In today’s work environs, being a manager is a tough job often devoid of the perks historically associated with the position. Gallup research indicates: Managers are more likely to be burned out and disengaged than their teams Budget cuts, added responsibilities and restructured teams add complexity Managers now have more work to do on a tighter budget with new … [Read more...]
Surfactant from bovine lungs keeps premature babies breathing
A colleague shared this post about Bovine Lipid Extract Surfactant, a unique substance made up of fats and proteins found in the lungs of cattle. Most premature human babies are born without enough surfactant in their lung tissues to keep the tiny alveoli from collapsing. BLES works better than any synthetics to date. It has the ability to mimic the complex mixture of proteins … [Read more...]
Provide enough space to get all the benefits of turnout
Last week we shared the importance of horses having a pasture friend <Link>. Research from Ohio State University suggests that horses need a minimum amount of space to derive all the benefits of turnout and to stay out of each other's hair. Source: EQUUS, August 29, 2023. Link. Study data showed horses kept in pens that allowed 342 square meters* per horse had reduced … [Read more...]
Covid-19 evolving in white-tailed deer
A study from Nature Communications highlights the white-tailed deer species is a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 that enables continuing mutation, and the virus’s circulation in deer could lead to its spread to other wildlife and livestock. And the evidence is growing that humans can get it from deer, which isn’t radically surprising. It’s probably not a one-way pipeline.” Source: … [Read more...]
Counting calories, treats, client education. Avoid the math.
There are lots of variables when calculating the maintenance energy requirement for a pet and its owner. One of them involves honesty about how many treats and how much table food must be accounted for in addition to any prepared diet. The math need not be scary since charts are available and are easy to share with pet owners. MER Calorie (kcal) needs = 1.6 [70 x (weight in … [Read more...]
Practical advice about heartworm preventative lapses
ICYMI. Andy Moorhead DVM, MS, PhD, Dip. ACVM, shares case examples that represent real-world lapse scenarios and offer guidance on heartworm diagnostics, management, client education and prevention. Not every lapse in preventive adherence . . . carries the same level of exposure risk, nor do the same set of diagnostic recommendations or client communication considerations … [Read more...]
What is written on a dog’s face?
Boarding and daycare personnel often spend as much or more time with pets than their owners. These persons focus on animal-to-animal interactions and behaviors routinely. However, but it is also important that we understand how dogs communicate with people. Linked below is a research paper that evaluates the impact of facial phenotypes on communication between humans and … [Read more...]
Mastering the art of arguing productively
Commentary Only once we understand the other side of any issue can we be confident that we fully understand our own, writes Yonason Goldson. His perspectives on argument, societal intolerances and ultimately win-lose thinking is worth the 4-minute read. We probably don’t need the new word, quodlibet because we’ll struggle to pronounce it. It is easy to agree with his … [Read more...]
Report from KVP International highlights sustainability efforts at Mars, MWI, Zoetis
Shared by an industry colleague, this Bowman Report Special Edition looks at sustainability in the veterinary industry. Contributions from Mars Veterinary Health, MWI Animal Health and Zoetis reveal the steps major animal health companies are taking to become more environmentally responsible. Also, a Packaged Facts analysis spotlights important insights into what consumers want … [Read more...]
Things that fit through a surgical mask
This Facebook Reel stopped me in my tracks. It is a vivid illustration of particle size and just how vulnerable animal health pros are to particles, viruses, bacteria and more. Yes, we already know much of this information, but reviewing it with your teams could deepen the understanding and importance of infection control. Source: Lawton Green, Facebook Reel. Link. (0:30) … [Read more...]
Call to action: Educate the public about the cost of pet ownership
Commentary Veterinary teams are consistently criticized about basic pet care costs. Sadly, those same people rarely complain about the cost of new toys or treats and have no idea what basic care for pets costs annually. Pets provide joy and companionship, but costs can add up quickly, especially for first-time owners who don’t know what to expect.” – Adriana Morga Every … [Read more...]
New thinking and approaches to cribbing
Researchers still aren’t sure why some horses crib while others managed the same way do not. Most agree that horses do not adopt this behavior by mimicking others. The current thinking is that an individual horse might have a genetic predisposition to crib, but the behavior isn’t triggered until he is subjected to stressors related to his lifestyle, shares Heather … [Read more...]
Lessons learned raising chickens for meat, a family experience
Many of us can relate to this story. It may not have been chickens but the risk/reward aspects are similar. If you work with 4-H or FFA kids whose parents are not sold on the ideas of their young entrepreneurs, this story might lend some insight into the commitments, preparations and work raising animals requires. Source: Backyard Poultry, July 17, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
The best way to apologize (video)
Apologies take time. They take intention. They require we seek to understand, not excuse our actions. Three elements of apology are shared in this video and apply to personal and professional relationships: Take the victim’s perspective Accept responsibility Make an offer to repair* Source: TED-Ed via Linked In, September 1, 2023. Link.(5:04) INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Canine vaccine hesitancy, including rabies, prevalent among U.S. dog owners
A study out of Boston University School of Public Health highlights the concerning levels of canine vaccine hesitancy in the U.S. Published in the journal Vaccine, the study results revealed 53 percent of dog owners express some level of skepticism about vaccinating their pets. They expressed concerns about safety, efficacy and necessity. The researchers don’t believe canine … [Read more...]
