Backyard poultry raising is increasing in suburban and urban areas. As a result, veterinarians may be asked to provide veterinary care for chickens. This may present challenges for those who have rarely worked with them or have not dealt with them since veterinary school. Source: AVMA, July 13, 2016. (via AVMA SMARTBrief). To help veterinarians in these situations, the AVMA … [Read more...]
NAVTA, Merial expand CE for vet technicians
In addition to heartworm disease, the Merial Tech Champions program now includes intestinal parasites, dental health and flea/tick CE courses. These additional courses will debut at the upcoming AVMA convention in San Antonio, August 5 -9 , 2016. Source: NAVTA, July 14, 2016. CE course attendees can expect informative and thought-provoking content from some of the … [Read more...]
5 parasites that cross the placenta
Parasites that infect the fetus transplacentally in dogs may cause life-threatening disease in the fetus and newborn. Review these parasites and management approaches for each: Toxocara canis Neospora caninum Babesiosis Leishmaniasis Dirofilarial microfilariae Source: Clinician’s Brief, July 2016. Transplacental transmission also allows vector-borne … [Read more...]
Create a veterinary office culture you’ll love
Steve Pearson, DVM, reminds us of the challenges of hiring new persons into the mix of current staff and cultures. While this information focuses on veterinary teams, the thinking can be applied to other teams, as well. He provides questions for the employer and candidate to consider during the hiring process. Source: Veterinary Practice News, July 7, 2016. It’s not enough … [Read more...]
What good listeners actually do
Researchers dug into what makes a great listener and grouped the qualities identified into four main findings along with identifying six levels of listening: Good listening is much more than being silent while the other person talks. Good listening included interactions that build a person’s self-esteem. Good listening was seen as a cooperative conversation. Good … [Read more...]
Train kids and dogs
Sometimes the biggest challenge to training dogs is to prevent a well-meaning family member from sabotaging the process. Source: AKC Family Dog, July/August 2016. It is important to include children in every step of the process and to make sure everyone is following the rules in regards to training. The reality is that the humans in the equation need training as well. If … [Read more...]
JAVMA contents
For your convenience, we have linked to the table of contents in the latest issues of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Source: JAVMA, July 1, 2016. … [Read more...]
Pet owners spend big on pest control
Research publisher Packaged Facts of Rockville, MD, recently published the study Pet Medications in the US, 4th Edition.. It analyzes the market for prescription and over-the-counter medications for dogs and cats with a particular focus on brand-name products and antiparasitics. Source: Pet Product News, July 2016, page 16. From and availability standpoint, the market for … [Read more...]
CPR: It’s not just for humans
The AVMA has a family friendly video to demonstrate CPR. Janet Olson, veterinary cardiologist, involves her children to demonstrate and cover everything pet owners need to know to administer CPR to a pet. Veterinary clinics can use this video for websites, social media or blog posts. It is also a worthwhile addition for making presentations in schools and with new pet … [Read more...]
What to do when you don’t know what to do
Michael Hyatt offers three steps to follow when you're tired of feeling uncertain. Forget about the ultimate outcome. Focus on the next right action. Do something now! Source: MichaelHyatt.com, via AVMA SmartBrief, July 11, 2016. Feelings of uncertainty can quickly transform into a sense of being overwhelmed, Hyatt writes. In those situations, try to forget the … [Read more...]
Help horse owners deworm effectively
Because of anthelmintic resistance, horses are now once again at risk for parasite-related diseases, such as colic, diarrhea, poor hair coat, ill thrift and poor performance. The main reason that chemical dewormers are no longer as effective as they once were is the practice of rotation deworming. Stacey Oke, DVM, MSC, reviews the three classes of dewormers, where resistance is … [Read more...]
Jump into the future with urinary biomarkers
Diagnostic urinary biomarkers are the wave of the future, according to Leigh Perry, VMD, DACVIM, BluePearl, Virginia Beach, VA. In a presentation at CVC Virginia Beach, Perry shared how urinary biomarkers are changing the game. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) markers can be detected earlier than other indicators of chronic kidney disease, leading to faster management. Blood … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Fly Control Center
Whether you live in the country or not, flies can be a problem. In town, the large dogs next door, garbage receptacles with soda or beer cans and even the barbecue grill can be attractors. In the country or in a stable flies reduce animal performance and comfort. Animal health professionals will find the information at the Fly Control Center worthwhile. Source: Farm Journal, … [Read more...]
AAHA releases 2016 Oncology Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
It is difficult for practitioners to keep up with new research, trend, and practices related to oncology. There is new resource to help. AAHA released its 2016 Oncology Guidelines for Dogs and Cats (“Guidelines”), a go-to resource general practitioners can use with oncology patients. The Guidelines are broken down into 14 areas. Sections include basic diagnostic tests and … [Read more...]
AVMA launches clinical studies database
The AVMA has launched an animal health studies database as a resource for researchers looking for animals animals to use in clinical studies and for veterinarians and owners exploring treatment options. Source: AVMA SmartBrief, July 8, 2016. Veterinarians and animal owners may search the site to find studies that might be relevant to their patient or pet, either for a … [Read more...]
