It’s human being, not human doing for a reason, writes Ryan Holiday, who shares his experiences and the consequences of pushing himself too hard too long. He says moderation, being present and knowing your limits are key to not burning out. This takes as much discipline as pushing yourself hard. Source: Ryan Holiday, March 5, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
You won’t be ready to change your life until these 5 things are in place
Change is easier said than done. For many, limiting beliefs get in the way. Sustainable change, however, requires more than willpower alone, says Maja Djukic PhD, RN, FAAN. It requires five integral parts of one’s being to move in the same direction simultaneously: motivation, behavior, emotions, mind and body. Dijikic calls this system the “wheel of change.” Source: Fast … [Read more...]
Understanding telemedicine and teletriage
Jennifer Bailey, DVM, shares the differences between telemedicine and teletriage in her article for dog owners. The difference between the two and her explanation of VCPR is good information to share with pet owners on social media or in newsletters. Source: Whole Dog Journal, April 29, 2024. Link. Telemedicine and teletriage can play an important role in your dog’s … [Read more...]
7 common threads of top-producing dairies
Dairy production is competitive although competition is strongest when dairies work to increase their own production metrics. Karen Luchterhand, PhD, shared common actions from dairies that are getting the most from their cows including milking three times per day, prioritizing heat stress abatement and stall management. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 26, 2024. … [Read more...]
We can’t ignore the real costs of PRRS any longer
The U.S. <still> has a lot of work to do concerning PRRS. “PRRS is not new, and it is not going to go away on its own,” according to Cara Haden, DVM. And the U.S. is not making progress at the rate of other countries. Jennifer Shike shares key takeaways Haden offered during the Ohio Pork Congress. There is a very real cost of PRRS when it comes to pigs, people and public … [Read more...]
Managing horses on pasture
Animal health pros who work with cattle producers will find Curt Arens’ article topics familiar. Terms like stocking rate, overgrazing, rotational grazing and more apply to horse pasture and health management, too. He shares the whys and basic management tips to keep the pastures healthy through the growing season and, consequently, provide optimal grazing forages for … [Read more...]
Pros and cons of feline sunbathing
Many cats enjoy sunbathing and find benefits from it. However, like so many things, too much can be detrimental. Lauren Demos, DVM, shares how sunshine is good for cats and what problems can come from too much exposure to sunlight inside or out. Source: Catster, April 24, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Cat owners will likely appreciate the guidance Demos shares about UV filters … [Read more...]
Cost versus value 1 of 4 nutrition challenges with pet owners
Chyrle Bonk, DVM, PhD, identified pet owner awareness, time constraints, information overload and, especially, pet obesity among the nutrition challenges facing the veterinary and pet food industry. These likely play out in everyday conversations in veterinary hospitals and retailers alike. Source: PETFOOD Industry, April 25, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Alcohol ingestion stimulates mosquito attraction
Prompted by a past article in National Geographic <Link> we dug into the effect of beer and alcohol on mosquito attraction. And, yes, mosquitos choose alcohol drinkers over those drinking water but why is not known. Exhaled carbon dioxide is how mosquitoes lock onto you as a target, heat may be how they figure out where to bite you. Sources: Beer can make you a … [Read more...]
4 ways to spot a fake job posting on LinkedIn
Job seekers have enough on their plates without having to dodge fraudulent job ads and recruiters. Even LinkedIn, one of the most reputable job search platforms, isn't safe from scams . . . and it's up to job seekers to learn how to apply with caution, writes Paola Peralta. Exercising caution and verifying job postings are essential steps in finding legitimate employment … [Read more...]
DVM changed his mind about supporting lasers
From skeptic to advocate of photobiomodulation therapy, Michael Perry, DVM, shares how his choice to upgrade to a class IV laser changed his approach and created many new treatment possibilities. Pain management is a huge part of my practice. A lot of my patients with chronic osteoarthritis cannot take NSAIDs . . . for various reasons . . . so I rely on physical modalities . … [Read more...]
AKC announces AKC® DNA + Health: DNA identification with genetic health and traits testing
The AKC® DNA + Health test promises to be a powerful resource for breeders as they plan for litters and work to strengthen their breed(s). The AKC DNA + Health test, developed with trusted lab provider Neogen, offers an AKC DNA profile, plus more than 328 markers for health and traits. Source: AKC, April 11, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
FTC bans noncompete agreements that restrict job switching
The Federal Trade Commission on April 23 banned employers from using noncompete contracts to prevent most workers from joining rival firms. The rule prohibits companies from enforcing existing noncompete agreements on anyone other than senior executives. Sales staff, engineers, doctors and salon workers are among the most common types of workers affected by companies’ … [Read more...]
Cull cows, beef value now important for dairy profits
Cull beef cows were the topic of a recent post <Link>. For dairy producers, the value of cull cows and beef have moved from a rounding error to a critical component in profitability. This “beef value” can no longer be ignored, and producers that don’t make it part of their margin calculus may be leaving dollars on the table explains Will Babler. Source: Hoard’s … [Read more...]
CAPC warns parasitic pet diseases will spread further in 2024
Warning of continued expansion of heartworm, Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases throughout the United States in 2024, the Companion Animal Parasite Council says the risks of contracting Lyme, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and heartworm diseases are increasing. Among the factors cited are rehoming of pets, urbanization and changes in the wildlife host and vector … [Read more...]
