With a focus on accredited practices, AAHA’s NEWStat is a reliable source for practices and the animal health pros who work in them or with them. The following links share recent sponsored content and a feature on how big-box veterinary clinics are redefining consumers’ concept of pet healthcare. Source: Big-box veterinary clinics redefining consumers’ concept of pet … [Read more...]
Veterinary medicine; whitest profession in America
The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges’ director, Lisa Greenhill, MBA, EdD, shared information and corrective steps to address a history of discrimination and marginalization within the veterinary profession. At the current rate of change, black women will achieve pay equity in 100 years. For Latinx women, it will be 125 years until the wage gap … [Read more...]
Telehealth: 2019 regulations set the stage for increased access and use
Jeff Lagasse says 2019 was an interesting year for human telehealth. A framework is starting to emerge, and while it's not fully mature, it is no longer the nascent healthcare delivery approach it once was. Understanding and monitoring the human telemedicine developments is important for animal health companies. The technology infrastructures will be similar and resolutions … [Read more...]
North American Veterinary Anesthesia Society focuses on team education
The American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia along with the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia identified a need to elevate standards of care and practice for veterinary anesthesia and analgesia, as well as support those providing anesthesia and analgesia to animal patients. The NAVAS was created as a non-profit to engage anyone … [Read more...]
Organic label doesn’t guarantee that holiday ham came from a happy pig
There’s an assumption that certified organically raised animals live happier, more natural lives. The reality, writes Michael Haedicke, is more complicated. Government regulations for organic farming contain few specific protections for pigs, poultry and other animals raised for human consumption. So, conditions on organic farms may not actually be all that different from … [Read more...]
Habits that push friends away
Genuine relationships require intentional effort and maintenance. Christine Carter, PhD, shares ways we drive wedges between ourselves and friends: You overdo it on social media You try to fix a friend’s problems instead of simply listening You’re “too busy” You don’t offer any new stimulation You make presumptions about your friend’s feelings You don’t show … [Read more...]
Opinion: Poo smell in Kansas City blamed on rare weather event
The greater Kansas City, Missouri, area had a stinky experience in early November. We monitored media to see if animal health pros might add some thoughts about it. To date we’ve seen nothing, but questions remain. If smells from hog operations, cattle feedlots, poultry operations and ethanol plants can be trapped in a low, fast moving front and transferred over 300 miles, … [Read more...]
Rats, cats and feral hogs invading national parks
A new study published in the Biological Invasions journal says our national parks are under a deep and immediate threat from invasive, non-native species. The researchers are urging the National Park Service to create and implement a systemwide approach that involves everybody from National Park Service leadership to their staff and park visitors. Source: CNN, December 4, … [Read more...]
2019’s top news stories from DVM360
For publishers, what readers click on is like taking blood pressure and pulse metrics. DVM360’s top news stories from 2019 is no exception. From spay/neuter age debates through 12-month heartworm protection to shortages of veterinary associates, it shares the top stories. Source: DVM 360, December 6, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: For marketers and sales reps, top 10 lists help … [Read more...]
Junk in, junk out applies to feed too
The adage about computers and data applies to forage value and production. We recently posted about hay consumption < link > and mud at hay feeding locations - link >. Lynn James shares Progressive Forage's top 2019 articles chosen by readers whose priorities include high quality forages. Source: Progressive Forage, December 6, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: One of these … [Read more...]
Understanding swine gut microbiome at different growth stages
What pigs are fed and at which growth stage makes a difference in the swine gut microbiome, according to new research. University of Arkansas researchers completed a comprehensive longitudinal study that remarkably expands the understanding of the swine gut microbiome and addresses ecological questions: How does the swine gut microbiome change from birth to market across … [Read more...]
Increased feeding frequency in dairy cows shows promise
Underscoring dairy cows as production animals, researchers sought to measure the results of feeding up to three times per day or more. Feed delivery frequency affects feed intake, digestive physiology, animal health, hormonal profile, milk production, resistance to thermal stress and economic returns. Source: The Bullvine, December 4, 2019. Link. . . . in the 3x feeding … [Read more...]
Don’t let barn fires happen
Barn fires in North America occur predominantly in the winter months. Supplemental heating, increased bedding, fuel containers and aging electrical wiring are common reasons animal barns and shelters catch fire during winter months. This article focuses on dairies but horse barns, kennels and coops are also susceptible. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, December 9, 2019. Link. A … [Read more...]
Ketamine, K-holes, pony medicine and disassociation
In the past few years, ketamine has found its way back into needy nostrils, writes Anna Silman. She describes the off-label uses of ketamine over the past 50 years. A Schedule III drug for veterinarians, ketamine is still a concern when clinics are vandalized or when inventory shortages are discovered. We’re sharing this article so veterinary teams can see the attraction and … [Read more...]
Opinion: the dental divide
The holidays are a great time for veterinary teams to make some decisions about dentals < link >. Melissa Detweiler, DVM, discusses the challenges of her love/hate relationship with common oral health procedures and the conversation and marketing that go with it. Beyond the gold standard, she says are two options; skip it or treat what she can. I believe there is another … [Read more...]
