We received Andy Kessler’s article from a subscriber. His tilt is toward recent graduates, but it seems the content offers a lesson for us all. The subscriber also commented that beyond the concept of P & L statements is the unspoken reminder that the objective is P over L. Source: The Wall Street Journal, May 22, 2016. The basic idea is to postpone consumption. Then … [Read more...]
Feed dogs like wolves
Julia Henriques, managing editor, compares dog and wolf dietary needs. Her perspective includes the scavenger behaviors we often see in dogs. Much of the information comes from Dr. Isla Fishburn (BSc Zoology and MBiolSci and PhD in Conservation Biology). Feeding fruits and vegetables has some merit, according to the article. But, we believe a warning on which fruits and … [Read more...]
Preconditioned calves are profitable
Proactively managing calf health pays dividends. We’ve been beating this drum for decades. Like BVD management, a critical component of pre-conditioning, we still have a long way to go, asserts Greg Henderson, editorial director. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, May 2016, page 31. Preconditioning your calves is a no-brainer. It makes money for everybody in the chain and … [Read more...]
Beware of over-vaccinating your dog
Articles like this create a need to help veterinary teams engage with clients about vaccination. While recent information shows an increase in rabies in North America, questions about vaccination need and frequency continue. Our team at Animal Health Digest believes it is important to show professionals the information being sent to consumers, as well as channel-based or … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content: The latest on the feline sarcoma controversy
A roundtable of experts discusses injection site sarcomas in Part 1 of this Clinician’s Forum overview. The experts include Sarah Boston, DVM, DVSc, DADVS; Audra Fenimore, DVM,DACVM; Shannon Vawter, DVM, MS and Nancy Welborn, DVM. Source: Clinician’s Brief, May 2016. KEY POINTS The most recent studies suggest that in the genetically predisposed cat the injection of … [Read more...]
Sharpen equine shot skills
Stacy Tarr, DVM, Wellington, Colorado, reminds readers of the right and wrong ways to give horses intramuscular injections. She also warns that assuming clients know how to do it may be a mistake. Source: Western Horseman, June 2016, page 30. (direct link unavailable) Tarr recommends a three-step process: Clean the site Use the right needle Administer in one … [Read more...]
Salmonella outbreaks linked to turtles
Animal health professionals need to spread the word about small turtles and the potential for salmonella infections. Turtles carry the bacteria on their skin and shell, but they do not get sick. Of those persons infected this year, 41 percent are under the age of five and about 30 percent required hospitalization. Source: CNN, May 19, 2016. Between January 2015 and April of … [Read more...]
A parent’s checklist
Millenials in or entering the workface have been characterized as entitled, lazy and a host of other unflattering terms. While this may be true in many cases, the root cause goes back to parents who allowed such behavior in their child’s formative years. So, when the former dean at Stanford university wrote about parenting in a piece titled, “8 skills everyone should have by … [Read more...]
Overcome your fear of public speaking
Representatives and veterinary team members are generally comfortable speaking one on one. Speaking before a group however can be a different story. Here are four tips to deal with potential fears. Source: Inc., May 16, 2016. Maybe you need to convince others that an idea makes sense. Maybe you need to show investors how a project or business will generate a return. Maybe … [Read more...]
JAVMA contents
For your convenience, we have linked to the table of contents in the latest issues of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Source: JAVMA, May 15, 2016. Source: JAVMA, June 1, 2016. … [Read more...]
The 21 most valuable career skills
Learn which skills are in demand and add to earnings in today’s job market. There are also tips about how to acquire those skills. Source: Money, June 2016. You can’t remain stagnant,” says Lydia Frank, PayScale’s editorial director. “You always want to be learning something new; you always want to be advancing.” … [Read more...]
Fighting equine influenza
Equine influenza virus can spread through an entire herd in a matter of days. We can no longer assume that older horses are immune. This feature covers the virus, viral mutation, pathways and recovery. Veterinary teams, dealer associates and sales representatives will appreciate the fresh resources on this ugly virus. Source: EQUUS, June 2016. (direct link … [Read more...]
JAAHA contents
For your convenience, we have linked to the table of contents in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. Source: JAAHA, May/June 2016. … [Read more...]
More on VFD
The veterinary feed directive gets more explanation in two articles in this issue. The dynamics of veterinarian and nutritionist interactions are presented along with veterinarians’ perspectives on continuing industry progress. Source: Beef Vet, Summer 2016. With a consumer base that’s increasing removed from food production, yet relentlessly interested in it, the VFD could … [Read more...]
When your boss is terrible at leading meetings
Our AHD team likes the perspective that everyone in a meeting is responsible for making it valuable. We have all wasted time in poorly organized meetings. This article has something for anyone who attends meetings. Source: Harvard Business Review, May 16, 2016. Three broad perspectives are available to you in every meeting: You can offer to do things to support your … [Read more...]
It’s time to demand less food waste
Whether it is portion size, harvesting and storage issues or cosmetic perfection for packaging, we waste nearly half of all food produced, says JoAnn Alumbaugh, editor. She gives all of us compelling information to consider as we seek to feed the world. Source: Pork Network, May 16, 2016. Do the basic math: If we can feed 6 billion people on 2 billion to 2.8 billion tons of … [Read more...]
