It seems many animal health pros are using Venmo to transfer cash, send money gifts or reimburse a friend for some expense. Because these activities are visible to anyone in your contacts, we're sharing this privacy tip. Open Venmo, click on your "me" or "profile" button, click on settings . . . then scroll down to privacy. Choose a privacy setting that keeps your … [Read more...]
Forage alone may not cut it for fall-weaned calves
Commentary So many variables determine producer success when raising calves and preparing them for the next stages of their lives. Amber Friedrichsen’s discussion of various approaches to supplements and forage as winter progresses provides an opportunity to visit with producers about ensuring proper nutrition. It also supports the overall health of the animals and the … [Read more...]
Helping horse owners’ vaccine decisions
Commentary This recent poll about factors preventing owners from vaccinating their horses in The Horse caught our attention. The results, albeit from a small sample, may reinforce the need for veterinary-client education and more comprehensive questioning since potential side effects and lack of effectiveness topped the list. Digging deeper, we found Haylie Kerstetter’s … [Read more...]
Can people be ‘inoculated’ against misinformation?
Commentary Since our inaugural AHD Bulletin in 2015, we have curated content for animal health pros, including published information at all levels, with consumer-facing media being part of it. The growing amount of misinformation creates tremendous costs in our lives and industry. Once out in the public, incorrect information requires a lot of time and effort to correct, not … [Read more...]
Veterinary technicians’ important roles in feline hospice and palliative care
It takes a clear strategy to help lead clients through the difficult stages of caring for a critically ill pet. Veterinary technicians are well-suited to helping establish an effective care plan for a hospice period and for clients after the pet’s death. Jamie Rauscher, LVT, outlined guidelines in five steps for hospital teams in a recent presentation worthy of review and … [Read more...]
The nonprofit veterinarian shortage: Who will care for the pets most in need?
Statewide studies suggest that shelters and nonprofit clinics have been especially hard hit by the veterinary workforce shortage. A study sought to determine the effect of this shortage on veterinary care provided at two types of public practice: veterinary care for cats and dogs housed temporarily in animal sheltering organizations veterinary clinics aimed at … [Read more...]
Consumer-facing article touts over-the-counter drugs safe for dogs
Commentary The article linked here represents a disturbing trend in animal advice pieces featured in all types of today’s media. Chelsea Huckabay asserts that four OTC drugs featured in it are safe for dogs. To our knowledge, Huckabay is not a veterinarian, and there is no indication that a veterinarian edited this article. We reached out to our colleague and AHD … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 14, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 7, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the November 7th AHD Bulletin – Insights into the reasons pet owners surrender their pets to shelters. Link. A fresh perspective on horse expenses. Link. Help livestock and farm customers get funds they deserve. Link. Practices value Promoboxx benefit … [Read more...]
Building a new breed: the American Black Hereford
There is considerable pride and breed loyalty among cattle producers despite the overriding objectives to improve production efficiencies and profits. Gilda V. Bryant shares the development of the Black Hereford in the article here. Despite the name sounding like an oxymoron, Black Herefords are a thing. Source: Progressive Cattle, October 15, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
NCBA guide for making culling decisions
A guide developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax will help cattle producers with the often difficult decision to cull cows and bulls. Not all of these animals must end up as ground beef if producers understand how to optimize the value of cows that don’t bear calves through better welfare management practices. About 20% of the total revenue of a cow … [Read more...]
Calves like their water hot
Calves and cows prefer warm water closer to their own body temperatures. Maureen Hansen shares how water temperature adjusts rumen development and its bacterial environment. A Finnish study showed calves offered warm water continued to drink more even after weaning. Source: Dairy Herd Management, November 12, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Feeding water near or above 70o F seems … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health announces FDA approval of SAFE-GUARD® AQUASOL (fenbendazole oral suspension) for use in backyard chicken flocks
Complimentary Commercial Content The approval of SAFE-GUARD® AQUASOL (fenbendazole oral suspension) for use in backyard chicken flocks makes it the only FDA-approved chicken dewormer designed for home use. The product will be available in a 3 mL presentation at fleet and dealer retail outlets beginning in January 2025. Source: Merck Animal Health, November 13, 2024. … [Read more...]
5 tips for writing meaningful thank-you notes
It’s never too late to write a thank-you note, writes Sally Susman. She shares four other principles of thank-you note writing: Take time to reflect; thank those who are often forgotten; be specific; make it matter. Source: Harvard Business Review, August 8, 2024. Link. In the age of email and 280-character proclamations, thank-you notes are tiny reminders of the limitless … [Read more...]
Leptospirosis a post-hurricane risk
Commentary This article about the spikes in leptospirosis cases after Hurricane Fiona ravaged Puerto Rico in September 2022 serves as a warning to areas in the U.S. hit hard by Hurricane Helene. Whether people or animals, the elevated risks of leptospirosis require more vigilance and communication in healthcare communities. Source: IDSE, November 4, 2024. Link. Early … [Read more...]
Women are experiencing a mental health crisis. What that means for employers.
Beyond the day-to-day personal and interpersonal stressors, several macro issues are at play and impacting everyone’s mental health, including social, political, economic and technological stressors. Kathryn Mayer says women are coping with all those issues and they are also being exposed to a series of other stressors more prevalent for women. Source: SHRM, October 8, 2024. … [Read more...]
