“Fear free” veterinary care ideally addresses the physical and emotional wellbeing of animals. It is not a new concept. Idaho veterinarian Marty Becker took the approached and started the company Fear Free. It certifies veterinarians, technicians and sometimes entire practices after online training. More than 39,000 professionals and 113 practices been certified “fear free.” … [Read more...]
High-performance people grow high-performing practices
High-achieving people, those who can grow your practice, seek development. And, all employees have a psychological need to learn and grow as human beings. Development at work satisfies a person's drive for career and social well being. Source: Gallup Workplace, December 19, 2019. Link Organizations can foster commitment and improve engagement by meeting employees' basic … [Read more...]
Could the use of diverse languages affect veterinarian influence?
Our team sees a plethora of material when curating information for animal health pros. Our December post, Veterinary medicine; whitest profession in America <link> came to mind as I recently sorted content. Andy Kiersz and Ivan De Luce present a map showing the most commonly spoken languages in every state, excluding English and Spanish. In the ensuing text, the language … [Read more...]
Vet clinics must address needs of dogs in lower-income households
The middle class is being hollowed out, because the less affluent are getting less affluent, shared Steve Ballmer during a Numbers Geek podcast <link>. He also noted single people without children account for 43 percent of all of the households in America. Meanwhile, the AVMA Veterinary Economics Division has been working to understand factors affecting veterinary visits. … [Read more...]
Dr. Becker, “doing the doo”
We’re sure you’ll chuckle at the descriptions Marty Becker, DVM, uses when discussing the ritualistic habits of dogs as they deposit feces. We’ll not spoil it by sharing some of the descriptions. ENJOY! Source: Dr. Marty Becker, January 2020. Link … [Read more...]
18 positions for in-flight snoozing
Animal health pros travel increases in January and February as convention season brings in the new year. Often, the rigors of convention living steal sleep. Natalie Compton shares sleep positions that help air travelers snooze. Source: Washington Post, January 15, 2020. Link. There’s no best way to sleep on a plane. There’s no right way, either. There are, however, many … [Read more...]
How to ask for an email introduction
It’s been a week since returning from VMX and associated get-togethers. The stack of business cards has hopefully been part of the catch-up work for those to whom you made promises. The challenge now is how to follow up with those interesting people you met after being introduced briefly by a friend or colleague. Ruchika Tulshyan shares considerations when writing a … [Read more...]
Solutions for a biting horse
For horse people, a biting horse is a liability. They are dangerous to you, other people and other horses. Even a warning nip can cause injury, and a full-on chomp can be tragic. Learn some of the underlying causes, plus how to manage and reform a horse that bites. Source: Horse and Rider, January 20, 2020. Link. Slapping a biting horse on the muzzle is not a useful … [Read more...]
Choke in horses, a slow-motion disaster
Choke in horses is a blockage of the esophagus rather than the airway, writes Laurie Bonner. It occurs when a horse tries to ingest inadequately chewed feed or something he cannot swallow properly. Most instances of choke clear on their own but may be a sign of something that needs attention. Bonner shares reasons, risks and prevention tips that include having a veterinarian … [Read more...]
More support needed for diabetic cat owners
Alex Gallagher, DVM, MS, DACVIM, shares startling takeaways from research titled Priorities on treatment and monitoring of diabetic cats from the owners’ points of view <link>. While veterinarian recommendations were considered the second most influential in their treatment decision, Gallagher provides alarming details: Fewer than 50% of owners reported their … [Read more...]
Tales of the cat tail
Ellyce Rothrock helps interpret the meaning of cat tail movements. A cat’s ears, eyes, body posture and especially her tail, express exactly what she’s thinking and how she’s feeling, she says. You just have to “listen” to cat tail language. Source: Catster, October 21, 2019. Link Learning cat tail language is like learning any foreign language: It takes time.” Also see: … [Read more...]
Pet-friendly houseplants can purify air
“These days, many houses are built for energy efficiency. This can mean fewer fresh air opportunities for people or their pets,” says Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM. “Stale air can adversely affect health. Stale air has higher levels of carbon dioxide, possibly carbon monoxide and other waste gases. Higher wastes mean less oxygen availability.” The article includes information about … [Read more...]
Health problems can cause behavior changes in dogs
Carol Osborne, DVM, says a change in a dog’s normal behavior is a red flag. Most people assume that unusual behavior is caused by stress, boredom or some other external situation. However, it could also signal a medical condition. She discusses behavior aberrations and conditions that could be underlying causes. Source: Animal Wellness Magazine, January 26, 2020. Link The … [Read more...]
A crucial blind spot in vet medicine
A reader sent us this article. The placebo effect is a well-established phenomenon in human patients. In veterinary medicine however, it’s an underappreciated one. The particular way it plays out in veterinary care highlights how unconscious cognitive biases can mislead humans when we care for other species. The most likely explanation is what’s known as the caregiver … [Read more...]
Pet food labels have more sizzle than substance
Nebulous terms create confusion on pet food labels, especially when ridiculous terms are used to describe a product. Most of these terms have no legal definition or if they have been defined, they are a mismatch to popular definitions. The author discusses a list of terms to ignore or rethink when choosing food for your pets: Human-grade Premium Organic Holistic … [Read more...]
