Take a much-needed break and look at this slideshow of 10 winning photographs from the 2020 Audubon Photography Awards. You’ll be glad you did. Source: BirdWatching, July 10, 2020. Link. The award-winning entries were selected from more than 6,000 submissions from across all 50 states, Washington, DC, and seven Canadian provinces and territories. … [Read more...]
Field guide to BQA now available
Designed to make the Beef Quality Assurance manual more user friendly, new print and digital versions have been developed to make the information more user friendly. The digital guide contains embedded links and videos that allow producers to interact with various BQA elements.” Source: BEEF, July 2020. Link. To learn more visit bqa.org … [Read more...]
VFD forced beekeepers and veterinarians together
Since the 2017 implementation of the veterinary feed directive, beekeepers and veterinarians are learning from one another. It was a surprise to the bee community. They did not anticipate the rule, which restricts beekeepers from using certain antimicrobials in honeybees without a veterinary feed directive or prescription from a veterinarian. It won’t take many years to get us … [Read more...]
What is normal? And, what does it mean to me?
Covid-19 turned the world upside down. Then the death of George Floyd set it on fire. Since then it gets a daily dose of gasoline from pundits, politicians and protesters. As it burns, we wonder, “Will the world ever be normal again?” Source: Purpose Unlimited. Link. Normal is an illusion. The world has never been normal and never will be. INSIGHTS: We tend to categorize … [Read more...]
FDA hand sanitizer warning list grows to 59
The FDA has added more products to its warning against using selected hand sanitizers potentially containing methanol. Methanol can "be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested and can be life-threatening when ingested," the FDA noted. Source: Newsweek, July 14, 2020. Link. The administration also raised concerns for "products that are fraudulently marketed as … [Read more...]
15 items that need wiped down every day
Cleaning as usual is not enough during this pandemic. We all know we need to be extra careful and take the necessary measures to keep us, our families and colleagues safe. Noah Holland shares 15 things you might forget to wipe down on a daily basis. Here are five of them: Smartphones Eyeglasses Doorknobs, light switches Toilet handles Communal … [Read more...]
Family dogs likely encourage toddler’s social and emotional development
Animal health pros likely have a good grasp on the value of dogs in homes. A newly published study focuses on children too young for school. Toddlers from dog-owning families who participated in the study published in Pediatric Research were 30 percent less likely to have conduct and peer problems compared to preschoolers from families who didn't own dogs. Source: CNN, July … [Read more...]
Pet owner views during social distancing
Fewer than 40 percent of veterinarians are confident about how well they understand what pet owners think, according to Diggo research. There is a definite gap between what pet owners think and what veterinarians think they think. This gap is getting wider. The infographic in this article summarizes pet owner responses and includes their current intentions, thoughts about … [Read more...]
Facing the heat in a face mask
Come on man! A face mask in this heat? Really?!?! Sound familiar? This common objection is not new territory per se’, but ideas for making mask wearing more bearable are timely. Molly Longman shares ideas learned from doctors to make wearing a mask on a 100-degree day worth it. . . . the fact is, face masks work. They reduce transmission, helping to curb the spread of … [Read more...]
French dogs 95-percent effective at smelling Covid-19 virus
Weeks of trials produced positive results at veterinary school and research centre l'École Nationale Vétérinaire in Maisons-Alfort, where researchers say German Shepherds trained to detect coronavirus showed a 95-percent success rate in sniffing out the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.. . . . the dogs had to identify the presence of the virus by smelling sweat samples taken … [Read more...]
Email and chat etiquette for 2020 and beyond
Defining etiquette as a customary code of polite behavior, Myka Meier shares six guidelines for communicating via email and chat. It is a primer for virtual communications that is applicable now and in post-pandemic work habits. Know your audience Don’t leave colleagues hanging Minimize your multi-messaging Keep most communications concise Sign on and off with … [Read more...]
Updates from The Bridge Club (video)
The Bridge Club recently hosted Shawn Wilkie, a serial entrepreneur and technology enthusiast, who also co-hosted the Veterinary Innovation Podcast. He shared his perspectives of the upcoming innovators who are transforming the veterinary profession. This week, The Bridge Club announced the appointment of Cheryl Good, DVM, as the company’s Chief Veterinary Officer. Dr. Good … [Read more...]
CE Webinar to address 5 challenges to managing vet clinics post Covid-19
Complimentary sponsored content from Virox Animal Health™ To help equip practices with the necessary information to plan and execute returning to regular operations, Virox® Animal Health and Bash Halow, presenter, veterinary business advisor, and a veteran practice manager ,have partnered to produce resources that will help guide veterinary hospitals back to … [Read more...]
Managing wounds; an equine DVM’s perspective (podcast)
If you own horses, there will be wounds. Merck technical services veterinarian Earl Gaughan, DVM, DACVS, breaks down wound management from the veterinarian’s eyes. Evaluating the horse’s health first is important before attending to the wound. A wound happens from the outside in but diagnostics need to happen from the inside out” - Earl Gaughan, DVM, DACVS Source: … [Read more...]
Quiz: Boost your fly warfare expertise
Whether on the farm, in the stable, near the kennels or backyard patio, flies are a nuisance. Barb Crabbe, DVM, offers a 10-point quiz followed by the answers and some facts about each question. It’s likely there will be few perfect scores! Source: Horse and Rider, June 15, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: At least half of the answers can be used in social media posts, newsletters or … [Read more...]
