Much is written about disaster planning. Yet, producers and veterinarians are seldom prepared for disease outbreaks or disasters. The Center for Food Security and Public Health at the College of Veterinary Medicine of Iowa State University announced a comprehensive set of tools to address this. Fact sheets offer information about each disease are ready for immediate use in the … [Read more...]
Exam room do’s and dont’s
Ensuring a positive experience for animals and the clients is critical for customer satisfaction and retention. This private space provides the ideal opportunity for veterinary team members to educate clients on preventatives and treatments. Kara M. Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), Wamego, Kansas, identifies exam room disciplines that make exam room visits smooth and … [Read more...]
Help clients with species-appropriate diets
One hundred percent of dogs and cats that visit a veterinary hospital or retail center eat some type of food. The diet category gets more confusing every day. Most animal owners make diet choices with little information. This article compares the needs of cats and dogs eating raw diets and presents the realities of species differences. Source: Dogs Naturally, February 19, … [Read more...]
VFD – repeat after me
We at AHD believe it is important to continue to offer quality resources about the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). Each time people review something important, there evidence that they achieve a new level of understanding. Thus, repetition helps. VFD is important, requires mutual engagement between veterinarians and clients. It will take time to get a VFD in place with each … [Read more...]
Seven qualities of a good veterinary assistant
According to the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA): “While every position within the veterinary practice team is important, veterinary assistants play a pivotal role, literally ... In the course of a single day, an assistant provides help to veterinarians and veterinary technicians, which in turn allows those team members to perform the tasks and … [Read more...]
Editorial – Things that keep vets up at night
The results of dvm360’s triennial survey are out. The survey makes clear veterinarians are concerned. They feel the same changes we feel and more. Addressing their concerns with proper action remains a strong challenge. Enterprising reps will set aside the detail book and use these survey results to have solution-centered dialogues with their accounts. “B” accounts will … [Read more...]
Second bacterium linked to Lyme disease
Researchers at the Mayo clinic have discovered a second bacterium, related to Borrelia burgdorferi that can cause Lyme disease in humans. Borrelia mayonii infections do not act quite the same as B. burgdorferi which is associated with a bulls-eye rash. Source: NPR, February 10, 2016. The new species hadn't appeared during routine tests on thousands of other samples over the … [Read more...]
Comprehensive dental assessment improves compliance
Hospitals that enjoy successful dental strategies include dental practices every day and as a component of wellness programs. This article is fresh, thought-provoking and compelling for veterinary teams and representatives. Source: AAHA Trends, February 2016, page 43. (link unavailable) Dental compliance improved when the practice began giving clients an estimate for a … [Read more...]
Vegan pet diets – good or bad?
Pet nutrition blogger Rodney Habib openly contrasts the vegan pet food movement compared to meat-based diets citing nutritional and sustainability issues. Veterinary teams may get caught up in some of this conversation. Consider this article for a team discussion in practices. Representatives can engage using this and provide support from company technical service groups or … [Read more...]
Stay ahead of new tech
Adam Little, DVM, tracks technology developments and their potential in animal health. 3-D printing is on his radar. AAHA also featured 3-D in the article below. Veterinary teams and companies that serve them will want to keep track of these advancements to be ready to apply the technologies when they’re ready for daily practice situations. Source: Exponential Vet, Issue 8, … [Read more...]
Trader Joe’s going cage-free by 2015
Trader Joe's has thrown its weight behind the growing cage-free egg movement, making it one of few grocery chains to do so. Our AHD team checked egg pricing at a Kansas City grocer, then compared price increases between regular eggs and cage-free. Store brand Eggland’s Best Store brand – cage free Eggland’s Best – cage free Grade A Large Grade A Large Omega 3 … [Read more...]
Understand the milk replacer label
Learn about five areas on the milk replacer tag or label to understand milk replacer choices and their value. Adam Geiger, walks through label sections and their meaning in this article. It is a good reference for sales representatives and veterinary teams who service dairy producers. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, January 25, 2016, page 62. (direct link unavailable) Consider … [Read more...]
Local conditions affect West Nile Virus spread
Carried by birds, predominately crows and jays, West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted by mosquitos. Rainfall and land cover affect the incidence of disease, according to Mississippi State University researchers. Local land areas with a greater variety of vegetation and landscape seem to reduce the incidence according to the study. Vaccination is still critical to prevent … [Read more...]
Editorial – Generational overload
Media sources are full of information about boomers, gen Xers, millennials and recently the iGens, or Generation Z. Depending on which date ranges you use, I live with a boomer, a gen Xer, a millennial and an iGen. We’re all different, have different attitudes and approach communication, problem solving and planning differently. I’ve found that engaging in safe, open discussion … [Read more...]
Equine cellulitis
When a horse’s leg swells to double or triple the normal leg size overnight, owners and vets must take immediate action. Cellulitis, while common, can be frightening for owners. Having a veterinary professional respond quickly and decisively is critical to avoid further injury. Caused by bacteria penetrating the dermis and multiplying in the subcutis, the origins of cellulitis … [Read more...]
