Successful parasite management is essential to maintaining a healthy goat herd. While parasites are naturally present in most goats, they become disruptive to health and productivity in large quantities. Goat owners can prevent parasitism by keeping a clean environment and frequently rotating pastures. Working with a veterinarian to analyze fecal samples, deworming strategies … [Read more...]
Rethink the concept of dangerous dogs
New research suggests it’s time to stop thinking of dogs as either safe or dangerous. In most cases canine aggression seems to be a learned response to a particular situation, not a personality characteristic, since a dog that growls or bites in one situation may not do so in other contexts. The article references a large survey from Rachel Casey et al, at the University of … [Read more...]
Canis vertigus, the dog that powered kitchens
In the 17th century, one breed of dog was created as a high-tech solution to a household need. The now-extinct turnspit dog, or Canis vertigus, was common in European kitchens from the 16th century until the mid-1800s. Source: Saveur, January 19, 2017. Turnspit dogs are described as “long-bodied, crooked-legged, and ugly dogs, with a suspicious, unhappy look about them. … [Read more...]
Puppies like baby talk
A recent study of human voices suggests that puppies favor the higher pitch we use when talking to them. Source: Science of Us, January 11, 2017. While older dogs were equally responsive to high-pitched and normal recordings, younger ones seemed particularly engaged when they were listening to people baby-talk in their direction. Also see: The Bark, January 14, 2017, Dog … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding is doable in a veterinary practice
Abigail Fishaw, LVT ,says, “You don't need to sacrifice your personal breastfeeding goals at the hands of your career. Work and motherhood can coexist smoothly with the right support from your employer.” Source: Firstline, January 10, 2017. As veterinary professionals we're often natural nurturers who feel drawn to having our own bundles of joy. But balancing the demands of … [Read more...]
Prevent winter impactions
Colic can happen at any time, but during cold weather the incidence of painful gastrointestinal impactions typically rises sharply. Mild dehydration is a normal underlying cause. Source: Equus, January 2016. To protect horses from impaction colic this winter, ensure they always have access to fresh water. It’s a pretty good bet that ice will dissuade a horse from drinking, … [Read more...]
VFD farm visits must pass the smell test
Tom Burkgren, DVM, AASV executive director, speaks out on the importance of the farm visit as part of the new VFD requirements. He calls for swine veterinarians to keep the integrity of the veterinary-client-patient-relationship valid and professional. “A farm visit by a veterinarian for the sole purpose of meeting a regulatory requirement may not pass the smell test,” he … [Read more...]
New NCBA president brings ambition
Incoming National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president Craig Uden brings a history of industry involvement and passion to his new position. He discusses the changes to the beef production business including trade, sustainability and market volatility. Source: Beef, January 2017, page 6. Talking about seeing big picture, Uden said, "I think our key thing is information. We … [Read more...]
Study confirms that many animals fart
Just for fun! As ridiculous as it sounds, scientists are studying flatulence, its causes and how to prevent it, especially in humans. Whether specific animals fart is apparently a question that zoo employees often receive from their youngest visitors. Therefore, a new hashtag is making the rounds through science Twitter: #DoesItFart. Source: Science of Us, January 11, … [Read more...]
Manage to minimize lameness
Marcia Endres, dairy specialist at the University of Minnesota, acknowledges lameness will never fully be eliminated from dairy herds, but producers need to be proactive to reduce its incidence. Review this article and discuss it with producers during on-farm calls or planning meetings. Studies referenced show dairy farmers only identify about 25 percent of lameness. Source: … [Read more...]
Mixed animal practices merge
Twenty-one veterinary practices located in 10 states have merged to form Mixed Animal Veterinary Associates North America, Inc. (MAVANA). MAVANA unites mixed animal and equine practices to so they can offer clients state of the art veterinary care and support to veterinarians beginning their careers. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, January 9, 2017. The current model used to value … [Read more...]
Weird stuff clients say – vet tech edition
Just for fun! Here are some of the strangest things vet technicians have heard clients say. Source: Veterinary Practice News, January 2, 2017. The strangest things vet techs have heard clients say. … [Read more...]
American Pharoah is a dad
Just for fun! American Pharoah was a racing phenomenon in 2015, when he won the Triple Crown. Bred to 208 mares in 2016, the first colt was born on January 3rd at Brookdale Farm in Kentucky. Source: HorseChannel.com, January 3, 2017. Like his dad, the colt is bay, but he’s got some chrome – white socks and a wide blaze. American Pharoah’s only white marking is a tiny white … [Read more...]
Bones to pick – the good, bad and ugly
Deb M. Eldredge, DVM, discusses the pros and cons of bones for dogs. She writes, “Bones can be good, bad or ugly. If you choose to feed bones, use care in the bones you feed and how you feed them. If you choose to avoid bones altogether, they are absolutely not necessary for your dog’s health or happiness.” Source: Petcha.com, January 10, 2017. Dog Bones and Safety. Is … [Read more...]
Separation problem could be excess energy
Destruction, inappropriate elimination and incessant vocalizing are common signs of a separation issue. However, they must be assessed in context with the rest of a dog's behavior. Here’s an excerpt on the subject from a book sold by Whole Dog Journal. It’s up to you if you want to buy it, but the recommendations are good to discuss with pet owners. Source: Whole Dog Journal … [Read more...]
