Every conflict that escalates can be traced back to a conversation that should have happened but didn’t, writes Marlene Chism. She shares ways to stop feeling like you’re babysitting employees and asserts that terms like “babysitting” and “micromanager” are loaded words used by leaders to avoid responsibility. Source: SmartBrief, October 2, 2023. Link. If you’re a leader, … [Read more...]
NAVC shares 2024 VMX educational direction and World’s Fair style event plans
Complimentary content NAVC will host its 41st annual conference January 13 through 17, 2024 in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center and everywhere virtually. The first global veterinary conference of the year, VMX empowers the direction for the animal healthcare industry. Key continuing education session highlights include: Technology’s impact on … [Read more...]
Winner selected in X-Ray contest, People’s Choice voting opens
The judges have selected an overall winner in 2023 They Ate What?! X-ray Contest. However, the fun is not over as voting is open for the People’s Choice through November 30th. X-rays revealed a Nerf bullet, a child’s toy, earbuds, an adult sex toy, a holiday tree lightbulb, a snake in snake and more . . . Source: Veterinary Practice News, October 1, 2023. Link. Take a few … [Read more...]
October is National Pet Wellness Month
Pet health is important enough that the American Veterinary Medical Association and countless other organizations promote October with events and specials. Depending on your segment of the industry, there’s likely a site with resources for your specialty to help you communicate the importance of pet health with pet owners. Sources: AVMA. Link. National Today. Link. … [Read more...]
Veterinary Virtual Care Association announces 2023 Global Summit
The 3rd annual VVCA Summit is scheduled for four consecutive Mondays and will be held virtually. The event is crafted for veterinary professionals aiming to broaden their understanding and proficiency in the evolving domain of veterinary virtual care. The Webinar Vet will facilitate the event. Source: VVCA, October 2, 2023. Link. Dates: Mondays: October 30th, November … [Read more...]
Study: The state of emergency and specialty veterinary care in 2023
Instinct’s survey, the State of Emergency and Specialty Veterinary Care, reports on these practices separate general veterinary practices. In addition to hiring and workload challenges, the report identifies ways these practices are streamlining workflows and adopting new technologies. A majority (75 percent) of emergency and specialty veterinary staff saw positive … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 28, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 14, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the September 14th AHD Bulletin – The manager squeeze: How a new workplace is testing team leaders. Link. Most-read 2023 posts by Patrick T. Malone. Link. Use caution when feeding drought-stressed corn. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary … [Read more...]
First International Avian Influenza Summit takes place October 16, 17
The Center of Excellence for Poultry Science is hosting the new hybrid event. It is a global event made up of scientists, policymakers and stakeholders who are addressing the challenges posed by the highly pathogenic avian influenza epizootic. The conference is approved by the American College of Poultry Veterinarians for 14 credit hours for registered members. It’s also … [Read more...]
Chickens get worms. Deworming isn’t always easy.
Susan Brackney talked with poultry experts to understand why a one-size-fits-all solution doesn’t exist when it comes to deworming chickens. . . . the FDA considers all chickens to be food-producing animals, regardless of how the owner views it . . . which limits my options as a veterinarian. . . “ - Megan Lighty, DVM, PhD, DACPV Source: Hobby Farms, August 7, 2023. Link. To … [Read more...]
Poll: Persistent hoof problems
A recent poll asked, “Which hoof problem do you encounter most often in your horses?” Hoof cracks and thrush were the top answers shared by 342 participants. Polls like this give animal health pros a look at horse enthusiasts’ perceptions and challenges with keeping their animals healthy. Source: The Horse. Link. … [Read more...]
Acorns are bad for dogs, cattle and horses
Acorns, whether brown or green, are not safe for dogs as they contain high amounts of harmful tannins. They can even cause serious health complications, explains Lauren Krouse. In addition to being a risk to dogs, acorns are also especially toxic to cattle and horses. Source: Great Pet Care, October 21, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Dental treats. Every crunch counts.
Fifty-five percent of treats dog owners buy are for dental care. Caroline Coile, PhD, says yes, then reminds us about xylitol and shares perspectives on the benefits of dental treats as a secondary oral health approach. Every crunch counts. Dogs can chew, chomp and lap their way to cleaner teeth. Use treats as a preventative following a professional cleaning.” - Caroline … [Read more...]
Conditions missed by skipping urinalysis
There are conditions that can be missed if urinalysis is not performed, writes Candice P. Chu, DVM, PhD, DACVP. She says these three results can be missed without urinalysis: Proteinuria Glucosuria: Fanconi syndrome Bacteriuria: Subclinical bacteriuria Source: Clinician’s Brief, September 2023. Link. Relatively inexpensive . . . urinalysis should be considered as … [Read more...]
Top 5 severe adverse effects of antimicrobials
ICYMI. Although mild adverse effects are reported with many antimicrobials, alarming and severe adverse effects are possible even with commonly used drugs, share authors Mackenzie Gray, DVM, and Kate KuKanich, DVM, PhD, DACVIM. They list their top serious antimicrobial adverse effects and prevention strategies to help ensure patient safety. Antimicrobials referenced with … [Read more...]
