A recent study of human voices suggests that puppies favor the higher pitch we use when talking to them. Source: Science of Us, January 11, 2017. While older dogs were equally responsive to high-pitched and normal recordings, younger ones seemed particularly engaged when they were listening to people baby-talk in their direction. Also see: The Bark, January 14, 2017, Dog … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding is doable in a veterinary practice
Abigail Fishaw, LVT ,says, “You don't need to sacrifice your personal breastfeeding goals at the hands of your career. Work and motherhood can coexist smoothly with the right support from your employer.” Source: Firstline, January 10, 2017. As veterinary professionals we're often natural nurturers who feel drawn to having our own bundles of joy. But balancing the demands of … [Read more...]
Brain-steer for better results
Consolidations already announced this year will have all sizes of businesses seeking to remain competitive, increase services, value and maintain profitability. This article is written for upper level executives, but the principles apply if you work in a veterinary hospital, a retail organization or if you are a representative working to help your accounts be more … [Read more...]
Microchips required
Microchipping is becoming prevalent, if not required throughout the horse world. It is not for locating missing horses. Rather, competitive organizations and breed registries are now requiring it for ease of identifying individual horses. Source: The Horse, January 10, 2017. (tiered access). The entire process, including the price of the microchip, usually costs less than … [Read more...]
Examine leadership to set growth path
Every successful business has a list of key performance indicators (KPIs) that provides the essential data necessary to grow. Successful leaders need their own KPIs that include feedback from their associates, as well as a rigorous self-examination. Source: Eric Geiger Blog, May 26, 2016. Leaders are merely stewards. We don’t own the people, the ministry, or the … [Read more...]
Prevent winter impactions
Colic can happen at any time, but during cold weather the incidence of painful gastrointestinal impactions typically rises sharply. Mild dehydration is a normal underlying cause. Source: Equus, January 2016. To protect horses from impaction colic this winter, ensure they always have access to fresh water. It’s a pretty good bet that ice will dissuade a horse from drinking, … [Read more...]
FDA asked to clarify definition of milk
More than 30 members of Congress wrote a letter to the FDA, asking it to clarify its position on nondairy “milk.” Soy milk, almond milk, rice milk and coconut milk are alternatives to dairy, carry the same name but lack many of the health benefits real cows’ milk has to offer. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, January 16, 2017. The dairy industry is proud of its products and the … [Read more...]
Study confirms that many animals fart
Just for fun! As ridiculous as it sounds, scientists are studying flatulence, its causes and how to prevent it, especially in humans. Whether specific animals fart is apparently a question that zoo employees often receive from their youngest visitors. Therefore, a new hashtag is making the rounds through science Twitter: #DoesItFart. Source: Science of Us, January 11, … [Read more...]
NYC cat-astrophe – 100’s of cats quarantined
A rare strain of bird flu has flown through New York City’s animal shelters. So far, 500 cats have been quarantined and 386 of the them have tested positive for the H7N2 virus — the first time the disease has even been found in cats, officials said. Source: New York Post, January 12, 2017. Collecting cats from shelters in all corners of the city, city officials have locked … [Read more...]
Wrap up virtual meetings properly
Virtual meetings are no different than regular ones. They require good planning and time management. Wayne Turmel shares some best practices for virtual meetings to ensure they are valuable. A subscriber referred us to this website’s resources as having potential value. AHD is not promoting the institute but found the information worthwhile, especially since there are so many … [Read more...]
Veterinary hospice helps clients and patients
We found this article thoughtful, informative and relevant as the average life span of pets continues to increase. In veterinary hospice, the goals of care include managing clinical signs, promoting patient comfort and preserving or improving quality of life; not attempting to cure the patient. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, November/December 2016. Clients increasingly … [Read more...]
Cornell University launches vector-borne disease center
To better understand, prevent and treat diseases passed from insects to people, the Cornell University-led Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases will launch later this month, thanks to a $10 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, January 11, 2017. The center will have six applied research … [Read more...]
Behind the Mars-VCA merger
Bob Antin, CEO of VCA, and Poul Weihrauch, president of Mars Petcare, talked with DVM360 in an exclusive interview. They discussed their companies, the veterinary profession and if corporate practice is the downfall or salvation of veterinary medicine. Both men addressed the January 9 Bloomberg article. Source: DVM360, January 11, 2017. Weihrauch’s parting thoughts: This is … [Read more...]
Dr. Blach talks consolidation
Edward L. Blach, DVM, MS, MBA, shares perspective in the most recent Is My Practice Healthy? He says, “All around us we see consolidation. It is a fact of life, and one that impacts all of us.” Recent entries also cover vision, technology, budgeting and discounting. Sources: Is My Practice Healthy? Weekly Summary, January 8, 2017 Is My Practice Healthy? Weekly … [Read more...]
Start 2017 safe
Evaluating existing practices often kicks off the new year for animal health pros. Safety training for veterinary practice employees, as well as retail, distributor and manufacturer personnel is essential to reduce risks to ourselves and customers. AAHA has a resource for safety meetings. Source: AAHA Red, January 13, 2017. Regular safety meetings provide an opportunity to … [Read more...]
