Farmers, purchasing agents, retail managers, veterinary hospital managers and veterinarians fit into the perspectives shared in this article. Jan Johnson says that all decisions are emotional, and we use facts to justify our emotional purchases. She shares a few of the emotional drivers she has observed: Pride Fear Grief Suspicion Confidence … [Read more...]
A look at Amazon in the pet consumables market
Zak Watts and Mike Bassani, director and consumables lead for Amazon Pets respectively, joined presenters during the inaugural NAVC E-Commerce Summit that took place September 19 in Kansas City. Amazon defines consumables as food and healthcare products such as parasite prevention and litter will be Amazon’s focus. Other pet items are available, but will not be critical. The … [Read more...]
Shadowing veterinary technician reveals skill, passion and dedication
Jen Reeder was floored by the passion, knowledge, and dedication of Jessica Krafthefer, CVT, whom she shadowed to better understand the role and challenges of veterinary technicians. It was a simple assignment that turned into one of the more eye-opening experiences of her life. It’s hard work, but at the end of the day, when I go home exhausted, I still want to come back,” … [Read more...]
NAVTA ready to celebrate Veterinary Technicians
October 14 – 20 is National Veterinary Technician week. Since 1993, the third week in October has been designated to acknowledge veterinary technicians. They are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices and play vital roles in preserving animal health and welfare. This special week provides opportunity to recognize veterinary technicians’ … [Read more...]
Nigerian dwarf goats now approved as livestock dairy goat
4-H and FFA participants can now use Nigerian dwarf goats in livestock projects. The breed is experiencing a rise in popularity due to its small size and colorful markings. The goats have gentle personalities which makes them good pets, plus they are easy to handle and take little space. Source: Countryside Daily, October 1, 2018. Link. Most owners do not raise their goats … [Read more...]
Foot rot or something else?
Mike Apley, DVM, discusses the importance of accurate case definitions, antibiotic stewardship and the differences between foot rot and hairy heal warts. His article is a good resource to include with fall VFD compliance visits. Control and therapeutic approaches to foot rot and hairy heel wart in beef cattle can be quite different. Planning to recognize the difference between … [Read more...]
Colostrum feeding practices have room for improvement
A Michigan State Extension research project in 2016 set out to measure the prevalence of passive transfer failure in heifer and bull calves on Michigan dairy farms. While producers seemed confident in how to manage and deliver colostrum, the results indicate there is still a lot of improvement to be realized from managing colostrum. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, September 26, … [Read more...]
3 advantages of veterinarian-administered equine vaccinations
Writing for the AQHA, Jacquelin Boggs, DVM, with Zoetis asserts three benefits horses get when a veterinarian administers vaccines: Proper Vaccine Handling Safe, Accurate Administration Tailored Vaccination Program Source: AQHA, September 13, 2018. Link. Every horse is unique. Your veterinarian can work with you to customize a vaccine program based on your … [Read more...]
8 tips to determine trustworthy cat nutrition sites
The team at Catnip delivers common sense about feline nutrition websites and feline sites. They suggest eight questions to use to determine if a site is reputable and its information legitimate. They have also generated a list of the best of the best websites for nutrition information. <link> Source: Catnip, October 2018. Link. If the evidence on a site is presented … [Read more...]
Opinion – Your smartphone obsession may make your dog sad
I recently noticed a change in our Morkie’s behavior when I turn to my cell phone to monitor emails, texts or see what’s going on with LinkedIn or Twitter. Once I do, the dog allows about 30 to 45 minutes before deciding if it’s time to play, pet or seek attention. I’m not alone. Cheyenne Macdonald reviews growing amounts information that dogs are especially hurt by owners’ … [Read more...]
The latest from AAHA NEWStat
AAHA NEWStat, AAHA Red and the longstanding magazine, Trends make up a worthwhile communication complement for AAHA members and industry pros. Past issues of Trends are now available to subscribers in a digital archive. Link. Published monthly, Trends offers straightforward, real-world strategies, best business management practices, protocols, tips and techniques. It also … [Read more...]
These veterinary service trends can help your practice remain competitive
Lidia Staron shares an overview of this year’s top trends for practice owners to consider in order to stay competitive. She indicates that veterinarians on the whole have been slow to adopt many of the newer technologies and services. Source: Veterinarian’s Money Digest, July 28, 2018. Link. Staron identifies the following trends: Wearable tech that monitors pet … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Winter pinkeye infections increasing
Times have changed. Pinkeye outbreaks are now seen year-round due to the increased incidence of Moraxella bovoculi. Some have nicknamed this “winter pinkeye,” says Karlin Yaeger, global sales manager for Addison Biological Laboratory. He shared Addison’s 20-plus years of diagnostic lab experiences which reinforce Moraxella bovis as the primary cause of pinkeye. However, other … [Read more...]
VHMA says to dance with clients. PIMS data creates 8 helpful reports.
The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VMHA) addresses non-verbal cues in client communication. When preparing to approach a client to discuss preventive pet healthcare, prior to uttering a single word, think like a dancer. Source: Champions Corner, VHMA, September 17, 2018. Link. Familiarize yourself with these nonverbal behaviors and their impact on the client: … [Read more...]
Veterinary management service agreements can be torture
The legalization of veterinary management agreements operated by veterinary management organizations allows non-veterinarians a way to sidestep laws prohibiting lay ownership of professional practices, writes Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD. The MSA/MSO structure has been widely adopted as acceptable and legal. . . but is anybody checking to see whether the required separation … [Read more...]