Opinion – 2020 Veterinary Emerging Topics (VET)® Report from Banfield®
Banfield® Pet Hospital has again shared information from their internal data this year on the importance of weight management in pets as it relates to osteoarthritis. The entire veterinary industry continues to benefit from a better understanding of clients, pets and prevalence of conditions. Thank you Banfield! Excess weight in pets is a growing problem (no pun … [Read more...]
Labor challenges are the norm for livestock employees
Farm Journal’s survey of more than 2,000 farmers, ranchers and dairy producers reveals challenges of ag workers. From the workers’ perspective, getting paid a good wage, paid time off and employer-subsidized benefits top the list of preferences. Employers find increasingly difficult to find qualified candidates and to maintain profitability before increasing wages or adding … [Read more...]
Opinion – Conflict debt and the rubber room
Adults in a workplace are bound to have differences of opinions. These differences can cause disruption unless there is a process to manage things. I have used a rubber room exercise and often took the role of referee. Simple rules were established up-front and visibly displayed: Establish the discussion topic(s) as narrowly as possible Set a beginning time Set an … [Read more...]
How great listeners actually act
Most people describe a great listener as someone who is like a sponge and accurately absorbs what you are saying, Instead, the authors have found that good listeners are like trampolines. They are someone you can bounce ideas off of. Rather than absorbing your ideas and energy, they amplify, energize and clarify your thinking. Source: Harvard Business Review, July 2016. Link … [Read more...]
Good managers encourage employees to share opinions
In nearly every dimension of business success, the manager makes the difference. From diversity and inclusion to productivity and retention, the manager plays a singular role in the life of an employee. In fact, Gallup's analysis has shown that the quality of a manager accounts for 70% of the variance in team engagement. Source: Gallup, December 30, 2019. Link [ä]. Only a … [Read more...]
5 ways to improve your mental health in 2020
Mental health, stress reduction and suicide prevention are prevalent weekly topics in veterinary media sources. CNN’s Sandee LaMotte shares scientifically validated steps to improve your mental outlook. Because the mind and body are entwined, these behaviors also will improve your overall health: Practice optimism Start volunteering Be grateful Bolster your social … [Read more...]
Backyard chicken feed growing in pet food and treat market
What started as a backyard option to get fresh eggs has quickly moved the backyard chicken from livestock to pets. The pet food industry is responding to this growing trend. Source: Petfood Industry, January 27, 2020. Link. In APPA’s survey of 10,090 current pet owners: 10 percent reported owning backyard chickens: this equates to approximately 10 million U.S. … [Read more...]
Opinion – Animal protein versus plant-based protein. A discussion worth having.
Media of all types has paid great attention to plant-based protein of late. However, the hype leaves out the importance of factually discussing issues surrounding meat production. We agree with Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco Animal Health, that collaboration by all parties will lead to science-based solutions to protein supply challenges. Simmons issues a call to … [Read more...]
Improvements, concerns highlighted in new Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study
The Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study was released this week citing that most veterinarians rated their job satisfaction high. Conducted in collaboration with AVMA, the study also considered compensation, burnout, substance use disorder, cyberbullying and suicide. It found that 92 percent of respondents were concerned about high stress, 91 percent with high … [Read more...]
Egg in an egg, a double egg phenomena (video)
Animals do the darndest things. While rare, it is well-known that a hen will occasionally lay an egg inside of an egg. Called a counter-peristalsis contraction, a double egg occurs while the hen is in the process of forming an egg in her oviduct. Source: Backyard Poultry, January 7, 2020. Link. A tiny, fully formed egg was found inside of a regular-sized egg in Britain. This … [Read more...]
Optimizing digestive health in horses
Sponsored Content from ADM Animal Nutrition The new issue of EQUUS Extra is dedicated to nutritional aspects of equine digestions, colic and ulcers. In our post Colic comes in many forms, January 14, 2020 < link >, we shared an overview of three types of colic. Dr. Annette McCoy broke down colic cases by type; non-strangulating, strangulating and inflammatory. She also … [Read more...]
Horse hoof care resources
Horse owners and stable hands are always learning. Each new horse and age milestones in on-farm horses can bring new challenges. Hoof care is one area where presenting sound information can help animal health pros increase their value on-farm and when discussing hoof care with horse caretakers. These articles are great aids to review and then share to benefit horses, owners and … [Read more...]
Repurposing racehorses on the ranch
Approximately 20,000 Thoroughbred foals are born each year. By the time they are two or three years old, few make the grade to become money winning racehorses. This leaves an ongoing supply of retired racehorses looking for new jobs. Megan Arszman shares that not all retired racehorses find new jobs doing 3-day eventing or show jumping. Many end up being cow horses and they … [Read more...]
Thoroughbred sales auctions announce reforms for 2-year-old sales
Keeneland, Fasig-Tipton, and Ocala Breeders' Sales jointly announced important changes to policies regarding medication. They include restriction of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and a ban on bronchodilators at all 2-year-old sales, plus limited use of riding crops. We continue to refine and adapt our policies with the overriding goal of protecting both the … [Read more...]
AI, telehealth can help combat professional staffing issues (video)
For animal health pros wrestling with telemedicine, information in this article will clarify some of its opportunities and benefits. Citing a recent American Hospital Association study, Nathan Eddy separates telehealth and AI over a future timeline. He also shows how telehealth platforms are useful to providers as health care is increasingly delivered outside of traditional … [Read more...]