Dogs need both dog-dog play and dog-human play. The two serve different purposes says Vint Virga, DVM. Playgroups have resulted in an increase in live release rates in shelters which is a trend that benefits animal welfare overall. <play groups> give dogs an opportunity to have more social interaction as well as to practice appropriate play behavior in a controlled … [Read more...]
Cat wheezing: What it is, why it happens, when to see a veterinarian (video)
This article includes a recommendation for cat clients to capture videos of their cats’ issue as part of a vet visit decision process and background for potential diagnosis. While telemedicine terms are not used, the “when in doubt, see a vet” guidance could include a virtual visit. Consider the opportunity to share this article along with some telemedicine information via … [Read more...]
The latest on age and gonadectomy
A lot of confusion remains about spaying or neutering dogs. There is even conflicting evidence about whether it should be done at all. Timing of gonadectomy surgery is not one size fits all. Counseling with pet owners is an important component of decision making. There is no single or definitive source of information on effects of gonadectomy for each breed, and most current … [Read more...]
AAHA’s updated Pain Management Guidelines: A paradigm shift in managing pain
The 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats mark the first update of the guidelines since 2015 and there have been big changes. Tony McReynolds shares some of the most important changes from discussions with members of the pain guidelines task force including: incorporation of the last eight or nine years of research and development and understanding in pain … [Read more...]
Form I-9 alert: Policy allowing expired documents scheduled to end
Beginning May 1, employers will no longer be able to accept expired identity documents when verifying an employee's work eligibility on Form I-9. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is ending its temporary Covid-19-related policy of allowing employers to use expired List B identity documents for I-9 purposes. List B identity documents include driver's licenses and state ID … [Read more...]
Building meaningful feedback loops
Leaders should use feedback loops to get constant, near-real-time insights into how to better solve problems and make better decisions, says Mike Allen. Receiving quality information isn’t a given, and it’s a major leadership mistake to assume so. Allen writes about the importance of constructing feedback loops to receive consistent and quality information. Feedback loop: A … [Read more...]
Veterinary compensation varies across U.S. states
Complimentary Content In newly published research by Galaxy Vets, DVMs in Delaware earn the highest average salary ($132,304.00) compared to the lowest average DVM salary, which is in New Mexico ($76,645.00). The article also contains a state-by-state comparison table of veterinary salaries. Location does play a role in what a veterinarian can earn. As does the type of … [Read more...]
Territorialism on the rise
Research indicates a shift in what workers value in their workplaces and workspaces. Stephen Denny shares what he calls the New Territorial Imperative and the shift of values in how workers feel about their primary work territory. The human need for territory and the status it confers is as old as the human race itself. We need to give thought to this New Territorial … [Read more...]
4 tips for reengaging with audiences post-pandemic
The last two years have been a steeplechase to maintain, adjust and survive. Customers may not know or remember the ways you’re doing business and your value proposition. Edward Wyatt recommends reintroducing yourself and your business to them. <Many> may not know what the old normal was like . . . communicate like an initial introduction of yourself to your stable of … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 24, 2022
Last week’s most read post Preconditioning starts when the calf hits the ground. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 17, 2022. Link. =================================== Click here for a free 7-day trial --> Link #TalkatooTerry Your dog can go vegan – but cats are natural born killers Source: The Guardian, … [Read more...]
Tips to reduce dairy farm expenses
Dairy veterinarians are often asked about cost reductions. Certainly, fuel prices now add more cost to equipment and cost of goods requiring transportation. Making small financial changes can certainly add up to big savings. The author shares where to focus to help shave some costs while maintaining production levels and producing high-quality milk. Source: The Bullvine, … [Read more...]
Before they buy that farm store goat
Local farm stores have added goats to the chicks and ducklings they sell this time of year. As cute as they are, there are important considerations before taking a goat home. The articles here speak to diligence, veterinary involvement and legal considerations for potential goat owners. Sources: What to Know Before You Buy a Goat, Backyard Goats. June 23, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Parasite control for mares and foals
Complimentary Sponsored Content Merck Animal Health’s Wendy Vaala, VMD, DACVIM, shares the importance of life-stage parasite control protocols for horses as well as two key takeaways: Avoid any unnecessary drug administration, including dewormers, during the first 60 days of pregnancy Although any worm can affect a foal, the most significant parasites are ascarids … [Read more...]
Texas A&M lab: Pets have been getting Covid-19, too
Research on 600 animals from homes where a person had Covid-19 shows about a quarter of the pets sampled since June 2020 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. One quarter of those infected pets were symptomatic with what is described as a very mild illness that resolved without veterinary interventions. Gaining support from the CDC, the lab’s SARS-CoV-2 surveillance will continue, … [Read more...]
Chatfield’s chat about blood transfusions in dogs, cats
Complimentary Sponsored Content The Chatfields welcome Richard Stone DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), to the chat room. The Chatfields and Stone discuss blood transfusions, client reactions, risks and where the blood comes from. Stone and Dr. Jason were classmates at Texas A&M University. Source: Chats with the Chatfields, You Tube, February 27, 2022. Link. 56 … [Read more...]
