Lauren Smith, DVM, relates learning how to use makeup applies to veterinary medicine. She shares a solid, cross-topic reference worthy of reading past the whimsical title. She talks about: A solid base is key Use the right tools Personalize your colors Loosen your grip Source: Dr. Andy Roark, April 18, 2017. There are lessons to be found everywhere, even in … [Read more...]
Remake your commute time
The average American worker has a commute of 25 minutes each way. Psychology researchers recently explained the key to a pleasant commute isn’t just finding ways to fill the time. A better strategy is to change the way you think about the time. A commute can be something you have to endure, or it can be what the researchers call a “pocket of freedom.” Source: Science of Us, … [Read more...]
South Dakota veterinarian shares VFD experiences
Veterinarian Corale Dorn of Dell Rapids, South Dakota, said transitioning to VFD protocols isn't difficult as long as there's already a healthy veterinary-client-patient relationship. She sees the VFD as an opportunity to improve animal health and safeguard public health. Source: AgWeek, April 17, 2017. Dr. Dorn doesn't think the VFD should be looked at as just another … [Read more...]
No kidding? When to help a goat in labor.
We found this article informative. Lisa Seger shares her labor-assisting approaches. Source: Hobby Farms, April 17, 2017. Most times, a doe in labor will successfully kid on their own, but occasionally they do require help. There is also a middle zone, where they may not technically need help, but will have a better experience and outcome with it. … [Read more...]
Trichobezoars debunked
Hairballs are disgusting, especially when you step on one with a bare foot. Dr. Eric Barchas discusses hairball myths and fallacies. This article would make good content for a website, newsletter, social media or blog post. Source: Catster, April 23, 2013. Swallowing hair in and of itself is not what causes hairballs. They’re occurring because the gastrointestinal tract … [Read more...]
Lilies are toxic to cats
Spring brings lily season inside and out and with it dangers for cats. Every part of the plant is toxic. A cat who walks through lily pollen and then grooms his paws is at risk. The toxin (or toxins — there may be more than one) is unknown. Share this with clients. Source: Catster, April 11, 2017. The lily’s toxin(s) appear to be rapidly absorbed, so affected cats might … [Read more...]
Dispose of powdered gloves now
The FDA ban on powdered gloves went into effect on January 18, 2017. This means that any powdered surgical gloves, powdered patient exam gloves and absorbable powder for lubricating surgical gloves sold and in possession of veterinary clinics and animal surgical centers fall under the ban and should be disposed of. Source: Veterinary Practice News, April 3, 2017. According … [Read more...]
Pet insurance is a win for vets and pets
When veterinarians invest in learning about and recommending pet insurance, the result is a win-win-win — for pets, clients and the veterinary hospital. Source: Veterinary Practice News, March 28, 2017. The topic of pet insurance is confusing for many pet owners, so they often ask their veterinarian for help. When clients ask for advice, here are key things to convey: … [Read more...]
Easter is bad for bunnies
Widespread misunderstanding of domestic rabbits has made them the third most abandoned pets in the United States. As well, they are the third most popular pet in America, after cats and dogs, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Source: National Geographic, April 12, 2017. With proper care, rabbits live 10 to 12 years. Because many people think they’re … [Read more...]
Update your LinkedIn profile
How to update your LinkedIn profile based on what you've done and where you want to go. Source: The Muse, March 2017. Figuring out what story to tell at different points in your career can be a challenge. But, you need more than keywords to impress on LinkedIn. Get creative as you update your profile and capture your “So what?” factor using elements that others tend to … [Read more...]
Cage-free eggs come with costs
The majority of the U.S. egg supply will become cage-free within a decade, but the egg industry says the economics don’t make sense. “The ability for the industry to do this conversion is truly subject to the demand for cage-free eggs from the consumer,” said Jeff Coit, a poultry industry specialist at Farm Credit Services of America. “Today, we’re not there. The vast majority … [Read more...]
How mindful are you?
In our information-saturated workplaces, mindfulness is becoming as important as emotional intelligence and technical skills. Research shows that people spend almost 47 percent of their waking hours thinking about something other than what they’re doing. This impairs their creativity, performance, and well-being. Source: Harvard Business Review, March 29, 2017. Take the … [Read more...]
There is no such thing as a lead pencil
Just for fun! Pencils do not, and have never, contained lead of any sort. When graphite was first discovered, people called it black lead, because it resembled lead. Still, we call it lead, and think there’s lead in pencils. Caroline Weaver discusses pencil fact and fiction from her position as a pencil obsessive. Source: 99U, March 20, 2017. The first question you have to … [Read more...]
There’s something wrong in the neighborhood
Who you gonna call? Pest busters. Here’s a list of available products for parasite and pest management. Source: Beef, April 2017, page 20. Pest busters for 2017. … [Read more...]
Review of hazards to female reproductive health in veterinary practice
A systemized review of publications that address female reproductive health hazards in veterinary practice, summarize best practices to mitigate reproductive risks and identify current knowledge gaps identifies a growing risk in veterinary practices. Reported hazards included exposure to anesthetic gases, radiation, antineoplastic drugs, reproductive hormones, physically … [Read more...]
Organic or conventional – what’s better?