Tui na helps prevent injuries in dogs
Tui na techniques, part of Chinese medicine, have been used on animals and humans for thousands of years. These techniques enhance the flexibility and stability of the surrounding muscles, tendon attachments and joints. The authors share two techniques considered to be rubbing techniques that warm, increase circulation and invigorate tissues. They prepare the tissues for … [Read more...]
How to become more confident at work
Confidence is reflected in the way that you talk about yourself, your work and your predictions about whether you will succeed at new tasks. That communication ultimately affects whether other people accept your ideas and choose to engage with you. Art Markman shares a few things you can do to make yourself more confident in the long run including: Know your strengths … [Read more...]
How perfectionists can get out of their own way
Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword, writes Alice Boyes. She shares five ways perfectionists can self-sabotage in the workplace: Struggling to make decisions or take action Worrying excessively about sunk costs Avoiding challenges to avoid failure Applying their high standards to others Ruminating about weaknesses, mistakes, and failures Source: … [Read more...]
How to build (and rebuild) trust
Harvard Business School Professor Frances Frei gives a crash course in trust: how to build it, maintain it and rebuild it. She shares her experiences dealing with a large corporate team and how to apply that learning in organizations. If we can learn to trust one another more, we can have unprecedented human progress.” Source: TED2018. Link. (14:56) … [Read more...]
Employee engagement in the U.S. hits 11-year low
Employee engagement trends are significant because they link to important performance outcomes such as productivity, employee retention, customer service, safety incidents, quality of work and profitability that are crucial to organizational leaders, writes Jim Harter. He shares 1-Q-24 research results. The U.S. now has a ratio of 1.8 engaged employees for every actively … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 18, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 11, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the April 11th AHD Bulletin – Words are important. Link. Insects on farm animal menus. Link. whiskerDocs® 2nd patent: Integrated animal health records. Link. ===================================== 16 compliments you didn’t realize are actually pretty … [Read more...]
USDA approves Pradalex (pradofloxacin injection) solution for certain respiratory diseases in cattle and swine
Pradalex (pradofloxacin injection) is a 3rd-generation fluoroquinolone ranked as a critically important antimicrobial. The labeling of the drug includes a statement that it should be used only after considering other, non-fluoroquinolone therapeutic options. Pradalex is approved in certain ages and classes of cattle for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease associated … [Read more...]
NOMV seeking 2024 annual awards nominations
Not One More Vet announced that nominations are now open for the NOMV Annual Awards. Nominations are due June 1, 2024. Several awards exist in the Individual Category and also the Group/Activities. Winners will be announced via a virtual awards ceremony in September 2024. The Gala Awards will be notified in advance and awarded at the Gala in Chicago on October 5, … [Read more...]
Majority of U.S. dairy cows live on big dairies
The big dairies are getting bigger with 834 farms having more than 2,500 cows, an increase of 120 farms versus the 2017 census. The recently released 2022 census reveals there were 24,082 dairy operations with off-farm milk sales, down from 39,303 in 2017. These herds are producing five percent more milk from 9.4 million cows, a number which remained nearly unchanged from … [Read more...]
Cull cows more valuable than ever
Cull cow weight and cull cow price have always been keys to profitability for beef producers. Culls are often forgotten. Gene Johnston shares tips for getting more money for old cows. About 20% of the total revenue of a cow herd comes from cull animals.” - Patrick Linnell, CattleFax Source: Successful Farming, April 12, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: We noted Wayne Morgan's … [Read more...]
Comparison of beef calves in conventional or natural systems for backgrounding and finishing
A recent study in Applied Animal Science offers guidance for producers weighing how to manage beef calves and meet market demands. The results offer perspective on the trade-offs between backgrounding and finishing systems: Conventionally managed steers in the study had greater average daily weight gain and feed efficiency and reached their target finished weight faster, … [Read more...]
Essential nutrients cats need in their diets
We often hear, “a cat is not a small dog.” That phrase is especially meaningful when delivering the main things cats need in their diets. Rachel Giordano shares six vet-verified, nutrient essentials cats need in their diets, what they do and where they are found: Animal protein Fat Carbohydrates Water Vitamins Minerals Source: Catster, April 12, 2024. … [Read more...]
American Heartworm Society updates heartworm guidelines
After thoroughly reviewing the latest research, the American Heartworm Society has updated its canine heartworm guidelines on heartworm prevention, diagnosis and treatment AND added a new section with "spectrum of care" information. Source: American Heartworm Society. Link. Download the summary here <Link>. AHS recommends annual antigen and microfilaria testing as well … [Read more...]
It is important to count dogs’ teeth
Michael Jennings, VMD, DAVDC, writes about dentigerous cysts which are often seen in young brachycephalic dogs. They develop around an unerupted tooth when the epithelial lining covering the enamel produces fluid, causing expansion and destruction of surrounding bone. Jennings shares the importance of counting teeth, determining if a tooth is missing or unerupted and … [Read more...]
Vet technician shares honest thoughts on French Bulldogs
Frenchies are adorable, hilarious and highly social dogs, so their popularity is no surprise. But the health problems associated with the breed are discouraging, writes Jenna Stregowski, RVT. She shares pros and cons of the breed. The high demand for Frenchies means that more people are breeding them. Unfortunately, some lack the knowledge and experience to do so ethically and … [Read more...]