Ants, honeybees, a 22-inch walking stick, ladybugs and more . . . Mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animal.” Source: Interesting facts. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider using one of these examples as a conversation starter when you need to break the ice with a new person or group. … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2023
AAEP Commission on Veterinary Sustainability: Compensation Matters
1,378 respondents completed a survey from the compensation subcommittee of the AAEP's Commission on Equine Veterinary Sustainability. This article shares some of the survey results and opportunities. The average salaries for those in the graduation years 2016–2019 was $88,973 for example. The charge of the committee is “To ensure that members understand what current … [Read more...]
Budweiser Clydesdale accident at San Antonio rodeo (video)
The lead team turned the wrong way during a performance at the San Antonio Rodeo causing a pileup. After some time, the scene ended with all the horses on their feet. Kudos to the handlers and to the way the announcers handled the scene for the audience. Source: Citizen Free Press, February 18, 2023. Link. (10:41) It’s hard to say what went wrong, but the lead horses … [Read more...]
How old is too old for dentals?
It is important to recognize that oral and dental disease often increases in incidence in older pets. Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC, asserts since resolving these issues can improve the patients’ overall quality of life, managing the anesthetic risks of these patients, and concerns of their owners is critical. Seldom will a pet be too old to benefit from optimal care.” Source: … [Read more...]
A cup is a terrible way to measure how much we feed a dog
There are too many variables to effectively use volume as an accurate measurement of how much a dog gets to eat. Reminding us that dog food labels are challenging for pet owners to interpret, if not misleading, Nancy Kerns addresses feeding enough or too much. Kerns’ frequent articles about pet food make good posts for animal health pros to share with pet owners … [Read more...]
Chewy expands private label mix with new wellness line
Commercial Content Vibeful is Chewy’s first pet wellness brand. It features 20 supplements and vitamins crafted to complement a wide range of daily wellness needs to meet the growing consumer demand. These supplements boast no artificial ingredients and come in a variety of soft chews, liquids and powders, and in flavors like chicken, salmon and peanut butter. Source: … [Read more...]
National Justice for Animals Week is February 19 – 25
National Justice for Animals Week runs through Friday. The annual event raises public awareness around crimes committed against animals <Link>. Animal justice is not new. In an 1869 Supreme Court case, attorney George Vest*, later a U.S. Congressman from Missouri, represented an owner who sued a man for shooting his dog. Vest's "a man's best friend" closing argument … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 20, 2023
Women in the pet business, making the most of pay-per-click, promoting small business methods, preventing PTSD after pet loss, tax and insurance tips for small business, working smarter not harder and thoughts on the culture of <pet> domestication. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, February 20, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
6 best practices for workplace wellness
Steven Van Yoder says most employers are not following best practices when designing and implementing their workplace wellness efforts. He references the Workplace Wellness: Best Practices Study 2022 and a set of practices for designing and implementing effective employee wellness initiatives. <the study> findings are a first step in reframing workplace wellness from … [Read more...]
Make meetings places for honest conversations
Permission to say or ask anything is priceless, writes Paul Axtell. Giving permission and creating safety are two key areas that can increase freedom, candor and quality of conversation in your meetings. People don’t just want to belong, they want to contribute. Source: Harvard Business Review, April 11, 2019. Link. The quest for better meetings ultimately lies in leading … [Read more...]
How to answer, “What are your salary expectations?” (video)
Amy Gallo offers practical strategies for how to approach the salary expectation question along with sample answers to use as a guide. The article also includes a video from Tori Dunlap, founder of Her First $100K (5:26) on the topic. Source: Harvard Business Review, February 13, 2023. Link. You don’t have to give a number. Some states and localities have outlawed the … [Read more...]
Attitude, teamwork and resiliency
Characteristics of success for a world champion football team or in a multi-national, multi-billion-dollar corporation also apply to a two-doctor practice in South Carolina. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, February 8, 2023. Link. Whether we think we can or think we can’t, we’re right.” – Scott Bormann, Merck Animal Health INSIGHTS: Add in a culture of continual improvement and … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club honors veterinary medicine’s Brightest Minds
Partnering with Blue Buffalo and the Viticus Group, The Bridge Club gathered votes from more than 5,000 veterinary professionals who voted in three categories. The winners are: Game Changer award winner – Dr. Fred Wininger Industry Influencer award winner – Dr. Adam Christman Wellness Champion award winner – Dr. Ashley Bourgeois Source: The Bridge Club, February … [Read more...]
Time to review the 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
As National Pet Dental Month promotions end, animal health pros need to consider how pet oral care and dentistry will be presented during exams and in client communications. The AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats were updated in 2019 to outline a comprehensive approach in improving the oral health and often, the quality of life of their canine and feline … [Read more...]
3 things to know about consumer spending
At NRF 2023: Retail’s Big Show, National Retail Federation’s Mark Mathews and Jonathan Silver, CEO, founder of Affinity Solutions, discussed the forces propelling consumers to spend. Affinity’s data showed consumers didn’t curtail discretionary spending as prices for everyday items increased. Instead, they drew on savings and other sources of income to continue spending at … [Read more...]
