Recent research suggests that what is going on in a dog’s mouth may play an important role in canine cognitive dysfunction. Specifically, periodontal or gum disease has been shown to be an important factor in humans with Alzheimer's disease. Research done at Elemental Pet Vets in Freeville, New York recently generated data that suggests that what is going on in a dog's mouth … [Read more...]
The neuroscience of busyness
Cal Newport shares perspectives on a recent study designed to assess how we solve problems. The study indicates we’re biased toward solutions that add components instead of those that subtract them. Newport says this new paper raises intriguing possibilities. The collision of knowledge work (a new thing) with the digital age (an even newer thing) disrupted the professional … [Read more...]
A H.I.G.H.E.R whole team approach
Guest Contributor – Caitlin Keat, MSm We’ve combined two contributions from Caitlin Keat. Leadership behaviors do not always come naturally. Recognizing and allowing the whole person is critical to improving team dynamics, successes, retention and continuity. Wholeness is a state of forming a complete and harmonious whole. It is ongoing, everchanging, and something we have … [Read more...]
A new solution: Relief veterinary technicians
Employing a relief DVM is a familiar practice. However, the concept of a Relief Credentialed Veterinary Technician/Nurse is new to managers and practice owners, writes Michelle D. Krasicki-Aune MBA, BS, CVT. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Spring 2020. Link. Enlisting rCVTs in an institution can positively impact and potentially reverse some of the negative financial, … [Read more...]
Research insights on telemedicine; changing pet owner expectations regarding accessing
Vet-AI and Joii Pet Care released new insights into the effectiveness and safety of remote prescribing. They are collected from tens of thousands of consults during the pandemic, as well as exclusive pet parent research which highlights owner expectations and needs. The insights were first shared in a live webinar called The Great British Data Show last week hosted by The … [Read more...]
She-cession. Pink collar recession. Getting women back in the workforce.
Pandemic-driven lockdowns forced many women to choose between work and family, setting women’s labor force participation back decades. Jen Colleta addresses what HR can do to stop this alarming trend. Colleta says the statistics are stark: More than 5 million payroll jobs held by women were lost in 2020. Of those women, nearly 2.5 million left the workforce entirely … [Read more...]
Engaged, but not thriving
For some time now, engaged employee measurements and net promoter scores have been used by senior management to gauge the health of their business. Unfortunately, the increased pressure on engaged employees to carry the bulk of the load has its downside. Source: Gallup, July 26, 2020. Link. Gallup recently discovered that engaged workers who are not thriving in their lives … [Read more...]
Pandemic pets taking toll on vets, staffs
Veterinarians and their teams across the country are seeing more new pets and more sick ones than in pre-pandemic times. The Associated Press reports despite extending hours, hiring more staff and refusing new patients, the load is heavy. Some practices have hire counselors to help staff members deal with burnout and fatigue. The numbers support the burden. Approximately … [Read more...]
No, people aren’t giving up pandemic pets because they’re bored
Opinion Finally! Award winning journalist S. E. Smith speaks up on pandemic puppy surrenders, better ways to approach animal welfare, ways to handle hardship surrenders and social media posturing. While pets adopted during the pandemic period are being surrendered, data from Shelter Animals Count appear to indicate current relinquishments are not back to pre-pandemic, … [Read more...]
Mammals can breathe through their intestines
Takanori Takebe, MD, PhD, and research colleagues hypothesized that oxygen can be absorbed by tissues in the rectum. Their tests in pigs and mice suggests oxygen could enter the bloodstream via mammalian intestines. Source: Science, May 14, 2021. Link. It looks like a crazy idea. But if you look at the data, it’s actually a very compelling story.” – Sean Colgan, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 13, 2021
NOTE: When it is time to catch up on your reading or recall something you scanned, try the AHD Archives on the right side of the AHD website. Such as: Archives for April 2021. Link. Last week’s top post Eating less meat won’t save the planet. Here’s why. Source: Animal Health Digest, May 4, 2021. Link. What my Mother’s death taught … [Read more...]
Could artificial insemination become illegal?
Artificial breeding might become illegal should a ballot initiative in Colorado be enacted by the state’s citizens says Corey Geiger. He reviews the legislation that would call an animal, “any living, nonhuman creature.” The revised definition would then state, “. . . not limited to, a dog, a cat, a horse, livestock . . ,” says Geiger. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 10, 2021. … [Read more...]
Mites and lice on chickens; inevitable, hazardous, but easily treated
“It’s inevitable,” says Jeremy Chartier. “Someday, no matter how careful poultry owners are or how clean they keep things, they are going to find chicken lice, mites, or both on their birds and in their coops.” Source: Backyard Poultry, April 28, 2021. Link. External parasites undermine the health of birds, and severe infestations can weaken birds to the brink of death. It … [Read more...]
First-ever camera footage from a wild wolf
Wolf restoration efforts continue to be controversial, depending on your geography. Researchers have stepped up their surveillance efforts by fitting a wild wolf with a video camera collar. Contrary to opinion, wolves are opportunistic omnivores. Source: The Bark, May 2021. Link. The lone wolf (#V089) displays a knack for fishing. According to VWP, “He can be seen eating … [Read more...]
Medina Spirit’s treatment with canine antifungal could be behind doping findings
Opinion We’re sharing articles about the Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit. The horse allegedly tested positive for 21 picograms of betamethasone according to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Medina Spirit’s dermatitis was treated with Merck OTOMAX® OTIC OINTMENT, consistent with a veterinarian's recommendation to apply this ointment daily to give the horse relief, … [Read more...]
