According to cicada expert Dr. Gene Kritsky, a particular mite known as the "oak leaf itch mite" can be seen in large amounts following a cicada emergence. The articles shared here offer information on these little critters known as Pyemotes herfsi. Oak leaf itch mites are nearly invisible to the naked eye (0.2 mm in length), but they are responsible for mite bite outbreaks in … [Read more...]
Recognize vet techs during National Veterinary Technician Week
“Credentialed Veterinary Technicians Change Lives,” is the theme for the 2024 National Veterinary Technician Week. October 13th through 19th has been set aside to appreciate and celebrate the support these important individuals provide in exam rooms, labs, operating rooms and interfacing with animal owners of all species. Source: NAVTA. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 3, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 26, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the September 26th AHD Bulletin – The story no one talks about: the cost to produce food. Link. Changing weather patterns call for a change in deworming habits. Link. Conservation advocacy soars in ‘24 Bird Photographer competition. Link. USDA network … [Read more...]
Meeting the challenges post-hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene has devasted much of the southeast U.S. The damage to homes, businesses and transportation routes will impact our animal health business in many ways. Patience and understanding must prevail. Supporting first responders and local animal rescue organizations is important in the coming months. A colleague working the phone lines as a volunteer for Crisis … [Read more...]
Can PRRSV, PEDV be inactivated in truck cabs?
Truck cabs are a biosecurity concern, especially in swine production, to reduce the spread of PRRSV and PEDV. Research from the Swine Health Center updates truck cabin biosecurity methods in this article. Source: National Hog Farmer, September 11, 2024. Link. While ozone and air-purifier technologies have emerged as promising alternatives for decontamination, further … [Read more...]
Genetic resistance for F18 Escherichia coli holds
Increases in cases of post-weaning diarrhea caused by E. coli from 2019 through 2023 prompted researchers to better understand strain variances and study genetic susceptibility of specific breeds to F18 E. coli. Comingled susceptible and resistant pigs were acclimated, then challenged and monitored for variability and disease. Researchers shared the following study … [Read more...]
Study: Most effective cooling method for hyperthermia in dogs
A hot day in the field or on the trail can quickly turn into a critical situation when a dog gets too hot. A small crossover study evaluated field-applicable cooling methods to treat this condition effectively. The voluntary head dunking method, which included controlled water ingestion, resulted in the lowest mean core temperature within the first five minutes … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club discussion of challenges, solutions for veterinary technicians
In a virtual conversation, The Bridge Club facilitated a lively discussion about what is an age old topic of using veterinary technicians fully, defining their roles, legal issues and working toward more national governance. Catherine Haskins and Shannon Norwalk, RVT, welcomed Sam Geiling, CVT, Becky Mosser, RVT, and Mark Cushing, JD, to share perspectives and opportunities in … [Read more...]
Mizzou’s next-generation anaplasmosis vaccine shows promise
University of Missouri researchers are developing a new* vaccine proven to protect cattle from a devastating tick-borne cattle disease, bovine anaplasmosis. Roman Reddy Ganta, MSc, PhD, led the study that created the new vaccine. The work involved genetically modifying the pathogen Anaplasma marginale in a lab. By deleting a specific gene and then injecting the modified … [Read more...]
How to recognize and respond to gaslighting
Gaslighting is an insidious pattern of control. While it most often occurs in intimate relationships, it can occur in other contexts, including healthcare environments. In relationships with an unequal power dynamic; the person with more power is frequently the perpetrator. A recurring psychological manipulation, gaslighting can manifest as lying, discrediting, blaming, … [Read more...]
Understanding the differences between transactional and relational salespeople
Commentary Anthony Iannarino’s article fits the ongoing content focused on client retention and loyalty. To appreciate his comparison, one must accept that we are all in the transaction business at some level. How we go about it differs by the situation, business category, and, in some cases, the business’s strategies. The differences between transactional and relational … [Read more...]
For consideration: It’s the things you learn after you know it all that count
While scrolling through Facebook recently, a video reel of Bill Walton, former pro basketball player and sportscaster, popped up. He describes phrases from famed NCAA basketball coach John Wooden and closes with the title of this post. The short reel and Walton’s delivery of Wooden-isms may be enjoyable, if not thought provoking. It was for me. Source: Facebook. Link. Among … [Read more...]
Mentoring: The key ingredient to successful onboarding
Commentary Onboarding has been a regular topic in AHD posts <Link>. Whether a new employee or an employee in a new location, having and implementing onboarding strategies is more than orientation. It is a valuable process that supports the time, effort and costs of finding the right person for the job. Wendy Brenes shares ways to improve new employee experiences, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 19, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 12, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the September 12th AHD Bulletin – Likeability – How to find it in others and develop it in you. Link. Don’t forget. Manure can kill! Link. Use the Two-Minute Rule to stop procrastinating. Link. ===================================== The 5-3-1 Rule is … [Read more...]
Injectable iron – New science on a routine practice
Complimentary Commercial Content To prevent iron deficiency in pigs and avoid the heavy losses this can cause, iron supplementation is necessary during the first three days of life. Since the 1950’s iron supplements have been common practice, albeit with some arguments about how much and whether one dose or two is best. In this article, Wesley Lyons and Chris Olsen, of … [Read more...]
