Enjoy this video clip of Chris Martin talking about taking his dog to the veterinarian. While representative of perceptions pet owners may have, we think most animal health pros will get a chuckle from his bit. Being able to laugh at ourselves is a sign of resiliency and mental toughness.” Source: Chris Martin, Facebook. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 6, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 30, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 30th AHD Bulletin – Glyphosate in dog food. Link. Microbial metabolites in feline anal glands aid cat communication. Link. Veterinary team advocacy helps pet owners choose pet insurance (2). Link. ===================================== She’s the … [Read more...]
Repeat offenders should really be culled
Culling is a difficult thing for producers as they frequently fight to keep animals well, fed and producing. But the more chronically infected cows you keep in the herd, the more new infections you’ll have in the herd, shared Pam Ruegg, DVM. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, September 28, 2023. Link. You don’t treat your way out of chronic cows. You’re not making money on these … [Read more...]
Angus Association speaks to genetic mystery confusion
The American Angus Association addressed some misperceptions about genetic abnormalities seen in calves that presented as bovine familial convulsions and ataxia within days of birth. Calves that died were from a single sire. The bull in question was isolated to a single herd and the condition was not spread to other herds. Source: Drovers, May 21, 2024. Link. This case is a … [Read more...]
The cost of not vaccinating
Complimentary Commercial Content June brings opportunities for horse people and groups to ride trails and participate in contests and rodeos. Plus, there are always preparations for the upcoming fair season. Owning a horse can be expensive, from equipment and feed to veterinary costs and farrier visits. But when looking to save money, horse owners must avoid cutting corners … [Read more...]
Take these 5 steps before posting that job listing
Sponsored Content As the old saying says, “the hurrier I go, the behinder I get.” Adding another person to a team should be a strategic decision, not just throwing another body at the workload. The time, effort and costs when hiring a new person may never be recovered and more than double if the wrong person is hired. Marlo Lyons shares how to conduct a comprehensive … [Read more...]
Three words to use regularly
Commentary No one is an expert on everything. Still, we often succumb to the temptation to have the answers, which makes it hard to admit when we don’t. Jason Aten says there is power in saying, “I don’t know,” and we agree. Some of the best experiences animal health pros have are when they admit they don’t know and engage with customers or colleagues to find the answer that … [Read more...]
Finding a job when you don’t know what you want to do next
We’re sharing this as the discourse about educating, acquiring and retaining professionals in veterinary practices continues. Finding a job or the next one, even when the market need is strong, remains difficult. It takes self-reflection, intention, action, motivation and resilience. Mimi Aboubaker writes that the multitude of career paths and job opportunities available is … [Read more...]
How to ask questions that get people to open up
Few people are taught how to ask good questions. Many conversations would go much better if we avoided jumping to conclusions and just took the time to clarify. Question-asking is like any other skill, says author Jeff Wetzler. It takes practice, but the benefits are worth it. Source: Fast Company, May 27, 2024. Link. Quality questions create mutual benefit. You don’t know … [Read more...]
Could dogs and cats be passing superbugs to owners?
New research presented at the recent ESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona, Spain, suggests dogs and cats play important roles in the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The focus was on bacteria resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems, which are considered the last line of defense when other antibiotics have failed. Understanding and addressing the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 30, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 23, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 23rd AHD Bulletin – A poor guide to dog allergy medications. Link. Spring health check for senior horses. Link. A dog walk temperature chart for every season. Link. ===================================== Can dogs ‘catch’ yawns from … [Read more...]
12 complications when dental health is ignored
Dental month ended but educating pet owners about oral health and dental disease requires an everyday effort from animal health pros. James Rhys Clarke presents the consequences of neglected dental health in this article complete with photos. Consider sharing it on social media and in newsletters including products you know work to improve oral health. Source: Top Dog Tips, … [Read more...]
Veterinary team advocacy helps pet owners choose pet insurance (part 2)
Sponsored Content Last week we introduced the first post in a series to show how some veterinary teams position and present pet insurance in ways that fit well with their current practice routines and protocols <Link>. While a 2022 survey showed more than 90 percent of veterinary practices wished that more of their clients were covered by pet insurance, only about … [Read more...]
Microbial metabolites in feline anal glands aid cat communication
Researchers have unraveled the role the microbiome plays in a form of feline communication using their anal glands. Unique glandular secretions can repel rivals, attract mates and mark territory. Researchers’ findings revealed diverse microbiomes within the anal glands of domestic cats that are uniquely individual and that vary with the age and weight of the feline … [Read more...]
Seeing allergies through a One Health lens
Calling for a bigger view of product and treatment choices, Erica Tramuta-Drobnis, VMD, MPH, CPH, urges veterinary teams to evaluate plans by the individual animal, consider the owner’s capacities and ensure proper antimicrobial stewardship practices. Ensuring we select appropriate therapies to manage dermatological manifestations of allergies and other skin conditions … [Read more...]
2024’s best dog calming treats for anxiety
Includes Commercial Content A team of experts assessed 48 brands of dog-calming treats based on the key ingredients, customer satisfaction and overall value choosing three as best in class. Dana J. Cook shares facts and some of the latest research on the key ingredients that have proven to relieve dog anxiety, promote calmness and minimize aggressive behaviors: Hemp … [Read more...]
