Real estate technology company, Redfin and pet insurance carrier, Trupanion recently announced the 25 most feline-friendly cities of 2019. The list includes cities in 18 states. Here are the top 5 cat-friendly cities: Corvallis, Oregon Spokane, Washington Orlando, Florida Bellingham, Washington Tulsa, Oklahoma Source: DVM 360, September 23, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Factoid. Computers were born in corn country
Computers and their capabilities have captured industrial capacity and our growing curiosities alike. Doug Jacobson, PhD, shares the story of the first computer. Named the ABC, it was built at Iowa State University (ISU). It is also home to the nation’s first public veterinary school, Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Boring Midwest? Maybe … [Read more...]
Visualizing social media use by generation (Infographic)
There are 4.4 billion social media users today. Ashley Viens describes how it has altered the way we interact both online and offline . She also notes the rate of social media growth is slowing, though use is still growing. From 2017 to 2018, the average person increased usage by three minutes per day, while becoming a new user of 0.8 social media accounts. What happens in a … [Read more...]
Corporate CEOs convene to re-align purpose with profit
It is possible for purpose and profit to coexist, but there must be intention. The Business Roundtable, a group of almost 200 CEOs of the largest U.S. corporations, recently issued a statement that fundamentally redefined the purpose of a corporation. It suggests that a new social contract is being struck between corporations and society. “for the benefit of all … [Read more...]
Bill Gates answers, “What should we never forget?”
Niklas Göke comments about watching the new 3-part documentary about Bill Gates on Netflix < link >. The interviewer asks question after question of Gates who answers directly and honestly. He was asked the question, “What was the worst day in your life?” The answer? “The day my mother died.” Göke shares the following: No matter who you are in this world, no … [Read more...]
Lenders offer varying options to help clients pay
When veterinary care challenges animal owners’ ability to pay, third party lenders have products to bridge the gap between an owners’ cash on hand and veterinary fees. Brendan Howard compares third-party loans and credit card options to veterinary clients. Source: VETTED, February 8, 2019. Link. Also see: A nay-sayer’s guide to pet insurance and third-party payment plans, … [Read more...]
Maintaining peace has its price
Author and psychotherapist Dennis Portnoy, MFT, says the excess pursuit of harmony is not altruistic. If you’re a person who goes to great lengths to avoid discord, he shares what you need to know about “harmony addiction.” Source: BottomLineInc, September 1, 2019. Link. People who chronically set aside their own interests tend to tell themselves that they are making … [Read more...]
Practicing narrative medicine; diagnostic listening
Narrative medicine is a young field in human medicine and even younger in veterinary medicine. Yet, some of the best veterinarians practice narrative medicine instinctively. Narrative medicine feels more like collaboration between the veterinarian and animal owner. <narrative medicine> is authentic engagement. . . diagnostic listening . . . rather than perfunctorily … [Read more...]
Positivity pays off
We all have a choice. We can choose to be positive and encouraging, or we can choose to be a pessimist and have self-pity. It’s a power we all have. Each of us encounters hard times, hurt feelings and pain. The key is to realize it’s not what happens to you that matters; it’s how you choose to respond. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, September 2, 2019. Link. One of the most … [Read more...]
Focus on fungi
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designated this week as Fungal Disease Awareness Week < link > to boost the public’s understanding of how these microscopic organism can make humans sick. In animals, fungal infections are a patchwork of different situations. Fungal infections can be devastating, and they continue to emerge more rapidly than ever . . . they … [Read more...]
U.S. antibiotic council member shares perspectives
Mike Appley, DVM, has served four years on the Presidential Advisory Council for Combating Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria, < link >. He believes one of the biggest behavioral problems is that the problem always seems to be what someone else is doing, and what we are doing without fault. Antibiotic resistance is a real and pressing problem, and everyone needs to pitch … [Read more...]
Opinion – Addressing push-back on cows, emissions, planet benefits (video)
Our September 3, 2019 post, Cows really do benefit the planet! < link > ruffled some readers’ feathers. Each day our industry understands more about the impact we have on animals, food resources, the planet and, of course, human beings. In those posts, we offered information that debunks the 2006 United Nations claim that cattle were the greatest contributors to … [Read more...]
Tick study: One single tick, multiple pathogens of tick-borne diseases
Ticks can carry several different pathogens capable of several different tick-borne diseases, sometimes in a single tick, according to a study in mBio < link >. Notably, the lone star tick is a very aggressive tick that can transmit a bacterium that causes a disease known as Ehrlichiosis. The lone star tick has also been implicated in cases of a novel form of meat … [Read more...]
Pheasants, horses, turkey in 3 Pennsylvania. counties infected with EEE
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)was found in pheasants, horses and a wild turkey in Pennsylvania's Erie, Carbon and Monroe counties, according to state health and agriculture officials. The mosquito-borne disease is carried by birds, can also infect people and equids, and can be fatal. Source: Associated Press, September 22, 2019. Link. So far this year, nine deaths in the … [Read more...]
Opinion – Star Wars tech featured at NAVC E-Commerce Summit
Imagine a pet owner talking to a virtual assistant via Alexa about a problem with their dog at 3:00 a.m. which sets up a live phone call from a veterinarian only minutes later. Or, having your cellphone notify you that your dog is barking excessively because the house is on fire or a stranger has entered. These and other technologies had attendees riveted as presenting … [Read more...]