How craving attention makes you less creative
This TED talk is good for introspection and consideration. Trying to gain followers and likes only to be left feeling inadequate and less creative can be addictive. In his candid TED talk, Joseph Gordon-Levitt explores how the attention-driven model of big tech companies affects our creativity. . . . <there is> a more powerful feeling than getting attention. . . it’s … [Read more...]
Ambulatory assistants add value for farm-call DVMs
Twenty-plus years ago, an equine veterinarian shared his troubles with keeping inventory, invoices, medical records and follow-ups current. The discussion led me to suggest he consider hiring a person to be his shadow. A few months later, he called to say thank you. He said the assistant had captured more than double the wages in lost charges alone in the first 90 days. Amy … [Read more...]
Help your employees be ambassadors
Many leaders and companies are facing consequences of the great resignation. New ways of hiring and retaining employees are being developed, tested and implemented. But are we engaging the old and new team members as ambassadors for our business? It is a good question for animal health pros at all levels. Think about it! “Engaging your employees as ambassadors goes beyond … [Read more...]
Unifying the old guard and new team members
The last two years have brought great change in employee makeup. Beyond the dynamics of four generations working together, there are camps of us versus them when new hires arrive. If your organization has become divided, Ron Carucci presents ways to start putting the pieces back together and reuniting people. The arrival of new faces can be unsettling, especially if those … [Read more...]
Future bound: Dr. Eleanor Green
Complimentary Sponsored Content Mike McFarland, DVM, shares a discussion with industry icon, Eleanor Green, DVM, about her career path, women in veterinary medicine, becoming the first female dean of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, her passion for horses and more. I don’t think it’s a women’s profession or a man’s profession . . .”- … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 17, 2022
Last week’s most read post Gen Z wants this more than flexibility at work. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 10, 2022. Link. =================================== Delta variant of COVID-19 found in cat Source: My Vet Candy, March 11, 2022. Link. This apparent interspecies transmission is the first published example … [Read more...]
Benefits and challenges with multi-species grazing
Land use and stewardship are two of the hot topics producers and landowners face. Adaptive grazing with more than one species of livestock can multiply regenerative benefits, shape landscape, and add income to operations. Source: Noble Research Institute. Link. Adaptive grazing uses higher livestock densities for short durations between long periods of rest to allow complete … [Read more...]
Scheduling castration for bull calves
For bull calves, there’s no good time for castration. In today’s market however, producers use castration as a key component to any preconditioning program. Neutering can greatly influence market price premiums or discounts. Despite common perceptions, numerous studies have shown weaning weights are similar for bulls and steers. 62 percent of commercial cow-calf herds used … [Read more...]
Preconditioning starts when the calf hits the ground
Opinion Stocker operators and feedlots want matched sets of calves that are weaned, castrated, dehorned, familiar with water and feed sources and immunocompetent. Calves born now will be weaned in seven months, but could be weaned much earlier <Link>. Therefore, the colostrum intake first 48 hours after calving could be considered the first step to having … [Read more...]
Gene-edited beef cattle get regulatory clearance in U.S.
The cattle cleared by the FDA have genes altered with CRISPR technology giving them short, slick coats that let them more easily withstand hot weather. Cattle that aren’t stressed by heat might pack on weight more easily, making for more efficient meat production.” Source: ABC, March 7, 2022. Link. U.S. food regulators said short-haired cattle produced through gene editing … [Read more...]
Veterinarians’ prognosis as pet food sellers uncertain
Citing data from MRI-Simmons market research, David Sprinkle shares the veterinary hospital segment sales of pet diets has slipped from 9 percent in 2016 to 7 percent of dog/cat owners in 2021. He shares the dynamics of online and direct-to-consumer sales and the analysis of still strong veterinary influence in diet decisions. Source: Petfood Industry, March 2022, page … [Read more...]
Beat the talent shortage
Too many job openings are chasing too few candidates. Employers must create a seamless recruitment experience to attract talent in a competitive environment, writes Pooja Maggon. In an increasingly competitive talent marketplace, recruiting needs to be faster, not slower. The longer jobs go unfilled, the more recruiting costs pile up. Plus, there’s the cost of lost … [Read more...]
Petco’s healthy strategy is paying off
Petco has expanded Vital Care wellness rewards program to include new services and added cats. References to growth from its customer experience and retention strategies makes this article informative reading for animal health pros. Vital Care members typically spend three times more with Petco than non-members” - Ron Coughlin, CEO Source: Forbes, March 8, 2022. Link. Seven … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 10, 2022
Last week’s most read post Too many pets kept alive when it’s not the kindest option, say vets. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 3, 2022. Link. =================================== Let’s cancel the online review culture Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, February 11, 2022. Link. Dana Varble DVM, CAE, … [Read more...]
Fact sheet examines compounds to mitigate virus-contaminated feed
There’s no doubt we are more aware of biosecurity these days. One area of concern for livestock producers is whether feed and feed ingredients may also be routes of virus transmission and how to manage those risks. A new fact sheet from Iowa Pork Industry Center focuses on three research papers that evaluated compounds to mitigate virus-contaminated feed. Swine specialist … [Read more...]