Decoding the guaranteed analysis on cat food labels
No wonder cat food labels are confusing! When pet foods became common, the template just got moved over from livestock and never really got adjusted. It’s a lot different from what we are used to seeing on “Nutrition Facts” labels for human foods.” - Cailin R. Heinze, VMD, MS, DACVN To clear up some of the confusion, the authors provide a guaranteed analysis … [Read more...]
Why dogs bark at nothing
For dog owners it may seem like their dog can see ghosts, but there’s a logical reason for the commotion writes Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT. Dogs don’t experience the world the same way humans do, she says. Because you can’t hear or see anything in the environment to explain your dog’s barking, that doesn’t mean there isn’t something going on. New and experienced dog … [Read more...]
The best flea treatments for cats and dogs
Staff writer Kaitlyn Wells rounded up the most effective vet-recommended flea and tick treatments for her readers. We’re sharing this unique resource for consumers for animal health pro review. Wirecutter, now a New York Times brand, strives to be the most trusted product recommendation service on the internet. Nothing appears on the site as a recommendation unless our … [Read more...]
It’s Lyme Disease Awareness Month
May is a time to spread information about how to prevent Lyme and tick-borne diseases. The folks at LymeDisease.org created a list of things you, your family and friends can do to help spread awareness. Source: lymedisease.org. Link. … [Read more...]
May is National Beef Month
Fire up the grill! May is National Beef Month. It’s a month when U.S. Beef Checkoff promotional dollars highlight the benefits of beef. Checkoff funds will also provide coupons in grocery stores across the country, partner with food and restaurant brands for promotions and host beef cooking demonstrations at multiple locations. Keep the grill hot, because May 28 is National … [Read more...]
Why constant learners all embrace the 5-hour rule
Benjamin Hardy, PhD, describes what he calls Ben Franklin’s 5-hour rule. Franklin invested an hour per day for deliberate learning and thinking. No distractions, no notifications, just deliberate flow-based learning. Source: Benjamin Hardy, PhD, You Tube, May 3, 2021. Link. I would submit that if you are not spending an hour a day deliberately learning, you are actually … [Read more...]
Perspectives on mentorship
Guest Contributor - Alyssa Mages, BS, CVT Mentorship is personal and tough to define. Alyssa Mages shares her experiences with mentors and their contributions. My mentors were strong and fearless in my eyes. They looked for the potential in people and when they found it, whatever it was, they helped it to flourish, to grow, to become. They did not give up!” Source: … [Read more...]
Outcomes are key to productive meetings
“Nothing ever gets done in meetings. Meetings are a waste of time. Meetings are of no value.” For a list of reasons, we all try to avoid getting stuck in a meeting that goes on and on. There are many suggestions to improve meeting productivity, but all will be for naught if your meeting does not include Mitch Zenger’s first recommendation. Source: Meetings at … [Read more...]
Telemedicine policy advancements
Two states have joined adopters of new and progressive telemedicine reforms across the U.S.. Mark Cushing, JD, shares the good news from Michigan and New Jersey while comparing how these states made regulatory changes that allowed a telemedicine VCPR to be established. Source: VVCA, Mark Five series, May 3, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Changing telemedicine regulations is a … [Read more...]
5-step process holds team members constructively accountable
Confronting less-than-acceptable performance or conduct can create tension, writes Michael Canic. He says it is time to rethink how we view accountability. The goal of holding team members accountable is to help them—and the organization—improve, grow, achieve, and succeed.” – Micheal Canic Source: Training Magazine , April 28, 2021. Link. Canic shares a five-step process for … [Read more...]
Ensure patient safety when outsourcing prescriptions
Guest Contributor – Elaine Blyth, PharmD We occasionally hear about prescription errors and miscommunication when a third-party pharmacy fills a veterinary prescription. As third-party fulfillment continues growing, veterinary team members can proactively help reduce errors. Elaine Blyth, PharmD, offers worthwhile action items in this bulleted guide. Source: Elaine Blyth, … [Read more...]
How Petco is increasingly a stealthy competitor to clinics
Opinion In this article written for pet retailers, Mark Kalaygian offers a comprehensive look at how the company has improved and how it is expected to continue to do so. His review was prompted by Petco publishing its 2020 annual report on May 4, 2021. Animal health professionals, especially veterinary teams, need to look at these trends as many of Petco’s customers are … [Read more...]
Catching up with VIP’s Shawn and Dr. Ivan
Complimentary Content Shawn Wilkie and Ivan Zakharenkov, DVM, invite innovators to discuss current and future trends while applying their veterinary and entrepreneurial experiences to the discussions. For podcast fans, VIP episodes remain an excellent opportunity to learn from animal health pros who are helping invent the next generation of animal health. Source: … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 6, 2021
Last week’s top post Beyond wellness plans, bundling can work Source: Animal Health Digest. April 20, 2021. Link. Tractor Supply, over 5 million chickens sold to new customers in 2020 Source: Morning Brew, April 28, 2021. Link. TSC credits strong Q1 earnings to millennials moving to suburban and rural areas. There’s a name … [Read more...]
Covid-19 takes heavy toll on farmers mental health
Two in three farmers/farmworkers say the Covid-19 pandemic has affected their mental health and more than half say they are experiencing more mental health challenges than they were a year ago, according to a recent American Farm Bureau poll. Animal health pros who call on farmers and ranchers may notice behavior that is out of character. Farm Bureau assembled a list of great … [Read more...]