Trail riding with dogs
Understand the value, training and best breeds to develop a good trail dog. The companionship for horse and rider is represented in this essay and pictorial. Source: Horse Illustrated, March 2016, page 36. (direct link unavailable) Trail dogs are common on ranches and farms, but less so in areas where people trail ride for pleasure. But a good trail dog is worth his weight … [Read more...]
Help horses with hives
An untold number and types of allergens cause hives. Barb Crabbe, DVM, reviews myths and facts about hives in horses in this article. Animal health pros who deal with horses and their owners will appreciate this article as new information or simply a review. Persons working with FFA or 4-H groups can use this information to position allergy testing and explain first aid for … [Read more...]
Beta-agonists exonerated
Recent efforts to identify whether zilpaterol and ractopamine were a cause of fatigued cattle syndrome determined that the products have no effect on problems seen in fed cattle at the packing plant. The alternative explanation is that heavier cattle respond negatively to aggressive handling. Source: Beef Magazine, February 2016, page 18. “But the one thing that was … [Read more...]
Not everything is a hairball
Feline gastritis is the focus of this article for cat owners. Veterinary hospital teams will benefit by reviewing the information and redistributing the content to cat-owning clients. Source: Tufts Catnip, February 8, 2016. Vomiting, refusal to eat and lethargy are the most common signs of gastritis. “The most common reasons for gastritis are self-limiting dietary … [Read more...]
Waiter! There’s a bug in my feed
“Bugs” to most animal health professionals translates to probiotics and prebiotics. This will change as the recent changes in EU regulations allow edible insect proteins in animal feed. Source: Feed International, February/March 2016, page 6. According to research, farmed insects may offer a more efficient and sustainable source of protein in poultry and aquaculture diets … [Read more...]
Prevent winter colic
Colic tops the list of winter equine health challenges. Water, diet and movement are critical. Equine veterinary teams and dealers will appreciate this resource when working with horse owners. The content is also appropriate for websites, newsletters and blogs. Source: EQUUS, February 8, 2016. Cold weather may conspire against your efforts to keep water flowing to your … [Read more...]
Canine influenza resources available from AVMA
Veterinary hospital teams and the representatives who support them will find reviewing the information now available to veterinarians and pet owners from the AVMA valuable. Media coverage about Canine influenza has made pet owners aware of the disease. They’re seeking information, too. Hospital teams and reps who support them will find the latest information from AVMA valuable. … [Read more...]
Understanding the vet bill
Mel Winger, DVM, addresses vet bill dynamics in this concise article. His financial perspective indicates the value of a herd veterinarian that never shows up on an invoice. Dairy veterinary hospital teams and reps who support them will find the information valuable for staff meeting discussions. Source: Dairy Herd Management, February 14, 2016. Even though the vet bill … [Read more...]
Antibiotic resistance white paper now available
The animal health industry works hard to ensure continual improvement of antibiotic use. Diverse groups of stakeholders participate in ongoing National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) symposiums to seek common ground and develop solutions to the emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogen populations. NIAA with support from the Beef Checkoff, released a white paper … [Read more...]
Free winter travel app is chillin’
If you travel across wintry landscapes, this app’s for you. Learn how the Winter Survival Kit smartphone app can help during risky winter driving conditions. Source: High Plains Journal, January 9, 2016. “The Winter Survival Kit app can be as critical as a physical winter survival kit if you find yourself stuck or stranded in severe winter weather conditions,” said Mary … [Read more...]
It’s go time for newborn calves
Scientists continue to learn more about the importance of colostrum in newborn calves. The first 24 hours of life remain the most critical period for them to ingest colostrum. Beyond the well-known, lifetime benefits linking colostrum and immune system function, ongoing research indicates colostrum helps develop other organs after birth. Source: High Plains Journal, January … [Read more...]
Scoot or squeeze
Anal sac troubles affect as many as 12 percent of dogs, according to multiple sources. Yet, animal health professionals have no clear understanding of what causes anal sac issues and there is limited research on the subject. Further, there is confusion on the topic of anal sac expression. Source: The Whole Dog Journal, January 2016. Page 16-17. (direct link … [Read more...]
Meat market
Review trends in meat consumption domestically and globally in this easy to understand infographic. As animal health pros, knowing the facts helps us speak to issues when challenged with anti-meat proponents. Source: Top Producer, February 2016. In the past few decades, U.S. consumers have cut back on protein and picked new favorites, but that’s only half the story. … [Read more...]
Calcium important to canine health
Dr. Ben Character positions calcium as an important component of canine physiology. Veterinary hospital teams will enjoy this article. It is also good information for clinic websites or newsletters. Source: The Retriever Journal, February/March 2016. (direct link unavailable) Calcium is involved with muscle contraction, nerve conduction, coagulation, phosphorus regulation, … [Read more...]
Tracking canine cancer
Genetic makeup, breed size and lineage are factors that determine cancer risk in dogs. This article follows the development of canine cancer studies and changes in the incidence of cancer in Golden Retrievers. Source: Bark, Winter 2015. The high incidence of cancer in Golden Retrievers appears to be a relatively new phenomenon. A health report in 1999 by the Golden … [Read more...]