The media has been full of references about herd immunity and its companion individual immunity. The two are inextricably linked, as Ellen Crawford writes. Her article is a good reminder and worth reviewing as it contains horse, human and cattle references. The three objectives of vaccination are to: Induce protection against disease Reduce susceptibility of an … [Read more...]
Content for dog owners
Animal owners are full of questions. If you don’t believe it, monitor one of The Bridge Club Pets sessions or videos < link >. Our industry supports more than 150 publications targeting animal owners, all of which compete for their eyes and their dollars. The scope of social media has progressed considerably beyond Dr. Google. We share the following information for dog … [Read more...]
Metronidazole is not FDA-approved for dogs
Opinion Regardless of accuracy, it concerns me when articles and videos* like this one are published in consumer publications. Regardless of how frequently metronidazole is prescribed by veterinarians, it is not yet approved by the FDA for veterinary use. * The video features Jerry Klein, DVM, AKC’s chief veterinary officer Source: AKC, September 21, 2020. … [Read more...]
Debunking pet food myths and misconceptions
Ryan Yamka, PhD, challenges the World Small Animal Veterinary Association guidelines and pet food recommendations. He calls for an update to fill gaps and provide proper security for those recommending pet foods. This statement motivated posting Yamka’s article, “Based on WSAVA guidelines, a pet food company only needs to provide a complete nutrient analysis for one formula … [Read more...]
5 ways to optimize your pet’s health
Complimentary content Katie Woodley, BVSc, cVMA, GDVCHM, brings a collaborative mindset to integrative veterinary medicine. She combines western and eastern approaches to improving the quality of life for pets. A frequent guest on The Bridge Club Pets*, she anchors on food being the foundation for health. She asserts five steps to implement into pet's lives for optimal … [Read more...]
Hackers target webcams and cash flow
Sponsored Content Clint Latham, JD, addresses security issues in an effort to help the veterinary profession conquer the world of cyber security and ensure veterinary data remains secure. Two new posts cover webcam security and ransomware. Source: Lucca Veterinary Data Services. Link. 7 steps to determine if your webcam has been hacked, October 5, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen translates dog diarrhea and new puppy musts
Complimentary content Two new YouTube editions of Is this a Thing? are now available. Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, talks about new puppies and dealing with diarrhea in her initiative to help pet owners understand veterinary jargon and be more comfortable communicating with veterinarians. Source: Dr Jen the Vet, YouTube. Link to YouTube channel. … [Read more...]
How to start a fight with a client
Louis Dunn turns customer experience training upside down from what to do to what not to do. She shares phrases staff members use that can kill your client service and make a client feel as if you are trying to make them angry and start a fight: Our policy is . . . We have been really busy . . . Press 1 for…Press 2 for…Press 9 to repeat these choices . . . … [Read more...]
The future of veterinary telemedicine
Complimentary Content Roger Redman, DVM, and president of American Association of Veterinary State Boards shares his perspectives on telemedicine. He believes telemedicine isn’t just a part of the veterinary future, but that it guarantees the profession has one. He discusses VCPR, the expanded use of telemedicine platforms to facilitate access and the potential for dedicated … [Read more...]
Disinfecting or just cleaning? Contact time MATTERS!
Commentary With news media reporting a resurgence of Covid-19 infections this fall, it is time to revisit contact time. Best practices say to remove dirt then disinfect. But if the disinfectant used does not remain wet for the duration of its contact time, we are essentially just cleaning. Considerations in your community Conversations this week with the head nurse of … [Read more...]
CDC updates information on Covid-19 airborne risks (with video)
Well duh! The CDC now says people should also avoid crowded indoor spaces and ensure indoor spaces are properly ventilated by bringing in outdoor air. This update is a result of mounting evidence from super-spreader events. The guidance for physical distancing remains in place and needs further emphasis as winter drives more personal interactions indoors. The balance of … [Read more...]
Celebrating veterinary technicians, nurses and assistants
Commentary This week our industry acknowledges the efforts of veterinary technician. Since 1993, National Veterinary Technician Week has taken place the third week of October. Its objectives recognize veterinary technicians are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices and play vital roles in preserving animal health and welfare. Often tireless champions … [Read more...]
6 survival items everyone should have in their car’s glove compartment
Whether you are six blocks or 60 miles from home, situations occur where emergency kits in the trunk are not reachable. The authors assert that everyone needs to have these 6 items handy in the car: Flashlight First aid kit Gloves Seat belt cutting tool Multi-tool Poncho Source: The Outdoor Wear, November 2019. Link. Every single driver needs to have an … [Read more...]
Temple Grandin to headline October 28 webinar
Dr. Temple Grandin, renowned Colorado State University animal science professor, livestock handling specialist and autism expert, will be the featured speaker for an interactive webinar at 4:00 p.m. Central time, October 28. The program includes a Q&A session and will end at 6:00 p.m. Animal health pros from all backgrounds will likely find a topic or two worthwhile. The … [Read more...]
Shop wisely. Your bank account is counting on you.
Online shopping is the rule, not the exception in 2020. With the holidays ahead and a few black Friday promos already behind us, H. Colleen Sinclair offers 10 tips for how to shop smart and spot scams including: Is it too good to be true? Check the business reputation Social media presence: Do they have one? Source: The Conversation, October 6, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Dealing with the pandemic 15#
The pandemic 15 pounds! It’s a discussion topic among friends and has been mentioned on talk shows. For some of us, it is a reality as food is comforting during times of stress or anxiety. Lisa Drayer shares how using a hunger meter can return food to being just food. When you feel a pull toward food, create space between you and the food to see where you are on the hunger … [Read more...]