Purina calls on consumers to recycle pet food cans
Nestlé Purina PetCare is launching a campaign to get its consumers to recycle their aluminum and steel cans after use. The #PurinaRecyclesChallenge encourages pet owners to aim at the recycling bin when disposing of their used pet food cans instead of throwing them into the garbage. The challenge invites pet owners to film a “trick shot” of them banking a pet food can into … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 26, 2023
Pet food market export growth, India's pet care sector growing with innovation and adaptability, ESG in small business, YouTube SEO, recycling efforts, small gestures employees appreciate and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 26, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
The new phone call etiquette: Text first and never leave a voicemail (video)
Heather Kelly shares when it is okay to leave voicemails, call multiple times in a row or take a call in public. She shares these four basic tips: Don’t use speakerphone in public Only answer when you want to talk Text before calling Don’t abuse video voicemail Source: Washington Post, September 25, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Reducing the stigma of substance use disorder in vet med
Should the veterinary community receive more training in substance use disorders? Phil Richmond, DVM, CAPP, CPHSA, CCFP, thinks it is important and reveals his own story, challenges the stigmatization of alcohol use and SUD, and the need for compassion along with resources that are readily available. We know that, at some point in their career, 10% to 15% of medical … [Read more...]
Free calendar helps keep track of heritage, awareness months
The communications pros at Ragan developed a handy calendar that lists key heritage months and days. Source: Ragan, September 25, 2023. Link. The calendar isn’t a comprehensive list of every affinity event . . . It focuses specifically on heritage, gender and sexuality, and disabilities to cast a net that’s helpful for most communicators. Direct link to PDF. … [Read more...]
Be aware of road safety during harvest season
Fall harvest is in full swing. It’s good to remind employees and family members about road safety any time, but it’s especially important during this busy season. Drivers in farming areas should expect to encounter farm equipment of all sizes traveling on the roads. Along with tractors and combines, trucks and trailers will be entering and exiting fields, often at unmarked … [Read more...]
Decisions abound when determining who should be raising replacement heifers
Joe Armstrong, DVM, shared various factors dairy producers must consider when deciding on who will raise their replacement heifers. Karen Bohnert shares excerpts from a recent podcast discussing economies, biosecurity, risks and available space. Source: Dairy Herd Management, September 12, 2023. Link. . . . it costs on average $2,000 to raise a heifer calf before she hits … [Read more...]
Use caution when feeding drought-stressed corn
There are multiple factors to consider, especially when harvesting drought-affected crops says beef Extension specialist Beth Doran, PhD. She reminds producers that tolerance to nitrate ranges with the type of beef animal. If drought-stressed corn is green-chopped, producers should be aware of the potential for nitrate toxicity.” Feedlot cattle over 700 pounds tend to be more … [Read more...]
Training a chicken or turkey to come when called
Giving the same greeting each day lets the birds know you’re coming and bringing food. In no time, the birds come running. Source: Backyard Poultry, May 12, 2019. Link. Also see: Calling your chickens home! How to train a recall with your chickens, Avian Behavior International, YouTube, May 2020. Link. (4:14) … [Read more...]
Why miniature horses make such great service animals (video)
The Guide Horse Foundation says that horses are natural guide animals that have been showing humans the way for ages. And it's natural for them to do it. They shared reasons why miniature horses make great service animals with Melissa Breyer. Source: Treehuggers, August 16, 2023. Link. (2:07) Also see: Helping miniature horses and dwarfs with limb deformities, American … [Read more...]
Should farriers sedate horses for hoof care?
Farriers, equine veterinarians and horse owners share their thoughts in a recent AFJ social media post. Equine clinic teams will find this interesting. Source: American Farriers Journal, September 5, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
The lameness exam in three acts, and an intermission (video)
Thinking through the general principles of a lameness exam, David Ramey, DVM, advises clients and veterinarians to avoid getting overwhelmed by the process. He says to approach lameness from a fundamental level then pause to think and avoid unnecessary actions that often don’t produce a better outcome. Source: David Ramey, DVM, September 11, 2023. Link. Video (0:57) I think … [Read more...]
Dogs and puppies: Socialization and behavioral issues post pandemic
Socialization remains one of the simplest yet most complex components of dog behavior. Some argue it’s also the most important. The pandemic challenged pet owners new and old to help dogs adjust and socialize. Rachel Brix, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, offers some dos and don’ts to help dogs socialize and deal with separation issues. . . . dogs don’t develop issues overnight, and they … [Read more...]
2024 Call for Projects seeks to help advance the human-animal bond
Ceva Animal Health has launched a worldwide event that aims to discover and support new solutions for the well-being and care of companion animals and their pet parents. The company seeks to harness the expertise and creativity of individuals, startups and organizations with this effort. The goal is to address key issues in animal health and benefit companion animals … [Read more...]
Washington, D.C. residents release the terriers
Washington is full of rats. Several dogs and their owners are happy to help with that. The images may be disturbing to some, but these terriers are doing what they were bred to do and helping curb a growing rat population. Source: The Washington Post, The Society of Environmental Journalists, September 14, 2023. Link. The rat hunters’ primary motivation . . . is making … [Read more...]
Dogs’ internal compass and the earth’s magnetic field
Activity along the north-south alignment of the compass axis is observed in many animals. Dog researchers have found a measurable change in the dogs’ behavior based on the conditions of the magnetic field. <researchers> found that dogs choose to pee and poop under certain conditions with their bodies aligned along the north-south axis and avoided orientation along the … [Read more...]