One of the bigger time sucks for professionals is meetings. According to Atlassian, we spend 31 hours a month in unproductive meetings. Author Dorie Clarke offers some realistic ways to manage meeting requests and tips about participating in those must-attend meetings. Source: Harvard Business Review, January 3, 2018. A secondary, but acceptable, reason to join a meeting is … [Read more...]
Time for some fresh air
A new study joins a growing body of research linking indoor pollution to negative impacts on cognition, mood and worker productivity. This is not new. The recognition of the negative impact of poor indoor air quality dates back to the 18th century. Indeed, Benjamin Franklin once stated, “I am persuaded that no common air from without is so unwholesome as the air within a closed … [Read more...]
Canine fecal transplants; phut, sputter, gag.
Coprophagic dogs are bad enough. Still, there may be some benefit to fecal microbial transplantation to aid in adjusting the microbiome of our canine friends. And we thought veterinary nurses had it bad enough doing stool floats! This area of microbiome science is advancing, so we share the information with you for your consideration before a dog owner comes to you with a … [Read more...]
Prepare for trade shows at upcoming conventions
National conventions are great to gain new continuing education credits, reconnect with schoolmates and academic colleagues and enjoy some new environments. Beyond these benefits, the trade shows that accompany conventions are important venues to compare new items, research options and reconfirm product knowledge. The swag that comes with them is often fun to take back home, as … [Read more...]
5 tips to attract and retain associates
As the unemployment rate goes down, many employers find it hard to attract and retain engaged employees. What worked when unemployment was high is no longer effective. Additionally, this millennial workforce has different values than previous workforce generations. These tips about retention will go a long way to reduce turnover and its associated costs. Source: Forbes … [Read more...]
Impaction colic is common and treatable
Equine gastrointestinal distress, colic, has several causes. Impaction colic is one of the more common types and is treatable when caught early. An impaction occurs when a large amount of firm, dry fecal material has built up within the intestine. This mass is then unable to change size as it passes through the varying widths of the digestive system. Impactions occur most often … [Read more...]
Opinion – Eliminating declaws adds nail challenges
First, I support eliminating declaw surgeries. I’ve been there, done that and wished I hadn’t. But, indoor cats just don’t wear down claws as easily as indoor/outdoor or outdoor-only cats. During a recent visit with a Ceva colleague, I asked about nail trimming guidance beyond the benefits of FELISCRATCH™ and dedicated scratching poles. We did a quick Google search and I was … [Read more...]
Get your flu shot for the ones you love
Flu season is in full swing, but there’s still time to get a flu vaccine. You may think it’s too inconvenient or that this year’s vaccine isn’t as protective as it should be. Aaron E. Carroll, professor of pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine, writes that the risk of dying from flu is higher than many realize. Plus, he says, it’s not about you. It’s about … [Read more...]
How working parents can feel less overwhelmed and in control
Working parents are frequently haunted by the nagging sense of not getting enough done, of failing in some way, of giving things that really matter too little attention and, of course, feeling as if the wheels may come off the bus very, very soon. The problem isn’t in your organizational system or work ethic, it’s in how human brains are wired. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, … [Read more...]
Canine parvovirus 101
CPV emerged in the 1970s and is still a menace to unvaccinated dogs.The virus itself is small and nonenveloped, making it one of the most robust viruses affecting animals. Because of its environmental persistence, both indirect and direct contact can efficiently spread the virus. When protected by organic matter, the virus may remain infectious for months. Source: … [Read more...]
When facing immediate concerns, it’s difficult to remain strategic
Too frequently, executive leaders or business owners get caught up in the crisis’ of the week. Like other employees, leaders also like to solve problems and check them off. Short-term items provide us with visible ways to mark progress. Source: Harvard Business Review, July 27, 2017. Executives and business owners sometimes treat a strategic discussion the way they would a … [Read more...]
Baxter Black on farriers (video)
There are a lot of skilled people cowboy poet Baxter Black admires. He’s fairly skilled in some areas (he is a veterinarian and rancher), but he lacks in others. One talent that always alluded him was horseshoeing skills. Source: Drovers, January 15, 2018. In addition to veterinarian, rancher and poet, Baxter Black is an agricultural entertainer. For over 25 years he has … [Read more...]
“Leave it,” an important K9 training basic
One of our objectives for curating content for animal health pros is to support behavior training. Annie Phenix is a force-free trainer who addresses the “leave it” training dog owners find challenging. This article is suitable for printing for puppy classes or as social media content. Source: Dogster, January 10, 2018. There are some cues we must teach our dogs that could … [Read more...]
Consistent evidence still needed on bugs
Microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeast, that are administered to prevent or treat disease are known as probiotics. A very lucrative industry emerged to produce and sell these particular organisms. However, despite well-established basic science showing the importance of the microbial flora to health, it is not a simple matter to produce safe and effective probiotic … [Read more...]
AAHA updates diabetes guidelines
Diabetes management can be overwhelming and time-consuming for pet owners and practitioners. To help with this challenge, AAHA has released its newly revised Diabetes Management Guidelines. Created with an additional focus on empowering veterinary technicians to be a primary source of education and support for owners of diabetic pets, the 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management … [Read more...]