Rodeos in the exam room
Gina Singleton, DVM, shares a fun poem about dealing with petrified patients in the exam room. Here’s an excerpt. His owner is coaxing him, trying to soothe. The tech's tossing treats, but he won't improve. You try to be patient, you give them a smile, but you say to yourself, "Looks like we'll be here a while." Source: VETTED, December 6, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
48 million pets need a regular vet
The relationship counts says, Matthew Salois, PhD, citing recent metrics from the AVMA’s most recent Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook < link >. Based on the research, he is confident developing a strong veterinarian-client bond can help get more pets into practices on an ongoing basis for the preventive healthcare we know they need. Salois also noted the … [Read more...]
Train your brain to perform better under pressure
When we’re under pressure, there are predictable consequences, shares Art Markman: The tendency to focus on all the things that could go wrong, ignoring the positive Our desire to perform at a high level limits the amount of information you can hold in mind at one time, which can limit the complexity of what you can accomplish mentally. Source: Fast Company, December … [Read more...]
The doctor will call you back after nap time
There is no reason to apologize for napping at work, writes Mike Paul, DVM. Daytime drowsiness can affect concentration, attention to detail, mood, productivity and creativity. He advises to avoid thinking of napping as lost time or feel guilty for indulging in daytime sleep. Source: Veterinary Economics, September 15, 2019. Link. According to the National Sleep Foundation, … [Read more...]
TIME: Best inventions 2019
Working in the life sciences, animal health pros are a curious bunch. Whether or not water from air, portable solar power or ultrasound to go become mainstream in animal health, TIME’s best inventions of 2019 are worth a look. Source: TIME, November 21, 2019. Link. To assemble the 2019 list, TIME solicited nominations across a variety of categories from our editors and … [Read more...]
Reduce mud at hay feeding locations
Paralleling methods used to build roads through swamps, Mark Hilton, DVM, shares methods for using hay pads to keep cattle less muddy as winter hay feeding begins. He also shares the benefits of limiting 24/7 free access to hay and includes study results. Source: BEEF, November 2019. Link. When asked, 100 percent of beef producers who have built hay pads and now use time … [Read more...]
How much hay will a cow consume?
Forage quality will be a determining factor in the amount of forage consumed, writes Glenn Selk. He discusses the variables producers must consider when calculating winter feed needs for their cattle. Source: Drovers, November 4, 2019. Link. Excellent forages, such as good alfalfa, silages, or green pasture provide a combination of increased nutrient content and increased … [Read more...]
ASF: Full depopulation may be the only option (podcasts)
Veterinarians from Pipestone Veterinary Services discuss historical and future perspectives on swine disease elimination at the herd, regional and national level in two Swine Time podcasts. Sometimes hog producers have become better stewards, and sometimes just the change in the production systems has helped elimination, or at least have diminished the occurrences, of diseases … [Read more...]
Finding a doc for the flock
Ana Hotaling provides guidance for poultry raisers about finding an avian veterinarian. For veterinary hospitals or retailers, a little leg work will help good dog and cat clients who raise chickens find a DVM before they need one. If your veterinary team is ready to serve the poultry raising public, this article helps identifies five connections who need to know you service … [Read more...]
Control the herd, manage the horse (video)
Kimberly Brown shared a video via Linked In that features Martin Nielsen, DVM, PhD, discussing the dynamics of parasite control for one or two horses while still maintaining the population-control focus. Bottom line, he says to control the parasites in all the animals at a location using a herd approach first. Source: Linked In. Link. INSIGHTS: Share Nielsen’s message … [Read more...]
Equine workers risk respiratory problems
Not all horse work is done outdoors. Nancy Hoffman discusses the risks to horse people from dust, mold and allergens from hay, bedding and associated dirt. She makes a case for wearing dust masks and reviews the two main categories of masks, their features, functions and benefits. Source: Horse Network, December 2, 2019. Link. Remember, . . . you’re going to be breathing … [Read more...]
Avoid answer exhaustion
Along with veterinarians, all animal health pros will recognize the situations about which Donna Curtin, DVM, writes. Running out of answers too early isn’t fair to my team, my family or myself she says. She offers some tips to avoid answer exhaustion: Take breaks Learn your limits Tag Practice curiosity Source: DRANDYROARK, November 29, 2019. Link. One of the … [Read more...]
CBD warnings by FDA to animal product companies
13 companies making cannabidiol (CBD) products for pets were among the 15 warned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on November 25, 2019. The companies’ sales of CBD-containing pet and human items violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. (CBD pet product companies warned are listed in the references. Source: Pet Product News, December 2, 2019. Link. The FDA … [Read more...]
Most read cattle and swine posts
In last week’s Bulletin, we featured the most-read livestock posts < link > which included poultry content. Readers expressed interest in seeing cattle and swine separately. Below are the most-read swine and cattle posts from June through October 2019 not featured last week. < link > Source: Search Results for: cattle, Animal Health Digest. Link. Heed OSHA … [Read more...]
Favorite posts about ourselves
AHD readers continue to show interest in topics related to how we get along with other people, how we lead them and how we protect ourselves physically and emotionally to sustain our work in animal health businesses. Here are most read posts about human topics from June 1 through October 31, 2019: Things that make employees quit, AHD, October 25, 2019. Link. Invest one … [Read more...]