National Wellness Week wraps up this Saturday. It was launched to inspire individuals and communities to incorporate the eight dimensions of wellness into their lives. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration supports embracing these dimensions — emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social and spiritual — to achieve … [Read more...]
Smiling depression is real
A subscriber sent this and commented, “This goes along with all the talk of suicide in our industry.” Smiling depression includes appearing happy to others and smiling through pain, keeping inner turmoil hidden. It is a recognized depressive disorder with atypical symptoms. As a result, many don’t know they’re depressed and don’t seek help. People with smiling depression are … [Read more...]
Anthropocene epoch defined by chicken bones
In contrast to the dinosaurs (Cretaceous period), some species, with human help, have spread rapidly across the world. Despite being domesticated thousands of years ago, it is only since the mid-20th century that mass poultry production has spread across the world. Production and consumption of chicken meat is forecast to continue growing, making its presence in future fossil … [Read more...]
It’s good to wipe a dog’s butt
Don’t forget to wipe! It turns out that the crusty mess hiding under a dog’s tail could easily irritate the dog and make him drag his backside to scratch it. While a dog also scoots across a floor when his anal glands need to be expressed, checking for crusty messes under the tail is a cheaper and easier fix to try first. If left uncleaned for too long, the irritation could … [Read more...]
It’s a lousy time of year
Cooler weather brings a greater risk of lice. The USDA estimates that U.S. livestock producers lose $125 million each year to it. Protecting cattle includes understanding the life cycle of lice, recognizing the potential damage and using effective methods of control. If not controlled, a single adult female in September can result in approximately 1 million lice by … [Read more...]
Dynamics of a practice going defunct
This is a very thought-filled piece about the times a corporate buyout goes bad. Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD, offers many things to think about, including patient records, liability, controlled substances and more. Take special note of the discussion about whose name is on the orders for controlled substances. Source: DVM 360, August 5, 2016. Allen suggests that if a … [Read more...]
Expressing gratitude – it’s not about you
When we express our gratitude to others, we tend to talk about ourselves. Instead, we should think about our benefactors. When we get help, it is common to talk about how the favor made us feel. But expressing gratitude shouldn’t be about you. Thanking someone who helps you keeps them interested and invested in having a long-term relationship with you. It makes their time, … [Read more...]
Editorial – Keep the loop(s) closed
Multiple social media sources organize content for veterinary practices. The challenge is to keep the practice team up to date on what is being posted and the possible questions that could result from it. Knowing what practices are posting can also be a big help for sales representatives as they support their clinic customers. Similar dynamics exist for reps who service retail … [Read more...]
Baxter Black: The curious cow
We think you’ll get a laugh from this Baxter Black story about on-farm adventures of a cow and a chicken. Source: Dairy Herd Management, September 12, 2016. By Ag Day TV. … [Read more...]
Booster vaccinations for beef calves questioned
Proven protocols, even booster vaccinations, are under full scrutiny these days. As vaccine technology advances, the need for these vaccinations is being questioned. Most protocols developed by marketing programs and manufacturers continue to include booster vaccinations as standard practice. However, more of today’s vaccines do not offer label instructions to repeat … [Read more...]
Dr. Little’s Exponential Vet
Dr. Adam Little tracks areas where technology and animal health intersect. This issue highlights some artificial intelligence, biotech news, profiles recent investments in pet care and shares his take on the KC Corridor Animal Health Investment Forum. Source: Exponential Vet, September 12, 2016. Here are the stories Little shares: Technology As lab-grown meat and … [Read more...]
How horses see the world
Common problems between horses and their handlers are often rooted in how differently they see the world. Here’s what you need to know about equine depth perception, night vision and other sight-related systems. Source: Equus, March, 2016. Understanding the variance between equine and human vision helps us to train horses more effectively states Janet L. Jones, PhD. She … [Read more...]
4 surprising flea-transmitted diseases you need to know
Unlike ticks, fleas don’t seem all that threatening. Mostly, we see the tiny bloodsuckers as a nuisance for pets and for us, not a serious threat to anyone’s health. Don’t dismiss them. Learn how fleas can transmit a surprising number of diseases to animals and humans. Source: Pet MD, September 12, 2016. Fleas can cause serious harm to you and your pet’s health through … [Read more...]
How-to videos hack the way humans learn
According to Google, YouTube searches for the phrase “how to” grew 70 percent between 2014 and 2015. In the first half of last year alone, people in North America watched more than 100 million hours of how-to videos. In a recent issue of Nautilus, writer Tom Vanderbilt explained, “We are, in effect, simulating doing the task ourselves, warming up the same neurons that will be … [Read more...]
Peer pressure and your beer of choice
Just for fun! Wharton professor Jonah Berger’s new book, Invisible Influence, is about the unseen ways the people around you shape your behavior. The beer anecdote is a brief rundown of a study conducted at a brewery by consumer psychologists Dan Ariely and Jonathan Levav. They argue with their paper that people are highly motivated to signal their uniqueness, even when it … [Read more...]
Castration method allows barrows fast, efficient growth
Castration of male pigs is a long-held, proven practice. It is performed to avoid boar taint in the meat of sexually mature males as well as reduce aggression toward other pigs and people. Cheryl Day shares alternatives to physical castration, challenges, breeding selections and the regulatory environment. Source: National Hog Farmer, September 2016, page 12. For hog … [Read more...]