Get prepared, student loan payments resume in October
After a three-year pause on payments, repeated extensions and the rejection of President Biden’s debt cancellation plan by the Supreme Court, loan servicers and borrowers have a lot to do to prepare, writes Julia Carpenter. Loans started accruing interest again September 1st. Carpenter offers preparation guidance and options for consideration. Source: Wall Street Journal, … [Read more...]
Health management of early weaned beef calves
Many producers are facing rapidly disappearing forage resources. Additionally, available forage may have decreased nutritional value. Both factors are considerations in early weaning decisions shares Terry Engelken, DVM, MS, who urges producers to proactively plan to ease the transition for younger, lighter weight calves. Early weaning can be a profitable way to stretch … [Read more...]
Studies show need for vigilant African swine fever on-farm prevention
These two articles address issues with protecting against African swine fever infections and the spread of disease. In the absence of an effective vaccine, the importance of biosecurity for pork producers is paramount. Source: National Hog Farmer, August 14, 2023. Link. Source: PORK, August 17, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: An industry colleague who recently interviewed … [Read more...]
New sense discovered in dog noses: the ability to detect heat
Dogs' noses just got a bit more amazing, writes Virginia Morell referencing a study in Scientific Reports. The ability to sense weak, radiating heat is known in only a handful of animals: black fire beetles, certain snakes, and one species of mammal, the common vampire bat, all of which use it to hunt prey. . . . dogs' rhinaria are moist, colder than the ambient temperature, … [Read more...]
CBD and THC use in cats
Dawn McClusky, DVM, shares an article by Lisa Sams Ebner, DVM, MS, DACVAA, CVA, referencing a study to determine the safety and palatability of cannabinoids. In the study the most common adverse effects included vomiting, lethargy, and ataxia. The study was funded by Canopy Animal Health. Source: Clinician’s Brief, March 2022. Link. Ebner reminds veterinarians that … [Read more...]
Reduce prednisone and prednisolone confusion
Complimentary Educational Content Elaine Blythe, Pharm D discusses glucocorticoids and why prednisolone is used for horses and cats. She also shares an inventory management tip to keep the skus from getting confused. Source: Veterinary Pharmacy Education, Instagram, August 29, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Practice Camp event offered free online
Complimentary Invitation “If you think you don't have time, then you likely NEED to make the time more than anyone else,” shares Amy Hayek, DVM, CAC, CVA, in her invitation for veterinarians to invest three hours in a virtual practice camp. Practice Camp is hosted by Animal Chiropractic Education Source and is dedicated to help empower veterinary professionals overcome the … [Read more...]
Alcohol is killing more women than ever before
As the gender gap in drinking narrows, alcohol-related complications in women are rising. From immune system disorders to breast cancer, Meryl Davids Landau shares how alcohol harms the female body. Federal guidelines recommend that women who want to drink consume no more than one serving a day. But from a health perspective, less—or none—is a better target.” Source: National … [Read more...]
Bored and brilliant. The lost art of spacing out.
Commentary Even before the pandemic attention deficits, Manoush Zomorodi was challenging us for being distracted by our phones. Her TED talk is worth 16 minutes of an animal health pro’s time. She has included the knowledge, voices and stories from various professionals. Consider watching the video with team … [Read more...]
Here’s how much workers are demanding for a new job
Employers might be eyeing smaller raises than they have in the past couple of years, but don't tell that to employees: job seekers are expecting record-high offers. Workers' average reservation wage, the lowest salary employees say they would take for a new job, has risen to $78,645 and college graduates expect even more. Source: SHRM, August 23, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Pet Assistance Network of Topeka (PANT), 2023 Spirit of Service Recipient
This year’s Spirit of Service Recipient is PANT, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to help care for pets of community members who have fallen into difficult times. Supporting these pets, in turn, supports their owners. PANT helps families stay together with their pets during times when their owners are struggling with hardships. THANK YOU! Through an enabling partnership with … [Read more...]
KCAHC Summit 2023 key takeaways
In the press release linked here, the KC Corridor’s supporting team provides a summary of the #AHSummit23 including the emerging companies presentation results, the Iron Paw award, as well as key takeaways from the Insights from Top Leaders panel. The vision to develop industry potential was unscored by a focus on the health and welfare of our industry’s people. Animal health … [Read more...]
Everything’s up to date in Kansas City!
Commentary A line in the 1955 lyrics from Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s stage show Oklahoma says, “They’ve gone about as fer as they c’n go!” They were wrong. Each year, a few more animal health pros are missing from the original group of about 100 of us that met in 2003 in a fall gathering sponsored by the Kansas City Area Development Council. From those SmartCities … [Read more...]
Neogen Corporation, launch of Igenity Enhanced Dairy
Complimentary Commercial Content <BQ> Data plays a crucial role in decision-making, and the Igenity Enhanced Dairy platform gives producers a useful tool that contributes to the improvement of genetic selection in the dairy cattle market.” – Victor Pedrosa, PhD Source: Feedstuffs, August 16, 2023. Link. By integrating in-herd phenotypic data, pedigree information, … [Read more...]
4 health issues for calves on pasture
Includes Complimentary Commercial Content Norbrook’s Eric Moore, DVM, shares four calf health problems for calves on pasture. His proactive assertions about preventing pinkeye, parasites, scours, and pneumonia are as applicable now as they were in the spring. Source: Successful Farming, December 28, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Producers in drought-affected areas are likely … [Read more...]