What you wear while working matters
It’s true how you look affects how you work. Science backs it up. Researchers studying the links to what work clothes people wear, brain activity and productivity have found dressing up for work improves performance. They’re now paying attention to how this applies to Zoom-type meetings. Source: Wall Street Journal, September 20, 2020. Link. “Just putting on [formal] clothes … [Read more...]
Cattle might be secret weapon in fight against wildfires
University of California Cooperative Extension researchers are evaluating how much fine fuel like grasses and other plants known to start fires cattle eat and how their feeding behavior may affect flame activity. There is more to learn, but it this preliminary study shows cattle may be valuable in reducing fire risk. . . . without cattle grazing, there would be hundreds to … [Read more...]
Equine asthma; don’t forget the fungi
The author presents the challenge of mold in bedding and forage and how it relates to equine allergies and respiratory challenges. Using his tracheal wash method, horses with fungal elements in their samples were two times more likely to have mild equine asthma when compared with horses without fungal elements in their samples. Source: Modern Equine Vet, Issue 9, 2020. page … [Read more...]
The 4 Cs of restraint-free grooming
Restraint-free grooming has allowed fearful and aggressive peta that hated to be groomed to feel calm and protected, writes Hannah Ziegler. Restraint-free means no extra people, no grooming loops, no muzzles or Elizabethan collars. She says that with dedicated time and repetitions, 98 percent of pets can be groomed without restraints using her approach. The 4 Cs to grooming … [Read more...]
SID feeding of indoor cats may improve health
Obesity is the most common nutritional problem affecting cats. In research likely to surprise veterinarians and cat owners*, cats that ate one meal a day were more satisfied, which could result in less food-begging behavior. The study results also suggest cutting back feeding frequency could help reduce the risk of obesity by controlling cats' appetite and potentially making … [Read more...]
The dilemma of pandemic pet pounds
The challenge of obesity in dogs has been exacerbated by the pandemic lockdown. The WFH messages promoted to date involve pets getting more exercise, but Kim Kavin’s Washington Post story indicates many dogs have packed on extra weight. On the other hand, dogs that have lost weight might have a few aches and pains from the increase in activity. Dog owners should work with … [Read more...]
Decoding vaccine titers in companion animal practice
Sara E. Gonzalez, DVM, MS, provides a literature-based review of the limitations and benefits of this type of testing and guidance for interpreting results. In the summary comments she shares: The gold standard laboratory techniques for detecting circulating blood antibody titers against the core canine vaccine antigens and FPV are VN and HI. Core vaccine titer testing … [Read more...]
Catching up with VIP’s Drs. Shawn and Ivan
It is easy to fall behind on things we want to do. Listening to podcasts remains an excellent opportunity to learn from animal health pros who are pushing forward and helping to invent the next generation of animal health. Drs. Shawn Wilkie and Ivan Zakharenkov invite and discuss current and future trends while applying their veterinary and entrepreneurial experiences to the … [Read more...]
7 steps to see if your webcam has been hacked
Things like snooping, webcam hacking and location tracking happen every day, but we are still not used to taking all the warnings seriously says Clint Latham, JD. He shares steps to ensure nothing phishy is going on. If you suspect someone is accessing your webcam without your consent, don’t ignore your sixth sense.” – Clint Latham, JD Source: Lucca Veterinary Data Security. … [Read more...]
Infection control. Back to basics.
Commentary What? Again? Yes, absolutely! The topic of infection control and disinfection products, protocols and methods dominated media and discussions starting in February 2020. Medical and veterinary hospitals hurried to update protocols, train staff and implement checks and balances to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. Through all the confusion, animal health … [Read more...]
Immunity discrimination could become HR’s next legal nightmare
HR professionals are responsible for innumerable variables during these times. In addition to allowing for more flexibility as employees put family first, now comes considerations about immunity discrimination. Source: Human Resource Executive, September 22, 2020. Link. “It’s going to be hard for managers to not think about this when they’re making workplace decisions,” says … [Read more...]
7 ways BtoB content can change everything
Guest contributor Brendan Howard educated and entertained dvm360 business section readers for years where he built a loyal following. He now freelances and agreed to share some of his business-to-business (BtoB) content expertise with animal health pros. Here’s a sample. You’ll find the rest of the article at the link. Source: 7 ways BtoB can change everything, October 8, … [Read more...]
Poop runs downhill . . . Vet techs catch it!
Commentary The old saying, ”it ain’t over ‘til it’s over,” is appropriate for this time period. In recent conversations and reports, the stress levels on animal hospital teams is nearly a constant topic. Juggling heavier client loads, new staffing models, staff members balancing at-home schooling and work are some of the reasons. National Veterinary Technician Week is … [Read more...]
Zooming as the norm
With more people than ever working remotely, it feels like we’ve been in more meetings than normal in 2020. The desire to sync up with our teams more often when we are all working from our homes makes sense. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, September 9, 2020. Link. That is, start your meetings by making sure everyone on the call understands the Purpose, the Outcomes, and the … [Read more...]