Being emotionally transparent is an unnatural response, writes Annaliese Griffin. She writes about emotional resilience, stoicism and achievement in the context of people who look fine, who look like they are handling everything with calm resilience but are potentially really drowning. Source: Forge, February 21. 2021. Link. The emotional drowning response is a common … [Read more...]
VVCA inaugural Lunch and Learn deemed a success
VVCA Board member, Aaron Smiley, DVM, was the featured speaker during the inaugural Lunch and Learn series for VVCA Community members. Smiley brought his well-known enthusiasm to the group as he shared step-by-step use of telemedicine, client interactions and veterinary nurse involvement in two cases from his practice in Indiana. He also demonstrated how he monetizes virtual … [Read more...]
Working with technology means planning for failure
Opinion For those of us born before 1990, technology represents significantly more than computers and digital devices. Things like anti-lock braking systems, satellite communications, microwave ovens, cable television, early robotics, even indoor plumbing all fit in technology discussions. The expectation was that these technologies will work 99.9 percent of the time. The … [Read more...]
AAFP releases new feline hypertension educational toolkit
The new Hypertension Educational Toolkit will help veterinary professionals diagnose systemic arterial hypertension (hypertension) in cats, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). Assessing blood pressure in the feline species is an important part of feline preventive care, yet it is uncommon for practices to routinely perform this test. This … [Read more...]
Mini-podcast series on Covid-19 features Scott Weese, DVM
Scott Weese, DVM, is featured in a series of mini-podcasts on Covid-19 precautions in veterinary clinics produced by companion animal Ontario Animal Health Network. Each mini-podcast features a quick 3- to 5-minute “lighting round” on common questions and topics. Source: Worms and Germs Blog, February 22, 2021. Link. The mini-podcasts provide bite-sized bits for busy … [Read more...]
Knowing why a cow is culled is important
Think about it! Was the cow culled voluntarily or non-voluntarily? While both affect cull rate calculations, voluntary is a proactive decision; non-voluntary is a reactive decision. There are opportunities for herd management improvements that increase potential revenue and profits In the nuances. Source: Dairy Herd Management, October 30, 2021. Link. Evaluating the … [Read more...]
Racing colostrum’s ticking clock
Calving season is here. Colostrum must be a top priority. We learn more each year about this important and beneficial compound. The ability to absorb antibodies steadily declines over the first few hours of life. The old rule of thumb is that calves must ingest colostrum within the first 24 hours of life, but actually, the percent of antibodies absorbed decreases dramatically … [Read more...]
Keeping the horse’s hindgut happy
Although researchers, veterinarians and nutritionists know how critical hindgut function is to overall horse health, they know less about this part of the digestive system than others, writes Katie Navarra in an excerpt from the full article. The stomach is only 10% of the GI tract, but there’s such a focus there. The hindgut is about 25 gallons in a 1,000-pound horse . . . … [Read more...]
The cat’s microbiome
Researchers are learning more about the feline microbiome, says Ingrid King, former veterinary hospital manager, certified veterinary journalist and author. She shares a few tips to help keep it healthy. A cat’s gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of organisms that can be affected by many factors says King. One of the biggest threats comes from antibiotics which … [Read more...]
Recognizing the dangerous signs of hypothermia in dogs
The polar vortex is crippling much of the U.S. In this timely article, Deb M. Eldredge, DVM, shares information about hypothermia pet owners can use now. While we tend to think of hypothermia in cold weather, it can happen in warm weather, too she says. Individual body temperatures below 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit can be life threatening. Source: Daily Paws, November 25, 2020. … [Read more...]
5 tips for helping pets deal with their grief
Rescue. . .Rehome. . .Adopt. . . Foster. . .Relinquish These verbs are all part of the animal health narrative in 2021. Most are associated with people improving the potential for life quality for pets. And, pets grieve. From the pets’ perspective, Jennifer Coates, DVM, reminds us that grief and loss are often associated with these words and we can help if we recognize the … [Read more...]
Lepto IS a thing! Dr. Jen the Vet
Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, discusses Leptospirosis sp. including history, zoonoses, clinical signs, environmental concerns and modern approaches to prevention. Every dog, EVERY dog is at risk for lepto. Every dog ought to be vaccinated for lepto.” - Dr. Jen the Vet Source: Is this a Thing? Dr. Jen the Vet, February 10, 2021. Abbreviated version. … [Read more...]
Overcoming barriers in cost-of-care conversations
Complimentary Sponsored Content – Part 3 of a February 2021 series In the first two posts <post-1> <post-2>, study results reported by Wendy Hauser, DVM, and team indicate clients and veterinary team members feel better when proactive education about pet health insurance occurs and demonstrated a strong correlation between insured pets and the care these pets … [Read more...]
Webinar: Veterinary medicine as a team sport
Sponsored Content David Liss, CVPM, will discuss the realities of teamwork in the veterinary industry, showcase team dynamics at play and present strategies and techniques to align teams and crush it every day in a new Virox webinar, February 25. For example, effective infection prevention program requires the participation of everyone on the roster. There is no charge for … [Read more...]
7-step process helps you deal with stress, so it doesn’t affect your health (video)
Life can be rough at times and Covid-19 scares and protocols don’t help. They add to everyday stress. Our bodies aren’t designed to constantly be under that pressure. We have to learn healthy ways to deal with the stressors that don’t go away, says Dr. Seth J. Gillihan. “Key is being able to process the stress, so it's not building to a breaking point.” It can feel like … [Read more...]