Stress eating: 5 strategies to slow down
Our August 27 post, “Stressed? Pet it away,” < link > drew a lot of views as did the June 25 post, “Dogs absorb our emotions,” < link >. Veterinary team members sometimes correlate a pet owner’s weight to an overweight pet. In the interest of reducing even more stress, we’re sharing Kelly Bilodeau’s post on stress eating. (Stress) can set off physical and emotional … [Read more...]
SILO film highlights need for grain bin safety
As harvest gets into full swing, the dangers of grain entrapment in elevators and silos are ever-present. The independent film, SILO <Link>, is inspired by true events and portrays what happens when a teenage community member becomes entrapped in a 50-foot tall grain bin. Source: Progressive Farmer/DTN, September 5, 2019. Link. Let us not forget the guttural anguish of … [Read more...]
Opinion – Feral chicken populations growing
Domestic animals reproducing in a wild state, especially after escape from captivity or domestication, defines “feral.” When horses, pigs, cats, parrots and now chickens go wild, problems are not far behind. People in California, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Hawaii and some island countries are developing a love/hate relationship with the free-ranging birds. As bird … [Read more...]
Know the risks of mixing chickens, ducks, rabbits and goats
Animals have been kept in mixed flocks for centuries. Being aware of inherent risks or problems in mixed-animal operations is the best way to avoid problems before they occur. It is also the best way to fix problems if they happen. Source: Backyard Poultry, September 16, 2019. Link. Parasites and bacteria are easily transferred between barnyard species. Contaminated … [Read more...]
Bedding choices, hay treatments, plus ventilation critical for horse care
Bedding choices and hay treatments can reduce the risk of inflammatory airway disease (IAD) in horses according to a new study from Belgium. Switching to wood or paper bedding and steaming hay rations can cut down on the levels of fungi in a horse’s environment, reducing the risk of IAD. Adding to airway disease risks are air quality concerns. Optimal ventilation is critical … [Read more...]
House plants cats love
Many cat owners claim their cat “never goes outside.” This author offers a fun idea for cat owners with green thumbs whose cats are stuck indoors: Cultivate safe house plants that cats enjoy. This article is good for social media, newsletters and for office visit discussions about lifestyle. Source: Tuft’s Catnip, September 2019. Link. Consider these plants for indoor cats … [Read more...]
Cloning dogs in the present tense
John Woestendiek provides a chronology of dog cloning progress and realities. It is following an arc much like in vitro fertilization did in the 1970s. Today, cloned dogs are being churned out at a rapid clip and at less expense than ever before in South Korea, Texas and China, he says. Costing as much as $50,000 . . . you’re not getting the same dog; you’re not getting a pet … [Read more...]
PIJAC issues statement on use of pet vaccinations
According to its statement last fall, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) supports the judicious use of vaccines in pets in order to protect both animals and humans from disease and death. This position complements the views of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the … [Read more...]
In-house diagnostics making gains
Clients expect test results faster than ever before. Learn the benefits for the patient, client, practice and clinician of keeping testing in-house. Source: Vet Practice, September 12, 2019. Link. The animal diagnostic market is a major and flourishing sector; it accounts for 22 percent of the entire veterinary market and is worth US$4.2 billion globally. INSIGHTS: Newer … [Read more...]
Hate distractions? Good. Your perception of reality is at stake
If you’re trying to pay attention to multiple things, you’re not going to be as good at it versus if it were one at a time. It’s not just being slowed down . . . it might affect what you’re perceiving in the moment.” We are constantly inundated with push notices, texts, flashing signs, banners or the next tab. All this distraction may come at a massive cost. It’s not only to … [Read more...]
Lead employees by coaching
Employees don't need a pat on the head once a year. Nor do they need hand holding every step of the way. Successful businesses achieve goals through regular, effective feedback. Source: Forbes, January 30, 2018. Link. Leaders and direct supervisors provide the primary example and outlet of learning for employees. Employees don’t expect to sit back and wait forever for … [Read more...]
5 questions for the first day of work (infographic)
One of the most important, yet toughest things to do while moving into a new job or role is letting go of assumptions. This makes it extremely important to ask the right questions and be open to unlearn and relearn even seemingly trivial things. Source: HBR Ascend, September 12, 2019. Link. Every workplace has its own culture—how things are done, what is valued, and how … [Read more...]
Understand your voice
Your voice makes a big impression. Its pitch, speed and volume determine how people view your professionalism, whether to trust you and if you’re emotionally stable. How you sound may be more important than your words, writes Susan Berkley. She discusses improving our vocal persona, while improving how we use our voice. . . . your voice can either enhance the impact of what … [Read more...]
More veterinary technicians = higher practice efficiency
Recent AVMA analytics reveals that veterinary hospitals with more technicians and other non-DVM staff are likely to operate more efficiently. The optimal mix of non-DVM and DVM staff depends on several factors, including: practice type and size the demand for veterinary services in an area the availability of qualified veterinary professionals: professional and … [Read more...]
Veterinary technicians; heroes, heroines in scrubs
It’s been said, “the poop rolls downhill.” In most vet clinics, the technicians catch it. But these talented professionals frequently make the day, save a case and step in to help animal owners understand what’s going on. Kudos to the dvm360 staff for collecting some real-life experiences as the 2019 National Veterinary Technician Week approaches October 13-19. Source: … [Read more...]