Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ, went behind the scenes and has deep, confidential conversations with veterinary surgery and anesthesia nurses. From these discussions he developed a list of behaviors that will keep them smiling. Source: Veterinary Practice News, January 27, 2016. How to keep your surgery and anesthesia nurses happy during the new year and beyond: Get … [Read more...]
Global pet care sales hits $100 billion milestone
Sales for all pet products and services totaled US$103.5 billion globally in 2016, surpassing the US$100 billion mark for the first time, writes Debbie Phillips-Donaldson. This 4.7 percent growth rate stands out among other consumer packaged goods industries, according to analyst Jared Koerten. Source: Petfood Industry, February 7, 2017. Focusing on the US, by far the … [Read more...]
Disinfect tube feeding equipment to prevent disease spread
While esophageal feeding of colostrum can revive weak goat kids, washing hands and disinfecting equipment thoroughly between uses is necessary to prevent the spread of diseases like Johne’s, mycoplasmosis and CAE. Follow these steps to effectively disinfect syringes and tubes: Rinse immediately after use Wash with warm soapy water to remove all debris Dilute 1 ounce … [Read more...]
Take steps to reduce abortions this kidding season
Q-fever, Chlamydiosis and toxoplasmosis are common causes of infectious abortions in goats. Prevention strategies include vaccinating, feeding antibiotics and quarantining new purchases until after kidding. Herds with multiple abortions in a short time frame or abortion rates in excess of three percent to five percent of the total number of pregnant animals should submit … [Read more...]
Hot car temperatures kill pets
Lest you think it’s too cool to worry about pets left in parked cars, think again. Police in Palm Springs, California, report that a dog left inside a car for more than three hours there, died of heat exhaustion February 5 – a 70°-day. Yet, his body temperature reached 104°. The dog’s owner was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor. Source: KESQ, February 6, 2017 There … [Read more...]
AHD welcomes the NAVTA membership
We are excited to announce that Animal Health Digest will now be made available to veterinary technicians/nurses each week by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). NAVTA executive board president Mary Berg and executive director Julie Legred will forward AHD’s weekly BULLETIN to its 15,000-plus members as a value-added service starting February … [Read more...]
Support for Leptospirosis vaccination increasing
Not every DVM is on board with the need for a leptospirosis vaccine, but the numbers are growing. The FIRSTLINE staff finds consensus among some DVMs that lepto vaccination should not be ignored. Source: Firstline, January 18, 2017. Some vets used to try to keep vaccine frequencies lower for small-breed dogs. But general-practice Dr. Jeff Rothstein says that's less of a … [Read more...]
Farriers, a necessary enigma
Nancy Rich-Gutierrez shares 5 Reasons You May Need a New Farrier with a tongue-in-cheek, experience-based overview of inappropriate farrier behavior. Source: Horse Network, January 24, 2017. Here are some examples that resulted in Nancy finding a new farrier: He compares his siring ability to that of a well-known stallion He shows up drunk He’s too rough He … [Read more...]
Plaque, tartar, gingivitis – oh my!
Pets need dentistry least three times in their lives. February is National Pet Dental Month Teeth scaling is a big part of the in-clinic dental cleaning. Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC and DABVP, offers tips for veterinary teams. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, January/February 2017. 5 guiding points can help ensure that every patient’s teeth are cleaned with similar expertise. … [Read more...]
Get over phone anxiety
For some, answering or making a phone call requires a big effort. They rehearse what to say 1,000 times, dial with shaky hands and often get a panicky feeling in their chest when the ring rings. Digital tools we have now may help phone shy people avoid calls. But calls are still necessary. Hating the phone doesn’t necessarily mean a social anxiety condition, although the two … [Read more...]
3 reasons why inside sales’ effectiveness is growing
This article may cause anxiety for some sales pros. However, it is good to learn what is happening to advance the effectiveness and importance of inside sales personnel. Even if you have a mom-and-pop vet clinic or store, some of these methods may be valuable in the near term. Source: CBS, December 5, 2016. Transaction processing is much easier and faster, and customer … [Read more...]
Influencer relationships can be tough to manage
It is hard to discount the value of advocacy and support from marketplace influencers. Marketers, however continue to find this segment difficult to manage. A recent report shows who are involved in making decisions about influencer, advocates or key opinion leaders. The report “Influence 2.0: The Future of Influencer Marketing digs into current influencer marketing … [Read more...]
Cut through the BS during interviews
Finding and hiring new team members is not easy. It is important to find candidates that mesh with your current team and that don’t spell team with an “I.” Betsy Mikel discusses givers and takers, plus how to determine if a candidate is one or the other. Source: Inc, January 4, 2017. Givers are often sacrificing themselves, but they make their organizations better," says … [Read more...]
Take a stand, compete
If Super Bowl LI taught us anything, it was to persevere and stay focused. Often, the best defense is a good offense, even when you don’t get rolling until the fourth quarter. The same principles are applicable when confronted with a low-cost or low-price competitor. Laura Patterson discusses five ways to have a fighting chance: Differentiate Be customer-centric … [Read more...]
Animals get first-class treatment at JFK
It doesn’t qualify as an airport lounge, but the new ARK at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City provides top-flight services to animals travelling by air. Racebrook, the company backing the project, partnered with Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the New York State Department of Agriculture, to build the world’s first privately owned … [Read more...]
“I recommend . . .” or “Rover needs . . .”
