Vet Candy shared researchers have evaluated records of children with confirmed Bartonella henselae infection over a 9-year period to better understand the epidemiology, risk factors and clinical features of cat scratch disease. In 92.4 percent of the cases, there was an exposure to a cat and in 22 percent there was an exposure with a dog.” Source: Vet Candy, September 12, … [Read more...]
Chasing shadows and trancing: odd dog behaviors
We’re more observant of our pets since they came indoors to live with us. Repetitive behaviors get noticed, then studied and then there are attempts to explain them. We’re sharing Joan Kubicek’s article on Trance-like Syndrome, a usually benign canine quirk sometime called ghost-walking, weed-walking or simply “trancing. In a related topic, Karen B. London, PhD, addresses … [Read more...]
Resources for communicating with clients and each other
National Pet Insurance month often exposes reluctance from clients when veterinary teams assert the benefits of pet insurance coverage. Knowing how to get on the same page more efficiently can truly provide a win-win-win result. ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance offers continuing education courses to help veterinary teams improve their communication skills. Two such courses are … [Read more...]
Pawty time – Golden Retrievers celebrate
Last week we shared the Golden Zoomies webinar, part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime study. The foundation recorded the event program for those who did not attend and created a video about the 10th anniversary of the study. Tiffany Grunert, MPS, CDI.D, APR, provided some study updates: Just under 2,000 dogs … [Read more...]
Take it easy on the dogs
Researchers, trainers and veterinary and training professional organizations are advocating for greater oversight for dog training, which is unregulated in many countries, including the U.S. Many experts say that aversive methods, which include positive punishment and negative reinforcement, are overused. Punishments such as shock collars may not be doing much good.” - Ula … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 19, 2022
Flow Business Conference starts in Orlando today! Pet owners spending $300 per month, Fetch by The Dodo, Galaxy Vet’s approach to practice ownership, avoiding burnout, Amazon launching small business grant program, social media marketing for small businesses, rural DVMs needed, loyalty programs and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 19, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Microsoft exec: My 2-step rule for having hard conversations at work
Microsoft’s chief marketing officer asserts a better approach to handling difficult conversations at work. It starts with clear, confident communication. Source: CNBC, September 18, 2022. Link. The most successful people in the workplace are life-long learners. They are willing to ask a lot of questions and listen to other people’s opinions and experiences especially when … [Read more...]
5 ways to stop overthinking and make faster decisions at work
Decision-making can be fraught with overthinking, writes Melody Wilding. She shares five strategies to break the cycle of overthinking and make confident decisions in less time. Source: The INSIDER, May 27, 2022. Link. Daily strategies that can minimize getting bogged down in making choices: Let go of perfectionism Put the problem in perspective Let your intuition … [Read more...]
How to get better at learning
Being a quick study doesn’t mean you’re the smartest person in the room. It’s that you’ve learned how to learn, shares Ulrich Bolser. He shares three practical, research-based ways to build your learning skills. Effective learning often boils down to a type of project management.” - Ulrich Boser Source: Harvard Business Review, May 02, 2018. Link. A growing body of research … [Read more...]
Need to vent?
With the right balance and a few self-checks, you can maintain the right to complain (occasionally)—but you can also do it in a way that doesn’t disrupt the rest of your team. Source: The Muse, June 19, 2020. Link. You can vent all you want, but nothing is going to get better unless you also come up with solutions. INSIGHT: As with many challenges, an outside sounding … [Read more...]
Dealing with plastics. 2,4,5. . .Let’s review.
Plastics in packaging and containers have made myriad products more secure, visible and easier to transport. They continue to be a hot topic in environmental circles. Consider reviewing the recycling number coding system and put guides in break rooms at clinics or retail establishments. Plastic products are typically labeled with a number surrounded by the recycling symbol. … [Read more...]
Veterinarians shouldn’t do it all
Prepping for National Veterinary Technician Week, Dana Varble, DVM, asserts animal health pros must make every effort to ensure those in our field have satisfying lifelong careers with opportunities for growth and advancement. Our industry faces an ever-growing shortage of veterinary nurses, technicians . . . consider investing time to help build career paths for team members … [Read more...]
September is National Pet Insurance Month! Pet insurance makes sense for pets, pet owners, practices and veterinary teams
Sponsored Content In a recent survey of veterinarians*, the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program measured attitudes about pet insurance in their practices. Here are a few of the survey findings: 94.2 percent of veterinary teams believe that pet insurance is a beneficial way to help clients manage the lifetime cost of veterinary care 9 out of 10 veterinarians wish more … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 15, 2022
Last week’s most read posts - Five metrics veterinary practices should track. Link. Touring a veterinary hospital with Temple Grandin, PhD, Marty Becker, DVM (video). Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 8, 2022. Link. Top recommended veterinary products Source: DVM 360®. Link. 748 companion animal … [Read more...]
Back-of-the-napkin cow math
We continue to see positive advancements in quality and productivity in the U.S. cowherd, says Nevil Speer. Still, the cow/calf sector has witnessed a sharp sell-off during the past three years including this year due to ongoing drought. Speer says the next few months will be critical regarding beef cow slaughter and where we end up for the year. Second, whatever occurs, … [Read more...]
