with the head nurse of … [Read more...]
CDC updates information on Covid-19 airborne risks (with video)
Well duh! The CDC now says people should also avoid crowded indoor spaces and ensure indoor spaces are properly ventilated by bringing in outdoor air. This update is a result of mounting evidence from super-spreader events. The guidance for physical distancing remains in place and needs further emphasis as winter drives more personal interactions indoors. The balance of … [Read more...]
Celebrating veterinary technicians, nurses and assistants
Commentary This week our industry acknowledges the efforts of veterinary technician. Since 1993, National Veterinary Technician Week has taken place the third week of October. Its objectives recognize veterinary technicians are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices and play vital roles in preserving animal health and welfare. Often tireless champions … [Read more...]
6 survival items everyone should have in their car’s glove compartment
Whether you are six blocks or 60 miles from home, situations occur where emergency kits in the trunk are not reachable. The authors assert that everyone needs to have these 6 items handy in the car: Flashlight First aid kit Gloves Seat belt cutting tool Multi-tool Poncho Source: The Outdoor Wear, November 2019. Link. Every single driver needs to have an … [Read more...]
Temple Grandin to headline October 28 webinar
Dr. Temple Grandin, renowned Colorado State University animal science professor, livestock handling specialist and autism expert, will be the featured speaker for an interactive webinar at 4:00 p.m. Central time, October 28. The program includes a Q&A session and will end at 6:00 p.m. Animal health pros from all backgrounds will likely find a topic or two worthwhile. The … [Read more...]