It’s hard to discuss organic versus conventional without using the word,“better”. A new paper written by University of British Columbia researchers looked into some of the pros and cons of each management style. Their summary helps shed light on some of the “betters” associated with both. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, April 3, 2017. Specifically, this study looked at … [Read more...]
New information about chronic pain in declawed cats
Declaw once soared in popularity in the U.S. as more cats were now being kept indoors. Declaw was then, and is still thought by many, as a way to prevent indoor-only cats from damaging the home, therefore preventing relinquishment and unnecessary euthanasias. Steve Dale, CABC, shares a history of declawing pros/cons and discusses new information related to pain and … [Read more...]
Hobby horse competitions real (includes video)
Unlike other equestrian endeavors, this one does not require a big investment of money and time. Plus, safety risks are minimal. It does not even require an actual horse. Turns out, all you need is a stick…and a dream. Source: Horse Network, March 31, 2017. Welcome to the world of competitive hobbyhorsing. INSIGHTS: This looks like a good activity for a team building … [Read more...]
Chick time
Springtime means chick time, and it’s one of Kassie Kreissler’s favorite times of the year. Local farm and feed stores are getting prepared for the many chirps that are chick days. Kassie reminds us that taking chicks home requires some preparation. Here are a few of many things to consider: Vaccinations Housing Feed Grit Water Heat Space … [Read more...]
3 parasites that can infect chickens
Amy Murillo, Ph.D., with the University of California, identifies three ectoparasites to look for in flocks. She also shares her expertise for controlling parasite populations: Northern fowl mites Lice Sticktight fleas Source: Chickens, March 3, 2017. Cleanliness and biosecurity are the first lines of defense against parasites in flocks. Clean the chicken house … [Read more...]
How fed cattle qualify for the Certified Angus Beef brand
Angus brands dominate the beef market today with two-thirds of more than 140 USDA-certified brands. Where did it all start and what does it take to qualify? Mark McCully, Certified Angus Beef LLC vice president, shares the history and real story of CAB. Counting the total area of black spots on Holsteins is not allowed. Source: Beef March 23, 2017. Predominantly solid black … [Read more...]
Dog harness review is helpful
Using a harness for a dog instead of a collar has huge benefits. Finding the best adult dog or puppy harness can be a daunting task. This review of harnesses does all of the work of finding a quality harness. Source: Whole Dog Journal, April 2017. For dogs who pull on leash, WDJ strongly prefers harnesses over choke chains, prong collars, shock collars, and even flat … [Read more...]
10 tips to help horses live naturally
Casie Bazay is realistic about the natural craze, but offers some examples where natural really makes sense. She reminds us our domesticated horses will never live completely natural lives, but we can adjust to allow them to live more as nature intended. Source: Horse Channel, March 24, 2017. Here are Bazay’s 10 natural horse care tips to benefit every horse: Allow … [Read more...]
Top-selling dog foods, treats make up big bite of Amazon sales
Pet food made up approximately 35 percent of Amazon’s $2 billion in U.S. pet product sales in 2016. Here are the top 5 selling products and SKUs: Taste of the Wild dry dog food - High Prairie Canine Formula with Roasted Bison and Venison Taste of the Wild - Pacific Stream Canine Formula with Smoked Salmon Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free dry dog food - Original … [Read more...]
Does America have enough dogs for everyone who wants one?
Research funded by the Pet Leadership Council sought to establish data on the number of pet dogs Americans want each year and the sources available to fill that demand. Estimates from advocacy groups whose “adopt, don’t shop” campaigns urge consumers to shun breeders and pet stores and get dogs from shelters and rescue groups may have skewed data to support local law changes … [Read more...]
Bugs chickens love and hate
Insects are everywhere! Learn which flyers and creepers keep chickens happy, and which to watch out for. The information provided will help backyard chicken raisers better understand what to do and not to do when it comes to bugs. Source: Hobby Farms, March 15, 2017. When it comes to chickens, flies are a double-edged sword. On the positive side, chickens love to eat flies … [Read more...]
Euthanasia, a vet’s perspective
Dr. Eric Barchas shares that euthanasia is the hardest and most emotionally challenging part of his job. And, he says, it has not gotten any easier as the years go on. He explains his approach and reasoning when it is time for a cat’s life to end. Source: Catster, March 14, 2017. Behavioral problems are a leading cause of euthanasia in cats. And by behavioral problems I … [Read more...]
AKC Museum of the Dog returns to New York City
“The AKC Museum of the Dog houses one of the largest collections of dog art in the world and is an important part of the AKC’s history and future,” said Ronald H. Menaker, chairman of the board for the American Kennel Club. The relocation to Midtown Manhattan also provides a means for the Museum to generate revenue from additional admissions, memberships, sponsorships, and … [Read more...]
Take control of your inner control freak
Our AHD team monitors concerns about stress and depression in the veterinarian community. Stressors are often self-induced or expectation-centric. Cari Romm shares insights on the proverbial, “control freak,” primary controllers and secondary control. Some of you will find this worth the read. Source: Science of Us, March 3, 2017. There are ways to let those take-charge … [Read more...]
Student-run free clinics provide more than care
Students from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine are getting hands-on training while providing veterinary care to pets owned by people in underserved communities. Source: JAVMA, March 15, 2017. Also see: JAVMA, March 15, 2017. Table of Contents … [Read more...]