Dr. Little on Dr. Google and the impact of technology on healthcare
Adam Little, DVM, tracks technology developments and their potential in animal health. This issue covers: 3D pill printing for personalized doses Google will help your self-diagnosis with new symptom search Genes might be to blame for retrievers’ obesity How telemedicine is transforming health care Domgy, an AI pet robot from a Beijing startup Tale of two … [Read more...]
Control impostor syndrome
Many of us fear being discovered as a poser when we move away from our comfort zones. We fear that we’re not worthy and that that we aren’t qualified to do whatever we aim to do. It’s a fear that strikes many of us: impostor syndrome. Source: Harvard Business Review, July 7, 2016. To overcome these feelings of inadequacy consider these tips: Recognize the benefits of … [Read more...]
New AVMA guidelines reflect ongoing animal welfare commitment
The AVMA Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals (also available in ebook format) provide guidance for veterinarians about how to prevent pain and distress in animals that have been designated for slaughter. The panel members who developed the guidelines offer expertise that is supplemented by input from additional experts and comments provided during a designated … [Read more...]
Communication and Leadership
Most breakdowns in communication within a business initially seem like success to the communicator. They get their perception of the facts and come up with solutions that make sense to them. The problem is they didn’t get the other person’s perception of the facts. Thus solutions are not sensible to the person receiving the communication. Source: Finance Global Info, May 29, … [Read more...]
9 abilities show how smart dogs are
Dogs have been domesticated for at least 32,000 years. They’re one of the more popular pets in the U.S. and are in about 44 percent of all households. We all think that our dog is unique. Dr. Brian Hare, professor of cognitive neuroscience at Duke University, shares his observations in his book, “The Genius of Dogs” and as host of the new DogSmarts podcast. Source: Business … [Read more...]
Help your team succeed
Avoid procrastinating For many people, procrastination is a strong and mysterious force that keeps them from completing the most urgent and important tasks with the same strength as trying to bring like poles of magnets together. It's also a potentially dangerous force, causing victims to fail out of school, perform poorly at work, put off medical treatment or delay saving … [Read more...]
Being a millennial: I expect more
Jill Heggen, public relations counsel, millennial and animal health communicator, shares how veterinary practices can effectively reach her and her counterparts. Her personal perspective mirrors how successful firms are reaching this important audience. Source: Swanson Russell. I grew up before the internet and digital media and on-demand TV. I grew with digital media as it … [Read more...]
CAPC; Lyme, heartworm risk expanding
Animal health professionals must stay current on the disease risks from lyme, heartworm, Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. Client education in regions where disease risk has been low is critical to disease prevention. Source: JAVMA, June 15, 2016. A forecast published this spring warns that ticks transmitting Lyme disease have expanded their range, increasing the disease … [Read more...]
5 tips for healthy grilling
Firing up the grill over the July 4th holiday is part of Americana. Here are things to remember to keep the grilling experience healthy for family and friends. Source: Harvard Health Publications, June 29, 2016. Keep grilling healthy using these 5 tips: Start out clean Control flare-ups Marinate Give vegetables and fruit equal billing Practice safe … [Read more...]
Save protocols from procedural drift
Paul R. Biagiotti, D.V.M. shares his perspective about how employees in dairies can veer off course from standard operating procedures (SOP). Termed as procedural drift, he warns dairy managers to beware of shortcuts, to keep a watchful eye and mind the details. Source: Hoard's Dairyman, June 2016, page 408. For the details to be minded, we must observe our helpers and the … [Read more...]
15 museums dedicated to horses
Horse enthusiasts will appreciate knowing about these museums that celebrate horses. Summer travelers may find one or more of these along their vacation routes. Source: Equus, July 2016, page 50. (link unavailable) Fifteen must see museums: Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, Aiken, SC American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum, Amarillo, TX … [Read more...]
Canine life jackets tested
Summer activities find dog owners and their pets in boats, at beaches and near other water bodies. Finding the right personal flotation device (PDF) for canines can be confusing. Stephanie Colman shares the results of Whole Dog Journal’s tests of the best-selling PFDs for dogs. Source: Whole Dog Journal, July 2016, page 6. (partial link) A good canine life jacket should … [Read more...]
“Finding Dory” comes with a warning
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) is concerned that the new Disney film “Finding Dory” could encourage impulse online purchases of the fish without people conducting proper research and preparation necessary for caring for such a pet. The OATA is the U.K. trade body that represents the ornamental aquatic industry. Source: Pet Product News, June 22, 2016. The … [Read more...]
Differential use of the left and right nostril in dogs
Karen B. London, PhD, is a certified applied animal behaviorist and certified professional dog trainer whose clinical work over the last 17 years has focused on the evaluation and treatment of serious behavioral problems in dogs, especially aggression. A recent study titled “The dog nose “KNOWS” fear: Asymmetric nostril use during sniffing at canine and human emotional … [Read more...]
It’s the what, not the why
Cesar Millan reminds us when a dog acts out in a way that’s completely out of character, rule out a physical cause first. Then, skip the “Why is my dog doing this?” question and ask, “What could have changed to cause it?” Source: Cesar’s Way, June 26, 2016. Big life changes can have huge effects. Illness, divorce, financial trouble, death of a family member outside of the … [Read more...]