4 considerations for more efficient, productive farm calls
Veterinarians tell some of the most comical stories about making farm calls when producers have told them they’ll “have everything ready” . . . NOT! Laura Meier, DVM, shares the importance of preparation at the farm and veterinarian level in this reminder article. Communication, preparation and patience are key to helping farm calls run smoothly and quickly . . . there’s … [Read more...]
10 reasons to love sticky ichthammol ointment
Next to the jar of pine tar in my grandfather’s horse barn was a jar of drawing salve called ichthammol. I remember the stinky salve when it got slapped on a bumblebee sting while removing old hay and chaff from an idle stall bunk. A derivative of coal tar, it is used to reduce inflammation, draw out infection, kill germs and soothe pain. EQUUS editors share 10 uses for … [Read more...]
Are antibiotics necessary for oral surgery?
Bacteremia is a recognized sequela of dental scaling and oral surgery in patients with severe periodontal disease. A small study sought to assess whether transient bacteremia developed after dental scaling, root planing and dental extractions, as well as whether the amount of bacteremia warranted antibiotics. Perioperative use of systemic antibiotics for dental procedures in … [Read more...]
Vet care costs are skyrocketing. 8 people share their vet bill horror stories.
Commentary Deborah Vankin’s story relating pet owner experiences with veterinary care costs from survey results is not surprising. What is concerning is the bent toward negative experiences. Sadly, there is only one reference to pet insurance, especially when this month is National Pet Health Insurance Month which is promoted every year in September <Link>. Source: … [Read more...]
Advocacy series popular with clinic teams
Feedback shared with ASPCA@ Pet Health Insurance field representatives reveals our advocacy series <Link> has sparked attention from clinic teams over the past several months. We’re sharing two resources available to help clinic teams engage pet owners and share the value of pet insurance with pet owners. Source: ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance. Pet insurance … [Read more...]
Top 3 retail trends driving industry transformation in 2024
Commentary Retailers are facing fundamental shifts in the rules and relationships that define the consumers’ purchase paths. At its core, retail is about delivering the right product at the right price to the right customer. The same goes for services businesses. Like it or not, digitalization empowers business models like marketplaces, direct-to-consumer and social … [Read more...]
The best managers are like great coaches
Author Roy Williams asserts great coaches are great, not because they were superstars, but because they know how to awaken the star that sleeps in each of the team members around them and they're not afraid to hire people better than they are. Williams suggests that managers spend the next 21 days complimenting a team member for every correct action they make. "Then prepare … [Read more...]
Antelligence launches enterprise practice location database
Complimentary Commercial Content Antelligence is offering the first-ever comprehensive database of over 8,800 corporate veterinary practice locations across the U.S. Available via annual subscription with quarterly updates, the database also includes advanced insights into the corporate veterinary landscape. Source: Antelligence, September 19, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Nearly 50 percent of full-time workers don’t make a living wage
“Only 46 percent of those in health care make a living wage . . . generally defined as having enough cash flow to cover their monthly bills,” shares Kathryn Mayer in this article. She highlights pronounced disparities for women and people of color. Only 56 percent of full-time workers in the U.S. are making a living wage, while 44 percent are not earning enough to cover … [Read more...]
Use the Two-Minute Rule to stop procrastinating
David Allen’s two-minute rule is simple and dynamic. With it, there’s no complex workflow, it’s easy to follow and can be implemented immediately. Source: todoist. Link. If an action will take less than two minutes, it should be done at the moment it’s defined.” – David Allen Also see: Do it NOW!, AHD Archives, January 30, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Virtual BEEF experience promises context
Complimentary Consider this opportunity to engage with producers or advance your understanding of production issues and practices. BEEF’s free online event September 18th features updates related to market trends and forecasts, cattle health and new technology. Among the presenters are: Glynn Tonsor, PhD Dan Thompson, PhD, DVM Russ Daly, DVM, MS, DACVPM Grant … [Read more...]
Time teaches biosecurity importance
We like Kevin Shultz’s title, “Time teaches biosecurity importance.” It represents the importance of collaboration and applied experiences. He reviews findings from SHIC’s Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity Research Program. Whether producer, veterinary clinic staff or animal health representative, understanding and advocating for tightening swine farm biosecurity measures is … [Read more...]
Finding a good place for pollinators
Farmers, as well as suburban property owners, can effectively install pollinator habitats. Ben Powell, MS, shared the importance and opportunity farmers have to plant a wide variety of native crops to provide pollinator habitat at a recent field day. His focus is on crop farmers in this article, but the content applies to suburbia, acreages, along roads and green spaces in more … [Read more...]
Beyond joints; regenerative medicine advances in horses
Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc, reveals new paths for using stem cells and other biologics to help horses heal in this article. She shares the 20-year progress with stem cell development to treating tendons and ligaments, musculoskeletal issues and other conditions; cell-less therapy; and new ways of efficiently producing large numbers of stem cells. Oke provides an eye-opening … [Read more...]
Study: Canine respiratory, digestive disease ‘strongly linked’
Dogs with respiratory disease may be at higher risk of digestive system abnormalities, according to a study from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Researchers investigated the interplay between disorders in canine respiratory and digestive systems, finding 75 percent of dogs with respiratory disease were found to have one or more co-existing digestive … [Read more...]