It’s National Train Your Dog Month
Behavior issues are among the top five reasons people give away their dogs. January is National Train Your Dog Month. See what VetFolio offers animal health pros about canine behavior. Source: VetFolio, January 7, 2017. Behavior Questions and Answers Diagnosing and Treating Aggressive Dogs: So Many Medications, So Little Time! Recognizing Patient Fear, Anxiety and … [Read more...]
Journal of Dairy Science
The first edition of this publication offers a plethora of research and studies that represent significant investments in time and resources by animal health pros. The interpretive summaries provide a quick way to scan through the content for items that may pertain to an issue or opportunity for you. Source: Journal of Dairy Science, January 2017. … [Read more...]
Clinician’s Brief, best reads of 2016
Veterinary hospital teams and the representatives who call on them should find at least one topic from this “best of” list worthy of a team meeting or sales call discussion. Source: Clinician’s Brief, December 29, 2016. … [Read more...]
Transparency was the marketing word of 2016
Buzz words are fun to track and frequently represent top-of-mind focus for marketers. This year is no exception. Other top choices in the 2016 Marketing Word of the Year voting were "customer experience," "content marketing," "influencer" and "programmatic." It was the third consecutive year for which ANA announced a Marketing Word of the Year. Previous winners were “content … [Read more...]
Boss’s technical competence important to employees
The topic of expert leadership is recent and burgeoning. Many factors can matter for happiness at work – type of occupation, level of education, tenure and industry are also significant. They don’t even come close to mattering as much as the boss’s technical competence. Source: Harvard Business Review, December 29, 2016. The benefit of having a highly competent boss is … [Read more...]
There’s a fix for weak Wi-Fi
A strong Wi-Fi signal is important at a time when the number of Wi-Fi–enabled devices that use the internet is growing, no matter what they’re used for. A new type of Wi-Fi system is now available—a mesh network that overcomes many drawbacks of the old-style routers that most of us have in our homes or small businesses. Source: Bottom Line, December 1, 2016. Because Wi-Fi … [Read more...]
Fade the use of treats when training dogs
Reducing the use of food rewards should be a goal when training dogs, but always be ready to to use more or better treats when you add distractions, duration or distance to a behavior. Here’s a good excerpt on the subject from a book sold by Whole Dog Journal. It’s up to you if you want buy it, but the practical training tips are good to share with pet owners. Source: Whole … [Read more...]
Communicate well in the exam room
From the minute a client walks in the door, the experience they have sets their perception of value for the services they receive. To ensure continuity in staff deliverables starts with everyone being on the same page. Checklists in this article provide instructions for duties and responsibilities associated with patient exam rooms. Source: MWI Messenger, January 2017, page … [Read more...]
Obsessive blanketing disorder is real
Jorna Taylor shares her #OBD in a whimsical fashion while reminding us of the need to protect horses and pets from the winter weather in a two-article series. Source: Horse Network, December 2016. I Suffer from OBD—Obsessive Blanketing Disorder (Part I) Because #OBD Is Real (Part II) … [Read more...]
Horse breeding how-to: making them marketable
How do you breed and raise a horse that appeals to today’s buyers? To find out, AQHA writers picked the brains from three breeding programs: small-time breeder Colton Reid, Cindy McCraw of Riverside Ranch and Brian Egan of Pennsylvania State University’s equine program. Source: AQHA Daily, December 9, 2016. For mare owners, it all starts with finding Mr. Right. After you’ve … [Read more...]
5 winter horse sports that haven’t been invented yet (but totally should)
Just for fun! The staff at the Horse Network got carried away and created some new winter horse sport ideas. Source: Horse Network, December 12, 2016. Skijoring and snow polo. Horse racing skiers and sledding. Every sport is improved by adding a little horse. Some we just haven’t gotten around to inventing — until now. … [Read more...]
Pet photobombs will make you chuckle
Just for fun! Cat and dog lovers will laugh at these pet photobombs from Purina. Source: Purina Petcentric, December 2016. Now that dogs and cats have caught on to the trend, photobombing is funnier – and cuter – than ever. (See more) … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe from winter hazards
Sheila Fitzpatrick, DVM, submitted good guidance to her local newspaper readers. In Vail, Colorado, winter comes early, so her warnings are timely as the arctic front blankets the northern U.S. Consider submitting a similar story to your own local media with appropriate reminders for your area. Source: Vail Daily, December 2, 2016. There are many cold weather dangers to be … [Read more...]
Ultimutt holiday gift guide 2016
Just for fun! What else can we say? Source: Modern Dog, December 2016. Holiday gift ideas and irresistible finds for dogs & dog lovers. INSIGHTS: Our team found a couple items from the 48 shown that might be valuable for one of the four dogs in our collective households. Check out the onesie in slide 11 and the automatic ball launcher in slide 19. Just for fun! … [Read more...]
Animal health pros positive about the future of veterinary medicine
Pointed questions were asked of veterinarians, practice managers and team members about the future of veterinary practices in the recent DVM 360 Future of Veterinary Medicine survey. The results show potential shifts in progress on the horizon. The results are presented in infographics that are easy to understand. Source: Firstline, November 29, 2016. Exclusive data points … [Read more...]