Animal health is an industry driven by two sectors, pets and livestock, that respond to very different market forces. Trends in these sectors need to be analyzed separately to get a clear view of the investment landscape. It is also important to pay attention to factors such as technology, that affect the industry as a whole. Source: Fortune, July 27, 2017. These four … [Read more...]
The art and science of starting new calves
To be successful at starting cattle, cattlemen must become as knowledgeable about animal behavior as about disease treatments and health products. Drs. Tom Noffsinger and Dee Griffin share perspectives on pre-conditioning and handling. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, July 7, 2017. Weaning begins the day the calf is born,” says Noffsinger. “How you handle that momma cow is … [Read more...]
Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Certificate Program now available
With all the information published about millennials’ focus on pet life quality, this new certificate program will help participants meet these needs. During this program, participants will: Understand the unique field of animal hospice Learn how palliative care differs from conventional medicine Learn best practices in hospice care Understand what to expect in … [Read more...]
AAHA accredited practice growth
We extend our congratulations to the new AAHA accredited practices. These medical teams have met the highest standards in veterinary medicine. Source: AAHA Red, July 17, 2017. Also see: AAHA newly accredited practices, May - June 2017. INSIGHTS: Attention distributor and manufacturer sales representatives! Review these lists to determine if any hospitals in your … [Read more...]
August is National Vaccine and Immunization Month
Stay up to date on current vaccinations, Lyme disease prevention and how to keep practices in top shape. Four informative session are available on VetFolio: Vaccines: Current Protocols and Recommendations Introducing the Next Generation of Lyme Disease Vaccine Technology; sponsored by Zoetis Healthy, Wealthy and Wise Lyme Disease: The Latest Research and … [Read more...]
12 reasons pets need heartworm protection
Here is a handy list of reasons to protect dogs, cats and ferrets against heartworm infection. Provided by the American Heartworm Society, it is available in both a slide show and list form. Source: Linked In, July 26, 2017. There’s no such thing as heartworm “season.” Chances are, you don’t live in a heartworm-free zone. Pets with heartworms are found across the United … [Read more...]
Social media snapshot as a stunning infographic
Social media, a name we once gave for a platform such as Facebook, has become difficult to define. Constant iterations expand and grow how social media is used. Those trends include the growth of live streaming, messaging apps and conversational commerce. Source: Mashable, August 2017. It’s meant to remind the viewer that social media is about the people in the center of … [Read more...]
AQHA Daily Health Archive
A colleague contacted me looking for good references for an article he was working on. I sent him to the AQHA website. So, in the spirit of supporting animal health pros who post equine information on websites, blogs and social media, we’re linking you the health archive on the AQHA website. Source: AQHA Daily. Scroll through many topics presented as original and sponsored … [Read more...]
Guidelines for working farm kids updated
The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety has updated guidelines for children working in agriculture for the first time in 20 years. The guidelines give parents a recommended age range for specific tasks and a set of competencies as well. Source: Pork, August 2, 2017. Children performing jobs not consistent with their abilities is the main … [Read more...]
Temple Grandin, DVM, honored by National Women’s Hall of Fame (includes video)
Her determination and drive to prove she could make it in the meat sciences field has placed her in a group of women that includes Susan B. Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Rosa Parks. So not only did she make strides in her field as a person with autism, but she also made strides as a woman. Source: The Autism Site, August 2017. This incredible woman, a Professor of Animal … [Read more...]
Opinion – Keep dogs safe on beaches
Good content often falls short of the whole story. In this case, the article presents good considerations for sharing a beach trip with a canine. However, references to ensure the pet is protected from diseases easily shared in a public area are missing. In community parks or dog parks, the risk of leptospirosis can be as significant at beaches. The risks are not just from … [Read more...]
Stop that itch
At least two dermatological issues are always among the top 10 ailments veterinary teams face with dogs. Anthea E. Schick, DVM, DACVD, with a fun editorial twist from Dr. Sarah Wooten, share the latest research findings from the 2017 North American Dermatology Forum that every private practitioner needs to know For animal health pros at all levels, this information is clearly … [Read more...]
Canine influenza is spreading
Animal health pros, especially veterinary healthcare teams must be vigilant and stay abreast of the latest news about this highly contagious disease. This includes: areas affected, prevention and canine influenza treatment protocols where appropriate. Communicating with clients is paramount to alleviate concerns and allow for risk assessment. A one-size-fits-all statement is … [Read more...]
Steve Dale talks mosquitoes (includes videos)
Mosquito prevention and the Double Defense protocol are covered by Steve Dale, CABC and host of the syndicated radio programs, Steve Dale’s Pet World and The Pet Minute that air on more than 100 stations. The video is something you can use to educate clients. Consider sharing it via websites, blogs and social media posts. Source: Steve Dale Pet World, July 31, 2017. It is … [Read more...]
Cattle now and in the future (includes video)
Galen Erickson, University of Nebraska animal scientist, offers insight into the trendiness of cattle feeding that deserves attention from the industry. Source: Progressive Cattleman, July 31, 2017. Video, courtesy of Certified Angus Beef. … [Read more...]
Cool clear water. Is it?