New research shows gender bias remains an issue, including with veterinarians (video)
Andrea Morris summarizes recently completed research on gender bias, the progress to reduce it and implicit biases, regardless of gender. It is timely. Sociologist Shelley Correll discusses the stalled gender revolution and how women can overcome bias at work. Deeply embedded systemic bias influences our thinking in such subtle and profound ways that we may unwittingly … [Read more...]
Horses need to beat the heat, too!
Hydration, heat exhaustion and sun protection top the list of tips for summer horse care according to Wendy Krebs, DVM. Horse owners will appreciate the reminders in her 7 tips for summer horse care list and the information on dust control from Alayne Blickle. Use these articles in communications with horse owners on social media and in newsletters. Source: The Horse, June … [Read more...]
Cattle health, drones and thermal imaging
Visualize a cowboy on a horse or 4-wheeler near cattle. His attention is not focused on observing them, rather he’s staring into a screen he keeps moving back and forth, tipping and dipping. Drones using thermal imaging coupled with artificial intelligence is nearly here. It is early, but technology similar to satellite imaging is coming soon to help monitor cattle health and … [Read more...]
Top 5 complications of gonadectomy
Clinicians must weigh the risks and benefits of gonadectomy with the pet owner and determine the most appropriate age to neuter different breeds and species. Although gonadectomy is considered a routine procedure, complications can arise. Karen M. Tobias, DVM, MS, DACVS, reviews five common complications of gonadectomy: Incisional complications Intra-abdominal … [Read more...]
Cleaning product misuse doubles Pet Poison Helpline calls (video)
Pets have been an indirect victim of increased household chemical use. Pet Poison Helpline reports a 100 percent increase in calls about the misuse of cleaning items compared to last year. In response, the Helpline put together a new video < link > with tips on how to help keep pets safe from cleaning chemicals. Source: Pet Business, June 23, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
When chickens cuss like sailors
For those who have not heard a chicken spout profanity, their expletives are best described as loud, long, harsh whines proclaiming that something has perpetuated grievous wrongs against them, writes Bruce Ingram. He shares common causes of chicken cursing. Step wrong around your poultry and they’ll let loose a string of chicken cursing that’ll make you blush! Source: Hobby … [Read more...]
The power of 6 magic words
It’s easy to criticize, condemn and complain. That leads to finger pointing and often escalates into a volatile situation where everyone loses. Source: Purpose Unlimited: Link. People complain that things need to change. Yet, they could be the change they’d like to see. It’s amazing how many problems can be resolved when we decide to be part of the solution instead of part … [Read more...]
Global Vet Link offers free regulatory compliance education
Content provided by Global Vet Link. Complicated animal health regulations and movement requirements are always changing. The GLV platform helps simplify these rules for veterinarians and helps ensure compliance. The company is expanding industry knowledge of animal health regulations and documentation to everyone with GVL University < link >. Source: GVL, June 3, … [Read more...]
TODAY! Free webinar: Covid-19 & Companion Animal Setting
Content provided by Virox Animal Health. Thursday, June 18th, 2020 at 2:00 PM EDT Practical measures for protecting your team and your clients when returning to business. This webinar is aimed at veterinarians, animal technicians, office managers, employees and volunteers in clinical or group animal settings. Dr. Jose Ramirez will review the latest … [Read more...]
Tips for being on camera all day
After 90 days of Zoom, many of us are noticing the differences in how others project themselves during video communications. Whether customer backgrounds or eye contact, Greg Swan offers tips on being your best self on camera. Source: GregSwan, March 26, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Upcoming Bridge Club Community events
Mark your calendars for these upcoming Bridge Club Community events. Join other animal health pros for the discussion and learning. Source: The Bridge Club. Link. Veterinary Innovation: Who is doing what and how it will impact veterinary medicine. Wednesday, June 24, 2020, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT. Register < link > Medical Mysteries: Can you crack the case? … [Read more...]
Reasons dogs eat grass
John Woods tackles why dogs eat grass. In spite of research efforts, there’s no explanation for this. There is one clear warning, however. Don’t let dogs eat grass that has been chemically treated with glyphosate and don’t let them eat toxic plants. Source: All Things Dog, March 18, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Dogs and hot summer weather
Heat and sunshine can be deleterious to the health of our dogs. The articles collected for this post all refer to taking precautions with dogs during summer. Given the number of new pet adoptions recently, reinforcing this information with pet owners is important. Source: Can Dogs Get Sunburned? PetMD, June 1, 2020. Link. It’s actually very important to put sunscreen on … [Read more...]
Dog life after WFH. Prepare for separation anxiety (video).
Once stay-at-home mandates end, pet owners won't be home as much. Prepare dogs for separation anxiety before it starts. Steve Dale shares concerns about upcoming separation stress. He shares proactive tools and ideas. Source: Good Morning America, May 2, 2020.Link. Also see: Separation anxiety training, The Bark, April 2020. Link. Also see: Pet separation anxiety … [Read more...]
Storm clouds on the next pandemic horizon (video)
Scientists believe another pandemic will happen during our lifetime. A global team has developed a pattern-recognition system to identify diseases in wildlife with a high potential for zoonosis. . . . our behaviors on a global scale are facilitating the movement of a pathogen from an animal population into humans” Source: BBC, June 6, 2020. Link. The surveillance system scans … [Read more...]