Beyond getting a yes, factors that restrict adherence
A recent pet experience allowed me to watch a dozen pet owners and their pets come and go from a veterinary office. Over half of the pet owners returned to their cars and sat in the parking lot for several minutes, displaying what could be described as a 1,000-yard stare. Others seemed to share the visit results with a passenger or via a phone call. THERE IS A LOT to process … [Read more...]
A poor guide to dog allergy medications
Commentary In the article linked here, Jennifer Bailey, DVM, shares what medications can be given to a dog to relieve allergy symptoms. The article is a red flag for our team because it empowers pet owners to use the information to medicate their dogs outside of the veterinary-client relationship. Given the many possible reasons for allergies, the article fails to … [Read more...]
A dog walk temperature chart for every season
Commentary Our temperatures in the Kansas City area reached the upper 80s last weekend. The changes in neighborhood dog behaviors were noticeable as they sought shade and were less active on walks. Beyond the normal concerns about dogs shut in cars and hot pavement burning pads, our recent post about the thermoneutral zone for cattle <Link> sparked digging to find such … [Read more...]
Advocacy from Veterinary teams helps pet owners choose pet insurance
Sponsored Content For veterinary teams, pet insurance is a part of meeting the needs of today’s animal owners. A 2022 survey of veterinary professionals revealed: More than 90 percent of veterinary teams wish more of their clients had pet insurance. 2 percent of veterinary teams believe that pet insurance is a beneficial way to help clients manage the lifetime cost … [Read more...]
Compare margins and markups to ensure a healthy pharmacy in your practice
Acknowledging the importance of margin and markup pricing, Rachel Singletary, CVPM, shares the basics of when to use each method, how the PIMS systems are involved and meeting the market prices. It is important to remember: Markup is a cost-based calculation to determine price Margin is a price-based equation that includes a percentage objective against COGS … [Read more...]
Price Pritchett shares the importance of cutting down on negative thinking (video)
The author of several books on multiplying personal performance, Price Pritchett, PhD, is an expert on fast-growth strategies and breakthrough performance. He joined Lewis Holmes to discuss the question, “Which do you think is more important . . . positive thinking or negative thinking?” “The studies are unequivocal . . . it’s less negative thinking.” Source: Lewis Holmes … [Read more...]
Measuring methane from cow burps
Commentary The next time someone says cattle producers aren’t seeking to manage GHG emissions, share this article about four climate-controlled respiration chambers installed at Cornell University to quantify GHG emissions from cows. Source: American Agriculturist, May 14, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Heat abatement important for calves
Holstein heifer calf prices are reported at double to triple their values from a year ago <Link> as well as being in short supply. Optimizing their growth and development is critical to future potential, lifetime production and health. As warmer temperatures approach, investing in heat abatement is good business. Similar to mature cattle, calves have a thermoneutral … [Read more...]
A comprehensive guide to poisonous plants for dogs
For gardeners, spring is a time to fill planters, pots and beds with flowers to add color and dimension to landscapes. However, some plants are toxic to dogs. A quick review of this listing will likely change plant selections for dog owners. It did for me. Included in the list of 29 outdoor plants are: Lilies Daffodils Hydrangeas Morning glory Sweet peas … [Read more...]
Shaving a dog for summer not universally advised
A close shave for a dog seems logical as hot weather approaches. But, many dogs should not be shaved at all and doing so may make the dog even hotter, writes Harriet Meyers. She shares insights on different coat types, hot weather grooming tips and how to keep dogs cool and comfortable in hot weather. Source: AKC, May 1, 2024. Link. Also see: To shave or not to shave, The … [Read more...]
Fresh pet food market in flux
The fresh pet food market is evolving rapidly. David Lummis’ article will be interesting for students of the explosion of pet food options. E-commerce is projected to increase its share of overall pet food sales to about two-fifths in 2028. The share will likely be closer to two-thirds for fresh pet food. Source: Pet Product News, May 2024. Link. Closing in on $3 billion at … [Read more...]
FAQs about safety data sheets answered
Includes Commercial Content The lack of safety data sheets remains number 5 on the list of the most commonly cited OSHA violations in the veterinary industry today, writes Sarah McNeal. She answers eight of the most frequently asked questions about keeping safety data sheets up to date and accessible. Source: Patterson Veterinary, April 9, 2024. Link. Patterson developed … [Read more...]
How far should we carry the logic of the animal rights movement?
Kelefa Sanneh covers the development of the animal rights movement, its advocates and its philosophies. This review offers insights about major influencers and the results of their advocacies. It’s not an easy read but well-researched and worth studying by animal health pros. We selected a few statements from the article for your review: Debates about animals tend to be … [Read more...]
Differentiating mastitis from teat sealant residue at freshening
Sharing information from Boehringer-Ingelheim, Audrey Schmitz’s article addresses some challenges at dry-off with high-producing cows. Teat sealants are frequently used to close teats in top milk producers as they are less likely to form a natural keratin plug. She shares the importance of keeping milking employees trained on identifying milk versus teat sealants, as well as … [Read more...]