Storytelling and the narrative in good patient care
Commentary Context can rarely be achieved in a 10-minute exam . . . period. The ability of a veterinary professional to understand a patient’s health status and determine treatment options requires the story of an event or life circumstances. Engaging the pet owner to share their observations and specifics is an important element in what is described as narrative … [Read more...]
IDEXX study reveals opportunities to increase veterinary practice productivity
Addressing ongoing veterinary practice capacity constraints, the IDEXX study, “Finding the Time: Empowering Veterinary Teams to Get the Most Out of Every Day,” sheds light on staffing challenges throughout the veterinary industry. The study provides strategies for creating additional capacity and ultimately supporting a happier, healthier veterinary team <the study> … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 16, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 9, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from February 9th AHD Bulletin – Studying PRRS virus and its ability to percolate through soils. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Zoetis provides perspective, resources to transition OTC antimicrobials … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health receives U.S. FDA approval of expanded indication for Banamine® Transdermal (flunixin transdermal solution)
Complimentary Commercial Content BANAMINE® TRANSDERMAL (flunixin transdermal solution) is now indicated for the control of pyrexia (fever) due to acute mastitis with a short milk withhold of 48 hours. This new indication means BANAMINE TRANSDERMAL can be given with confidence to lactating cows. With simple, pour-on administration along the animal’s back, it saves time and … [Read more...]
Straw can pose mycotoxin risks in dairy heifer diets
Many U.S. dairy producers use chopped straw in their heifer rations to add fiber and bulk. Alltech feed quality evaluations show when a straw crop gets stressed or delayed in the field due to unfavorable weather conditions it can carry its own mycotoxin risks. The same is true for any straw that shows visible signs of mold. Source: Dairy Herd Management, October 5, 2022. … [Read more...]
Highlights from the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show
If you missed the NCBA convention or if you’re just curious about what happens when thousands of cattlemen and women from across the country gather, the photos and videos shared here will give you a sense of #CattleCon23. Source: National Cattlemen's Beef Association, February 11, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Chicken physiology creates unique vision traits
Chicken vision is substantially different from ours. Understanding the hows and whys can help explain some unique chicken behaviors. Daniel Johnson explains their monocular vision, separated eye functions, third eyelid, perception of ultraviolet light and more. . . . each eye sees different views and is designed for different uses . . the left eye excels at focusing on distant … [Read more...]
Effects of transport and exercise on intestinal permeability in horses
The combination of trailer transport and exercise increases gastrointestinal permeability and markers of systemic inflammation in horses.” Nancy S. Loving, DVM, reviews a study published this month in Equine Veterinary Journal Source: EquiManagement, February 8, 2023. Link. While there are other possible explanations for the increase in gastrointestinal permeability, … [Read more...]
What to know about cats, chocolate toxicity and candy
Even if Valentine’s Day candy is gone by now, Easter candy is not far away. Cats do not have a taste sensor for sweets but two components in chocolate are dangerous to cats and dogs alike. The short answer is, “Yes chocolate is toxic to cats.” Different than dogs, at no point should you try to make your cat vomit.” Source: Catster, February 9, 2023. Link. Err on the side … [Read more...]
Effect of pre-appointment gabapentin in hyperthyroid cats
Handling or restraining noncompliant, fractious cats can make drawing blood and completing procedures difficult. Doing so may result in increased patient stress or anxiety and potential injuries for veterinary technicians and DVMs involved. Paul DeMars, DVM, DABVP, reviews a study on the use of gabapentin sharing these key pearls: Gabapentin (20 mg/kg PO) given to … [Read more...]
Dos and don’ts of recognition
Recognition, celebration and appreciation are powerful and renewable energy sources. It starts with valuing people. The next step is how you express this appreciation. Source: The Clemmer Group, January 18, 2023. Link. Don’t make promotions a reward. You’re creating the Peter Principle. INSIGHTS: Spend more time looking for what’s right and recognize that. … [Read more...]
Step-by-step guide to abdominal palpation in dogs and cats
If you’ve ever wondered what a veterinarian is feeling for when examining a dog or cat, this guide helps explain it. A good abdominal palpation can catch all kinds of hidden problems but it takes practice and skilled hands to know which organs are normally palpable or nonpalpable and to identify abnormalities. Source: Clinician’s Brief, November 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Advocate for dental health all year long
Oral pet care is no longer merely a revenue booster. It has become an important consideration in the overall health of pets. Marshall Beggs, DVM, asserts the need to include a detailed update on pets’ dental health with owners during exams and to assist with decision making. Source: Veterinary Practice News, February 9, 2023. Link. Seeing is believing, and nothing motivates … [Read more...]
New test strip quickly detects periodontal disease before it is visible
Complimentary Commercial Content OraStripdxTM, a revolutionary rapid test, was launched at VMX 2023 by PDX BIOTECH LLC. It was created to detect active periodontal disease in dogs and cats with no anesthesia or sedation required. In peer-reviewed studies, OraStripdx was found to be significantly more effective than visual awake exams in detecting active periodontal disease. … [Read more...]
Cost of Care Wheel is now 24/7 digital resource
Sponsored Content The popular veterinary practice-based Cost of Care Wheel tool from the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program is now available in an enhanced client-based online version that can be used anytime, anywhere. Discussing money is never easy but it is important to educate and urge pet owners prepare for their pet’s future health care needs, and how to pay for … [Read more...]