AQHA’s 2017 highlights
2017 was filled with incredible moments for our industry, according to AQHA Executive Vice President Craig Huffhines. The American Quarter Horse Association is the world’s largest equine breed registry and membership organization. Its headquarters are in Amarillo, Texas. Source: AQHA Daily, January 8, 2018. The summary of activities and events shows an active membership and … [Read more...]
Farm Town Strong to address rural opioid epidemic
The American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union have announced Farm Town Strong, a new campaign to raise awareness of the effect of the opioid crisis on farming communities. The two groups have launched a new website that offers information and resources to help farm families and rural communications. Source: Progressive Forage, January 3, 2018. While just … [Read more...]
Horse body clipping basics are important
Though it’s often an essential part of good horse management, clipping can be a daunting task. The authors offer questions and tips to help horse owners when clipping is required. Consider this article for a social media post or as information when educating horse owners and horse enthusiast groups. Source: Horse Network, October 2017. Topics cover: considerations … [Read more...]
New directory aims to make reporting animal abuse easier
The lead post in the January 16, 2018 NAVTA Animal Health Bi-Weekly references information on a new national directory of agencies that investigate animal abuse. The directory represents more than 6,500 counties, cities and towns across the U. S. and identifies which agency follows up on reports of suspected animal cruelty, abuse and neglect, according to a release from the … [Read more...]
Geese make good flock guardians
Duck, duck, goose is not just a kids’ game revitalized by end zone hijinks of the Minnesota Vikings. Geese make excellent guardians against predators common to backyard poultry flocks. They are naturally loud alarms and don’t require any training or behavior modification to protect. A threat, sign of trouble or intruder will cause them to call loudly, alerting their flockmates … [Read more...]
The top 10 funnies of 2017
Just for fun, the DVM 360 crew reviewed its content to bring you the top cartoons and articles of this year. Source: DVM 360, January 2, 2017. We especially liked No. 3: The anatomy of a veterinary nurse. Also see: DVM360’s top 17 of 2017, January 2, 2017. See the articles that captured the attention of industry professionals across the country. INSIGHTS: Sales … [Read more...]
Cross-matching is important for first blood transfusion (includes video)
Kenichiro Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM), discusses cross-matching and blood transfusion perceptions and myths. If transfusion records are not appropriate, or if a new veterinary practice assumes a patient has never received a transfusion and they do another mismatch, that could result in very serious consequences or even death. Source: American Veterinarian, January 15, … [Read more...]
Wheek! Good info on guinea pig care
Wheeking is what excited guinea pig vocalization is called. They are the second-favorite rodent kept as pets in the U.S. Guinea pigs are docile, social animals that enjoy interaction with their caretakers. Their husbandry needs are relatively simple. However, they have specific dietary and housing needs. Improper at-home care can result in illness or injury. Source: … [Read more...]
Sales people: necessary or obsolete?
Salespersons who focus on selling as hard and fast as possible, with a goal of doing business now, may be obsolete, says Richard Libin. He asserts today’s salesperson job profile can be defined by three simple functions: helping customers find and select the right product or service assisting the customer to fall in love with his choice convert customers to … [Read more...]
New cannabis resource from AVMA
A new document for AVMA members provides comprehensive background information to help understand the legal aspects of cannabis use in animals; field questions and advise clients who are interested in marijuana therapies for their pets; and identify toxic exposures. Source: AVMA, January 10, 2018. Cannabis: What Veterinarians Need to Know addresses a broad range of important … [Read more...]
Donating a pet’s body is alternative to burial, cremation
The passing of a cherished pet is something every pet owner dreads. Yet, it is something most of eventually face. In addition to burial or cremation, educational memorial programs or willed body programs are offered at several veterinary universities in the United States. Modeled similar to human cadaver donation programs, pet owners can donate the body of their beloved dog … [Read more...]
Autopsies by general practitioners can help owners (photographic guide)
Many pet owners want to know why their pet passed away. A limited cosmetic necropsy may produce a reason, add closure and potentially alert the veterinary staff of local risks. Source: Clinician’s Brief, December 2017. The term “autopsy” is widely preferred in the pathology community, particularly to emphasize the primary goal of unifying human and veterinary medical … [Read more...]
Close, but not closed
One of the more common questions I am asked when conducting sales development classes is, “What do I do when a customer commits but doesn’t follow through?” It usually spurs a lengthy discussion about the difference between close and closed. Source: Veterinary Advantage Magazine, December 2017. At commit, your customer, or the Decider, co-owns the outcome with you and that … [Read more...]
Back to school on heartworm
The American Heartworm Society (AHS) is strengthening efforts to bring the latest heartworm information directly to veterinarians and veterinary nurses via scientific symposia and proceedings. Heartworm University, a traveling four- to six-hour symposium taught by AHS faculty, provides practical clinical information in an interactive format that enables presenters to address … [Read more...]
Alternatives to declawing becoming mandatory
The tide is turning against cat declawing, writes Steve Dale in a piece for Fear Free Happy Homes. Denver recently became the first city outside California to ban declawing surgery. When cats scratch (an innate behavior), they send an aromatic message via the pheromones delivered by glands in the paws, as well as a visual message: those long claw marks. The ability to offer … [Read more...]