The smell of spring. The countryside is blooming into lush green vistas. Spring rains seem to clean the air. Loamy soil is turned and readied for planting. But, this may not be the case for older cows getting their fill of new grasses. This article highlights supplements and treatments for grass tetany. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, April 21, 2016. Older lactating cows … [Read more...]
Learning to learn
“The ability to learn faster than your competitors may be the only sustainable competitive advantage,” said Arie de Geus, a business theorist. The animal health market is one place where complacency to learning could spell the end. Though targeted to executives, the guidance applies equally to all animal health professionals. Source: Harvard Business Review, March 2016. The … [Read more...]
Large herds, less lameness
Research from the University of Minnesota study debunks animal rights activists’ assertions that large dairy herds equal less care and more welfare issues. The study reveals variances based on bedding type, footbath use and robotically milked dairies. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 15, 2016. The one factor that seemed to make a difference was whether a herd had a hoof … [Read more...]
Red meat won’t kill you
Most of us know someone who broke all the dietary rules and lived doctor-free into their 90’s. Dan Murphy shares why in these perspectives about a 1970s study that led to new dietary recommendations about meat and cheese. When the full study was reviewed, results showed that avoiding meat and cheese lowered patients’ cholesterol levels, but it didn’t affect the incidence of … [Read more...]
Why money doesn’t motivate employees
Motivation is an age-old business problem. This article addresses some of the thinking behind using incentives to motivate employees. Note that there is an assumption that the standard pay level is enough to sustain employees’ basic needs. Source: Incentive, March 30, 2016. In many companies, money is the most frequently used motivator – even though research shows that … [Read more...]
Top dog and cat medical conditions
Learn about the top 10 medical conditions affecting dogs and cats and their associated costs based on Nationwide claims data from 2015. Here are the top three in each category. Top three medical conditions in dogs: Allergic dermatitis Otitis externa Benign skin neoplasia Top three medical conditions in cats: Feline cystitis, or FLUTD … [Read more...]
Free April AQHA Journal
This month's digital edition of The American Quarter Horse Journal, plus the Journal High-Point Supplement, are free for readers to enjoy via computer, tablet or phone. Many animal health professionals are aware of the AQHA but may never have seen its publication. Source: America’s Horse, April 11, 2016. Whether you’re a die-hard competitor, recreational rider, a horse … [Read more...]
Dewell simplifies cattle euthanasia
For bovine practitioners, humane euthanasia is important in proper animal care and veterinary medicine. In the field, euthanasia of cattle often involves using a firearm or a captive-bolt device. Renee Dewell, DVM, MS, presented a simple way to determine the optimal point of entry for euthanizing cattle with either. She cleared up confusion on the issue. Source: Bovine … [Read more...]
Live a less distracted life
Thirty percent of daily productivity is lost by checking email within the first 30 minutes of waking up. Read about The 4 P’s of managing for a less distracted life: psychology, physiology, performance and persuasiveness from Tracy Dowdy, CVPM. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, April 2016. Research shows getting more than 8 hours of sleep a night improves memory, performance, … [Read more...]
Humans need vaccinations, too
Our Animal Health Digest team believes that animal health professionals are the best advocates for proactive disease management protocols, including vaccinations. While we study potential side effects and challenge select original duration of immunity terms, animal health pros in unison can advocate for preventative care in all species, including our own. This article shares … [Read more...]
Homemade feline diets are complex
Veterinary hospitals and retailers will find this article supportive of commercially available cat foods. Dr. Cailin Heinze strongly warns against preparing homemade cat meals without talking with a veterinarian and requesting a referral to consult with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Consider using this information on websites, in blogs or newsletters for feline … [Read more...]
Praise sandwiches don’t work
“If you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all,” was likely taught to you by your parents. We’ve modified this coaching in business with "praise sandwiches”: criticisms wedged in between two generic compliments. Learn how this gives our brains indigestion. Source: Fast Company, April 14, 2016. Research has found that we remember concrete words like "chair" better than … [Read more...]
Smaller producers still unfamiliar with BVD
The results of a 2007-2008 study on producer awareness of BVD forms the foundation for a new study set to begin in 2017. The original study identified that BVD was unknown by smaller producers. For example, 15.5 percent of producers with fewer than 50 cows and 5.2 percent of producers with 50 to 99 cows were unaware of BVD. If you’re a veterinarian, large animal clinic staffer, … [Read more...]
Watch for farm equipment on roadways
It is planting season. Agricultural and grounds maintenance equipment are now more present on our country roads and by-ways. Here are good reminders to share with family, colleagues and staff. Source: Pork Network, April 15, 2016. Slow down on rural roads, says Karen Funkenbusch. A car traveling 55 mph requires 224 feet to stop on dry payment, assuming average reaction time … [Read more...]
Nudging your customers may backfire
Marketers and sales representatives will find this article interesting. Maintaining the right reminder frequency is challenging. This is especially true in the most competitive point-of-sale locations where message clarity is met with strong counter messages. Veterinary teams are often hesitant to communicate proactively with customers, let alone nudge them. Learning to balance … [Read more...]