But, I don’t want to sell
Ed Blach, DVM, MS, MBA, reminds us that veterinarians don't believe that 'sales and marketing' should enter the decision process for providing care that patients need in any way. But, if this is true, how should veterinarians communicate what they have to offer and what they recommend to their clients? Source: Is My Practice Healthy?, September 5, 2016. To help make the … [Read more...]
Educate yourself and clients on ringworm
Recognize ringworm, treat it and educate clients fast says Chris Keller, Animal Dermatology Center, Studio City, California. The zoonotic potential of this disease must not be underestimated. Frequent client communication and patient monitoring are the best ways to assure a successful outcome. He discusses how the disease presents, diagnosis, treatment and environmental … [Read more...]
Novel approaches presented at Kansas City Animal Health Corridor Investment Forum
Seventeen companies were selected from 48 applicants to present their innovations and technologies to potential investors for the 9th annual Investment Forum. It offers the only opportunity in the world for early stage companies in the animal health sector to present their vision and business plan to potential investors. Competition was stiff and diverse this year. Forum … [Read more...]
Growth, opportunity continue in KC Animal Health Corridor
More than 1,100 animal health principles, investors and industry allies attended the 11th annual 2016 KC Animal Health Corridor Homecoming Dinner. It celebrated the progress and strength of the KC Corridor’s participation in global animal health markets. Companies with strategic locations in the region now represent greater than 56 percent of total worldwide animal health, … [Read more...]
The 3 Cs of cat care
Most cats do not get proper care, even when it is readily available. No matter where we fit in the various channels-of-influence, enabling proper cat care is improves their life quality, avoids a cat population becoming a vector for zoonotic disease and strengthens the animal care economy. Last week we posted Get a handle on cats which referenced various feline care … [Read more...]
Beat the afternoon slump
We often reach for caffeine to get through a mid-afternoon slowdown most of us experience. This afternoon slump is a real, biological phenomenon. It’s a sign your internal clock—fluctuations in energy and body temperature regulated by our circadian rhythms—is running on time. Here are five ways to bounce back. We would add one more: 6) Hydrate with water. Source: Mindful, … [Read more...]
Special Issue – AAEP Equine Veterinary Journal (EVE)
The online issue is dedicated to the abstracts of the International Conference on Canine and Equine Locomotion 2016, London, UK, 17-19 August 2016. The canine abstracts are not included in the 78 abstracts presented. Source: Equine Veterinary Education, August 2016. (link to table of contents only) INSIGHTS: The review article in the printed American Edition, Equine … [Read more...]
Farmers are often misunderstood
Farmers have a unique lifestyle that integrates business life, family and friends. Non-farm people may have perceptions that farmers have it pretty good compared to their own lives. John Phipps challenges farmers to view their situation from the perspective of non-farmers. Source: Top Producer, Summer 2016. Many things farmers take for granted can strike non-farm family … [Read more...]
Control feral hogs successfully
There’s more focus on wildlife control as we continue to encroach on remote areas. Much attention is given to elk, whitetail deer and other species. Yet, feral hogs are terribly invasive. They also pose a serious disease threat to domestic livestock operations, pets and people. A coordinated effort in Missouri seeks to eradicate feral hogs. New technology is promising … [Read more...]
Robert Miller speaks out in Western Horseman
Dr. Miller a lifelong horseman, a veterinarian has had a professional relationship with Western Horseman since 1949. He visited with Katie Frank on foal imprinting, starting colts and his love for mules. Source: Western Horseman, September 2016, page 44. (no link available) 'If you love your horse . . . don’t start them until they’re three. And don’t train them for (any) … [Read more...]
Be careful when you share your new job on social media
Social media is like an open microphone, says Megan Leonhardt, a writer for Money. When changing jobs, you don’t want to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. She offers tips for staying on message and in control. Don’t tip your hand Pace yourself Get in sync Break the news Source: Money.com, September 2016, page 30. 'Put a little thought behind the process,' … [Read more...]
Packgoats? Yes, packgoats!
“Packgoats are the premier pack animals on the planet,” said Dwite Sharp, who breeds, raises and trains packgoats in Morris County, Kansas. Goats raised to be pack animals are used for backpacking, camping and other outdoor recreational activities. Although does may be used, packgoats are usually wethers, or castrated male goats.” Source: Midwest Ag Journal, August 29, … [Read more...]
All U.S. poultry is ‘antibiotic-free’
All poultry meat that enters the U.S. food supply is, by definition, antibiotic-free or, more specifically, it is free of antibiotic residues by the time it reaches consumers — regardless of how the birds were raised. “There is absolutely no nutritional difference in meat from poultry raised without antibiotics compared to poultry that receive antibiotics,” says Mike Lacy, PhD, … [Read more...]
The latest from the American Journal of Veterinary Research
We have linked to the table of contents in the latest issue of the American Journal of Veterinary Research. Fourteen studies cover a broad spectrum of animal health research. Source: AJVR, September 2016 (Vol 77; No. 9: pp. 916-1044) (Link to table of contents and abstracts only) … [Read more...]