“Bugs” to most animal health professionals translates to probiotics and prebiotics. This will change as the recent changes in EU regulations allow edible insect proteins in animal feed. Source: Feed International, February/March 2016, page 6. According to research, farmed insects may offer a more efficient and sustainable source of protein in poultry and aquaculture diets … [Read more...]
Canine influenza resources available from AVMA
Veterinary hospital teams and the representatives who support them will find reviewing the information now available to veterinarians and pet owners from the AVMA valuable. Media coverage about Canine influenza has made pet owners aware of the disease. They’re seeking information, too. Hospital teams and reps who support them will find the latest information from AVMA valuable. … [Read more...]
Scoot or squeeze
Anal sac troubles affect as many as 12 percent of dogs, according to multiple sources. Yet, animal health professionals have no clear understanding of what causes anal sac issues and there is limited research on the subject. Further, there is confusion on the topic of anal sac expression. Source: The Whole Dog Journal, January 2016. Page 16-17. (direct link … [Read more...]
Calcium important to canine health
Dr. Ben Character positions calcium as an important component of canine physiology. Veterinary hospital teams will enjoy this article. It is also good information for clinic websites or newsletters. Source: The Retriever Journal, February/March 2016. (direct link unavailable) Calcium is involved with muscle contraction, nerve conduction, coagulation, phosphorus regulation, … [Read more...]
Tracking canine cancer
Genetic makeup, breed size and lineage are factors that determine cancer risk in dogs. This article follows the development of canine cancer studies and changes in the incidence of cancer in Golden Retrievers. Source: Bark, Winter 2015. The high incidence of cancer in Golden Retrievers appears to be a relatively new phenomenon. A health report in 1999 by the Golden … [Read more...]
Three must-reads from ‘The Horse’
This issue is well done, diverse and interesting. It reflects the partnerships with AAEP and AAVT. Horse owners won’t toss it away. It starts with the drive-to-work observations of Stephanie Church, editor-in-chief, who notes how easily interspecies contact can muddle our best prevention efforts. If you deal with horse owners in any capacity, this issue is a keeper. Source: … [Read more...]
Dogs vs. stairs
A subscriber sent this.. We hope you smile as much as we did when you watch it. Source: Petcha.com. There is something about stairs that some dogs just can’t figure out. Petcha compiled some funny clips of dogs using some "unique" methods to figure it out. … [Read more...]
Animal health and technology intersect
Exponential Vet is the brainchild of Adam Little, DVM. Adam met with Animal Health Digest during NAVC to discuss his approach to the curation of articles focused to explore the intersection of animal health and technology. He is passionate about technology and his profession. AHD is proud to provide our subscribers a link to his bi-weekly Exponential Vet newsletter. Source: … [Read more...]
Dog tails tell
TV personality Cesar Millan explains how a dog’s tail tells his emotions in this article. Veterinary hospital teams will find this valuable for in-service days with elementary school kids and puppy classes. Source: Cesar’s Way, February 3, 2016. Animals’ primary methods of communicating are through eye contact, their ear position, and their tails. When an animal is being … [Read more...]
Heartworm prevention requires compliance
While exercising today, I heard a familiar buzzing sound. It was a mosquito. In February. It’s a a stark reminder that heartworm prevention needs to be in place 12 months a year. This article and handout linked to it can help restart compliance discussions. Source: DVM 360, February 2, 2016. Whether your clients just don't realize the risk and serious implications of … [Read more...]
Use technology to manage business cards
If you return from a conference and were at least half-engaged, you brought back a stack of business cards. Follow-up is a challenge as we return to our regular jobs and catch up on work that piled up while we were gone. Alexandra Samuel shares her seven-step strategy for using social media to turn conference introductions into ongoing connections. Source: Harvard Business … [Read more...]
Stop judging your new consumer
Pre-judging clients is an age-old challenge for the veterinary community. Today, however, “Mr. Google” is now a partner in hospital team efforts to get clients to listen and decide on their animals care, according to Julie Carlson, an author and a certified veterinary technician. Source: DVM 360, February 1, 2016. It’s easy to get frustrated by clients. You’re trying to do … [Read more...]
Young people moving away from social media
Thank you to the subscriber who sent this article. We may be seeing the next evolution in digital media. Young people were the first to use social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. They may now be the first to leave and move on to something new, explains Felicity Duncan, assistant professor of digital communication and social media with Cabrini College. This … [Read more...]
Happiness deserves a list, too
Beyond your bucket list, developing a daily list may be more critical to your overall happiness, according to Claire Diaz-Ortiz. She recently took part in a personal development exercise and shares her experience in this blog post. It includes a how-to for us to consider. Source: Linked-In Influencer, February 1, 2016. There are alot of things that fill me up in life. And, … [Read more...]
Reps can be full business partners
Veterinarians, especially those working toward more active veterinarian-client-patient relationships in the face of the veterinary feed directive regulations, can be considered reps in this article by Pat Malone of The PAR Group. (See VFD-still much to do, 2/4/16). Leaders, he says, gain and keep wholehearted followers for a given course of action. Consider Malone’s five key … [Read more...]