The physiology of rolling and rising
Rising from the ground may be a commonplace activity for horses, but it’s still one of the most complex, athletic feats they perform. Getting back on his feet takes strength and coordination and some disorders can affect a horse’s ability to return to upright. Source: EQUUS, August 25, 2022. Link. Do not use any sort of mechanical device in raising the hindquarters, pull on … [Read more...]
Fall migration signals increased risk for avian flu outbreaks
Arriving earlier than experts predicted, Avian flu has been detected in two commercial turkey flocks in western Minnesota and a hobby flock in Indiana. HPAI is here and biosecurity is the first line of defense to protect domestic birds.” – Shauna Voss, DVM. Spread of the disease is largely blamed on the droppings of wild birds, such as ducks and geese, which often show no … [Read more...]
Why ducks don’t freeze their feet
Kenny Coogan explains the countercurrent adaptation that keeps birds’ feet from freezing in ice cold water, standing on the ice and even standing in very hot water without damage. Source: Backyard Poultry, October 26, 2021. Link. Countercurrent heat exchange systems enable many species of birds to keep their feet submerged in icy cold water or the ability to stand on ice for … [Read more...]
Meeting the needs of the elder horse
Includes Sponsored Content In this issue of EQUUS Extra, seven key management challenges presented by advancing horse age are discussed. The intention is to increase the chances of an aging horse enjoying a longer, healthy and productive life. The key is to remain vigilant to subtle changes in their demeanor and condition and to catch developing issues before they grow out … [Read more...]
Horse tail issues easy to miss
Despite routine grooming, the underside of a horse’s tail is easy to miss. It’s a target area for ticks, skin irritations as well as melanoma tumors. Even if a horse’s tail appears healthy, look at the underside occasionally to look for ticks <or irritation>. – EQUUS editors Source: EQUUS, June 20, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Concise articles like this one are good content … [Read more...]
Golden Zoomies webinar: Pain management, grief and pet loss
The Golden Retriever Lifetime study has now spanned 10 years and some canine participants are reaching their senior years. The latest Golden Zoomies webinar features a panel of speakers who shared their insights on pain management, grief and pet loss. Source: Morris Animal Foundation, YouTube, August 31, 2022. Link. Panel members include: Robin Downing and Dr. Sheilah … [Read more...]
Edibles in the catio and other ways to reduce feline stress
Sandy Robins advocates indoor and outdoor use of approved plants to help cats hunt, play and nibble. These activities are the perfect interactive de-stressing trifecta for cats, she says. Its important the plants are non-toxic whether planted indoors or outdoors in the catio. Source: Fear Free Happy Homes, September 5, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: This is helpful information to … [Read more...]
A critical time for osteoarthritis
One of the largest trends in animal health has been the rise in cases of osteoarthritis, writes Graham Garrison. Citing increasing obesity trends in cats and dogs, he shares facts gleaned from Banfield studies and key points from Jo Ann Morrison, DVM, MS, DACVIM. <increasing obesity> trends have created a critical moment for veterinary teams to adjust our tactics as we … [Read more...]
Drs. Chatfield welcome back Millie Rosales, DVM, DACVD, to talk about ear infections
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Millie Rosales, DVM, DACVD, joins Dr. Jen the Vet and Dr. Jason in the Chat Room to share pearls of wisdom for pet owners about some of the reasons for ear infections in dogs and cats too. Otis externa affects up to 20 percent of dogs.” Source: Chats with the Chatfields, September 10, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Owners buy smaller pet food packages as inflation rises
Increasing pet food prices have changed one aspect of pet food buying behavior for some pet owners. They are buying smaller packages of their preferred brands, saving money in the short term while missing out on bulk savings, according to NielsenIQ analysts. Source: Petfood Industry, September 8, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: For inventory managers the shift to smaller package … [Read more...]
AKC’s Responsible Dog Ownership Day is September 17 (video)
The AKC offers 75 ways to be a responsible dog owner in this article that includes a video. Ideas range from initial pet selection to routine care and how to include various support networks in ensuring dogs are kept and maintained responsibly. Topics cover dog choice, ownership commitment, home preparation and house rules, establishing veterinary care, routine care, safety … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 12, 2022
Wearable tech trends for animals, inside aging dogs’ brains, premiumization of pet food continues to drive sales, dealing with cash shortages and funding, U.S. pet specialty businesses continue to see robust growth and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 12, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
You don’t have to be CEO to be a visionary leader
Commentary There are many layers of leadership in business and society. Animal health pros can lead by example when dealing with each other or with animal owners. Opportunities abound in smaller businesses to affect company direction, vision and help increase consistency among team members. In research for the HBR Leader’s Handbook, the authors identified three critical … [Read more...]
Employees, where are your manners?
Business etiquette is on the decline, according to those interviewed by writer Callum Borchers. He interviewed five business professionals who cite various reasons for the downturn, as well as potential negative consequences for poor manners. Potential hires, existing employees and hiring personnel share equal blame for the trend. Source: The Wall Street Journal, September … [Read more...]
YOU define your self-worth
Your job is one of the first aspects you share when introducing yourself. This ties our identities to what we do for a living. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, August 4, 2022. Link. Make sure you have a life outside of your job. INSIGHTS: Most people have multiple dimensions, and their career is just one of them. … [Read more...]