Pet weights are swelling
Cats and dogs are getting heavier, according to a release from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) that compares 2015 data to 2014 data. Source: DVM 360, March 17, 2016 cited in April 15 newsletter. One problem is that “overweight” remains largely undefined industry-wide. APOP defines clinical pet obesity as 30 percent above ideal weight. “Our profession … [Read more...]
FDA targets Carbadox for removal from swine production
Carbadox, the active ingredient in Mecadox ®, a Phibro Animal Health product, helps U.S. hog producers safely control bacterial diseases in early growth stages of pigs. Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration took the first steps to take this valuable pharmaceutical away from the swine industry. Tom Burkgren, DVM and executive director of the American Association of … [Read more...]
Local lies hurt us all
People want “local” food and they’re willing to pay a premium for it. Local promises fresh and tasty food. It means safe food, a small carbon footprint and genetic diversity. It also builds community. Not so fast. A key conclusion from this series is that if you eat food, you are being lied to daily. Source: Tampa Bay Times, April 15, 2016. If you eat food, you’re being … [Read more...]
Veterinarians get bad online reviews
Dr. Andy Roark indicates an older article has resurfaced in online communities. He takes us through three reasons respected veterinarians get bad online reviews: Guilt and sadness mutate Pets are amazing and miracles happen Second opinions have advantages Source: Dr. Andy Roark, November 15, 2015. More and more veterinarians I know and respect are getting … [Read more...]
Avoid the new allergy drug for dogs
This article warns pet owners of potential safety issues with Apoquel® (oclacitinib tablet), from Zoetis. It is indicated for the control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs of at least 12 months of age. Holistic veterinarian Deva Khalsa, VMD, expresses opinions about the product’s mode of action, its safety profile and … [Read more...]
Culture affects veterinary practice success
Animal health professionals will be eager to see the results of the much-anticipated, annual AAHA 2016 State of the Industry survey. AAHA President Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, shared results about studies of organizational culture in veterinary practices. Researchers surveyed more than 1,000 veterinary hospitals to study the qualities of organizational culture in practices, … [Read more...]
Technology with Dr. Adam Little
Dr. Little reviews how biotech advances may shift demand for food animal veterinary services and the role that sensor technology plays in conservation activities. He also comments on the Mars Petcare acquisition of Whistle’s ‘Fitbit for dogs’ and human medicine developments that show promise for veterinary care. Source: Exponential Vet, Issue #12, April 12, 2016. … [Read more...]
Natural, safe ways to get rid of worms
Rita Hogan takes on conventional dewormers and offers natural alternatives. The subhead, Avoid Deworming Drugs, is a red flag to our editorial team because they are generally efficacious. Fortunately, she does suggest taking a stool sample to a veterinary hospital for testing. We share this article for your review and consideration, especially noting their April 11th Facebook … [Read more...]
Fear Free™ taking veterinary industry by storm
AAHA, VetFolio and the Fear Free™ advisory panel have created a groundbreaking certification program intended to change handling approaches in veterinary hospitals. This initiative may be the largest, most important transformation in the history of companion animal practice, according to its advocates. Simply put, Fear Free™ is an experience management initiative to benefit … [Read more...]
Backyard chickens and the VFD
A subscriber sent us this article about the chicken debate in Irving, Texas. This discussion represents issues in all American cities, suburbs and rural developments. VFD regulations apply to these animals as much as they do to those in a feedlot. Veterinarians who don’t plan to practice food animal medicine, must be well-versed in the VFD regulations. The law allows any … [Read more...]
DVMs share the best advice they received from a mentor
Steve Pearson, DVM, captures mentor advice received by a broad cross-section of 14 veterinarians. Much of the advice they received applies to any animal health professional’s role. Whether you read this casually or more thoughtfully, there is something here for nearly everyone. Source: Veterinary Practice News, April 6, 2016. Applying wisdom from mentors helps these … [Read more...]
USDA issues revised Senecavirus A guidelines
The USDA has issued a revised guidance document describing procedures and responsibilities for handling swine herds suspected of having Senecavirus A to ensure that foreign animal disease investigations occur per agency guidelines. While swine specialists have working knowledge of these guidelines, veterinary teams in mixed animal practices may not be aware of these … [Read more...]
Cats and dogs now playing computer games
Computer games for pets are the latest in the continuing trend of dogs and cats being elevated from family pet to furry babies. Source: The Age, April 9, 2016 via APPA SmartBrief. I don't think people spend enough time with their pets. Anything that encourages people to interact with their cats, so they're not living such a sedentary lifestyle, is good," Dr. Bronwen Slack, … [Read more...]
Milk replacer feeding levels studied for growth, transition
Milk replacer is important in dairy operations. However, a recent study suggests that calves need moderate amounts of milk replacer to more successfully transition to dry feedstuffs post-weaning. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 6, 2016. The study, published in the April 2016 issue of the Journal of Dairy Science, and summarized by Colleen Chapman, PhD candidate the … [Read more...]
Is pet insurance worth it?
Consumer Reports analyzed policies from three providers to determine whether pet insurance was a good deal. The analysis was done using one dog and one cat. Source: Consumer Reports, May 2016. The insurance trade group says that accident and illness coverage per year averaged $473 for dogs and $285 for cats in 2014. Accident-only policies ran $158 and $132, … [Read more...]