USDA outlines next steps for advancing animal disease traceability
USDA undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs Greg Ibach announced the agency's four goals for advancing disease traceability to protect the long-term health, marketability and economic viability of the U.S. livestock industry. The goals are part of the animal disease traceability program (ADT). Advance the electronic sharing of data among federal and state … [Read more...]
Understanding customers and decision makers
Two posts featuring Pat Malone, AHD’s weekly contributor, were opened at exceptionally high rates. Malone's focus on leading a customer to decide is evident in his writing and in his daily interactions with colleagues, customers, seminar participants and friends. These posts and the associated articles are relevant in today's business environment. Source: Understanding the … [Read more...]
Employees; our industry’s most discussed topic
Jared Wareham writes from his experiences with livestock management, yet, his take-home points are applicable industry-wide across animal health. Managing people will always require more effort and personal skill development than any of us want to devote; yet, it is absolutely necessary. Source: Drovers, August 14, 2018. Link. The risk of losing a great employee that you … [Read more...]
Ensure SKUs reflect modern methods for wound treatments
September and October are good months to review standard SKUs that are often treated like staples in clinic inventories. With advancements in materials, new products and the expanding role of the veterinary nurse, make sure current SKU choices reflect the overall direction of the veterinary team. Pam Foster discusses veterinary wound management with distributor reps in mind in … [Read more...]
Stop saying um, ah and you know
Filler words quickly become crutch words that we habitually use. They “ah” diminish our credibility and “um” distract from “you know” our message. Animal health pros routinely interact with animal owners and other animal health pros. Noah Zandan shares how to replace the crutch words with pauses. Source: Ascend, September 2018. Link. Used sparingly and effectively, filler … [Read more...]
Selective dry-cow therapy called the way forward
Mastitis management is responsible for up to 85 percent of the antimicrobials used in the dairy sector. Implementing selective dry-cow therapy is the way forward, say the authors of recent analyses. The mindset of farmers and veterinarians and their attitude towards reduction of antimicrobial use is crucial for successful implementation of selective therapy at dry-off. The … [Read more...]
Weaning is good time to score cows’ body conditions
Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension cow/calf field specialist, shares information about body condition scores (BCS), market timing and factors that affect BCS throughout the year. Source: Drovers, September 19, 2018. Link. Age, lactation, feed quality and availability, and parasite load are all factors that influences BCS. . . Regardless if cows are thin due to drought, age, or … [Read more...]
So, a Jewish dietician walks into a pig farm. . .
Leia Flure writes about her experience of learning about swine production. She had no knowledge about raising pigs and had questions of her own. They included: What’s a “factory farm” really like? How are the animals treated? How sustainable is animal agriculture? And, of course, are piglets as cute in person as they are in the movies? (note the anthropomorphic … [Read more...]
Genomics has reduced the generational interval
Genomic selection refers to breeding selection decisions based on genomic breeding values. The discovery of thousands of DNA markers plus the development of predicted breeding values based on marker data has allowed for accurate genomic selection of dairy sires by AI centers. A reduction in generation interval translates into more rapid genetic progress. Source: Dairy Herd … [Read more...]
Boehringer-Ingelheim forum focuses on well-being, not welfare for farm animals
The 11th Boehringer Ingelheim Expert Forum on Farm Animal Well-Being recently convened in Australia. Delegates from around the world focused on the intersection between animal well-being and international trade. The discussion centered on how to recognize and measure well-being, and how this relates to introducing standards in a global market where appetite and capacity for … [Read more...]
Multiple reports of mycotoxins in corn as harvest continues
With the weather issues of this growing season, news of mycotoxins is no surprise. The past week brought new reports of deoxynivalenol (DON), aflatoxin and fumonisin in corn, as well as the first report of zearalenone in corn silage, according to Neogen’s Monday Mycotoxin and Crop Report reported by Feedstuffs September 24. (link) Mycotoxins are produced by specific molds and … [Read more...]
Pheromones and household cat aggression
Targeting multicat households in the midwestern U.S., researchers recently examined the use of synthetic feline-appeasing pheromone (FAP*; Feliway Friends*) for its effect on intercat aggression in multicat households. Take-home Message - For households with established intercat aggression issues, FAP treatment correlated with significantly reduced aggression within 21 days of … [Read more...]
Animal health pro finds out the hard way that pet insurance works
Animal health pro Mark Niblo was on the fence about committing to pet insurance for his new dog, Storm. No so, anymore. He shares Storm’s journey and tallies the costs without insurance. Now insured, Storm is covered for another incident of this kind anytime in the next five years. If only I would have had it earlier! Source: Durvet, September 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: Mark’s … [Read more...]
Interest building for NAVC Resource Library
NAVC’s recent introduction of the Veterinary Resource Library <link> is generating considerable interest from the veterinary community and manufacturers alike. Designed to eliminate the need for veterinary personnel to check multiple websites to seek information, the resource center is quickly building toward its objective of becoming a one-stop product portal. The … [Read more...]
Vetsource doubles technology investment
By doubling the investment in technology and scalability, Craig Sutter, chief technology officer of Vetsource, explains how recent funding will help veterinary practices and pet owners. This investment means our platform — which supports tens of thousands of veterinary practices and pet owners — is poised to evolve with additional tools, like in-depth data analytics on … [Read more...]