Sponsored Content from ADM Animal Nutrition The new issue of EQUUS Extra is dedicated to nutritional aspects of equine digestions, colic and ulcers. In our post Colic comes in many forms, January 14, 2020 < link >, we shared an overview of three types of colic. Dr. Annette McCoy broke down colic cases by type; non-strangulating, strangulating and inflammatory. She also … [Read more...]
Horse hoof care resources
Horse owners and stable hands are always learning. Each new horse and age milestones in on-farm horses can bring new challenges. Hoof care is one area where presenting sound information can help animal health pros increase their value on-farm and when discussing hoof care with horse caretakers. These articles are great aids to review and then share to benefit horses, owners and … [Read more...]
Repurposing racehorses on the ranch
Approximately 20,000 Thoroughbred foals are born each year. By the time they are two or three years old, few make the grade to become money winning racehorses. This leaves an ongoing supply of retired racehorses looking for new jobs. Megan Arszman shares that not all retired racehorses find new jobs doing 3-day eventing or show jumping. Many end up being cow horses and they … [Read more...]
A whole lot of bull: BEEF’s 6th annual Seedstock 100
Sponsored by Boehringer-Ingeheim Veterinarians, retailers and sales representatives all work with producers to deliver the best beef products. The Seedstock 100 is a survey of these combined efforts for the top bull genetic producers. The distribution map < link > is interesting on its own. Source: BEEF, January 21, 2020. Link. The Seedstock 100 represents the … [Read more...]
Cowmoonication: Research finds cows ‘talk’ to each other
Hugh Lofting’s character, Dr. Dolittle, might not be so far-fetched. Research at the University of Sydney has shown that cows maintain individual voices in a variety of emotional situations. Cows ‘talk’ to one another and retain individual identity through their lowing. We found that cattle vocal individuality is relatively stable across different emotionally loaded farming … [Read more...]
AI, telehealth can help combat professional staffing issues (video)
For animal health pros wrestling with telemedicine, information in this article will clarify some of its opportunities and benefits. Citing a recent American Hospital Association study, Nathan Eddy separates telehealth and AI over a future timeline. He also shows how telehealth platforms are useful to providers as health care is increasingly delivered outside of traditional … [Read more...]
The best way to make a new habit stick
We’re three weeks into 2020. Holiday memories are quickly fading, replaced by all the stuff of the new year, including resolutions to make changes. Doug Moore and Spender Greenberg researched making these well-intentioned habits stick and developed a Daily Ritual Tool < link > to help. Out of 23 techniques designed to support a behavior change, one method outperformed the … [Read more...]
Female office rivalries are MYTH
Andrea S. Kramer and Alton B. Harris share findings from research for their book, It’s Not You, It’s the Workplace < link >. Their conclusion? There’s no evidence that there is more conflict at the office between women than there is between men or between different genders. . . . one’s sex has little or no bearing on personality, cognition and leadership.” – authors … [Read more...]
The young don’t hold a monopoly on career potential
Women get hit harder than men when it comes to age discrimination. Mika Brzezinski and Ginny Brzezinski discuss age bias and the challenges women encounter. They call for a change in narrative and to reimagine the possibilities of mid- to late-career reinvention. Source: LinkedIn, January 10, 2020. Link. Ageism and particularly gendered ageism may be illegal, but it is hard … [Read more...]
Engage discipline to handle internal and external impatient customers
SmartPulse surveys, while non-scientific, offer some insight into our behaviors. This summary shares results of how survey participants deal with impatient customers. Source: SmartBrief, September 10, 2019. Link. One of the biggest challenges participants face is unexpected interruptions. When someone calls or drops by with something important to them, it’s tempting to put … [Read more...]
Pet insurance remains polarizing for many
Addressing the fear and reluctance found in many veterinarians and staff members, Wendy Hauser, DVM, summarizes key elements of pet insurance. Pet insurance is property insurance, not an accident and health product. Veterinary teams are allowed to endorse the idea that pet health insurance is a helpful tool in helping the client provide care for their pets. Source: … [Read more...]
Conference over. Whew! Back to work.
It was difficult to remain in Kansas City while so many friends, colleagues and customers attended VMX. The energy of the new year, major announcements and new approaches to old ways are exhilarating and yet exhausting at the same time. The plethora of conversations, sessions, new products and programs can be intimidating for some animal health pros or a dull headache for … [Read more...]
5 ways to start brushing dogs’ teeth
Among the 2019 Top 10 from DVM 360, was a handout on how to start brushing teeth. It linked to GIFs in an article that demonstrate the steps shown in the handout. In-home oral care is step number 1 for better oral health care. Check out these tools. Use them on social media, in newsletters and during examinations. Source: DVM 360, FIRSTLINE. Handout: Top 5 ways to start … [Read more...]
Yeast infections, causes and treatments
Groomers are often the first to discover yeast infections in pets. Columnist Jonathan David shares information about it with his groomer audience. He talks about skin issues, pododermatitis (toes and nails) and issues with the ears and ear canals. Yeast infections can creep up at just about anytime it seems.” – Jonathan David Source: Groomer to Groomer, December 2019, page … [Read more...]
Cholecalciferol poisoning in dogs and cats
Cholecalciferol is the chemical name for Vitamin D3. It is commonly found in everyday household products, shares Justin Lee, DVM. Products with this compound include rodent poisons, multi-vitamins, even psoriasis cream. Cholecalciferol can be highly toxic when accidentally ingested by dogs and cats. Lee shares how they are affected, as well as clinical signs, diagnostics, … [Read more...]