Practices find value in Promoboxx® benefit from ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance
Sponsored Content Social media usage cuts across all demographic groups, be they generational, racial, gender-based or other. ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance has partnered with Promoboxx* to help practices capitalize on opportunities social media offers to promote practices and consistently engage with clients. The Promoboxx platform is currently provided at no … [Read more...]
Mitigating weather-related stress in beef cattle
Fall weather is a series of transitions from hot days to cool days, which include wind, rain, sleet and snow. In much of the U.S., it is normal to see high-low temperature swings of 50o F or more. The Beef Checkoff-funded BQA National Manual provides guidelines for handling cattle as weather patterns vary to optimize animal welfare. Julia Herman, DVM, MS, DACVPM, writes … [Read more...]
Coughing dogs: the why and how to prevent it
Complimentary Sponsored Content As holiday boarding season approaches, Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, is presenting a webinar for pet care professionals at boarding facilities, doggie day cares and groomers on how to prevent respiratory illness in dogs at their locations. She’ll also discuss what causes canine respiratory disease complex in dogs and … [Read more...]
The A to Z Startup Guide. Navigating the complexities of the animal health market.
Complimentary Commercial Content Stephens and Associates (aka S&A) invited me to review their startup guide. I found it to be a good resource for entrepreneurs and investors looking to positively impact the animal health industry. Given that many current animal health businesses struggle to plan beyond three years and the continuing perceived market demands for … [Read more...]
Modern hyper-convenience adding difficulty, driving need for digital detox?
Commentary Two articles address our ever-expanding challenges and dependency on digital devices and their deep integration into our lives. We’re sharing these pieces that cover the benefits and the growing consequences of digital dependency. Modern hyper-convenience is a kind of deal with the devil . . . instinctually seductive. . . while it surreptitiously depletes us.” - … [Read more...]
Bird flu mutating and reassorting with seasonal flu could create a pandemic-causing virus
Commentary It is NOT time to panic. Experts are studying the potential for H5N1 to mutate and reassort with seasonal influenza. They indicate humans and pigs could both serve as mixing vessels for a bird flu–seasonal flu hybrid. The article by Tanya Lewis provides a situation analysis, food for thought and reinforces the importance of: seasonal flu vaccination for … [Read more...]
Insights into the reasons pet owners surrender their pets to shelters
Updates to the AAHA website make the newly published 2024 AAHA Community Care Guidelines for Small Animal Practice more accessible to veterinarians and animal health pros. A community approach can begin to improve healthcare access by mobilizing all available resources within it. Emily Singler shares efforts to quantify why pet owners surrender pets to shelters and the … [Read more...]
NAVC, blendVet expands Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging education
With the first DEIB Certificate Program launching this week in VetFolio, the NAVC will offer five RACE programs free to VetFolio subscribers, with the option for non-subscribers to purchase the courses. Since 2023, NAVC and blendVet have been working closely to create programs that inspire future veterinary professionals and promote DEIB in the veterinary industry. Source: … [Read more...]
The deep impact of protein formulation in calf starter feed (video)
Includes Commercial Content Choosing the right proteins in calf starter feed is essential for optimizing rumen fermentation and developing healthy digestive function. Until weaning, liquid milk feed provides most of the protein supply in calf weaning plans in the first half of the initial growth phase. These proteins are essentially of dairy origin. During the second half of … [Read more...]
Pekin ducks, a turkey alternative
Rumors of turkey shortages due to flocks being euthanized because of HPAI may make the Pekin duck an option. A Pennsylvania family has developed a substantial commercial duck business featured in the article here. While the Pekin duck is a famous icon for AFLAC, it’s all-dark meat may become a favored alternate choice for the holidays. Source: American Agriculturist, … [Read more...]
Organ meat in dog diets. It’s not as offal as it sounds.
There is growing interest in the health benefits of organ meats, even labeling them as superfoods for both humans and pets. Organs are frequently the first choice of wild canids that attack and kill livestock. The authors share facts about offal use in diets, including raw diets, in this article. They note liver, kidney and heart as the most common organ meats in … [Read more...]
How veterinary practices can accommodate growing payment options
Complimentary Commercial Content Businesses that cannot meet the demand for modern payment methods risk missing out on revenue by not supporting consumers' preferred payment methods. Research predicts half of cashless transactions will be made with debit and credit cards by 2028, followed by instant payments and credit transfers. Rudimentary features offered by legacy … [Read more...]
Keeping our canine companions healthy
Includes Commercial Content Dom Naish’s consumer-facing article about fall health tips for dogs includes: A check-up at the veterinary clinic Grooming, brushing and trimming of the animal’s coat, paws and nails Continuing monthly use of flea and tick preventatives Keeping dogs away from antifreeze Source: Top Dog Tips, November 278, 2023. … [Read more...]
Debunking 3 top misconceptions about HR
Cheryl Swirnow addresses persistent misconceptions and clarifies HR’s critical role in modern organizations in this article. Asserting HR plays an increasingly strategic role in shaping company culture, driving DEI initiatives and managing flexible work policies, she focuses on these three myths: Myth 1: HR is all about micromanagement Myth 2: HR is responsible for … [Read more...]
Katherine Polak, DVM, chosen as 2025 ICON Honoree by The Bridge Club
Kudos to Katherine Polak, DVM, MPH, MS, DACVPM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice). She is the recipient of the 2025 Bridge Club ICON Award. Dr. Polak will be formally honored during The Bridge Club ICON event on January 13, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Polak’s global contributions to animal welfare and shelter medicine, along with her tireless leadership in animal welfare … [Read more...]