Confidence is contagious. Your customers buy you before they buy a treatment, dental care, preventatives and anything else. Remember, it is important to demonstrate your confidence in the courses of action you advocate. Source: Evan Carmichael, 2015. A leader cannot inspire anyone to a higher point of view than his own viewpoint. That is why it is essential you believe in … [Read more...]
SAD affects dogs, too
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a well-known human ailment. Darker, drearier, winter days may cause low moods. New research reveals it seems to affect dogs too. “Lethargy, an increased appetite, irritability and a reluctance to go outside and exercise are typical behaviors exhibited by dogs in the colder months when natural sunlight is at a minimum.” Source: Dogs Today, … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – AAHA Resources for dental month
Improve dentistry at your practice and help clients understand the value of proper dental care with a variety of resources from AAHA Press. It is easy to let the month of February go by without acknowledging Nation Pet Dental Health Month. Fortunately, animal health pros understand the importance of promoting dental care for our animals. The resources available help enable … [Read more...]
Biter or catnip-er
Cat owners will appreciate the perspective in this excerpt about biting in cats. A cat may be a mild biter during play or may mean business when she chomps down, inflicting pain and drawing blood. In either case, biting behavior must be corrected. Source: Tuft’s Catnip, January 30, 2017. Biting may have become a very effective means of communication for a cat. She may … [Read more...]
Tunes calm dogs
Dogs were generally less stressed when they heard music, and they showed a slight preference for reggae and soft rock according to researchers at the University of Glasgow. Source: The Washington Post, January 27, 2017. The study, published in the journal Physiology and Behavior, built on previous research by the same team that found shelter dogs hearing classical music … [Read more...]
Science, micro-bugs and dirt
Animal health pros will appreciate this AgProfessional’s Readers’ Choice 2016 product of the year even if they never use it directly. Consider the pressure on GMOs and traditional methods of antibiotic use. Now look at what science can do to dirt to make it more nutrient rich for crops. Source: Ag Pro, January 30, 2017. Focusing on microbials for soil health is still a … [Read more...]
Assess senior horses’ quality of life frequently
Geriatric horses should be seen at least yearly, and more frequently if they have metabolic issues, such as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, hoof or dental disorders or some other chronic illness. During annual health checks, Joanne L. Ireland, BVMS, PhD, Cert AVP(EM), MRCVS, recommends that veterinarians include an assessment of activities and functional tasks similar to … [Read more...]
Sheep Yoda makes heart surgery history
Yoda, a therapy sheep at the Ranch Hand Rescue Counseling Center and Animal Sanctuary, has made history by undergoing Patent Ductus Arteriosus ligation. Sometimes observed in humans after birth, PDA is a heart problem in which the ductus arteriosus blood vessel remains open, which allows blood to recirculate into the lungs. Surgical repair has been done on children, dogs and … [Read more...]
Bugs in the kibble
Insects are a promising source to generate protein sustainably and with a low carbon footprint. Bühler Insect Technology Solutions, located in China, has begun operations to develop scalable, industrial solutions for the rearing and processing of insects to provide novel protein sources for livestock, human and pet food. Source: Petfood Industry, January 17, 2017. One … [Read more...]
15 life hacks that could help you
Sara Todd writes, small, seemingly mundane changes you make to your daily routine can deliver returns. They can work for busy veterinary practices and seven-day-a-week retail employees. Source: Quartz, December 2, 2016. Here is a sample of the hacks Ms. Todd shares: I started planning my outfits for the week on Sundays I stopped mindlessly scrolling through my … [Read more...]
You and your dog’s personalities influence how you both walk
The general conclusions of a recent study showed the personalities of human and dog influence the walk, and that the walk is a part of life which involves power negotiations between the dog and the human. It also reports that according to those interviewed for the study, people want their dogs to enjoy getting to “be a dog” by running free on walks. Source: The Bark, January … [Read more...]
Vet-Advantage acquired by NAVC
Congratulations to Chris Kelly and the team at Veterinary Advantage as they become part of the mix at NAVC. Our team at AHD wishes them and the NAVC the best. Source: NAVC, January 27, 2016. Veterinary Advantage joins the NAVC alongside clinical, peer reviewed journals, Today's Veterinary Practice and Today’s Veterinary Technician, as well as a new business journal, Today’s … [Read more...]
Editorial – It may be time for vendor-managed inventory
Dr. Blach presses the thinking envelope again. He asserts that vendor-managed and potentially vendor-owned inventory may be closer than we think. It is hard to imagine how this could happen since most practices and retailers cannot replenish inventory today based on a running forecast. Vendor-managed inventory would theoretically eliminate stock-outs, but integrating … [Read more...]
Stay calm, listen to the dogs
Dogs are not fully colorblind. They have limited color vision, similar to humans with red-green colorblindness. They’re particularly good at seeing shades of blue, although they don’t have the same range when it comes to seeing shades of gray. When it comes to dogs’ metaphorical vision, they live in a world that is entirely black and white, says Cesar Milan. Source: … [Read more...]
Kentucky Horse Park celebrates Man o’War centennial
2017 marks the 100th birthday of Man o’War, and the Kentucky Horse Park is honoring the legend with a yearlong series of events celebrating his centennial. They kick off March 29, the date Man o’ War was foaled. Source: Horse Network, January 25, 2017. Man o’ War is a true American icon, born in Kentucky before going on to capture the country’s imagination by winning 20 of … [Read more...]