Water is readily available in the United States, yet 63 percent of Americans worry a great deal about drinking water pollution. Whether you live in the city, suburbs, on an acreage or farm, water quality is a modern-day concern for people and their animals. Two extension educators urge consumers to monitor their water and have it tested if they suspect problems. Source: The … [Read more...]
New recommendations for feline spay/neuter surgery
The AVMA board of directors has endorsed a consensus document recommending that cats not intended for breeding be gonadectomized prior to five months of age. Source: AVMA@Work, July 10, 2017. This document represents a clear and evidence-based position that promotes individual animal health and welfare, contributes to effective population control, and can be communicated … [Read more...]
Deer steal feed in summer, create TB infection possibilities
“Isn’t she just so cute,” is not the best statement when seeing a doe and twin fawns eating farm-stored feed on an early August morning. Deer movements studied by scientists with USDA National Wildlife Research Center and Michigan State University showed more visits by deer to farm-stored feed in December and January than in the fall or spring. But, what stood out in the data … [Read more...]
Stop, look, listen; get a computer crash plan
In one form or another, at least one of our computers is going to completely crash, be lost, stolen or fall victim to virus problems. William Hall reminds us that hard drive failure and ransomware are not the only computer risks. He recommends seven ways to help prevent this. Source: Entrepreneur, July 26, 2017. Here are seven easy to implement tips to prevent a computer … [Read more...]
12 individuals receive awards at AVMA convention
Eleven veterinary professionals and one lifelong feline health advocate were recognized for contributions that have made a positive, lasting impression on veterinary medicine. Source: Veterinary Practice News, July 26, 2017. These outstanding individuals represent the best and the brightest in veterinary medicine,” said Tom Meyer, DVM, AVMA president … [Read more...]
Opthalmic exams made simple
Did you ever wonder what veterinarians are doing when they look in to a pet’s eyes? Ron Ofri, DVM, offers a logical, anatomical order to the exam and a list of equipment needed. He proposes veterinary teams perform an ophthalmoscopic examination of all patients, not just ophthalmic case to gain the required proficiency and familiarity with normal fundus variations. Source: … [Read more...]
Diagnosing and treating anaphylactic shock
Anaphylaxis is often misdiagnosed because definitive criteria to distinguish it from an allergic reaction are lacking. This article reviews anaphylaxis pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, treatment, and clinical examples. Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, July/August 2017. Anaphylaxis is a severe condition that requires rapid emergency treatment. Because of the lack of … [Read more...]
5 most loyal dog breeds
Dogs are generally loyal to mankind, certainly in comparison to other species not developed for human companionship. But some dog breeds were developed with an extra dose of loyalty to their people. Source: Dogster, July 21, 2017. The breeder groups making the most noise about loyalty traits in these breeds: Bouvier des Flandres Bullmastiff Yorkshire Terrier … [Read more...]
Assertive or aggressive; it’s a fine line (includes video)
It is not always easy to identify truly assertive behavior. This is because there's a fine line between assertiveness and aggression. People often confuse the two. Source: Mind Tools, August 1, 2017. Being assertive means finding the right balance between passivity (not assertive enough) and aggression (angry or hostile behavior). It means having a strong sense of yourself … [Read more...]
The case of the shrinking airline seat
Finally! A federal judge has ordered the FAA to review seat sizes and legroom on commercial airlines. Flyers Rights, an advocacy group had said it is concerned that small airline seats are a safety hazard, putting passengers at risk for conditions such as deep vein thrombosis. Source: ABC, July 30, 2017. Flyers Rights gave the court evidence that the average width of … [Read more...]
Manage old soft tissue injuries properly
Tendon and suspensory ligament injuries plague horses performing in all disciplines. Even pleasure horses and pasture ornaments may fall victim if they take the proverbial bad step over rough ground conditions. These are every bit as painful as bone or joint disorders and can take as much as a year to heal. Source: Horse Network, July 28, 2017. The common practice of giving … [Read more...]
Veterinary nurse effort finds focus
A representative of the group working to change the title of veterinary technician to veterinary nurse and standardize credentials nationwide said today that they will initially focus on Indiana, Michigan and Ohio where they like their chances of success. Source: DVM 360, July 24, 2017. We have compared the curriculums of veterinary technology programs to human nursing … [Read more...]
How we search continues to change
Marketing a practice has really changed. Instead of putting an ad in the yellow pages and making sure the phone number is correct in the white pages, a hospital now has to be found on multiple platforms and be accessed in a variety of ways. These areas need to be managed on a constant basis. Source: MWI Messenger, August 2017, page 21-22. The next leap in accessing and … [Read more...]
Don’t apologize. Do this instead.
Excessive apologizing can take away others' confidence in you as a leader. Instead, practice moves like thanking people for waiting if you are late to a meeting rather than saying, “sorry,” writes Judith Humphrey. Avoid apologizing before giving bad news so you don't reinforce the negativity of what you will say, and focus on solutions rather than feeling sorry for not being … [Read more...]
Why sitting at your computer all day can wipe you out
If you’re conscious, your brain demands your energy and lots of it. Using your brain takes real, honest, physical work — it’s just not visible to us the way using our muscles to exercise is. Source: Science of US, July 19, 2017. Because we’re more likely to get sick after period of heightened mental exertion, too, it’s important to treat mental fatigue with the same care … [Read more...]