The difference between a stressful and a seamless receiving period can have a significant impact on future performance. Purina’s Chad Zehnder, PhD, shares five tips that can help reduce stress in receiving protocols: Be prepared Reduce stress on arrival Avoid the yo-yo effect Focus on fresh feed and feed type Don’t forget water* * Know how much water cattle … [Read more...]
Capsule camera allows an inside look at horses
Fascinating! Looking inside a horse’s intestinal tract may soon be as simple as getting him to swallow a tiny camera, waiting for it to pass through his digestive system and then downloading the images it captures along the way, shares Christine Barakat. Source: EQUUS, September 9, 2022. Link. Images captured by capsule cameras were clear and useful, showing all major … [Read more...]
9-year review of cat scratch disease in children
Vet Candy shared researchers have evaluated records of children with confirmed Bartonella henselae infection over a 9-year period to better understand the epidemiology, risk factors and clinical features of cat scratch disease. In 92.4 percent of the cases, there was an exposure to a cat and in 22 percent there was an exposure with a dog.” Source: Vet Candy, September 12, … [Read more...]
Pawty time – Golden Retrievers celebrate
Last week we shared the Golden Zoomies webinar, part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime study. The foundation recorded the event program for those who did not attend and created a video about the 10th anniversary of the study. Tiffany Grunert, MPS, CDI.D, APR, provided some study updates: Just under 2,000 dogs … [Read more...]
Take it easy on the dogs
Researchers, trainers and veterinary and training professional organizations are advocating for greater oversight for dog training, which is unregulated in many countries, including the U.S. Many experts say that aversive methods, which include positive punishment and negative reinforcement, are overused. Punishments such as shock collars may not be doing much good.” - Ula … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 19, 2022
Flow Business Conference starts in Orlando today! Pet owners spending $300 per month, Fetch by The Dodo, Galaxy Vet’s approach to practice ownership, avoiding burnout, Amazon launching small business grant program, social media marketing for small businesses, rural DVMs needed, loyalty programs and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 19, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Microsoft exec: My 2-step rule for having hard conversations at work
Microsoft’s chief marketing officer asserts a better approach to handling difficult conversations at work. It starts with clear, confident communication. Source: CNBC, September 18, 2022. Link. The most successful people in the workplace are life-long learners. They are willing to ask a lot of questions and listen to other people’s opinions and experiences especially when … [Read more...]
Dealing with plastics. 2,4,5. . .Let’s review.
Plastics in packaging and containers have made myriad products more secure, visible and easier to transport. They continue to be a hot topic in environmental circles. Consider reviewing the recycling number coding system and put guides in break rooms at clinics or retail establishments. Plastic products are typically labeled with a number surrounded by the recycling symbol. … [Read more...]
Breeding the right cow for robots
Dairy farmers often forget to consider herd genetics when making investments in automated milking systems. Some conformation traits are easy to select for, but behavioral traits are more challenging. The authors share several conformational and behavioral characteristics a robot-ready herd should possess. Source: Dairy Herd Management, September 7, 2022. Link. With good herd … [Read more...]
The physiology of rolling and rising
Rising from the ground may be a commonplace activity for horses, but it’s still one of the most complex, athletic feats they perform. Getting back on his feet takes strength and coordination and some disorders can affect a horse’s ability to return to upright. Source: EQUUS, August 25, 2022. Link. Do not use any sort of mechanical device in raising the hindquarters, pull on … [Read more...]
Fall migration signals increased risk for avian flu outbreaks
Arriving earlier than experts predicted, Avian flu has been detected in two commercial turkey flocks in western Minnesota and a hobby flock in Indiana. HPAI is here and biosecurity is the first line of defense to protect domestic birds.” – Shauna Voss, DVM. Spread of the disease is largely blamed on the droppings of wild birds, such as ducks and geese, which often show no … [Read more...]
Why ducks don’t freeze their feet
Kenny Coogan explains the countercurrent adaptation that keeps birds’ feet from freezing in ice cold water, standing on the ice and even standing in very hot water without damage. Source: Backyard Poultry, October 26, 2021. Link. Countercurrent heat exchange systems enable many species of birds to keep their feet submerged in icy cold water or the ability to stand on ice for … [Read more...]
Golden Zoomies webinar: Pain management, grief and pet loss
The Golden Retriever Lifetime study has now spanned 10 years and some canine participants are reaching their senior years. The latest Golden Zoomies webinar features a panel of speakers who shared their insights on pain management, grief and pet loss. Source: Morris Animal Foundation, YouTube, August 31, 2022. Link. Panel members include: Robin Downing and Dr. Sheilah … [Read more...]
Edibles in the catio and other ways to reduce feline stress
Sandy Robins advocates indoor and outdoor use of approved plants to help cats hunt, play and nibble. These activities are the perfect interactive de-stressing trifecta for cats, she says. Its important the plants are non-toxic whether planted indoors or outdoors in the catio. Source: Fear Free Happy Homes, September 5, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: This is helpful information to … [Read more...]