Mixed animal practices merge
Twenty-one veterinary practices located in 10 states have merged to form Mixed Animal Veterinary Associates North America, Inc. (MAVANA). MAVANA unites mixed animal and equine practices to so they can offer clients state of the art veterinary care and support to veterinarians beginning their careers. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, January 9, 2017. The current model used to value … [Read more...]
Managing your team when asked to do too much
High expectations in the form of ambitious goals or targets are often touted as a benefit to help companies grow. Sometimes, reason is thrown away and teams can move toward unethical or illegal methods to achieve the objective. Managers at all levels have the responsibility to ensure that unreasonable targets don’t unleash harmful behaviors on their teams. Source: Harvard … [Read more...]
Monthly preventives are not 100-percent effective on worms
Richard Gerhold, veterinary parasitologist, sets the record straight about monthly preventive medications and the possibility of pets still picking up parasites. He discusses a case where a dog picked up hookworms, even though the client was believed to be compliant on a monthly preventive regimen. Source: DVM360, January 3, 2017. The preventive effectiveness and the … [Read more...]
Weird stuff clients say – vet tech edition
Just for fun! Here are some of the strangest things vet technicians have heard clients say. Source: Veterinary Practice News, January 2, 2017. The strangest things vet techs have heard clients say. … [Read more...]
Embrace dentistry
There’s no shortage of dental opportunities says one veterinarian. "The incidence of dental disease is 100 percent in cats and dogs," says Dr. Dave Nicol, BVMS, Cert. Mgmt. MRCVS. Matthew Lemmons, DVM, DAVDC, agrees. “Veterinary dentistry is almost an instant gratification for our patients.” Each veterinarian makes the case for pet dentistry in these two … [Read more...]
Heat and ice therapy explained
Dr. Lydia Gray answers horse health questions at HorseChannel.com: Ask the Vet. In this Q&A article, she explains the difference between hot and cold therapy and under what circumstances each should be used. Source: HorseChannel.com, January 10, 2017. In a nutshell, cold is for early stages of injury while heat is for the final states of healing. Each in their own way, … [Read more...]
American Pharoah is a dad
Just for fun! American Pharoah was a racing phenomenon in 2015, when he won the Triple Crown. Bred to 208 mares in 2016, the first colt was born on January 3rd at Brookdale Farm in Kentucky. Source: HorseChannel.com, January 3, 2017. Like his dad, the colt is bay, but he’s got some chrome – white socks and a wide blaze. American Pharoah’s only white marking is a tiny white … [Read more...]
Catster promotes vet visits
Consumer media sources don’t often tell pet owners the importance of veterinary visits. Not so with this Get-your-cat-to-the-vet for a checkup article. Source: Catster, January 4, 2017. Cats are experts at hiding pain and illness. Just because your cat doesn’t seem sick doesn’t mean she isn’t. She could have dental disease — by three years of age, most cats have signs of … [Read more...]
Bones to pick – the good, bad and ugly
Deb M. Eldredge, DVM, discusses the pros and cons of bones for dogs. She writes, “Bones can be good, bad or ugly. If you choose to feed bones, use care in the bones you feed and how you feed them. If you choose to avoid bones altogether, they are absolutely not necessary for your dog’s health or happiness.” Source: Petcha.com, January 10, 2017. Dog Bones and Safety. Is … [Read more...]
Separation problem could be excess energy
Destruction, inappropriate elimination and incessant vocalizing are common signs of a separation issue. However, they must be assessed in context with the rest of a dog's behavior. Here’s an excerpt on the subject from a book sold by Whole Dog Journal. It’s up to you if you want to buy it, but the recommendations are good to discuss with pet owners. Source: Whole Dog Journal … [Read more...]
Dr. Scott Dee discusses antimicrobial resistance
A recent CDC report that listed the most worrisome threats associated with antibiotic resistance did not implicate livestock, veterinarian Scott Dee says. Veterinarians, producers and others in the food industry are nevertheless working to improve stewardship of antimicrobials. Source: Pork Network, January 9, 2017 via AVMA Animal Health SmartBrief. Research to better … [Read more...]
Editorial – Pet care goes to Mars
Mars will soon dominate corporate-owned pet hospitals with the purchase of the animal-hospital chain VCA Inc., that was announced Monday. Mars already owns Banfield Pet Hospital and BluePearl Veterinary Partners, as well as several pet food brands. Its combined marketplace clout is not expected to exceed 10 percent of the veterinary market after the merger. There will be a … [Read more...]
It’s National Train Your Dog Month
Behavior issues are among the top five reasons people give away their dogs. January is National Train Your Dog Month. See what VetFolio offers animal health pros about canine behavior. Source: VetFolio, January 7, 2017. Behavior Questions and Answers Diagnosing and Treating Aggressive Dogs: So Many Medications, So Little Time! Recognizing Patient Fear, Anxiety and … [Read more...]
Ask the right questions
To understand another person’s point of view, we sometimes need to ask questions to clarify issues or obtain a deeper understanding of why they have that point of view. Too often, the process of questioning is done by rote such as, “what is the problem, why do you think that, etc.?” You will learn more if your questioning is natural and in depth. Source: Vet-Advantage, … [Read more...]
Top 5 genetic diseases in dogs
From allergies to airway disease, heart disease to hip dysplasia, this article explores common genetic disorders in dogs. Source: Clinician’s Brief, December 2016. … [Read more...]