Handout helps determine pets’ quality of life
Veterinary hospital teams are often asked to help decide when it is time to euthanize. This reference includes a useful handout to help pet owners sift through choices. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, October 2014. When evaluating quality of life, personalized patient and client information is needed to reach an educated, informed, and supported choice that fits not only the … [Read more...]
5 diseases you can catch from pets
Zoonotic transfer from dogs and cats are rare, according to Jason Stull, PhD, with The Ohio State University. His research exposed the five most frequent pet-to-human disease transfers. Have this resource available for pet owners in veterinary hospitals, hospital websites or newsletters. Complete with photos, it is also good information for veterinarians and veterinary … [Read more...]
Proud flesh tips
Equine veterinary teams need to see what equine owners receive via email. The information presented here, including the linked material, makes good content for a clinic website or newsletter. Source: Equine Network, February 2, 2016. As a horse's wound begins to heal, pinkish granulation tissue fills in the gaps between soft tissues. Granulation tissue normally stops … [Read more...]
High-intensity emotions affect our work
For most workers the physical effort we exert in our day jobs does not warrant the fatigue we feel at day’s end. Learn how high-intensity emotions affect our energy in this informative article. Source: Harvard Business Review, Managing Yourself, February 1, 2016. Whether you’re getting amped up with anxiety or with excitement, you are draining yourself of your most … [Read more...]
Natural pet food claims becoming complicated
Labeling challenges, key word definitions and regulatory oversight challenges the natural pet food market, as well as our human food markets. This quick read will provide some insight as veterinary teams and sales representatives discuss this food category, including treats. Source: Petfood Industry, February 1, 2016. Managing marketing claims on pet food packaging and in … [Read more...]
Become a fantastic listener
Active listening is a challenge for most animal health professionals. Our attention and intentions are frequently distractions from truly hearing what another person has to say. This article offers guidance for becoming a better listener. Source: Lead Change Group, February 1, 2016. Most of us think that we are average to good listeners. Unfortunately, that is the status we … [Read more...]
CE and job satisfaction connected for vet techs
The current veterinary technician turnover rate is 35 percent and the average term of employment is 12 years, according to metrics in this article. Practice managers and veterinary hospital owners will find the information valuable as they seek to retain veterinary technicians as vet tech positions are projected to continue growing. Source: The NAVTA Journal, Dec/Jan 2016, … [Read more...]
Canine influenza on the move
Discussing media content about disease movement and prevalence directed toward consumers is critical for animal health professionals. We are frequently challenged to maintain consumer confidence in our pharmaceuticals, biologicals, even veterinarians, while we fight to do what’s right for animals and their owners. Thankfully, the AVMA is the information resource in this article … [Read more...]
No bones about it
“With a knick-knack, paddy whack, give a dog a bone,” go the lyrics of This Old Man a nursery rhyme published in 1906. According to Erik Barchas, DVM, bones are a no-no. Veterinary teams might use this as a discussion item for a staff meeting so everyone is on the same page in the practice. Source: Dogster, January 12, 2016. Bones — and it doesn’t matter whether they’re … [Read more...]
Keep cats happy
Veterinary teams building feline practice will appreciate this article. Sharing some of this content via websites or newsletters may keep clients and their feline friends purring. Source: Catster, January 15, 2016. Interacting with the cats, observing behavior and making homes feline-friendly help keep cats mentally and physically healthy. See recommendations in these key … [Read more...]
Read labels right
Animal health pros, especially veterinary teams must be able to explain labels on pet foods, treats and related items. Labels are becoming more important to consumers. Source: Petfood Industry, January 14, 2016. Human food trends continue to heavily influence pet food trends, and not just when it comes to the food itself—package labeling has become an increasingly important … [Read more...]
Passive-aggressive behavior and team dynamics
We bring all of our life experiences into the workplace. Learning early to avoid conflict or swallow our opinions or feelings can lead to passive-aggressive behavior in workplace teams. Whether a team member, team leader or team supporter, this article brings perspective to dousing conflicts directly. Source: Harvard Business Review, January 25, 2016. The majority of teams … [Read more...]
Top 5 Indications for fluid therapy
Lisa M. Powell, DVM, offers a great review of fluid therapies and when they’re critical. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, January 26, 2016, weekly newsletter. Fluid therapy, a mainstay treatment, is indicated in a variety of disease states that may result in mild dehydration to severe hypovolemic shock. Depending on the disease and its severity, fluids administered either … [Read more...]
Horse longevity
Two articles cover equine aging in this issue. Manage Your Horse to Live Longer and The Science of Aging cover: Dental care Weight monitoring and diet/nutritional management Activity needs Hormonal imbalances Arthritis and chronic inflammation Vaccination efficacy Parasite control Stress Equine veterinary teams and equine sales representatives will benefit … [Read more...]
Cat parasite basics
Dr. Marty Becker gives cat owners a concise and pragmatic overview of parasite risks. This article will make a great addition to any veterinary hospital website, newsletter or blog post. Source: Catster, March/April 2016. (direct link unavailable) Talking about cat parasites is a little challenging for veterinarians. Even parasites we can see at some phases of their life … [Read more...]