Drs. Chatfield welcome back Millie Rosales, DVM, DACVD, to talk about ear infections
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Millie Rosales, DVM, DACVD, joins Dr. Jen the Vet and Dr. Jason in the Chat Room to share pearls of wisdom for pet owners about some of the reasons for ear infections in dogs and cats too. Otis externa affects up to 20 percent of dogs.” Source: Chats with the Chatfields, September 10, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
AKC’s Responsible Dog Ownership Day is September 17 (video)
The AKC offers 75 ways to be a responsible dog owner in this article that includes a video. Ideas range from initial pet selection to routine care and how to include various support networks in ensuring dogs are kept and maintained responsibly. Topics cover dog choice, ownership commitment, home preparation and house rules, establishing veterinary care, routine care, safety … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 12, 2022
Wearable tech trends for animals, inside aging dogs’ brains, premiumization of pet food continues to drive sales, dealing with cash shortages and funding, U.S. pet specialty businesses continue to see robust growth and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 12, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
988 – September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Suicidal thoughts or actions can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background. September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Be aware of these resources. Call 988 immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis. If you don’t want to talk on the phone, chat at 988lifeline.org Text NAMI to 741-741 to connect with a free, trained … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 8, 2022
Last week’s most read post KCAHC #AHSummit22 exceeds expectations. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 1, 2022. Link. =================================== Leveling the parental-leave playing field Source: SHRM, June 6, 2022. Link. The lack of paternal leave-taking not only affects the well-being of new parents and … [Read more...]
Choosing the right needle size to work cattle
Depending on the size of the animal, viscosity of the product and administration protocols, a variety of needles might be needed. Veterinarians at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute share guidelines to help decide. Needle diameter, or gauge, varies depending on two factors: the size of the animal viscosity of the product Source: Drovers, September 2, … [Read more...]
Ferrets provide rodent control in horse barns
Jagger and Slim Jim provide an unconventional form of rodent control at Amira Chichakly’s Saratoga barn. Source: Paulick Report, August 29, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Meet the dog that learned to walk like a human
If you’re having a rough day or facing a tough challenge, don’t let either get to you. Instead, turn to Dexter the dog for inspiration. The Ouray, Colorado, Brittany Spaniel was hit by a car when he was a puppy. He lost one front leg and the other one was badly damaged. He moved with the help of a wheelchair for a while – until he didn’t. Source: CBS Evening News, July 8, … [Read more...]
2022 AAFP/EveryCat FIP Diagnosis Guidelines released
Feline infectious peritonitis is a viral disease that can affect any organ in the body, and it is caused by the feline coronavirus. In publishing these Guidelines, the AAFP and EveryCat aim to provide veterinarians with the essential information necessary to provide a FIP diagnosis in cats including characteristics and pathogenesis of FIP, as well as numerous diagnostic testing … [Read more...]
Test yourself on which dog shampoo to use
Knowing how and when various shampoo products for dogs are used can provide multimodal interventions and support therapies helpful for dermatologic treatments. Source: Clinician’s Brief, May 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Help dogs lose weight
Nancy Kerns reminds us that when our dogs are overweight, it’s our fault. They don’t have any understanding of caloric intake and are dependent on us to access exercise. Therefore, their body weight and condition are completely up to us. Source: Whole Dog Journal, August 17, 2022. Link. Kern shares tips for owners to use to help dogs lose weight beginning with an accurate, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 5, 2022
Eco-friendly products from SuperZoo, Dolly Parton’s pet line, Bark’s pricing strategy, Petco launching fresh frozen pet foods, small business marketing ideas, veterinary hospitals facing staffing issues and more . . . Guide to IBPSA Flow Business conference is now available. Link. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 5, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Forget mentors. Build a circle of advisors.
Swap the term mentor for adviser, then build a circle of people with varying specialties who can support you throughout your career. Mimi Aboubaker shares her personal adviser scorecard which covers four categories that capture the most essential attributes you should consider in an adviser: Operating style: support type, engagement method and communication style … [Read more...]
Social workers finding a niche in veterinary field
Victoria Welland with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, reports on the emerging need for veterinary social work. The skills are applicable to pet owner grief, as well supporting veterinary staff with workplace stress and burnout. Source: CBC News via AVMA SmartBrief, September 2, 2022. Link. Our relationship to animals has evolved and now many people view their pets as … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 1, 2022
Last week’s most read posts Stop the high turnover in the front office (video). Link. Wendy Hauser, DVM: Client trust, human-animal bond and meeting client concerns. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, August 25, 2022. Link. =================================== 28 pet food industry mergers and acquisitions 2022 Source: … [Read more...]
Randy Blach receives CAB Industry Achievement Award
Randy Blach earned the 2022 Industry Achievement Award for his relentless focus on the data and how it can deliver solutions to producers. He was recognized at the recent Feeding Quality Forum in Kansas City, Missouri. Source: BEEF, August 24, 2022. <Link> … [Read more...]