Huddle up each morning
Two examples highlight the benefit of check-in meetings. First, a recent Nat Geo episode of The Wild Life of Dr. Ole <Link>, featured Ole Alcumbrac, DVM, hosting a stand-up meeting discussing the day, staff substitution while he would be out and follow-up required on a couple of cases. It ended with a request for questions or concerns. This is a real-world example … [Read more...]
Realizing the full potential of veterinary nurses
Kate Boatright, VMD, presents ways today’s veterinary nurses can boost practice efficiencies and improve client experiences. Veterinary nurses are patient care specialists. Their skills should be engaged in every aspect of patient care. . . . veterinary nurses are one of the most underutilized and, often, underappreciated resources. Don't let their skills atrophy!” Source: … [Read more...]
AVMA resources address diversity and inclusion in veterinary medicine
The AVMA has a suite of resources available to help veterinary professionals address and remove barriers to equity and inclusion. Creating socially conscious educational and work environments are imperatives for veterinary professionals whose oath includes public health. Veterinarians, team members, and students must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet the needs … [Read more...]
The 5 things customers want
Randy MacLean works in distribution. His perspective on five things customers want and how to deliver them is applicable anywhere in the animal health supply chain. He believes customers are affected and influenced almost exclusively by: Availability On-time delivery No product failures Smooth (and short) interactions Acceptable price Source: Modern … [Read more...]
Join VVCA as a veterinary team
If you missed last week’s post featuring VVCA’s veterinary team memberships, you can catch it now. It is a great way to be sure virtual care grows as a team endeavor. Community activities are being scheduled and implemented, including weekly Café discussions. Team membership is cost-effective. Source: Animal Health Digest, February 11, 2021. Link. Groups of up to 10 … [Read more...]
Why pigs don’t wear masks
Opinion Relating the challenges of pandemic mask wearing may be a reach, but swine veterinarians and producers have been fighting Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome (PRRS) since the late 1980s. Most animal health pros realize the importance of pathogen reduction. Air filtering has become a primary method of reducing risks in swine units where herd density … [Read more...]
Overtime pay for dairies is closer than you think
Dairy farming is not a 40-hour per week job, but with labor laws becoming more restrictive, employers may have to treat it as such. Dairy personnel must keep cows healthy, but the economics of overtime or additional workers will likely have dairy owners between a rock and a hard place. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, February 4, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: For dairy veterinarians and … [Read more...]
Economic value of U.S. insect pollination services much higher than previously thought
The economic value of insect pollinators was $34 billion in the U.S. in 2012, much higher than previously thought, according to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University. They also found that areas that are economically most reliant on insect pollinators are the same areas where pollinator habitat and forage quality are poor. Source: Swanson … [Read more...]
When to call the vet for a horse
The veterinarian is too often the last to know when something is amiss with an animal. Harry Werner, VMD, shares four levels of concern when horse owners are confronted with a sick or injured horse. The category lists will help horse owners focus their thinking and decision-making based on specific clinical signs and circumstances. He also recommends proactive planning and … [Read more...]
Justine Lee, DVM, discusses Leptospirosis sp. on Pet Life Radio
Complimentary In a recent episode of ER VET, Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT, discussed canine leptospirosis. She says, “If your dog lives in the city and weighs ten pounds or more it is at risk. Tune in to learn about this deadly disease!” Resources like this are great for client education, social media posts and newsletters. Source: Pet Life Radio, ER Vet. Link. The … [Read more...]
Giving feline injections at home is easy
Cat owners may be more squeamish about needles and injections than cats when home injections are required for diabetes or advanced kidney disease. Whatever the reason for the injections, keep in mind that cats don’t have needle phobia. The pet is not going to fear the shots.” Source: Tufts Catnip, January 13, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: It is often hard to be an expert in your … [Read more...]
7 ways to help a shy cat
Pam Johnson-Bennett, CCBC, is a pioneer in cat behavior consulting and has shared her expertise in eight books. She says shy or timid cats need help feeling comfortable. She offers tips to help shy ones come out of their shells. Source: Modern Cat, Link. INSIGHTS: Timidity is a common problem, especially for newly adopted cats and kittens. Consider this article for social … [Read more...]
Proactively educating clients about pet health insurance impacts the CARE pets receive
Complimentary Sponsored Content – Part 2 of a February 2021 series In the first post, a study by Wendy Hauser, DVM, and team, <link> showed clients and veterinary team members felt better about pet health insurance discussions when done proactively. In this second post we review the effects of how proactive pet health insurance client education impacts the care … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen the Vet presents the top 5 deadly bugs in practice
Sponsored by Virox® Technologies Animal Health Chatfield’s talk will explore the top 5 deadliest pathogens seen in everyday practice and how to prolong your life despite them. Speaker: Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM Event: Viticus Virtual Summit Date and time: February 18, 2021, 2:55 p.m. EST. Registration: Link. Source: Virox® Technologies … [Read more...]
Animalytix senior executive forum: next Tuesday, February 16th
Complimentary Support the Animal Health Corridor’s Spirit of Service program by registering for this valuable industry forum. Few participants leave without learning something new or gaining new perspectives on our industry. This year’s program is especially promising. The 10th annual Animalytix Senior Executive Forum provides a detailed analysis of the critical market … [Read more...]