Veterinary Study Groups selects Airvet as telemedicine provider
A new strategic partnership with VSG and Airvet offers options for independent veterinary practices to incorporate new technologies and implement telemedicine to meet the ever-changing expectations of their clients, according to Steve Curvey, VSG COO. Airvet intends to create new efficiencies in a practice’s daily workflow, while providing continuity of care for clients, all … [Read more...]
Make in-home oral health a priority for every pet
Sponsored by Addison Biological Laboratory, Inc. Like vaccines and flea, tick and heartworm prevention, pet oral care has been identified for decades as a critical component of healthy pet management. Animal health pros know the effort it takes to support elements of preventative medicine. A product from AHD Sponsor Addison Biological Laboratory provides veterinary … [Read more...]
How sales is changing
Mike Shultz describes the evolution in the way sellers sell, the way buyers buy and what is required of sales leadership and enablement teams. He describes how sellers need to provide decision support for buyers. As change agents, tomorrow’s sellers help lead customers to think and act differently. In this context, his article is applicable to veterinary teams and retail … [Read more...]
New Labor Dept rule clarifies ‘joint employer’ standard
Does your business use outsourced services such as cleaning, maintenance or temporary workers? The Labor Department issued a final rule that clarifies when a worker is employed by more than one company. Source: Associated Press, January 13, 2020. Link. Taking effect on March 16, 2020, the new rule provides a four-part test to determine whether a company is a “joint … [Read more...]
Accommodating cows and calves, one birth at a time
Academics summarize animal behavior research from a recent conference and suggest ways to apply it in everyday dairy operations. Dairy producers and veterinarians will find their focus on behavioral preferences of cows ahead of calving, pros and cons of group pens and adjusting weaning practices to optimize cow-calf relationships interesting and worth considering by … [Read more...]
New USDA process-verified program, meat label to focus on responsible poultry, livestock care
One Health Certified < link > is expected to help U.S. poultry and livestock producers demonstrate their commitment to responsible antibiotic management without compromising the health and welfare of their animals. The USDA process verified program < link > establishes verified animal-production practices in five core areas: disease prevention, veterinary care, … [Read more...]
NPPC says CBS’ 60 minutes missed critical pig farming data in report
60 Minutes aired an episode January 5 questioning the use of antibiotics in the livestock industry and singled out the pork industry. The report failed to include the critical information Liz Wagstrom, DVM, shared about modern pork production. Source: PORK, January 6, 2020. Link. During the interview, the 60 Minutes report did not discuss pork producers’ adoption of … [Read more...]
Colic comes in many forms
Depending on a colic’s cause, treatment steps and prognoses can vary widely, writes Alexandra Beckstett. She breaks down colic cases by type—non-strangulating, strangulating and inflammatory. Source: The Horse, January 2020. Link. (article excerpt). Flank-watching or -biting, pawing, trying to roll, an elevated heart rate, a lack of gut sounds or bowel movements. While … [Read more...]
Feist dogs of war, aid in rodent control
This post is not for the faint-hearted. Feist dogs are commonly thought of today as rat terriers but can be any small to medium-size dog that has a loud, spirited and feisty demeanor. The United Kennel Club recognizes feists, but the American Kennel Club does not. Chris Bennett reports on the dogs’ intensity when Jason Reed’s brace of feists he calls the Mongrol Hoard are … [Read more...]
On dog parks and urban landscapes
Alissa Greenberg provides a historical and developmental view of dog parks, cities and dog owners. Nowhere does she represent the real health issues that dog parks can perpetuate. Animal health pros understand the intra-species and zoonotic risks. We are well-suited to add value and perspective to issues of animal disease and safety issues for both pets and people. Source: … [Read more...]
AKC on alternative meat diets and the grain free question
There has been confusion and misinformation in past months about boutique, exotic ingredients, or grain-free diets (BEG) and the prevalence of DCM. The recent issue of AKC Family Dog presents information on the DCM story and what is being considered as food sources for dogs. Source: AKC Family Dog,January/February 2020. Update: The grain-free question. Link. Where’s … [Read more...]
The Rule of Three, timeless wisdom
Fred Hassan (yes, the one from Schering-Plough and Pharmacia) shares the power of using the Rule-of-Threes to simplify, to prioritize and to communicate. He shares, some principles are timeless and never outdate. The human mind is wired to work naturally with the Rule of Threes. Source: Chief Executive, January 13, 2020. Link. . . . the human brain is wired to process … [Read more...]
Facing veterinarians’ loss of mindshare
Veterinarians created Dr. Google by its restricting access to veterinary expertise at clients’ times of need, shares Ed Blach, DVM. If you bristle at these words, you are likely on a veterinary team. Blach’s article speaks to the declining influence veterinarians possess and how this occurred. An admonishment? Yes. But, not without a situation analysis and actionable … [Read more...]
Effects of diets, treats and additives on periodontal disease
Alexander Reiter, Dr. med. vet., discusses periodontal disease in the context of what dogs and cats eat, chew on and drink. The studies referenced are supportive of dry diets, dental treats and toys adjunct to best care practices. The gold standard for the management of periodontal disease is diagnosis and treatment under general anesthesia, followed by home oral hygiene … [Read more...]
What 20 years of work can do to your body (includes slide show)
A lifelike, full-size model named Emma demonstrate ailments that show the dark side of where we’re headed if work comforts continue to go unchecked. While aimed at computer use and seating, its no secret that smartphone use puts a strain on our stature, as does poor driving posture. Source: Fast Company, January 6, 2020. Link. Unless we make radical changes to our working … [Read more...]