Flea control toolkit available
Death to the devil’s jumping beans! sets the tone of the flea control toolkit featured in this issue. A series of articles covers client issues, selling products, handling client objections, how fleas got here, infestations and script examples. Source: DVM360, May 2016. What do you tell the client who, three weeks ago, started the flea control you recommended and now sees … [Read more...]
Nat’l FFA organization and foundation name new CEO
Mark Poeschl of Brookville, Ohio, will become the new chief executive officer of both organizations effective Aug. 1, 2016. Poeschl, a former FFA member and past state FFA president from Nebraska, brings strong business, customer service, financial, IT and global perspectives to the organization. He currently serves as vice president, group director, stakeholder engagement at … [Read more...]
Millenials: the job-hopping generation
Data supports the thinking that those born between 1980 and 1996 move from company to company more than any previous generation. 60 percent of millennials open to a new job opportunity Millennials most likely generation to switch jobs Millennials are the least engaged generation in the workplace Source: Gallup Business Journal, May 12, 2016. Why are millennials … [Read more...]
Canine and feline preventive healthcare guidelines now available
Partners for Healthy Pets, an alliance of more than 100 veterinary associations, veterinary colleges and animal health companies focused on preventive care led by AAHA and the American Veterinary Medical Association, is offering complimentary canine and feline preventive healthcare guidelines. Source: AAHA NewStat, May 11, 2016. A one-page, double-sided, easy to use set of … [Read more...]
Outsmart angry outbursts
So much of our communication is transactional — a word here, a sentence there — that we forget that at its essence, communications is relational. It sounds simple, but in reality there is nothing simple about communicating, especially when emotions are involved, says Peter Bregman. Source: Harvard Business Review, May 6, 2016. The problem with most communication is that … [Read more...]
Colostrum valuable at transition
The benefits of mom’s milk, in promoting long-term health and optimal physiological development, do not end with the first feeding of colostrum, says Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell University professor of animal science. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 29, 2016. Van Amburgh advised the following colostrum delivery regimen for the first four days of life: First-milking … [Read more...]
Home exercises for dogs takes commitment, patience
Home exercises can help manage pain for some dogs. Micheal Petty, DVM, reminds pet owners be sure their dogs get accurate diagnoses and to discuss home exercises for dogs with their veterinarian before beginning an exercise regimen. Veterinary teams will find this information good for a team discussion. Also consider using article reprints as handouts or as a link on … [Read more...]
Education important for success with novel proteins
Education will be a critical component of adding novel proteins to pet diets according to Mark Mendal, with the consulting firm Pet Proteins. He spoke during Petfood Forum 2016 on April 19, 2016. Supply challenges may also be an issue. Source: Petfood Industry, April 19, 2016. Increasing the role of novel proteins in pet foods and treats allows manufacturers to expand the … [Read more...]
Ticks, ticks, ticks and more
Ticks are second only to mosquitoes in the number of diseases they transmit. With tick populations growing and their proclivity to carry and transmit disease, it is critical to prevent them from feeding on pets and people. The information in this series of articles is comprehensive and understandable. All animal health pros can benefit from a deeper knowledge of ticks, … [Read more...]
Mixed messages diminish preventive care value
Consistent messages from each staff member that preventive care is fundamental to pets’ health is critical for preventive care successes. Consistency starts with setting and maintaining standards. The more veterinarians in a practice, the more important standards are as each vet may have his or her ideas and recommendations. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, April 2016. The … [Read more...]
Rumen drinking harmful to calves
Rumen drinking is caused by failure of the reticular groove reflex and results in rumen acidosis in calves on a liquid diet. Source: American Dairyman, May 2016, page 13. There are a number of conditions that can make calves more susceptible to rumen drinking caused by failure of esophageal groove closure including: Neonatal diarrhea Irregular feeding times … [Read more...]
World’s largest livestock vessel
This is one big boat! Learn about a new ship that can haul thousands of live cattle or sheep around the world. Will bigger really be better? Source: The Stock Exchange, April 28, 2016. The ninety million dollar (U.S.) vessel has the capacity to transport 20,000 cattle or 75,000 sheep or a combination of both, and is suited to trans-hemisphere routes. It has enough fuel to … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Tick season is year-round
Year-round tick control, tick myths, discussing ticks with clients and even fleas are featured in this Vetfolio podcast. SimparicaTM (sarolaner) Chewables from Zoetis is presented as a solution. Source: VetFolio, May 8, 2016. Introducing safe monthly chewables that offer persistent protection from fleas and ticks. … [Read more...]
Lameness not inevitable in confined dairy cows
Cow comfort and well-being of animals in dairy production is a frequent topic. Some have suggested that cows in larger herds are more prone to injury and lameness. This study sheds some light on the topic. Source: Journal of Dairy Science, May 8,2016. (abstract only) Overall, physical well-being characteristics of this selection of high-producing, free stall-housed dairy … [Read more...]